DELAND'S HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN EMBRACING A CONCISE REVIEW OF ITS EARLY SETTLEMENT, INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND PRESENT CONDITIONS, TOGETHER WITH INTERESTING REMINISCENCES COMPILED BY COLONEL CHARLES V. DELAND TO WHICH IS APPENDED A COMPREHENSIVE COMPENDIUM OF LOCAL BIOGRAPHY, EMBRACING LIFE SKETCHES OF MANY WELL KNOWN CITIZENS OF THE COUNTY. ILLUSTRATED 1903 B. F. BOWEN PUBLISHER Bentley Historical Library University of Michigan PUBLISHER'S PREFACE 11 N PLACING the History of Jackson County before the citizens, the pub- lisher can conscientiously claim that he has carried out in full every promise made in the Prospectus. He points with pride to the elegance of the binding of the volume, and to the beauty of its typography, to the superiority of the paper on which the work is printed, and the truthfulness depicted by its portraits and the high class of art in which they are fin- ished. Every biographical sketch has been submitted for approval and cor- rection, to the person for whom it was written, and therefore any error of fact, if there be any, is solely due to the person for whom the sketch was prepared. The publisher would here avail himself of the opportunity to thank the citizens of Jackson County for the uniform kindness with which they have regarded this undertaking, and for their many services rendered in assisting in the gaining of necessary information. Confident that our efforts to please will fully meet the approbation of the public, we are, Respectfully, B. F. BOWEN, Publisher. AUTHOR'S PREFACE 5 HERE are many intelligent and active persons who have given the study of history but little, if any, serious thought, who fail to see anything of practical or tangible value in it. Estimated by the standard of dollars and cents, they are not far from correct. This age is a commercial one, and only subjects of commercial value command serious attention. It seems wasteful to spend time rummaging among the musty things of the past and reviewing the fossilized doings of departed years, when the important activities of the strenuous present seem to de- mand every moment of fleeing time. To all such the dead past has its buried dead, and they do not discern any material or present benefit in the resurrection of their faded memories, or in the lesson of their trials and achievements. But they fail to note that all life and achievement is evolution, that present wisdom comes from past experience, and that present commercial prosperity has only come from past exer- tion and suffering. The necrology of the past is the foundation of the present. The deeds and motives of the men and communities that have gone before have been in- strumental in shaping the destinies and guiding the upbuilding of states and empires. Respect for and study of ancestry are factors in future greatness. It is these that treat of the origin and structure of political institutions, the steady evolution of do- mestic, economic and industrial arts, the growth and development of public morals and individual conduct, and the value of personal character and effort to future generations. It proves and analyzes the impulses and actions of bygone man, and traces in his progress his failures and successes, his progress and advancement, and presents the possibilities of the future. The development of a new country was at once a task and a privilege. It re- quired great courage, sacrifice and privation. Compare the present condition of this people with what it was in 1830. From a trackless wilderness it has come to be a center of prosperity and civilization, with millions of wealth, with systems of inter- lacing railways, grand educational institutions, marvelous industries, and immense agri- cultural productions. Can any thinking person be entirely insensible to the fascina- AUTHOR'S PREFACE tion of that study which discloses the incentives, the hopes, aspirations and heroic efforts of the early pioneers, who here vanquished the savages and subdued the asper- ities of nature; who toiled and suffered to reclaim the wilderness and make it fruit- ful; who developed the hidden wealth of the prairies and hills, and whose persistent, well-directed labors wrought from its generous soil the evolution of this great state? To perpetuate the story of those people, and rescue from oblivion their trials and sacrifices when opening this region to the light of civilization; to trace and record the social, political and industrial progress of the state from its first inception; to collect, systematize and preserve that knowledge for future generations, and place at hand for the future historian the most trustworthy material for his work, is the func- tion of the local historian. That it is but poorly done, we admit; that there are many things omitted, is candidly admitted. With a sincere purpose to preserve facts and personal memoirs that are deserving of preservation, and illustrate the reality of pioneer life, and unite the present to the past, is the author's apology for this work. THE AUTHOR. INDEX-PART I. .... 17 31 45 54 ... 96 102 .123 ...128 .....147 ...161 ...166 ...185 ....202 CHAPTER 1.-Earlier History of Michigan. CHAPTER II.-Michigan as a State... CHAPTER III.-The Indian Tribes. CHAPTER IV.-History of Jackson County. CHAPTER V.-Courts CHAPTER VI.-Still Further Progress-Events of Interest. CHAPTER VII.-The Public Schools. CHAPTER VIII.-More Local History.. CHAPTER IX.-Early Officials—The Great Railroad Conspiracy Case-Growth of the City.. CHAPTER X.- Jackson in the Rebellion.... CHAPTER XI.- The Republican Party–History of its Origin and Organization CHAPTER XII.-Early Business Men of Jackson.. CHAPTER XIII.-Religious Matters CHAPTER XIV.-Reminiscences and Early History as Related by Pioneers Themselves CHAPTER XV.-The Early Courts and Lawyers. CHAPTER XVI.-Medical History of the County.. CHAPTER XVII.--Newspapers and Newspaper Men.. CHAPTER XVIII.—A Brief Review of Local Political History. CHAPTER XIX.—Railroads of Jackson County.... CHAPTER XX.-Events that have passed... CHAPTER XXI.- Fraternal and Social Organizations.. CHAPTER XXII.—Biographical Sketches of Some Early Pioneers... CHAPTER XXIII.-The Lakes and Pleasure Resorts of Jackson County... CHAPTER XXIV.- Jackson County's Military Record..... CHAPTER XXV.-A Few Historical Events...... CHAPTER XXVI.-- The Literary Clubs of Jackson CHAPTER XXVII.- Township Organizations.. ....218 ...271 ....279 ..286 .292 ....306 .....312 ...314 ...326 ...375 ..379 ...404 ..409 .420 INDEX-PART II. PAGE PAGE A. PAGE 858 660 Burgess George. Burgess, William J....... Burk, William H.. Butler, Joseph 520 447 C. 814 ... Abbey, Orlo W..... 779 Ackley, George W... 536 Adams, William H... 992 Aldrich, Charles E.. 830 Allen, Cornelius Allen, Ethan B.. 679 Allen, Thomas H...... 680 Anderson, Charles S... 491 Austin, Martin ... 666 Austin, Tomlinson & Web- ster Manufacturing Co.... 792 Austin, William J...... 642 Dean, Horace. Dean, Orlin S... Dean, William B...... DeLand, Col. Charles V.... Devlin, Harry C. ..... Dewey, James A.. Dewey, Leman H....... Dewey, Lorenzo Dey, James W... Deyoe, John E... Dixon, William Dodd, Edward Draper, Harry Drew, John F.... Driscoll, Oscar B..... Dunham, Gideon G... Dunn, Benjamin F..... Dunn, Frank E.... Dunn, George W.... Durand, Charles R. Dwelle, Adelbert W... ..... 974 505 1063 439 1031 529 1087 996 685 853 1056 702 740 623 821 B. Call, Jacob 1067 Campbell, Andrew, D. V. S. 906 Carley, Oren A..... 1072 Chapin, Theodore W...... 759 Church, Julius H.. 463 Clark, Augustus С........ I113 Clemons, Andrew R........ 1108 Cogswell, John 625 Cole, Perry 591 Conlan, John E., M. D..... 936 Connable, Edwards J...... 784 Conner, Henry B.... 589 Cook, Charles W. 1000 Cooley, Lucien A..... 928 Coulston, Benjamin ..... 1023 Courtney, William 692 Crawford, Abram M., M. D. 925 Crawford, Salmon Z........ 533 Creech, John E..... 512 Crofoot, William I118 Culver, William S... 986 Cunningham, Walter A..... 867 573 ΙΙΙ9 954 711 920 845 E. Easton, William M....... Eggleston, George D...... Elder, James C..... Ellison, George W... .. Emerson, Enoch, M. D..... 736 539 947 943 935 D. F. . . Facey, George 851 Farley, Patrick Baker, John Baldwin, Joseph T Banister, Alexander C..... Bayn, William A.... Beebe, Charles H...... Benson, Fred J.... Blair, Charles A. Blessing, Louis Bornor, E. T.... Bornor, William C... Boyce, Carmi E.. Boyle, John ... Bradford, Martin B....... , Brail, John M. Brewer, William E. Bright, George W... Brown, Benton G. Brown, Frank Brown, John B.. Brown, John E. Buck, James M.. Burdett, Eugene Burgess, Benjamin P....... 616 1005 957 472 1093 I015 913 915 799 794 531 587 870 456 509 607 864 1081 720 552 951 517 856 Daniels, Calista 863 Daniels, John J... 883 Darling, Horace W 967 Darling, Paul J... 963 Dart, Charles W...... 771 Dart, J. Henry.. 802 Davis, General W. 493 Davison, Franklin C....... 474 900 Farrand, William P. ...... 961 Fellows, John 593 Ferris, Edmund 646 Field, Leonard H. 983 Finley, Erwin J... 730 Fisk, Hon. J. Russell....... 1083 14 INDEX. PAGE PAGE PAGE 690 Ludlow, Oscar A.... Ludlow, William S..... Luttenton, Reuben F....... 719 733 Fleming, John Fleming, Patrick Foote, John B... Ford, Frank Ford, William A.. Fowler, Clark R..... Frank, James Frazier, John Fuller, John 444 597 819 772 1032 932 II21 541 555 M. Holling, Edward 522 Holt, Squire 1026 Hood, Thomas 557 Hopcraft, James 953 Howe, Charles E. 580 Hoyt, L. C...... 559 Hubbard, Clinton D., M. D.. 618 Hubbard, John H.. 849 Hungerford, Perry R., M. D. 807 Hunsicker, Samuel H...... 544 Huntoon, Charles 868 Hutchins, Alem J. 705 Hutchins, George 628 Hyndman, Duncan, M. D.... 085 G. I. McCain, Leander L. ...... 723 McCloy, Abel ... .. IOII McConnel, James T... 752 McCrum, John... 841 McIntee, Eugene 1037 McKenzie, Frank W..... , W. 808 Malaney, Rev. John W..... 1096 Martin, William D.. 525 Mayer, George H..... .. 1053 Merriman, Mark 584 Michigan Corset Company.. 783 Miles, Benjamin F..... 902 Miller, Henry .. 1048 Mills, James 571 Moore, Frank J... 1003. Morey, Jesse E..... 865 Morrill, Arthur T..... 461 Moulton, Wellington D..... 503 Murray, George H..... 840 Myers, James 930 Isbell, Sidney M.... Gallup, Edward E..... 480 Geer, Benjamin F. 476 Genebach, George J... 478 Gibbs, Rev. William L...... 812 Gibson, William A., M. D... 878 Glasgow Brothers 1030 Godfrey, Jasper R.... 621 Godfrey, Seymour H... 709 Goodall, Fred E.... 644 Green, Warren 737 Griffin, Elmore L... 1089 Griffith, George T..... 668 Griffith, Henry D....... 861 800 J. Jones, Edward Joy, Ben A.... 754 672 K. Η. 831 N. Needham, George H....... Newbury, James W...... 620 671 . . . Keebler, J. George.. Kennedy, George W..... 832 Kennedy, Wallace E. .... L116 King, Benjamin F..... 1099 King, George B.... 518 King, Horace 714 King, Theodore A..... 457 Kirby, Isaac 712 Knapp, Everett G..... 769 Knight, Ernest G... 706 Krofft, Jonathan ... 1080 0. O'Donnell, James. Olds, Frank W... 441 1070 P. L. Hague, Edrick H...... 459 Hall, Albion K. P... 941 Hall, John A.... 742 Hall, Jonathan.. 609 Halladay, Edgar A..... 1078 Halsted, Richard H.. 614 Hammond, Oren V......... 648 Hankerd, Owen... 893 Hankerd, Hon. Patrick..... 546 Harr, John G..... 1046 Harrington, Jack 542 Harrington, Volney M.... 886 Hartman, Phillip 715 Hatch, Barnabas C...... 694 Hatt, James H.. IIIO Hatt, Nathan M.... 971 Hawley, B. Percy.. 1029 Hawley, Emanuel 1049 Hayes, William 1044 Henry, Alva C..... 561 Henry, Mervin E... 764 Heydlauff, J. Gottlieb..... 1035 Hoag, George 729 Hoag, Abram 727 Hoag, Rutgar B..... 686 Landon, Lewis E...... 596 Lee, William E..... 569 Leece, J. Sedgwick 1042 Lewis, Benjamin C.. 638 Lockwood, William H.... 922 Loennecker, Martin G...... 909 Loeser, Hugo C..... 817 Loomis, Peter B., Sr..... 908 Losey, Wilson D... 1085 Lovitt, George 732 Low den, Francis H. 604 Lowden, Joseph R..... 890 Ludlow, Eur M.... 725 . . . Palmer, Emmet N., M. D.. 989 Parks, Emulius A.... .. 1033 Patch, Anthony J.... 1088 Peacock, James A... 635 Peckham, Merritt. 577 Peek, J. Stewart. 550 Perrine, Daniel M. 777 Phillips, James H... I104 Pickett, William E.. .. 1060 Pickles, Samuel 1098 Pixley, Alonzo S.... 896 Platt, William H..... 658 Pope, Mrs. J. Antoinette.... 976 Porter, Orton H...... 655 INDEX. 15 PAGE PAGE II02 V. Vandercook, Alfred E...... 917 Van Gieson, Marcellus..... 945 Van Horne, W. Henry..... 822 Vincent, Alonzo ΙΙΟΙ Vrooman, Tunis 469 W. 998 PAGE Preston, Othniel.. Smith, Fred E... 632 Pretty, George D. 934 Snow, Alonzo 697 Pringle, Eugene 497 Snyder, Seth B..... 703 Purdy, Walter H. 760 Somervill, Alonzo B........ , 815 Southwell, George 1017 R. Southworth, Millard F..... 969 Spencer, Thomas W....... 773 Rankin, William M........ 789 Spiegel, Rev. G. E.. ..... 583 Raven, William F.. 1075 Spratt, Erbert O....... 939 Ray, G. Walter.. 768 Stahley, G. Augustus, Jr.... 810 Ray, Lyman B..... 603 Steele, George H..... 629 Ray, Ralph L.... 495 Stetler, George B..... 747 Raymond, Myron B...... 485 Stetler, Thomas G..... 749 Ready, Thomas 1007 Stevens, John 482 Reed, Clarence J. 874 Stowell, William A........ 1020 Reed, Ephraim 515 Sullivan, Cornelius 693 Richardson, Josiah C....... 787 Sullivan, William 488 Ripley, Austin N.. 744 Suylandt, Ava 1055 Robson, John... 872 Rockwell, John R.... 911 T. Rogers, Hudson D. 684 Rose, James H.... 995 Tanner, Rowland, Jr. ...... 880 Rosenbrook, Ludiwick 735 Tate, Christopher W... 1106 Ryan, George P...... 707 Taylor, Cornelius J....... 837 Ryan, Robert 1039 Tefft, George S... 875 Tefft, Hon. Henry N..... 1092 S. Thacher, Theodore J. 0.... 805 Thorpe, Warren. 843 Sanford, Frank M.... 949 Tompkins, Daniel H....... 979 Saunt, Thomas 1. III2 Townsend, Charles E...... 467 Schall, Frank E.. 751 Townley, George J....... 1009 Scidmore, John R.. 1040 Trine, David W. 653 Scidmore, Zopher 1076 True, Alva S.... 664 Scofield, Henry 1058 True, John 756 Sears, Wesley 895 Trumbull, Jonathan 698 Seaton, William L.. 466 Waite, Edwin H. 470 Waltz, John ... 847 Watson, Hiram 496 Weatherwax, Andrew J.... 489 Webster, Charles A.... 510 Weinholt, George S...... Welch, Gilbert V... 600 Wellman, Jasper E...... 611 Welsh, George W... 553 Westren, Philip D....... 633 Wheelock, Hilen D........ 688 White, Wilfred B..... 487 Whitman, Seward E. ...... '676 Whitney, Frank A... 796 Wilcox, Erastus C. ... 581 Wilcox, Norman 959 Willmore, William T....... 1051 Wilson, Thomas A....... Winchell, Darwin J....... .... 981 Wing, Andrew S.... 826 Withington, Gen. Wm. H... 448 Wolcott, Alonzo S...... 762 Wood, Lincoln ... , 564 Woodward, Arthur 558 Worch, Louis A... 627 576 Y. Tucker, Abram K..... 877 Sinclair, George W..... 537 Tucker, James A.... 766 Slate, Ira 734 Tuthill, Frank S., M. D..... 804 Young, Casimir Young, Rankin 602 781 PART I-HISTORICAL. CHAPTER 1. EARLIER HISTORY OF MICHIGAN. It is not my intention to enter into a In the year 1668 Jacques Marquette, a detailed history or description of Michigan, French missionary, started under the direc- except to introduce properly the subjects tion of the Intendant or Governor of Can- that naturally belong in connection with the ada, Frontenac Talche, to discover a route location this work is intended to cover. There from the St. Lawrence river to the Mis- are numerous volumes already extant cover- sissippi, the great river discovered by De ing the ground fully, to which we refer : Soto, the Spaniard, in 1641. He and his Schoolcraft's "History of the Northwest party ascended the Ottawa river to its source, Territory,” Mrs. E. M. Sheldon's "History and thence traveled toward the shore of the of Michigan” and Silas Farmer's "History lake or bay, until it arrived at the outlet of and Reminiscences of Detroit," are all vol- Lake Superior, which they called the St. umes that give a better detailment of de- Mary's, finally finding a stopping place at velopment than it would be possible for us the rapids, where is now situated the city to make. of Sault Ste. Marie. Here they builded a Michigan was originally discovered by fort, and established a mission, taking pos- the French, as was the whole northern por- session of the whole of the Lake Superior tion of the continent. They entered the country in the name of Louis XIV, of country from the gulf of St. Lawrence, and France. From Sault Ste. Marie the In- thence journeyed to the westward, following tendant of New France soon established a the great rivers and lakes, penetrating to line of forts, and for three years this re- the Mississippi, and down that stream to the mained the only settlement in Michigan. Gulf of Mexico, where they encountered the In 1669 Father Marquette, having care- Spanish, who had obtained a foothold along fully explored the country to the south and the southern waters of the North American west, established a new port and mission continent. on the island of “Michine-man-ki-nonk,” 2 18 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. which in the Chippewa language meant "a also of the Wabash, down to the Ohio and home for giant fairies." The French Mississippi. named the fort Michilimacinac. Here Thus the French had obtained complete Marquette built a chapel in 1671, and con- possession of Michigan, which they held for tinued to teach the Indians, and called it his many years. The English made many at- . home until his death. tempts at inroads upon their territory and In the summer of 1679 the Cavalier trade, but the French were too vigilant, and Robert de la Salle sailed up Lake Erie and by their influence and alliances with the the connecting rivers as far as Lake Huron. Indian tribes, frustrated all the efforts of The water way between Lake Huron and their English competitors. Lake Erie he named the St. Joseph river, An attempt to detail all the exploits of and he established a fort at the entrance of the French leaders and adventurers, Mar- the river into what is now Lake St. Clair. quette, La Salle, Du Luthe, Joliette, La The object of this was to stop the English Durantage, Cadillac, St. Lusson, Talon and traders from New York ascending to the Talech, would burden this volume beyond upper lakes and secure the possession of legitimate limits. They were many of them the country and its fur trade to the French. educated and pious men. Religious zeal for Both the English and French were then the Catholic church, and a high degree of struggling for possession of the west and patriotic ardor for the national aggrandize- the French had the advantage of the open ment of the French Emperor, were quite waterways leading from the ocean to the equally the absorbing ambition of all of lakes, while the English had the long over- them, and the primary and controlling pur- land journey from the Hudson river to Lake pose and motive for their western expedi- Erie. tions and explorations. They showed sur- In the same year La Salle finished his prising bravery, energy and self-sacrifice, explorations to Lake Michigan and estab- and deserve all the credit and honors that lished forts on the Illinois river and on the have been awarded them in history. Mississippi as far south as the mouth of the Arkansas river. On his return, in 1670, he FOUNDING OF DETROIT. established a post on the east side of Lake Michigan, at St. Joseph. In 1701 La Motte Cadillac, one of the In 1678 a French explorer named Du shrewdest of the Canadian leaders, sought Luthe established a post and built a fort and obtained permission of the French gov- at the foot of Lake Huron, near the site of ernor to found a settlement on the Detroit the present Fort Gratiot, which was gar- river. The English had succeeded in mak- risoned and used to prevent the English ing treaties with some of the tribes in the from reaching and trading with the Indians interior, and had made Detroit river the in northern Michigan and the Lake Superior place of crossing into the interior. It was region. In 1679 and 1680 the French ex- chiefly to prevent any further mischief and plored the Maumee river, and extended to secure more efficiently the French su- their lines of outposts along that river and premacy that Cadillac urged a permanent oc- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 19 cupancy of the Detroit river. His purpose Canada to the former, Detroit was an im- was not only to make a military post, but portant point and furnished the French to plant a large French colony on the river forces west of lake Ontario with many sol- to resist the advances of their enemies. diers. In 1701 Cadillac built Fort Ponchart- The history of Michigan during the train, on the site of the present city of De- eighteenth century was practically the his- troit, and also, in addition to his garrison | tory of Detroit. The French made no effort of sixty soldiers, brought a number of arti- to extend settlement into the interior, but sans, traders and farmers to his new loca- confined government and civilization to a tion. Cadillac gave each settler a farm few trading points. For trading purposes varying in width from forty rods to half a the Indians were placated, and the mission- mile, each fronting on the river, and having aries planted the seeds of the Catholic re- a depth of three miles. Thus encouraged, ligion in a few spots, but these were only a settlement soon grew up on the river and a few drops on the broad surface of a coun- effectually accomplished the purpose of its try destined in the next century to be trans- establishment. Three years afterward Cad- formed into the best educated and most illac was appointed governor of Louisiana, prosperous parts of the then new world. and was transferred to New Orleans. Unfortunately for Detroit, the com- THE ENGLISH REGIME. manders who succeeded Cadillac for a num- ber of years were narrow minded men and The constant friction between the French fostered no increase of the settlement or ad- and English traders at length began to bear vancing any interest except the lucrative one fruit, and as early as 1688 there began hos- of the fur trade, and it was not until 1743 tilities between them and their respective In- that any new grants of land were made to dian allies. The English had begun to ex- settlers. Governor Beauharmais in that year tend posts west of the Alleghanies, and were readopted the Cadillac policy and the set- crowding the French back at all points tlement soon began to grow again. In 1743, from the source of the Ohio river to the Schoolcraft says, houses lined the river for Wabash. The Miamis were a powerful tribe seven miles; quarries were discovered and who occupied nearly all of Ohio. They were worked; lime was burned and many good friendly to the English and engaged in many stone buildings erected; windmills were struggles with the French and their allies. erected and agriculture was carried on Thus what were called French and In- profitably; fruit was raised, and the famous dian wars were frequent, and kept the fron- old French pear trees were the wonder of tiers in continual unrest, which finally ter- the later inhabitants down into the latter part minated in a general war. This war, or of the nineteenth century. series of wars, lasted until 1762, when it Detroit was the center of several Indian ended by the complete defeat of the French wars, all of which left an impress of de- all along the line from the Ohio and Wa- vastation and sorrow. During the long bash to Quebec. In 1673. France ceded to French and English wars before the loss of England all her American territory east of W 20 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. the Mississippi river except New Orleans, thirty minutes, the southern limit of the and this was saved only by ceding it tem- state of Virginia, and to measure its dis- porarily to Spain. tance to the Ohio. To General Clark was The total number of French families in entrusted the conduct of the military opera- the Northwest territory when the war closed tions in that quarter. He was instructed to was estimated at six hundred. The colonial select a strong position near that point and policy of the English government discour- establish there a fort and garrison; thence aged the future settlement of this territory to extend his conquest northward to the lest it might be inimical to English interests lakes, erecting forts at different points, and precipitate further contests. They sim- which might serve as monuments of actual ply garrisoned the principal forts, and with possession, besides affording protection to held the land from market or settlement. that portion of the country. Fort Jefferson The Indians, who were loyal to the French, was erected and garrisoned on the Mississip- gave them much trouble, especially Pontiac pi a few miles above the southern limit. and his associates, who made many attacks The result of these operations was the on English traders and settlers, only a few addition, to the chartered limits of Virginia, of which were successful. Farmer's “His- of that immense region known as the North- tory of Michigan and Detroit” gives de- western Territory. The simple fact that tailed accounts of all those encounters, the such and such forts were established by the recital of which are too prolix for our use Americans in this vast region convinced the in this volume. British commissioners that we had entitled Michigan and the whole of the great ourselves to the land. But where are those Northwest territory continued under the con- “monuments” of our power now? trol of the British until the close of the Revolutionary war, when, with the rest of ORDINANCE OF 1787. the American colonies south of Canada, it This ordinance has a marvelous and in- became a part of the new republic. teresting history. Considerable controversy has been indulged in as to who is entitled to the credit for framing it. This belongs, undoubtedly, to Nathan Dane, and to Rufus Thomas Jefferson, the shrewd states- King and Timothy Pickering belong the man and wise governor of Virginia, saw credit for suggesting the proviso contained from the first that actual occupation of in it against slavery, and also for aids to western lands was the only way to keep them religion and knowledge, and for assuring out of the hands of foreigners and Indians. forever the common use, without charge, of Therefore, directly after the conquest of the great national highways of the Mississip- Vincennes by General Clark, he engaged a pi, the St. Lawrence and their tributaries to scientific corps to proceed under an escort all the citizens of the United States. To to the Mississippi, and ascertain by celestial Thomas Jefferson is also due much credit, observations the point on that river inter- as some features of this ordinance were em- sécted by latitude thirty-six degrees and braced in his ordinance of 1784. But the THE AMERICAN POLICY. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 21 part taken by each in the long, laborious and senting a Massachusetts company that de- , eventful struggle which had so glorious a sired to purchase a tract of land, now in- consummation in the ordinance, consecrat- cluded in Ohio, for the purpose of planting ing forever, by one imprescriptible and un- a colony. It was a speculation. Govern- changeable monument, the very heart of our ment money was worth eighteen cents on country to freedom, knowledge and union, the dollar. This company had collected will forever honor the names of those illus- enough to purchase one million five hundred trious statesmen. thousand acres of land. Other speculators Mr. Jefferson had vainly tried to secure in New York made Dr. Cutler their agent, a system of government for the Northwest- which enabled him to represent a demand ern Territory. He was an emancipationist for five million five hundred thousand acres. and favored the exclusion of slavery from As this would reduce the national debt, and , the territory, but the South voted him down Jefferson's policy was to provide for the pub- every time he proposed a measure of this lic credit, it presented a good opportunity to nature. In 1787, as late as July 10, an or- do something ganizing act without the anti-slavery clause Massachusetts then owned the territory was pending. This concession to the South of Maine, which she was crowding on the was expected to carry it. Congress was in market. She was opposed to opening the session in New York. On July 5, Rev. northwestern region. This fired the zeal of Manasseh Cutler, of Massachusetts, came Virginia. The South caught the inspira- into New York to lobby on the Northwest- tion, and all exalted Dr. Cutler. The en- ern Territory. Everything seemed to fall tire South rallied around him. Massachu- into his hands. Events were ripe. The setts could not vote against him, because state of the public credit, the growing of many of the constituents of her members Southern prejudice, the basis of his mission, were interested personally in the western his personal cliaracter, all combined to com- speculation. Thus Cutler, making friends in plete one of those sudden and marvelous the South, and doubtless using all the arts revolutions of public sentiment that once in of the lobby, was enabled to command the every century are seen to sweep over a situation. True to deeper convictions, he country like the breath of the Almighty. dictated one of the most compact and fin- Cutler was a graduate of Yale. He had ished documents of wise statesmanship that studied and taken degrees in the three learned has ever adorned any human law book. He professions, medicine, law and divinity. He borrowed from Jefferson the term “Articles had published a scientific examination of the of Compact," which, preceding the federal plants of New England. As a scientist in constitution, rose into the most sacred char- America his name stood second only to that He then followed very closely the of Franklin. He was a courtly gentleman constitution of Massachusetts, adopted three of the old style, a man of commanding pres- Its most prominent points ence and of inviting face. The southern inembers said they had never seen such a J. The exclusion of slavery from the gentleman in the North. He came repre- territory forever. a acter. years before. were: 22 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 2. Provision for public schools, giving altered by an increase of its settlements. The one township for a seminary and every sec- interior was but little known except to In- tion numbered 16 in each township; that is, dians and a few fur traders, and it was con- one thirty-sixth of all the land for public sidered a trackless forest. All around the schools. lakes and along the rivers it was densely tim- 3. A provision prohibiting the adoption bered. In 1790 it was organized as the coun- of any constitution or the enactment of any ty of Wayne of the Northwest Territory and law that should nullify pre-existing con- allowed a single representative in the terri- tracts. torial council, which sat at Chillicothe, in Be it forever remembered that this com- Ohio. When Ohio was admitted in 1800, pact declared that “religion, morality and and the territory of Indiana formed, it be- , knowledge being necessary to good govern- came a part of that jurisdiction, the capital ment and the happiness of mankind, schools being at Vincennes. Indiana was admitted and the means of education shall always be as a state December 11, 1816, and Michigan encouraged.” Dr. Cutler planted himself erected into a separate territory. Gen. Will- on this platform and would not yield. Giving iam Hull was appointed the first governor. his unqualified declaration that it was that or Three additional counties were formed: nothing, that unless they could make the Monroe, Oakland (comprising all the lower land desirable they did not want it,—he peninsula north of Detroit) and Brown took his horse and buggy and started for (comprising the upper peninsula). Subse- the constitutional convention at Philadel- quently what is now Wisconsin was organ- phia. On July 13, 1787, the bill was put up- ized into a county called Chippewa. In 1810 on its passage, and was unanimously adopt- the population was about 4,500. cd. Thus the great states of Ohio, Indiana, THE WAR OF 1812. Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, a vast em- pire, were consecrated to freedom, intelli- Michigan was peculiarly unfortunate in gence and morality. Thus the great heart the war of 1812. It was exposed on the of the nation was prepared to save the union south to the hostility of the Indians under of states, for it was this act that was the Tecumseh, and on the Canada side by the salvation of the republic and the destruction Canadian British, under General Brock. of slavery. Soon the South saw their great Hull's surrender of Detroit is a familiar blunder and tried to have the compact re- historic tale, and the massacres of whites on pealed. In 1803 congress referred it to a the Maumee, at Detroit and Michilimackinac committee, of which John Randolph was are oft-told and sickening tales. The final re- chairman. He reported that this ordinance taking of Detroit, after Perry's victory on was a compact and opposed repeal. Thus Lake Erie, and the success of the American it stood, a rock in the way of the on-rushing forces under Gen. William Henry Harrison sea of slavery. restored the country to the Americans, and Tuttle, in his history of Michigan, says when peace was finally made, in 1814, the it was a considerable time before the terri- whole territory came again under the United tory of Michigan, proper, was improved or States flag JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 23 ADMINISTRATION OF GEN. LEWIS CASS. and fear him, and in a few years comparative quiet and security were obtained. At the close of the war, Gen. Lewis Cass The United States government heartily was appointed governor of the territory, and endorsed the policy of General Cass, and au- under his wise and fatherly care a new era thorized him and General Harrison, whom of prosperity began to dawn upon this hith- the Indians also feared and respected, to erto neglected part of the country. The treat with any or all the tribes for conces- condition of the settlers was most deplorable. sions of lands and for the preservation of Many had been killed by the savages, their peace. In July, 1816, they held conferences houses burned, crops and stock destroyed, with all the tribes in Ohio and Indiana and half the population were widows and children made definite treaties with them. Similar and the wreck and ruin of war was every- treaties were made with the Indian tribes in where. The Indians were still hostile and lower Michigan. But the Indians never re- dangerous, and the territory was remote mained long at peace, no matter what treaty from the centers of civilization and govern- obligations were made, and in 1817 General ment. General Cass had only twenty-seven Cass took the field at the head of a force of soldiers in garrison at Detroit prepared to volunteers, and drove all the remaining protect the people against danger and sus- Hurons, Wyandotts and Chippewas into tain his authority as governor. But he was Canada and into the Saginaw valley, where a brave and prudent man, and proved equal he stipulated they must remain subject to to every emergency. his orders. This action ended the Indian General Cass had high hopes of civiliz- wars of Michigan and very few cases of ing the Indians, by honorable treatment outrage afterwards occurred. One murder and fair dealings. The policy of the French was committed soon after, and the guilty and English during all their occupancy had culprit was caught. tried, convicted and been to buy them with gew-gaws, presents hanged, which practically ended the killing and trade, but they left nothing of civiliza- of whites by the savages. . tion behind them. They did leave a large General Cass was assisted by a legislative legacy of vices, among which was the in- council in framing the local laws, of which ' satiate love for intoxicating drinks. There he was the executor, as he appointed all were numerous half breeds, who were the the sheriffs, marshals and justices of the most disorderly and uncontrollable element peace for several years. The territorial in their tribes. judges were appointed by the President. General Cass began at once trying to Augustus B. Woodward was the first ter- teach them agriculture, fixed habits of liv- ritorial judge and held the position until ing and some little regard for authority 1824, when he was succeeded by William B. and law. He made slow progress, and was Woodbridge, who continued in the office compelled to deal with them by force, but until the state was admitted to the Union. as all his expeditions were quick, sharp and Governor Cass was assisted in the legisla- decisive, the red men soon began to respect tive council by some of the most eminent 24 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. or more was men in the northwest, among them J. Duane ritories of Louisiana, Michigan and Mis- Doty, of Wisconsin, Gabriel Richards, Will- souri. Each soldier who served thirty days iam Woodbridge, Judge Fletcher, Randolph to receive one hundred Manning, and others of repute. But it is and sixty acres of good agricultural land, acknowledged that General Cass was the but must occupy and improve it within five master mind and left the impress of his years. judgment upon the future state. In 1817 Lieutenant Totten, of the regu- In 1817, General Cass made a further lar army, afterwards Brig.-Gen. Totten, treaty with the Indians, which conceded chief of the United States staff of engineers, their rights to all the territory of northern was sent out with a party to look out the Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan south of a line portion from Michigan. Lieutenant Totten east and west drawn from the Saginaw bay. was engaged in laying out and constructing Up to this time, 1817, there were no the military road from Sandusky. He set roads in the territory of Michigan except out to explore the interior to find good agri- one along the Detroit river from the River cultural land for the grant. He penetrated Rough to Fort Gratiot, opened and worked north and westerly, as he said, nearly one in the bad places by the settlers. Congress hundred miles, abandoned the job, and sent was spending large sums of money for mil- to the government a remarkable report, the itary roads in states leading from Washing- effect of which was to retard settlement and ton to Kentucky and Tennessee, and to the improvement in Michigan for nearly twenty Ohio river. The people of Michigan de- years. pended entirely upon boats on the lakes and LIEUTENANT TOTTEN'S REPORT. rivers for means of travel and business. Gen- eral Cass called the attention of congress to The statements of this report are so re- the necessity of a road from Detroit to San- markable, compared with what afterwards dusky, Ohio, through the dense wilderness proved to be the facts, that we reproduce the known as the Black and Maumee swamps. most important parts of it: This request was granted, and work was begun that year, but was not finished until The country on the Indian boundary line, start- ing from the mouth of the Great Auglaize river, for 1819. In 1820 congress also authorized a about fifty miles north and nearly one hundred miles military road to be built from Detroit to westerly, is, with some few exceptions, low and Fort Dearborn, on Lake Michigan, now wet land, with a very thick growth of underbrush, Chicago, but it was not completed until 1829, and generally very heavily timbered with birch, soft interspersed with very bad swamps and marshes, and was known since it was built as the De- maple, cottonwood and oak. Thence continuing troit and Chicago turnpike. north and eastward the number and extent of Soon after the war of 1812 was ended the marshes and swamps increases, with the addition of numerous iakes from twenty chains to two or congress passed an act setting aside six mill- three miles across. Many of these lakes have ex- ions of acres of land for bounties for sol- tensive marshes adjoining their margins, sometimes diers who had served as volunteers in that thickly covered with a species of pine called "tama- rack," and other places are covered with thick, high, The act provided that two million coarse grass and generally covered from six inches acres should be reserved in each of the ter- to three feet with water, and more at times. The war. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 25 margins of these lakes are not the only places where of the Indians, and the military lands be se- swamps are found, but they are interspersed through- lected from Illinois and Missouri, which was out the whole country, and filled with water as above stated, and varying in extent. done. The intermediate space between these lakes and But General Cass, was tireless in his ei- swamps, which is possibly about one-half the coun- forts to promote the settlement of the ter- try, is, with a few exceptions, a poor, barren and sandy soil, on which scarcely any vegetation grows ritory, and only a year later prevailed on the except small, scrubby oaks. In many places that government to survey and explore the land part that may be called dry land is composed of north and west of Detroit, and in 1818 the short sand hills or knobs, forming a kind of deep lands of the Detroit district were brought basins, the bottoms of most of which are composed of a marsh similar to the above described. The into market by order of the secretary of the streams are generally narrow and deep, compared treasury. with their width, the shores and bottoms of which A few emigrants kept crowding in are, with very few exceptions, swampy beyond de- scription, and it is with the utmost difficulty that a and in 1819 the population had reached over place can be found over which horses can be con- eight thousand, and in that year the territory veyed with safety. was allowed to send a delegate to congress. A circumstance peculiar to the country is ex- The Rev. Father Richards was chosen, and hibited in many of the marshes by their being covered with a thick sward of grass, by walking upon which he at once proved an active and beneficial evinced the existence of water, or a very thin coat representative of the territory. of mud, immediately under this covering, which The sinks from six to eighteen inches under the pressure year 1819 was also memorable from of the foot at every step and at the same time rising the appearance of the first vessel propelled before and behind the person or animal passing over by steam appearing on the lakes, which made it. The margins of many of the lakes and streams the trip from Buffalo to Mackinaw. It was are of a similar character and in many places are so literally afloat as to be dangerous for man or beast. called the “Walk-in-the-Water," and it On approaching the easterly part of the mili- opened up a new era and better prospects for tary lands, towards the private claims on the lakes the new territory. and rivers, the country does not contain so many swamps and lakes, but the extreme sterility and The country was marked out towards barrenness of the soil continues the same. the interior by numerous Indian trails. It Taking the country altogether, so far as has was over these trails that the Indians and been explored, and to all appearances, together with fur traders passed to visit markets and the information received concerning the balance, it is so poor that not one out of a hundred, even if camps. They generally followed the high . there would be one out of a thousand, acres that and dry ground and found the best fording would in any case admit of cultivation. places for the streams. They were narrow, It is probable that these surveyors had but plainly marked by the feet of the travel- shirked their job, and had taken the report of ers and their ponies, and formed the basis fur traders, who were especially interested of settlement by the pioneer emigrants that in keeping out settlers. It has been inti- invaded the forests. mated that they may have got entangled in One of these great trails led northward the swamps around Wolfe lake or the Por- through Oakland county, and by Flint, to tage river and formed their opinions from the Saginaw valley. Another started west such localities. The conclusion of the report and traversed the country through Washte- was that Michigan be reserved for the use naw to the Grand river, where it divided, one 26 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ment. branch leading down the Grand river valley Bunce, of St. Clair, and Wolcott Lawrence to its mouth, another west to the mouth of and Abram Edwards, of Wayne. the St. Joseph river, another southwest to General Cass delivered a lengthy mes- the head of Lake Michigan and the country sage, reviewing the condition of the Terri- beyond. The new settlers scattered along tory, and its needs, and advised a code of these trails, and for a number of years the laws for constructing roads, and for encour- majority of them inclined to the north- agement of popular education. The council ward. A few, however, passed west and as promptly responded to his recommendations, early as 1824 had reached Ann Arbor. A and soon a school system was formulated, few settlers also came up from Indiana and and steps taken to lay out several public settled along the southern border. It was or territorial roads. At this time there were not until 1821 that the Indians of central no roads leading out of Detroit except the Michigan, west and south of Grand river, three military roads authorized by congress. ceded their lands so as to open the interior The settlers had lanes to their farms, ex- to settlement. tending to the three-mile limit, but these In 1822, six new counties were surveyed butted against the dense forest and stopped. and created : Lenawee, Washtenaw, Sagi- Several of these were extended into the in- naw, Shiawassee, Sanilac and Lapeer, and terior, which was thus opened for settle- they embraced all the territory not thereto- fore organized. In 1825 the great Erie canal was opened Congress, at its session in 1823, changed to Buffalo, and a new steamboat, the “Su- the form of territorial government by abro- perior," was built and began its trips to gating the powers of the “governor and Detroit and Mackinaw. The effect of these judges," and instituting a “legislative coun- events was to increase largely the influx of cil,” to be chosen by the people. By the settlers to the new territory, and distribute same act the terms of the judges were lim- information as to its condition. Most of ited to four years, and eligibility to office the new comers settled near the border, was limited to the right of suffrage. The while a few penetrated into the interior, as change was pleasing to the people, and they far as Ann Arbor, but more towards Flint began to take a larger interest in the pros- and the Saginaw valley. perity of the territory. Meantime news- The form of territorial government was papers had been established, and these gave modified in 1827, so as to increase the mem- new impetus to the public faith and bership of the legislative council and to give growth. it more powers. This form of government The first legislative council met at De- was continued until the state was admitted troit, June 7, 1824. It was composed of in 1837. Under the new powers, several Robert Irwin, Jr., of Brown county; John banks were chartered, which were of great Stockton and Robert Miller, of Macomb; public benefit. There was no money in the William H. Prithuff, of Mackinaw; Herbert country, except silver, and such bank notes Le Croix, of Monroe; Stephen Mack and as found their way from the eastern states, Roger Sprague, of Oakland; Zepheniah principally New York and Ohio. In 1828 а. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 27 the Bank of Michigan and branches was Michigan and erected into a separate terri- chartered, and subsequently the Bank of tory. Also in that year the legislative coun- River Raisin, and the Farmers and Mechan- cil authorized the incorporation of three rail- ics Bank of Detroit, with branches at Pon- road companies, the Detroit & St. Joseph, tiac and St. Joseph. Some other acts of now the Central, the Erie & Kalamazoo incorporation were granted that had the River, River, and the Palmyra & Jacksonburg effect of greatly increasing the general busi- Company, all to be built within thirty years. ness and convenience. Work was commenced upon all and in 1836 In 1834 the legislative council author- the first had been built to Dearborn, the ized a vote to be taken of residents upon the second from Maumee City to Adrian, and question of organizing as a state, but the the third from Palmyra to Tecumseh. The vote was so light and the majority so small great panic of 1836-7 brought railroad build- that congress declined to consider the mat- ing to a standstill for several years. ter until two years later. Then Arkansas Governor Porter died in the fall of 1834, applied for admission, and to keep up the and was succeeded by the Territorial Secre- equilibrium between the free and slave states tary, Stevens T. Mason, then a mere boy of in the United States senate, Michigan was nineteen years. It was during his adminis- also admitted. tration that Michigan was admitted as a In 1831 General Cass was called to a state, but most notable of all was the differ- seat in President Jackson's cabinet, as sec- ences over the boundary of Ohio, and which retary of war, and was succeeded as gov- culminated in what has since been known in ernor of Michigan by history as GEN. GEORGE B. PORTER, “THE TOLEDO WAR. who assumed the duties of the office in Sep- This difficulty was inaugurated by a con- tember of that year. The population of the flict of the acts of congress from time to territory had risen to about thirty-five thou- time, made either carelessly or in ignorance sand people, and many new counties had of the geography of the west and of the been set off, including the three southern language of former public acts. Michigan tiers, though but few had been organized. claimed as her southern boundary a line run- Many new townships were organized, roads ning from the extreme southern point of laid out and opened, land increased in value, Lake Michigan directly east to Lake Erie, and land lookers and speculators swarmed which would include Toledo, an important through the county. point, as it was the principal terminus of the The chief event of Governor Porter's ad- proposed Wabash & Erie Canal. This claim ministration was the Black Hawk war in was made by virtue of clauses in the ordi- 1832, during which, while it caused great nance of 1787. Ohio, on the other hand, unrest and excitement through Michigan, claimed that the ordinance had been there were no hostilities by the Indians. superseded by the constitution of the In 1834 Wisconsin was detached from United States, and that congress had the 28 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. right to regulate the boundary; also, that the due north line aforesaid from the mouth the constitution of the state, which had of the Great Miami, until it shall intersect been accepted by congress, described a line Lake Erie, or the territorial line, and thence different from that claimed by Michigan. with the same through Lake Erie to the Mr. Woodbridge, the delegate from Michi- Pennsylvania line.” The constitution of gan, ably opposed in congress the claim of Ohio adopted the same line, with this con- Ohio, and the committee on public lands de- dition: “Provided always, and it is hereby cided unanimously in favor of this state; fully understood and declared by this con- but in the hurry of business no action was vention, that if the southerly bend or ex- taken by congress and the question remained treme of Lake Michigan should extend so open. far soutli that a line drawn due east from it The claim of Michigan was based prin- should not intersect Lake Erie; or, if it cipally upon the following points: The or- should intersect Lake Erie east of the mouth dinance of 1787 declares the acts therein of the Miami river, then in that case, with contained "articles of compact between the the assent of congress, the northern boundary original states and the people and states in of this state shall be established by and ex- said territory (northwest of the river Ohio), tend to a direct line running from the south- and forever to remain unalterable, unless by ern extremity of Lake Michigan to the common consent." This ordinance defines most northerly cape of the Miami bay, after the territory to include all that region lying intersecting the due north line from the north and northwest of the Ohio and east mouth of the Great Miami, as aforesaid, of the Mississippi rivers. In the fifth article thence northeast of the territorial line, and it is provided that there shall be formed not by said territorial line to the Pennsylvania less than three nor more than five states with line.” " in its limits. The boundaries of the three Congress did not act upon this proviso states are defined so as to include the whole until 1805, and during this interval it seems territory; conditioned, however, that if it that Ohio herself did not regard it as a part should be found expedient by congress to of her accepted constitution. form the one or two more states mentioned, Again, this section of the act of 1802 congress is authorized to alter boundaries provides that all that part of the territory of the three states "so as to form one or lying north of this east and west line “shall two states in that part of said territory which be attached to and make a part of the Indiana lies north of the east and west line drawn Territory," Still again, the act of 1805, through the southerly bend or extreme of entitled “an act to divide the Indiana Ter- Lake Michigan.” ritory into separate governments,” erects In 1802 congress enabled the people of Michigan to a separate territory, and de- Ohio to form a constitution, and in that act fines the southern boundary to be “a line the boundary of that state is declared to be drawn east from the southerly bend or ex- "on the north by an east and west line drawn treme of Lake Michigan until it intersects through the southerly extreme of Lake Lake Erie.” Michigan, running east, after intersecting The strip of territory in dispute is about JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 29 men. five miles wide at the west end and eight miles of the legislature of that state. On the 31st at the east end. The line claimed by Michigan Governor Lucas, of Ohio, arrived at Perrys- was known as the “Fulton line," and that burg with his commissioners, on his way to claimed by Ohio was known as the “Harris re-survey the Harris line. He was accom- line,” from the names of the surveyors. panied by a militia force of about six hundred This territory was valuable for its rich farm- In the meantime Governor Mason ing land, but its chief value was deemed to mustered about twelve hundred men, with consist at that time in its harbor on the Mau- General Brown commanding, and was in mee river, where now stands the city of possession of Toledo. In a few days two Toledo, and which was the eastern terminus commissioners arrived from Washington on of the proposed Wabash & Erie Canal. This a mission of peace, and remonstrated with place was originally called Swan creek, af- Governor Lucas. After several conferences terward Port Lawrence, then Vistula and with the two governors they submitted prop- finally Toledo. The early settlers generally ositions of a temporary nature, virtually giv- acknowledged their allegiance to Michigan; ing the disputed territory to Ohio until the but when the canal became a possibility, and following session of congress, to which Gov- its termination at Toledo being dependent ernor Lucas assented, but Governor Mason upon the contingency whether or not it was did not. President Jackson asked the opin- in Ohio, many of the inhabitants became de- ion of the attorney-general, Mr. Butler, who sirous of being included within the latter replied in favor of Michigan; notwithstand- state. Then disputes grew more violent and ing, Governor Lucas proceeded to order his the legislatures of the respective common- men to commence the survey, but as they wealths led off in the fight. In February, were passing through Lenawee county the 1835, the legislature of Ohio passed an act under-sheriff there arrested a portion of the extending the jurisdiction of the state over party, while the rest ran away like Indians, the territory in question, directed local elec- and spread an exaggerated report of actual tions to be held and a re-survey to be made war. This being corrected by an amusing offi- of the Harris line. Per contra, Governor cial report of the under-sheriff, Governor Lu- Mason urged the legislative council of Mich- cas called an extra session of the Ohio legis- igan to take active measures to counteract lature, which passed an act “to prevent the the proceedings of the Ohio legislature, and forcible abduction of the citizens of Ohio!" accordingly that body passed an act making It also adopted measures to organize the it a criminal offense for any one to attempt county of "Lucas," with Toledo as the coun- to exercise any official functions within the ty-seat, and to carry into effect the laws of , jurisdiction of Michigan without authority the state over the disputed territory. from the territory or the general govern- In the meantime the Michigan people in ment. March 9, 1835, Governor Mason or- and about Toledo busied themselves in ar- dered General Brown to hold the Michigan resting Ohio emissaries who undertook to militia in readiness to meet the enemy in the force the laws of their state upon Michigan field in case an attempt was made by the territory, while Ohio partisans feebly at- agents of Ohio to carry out the provisions | tempted to retaliate. tempted to retaliate. An amusing instance 30 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. is related of the arrest of one Major Stick- demolish court, soldiers and all; but this re- ney. He and his whole family fought val- port turned out to be false. During the iantly, but were at length overcome by num- scare, however, the judges hesitated to pro- bers. The Major had to be tied on a horse be- ceed to Toledo, and the colonel of the regi- fore he would ride with the Michigan posse ment upbraided them for their cowardice, and to jail. An attempt was then made to ar- proposed to escort them with his militia dur- rest a son of the Major called "Two Stick- ing the dead of night to a certain school-house ney," when a serious struggle followed and in Toledo, where they might go through the officer was stabbed with a knife. The the form of holding court a few minutes in blood flowed pretty freely, but the wound did safety. About three o'clock Monday morn- not prove dangerous. This was probably ing they arrived at the designated place and the only blood shed during the “war.” The “held court" about two minutes and then fled "" officer let go his hold and Stickney fled to for dear life back to Maumee! Thus was Ohio. He was indicted by the grand jury the “honor and dignity" of the great state of of Monroe county, and a requisition was Ohio “vindicated over all her enemies !” made on the governor of Ohio for his ren- A QUEER MIX UP. dition, but the governor refused to give him up. An account of this affair reaching the Pending the differences between Michi- ears of the President, he recommended that gan and Ohio, the President appointed Governor Mason interpose no obstacle to Henry T. Schaler, of Pennsylvania, to be the re-survey of the Harris line; but the governor of Michigan, and John S. Horner, Governor refusing to abide by the “recom- of Virginia, as secretary. Mr. Schaler did mendation,” the President superseded him not accept, but Mr. Horner did, and came by the appointment of Charles Shaler, of on and assumed the duties of actual gov- Pennsylvania, as his successor. He also ad- ernor. He carried on a lengthy correspond- vised Governor Lucas to refrain from ex- ence with the governor of Ohio, which re- ercising any jurisdiction over the disputed sulted in a compliance with “the Ohio idea," territory until congress should convene and and practically yielded the whole contention. act upon the matter. This was humiliating Horner became intensely unpopular in Mich- to that Governor, and he resolved to assert igan and was transferred to Wisconsin. the dignity of his state in Toledo in some The first Monday in October, 1835, the manner. He hit upon the plan of ordering a people of Michigan ratified a constitution session of court to be held there, with a reg- which had been framed by a convention iment of militia for the protection of the elected by the people in June previous, by judges. Accordingly the judges met on authority of the territorial council, and at Sunday afternoon, September 6, at Mau- the same time elected a full set of state offi- mee, a few miles from Toledo. Some time cers. Stevens T. Mason was chosen gover- during the evening a scout sent out by the nor, Edward Munday, lieutenant-governor, colonel returned from Toledo and reported and Isaac E. Crary, representative in con- that twelve hundred men, under command gress. of General Brown, were in Toledo ready to The first legislature elected under the JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 31 constitution met at Detroit, the capital, on twenty-one to twenty-eight, refused to ac- the first Monday in November and elected cept the condition. Since the territory was John Norvell and Lucius Lyon as United organized, more than one thousand square States senators. A regular election was also miles had been given tº Ohio and twelve held that fall for delegate to congress, and hundred miles to Indiana. But little was George W. Jones, of Wisconsin, deci known of the Upper Peninsula. It was elected, although it was claimed that Will- known to contain copper and timber, but its iam Woodbridge, the sitting delegate, had vast riches were then only suggested. An- the highest number of votes. Wisconsin had other election was held in December, and a been set off from Michigan two years before, convention of delegates at Ann Arbor de- but congress had made no provision for its cided unanimously to accept the conditions having a delegate. John S. Horner was and thereupon, on January 26, 1837, the still in office as acting governor of Michigan, President issued a proclamation declaring and was governor, by appointment of the Michigan admitted into the Union upon an President, for Wisconsin. This singular equal footing with the original states. mix uip continued until the following June, The history of the Territory is ended. when congress gave formal consent for the It has been rapid and fragmentary, and admission of the state, but conditioned upon many details, particularly of affairs with the surrender of the strip of territory in dis- the Indians, and many episodes that are pute to Ohio, and attaching the Upper Pe- interesting have been omitted, but enough ninsula to Michigan as a recompense. As of its general progress has been stated to this was the third time Michigan had been show its general and steady growth and lead despoiled of valuable territory, the people up to the more important period of state- resented it and the legislature, by a vote of hood. CHAPTER II. MICHIGAN AS A STATE. Here begins a period of new individuality, ing organism in detail, and we shall trace its and responsibility. Up to this time has been progress by epochs and administrations, a period of childhood, during which the omitting most of the details. guiding hand of the general government has GOVERNOR MASON'S ADMINISTRATION. been constantly seen, and the assistance of the parent duly recognized. From this on Stevens T. Mason, who had been elected the people must be responsible to and for prospectively governor in 1835, before the themselves. It will be next to impossible to admission as a state, promptly assumed the sketch every element of the new and grow- office as soon as the admission was pro- 32 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. claimed. Governor Mason was a Jackson- the mouth of Grand river. A canal was ian, or Democrat, as the party was after- to be constructed from Lake St. Clair to wards called, and there was a strong protest connect with the Shiawassee and Grand riv- from the Whig or opposition party, who ers, and another from Saginaw to the Maple, thought a new election should be called. The and thence to Grand river, near Lyons. To Το governor called an election for members of construct the improvements a loan of five a legislature under the prospective consti- millions of dollars was authorized upon an tution, and the people assented, with the un- issue of bonds by the state. Twenty thou- derstanding that the complexion of that body sand dollars was also appropriated for a should settle the question. The state then geological survey of the state. These were contained about two hundred thousand pop- all worthy objects, but the sequel proved ulation, and there were thirty-six established that the new statesmen greatly over-estimat- counties. There were twenty-four senators ed their ability for performance. and sixty representatives to be elected. The The legislature adjourned and the gov- election resulted in the choice of a majority ernor and several boards of commissioners of Democrats to both houses, and when that proceeded to put the schemes into operation. body met in April it recognized the persons The five million loan was negotiated with elected in 1835 as the legitimate and legal the Morris Canal and Banking Company of state officers. New Jersey, but the governor made the This legislature had a large amount of mistake of delivering all the bonds, and work to do. It organized anew the courts of agreeing to receive the money in small in- the state, and passed highway laws for lay- stallments as the state needed it. The gov- ing out and building roads and bridges; it ernor and his fiscal agent, Theodore Ro- enacted new tax laws, and made important meyne, started home with two hundred and changes in the conduct of township and fifty thousand dollars, but on arriving in De- county matters; it provided for the organiza- troit something like twenty thousand dollars tion of a state public school system, and es- had disappeared. Contracts were let for the tablished the University of Michigan, as its Southern railroad from Monroe to Adrian, crowning feature; a state prison was pro- and for the Central, from Detroit to Ypsilanti vided for, which was located at Jackson; on the Huron river. Contracts were also it enacted a general banking law, modeled let on the Clinton river canal from Mt. Clem- after the New York plan of real estate se- ens to Rochester, in Oakland county, and curity for issuing bank notes; it entered up- on the Saginaw and Grand River Canal from on a gigantic system of public improvements, the forks of Bad river to the Maple river. gigantic considering its means and popula- Work was begun at once on all these con- tion, by undertaking, as a state, to build tracts, and considerable progress made upon three lines of railroad across the state from all of them. Unfortunately, during the year east to west, and two canals. One railroad the Morris Canal and Banking Company was to run from Monroe to New Buffalo, failed, and the state was deprived of the one from Detroit to the mouth of the St. means to prosecute these works so as to be Joseph river, and one from Fort Gratiot to of value to the people. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 33 Under the general banking law a large succeeded him. Gordon was a vain and am- number of banks were started in different bitious man, of little executive ability, and parts of the state, many in out-of-the-way soon lost all control over the legislature. places that existed only in name. There was Very little was done except to organize the a great boom in lands and paper cities. Spec- state militia and provide means to extend the ulators would buy one hundred and sixty public improvements. public improvements. To this end it issued acres of land, lay out a city, and mark up the "bills payable" of the state to pay the the prices of lots so as to reach many thou- working men and contractors, which were sands of dollars, have the plats recorded, and receivable for state taxes. This currency was start a bank with this real estate as security called “state script,” and unfortunately they for the notes. This made money plenty, and authorized an issue many times in excess of thousands of settlers mortgaged their farms the state tax. This currency soon depreciat- to get this money. It was not long before ed until it was usable at only about one- the bottom dropped out of their "wild cat quarter of its face value, except for taxes. banks," and the whole state was plunged The state, having once received it, could into bankruptcy, and distress. The farm- not again re-issue it at the depreciated value, ers' mortgages had been sold by the specu- and another period of financial distress was. lators to eastern capitalists, and all the news- developed. papers in the state in 1838 and for the next During this administration the Central few years contained nothing but "mortgage Railroad was opened to Ann Arbor, and the , sale” advertisements. Fully one-half the Southern road to Palmyra. The plant of settlers lost their farms and those who did the University was commenced at Ann Ar- not were in debt for many years. bor, and several branches authorized. One cell block of the state prison was completed, GOVERNOR WOODBRIDGE'S ADMINISTRATION. and considerable progress was made in other directions. At the second gubernatorial election the In 1840 one of the most exciting political people had become so disgusted with the acts campaigns in the country was in progress. of the Mason party and administration, that and the excitement was at fever heat. Mich- the Whigs succeeded in electing their state igan joined in the general stampede and cast ticket and a majority of the legislature. Hon. its vote for the hero of Tippecanoe" for the William Woodbridge was chosen governor. Presidency. But the result of state policy He had long been a resident of the territory, was such that it swung back the next year secretary under General Cass, delegate to to the opposite party and remained Demo- congress and one of the territorial judges. cratic for many years. He was a man of great integrity, foresight The census of 1840 showed that Mich- and courage. He set about staightening out igan had a population of 212,000; agricul- the affairs of the state in a masterly man- turally the state yielded 1,120,000 bushels But the legislature, in January, 1840, of wheat, 21,940 bushels of rye, 1,116,910 elected him to the United States senate, and bushels of oats, 6,420 bushels of buckwheat, the Lieut.-Governor, J. Wright Gordon, 1,000,000 bushels of potatoes, 43,826 pounds ner. 3 34 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. of flax, had 89,610 head of cattle, 14,059 tral Railroad was extended to Marshall and head of horses, 22,684 sheep and 109,066 the Southern to Hillsdale. But little state swine; nearly 30,000 persons attended legislation of importance took place. The schools, and the school expense amounted affairs of the state were well managed and to $18,725. The taxable property of the the state was prosperous. state was estimated at $28,554,282, and the The railroads of the state up to this time tax rate was two mills on the dollar. had been owned and managed by the state. They had not been a success as money earn- JOHN S. BARRY'S ADMINISTRATION. ers, and the expense of construction was a heavy tax upon the people. In 1846 there The third governor of Michigan was arose a popular demand for their sale, and John S. Barry. He was a merchant and the legislature elected that year was very distiller, at Constantine, had been a mem- largely chosen on that issue. A considerable A ber of the territorial council, and of both the majority were for the sale, and during the house of representatives and senate of the session of 1847 they were disposed of to state from its organization. He was a typi- private corporations. The Central was sold cal pioneer, a little rough, but a solid, clear- for two million dollars, and the Southern headed, practical man. During his adminis- for five hundred thousand. When the bills tration the complicated affairs of the state passed only two state senators voted "No," straightened out, the wild cat banking sys- and they were burned in effigy on the streets tem was eliminated, and by severe economy of Detroit, so strong was the popular feeling the credit of the state greatly benefited. The in favor of the sale. “state script" was gradually retired, and the It was during the latter part of Governor phenomenal prosperity of the farmers from Fitch's administration that the Mexican war 1841 to 1846 was the means of stocking occurred. Michigan was called upon for one the state with money of eastern and Ohio regiment of volunteers, and responded with banks. The only public improvements made a regiment commanded by Thomas B. W. during his term was the extension of the Stockton, a squadron of cavalry under Central Railroad from Ann Arbor to Dex- Thurston W. Broadhead, and two indepen- ter, ten miles, and the Southern from Pal- dent companies of riflemen, all of whom myra to Adrian, four miles. The state cen- were accepted, and served with distinction. sus of 1845 showed that it had increased to A considerable number enlisted in the regu- a fraction over three hundred thousand. In lar regiments of the United States army, and 1842 the State University was opened for all distinguished themselves in the war. the reception of students, and in 1844 an act passed to contract the labor of convicts to GOVERNOR RANSOM'S ADMINISTRATION. the highest bidder. The fifth governor of Michigan was GOVERNOR ALPHEUS FITCH, Hon. Epaphroditus Ransom, of Kalamazoo. the fourth governor, was inaugurated Jan- He was a lawyer, and had filled the position uary I, 1845. During his term the Cen- of chief justice of the state. But he proved JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 35 better adapted to the bench than the executive it was by a plurality, the combined vote of chair. During his administration the capi- the Whigs, Free Soilers and Liberty party tal was removed from Detroit to Lansing: totalling several thousand more than the '. a state asylum for the insane was inaugu- Democrats. The quarrel was bitter among rated at Kalamazoo, and a school for the the Democrats, and early in the year they deaf, the dumb and the blind, at Flint. Dur- opened the campaign for the gubernatorial , , ing this administration the presidential con- election. A state convention of Free Soil- test of 1848 was waged, in which General ers was called and nominated Flavius J. Taylor was elected and General Cass and Littlejohn for governor, and a full state Martin Van Buren defeated. General Cass ticket. Later a Whig convention endorsed had resigned his seat in the United States Littlejohn. It looked as if the fusion would senate to be a candidate, and desired to be carry the state. the state. The Democrats, under the re-elected by the legislature of 1849. Gov- direction of General Cass, nominated Ex- ernor Ransom was ambitious to gain the po- Governor Barry and the result was his sition, as Governor Fitch had before him, and election for the third time by a small ma- became a candidate against General Cass. jority. The Democrats had become much divided The chief events of this administration on the slavery or “free soil” question, and were the establishment of a state normal Ransom became the candidate of the liberals, school at Ypsilanti, and the passing of an or “Wilmot proviso” Democrats, while Cass act to provide for a revision of the state was supported by the "pro-slavery or old constitution. During the year 1852 the Hunker" Democrats. The contest was a ? "great railroad conspiracy” trials occurred at long and acrimonious one, but General Cass Detroit, a detailed account of which will be finally won the prize, and Governor Ransom found in later pages. lost caste and prestige with his party, and at During 1850 the new constitutional con- the end of two years was dropped. He soon vention was held, and much public interest afterward died. centered about its action. The result was It was in March, 1848, that the first promulgated and voted upon in November, , telegraph line was completed from New and the new instrument was adopted by a York to Detroit, the event being celebrated small majority. small majority. The constitution made a with a great jubilee. In 1849 it was ex- large change in the political conditions of the tended to Chicago. state. Under it all the state officers and judges of the courts, who had heretofore GOVERNOR JOHN S. BARRY'S THIRD TERM. been appointed by the governor, by and with the consent of the state senate, were made Political matters were greatly disturbed elective by the people; state senators, who and shaken up by the events in congress and had been elected by districts, four senators the presidential election of 1848. The ad- from each district, were to be elected by vent of the "Free Soil” party had created single districts, for two years only, and the a schism in the Democratic party, and al-members of the house of representatives though General Cass had carried Michigan, were also to be elected by single districts, 36 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. . except in cities having more than one mem- prohibited slavery north of thirty-six de- ber. The election of governor and state offi- grees thirty seconds north latitude, was re- cers was changed from the odd to the even pealed by the Democratic congress under the years, so as to be held the same year as lead of Stephen A. Douglas. The Free Soil congressional elections. Annual sessions of and Wilmot Proviso Democrats, and the legislature was abolished and biennial ses- Whigs of the North were opposed to the re- sions substituted. peal, but were outvoted, as all parties of the South and many northern Democratic mem- GOVERNOR M'CLELLAND'S ADMINISTRATION. bers voted for the repeal. Party lines were greatly disturbed, and the issue in the North At the first election under the new con- became “Nebraska" and "anti-Nebraska," stitution, Hon. Robert McClelland was elect- instead of Whig and Democrat. ed to the governorship. Under his adminis- tration the legislature made many changes THE REPUBLICAN PARTY FORMED. in the state laws to adapt them to the new constitution. The only new improvement Michigan was the first state to concen- made during this term was the enactment of trate the anti-Nebraska sentiment into a a general law for the incorporation of rail- new political organization. In May, 1854, road companies and other corporations, as a mass convention was called at Kalamazoo the new constitution prohibited the legisla- to discuss the question of combining all the ture from granting any special charters. elements opposed to the pro-slavery Democ- In March, 1853, Governor McClelland racy, or “Nebraska element,” for joint action was appointed secretary of the interior by in the fall election. This meeting President Pierce, and the governor's chair passed some resolutions and issued an was filled the rest of the term by Lieut.- address to the electors of the state. Gov. Andrew Parsons. A provisional committee of sixteen, four Great excitement prevailed throughout from each congressional district, was ap- the United States during the years 1853 and pointed with power to call a future con- 1854, occasioned by the action of congress vention, or take such other action as they over the slavery question. The fugitive should deem wise, to unite the anti-slavery slave law of 1852 was very odious through- element at the ensuing state and congres- out the North, and the attempts of slave sional election to occur in November follow- owners to recover their human chattels was ing. strenuously resisted. A case was contested This committee met in June at Jackson, and the United States supreme court promul- and elected Isaac P. Christiancy chairman, gated the famous “Dred Scott decision” that and Charles V. DeLand secretary. It was kindled a fire of deeper indignation through- decided to issue an address to the people and out the North. An attempt was made to . to circulate a call for a mass convention to organize the territory of Kansas. For the be held at Jackson, July 6, 1854, "for the purpose of allowing slavery there the “Mis- formation of a new political organization, souri Compromise," passed in 1820, which the object of which should be to preserve JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN37 . . all the territorial domain of the nation for notable effects of this political change was the use and settlement of free men, to pre- the election of Zachariah Chandler to the vent the extension of slavery, and carry United States senate to succeed General into effect the spirit of the constitution and Cass. During Governor Bingham's admin- uphold the compromises of congress as istration, which continued from 1854 to sacred compacts with the people of the na- 1858, the new Sault Ste. Marie ship canal tion.” These calls were to be signed by was builded and opened, thus connecting leading citizens, printed in the local papers Lake Superior with the lower lakes, and it and copies sent the committee. Voters to was considered a vast undertaking. This the number of nine thousand had signed the canal was one mile long, one hundred feet call within a few weeks, and the result was wide and twelve feet deep. The lockage awaited with great interest. July 6, 1854, was seventeen feet, and it was a massive found fully three thousand earnest and ex- stone structure with two locks. It has since cited people in the city of Jackson. The been supplemented by the general govern- meeting was duly organized with Hon. ment by another canal of double its capacity, David S. Wallbridge, of Kalamazoo, as and the Canadian government has built a chairman and the other usual officers. A duplicate on their side of the river, and all committee of thirteen, of which Hon. Jacob are taxed to full capacity, so wonderful has M. Howard was the chairman, was ap- been the growth of the commerce of these pointed on platform and a like committee, great lakes. In 1857 an act was passed pro- with Judge Christiancy as chairman, to re- viding for the establishment of the Michi- port names of candidates for state offices. gan Agricultural College, which is now one A platform was adopted which styled the of the most flourishing and popular of our new organization "The Republican Party," state institutions. and a ticket reported with the name of Kins- ley S. Bingham as governor. GOV. MOSES WISNER'S ADMINISTRATION. The Democrats, to counteract this new movement, again placed the name of the The twelfth governor was Moses Wis- veteran Governor Barry at the head of the ner, who was chosen in 1858, and who ticket, but the prestige of the party was served two years. National politics still broken, and Mr. Bingham was chosen the dominated the public attention more than next governor. state affairs. The legislature of 1859 made a general overhauling of the state tax laws, GOVERNOR BINGHAM'S ADMINISTRATION. introducing many reforms. As a signal proof of the high standing of the state at With the election of Governor Bingham this time, we may mention that while the came a complete political revolution, and the taxes in the New England states, New York, state passed at once under the complete con- New Jersey and Pennsylvania, aggregated trol of the new party. National politics were from ten dollars to seventeen dollars per turbulent and distracted and secured more capita of inhabitants and Ohio, Indiana and attention than local matters. One of the Illinois averaged six dollars and fifty cents a 38 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. per capita, those in Michigan were only by Zachariah Chandler and Kinsley S. four dollars and fifty-seven cents. During Bingham, two founders of the Republican this administration, an independent supreme party and stalwart opposers of treason and court was provided and organized and ac- secession. Chandler at this time wrote that tion was taken to provide for the state debt, celebrated letter in which he said that in his and the settlement of claims against the opinion “the Union could not continue or state, and the celebrated Phønix Bank case endure longer without a little blood letting," was decided in favor of the state. During and advised the people of Michigan to pre- 1859 it transpired that State Treasurer John pare for that emergency. When the blow McKinney was a defaulter, and he was con- came the legislature quickly passed laws to victed and sent to state prison, but this organize the entire military strength of the caused a shadow to fall upon the whole ad- state, giving the governor extraordinary ministration, and all its members were war or military powers, and providing for turned down at the next state convention. bonding the state for all necessary expenses. When Sumter was fired upon in April, GOV. AUSTIN BLAIR'S ADMINISTRATION. and President Lincoln called for seventy- five thousand volunteers, Michigan was the At the general and presidential election first western state to send its quota to Wash- in 1860 Austin Blair was chosen as the ington. It had to pass through Baltimore, thirteenth governor of Michigan. Whether then practically in the hands of the rebels. the number thirteen had anything to do with A few days previous a mob had attacked the it or not, his administration, from 1861 to Sixth Massachusetts, an unarmed regiment 1865, was one of the most momentous and hurrying to Washington, and killed and important in the history of the state and wounded a large number of men. The the nation. Mr. Blair proved an energetic, Michigan regiment was fully armed and resourceful and patriotic governor, and by equipped, and when it arrived at the station his prompt and faithful support of President on the outskirts of Baltimore, the men left Lincoln and the government, he won the the cars and formed in line, and the first or- appellation of “Michigan's War Governor." der was to load with ball cartridges, and with The legislature of 1861 had some great fixed bayonets the men marched through problem to solve. It made a complete re- the city without molestation. The streets modelling of the state finances, and was a were lined with people, very largely rebels, potent factor in the events leading up to the and many were armed, but as the stalwart great Civil war. It was the only state that Michiganders swept past them with gleam- declined to send delegates to the national ing bayonets and half-cocked muskets, not convention called and presided over by ex- an indignity or a taunt was thrown at them. President Tyler to devise means and com- During all the war of the Rebellion, promises with the slave states, to prevent Governor Blair was untiring in his devotion secession, proclaiming its loyalty to the con- to the Union and the soldiery of his state. stitution and the principle of no more slave He organized and put into the field thirty territory. It was represented in the senate regiments of infantry, twelve of cavalry JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 39 1 and fifteen batteries of artillery, the whole duce the debt and still maintain the credit of totaling but little less than one hundred the state. thousand men. The regiments of Michigan During the first year of his term the fought on nearly every battle field from Bull troops engaged in the war were brought Run to Appomattox. They met the rebel home, paid off, and mustered out of military enemy in every rebel state, and won the service. This returned a great number of plaudits of praise. Not a single organiza- men to the walks of civil life, and they nearly tion failed in its duty or brought shame or all had some money. Business became brisk a stain upon the state. Their history has and, so far as an outsider could see, the been written and the state has generously country had suffered but little financially. placed the record of “Michigan in the War" The only prominent event in this adminis- in the hands of every veteran and his fam- tration outside the care of ordinary state ily. matters was in the abnormal construction of Michigan gave to fame many bright railroads. The legislature had passed acts names during the war, among them Gen- allowing counties, towns, cities and villages erals Sheridan, Richardson, Custer, Will- to bond themselves without limit for build- iams, Alger, Baxter, Briggs, Wilcox and ing railroads. Skillful promoters and spec- Terry, while thousands of her equally brave ulators set at work and during the two years and deserving sons fell “with their faces succeeding millions of bonds were voted all to the foe” during the long, arduous and over the state, payable by taxation of the bloody contest. several municipalities. When the legislature met in Governor Crapo's second term nu- GOV. HENRY H. CRAPO'S ADMINISTRATION. merous bills to legalize these bonds were passed, but the Governor refused to approve Henry H. Crapo succeeded Governor any of them. The legality of these bond Blair and served two terms. He was issues was taken to the state supreme court, elected in the dark hours just before the and that body declared the legislation was close of the Civil war. He had served in the unconstitutional. But many bonds had been state senate and been an able and bold sup- sold to capitalists outside the state. These porter of his predecessor and of all the war brought suit in the federal courts, which measures of the state. He took up the bur- sustained their validity and many of the den where Governor Blair laid it down and bonded municipalities were heavily taxed carried it manfully to the end. When he for years to pay these obligations. was inaugurated the bonded debt of the GOVERNOR BALDWIN'S ADMINISTRATION. state was $3,541,150, with a balance in the treasury of $440,000. In the single year just closed the state had expended $823,216.75 Henry P. Baldwin was the next gov- and at the close of the first year of his term ernor, being elected in 1868, and serving to the indebtedness had increased about $400,- the close of the year 1872. At the close of But by wise and prudent man- the war the taxable valuation of the state agement Governor Crapo soon began to re- was four hundred millions. The expenses OOO more. 40 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a of the war left the state in debt three and a The money to pay for it, sixty thousand half millions. There was over two hundred dollars, was raised by subscription, and thousand dollars in the treasury. Governor the people of all parts of the state con- Baldwin recommended a sinking fund to re- tributed. The project was planned by Rev. duce the debt, and legislation to relieve mu- George Taylor, the chaplain of the Eighth nicipalities for their railroad bonds declared Michigan Infantry, who was assisted most unconstitutional. The legislature submitted largely by the veterans themselves. The a constitutional amendment repudiating monument is forty-six feet high, is sur- these bonds, but it was defeated by the peo- mounted by a colossal statute, ten feet tall, ple at the spring election. Governor Bald- cast in bronze, representing Michigan. She win's second term was mostly devoted to the is represented as a semi-civilized Indian preliminary steps for building a new state queen, a wreath of victory on her head, capitol, which received the favorable con- while one hand holds a drawn sword and sideration of the legislature and people. the other a shield. At the base are four The fall of 1871 was memorable for the immense bronze eagles and at the corners of numerous destructive conflagrations in the the pedestal are life-size bronze figures of an woods of Michigan and Wisconsin. The infantryman, a cavalryman, an artilleryman summer had been phenomenally dry, and the and a sailor. The dedicatory lines on the fall was very windy. During October and front are: “Erected by the People of Mich- November there were several forest fires that igan in honor of the Martyrs who fell, and swept over thousands and thousands of acres. the heroes who fought in defense of Liberty One fire in the Manistee region swept over and Union." The dedicatory address was three counties. One started southwest of delivered by ex-Governor Blair and was a Saginaw and swept clear to the shore of masterpiece of rhetoric and oratory, and the Lake Huron, devastating five counties. unveiling was witnessed by more than twen- Statistics showed that over three thousand ty thousand people. families were burned out, and fully twenty thousand people made destitute and nearly JOHN J. BAGLEY'S ADMINISTRATION. one thousand lives lost. Governor Baldwin called on the people to contribute to their The sixteenth governor of the state was aid, and relief committees were formed John J. Bagley, elected in 1872 and inaugu- anywhere and inside of sixty days $462,106 rated January 1, 1873. He served two in money and $257,500 in clothing and sup- terms, or four years. $ The legislature of plies were donated. These were distributed 1873 revised the general railroad laws of the by the state agents, and prevented any state, provided for the taxation of railroad great destitution or suffering. This was grant lands, and prepared an act providing the same year of the great Chicago fire. for a commission to revise the constitution. April 9, 1872, the soldiers' monu- This was done and submitted to a special was dedicated in Detroit. This session session in the winter of 1874, but the re- noble memorial was designed by the sculp- vision was voted down at the general tor, Randolph Rogers, a native of Michigan. election in November, 1874. ment JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 41 test. During Governor Bagley's administra- divided between Republicans and the other tion the new capitol was principally con- two parties. The old prohibitory law had structed and it is admitted that nowhere in been repealed and a liquor tax law enacted. the Union has been a larger or better struc- A determined effort was made to restore ture built for the same cost. It is the only prohibition, which precipitated a stiff con- state capitol ever built in the United States In the course of his duties Governor inside of the original estimates and appro-Jerome vetoed some measures that passed priations. The cost was approximately one the legislature that caused a strong element and a half million dollars. of opposition. Governor Bagley introduced many re- During Governor Jerome's term occurred forms in the administration of asylums and the centennial of the surrender of York- prisons of the state, and left a record as a town, and the state appropriated money to sagacious and successful executive. send a full regiment of state troops to the celebration. There was much competition GOV. CHARLES M. CROSWELL among the companies, and the selection of the ten to go was the cause of much jealousy succeeded Governor Bagley and exercised and ill feeling. On the trip, the soldiers the functions of the office for two terms, were carried in the ordinary passenger from 1877 to 1881. During his adminis- coaches, while the Governor and his staff tration the Eastern Asylum for the Insane, and invited guests were provided with Pull- at Pontiac, was opened and the State House man coaches. The young and airy militia of Correction, at Ionia, both of which had officers raised a great howl at this discrimin- , been provided for under his predecessor. ation and at the assumed want of courtesy The new capitol was completed and the first of the Governor during the trip. The re- act of his second term was to preside at the sult of these causes and the combination of formal dedication of the new building. By the Democratic, Greenback and Prohibition careful economy and legislation the public parties in the next election caused Mr. Jer- debt had been greatly reduced. The year ome to be defeated by a small majority. 1877 was the year of the first great railroad riots at Chicago and Buffalo, and there was GOV. JOSIAH BEGOLE. some trouble at Detroit and Jackson, but it was controlled without loss of life or prop- For the first time since 1854 a governor erty. was elected on another than the Republican GOV. DAVID H. JEROME. ticket. However, all the state officers and a large majority of the legislature were of In the fall of 1880 David H. Jerome was that party. Of course, with the whole ad- chosen governor and inaugurated the suc- ministration against him, Governor Begole ceeding January. His administration was had but little opportunity to do anything destined to be a turbulent and troubulous except act as the state executive. He was one. The Greenback party had been organ- a weak man at best and his administration ized and the legislature was nearly evenly was notable only in that it was out of har- 42 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. GOV. RUSSELL A. ALGER. GOV. EDWIN B. WINANS. The re- GOV. CYRUS G. LUCE. mony with the political sentiment of the “Farmers' Alliance," and these uniting with state. the Democrats in the campaign of 1890 com- pletely defeated the Republicans in all the departments of the state government. Governor Begole was succeeded by Gen. Russell A. Alger in 1884, and a complete Republican administration. Harmony once more existed in the affairs of state. Gov- This aggregation of new political forces ernor Alger made a most vigorous and suc- elected Edwin B. Winans governor. The cessful governor. The state had for years legislature was a mixture of all parties, maintained an expensive system of foreign but soon fused and settled down to be prac- emigrant agents, which were abolished. tically a Democratic body. It started out Laws taxing foreign insurance companies with great professions of reform, and passed were passed and the fee for the state liquor many extremely radical laws. It was in fact licenses was increased. The financial con- a practical overturning of the whole ma- dition of the state was notably improved chinery and system of the state. during his term of two years. Governor sult was it was too radical. It did not make Alger declined a re-election. sufficient provision for the government, and at the end of the term it left the state nearly two hundred thousand dollars in debt. The result was that at the end of two years the The twenty-sixth governor of the state people decided they had had enough of that was Cyrus G. Luce, elected in 1886, and who kind of reform, and the state swung back served four years. Governor Luce was the to its Republican moorings with a heavy first farmer governor of the state since Gov. majority. Bingham, and was one of the most efficient and successful of a state fortunate in its GOV. JOHN T. RICH'S ADMINISTRATION. executives. During his administration the state debt was wiped out and several impor- At the annual election in 1892 John T. tant undertakings were begun. The Reform Rich was chosen governor, with a full staff School for Girls was greatly enlarged and of state officers and the legislature behind improved, the State School for Dependent him. The legislature at once set about un- Children established, the schools for the doing the work of its predecessor, and be- blind and deaf and dumb were separated, fore the session closed had placed the state and other steps taken which showed the on- back in its proper channels. The tax laws ward progress of the state. were reconstructed, and means provided for During the last year of Governor Luce's deficiencies, and ample appropriations made administration the wave of Populism swept to put all state institutions in easy running over the west and greatly affected the state order. of Michigan. There sprung up everywhere Governor Rich was a wise, conservative societies of “Patrons of Industry” and the head of the state. There was nothing of the JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 43 demagogue or the professional reformer in called several sessions of the legislature, and his make-up His business ability and finally, in spite of bitter opposition, forced strong common sense soon removed all dis- his tax theories, including the repeal of all abilities imposed by recklessness and fanati- the special railroad charters, into effect. The cism and he left the commonwealth in a flour- final results have not all been worked out ishing and satisfactory condition. During yet, but there is no doubt they have so far his administration an institution was found been beneficial to the state. ed for the care and education of the epileptics During his administration the so-called and feeble minded of the state, which added Spanish war occurred. Governor Pingree another useful adjunct to its eleemosynary entered into the spirit of this occurrence institutions. with all the ardor of his strenuous nature, For several years there had been growing and Michigan furnished promptly and in a feeling that the tax laws of the state had the best form all the troops asked for. That not distributed the tax burden equally and the government did not find much for these impartially. The assessment rolls had troops to do was no fault of theirs or the shown that the assessment of personal prop- state. Those that did see service acquitted erty had steadily decreased, and the taxes on themselves creditably and honorably. real estate were constantly increasing. The The misfortunes of Governor Pingree's legislature passed an act providing for the administration was that he was surrounded compilation of the tax statistics of the state, by a job lot of grafters and scoundrels. and the results of that investigation was These darkened the moral shade of an other- destined to work a great upheaval in the tax wise creditable and popular career. It is to conditions of the state. The tax statistician the honor of the state that these scoundrels reported to the legislature that of a total were finally discovered, tried, convicted and of upwards of twenty-one millions of tax- punished for their crimes. ation only one-fifth was levied upon personal property, and less than one-fifth upon rail- roads and other corporations, the other three-fifths falling on real estate, of which succeeded Governor Pingree in 1900, and the farmer paid the larger share. These is still the occupant of the executive chair. showings were destined to have a large in- Under his administration nothing of par- fluence upon the next administration. ticular interest has transpired. The state has prospered and its affairs are in safe and satisfactory condition. GOV. AARON T. BLISS GOV. HAZEN S. PINGREE appeared upon the scene as the champion RECOLLECTIONS AND REFLECTIONS. of more equal taxation. He was elected in the memorable campaign of 1896, by a tre- We have traced briefly the history of our mendous majority, and re-elected two years state for two hundred years. All that time later. His administration was aggressive it has been a constant advancement. The and spectacular in the largest degree. He aborigines have faded away until only a 44 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. remnant are left within its borders, and these from its organization. During its earlier are so well civilized as to be among the rest years of statehood some mistakes were made, of us—citizens. but the intelligence and patience of the peo- The real growth of Michigan dates back ple soon rectified these errors, and wise leg- less than a hundred years, and its best islation soon retrieved prosperity. The rate growth to about sixty years. In that time it of state taxation is now and always has been has increased in population two and a quar- less than in any other new state and greatly ter millions of people, and its representation below nearly all the older states. in congress from a single member to twelve The affairs of the state have been hon- representatives. Its school fund has in- estly administered. Only twice in its history creased from a few hundred dollars to up- has it been called upon to punish any of its wards of five millions expended annually. Its officials for fraud and dishonesty, and in great university from nothing until now it both cases the results were swift and effec- is third in size and importance in the United tive. What is true of state affairs is equally States, and the eighth in the world. It true of county and municipal conditions. has the largest and best conducted eleemosy- In fact, the records of the state contain no nary institutions in proportion to its pop- instances of flagrant defalcation or dishon- ulation on the American continent. In its esty on the part of local officials. moral equipment it has fully as many re- Politically, the state was Democratic un- ligious organizations and as much money til 1854. In that year it became Republic represented in churches, denominational can, and has remained so, except at one schools and colleges as any state in the election, and indications are that it will re- Union. main Republican for many years to come. In material prosperity Michigan also Michigan has always been loyal to the ranks high. In the production in minerals, Union. Not only in the last war with Eng- copper, iron, gypsum, cement, salt and coal land, but in the Mexican war, the war with it produces large supplies of each, the value the South, and the Spanish-American war, of which aggregate millions annually. the state furnished its full quota of troops, As an agricultural state it takes high and they proved among the bravest and most rank in all departments and lines of pro- reliable defenders of the nation. The his- duction. The census of 1900 shows that in tory of their bravery has been written on value of agricultural products, per acre, it every battle field from the battle of the is not exceeded by any other state. Thames, in 1813, to the capture of Santiago, In point of capital, banks and manufac- in 1899. While its people delight in the turing, it holds a high place and all these pursuits of peace, they have been and will interests are constantly expanding and in- ever be ready to respond to the honor and creasing. In railroad development it has defense of our common country. made great progress and the public wants In all these things we take a high and are fully supplied. Electric lines are also well founded pride, and it is the first in- extending rapidly in the thickly settled clination of all our people to say that first counties. of all we are Americans and secondarily we Michigan has been a well governed state are “Michiganders.” CHAPTER III. . THE INDIAN TRIBES. Much has been written in all the Amer- | treated until they reached a great prairie, ican histories about the Indians, whence they where the final struggle took place, after come, who they descended from and all other which the Pottawattomies held their terri- incidents, facts and surmises about the red tory unmolested. men of America. We shall not attempt to When the Indian wars incited by Tecum- repeat or renew these theories, but shall seh took place, the Pottawattomies joined only say they were here when we came here, that chieftain. They fought at the battle and there were plenty of them. What we of Tippecanoe, and lost “a heap of war- shall write will be pertinent to the local his- riors," and likewise in the battle of the tory we are pursuing and are conversant Thames, but this was the last warfare they with, preferring to individualize and give waged against the whites. When the Chip- facts to exploiting theories. pewas threatened hostilities in 1817, they Central Michigan was the home of the refused to join them. tribe known as the Pottawattomies. Their It was told by the Indians that two white territory extended over northern Indiana, soldiers captured at the battle of the Tip- and southern Michigan as far as the Shiawa- pecanoe were brought to the Pottawattomie see river. The Hurons occupied the eastern camps and tortured and burned. They were part of the state, the Chippewas, the Sagi- supposed to be men named McDonald and naw valley and north, the Ottawas, the west- Lymp, two of General Harrison's scouts, but ern portion. We frequently saw portions of whether this took place on Grand river or all those tribes, but as Jackson county was near Battle Creek on the Kalamazoo is un- wholly within the territory of the Pottawat- known. tomies, we shall consider them as especially The head chief of the tribe when Jack- our Indians. son county was settled was Whap-ca-zeek, The traditions of the tribe were that it “the fast runner.” His wigwam or home came up from the south. They were was in Spring Arbor. He was a tall and pushed forward by the various tribes of athletic Indian, who lost his left leg in the Atchipews, Shawanos and Sacs, until they battle of the Tippecanoe. His version of the made a final stand upon the bank of the fight was that he headed his braves in a “Washtenong Sepe” and drove the invaders charge upon the whites, and that when clos- back. There was a tradition of a great bat- ing on them with the tomahawk, a white tle among the hills, when the enemy re- soldier shot him, breaking his leg. He lay 46 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a where he fell until the fight was over, and protect thee? The fish replied, “While we the Indians were driven off, when the white are small we are in great danger, for fish men found him and, instead of killing him, swallow fish. Keep me at first in a cup; when took him to the hospital and amputated his I grow too large, dig a basin and put me leg and nursed him until he was well, when into that; when I have grown still more, they gave him a crutch and a pony and let throw me into the ocean: then I shall be him go home. He was always very grate- preserved from destruction.' Soon it grew ful for the care he received and was always to be a large fish and Manu took it to the a friend of the “Che-mo-ko-mans” ever after. sea, and it said to Manu, “When I shall Whap-ca-zeek was a very active Indian. have reached my full growth, that very With his sound leg and crutch he would run year shall the waters come. Then build a like a deer, and in the chase or on the march boat, and pray for me. When the waters would outstrip the best men of his tribe. rise I will come and save thee.' At the We have often seen him take a few leaps year indicated Manu built a boat and wor- and land astride of his horse, even when well shipped the fish, and when the waters came filled with “scoota-wa-bue,” or whiskey. He he entered the vessel. Then the fish came made and presented me, when a kid or "pap- swimming up to him, and Manu fastened a poose," as he called me, a beautiful Indian rope to the head of the fish and it swam with bow and arrow, and more than once was I and more than once was I him to the mountains of the north. The a guest at his hospitable camp. fish said. “I have saved thee; fasten a cable to a tree so the waters shall not carry it off THE STORY OF THE FLOOD. this mountain, and as the waters decrease thou shall descend with them and be safe.' Whap-ca-zeek was full of Indian lore. Manu did as directed, and thus ends the He had a tradition of the creation, that the traditions of the descent of Manu from the earth was planted by the Great Spirit by tak- Mountains of the North.” ing it from the sun and cooling it off with the falling waters, and then peopled it with AN INDIAN COUNCIL. bad spirits who were tired of living in the clouds. He had a tradition of the flood, All the affairs of the Indians were set- which is thus outlined by John Barnard, tled in a council of the chiefs and braves. who was for many years an Indian trader : The council ground was in the open ; its floor “One morning water was brought to was the earth and its cover the dome of Manui, the Good Spirit, for washing, and heaven. They were usually held at night. after he had washed himself a small fish A huge fire was built, and each chief and remained in his hand. And the fish ad- his best men sat in a circle around it. A dressed him in these words: ‘Protect me huge pipe was passed around and each sitter and I will save thee and thine.' 'From what took a whiff in his turn. When this was will you save me?' asked Manu. ‘A deluge finished the oldest chief made a speech, in- will sweep all living creatures away from the troducing the business to be done. Then each earth, but I will save thee.' 'But how shall I in his turn, and in the order of his age, gave JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 47 OTHER CHIEFS. expression to the views of his clan. If a CHIEF BAW BEESE. majority sided with the head chief, he was endorsed; if not, the plan of some other chief Baw Beese was the second chief in rank took its place. After the subject was de- among the tribes, and he lived on the beau- cided the pipe was again passed and the de- tiful lake that bears his name near the city cision was final. of Hillsdale. He was a stately and digni- At these councils there was some times fied Indian, very friendly to the whites. He much speaking, highly metaphorical and was frequently a visitor at Jackson and was some times emotional. The younger braves always a welcome visitor. . would grow fiery and impetuous until called down by the older heads. The response was OLD OKEMOS. usually by shaking the head for dissents, and grunts for approval. Among the sub-chiefs who often visited Jackson in an early day was Okemos, the head of the tribe on Cedar river in Ingham county. Okemos was a good Indian when There were a number of lesser chiefs sober, but a very bad one when drunk. At who lived in and near Jackson. Baptiste, one of his visits he ran amuck in the set- “the trader," was one who was at the head tlement, which caused a good deal of ter- of a small band in the northeast part of the ror, until he ran across Mr. John McCon- county. He lived near the lake that bears nell, and came out of the scrimmage a good his name in the township of Henrietta. He deal the worse for wear. In 1831 General was not a full blood, but was a quarter Cass visited Okemos, going down Grand French. He was not a hunter, but a trader, river and up the Cedar in a canoe, and made but had a great influence with the tribe in his a special treaty with him that cut off his neighborhood. He had several daughters control over the tribe, and was a source of and no sons. His wife and daughters were much satisfaction to the white settlers. often seen in Jackson, with the richest silks wrapped around them, and were subjects CHIEF OWASSO. of envy. One of them married a French- . man named Beaureaux. It is said that Bap- This chief was born on the banks of tiste-Beaureaux traded with the settlers in the Shiawasee river, near where the city of Jackson county as far back as 1815. They that title stands. When a young man, he sold them fire arms, powder, lead and whis- joined the British in the raid and massacre key in exchange for furs. It was the usual at Sandusky, and was very severely wound- custom for the French traders and half ed. He lay for weeks in an Indian wigwam, breeds to desert their Indian wives when with his head split open and a saber thrust they had acquired a competence, but here through his lung, but he finally recovered. was an exception, and the Baptiste family Owasso never afterwards went on the war remained long after the last Pottawattomies path and remained to his death a good friend had disappeared. of the white people. 48 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. SOME OTHER INDIANS. tives. He was indeed a wise Indian, and instead of barbarous enchantments he doc- Man-at-cost-way was a cousin of Old tored with roots and herbs, prepared washes Okemos, and had a record as a “heap big and salves, and carried quite a kit of rem- warrior.” He was engaged in the fights edies. He was continually on the go from around Sandusky, the massacre of River one camp to another, and the whites fre- Raisin, the battle of the Tippecanoe, and on quently called him to their aid. It was said the Thames. He was several times wound- he could set a broken arm or leg and bind ed, and had an ugly scar on his head caused it up in good shape. He remained in Mich- by a saber wound. He was not a popular igan after his tribe was removed, and made Indian among the settlers and was never his home near Dowagiac until he died, in rated as friendly. He was finally removed 1849. to the reservation near Green Bay and was The marriage relations of the Indians killed in a drunken row among his own were peculiarly their own. Naturally and people. by tradition they were a virtuous people, Chippewa Jack was another Indian with and any transgression of their laws brought a bad record. His half brother was one of swift, certain and exemplary punishment, the Indians hung in 1821 for murder, and he most often death as the revenge of the hus- was usually looking for trouble. He was band or father. But the mixture with the finally disposed of by being sent to a reser- whites in this, as in almost everything else, vation and cared for by government troops brought immorality and degradation. in 1832. The forms of marriage differed with Pey-wi-tun was an Indian guide for nearly every tribe. The most usual course years. He was employed as a pack bearer was by purchase, and the price was generally in all the government surveys, and had an one or more ponies. Some times it was intimate knowledge of all the trails and paid in furs and skins, and some times a re- camps in central Michigan. He was a very ward of personal bravery or sacrifice. The powerful man, six and a half feet high and young squaw had little to say about it, the generally peaceful. father having the right to dispose of his Ash-ke-na-bug-na-ka, or the "skunk hunt- daughter as he chose. Generally it was a - er," was a noted Indian. He made a spe- private bargain, and the young brave simply cialty of hunting skunks, and was usually took his bride by the hand and led her out clad in the skins. His cap consisted of skins of the parental wigwam to his own tepee. with the heads sticking up on top of his They must keep hold of hands until the head and the hind legs and tail hanging ceremony was complete or it was an ill around his neck and face. It was said by When the groom carried the bride the settlers that his garb did not smell to away on horseback, the hands were un- heaven, but it was plainly discernible a mile clasped at the horse and she was seated be- distant. hind the husband. Occasionally there was Ka-ta-po-ka-gon was a medicine man, a “pow-wow,” participated in by the rela- and possessed great influence among the na- tives of the bride, which was little else than omen. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 49 a drunk. We witnessed one of these latter sence of these some roots and tender twigs. weddings at the home of an Indian named Some times a little rice, corn or wheat was Tat-a-wa-sec-bing, near Brown's lake, in added, and the whole was boiled and stirred Summit township, and it was the biggest to the consistency of a thick soup. When drunk we remember of. Two citizens of thoroughly cooked, the male Indians were Jackson, Zenas Fuller and Joseph Corwin, all served first, and next the squaws and furnished the whiskey and the Wenman pappooses in their regular order. They boys did the fiddling, the celebration lasting would eat until filled up, when they would two or three days. all smoke and lay down and sleep. Indians The Indians usually gathered in little had no regular meal times, but only ate as groups near some spring, brook, river or lake they had game or other provisions at hand. and built wigwams and tepees of poles, bark Every group of Indians had their fields and bushes for shelter. Some of these places or gardens. In these they raised corn, po- were quite romantic, and the houses very tatoes and sometimes cabbages. They had skillfully constructed. The work was all planted large patches of artichokes and tur- done by the squaws. Whaup-ka-zeek had a nips, and in case of necessity would eat these wigwam all covered with skins, principally raw. The Indian fields were peculiar. A flat of wolves, deer and bears. There were piece of ground was selected and hills build- nearly a hundred skins in the covering. Each ed in regular rows. These hills were usually wigwam had a hole in the center of the roof about eighteen inches high and three feet as an outlet for smoke, and in cold weather The hills only were cultivated, the the fire was always built in the center of the rest left for grass. Every spring corn and wigwam. The family all slept in one bed, cabbages were planted in the hills and care- usually on the ground, though many had fully cultivated, not a weed or spear of grass beds of leaves and grass, the covering being being allowed to grow in them. Potatoes skins and blankets. We remember once were also planted in these big hills, and were sleeping over night in Baw Beese's wigwam, dug as wanted, enough being always left in and the whole family, women and children, the hills for seed. All this work was done all mixed in together. We slept well, but by squaws. The Indians were very fond of on returning home soon found, to my mis- roasted corn, and as soon as the ears were tress' horror, that we had brought away a formed they were plucked. Only a few hills choice assortment of bugs. were saved for seed and these were carefully The Indian method of cooking was very marked and not molested until fully ripe. primitive. The household furniture usually Potatoes were dug as needed at all seasons consisted of a good sized iron pot, a few tin of the year, only the large ones taken for cups or basins and a number of iron spoons. eating, and the smaller ones were carefully When game was brought in it was dressed, left in the hills for further growth. after a fashion, and placed in the iron pot, The Indians had many apple and wild which was usually put on a fire out of doors. plum orchards, and great care was taken The squaws added such vegetables, chopped when the plains were burned over in the fine, as the season afforded, and in the ab- fall to protect these orchards, as well as the across. 4 50 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. THE INDIAN BABES. huckleberry swamps and cranberry marshes. playing tricks. Wrestling and foot racing They were a source of diet, as well as of were constant sports, and pony racing was merchandise. frequent and exciting. We have spent many The Indians had a peculiar vessel which days, when young, witnessing and joining was called a "mokirk.” It was made of in these sports. Shooting at mark and at bark, and would hold about a bushel. In pennies was a constant sport for the young this all their provisions, fruit and berries, boys. No race of men since the flood were were carried. It had a band attached, and greater athletes than the Indians. Their when filled a squaw would sling it on her powers of endurance were immense, and they back, put the band over her forehead, and would go days, if necessary, without food. carry it for miles. We have no recollection There was a full company, one hundred of ever seeing a male Indian carrying a mo- strong, of Indians attached to the regiment I kirk, or in fact anything else except a rifle had the honor to command, the First Michi- and a "jag.” gan Sharpshooters, and they were model sol- When the Indians moved their camp or diers in every respect. Their powers of en- made a journey they always moved in single durance were of the highest order, and they file, the chief and his family ahead, and the were in all respects equal, and in many su- next in seniority following. The men rode perior, to the best white soldiers. on ponies, and the women and children fol- lowed on foot. If an Indian owned more than one pony, his squaw was some times allowed to ride, provided the pony was not Nothing excited the curiosity of the loaded with household traps. If he had no wives and daughters of the early set- second pony, the squaws had to tlers more than the Indian pappoose. ry the luggage on their backs. Their When the women of the present time trails wound upon the driest read of the manner in which the youth- and most level land, and frequent- ful savage is raised, they will not wonder ly one had to travel miles to make a short at the surprise exhibited by the pioneers at distance in a direct line. In this way they the tenderness shown by the Indian mother frequently made journeys of hundreds of toward her child, or at the rude cradle in miles in summer and winter, camping camping which the aborigines were nursed. It is also where the night found them, and subsisting well to convey an idea of how the wild wo- on game and fish. The early settlers were man of the wilderness treated her offspring, much annoyed by these tramping parties, because a pleasant and envious notion is en- who when they came to a cabin would walk tertained here and in other civilized precincts right in and take possession, remaining until that young Indians grow—just grow, as they had eaten everything in sight. Topsy thought she did. But it is not so; Many of the Indians were very sporty. they have sore eyes and bad tempers; they They were great gamblers, and played nu- wake up in the night with lusty yells and merous games, some with cards, some with the colic; they have fits; they raise riots stones and sticks, and many were adepts at when cutting their teeth; and they are just car- round JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 51 our own. a as much petted and just as mischievous as which the baby can be firmly lashed at full length on its back. This board is usually The mothers of Pocahontas and Red covered by softly-dressed buckskin, with Jacket worried over them with just as much flaps and pouches in which to envelop the earnestness as, perhaps, did the maternal baby; other tribes, not rich or fortunate progenitor of George Washington, while enough to procure this material, have re- quite as much paternal supervision was course to a neat combination of shrub-wood given, doubtless, to one as to the other. When poles, reed splints, grass matting, and the the question of love and tenderness alone is soft and fragrant ribbons of the bass or mooted, then should it be said without hesi- linden tree bark. Sweet grass is used as tation that the baby born today in the shad- a bed for the youngster's tender back, or else ow and smoke of savage life is as carefully clean, dry moss plucked from the bended . cherished as the little stranger that may ap- limbs of the swamp firs; then, with buck- pear here simultaneously with it, amid all the skin thongs or cords of plaited grass, the surroundings of civilized wealth; and the baby is bound down tight and secure, for any difference between them does not commence and every disposition that its mother may see to show itself until they have reached that fit to make of it for the next day or two. age where the mind begins to feed and rea- Indian babies, as a rule, are not kept in son upon what it sees, hears, feels and tastes; their cradles more than twenty or twenty- then the gulf yawns between our baby and four consecutive hours at any one time; they the Indian's; the latter stands still, while the are usually unlimbered for an hour or two former is ever moving onward and upward. every day, and allowed to roll and tumble , The love of an Indian mother for her at will on the blanket, or in the grass or child is made plain to us by the care and la- sand if the sun shines warm and bright. bor which she often expends upon the cra- But this liberty is always conditional upon dle. The choicest production of her skill in their good behavior when free, for the mo- grass and woolen weaving, the neatest nee- ment the baby begins to fret or whimper, dlework and the richest bead embroidery the mother claps it back into the cradle, , that she can devise and bestow, are lavished where it rests with emphasis, for it can there upon the quaint-looking cribs which savage move nothing save its head; but so far from mothers nurse and carry their little ones disliking these rigid couches, the babies act- around in. This cradle, though varying in ually sleep better in them than wlien free, minor details, is essentially the same thing, and positively cry to be returned to them no matter where it is found, between the In- when neglected and left longer than usual dians of Alaska and those far to the south, at liberty. This fact is certainly an amusing in Mexico. The Esquimaux are the excep- instance of the force of habit. tion, however, for they use no cradle what- When the pappoose is put away in its ever, carrying their infants snugly ensconced cradle, the mother has little or no more con- in the hoods to their parkies and otto-fur cern with it, other than to keep within sight jumpers. The governing principle of a pap- or hearing. If she is engaged about the poose cradle is an unyielding board, upon I wigwam or in the village, she stands it up , , 52 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. INDIVIDUALITIES. in the lodge corner or hangs it to some con- venient tree, taking it down at irregular in- tervals to nurse. When she retires at night, The Indian's capacity for recollection the baby is brought and suspended at some and recognition was something wonderful. point within easy reaching; if the baby is ill, No one ever knew an Indian to become lost it is kept at her side, or she sits up all night no matter how dense the forest or how dark in the most orthodox fashion. When the and cloudy the weather. They were children women leave the village on an errand, such of nature, and fully versed in all the signs as going to the mountains for berries or to and tokens that nature provided to guide the river canyon for fish, the cradles with her children. He knew how the grasses the babies therein are slung upon the moth- turned their heads, how the trees inclined ers' backs, and carried, no matter how far, their boughs and leaves, the influences of the how rough the road or how dismal the wind and storms, and courses of the sun, weather. moon and the stars. They employed all of Indian babies are born subject to all the nature's signs to translate conditions and ills that baby flesh is heir to, but with this positions, and their instinct was almost un- great difference between them and ours- erring. They could track animals and game when sick they are either killed or cured of all kinds, and tell what it was by the without delay. This does not happen. how- impress it made on the grass and leaves, ever, from sinister motives; it is not done to and whether the trail was fresh or stale. avoid the irksome care of a sickly, puny They never forgot faces or occasions, any child; it is not the result of lack of natural more than they did kindnesses or injuries. love for offspring—not for any or all of The Indians were removed from central these; it is due to their wonderful “medi- Michigan, in the early 'forties, to the reser- cine," their fearful system of incantation. vation near Fort Howard, Green Bay, Wis- A pappoose becomes ill; it refuses to eat or consin. In 1870 I had occasion to go to be comforted; and after several days and Fort Howard on business and had hardly nights of anxious, tender endeavor to re- alighted from the cars when I was accosted lieve her child, the mother begins to fear by some Indian. I was surprised, and asked, the worst, and growing thoroughly alarmed, in answer to their "bushu," who they were, she at last sends for the “shaman," or a doc- and the reply was, “We knew you in Michi- tress of the tribe, and surrenders her babe gan.” Nothing would do but I must go to his or her merciless hands. This shaman out to their village, and there I found a at once sets up over the wretched youngster large number who recollected me, my father a steady howling, and then anon a whisper- and my mother. The trip cost me, however, ing conjuration, shaking a hideous rattle or about twenty dollars in treats and small burning wisps of grass around the cradle. souvenirs to the old friends of our family. This is kept up night and day until the baby The besetting sin of the Indian was and rallies or dies, one doctor relieving the other is his intense love for "Scootawaubu," or until the end is attained, and that result is “fire water.” It matters not how much civ- death nine times out of ten. ilization he may acquire, how religious he is JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 53 on when sober, nothing quenches his craving manded by Colonel Sackett, all under com- for whiskey. The appetite he always has, mand of Brig.-Gen. Hugh Brady, came to . and no amount of restraint will hold him in Jackson and camped the Moody check. It used almost always to be the first Hill, along where Ganson street now runs, question, “Got any whiskey ?" This passion and began to gather up the Indians. About was so strong that it obscured all other de- fifteen hundred were collected and the In- sires. General Cass relates that at a con- dians were escorted to Detroit and embarked ference when he made the treaty at Chicago on boats to Green Bay. In the fall of 1840 by which the Indians ceded their lands in there was another round-up, and all but a northern Illinois, that the first demand was few scattering bands were removed. The for whiskey-"give us whiskey before we band of Pokhagon, on the St. Joseph river, will talk with you,” and he was compelled did not sign the treaty of removal, but ac- to comply with the demand. For the love of cepted lands in severalty and remained. Sev- whiskey, the best of the men would sacrifice eral bands of Chippewas did the same and anything, and even trade the virtue of their still remain at their old homes in the Sagi- wives and daughters to secure it. Civiliza- naw valley. The removal of the red men tion is responsible for more crimes against abated a great nuisance to the settlers, the Indian race, than nature prompted them though they were not considered dangerous. to commit against the whites. The Indians were not naturally thievish, and yet they had a way of taking things REMOVAL OF THE INDIANS. that was in many instances unpleasant and annoying. They were great beggars, and In 1839 and 1840 the general govern- visited the settlers' cabins without warning ment effected the removal of most of the and insisted on being fed and lodged, on Pottawattomies to the reservation set apart cold winter nights. If accommodated they for them near Green Bay, in Wisconsin. The were peaceful and orderly when not under Fourth United States Infantry, commanded the influence of liquor, and very seldom by Colonel McIntosh, Lieut.-Colonel Worth made trouble. But they were none the less and Major Bowman, and four companies of a great nuisance and the people were rejoiced the Second United States Cavalry, com- to be rid of them. CHAPTER IV. HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY. In beginning the history of Jackson | He and my father kept in communication, county proper it is not amiss, perhaps, to though a letter then cost twenty-five cents state a few of the facts that led up to its postage. Stratton wrote father as early as early settlement. 1828, advising him to come to Michigan In 1812, the writer's father, then a young and locate on some of the beautiful plains man of only eighteen years, with two cou- and openings in the territory. sins and a companion, volunteered at North When father left for Massachusetts the Brookfield for the war, and joined the Amer- trustees of the seminary at Lisle Center, in ican forces at Plattsburg, New York. Dur-Tioga county, twelve miles from Caroline ing the battle of Plattsburg one of the cou- and four miles from Blackman, asked him sins was killed. After their discharge the to send them a lady principal for their other cousin returned to Vermont and set- school, and father induced a second cousin, tled. My father and his companion, named Miss Mary Putnam, of Worcester, Massa- Stratton, remained in New York. Strattonchusetts, to accept the position. She went was a surveyor, and they first obtained work to the school and after teaching about three on the Erie Canal, which was being con- years she was engaged to Horace Blackman structed. Both had a good common school and returned to Worcester in December, education, and father was a beautiful writer, 1828. Mr. Blackman came to Worcester in and they taught district schools and writing February, 1829, when they were married. schools winters. They continued together While visiting my father and mother, on in this way for five years. When they sep- this occasion, father showed to Horace arated father was teaching school in the Blackman the letters from Stratton. Mr. town of Caroline, in Tompkins county. Blackman had already had a touch of “west- There he was married to Mary G. Keith, a ern fever," though it had only reached as niece of Mrs. Lemuel Blackman, who was far as western New York. Stratton's letter a Keith. About a year after his marriage renewed it, and he expressed a desire to see father was called home to Massachusetts by Michigan. Father gave him Stratton's let- the death of his father. Stratton still stuck ters to show his father and brothers and also to the Erie Canal until it was completed to a letter to Mr. Stratton. After conferring Buffalo, in 1825. In 1826 he came to Mich- with his people in New York, it was deter- igan as an assistant in the United States mined Horace should make the trip to Mich- surveys, then proceeding in that territory. igan, and if satisfied locate a farm and re- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 55 port. His father furnished him three hun- the West, or in tracing the development of dred dollars, and with the proceeds of the any district or country within its broad do- sale of a team of horses of his own, Horace main, the chronicler, as he surveys the past started in June for the new territory. from the grand standpoint of the present, When he arrived at Ann Arbor he, after is led to reflect upon the causes which have some delay, found Stratton, and presented transformed the West from a wilderness in- his letters. Mr. Stratton received him kind- to an Eden; that have made the haunt of ly and advised him wisely. He told him a the wild beast and the untamed and untu- new county had just been laid off west of tored savage the home of a cultured and Washtenaw, and that the great Indian trail thrifty people—the granaries of the world to Lake Michigan crossed the Grand river and the marts of a great and ever increasing within a mile or so of the center of the new commerce—with its attendant concomitants county, and advised him to go there and of civilizing and elevating life. But for the make a location, as it was an old Indian present, let the simple facts of this wondrous camping ground and might become a county change suffice; fet it be enough to know seat. Mr. Stratton kindly furnished Black- that, within the memory of men not yet old, man with minutes of the survey and instruc- tens of thousands of miles area have been tions how to look out his location, and ad- wrung from the grasp of luxuriant nature vised him to procure Pee-wy-tum as Indian by systematic act; that forests, which but guide, and Alexander Laverty, an experi- yesterday were growing but to decay, are enced woodsman, to pilot him to the loca- now employing myriads of men in trans- tion. Mr. Blackman did as directed, and the forming them into the utilities of civiliza- result was that he “stuck his stake” where tion; that the yell of marauding savages is Jackson now stands. This is the true his- still fresh on our ears, while its echoes are tory of how Horace Blackman came to come being caught up and re-flung to the winds west, and how he was induced to plunge for by the shriek of the locomotive as the thun- forty miles into the wilderness to make his der of its approach heralds the advent of en- location. lightened industry—that the tomahawk, yet Jonathan F. Stratton afterwards platted unrusted by age, is supplanted by the plow- the village of Jackson, was one of the com- share—that the music of water-falls, scarce- missioners appointed by General Cass to lo- ly yet dead upon the ears of forest hama- cate the county seat, and lived to see his dryads, is now absorbed in the busy hum of prediction verified that a thriving city would wheel and revolving saw and the clang of grow up on the very spot he had indicated. machinery—that the echoes which but yes- terday slept or drowsily repeated the hum of forest life, are today sending back the count- From the first directory of the city of less voices of many-tongued civilization. Jackson, published in 1867 by James M. These, in their magnitude, rapidity of trans- Thomas, we copy the following intro- formation and beauty of results, to say ductory: nothing of the measureless benefits conferred "In writing the history of any village of upon mankind by unlocking such a vast and A RHAPSODY. 56 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. rich storehouse, will sufficiently interest non- further progress is stopped by the barrier philosophical readers, without a strict in- of a swift-running river. quiry into their rationale. “Standing upon the banks of this beau- "Previous to the year 1829 there was not tiful stream, its thousand eddies and wave- a vestige of civilization a dozen miles west lets glistening in the sunlight of a bright of the little hamlet known as Ann Arbor. July morning like a sheen of myriad spears, Central and western Michigan, with all her he sees upon the opposite banks a range of magnificent resources, was almost wholly finely wooded hills, here and there broken unknown, save to a very few in the employ- by slight ravines, extending to the north and ment of the government as surveyors or south, glorious in all the freshness of sun- protectors of the little settlements about De- mer's emerald livery, unsoiled by dust, and troit, who were sometimes compelled to tra- waving free and happy to the music of bird verse portions of the interior, or to the ad- and waterfall. It is a scene of pastoral beau- veturous Indian traders, who, however, had ty, such as poets love to weave into verse little care for aught save their trading posts and painters delight to portray. and their lucrative traffic with the savage “But could he, as he stood there at that tribes. Occasionally the governor, with his moment, have been imbued with the power aids and a few troops, would penetrate the of piercing futurity for the space of thirty deep recesses of the territory to make treat- years, he would have found much that would ies with the Indians; but to the people of have stirred his soul more deeply than the the populous eastern states these fertile lands sensations of delight which he now exper- and richly stocked mines of mineral wealth ienced at this lovely scene of nature's glory, , were all unknown, and the swarming cities all untouched by art. He would have seen now spread over the bosom of our fair state at first a straggling cabin or two—a little and the splendid destiny of this then forest- longer, and more of them—the rude tavern, shrouded land were undreamed of even by the insignificant store, a few new sounds of the wildest schemer of the age. the skirmish in the battle by which nature “Leaving the last boundaries of civilized is subdued and made the handmaid of art. life at the little hamlet above referred to, Years hurry along--a more commodious the adventurous seeker for a new home, at- residence supplants the cabin, a "hotel" im- tracted hither by the fame of the West, proves upon the tavern, more stores are which had just begun to be sounded vaguely erected, the hills are invaded, and surveyors and mysteriously at the East, plunges into and stakes mark the outlines of a “city.” the wierd forests and, guided by the Indian But a little longer, and the rude cabins disap- trail, pursues his march with no other ob- pear, and lines of brick houses, lofty ware- ject-point than the quest of a good location. houses, the academy and the church mark At the end of the second day he comes to a the rapidity of the charge. lovely valley, and as he traverses it and be- “Still farther down the lapse of years his holds with wonder and delight the mani- vision bends, till the city of today fixes his fold charms that it is endowed withal, his astonished gaze. The stream, upon whose JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 57 grass banks he stands, is chained and made sub- started on the 2d day of July, 1829, for the servient to many purposes—mills and ma- valley of Washtenong-sepe—the Grand chinery cover cover its laughing waters, and river. Three miles west of the hamlet of bridges above and below him span its rapid Ann Arbor they passed the last settlers, tide. Strange and unaccustomed sights and Clement and McCartney, and plunged into sounds strike upon his senses. Before him the wilderness. They followed the Indian and about him, like the men that rose at the trail, but the weather was very hot and their bugle blast of Roderick Dhu, arise the roofs, heavy heavy packs soon became a burden. But, the domes and spires of a city's varied brood. with the unflagging spirit of the true pio- A dozen lofty steeples reach high in the blue neer, they pressed on, fording the streams, ether, palatial banks of brick and stone, regal crossing the marshes and swamps, and residences surrounded with the green of traveling through the beautiful stretches of woodland foliage and all that nature can do oak openings, with its velvety carpet of to heighten the effects of art; massive acad- and its innumerable wild flowers. The first emies and places of learning; long, wide night they camped near a brook at the foot streets, with stone pavements, or with of the “short hills,” probably about where the smooth, hard bottoms, fringed by long lines village of Chelsea now stands, . They slept of twinkling, brilliant gas-lights, the hills, on the ground under some large trees the so quiet and lovely in their serene solitude, sweet sleep of the tired traveler, arising at now dotted with thousands of dwellings, dawn refreshed, and after partaking of and the vast stone structure to the right, as breakfast prepared by Captain Laverty, they he gazes about him, meets his view. As the pushed forward. pushed forward. It was nearly sun down forins and sounds of his vision fade, there of the second day when, after passing come upon his ear the pulsating of a score through a strip of heavy timber, they came of steam pipes, the sharp clang of a thou- suddenly at the river. “Washtenong-sepe," sand hammers, the thunders of long trains sang out the guide. They forded the river of freighit and passenger cars, the scream of and found themselves upon a level plain, locomotives, the hum of a great crowd, and, with a range of hills in the background. in short, the voices, the roar and murmur of Horace Blackman said it was a beautiful a great city. sight,—the land so smooth, no underbrush, “So much for the past and present—for beautiful groves of trees, high banks, in , the transformation of thirty-seven years- front the . relics of the Indian camping for the magical operation of the genius of grounds, to the right a corn field, and to the civilization, as she waves her wand over the left heavy timber and openings reaching to silent productiveness of nature—one touch, the tops of the hills. and the waste places are made glad—the The tired travelers made their camp that solemn forest has become a peopled city.” | night on a slight elevation a few rods west of the river at the intersection of what are BLACKMAN'S JOURNEY. now Jackson and Trail streets, and there Having completed his arrangements, reposed, for the first night, the earliest pio- Mr. Blackman and his two companions | neers of Jackson. > 58 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. A CELEBRATION. > over PICKING OUT A LOCATION. ground, and the dog making a sudden leap, seized the pork, and hung suspended in the After a quiet and refreshing sleep, the air, "a noble specimen of the dog fish,” as travelers awoke to behold the rising of a the Captain had it. A few kicks, the line beautiful July sun. It was the dawning of broke, and the dog ran away with the hook the fifty-third anniversary of American in- sticking in his jaws, keeping up a continual dependence, and with their minds inspired ki-yi, ki-yi, rubbing first one paw and then with patriotic emotions they resolved to cel- the other his jaws, which the ebrate it. At sunrise a salute was fired with hook had so cruelly lacerated. a As the dog their rifles, which echoed far and wide. A disappeared, Horace quietly remarked that hearty breakfast was eaten, and then the it was “the first dog he ever saw playing the celebration began. Mr. Blackman called the Jew's harp.” The Captain said he believed meeting to order. Captain Laverty made him to be a good patriotic dog, and that he an oration in English and Pottawattomie, was probably playing “Hail Columbia," or toasts were drank in pure “wauboo” from some other national air, set to the peculiar the "sepe,” at the close of which the crack measure of canine music. of Pee-wy-tum's rifle sounded the applause. The celebration lasted for an hour. The re- ports from the rifle were heard by some The next day the party made a careful Indians not far away who soon appeared examination of the ground up and down the upon the scene, and who joined in the ap- river for a few miles. It was evident from the plause at the close of Captain Laverty's ora- riffles in the stream that a good water power torical effort in the Indian dialect. Then could be obtained, and the great question a dinner was served. The Indians brought was as to the most available spot for a town green corn and potatoes from their field, site. This was no easy undertaking, requir- and with fish and game, the party were soon ing a careful survey of the country, the lay enjoying a banquet. Probably a of the land, the approaches in each direction. thankful and joyous celebration of the glori- Blackman and Laverty took a careful sur- ous Fourth was never enjoyed on the same vey of their maps, and soon found the cor- territory than this one, and Blackman and ners of the sections and lots, and made Laverty never tired of telling to the later careful measurements of the distances. They emigrants the events of that day. found that the southeast quarter of section HORACE BLACKMAN'S STORY. 34, in town 2 south, range I west, furnished the best opportunity for platting, and Black- Laverty had been fishing that morning, man “stuck his stake” on that description. and had left his fishing pole standing by a The great Indian trail passed directly stump, the line hanging over with a piece of through it; it was the only place for several pork on the hook; an Indian's dog had eyed miles where the river was safely fordable, this closely for some time, and just as they with hard land on both banks; it was quite had finished the celebration, concluded to level, and yet high enough above the river seize it. It swung some four feet from the for good drainage and gradually rose to- a more JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 59 for years. wards the hills to the west and north. A the river. His funds were low and he went beautiful creek ran through the northerly back to Ann Arbor and hired out to a Mr. part, along which the Indians had camped Meade to chop and clear land near that place. The southeasterly part was ANN ARBOR IN 1829. swampy along the river, but this was so far from the center that it offered but little ob- According to Mr. Blackman, the village jection. of Ann Arbor then contained about two hun- Here, then, Mr. Blackman decided to dred or two hundred and fifty inhabitants. plant the standard of a new civilization, It had three hotels or taverns, four stores, a and found not only a new county seat but log school house, one frame church and a city that would give promise to become several wagon, blacksmith and other shops. during his lifetime one of the largest and A small frame court house and a log jail most noted in the new state. Here also were the county buildings. There was a the Indian trails divided, one diverging to considerable number of farmers located to the south to the Indiana line, and thence the east and south, but only two west and to Chicago, another to the northwest down a few north of the place. It was quite a the Grand river, while the main trail kept hustling place, beautifully located on a high due west to the old French fort at St. plain. A saw-mill and a small grist-mill, Joseph. with one run of stone, and an ashery were Blackman learned from the natives of located on the Huron river nearly a mile the Indian village at the “big springs” in from the main village. He used to say that Spring Arbor, a half day's journey to the the principal part of the inhabitants were southwest, and the old trading post that | lawyers, doctors and land speculators. Battesee had founded and which was visited These congregated nightly at Goodrich's spring and fall by Beaureaux and Loranger, tavern and discussed the news and the future who penetrated the wilderness from Fort possibilities. A weekly mail wagon ran to Gratiot twice a year to buy furs of him and Sheldon's tavern, sixteen miles from De- of old Okemos. troit, and connected with the stage over the Having settled upon his location, Mr. Chicago turnpike, which ran through to Blackman returned to Ann Arbor and dis-Chicago. via Tecumseh, Jonesville, White missed his two companions. From here he | Pigeon, Bristol, Terra Coupe and Michigan traveled on foot to Monroe, and registered | City. his location at the United States land office, WHAT THE ANN ARBORITES THOUGHT. paying for his one hundred and sixty acres at two dollars per acre, and receiving a Mr. Blackman was an object of con- “duplicate," or receipt, which entitled him to siderable interest when it became known a deed from the government. While at that he had “located” on Grand river, and Monroe he wrote to his brother Russell to the wisest ones shook their heads and said join him at Ann Arbor as soon as possible, he had gone too far west, that it would be and to bring money to locate another one twenty years before settlements would reach hundred and sixty acres on the east side of there, and some even went so far as to say 60 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. BUILDING THE FIRST HOUSE. he only had in view an Indian trading post his brother had formulated their plans for at the end of the big trail. Mr. Stratton their new village. Main street was to be was the only one who approved of his un- where Trail street now is and there were dertaking and told Blackman, “Keep your to be four east and west streets and two own council, and in a few years you will north and south streets through the location surprise all of them." And they were at right angles, with intervening alleys every prophetic words. eight rods. This plat was put on paper by Mr. Stratton and marked Blackman's plat. Subsequent events interfered with these cal- It was the last of August before Russell culations materially, and caused consider- Blackman appeared on the scene. He able strife and contention before the present brought only a couple hundred dollars, with plat was finally adopted. tales of hard times in New York state and a TWO NEW COMERS. dismal tale of disappointment over Horace's venturesome plunge of forty miles into the In October two other persons who were wilderness. But Horace was undaunted. Looking for a location in the west came to . He purchased a pair of oxen and an old Ann Arbor, and, hearing of the location of wagon, and hiring three good men, they the Blackmans in the Grand river country, again plunged into the open country for the concluded to visit it. They were Isaiah W. new home. In two days' time they reached Bennett and John Daniels, of Genesee the river, and with the hird men set about county, New York. They came on through falling timber, clearing away the ground but the location did not strike them favor- and erecting a log house, on the ground at ably and they returned without making a what is now the southwest corner of Trail location. But the next spring they both re- and Ingham streets. They put up the body turned and cast their fortunes at Jackson. of the house and covered it with "shakes," or During the fall a Mr. Storms located at long split shingles. Having completed this what is now Lima Center, and William H. job they returned to Ann Arbor. Russell Pease and a Mr. Raymond penetrated as Blackman was a single man and it was far as Grass Lake, but did not locate until agreed that he should remain in Michigan the next year. Mr. Bennett was a preacher and watch the progress of affairs, while and remained in Ann Arbor, as a mission- , Horace returned to New York and got things ary, and as he subsequently became a part ready for the removal west in the early proprietor of Jackson village it is plain that spring. Russell Blackman worked with his he reversed his first opinion of the possi- team the rest of the fall, making several bilities for the future of the Central City of trips to Detroit, hauling produce down, and Michigan. goods back for merchants. BLACKMAN'S PLAN. At the annual session of the legislative It was the middle of October when council in the winter of 1829, acts were Horace Blackman left for the East. He and passed, setting off and describing several . . IMPORTANT LEGISLATION. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 61 THE TERRITORIAL ROAD. new counties, among them Jackson, Cal- of Ann Arbor volunteered to accompany , houn, Kalamazoo, Branch, St. Joseph, Cass them as far as Grand river. They packed . and Van Buren. Jackson was to contain tents and provisions on Indian ponies for twenty townships, each six miles square, the trip and started out. This party con- being thirty miles east and west west and sisted of Isaiah W. Bennett, Arison Brown, twenty-four miles north and south, contain- Samuel Van Fassen, Henry Rumsey, Will- ing seven hundred and twenty square miles, iam H. Russell, E. W. Morgan, Zenas and the Blackman location was thus brought Nash and Edward Clark. They all carried within one mile of the geographical center axes and other tools, and volunteered to of the county, and it was nearly central, east assist in opening the road, removing trees and and west, in the direction from Detroit to , logs, and doing such other work as could Lake Michigan. be accomplished in that season of the year. There was nearly a foot of snow on the ground, and their progress was naturally The council authorized the laying out slow. At night tents were put up, and of a territorial highway westward and great fires were made of logs, and they got through these new counties from a point along without any suffering. . on the United States military road, then On the forenoon of January 14th the known as Sheldon's Corner or tavern, to party reached the Blackman location and the mouth of the St. Joseph, now on Lake put up at the log house put up by them the Michigan. The act named as the commis- fall before. The house was without doors sioners to locate this new road or highway, or windows, and they had to cut an open- Col. Orrin F. White, of Detroit, and Jona- | ing to gain access. They finally got inside, than F. Stratton and Seeley M. Neale, of and by hanging up tents and blankets found Ann Arbor. The commissioners immedi- it a very comfortable shelter. A good fire ately entered upon their duties, rightly judg- was built in the stone chimney place and the ing that the winter would be the most favor- party was thus made happy as well as com- able season for doing the work, as the fortable. marshes and streams would be frozen and furnish a better opportunity for their passage. Jonathan F. Stratton was appointed as sur- The party remained at the Blackman veyor, Russell Blackman and George Neale, house for two nights. This was as far as chainmen, Alexander Laverty and Zenas the volunteers prepared to go, but before Fuller, axmen, Pee-wy-tum and Pe-she-ba- starting on their return they decided to go as guides and helpers. name and christen the village to be. How The commissioners and party com- this was done we copy from an account menced their work at Sheldon's Corner made by Mr. Edward Clark: January 4, and reached Ann Arbor on the “The last night of their stay here they 7th. When they had loaded their wagon, organized a convention by electing Hon. H. drawn by oxen, with supplies, and were Rumsey as president. He was provided prepared to move westward, several citizens with a log for a chair, which favor he ap- NAMING THE CITY. 62 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. preciated and acknowledged in a very ap- which could get ahead, much to the amuse- propriate speech. A committee, consisting ment of the lookers-on. After that seven of Messrs. Stratton and White, was ap- of the number appeared bareheaded, to rep- pointed to report a suitable name. While resent the fair sex, and the other seven kept the members of this body were out, that is, their hats on like gentlemen. Before day- the smoky side of the log heap, the president break preparations were made to leave, the arose, and in a grave and solem manner, commissioners and their attendants for the said: 'Gentlemen, In my intercourse with west, the volunteers for home. On exami- mankind, I have remarked that men who nation the latter found they had only one are respected at home for their orderly and quart of flour left. This was put into a moral conduct, when away from home in a frying-pan, mixed up with some river strange land are too often forgetful of their water, and cooked, then divided into eight own positions as gentlemen and good citi-parts, when each took his share and ate it. zens, and thereby bring disgrace not only Thirty miles of unbroken snow lay between upon themselves, but upon their neighbor- them and the place where they could get , hood. You are all respectable at home, and their next meal. As soon as it was light while you are here I trust you will not for- enough, the tents, rifles, axes, etc., were put get or forfeit your character as gentlemen. into the wagon. The oxen, that had sup- Soon your committee will return and re- sisted several days on browse, were yoked, port a name for the village that is to be and two men were detailed to take charge built here. After it is adopted one of you of the team. Leave was taken of the com- may move that it be received with nine missioners, and their party and the volun- cheers. If that may be the wish of the con- teers started for home. The six on foot led vention I hope your noise will not disturb the off in single file, each taking his turn in neighbors.' leading and breaking the track. The day “The committee soon after came in and was cold and the snow half-knee deep. All reported Jacksonburgh. The report was went well until the former reached the first on motion accepted and adopted by accla- creek east of Grand river. There one of mation. It was then resolved that nine the party fell in and got wet. In the after- cheers be given for the name of the future noon they reached the top of the Short city, and three times three wilder cheers Hills. There Nash and Van Fossen left . were never sent up by fifteen hearty men the rest of the party and went ahead. than went up then and there. The volun- At the small pond, on Pierce farm, in teers had provided some extra fixings for Lima, they came up with the volunteers, the occasion, which were now produced, and and found them sitting upon a log. They after partaking of a good supper, the fes- | hurried on until they became fatigued, and tivities of the night were prolonged by a sitting down to rest they soon became dance, the two oldest of the company open- chilled and drowsy, but after some exertion ing the ball to the tune of Yankee Doodle, they started on with the remainder of the and for a few moments there was a strife party, and soon were all right again. About between the dancers and the fiddler to see dusk they came to Mill creek, now Lima JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 63 > PREPARING TO EMIGRATE. Center. The water was about waist deep.ness, the inhabitants wild beasts and In- There was no help for it; cross it they must, dians. The village pastor, Rev. Dr. Snell, and did. Judge Rumsey stumbled and was offered a prayer and the tearful good-byes wet nearly all over. Between eight and were sadly said. nine o'clock in the evening they reached At the village of Brookfield father had Clement's. Here the creek was shoal and a lot more relatives. We were to stop there the crossing much easier. Some of the for dinner and here nearly the same ordeal party stayed at Clement's all night, while was passed. Fully a thousand people had others accepted the hospitality of Jerry Mc- gathered at sight of the covered wagon that Carthy, a warm-hearted son of the Emerald bore the talismanic word “Michigan.” The Isle, who had a farm two miles farther on venerable Dr. Foote offered a prayer and toward Ann Arbor. The next day they the same parting was gone through. Then were all comfortably at home.” the teams were turned into the great west- The surveying party started out, and ern road that led from Boston to Troy, New laid out the road to Kalamazoo. Here their York, and we were on our way to the far supplies were exhausted, and so they and new west. crossed south to the military road at White The journey over the big hills of west- Pigeon and returned home. The survey ern Massachusetts to Troy was one con- was completed the next fall. tinual wonderment to the people. They had heard of it, but it was further from them than the Klondyke is from us today. After After Horace Blackman returned home crossing the Hudson and in traversing New to Berkshire, Tioga county, New York, York there was nearly as much curiosity. the family began to make preparations to But on we went over the celebrated Cayuga remove to Michigan. He wrote a long ac- bridge, over the big hills of central New count of his trip to Michigan to my father York, and promptly on the ist of May we and urged him to join the new colony. My drove up to the Blackman house in Berk- mother caught the fever at once, and it was shire. They had been apprised of our com- principally through her influence that ing, but it was none the less a most joyous father consented. So he wrote Blackman surprise to my mother's relatives she had he would join him at the time set for their left seven years before. . departure, May 1, 1830. On the 17th of April father had his covered wagon all ready, his - household , After visiting a few days, the colony goods and family, ready to start. At nine was ready to start, and on the 6th of May o'clock in the morning all the members of it left the little hamlet of Berkshire and the DeLand tribe, and in fact, nearly all started for Jackson. The company con- the villagers in North Brookfield had sisted of Lemuel Blackman, wife, three sons gathered, and a general leavetaking was and two daughters, E. B. Chapman and held. It was a long journey, nearly a wife, Horace Blackman and wife and Will- thousand miles, and for miles into a wilder- iam R. DeLand, wife and two children, a THE COLONY STARTED. 64 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. mans. sister and myself. There were six covered and sixty acres by filing a claim and pay- wagons, drawn by horses, in the cavalcade. ing for it within two years. Under this act They headed for Ithaca, and then took the many locations had been made west of Ann Erie canal to Buffalo. Arbor. Arrived at Buffalo, they embarked on The speculators and certain citizens of the steamboat "William Penn," for Detroit, Ann Arbor had had their eye on the Jack- the voyage consuming five days. The son location all winter. As soon as the new steamboat was a crude affair, old style, a land law took effect a number of the know- high pressure, and had no upper cabin. My ing ones filed claims to all the land around chief recollection of the trip was that a the Blackman location and secured its pur- cross old curmudgeon pushed me backwards chase. These persons were William M. and into an open hatchway and I fell to the Hiram Thompson, Benjamin H. Packard, botton of the hold in front of the fire William J. Moody, Isaiah W. Bennett, E. boxes, but the fireman grabbed me out of W. Morgan and Chauncy C. Lewis. Their the hot ashes before I was badly burned and location completely surrounded the Black- tossed me back to the deck. My mother in- Russell Blackman might might have sisted that I was killed, but all the while I secured a claim, but he was with Stratton's was shouting at the top of my voice to con- road surveying party and did not learn of the vince her I was not dead, but only badly scheme until it was too late. scared. Father sought out the careless and Bennett, Thompson and Packard lo- impudent man, and “mopped the deck" with cated their land directly south of Blackman him for awhile, and the incident ended. on section 3, town 3 south, range I west, We arrived at Detroit on the 16th of and extending up the river one-half mile May, and lost no time in getting started for from the present Main street. In order to Jackson. We arrived at Ann Arbor on the obtain the control of the water power, they 18th and met Russell Blackman and learned caused a survey to be made in April, and how things had been doing the winter and doing the winter and they also platted a village on their purchase, spring extending from the river west to Blackstone I have already stated that the Black- street and south from Main to Franklin mans had intended to purchase several lots street. This village they proposed to call more of land, as soon as they could raise the Jacksonopolis. Jacksonopolis. Russell Blackman did what This they were now prepared to he could to break up their plans, but he was do, but they found they were stalled, so to without means to make improvements and the speak, and completely land-locked. best he could do was to unite with the Ann The government had been holding the Arbor people in agreeing to make a combi- price of the land at two dollars an acre, cash nation plat of the two plats, that put Main down. On the first day of January, 1830, street on the town line and give each an congress had made a reduction of the lands equal share in the new village. The original to one dollar and twenty-five cents an acre, village plat was to contain one hundred and and also passed the “squatter act," that sixty acres, extending sixty acres, extending from Trail street allowed settlers to pre-empt one hundred on the north to Franklin street on the means. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 65 ers. HOW THE ANN ARBOR GANG WORKED. south, and from the section line on the east low and Stephen Caniff were the other help- to Blackstone on the west. Thus was set- It is well to remember that none of tled the basis of the village plat. Main them except Hiram Thompson became per- street, which was intended as the main com- manent settlers. They all drifted away in mercial avenue, was made six rods wide, a few years, and never returned. while Jackson street was to be the meridian, The foundation for the dam was laid at crossing it at right angles, and was of the a point nearly a mile south of the present same width. At the intersection of these dam, and it was a primitive affair, raising the ! two streets a public square four hundred water only about four feet, and the saw-mill and eighty-four rods in extent, was reserved, was a small one, with a single upright saw, for public buildings and other general pur- which could cut out only a few hundred poses. The plat was made by Mr. Stratton feet of boards in a day. But it answered and is substantially as now, except that three- the needs of the community for a few years, quarters of the public square has been and cut its first lumber late in the fall of vacated and occupied with business build- | 1830. ings, only the southwest quarter remaining, BLACKMAN'S COLONY ARRIVES. and this would probably have been appro- priated if two churches had not been located It was on the 27th of May that the Black- facing upon it. man colony began to arrive. The first in- stallment consisted of four wagons, contain- ing the DeLand family, Horace Blackman It was the purpose of the Ann Arbor and his sister Lucy, E. B. Chapman and people to anticipate the arrival of the Black- wife, and Russell Blackman and his brother man family, who were expected early in May, Francis. The rest of the party remained . and so Bennett and Thompson decided to at in Ann Arbor, to rest up and await the re- once pre-empt the water power, and erect a turn of the teams for provisions, implements saw-mill at the earliest moment. About the and supplies. 20th of April they started with a gang of It was about four o'clock P. M. when hands for Jacksonburg. The party consist- the teams came in sight of the river. Chap- ed, besides themselves, of Linus Gillett and man was bound to be the first across and wife, Josephus Case and wife and several boldly pushed, his team to the front. Not hired men. They moved into the Blackman knowing anything about the ford he plunged house and domiciled there until a double log into the stream too high up, and as he neared house could be built, which was done on the the west shore his wagon struck a huge south side of Main street, just east of the boulder. The horses plunged to rise the square, where the Marble block, built by steep bank and broke the evener, and pulled Mr. Reynolds, now stands. Gillett and wife Chapman into the water head first. But were to keep boarding house, Case was to be he hung to the lines and the horses drew him the village blacksmith, Mr. John Wickham ashore, and he triumphantly announced that was the millwright, and Hiram Thompson, he was the first of the party to land in Jack- George Mayo, Stephen Town, James Bar- sonburg. My father crossed next, in safety, 5 66 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. followed by the others, so my mother was for sleeping purposes. The third night there the first woman, as Chapman said, to follow came up a furious thunder storm. The wo- his example. But Chapman's wagon was men were all in the wagons, but the rain soon disengaged and drawn up to the cabin. drove through the canvas tops in floods. The women were helped out and provid- and they were all soaking wet. To add to ed with cooking utensils, and began to their dismay the lightning struck several "slick up” the house. It had no door, win- trees and the wind prostrated others. But dows or floor, and was a sorry looking place, no one was injured, and the sun rose bright and its recent occupants had not bettered and they were soon dry and happy. it by its use. A fire was builded, a meal In about four days floors were laid and a cooked, and my mother said that after sup- ladder built so they could use the house. per she and Lucy Blackman went out be- The women put greased paper up to the nind the house and sat down and had a windows and a quilt was utilized for a door. good cry. The change from a good home The cooking was nearly all done out of in a well settled country to “a lodge in doors, the water brought from the river, , the vast wilderness," no friends or neigh- and the clothing dried on long poles. There bors, no privileges, no civilization, all flashed were already ten persons in the cabin and upon them for the first time. The excite- six or seven more to come. As Cousin Lucy . ment of the journey had pleased and stimu- Blackman said, “We were so thick we had to lated them. They had reached its end. The keep good natured.” The bread was baked panorama had faded, the reaction had out of doors in a big iron bake kettle, and come, and they cried as if their hearts would pies, cakes and puddings dispensed with. break. Mrs. Chapman (whose maiden name But in a few days matters were harmonized was also Blackinan) heard them, and came so that all got along well, and were happy out to the corner of the house and cried out, and jolly. “Now don't be foolish and sit there and cry Come into the shanty and help wash up the dishes and you will feel better.” As As soon as the house was made comfort- she turned she met the "bushu” of a big able, the men began cutting logs for two strapping Indian. “Julia” wilted at the new houses. Chapman chose a location a sight, and let out a scream that brought the little ways west of the Blackman house, on men to the house in a hurry. He was a Blackstone street, and DeLand on the hill "friendly” and meant no harm, and tried to further south near the corner of Blackstone explain that "me good Indian,” but it was and Pearl streets. There was an immense many days before Mrs. Chapman dared or spring on the opposite side of the street, and cared to meet an Indian by moonlight. Chapman's was near the brook. This fur- nished good water without stopping to sink wells, which was quite a consideration. For several nights the party slept in their Meantime Russell Blackman returned to wagons, while the men split out and hewed Ann Arbor and brought out supplies and whitewood slabs for a floor and put up bunks also his younger brothers, George and Levi, SPREADING OUT. KEEPING HOUSE. a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 67 THE VILLAGE PLAT а a and was accompanied by Mr. Samuel Rob- It was a historic place, and was the stopping erts, who was seeking a location, and later place of most of the old pioneers. moved with his family a few miles west of Jackson. With this additional help the two new log houses were speedily put up, and was completed by Mr. Stratton in June, and in less than two weeks were ready for oc- the sale of lots was begun immediately. cupancy. It was well they were, for the Stratton bought a lot on Jackson street, south stream of emigration was already pouring of the public square; Linus Gillett a lot on in, and it was a conundrum how to house the corner of Jackson and Courtland, Jose- and feed them. phus Case the lot on Main street where the It was nearly the middle of June before City Bank stands; Mr. Caniff a lot on the Lemuel Blackman and the rest of the family south side of Main street, just east of the came into the settlement. As soon as they Marble Front building; Mr. Wickham arrived they set about putting in some crops. bought on Courtland street; Major D. Mills Horace plowed up about two acres on the and Christian Prussia, two newcomers, old Indian cornfield north of the brook, and bought on the corner of Jackson and planted it to potatoes. My father also plowed Clinton Clinton streets a plot of ground for some ground near his home and planted po- tannery. It was provided at the tatoes and early corn. But the flies had sale that all buyers should improve become so thick that it had almost become their lots at once, and all these parties impossible to work with horses, and father built log houses and shanties during the went to Ann Arbor and purchased a pair of Thus at the beginning of winter oxen and a cow. This was the first cow the village numbered thirteen houses, all of brought to Jackson, and we found it neces- logs and all occupied. 1 sary to build a log barn to put them in at night to prevent the wolves from destroying them. The tide of emigration set in to the new settlement as early as the first of June. The THE BLACKMAN TAVERN. first to come was Samuel Roberts, who lo- Soon after the arrival of Lemuel Black- cated on the trail in the town of Sandstone. man he set about building a public house on Following him came Martin Flint and John Main street. The spot selected was on the McConnell, who located north of the vil- north side of the street, just east of the pub- lage. Mr. John Daniels was an early comer, lic square, on the west part of where the and located three hundred acres two miles Allen Bennett block now stands. It was a west. Alexander Laverty made a location large double log building, forty by sixty at the head of Main street. Samuel Wing, feet and two stories high, built principally Osgood H. Fifield, Jothum Wood, John Van , of tamarack logs. This was pushed to com- Vranken, Chester Wall, Moses Freeman pletion by the first of July, and immediately and J. M. Merrill all made locations within occupied by Mr. Blackman, and was used as two to six miles of Jackson. Most of them a hotel until it was destroyed by fire in 1837. | made a little clearing, and some put up log summer. MORE NEW SETTLERS. 68 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. shanties, and returned east in the fall and ilies settled in what is now Grass Lake: brought on their families in the spring. Isaac Sterling, Ralph Updike and William An incident of the summer was the arri- H. Pease. Mr. Sterling erected a house and val of Lyman Pease. He kept a small way- opened a tavern, and for several years it side inn near Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The was the only stopping place between Jackson second night out from Brookfield my father and Mill Creek, or Lima Center and Ann stopped over night at Pease's inn. He was Arbor. much interested in the “moving to Michi- ANECDOTES AND INCIDENTS. gan” and when father started in the morn- ing, he remarked, “Good-bye; perhaps you When Josephus Case started blacksmith- will see me out there before long." Sure ing he used an old oak stump as foundation enough in July who should come in but Ly- for his anvil, a few big rocks for a forge, man Pease. Soon after father passed on and covered the whole with boughs and he had an opportunity to sell out, which he bushes. One day when work was slack he did, and immediately rigged up a team and shouldered his gun for a hunt. Wild tur- wagon, loaded in his family and traps and keys were plentiful, and he chased a flock came direct to Jackson. He settled north nearly to Grass Lake. When near the trail of town near the Blackman Center House. he heard a man who was hallowing for Mr. Aaron Swain and his two sons, help. Case went over and found the stran- Isaac N. and Russell, came in and located ger had broken the bolt to his wagon tongue. three miles up the river. Capt. John Du- He wanted to know if there was a black- rand and his son, John T. Durand, were smith anywhere nearer than Ann Arbor. among the new comers, as were Orrin Greg- Case replied, “Yes, I'm a blacksmith.” ory, Ezekiel Critchett, E. C. Lewis and two "Where is your shop?” “Well, stranger, or three others. you're in the shop now, but its twelve d-d John T. Durand was a surveyor, and was long miles to the anvil.” The man in distress ” employed near Tecumseh. Hearing of the proved to be Mr. Burdick, the pioneer settler new settlement on Grand river, he got an of Kalamazoo. Indian pony and started across the country The Indians were very plentiful, but to see what it looked like. It so happened were friendly. They would sometimes assist that he arrived at the Blackman home the the whites in raising log houses and did same day the last of the Blackmans got in, some work at the dam. They were very and Mr. Durand had the pleasure of assist- fond of whiskey, and would work all day ing his future wife, Miss Silence D. Black- for a drink. George Mayo was at work in man, from her perch on top of a high load the water a good deal, and had provided of goods. Mr. Durand located three hun- himself with a quart of the stuff to keep dred acres of land two miles southwest of off the effects of the water outside. George the village, and for many years was promi- had hid his bottle had hid his bottle very carefully in a hol- nently identified with the history and im- low tree. A party of Indians came round provement of the city. one day, found the bottle, drank up the During the summer of 1830 three fam- whiskey and filled the bottle with water. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 69 When George got through work, he thought streets, where the so-called Patterson Flats to take a drink. He at once detected the now stand, was a magnificent spring, sur- change, and, turning to his friends, he said, rounded by willow and poplar bushes. The “I've heard of miracles before; how Christ deer were very plentiful, and this spring was turned water into wine; but blame me if their favorite drinking place. Father used them d--d Indians ain't turned my whiskey to get up at sunrise, and, carefully opening into water." the door, had shot several of them at the My mother used to tell a good story of spring, thus keeping a plentiful supply of her first experience toward Christianizing venison. One morning he shot a splendid the Indians. Pee-wy-tum, the guide, was a great buck, that made one bound in the air tall, handsome man, very polite to all the and landed head first in the spring. As the “chemokeman squaw," and continually ask- men folks went to the spring to get the deer ing favors of them. He had seen the white I went along, and, boy like, grabbed hold of , men wearing shirts, with large ruffle bos- its hind leg. The deer was not dead, and oms, and he wanted one. Mother promised feeling the tug at its hind leg, it gathered to make him one if he would be a good its strength and gave me a kick that threw Indian and come to meeting Sunday. The me through the top of the bushes at least settlers held a Sunday service every week forty feet away. They picked me up and at one of the cabins, though they had no took me to the house, where I was resusci- preaching, except that Samuel Roberts or tated, though it was nearly an hour before Capt. John Durand, who were devout Meth- | I got my “second wind.” It was the last odists, did some exhorting. Mother made the time that I was ever guilty of fooling with shirt of large figured curtain calico. It was the kicking end of a big buck deer. long and ample, with a large ruffle, starched in fine shape. She gave it to Pee-wy-tum Saturday night and told him to put it on In 1830, the first year of actual settle- Sunday and come to meeting. He took it ment, the Jacksonburghers determined to literally and did come. Just after the peo- liave a regular “down-east” celebration of ple had assembled and while they were sing- Independence day, attended with all the ing a hymn, Pee-wy-tum bolted in the door, "pomp and magnificence” of the occasion. clad only in his moccasins and that stunning This was the first gala day in the new settle- new shirt. He took his seat on a bench, and ment. A committee was appointed, consist- sat out the services in true Indian style, ing of William R. DeLand and Hiram much to the embarrassment of most of the Thompson, of Jackson, and Anson Brown, congregation. It is said he was not pressed of Ann Arbor, under whose supervision the to attend any more. affair was managed successfully. A num- ber of citizens of Ann Arbor expressed a wish to join in the celebration, and so an As before related, my father had moved invitation was extended to them to partici- to his new house, corner of Blackstone and pate in the festivities of the day. This invi- Pearl streets, and diagonally across these tation was accepted by a number of the Ann THE REPUBLIC FOREVER. HOW I HELD A DEER. 70 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Arbor friends, among whom were Miss formed, the happiness and whole-heartedness Trask, of Ann Arbor, and Miss Dix, of Dix- that characterized all the proceedings. There boro, two young ladies who came the entire will never be a pleasanter or more patriotic distance on horseback, accomplishing a for- commemoration of the glorious anniversary ty-mile heat in twelve hours, over an Indian of American independence while our coun- trail through the wilderness. Messrs. Brown, try lasts or the monuments of freedom en- Clark, Jewett, Wilcoxson, Packard, Dix, dure. Lovell and others accompanied these ladies, THE FIRST CHILD BORN. and all arrived on the evening of July 3, having traveled from sunrise to sunset. The In September, 1830, the first birth oc- committee forwarded an invitation to Gov- curred in the new settlement, being a girl ernor Cass, which could not be accepted ow- born to Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Chapman. There ing to previous engagements. The day was was no physician nearer than Ann Arbor, beautiful, and was ushered in with an anvil and, in anticipation of the event, Mr. Chap- salute, given by Case, the village black- man had brought out a young doctor, named smith. The procession was formed at eleven Sampson Stoddard. The event created con- A. M. under Lieutenant Clark, of Ann Ar- siderable interest, of course, and all watched bor, and Horace Blackman, of Jackson- anxiously, for Uncle Lem. Blackman had burgh, and proceeded to the rendezvous on promised a full corner lot as a free gift for the an elevated plateau east of Jackson street, first boy born in the settlement. It was the near the summit level of that street, then a first grandchild born to him, and the old natural arbor. Isaiah Bennett presided, as- gentleman was bitterly disappointed. The sisted by W. R. DeLand and H. Thomp- daughter was named Sarah, and when she son as vice-presidents. George Mayo read grew up married Albert T. Putnam. She the Declaration of Independence, Hon. Gid- died in 1888, leaving a family of one boy eon Wilcoxson delivered the oration, John and four girls, all of whom are residents of Durand officiated as chaplain and Capt. Jackson. Alex. Laverty commanded a platoon of mus- There were two other births in the vil- keteers dressed in a neat uniform. At one lage later in the year, one in the family of thirty P. M. the celebrants partook of the Linus Gillett, the other in that of Josephus banquet prepared by Mr. Torrey and lady, | Case, but both were daughters. of the Bennett and Thompson log-tavern The first male child born in the county house, spread upon a table one hundred feet was Ambrose Bean, in the spring of 1831, in length, extending along the east line of his parents having settled in the town of Jackson street to Courtland street, in the Spring Arbor. Mr. Bean is still living on rear of the tavern house. Eighty persons a farm in the extreme west part of Summit sat down to the first table, and in turn gave township. place to others, until all had feasted. Those The prospects for business being good, who participated in the festive joys of that Doctor Stoddard concluded to remain in celebration will never forget, it, or the pleas- Jackson, and thus became the first resident ing hopes, the friendships and acquaintances physician in Jackson county. In 1844 he JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 71 one. removed to a large farm north of Concord, Indians on Grand river. The Indians were and later to Albion, where he died in 1896. great hunters, and brought in lots of veni- son, squirrels, turkeys and other wild game, MORE SETTLERS ARRIVING. which were traded for pork, bread, tea, cof- In September, 1830, John Daniels, who fee and whiskey, the latter article the great- has returned to Bethany, New York, sent est favorite. They also supplied quantities of out his oldest son, Abel W. Daniels, to be- nice berries in their season, and these were gin improvements on the tract of land he a great aid to the settlers to supply their had located in the spring. Young Daniels wants. The river was fairly alive with fish, came in with two yoke of cattle and a wagon and the men caught large numbers of them. load of supplies and farm implements. Along It was nothing unusual for a man to take with him came a mere lad named George his spear, step to the river bank, and spear B. Cooper, who was destined to play a con- a good sized bass or pickerel for his meal. spicuous part in the history of the city, couin- The younger Blackman boys built a boat ty and state. and used to spear large quantities every There also came in during the fall the night. following new settlers: Enoch and James The first summer was a very healthy Fifield and family, Lyman Baird, William The people had not run up against E. Perrine, Wesley W. Laverty, Lyman R. that insidious disease, the fever and ague, Lowell and wife, John Wellman and fam- that afterwards became universal and for ily, Benjamin S. Stewart, Thomas J. Mc- years blasted the reputation of Michigan and Knight and family, and Moses and Sinclair made it a terror to every inhabitant. Bean and their families, most of whom lo- Only two cases are recorded in 1830, Hi- cated farms two to five miles from the vil- ram Thompson and George B. Cooper. They lage. recovered with the advent of cold weather. This incoming tide of emigration had With the advent of fall, Mr. M. Hogan an enlivening effect on the new settlement. brought in a stock of miscellaneous mer- All the emigrants had plenty of money, and chandise and occupied part of my father's everybody was prosperous. Of course, ev- house, until the next spring, when he built ery kind of provisions and supplies had to the first frame building in the city, on Jack- be brought in from abroad, and teams were son street, next to the square back of the constantly going back and forth to Ann Durand block. Arbor, Detroit and Monroe for provisions In November Dr. Oliver Russ came in and other supplies. The last of September from Hartland, Vermont, and located on the one Jesse Baird came in with a small stock corner of Clinton and Jackson streets. His of miscellaneous merchandise, principaily house was removed to make way for the dry goods. He stopped at the Bennett & railroad embankment when the Michigan Thompson tavern, and sold out in a couple Central was extended westward. Doctor of weeks and went elsewhere, at least he Russ was a very eccentric man and we shall never came back to Jackson. have occasion to speak of him in the future. One chief supply of food was from the The first regular sermon was preached a 72 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. by Rev. John D. Pierce, a Presbyterian min- dered the Hartford (Conn.) Courier. ) ister, on his way to settle at Marshall. He George Cornelius started a small paper, arrived at Jackson on Saturday afternoon, called the Michigan Emmigrant, at Ann and it becoming known who he was, he was Arbor in July, 1830, and the people from induced to stay over Sunday. Seats were . that place subscribed for two or three copies. improvised in the dining room of the Black- One of the first letters received was for man tavern and the people notified, and my mother, from father's sister in North nearly all attended the services. This was Brookfield. This letter mother kept for forty the middle of August. Two months later years, and finally carried it back with her the Methodists established meetings, the late when she visited her correspondent the last Elijah H. Pilcher and Henry Colchasher time in 1870. When the mail came in there being assigned to the new circuit and al- was a scurrying for quarters to pay the post- ternating every two weeks until the next age, and it was not an infrequent thing that spring. half the settlement was scoured for the Mex- ican silver to redeem “a letter from home.” A POSTOFFICE ESTABLISHED. The few papers were loaned about among About the first of September a postoffice the neighbors until they were literally worn was established, with Isaiah W. Bennett as out. Our old Spy was usually two weeks government postmaster. It was styled Jack- old when it reached Jackson. News from sonopolis, the name selected by Bennett and Boston and New York was three weeks old Thompson for their half of the village, and and that from Washington four to five weeks was located in their building on the south stale. “The latest from Europe” was never side of Main street. In those days there less than three months past, and nobody ever were no nicely sized letter papers, it being expected to hear from India or China in less all old fashioned “foolscap” or “demy.” En- than a year. Nowadays the most suburban velopes had not been invented and the gov- farmer is within reach of a daily paper and ernment had not progressed to the postage reads the news from all parts of the world, stamp era. Letters were folded in all kinds some times before it actually happens. But of shapes, square, long, triangular, and in the people were just as happy and contented , rolls, sealed with great daubs of red, yellow as they are today; in fact, more so, for they or black sealing wax, and the postage was did not expect any more than they got. twenty-five cents, payable on delivery. For some few weeks the mail was brought from Ann Arbor by some traveler October I, 1830, the first regular mail or teamster, and usually a pocket or crown of carrier was announced to begin his weekly a hat would contain all the letters. Father trips to Ann Arbor, George Mayo having had subscribed for the old Worcester Spy been selected for the responsible position. before he left Massachusetts, and was the Now George was one of the kind of human only man who recived a weekly paper reg- beings denominated “a phunny phellow.” ularly until John Daniels sent for the Roch- He was bombastic and spirited in all he did, ester Democrat and Capt. John Durand or- and was desirous of making the importance THE FIRST MAIL CARRIER. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 73 of his position duly known and respected. ercise the functions of a magistrate, and it He procured a brown switch-tail mare, a decided upon William R. DeLand as the new leather saddle and saddle-bags, for mail choice of the settlers. A petition was drawn and refreshments, and an enormous tin up and signed by nearly all the settlers for horn. Thus accoutered, he started from Ann his appointment. In due time the following Arbor with the mail. When, near the falling commission was received by “Judge” De of the shades of evening, he arrived at the Land, and as it was the first commission ever top of the Murphy hill, he aroused the vil- | issued to a civil officer in Jackson county, we lagers with the resonant notes of his tin think it worthy of a place in our history: horn, and as the long drawn toots grew near- LEWIS CASS, er the people realized that the longed-for mail route was a reality. Down through the Governor in and over the Territory of Michigan, To all to whom these presents may come, greeting: woods and along the river bank the rider Know Ye, That, reposing special trust and con- plunged headlong to the door of the post- fidence in the integrity and ability of William R. office, when, dropping his horn and unfas- DeLand, Esquire, I have nominated, and by and , tening the bag from the saddle, he threw with the advice and consent of the Legislative Coun- cil of the said Territory, have appointed him Justice it before the postoffice door and shouted in of the Peace in and for the County of Washtenaw, almost thunder tones, “There's the great for the term of three years. eastern mail from Hann Harbor.” And I do hereby authorize and empower him to execute and fulfill the duties of that office accord- The mail was carried once a week each ing to Law: To have and to hold the said, with all way until in June, 1831, it was doubled, and the rights, privileges, and emoluments thereunto be- in the summer of 1833 it was made daily. | longing, during the term aforesaid, unless the Gov- Mayo was superseded in 1832 by Zenas Ful- ernor of the Territory, for the time being, should think proper sooner to revoke and determine this ler, who put on a mudwagon stage line, commission. which he ran until the Great Western Stage In testimony whereof, I have caused these Let- Company of Buffalo, in 1834, put on a line ters to be made Patent, and the Great Seal of the said Territory to be hereunto affixed. of four-horse stage coaches from Detroit Given under my hand, at Detroit, this eighth to Chicago. day of February, in the year of our Lord one thou- sand eight hundred and thirty-one, and of the Inde- FOR LAW AND ORDER. pendence of the United States of America the fifty-fifth. LEWIS CASS. Up to the ist of October, 1830, the set- By the Governor: tlement had existed without any public offi- John S. Mason, Secretary of Mich. Territory. One or two petty crimes had been Mr. Horace Blackman was appointed, committed, mostly assault and battery, but they had to be tried at Ann Arbor, and the by the new justice, as a special constable to serve processes. county was attached to Washtenaw for ju- dicial purposes. The rapid increase in pop- LO! THE TROUBLESOME INDIAN. ulation made it necessary that a tribunal of justice should be instituted. Accordingly a Under treaties made by the English gov- public meeting was called the first Monday ernment, through the Northwestern and | in October to select a proper person to ex- American Fur Trading Companies, the In- cers. 74 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. dians inhabiting Wisconsin were to repair the river, one of their principal sources of once a year to Malden, on Detroit river, to food at this point. receive certain annuities in goods, blankets, These were succeeded by three other traps, guns and ammunition and silver, to bands, not quite so numerous or imperti- put them in condition for the winter hunting nent. When they returned, two weeks later, season. These tribes were the Sacs and the settlers were armed and ready for them, Foxes, Blackfeets, Chippewas and Ouiscon- and made them keep straight and move on sins, located between the lakes Michigan the next day. But it was a sight to see them , and Superior and the Mississippi river. These on the return trip. The males all had new trips were made in September and October, blankets, and iots of goods on their ponies, extending frequently into November. Near the squaws were loaded with gay colored the last of September the settlers were sur- goods, beads and silver ornaments, and they prised to see the first installment of about had ribbons, belts and new straps on their fifteen hundred of all sizes, sexes and condi- ponies and a good many of the men plenty tions, begin filing along the trail. True to of whiskey in their skins. their old habit, they made their stopping The trail was becoming quite thickly set- place on the old “Washtenong-sepe.” They iled and the people protested against this in- found part of the ground occupied by the vasion to obtain bonuses from a foreign gov- whites, and had to fall back from the river. ernment and the United States government Their camp extended along the brook, from stopped the practice and in 1833 the distri- Lansing avenue and Ganson streets to bution was made at Green Bay, and Michi- where the Purifier buildings now stand. gan was relieved from the nuisance and They visited every house in the settlement, begging for something to eat and searching for whiskey. They were the Sacs and Foxes, and were savage and ugly Indians, “the Ish- Travel had increased so fast the wild maelites of the woods." One old squaw roads became almost impassible. The fall coolly sat down and milked “Old Spot" rains had made the marshes soft and it was right before mother's face, and paid no more next to impossible to get horses over or attention to her remonstrances than Chapin's through them. There was not a bridge within wooden Indian would. They remained two thirty miles east of Jackson, and the settlers nights and one day, and made things not determined to remedy this defect. In Octo- only very interesting but very uncomfort- ber a bridge was built across the river at able for the white people. They managed to Trail street. It was a rough affair, of logs pick several fights, until John McConnell took and poles, but it answered the purpose. They the starch out of their head chief, “Walk- then set out to bridge the marshes and creeks in-the-Moon," by giving him a splendid east. Gangs of men organized, and with . horsewhipping for stealing groceries out of ox teams logs were drawn into position and We found out their grievance chinked, and “corduroys” constructed as far was they were cut off from catching fish in as Mill creek, near where Chelsea now menace. BUILDING ROADS. his wagon. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 75 stands. Settlers in Washtenaw also turned and remarks were made by him and several out and completed the crossings to Ann Ar- others, the women conducting the musical bor. This was a great improvement, but the portion of the services. The Thanksgiving road was still very rough and in some places dinner was a la mode, with wild turkey, veni- dangerous. But it was a beginning and it son and fish, and plenty of good bread, warm took nearly three weeks to do this work. johnnycake and jinger bread, with molasses and wild honey for trimmings. Butter and A CENSUS TAKEN. preserves there were none, but it is recorded In November, 1830, a census was taken that the repast was heartily enjoyd by all of the whole country, when it was found present. that the settlement at Jacksonburg contained It is stated that after the whites had fin- one hundred and twenty-three persons, and ished their repast a squad of about twenty the county numbered one hundred and forty- Indians, men, women and pappooses, came seven souls. There were four families in Grass straggling along the trail in front of the Lake, one in Leoni, one in Brooklyn, and house, and were invited to clean up the frag- , Batteses and family (half breeds, not be- ments, which they did in good shape. The longing to any tribe) in Waterloo. Of these men took seats at the table, but, according one hundred and forty-seven persons I am to their tradition, the women and children sorry to write that I am the only one now ate standing, not daring to sit in front or in living. Every other one has gone to “the company with their husbands. The savages great beyond," although there is one living ate with their fingers, disdaining the use of at this time who came here in 1830 after the knife and fork. During the dinner the census was taken, Mr. John Stephens, of white women undertook to explain to the Blackman township, and who is over nine- red men the significance of Thanksgiving ty years of age. day, and after they had concluded their ef- forts the “big Indian” of the party replied : JACKSON'S FIRST THANKSGIVING. “Yes, me know now—Thanksgivum d-d The first regular observance of Thanks- good thing; when you have some more, In- giving day in Jackson was held upon the tra- dian come every time!" ditional date, the last Thursday in Novem- My mother used to tell us it was the ber, 1830. It was held at the old Blackman most homelike and hearty Thanksgiving she log homestead, which stood at the southwest ever attended, for it was realistic of the con- corner of Ingham and Trail streets, and was ditions that instituted the holiday, and she participated in by a goodly number of the for the first time realized what the real spirit newly arrived pioneers. There was a re- a of Thanksgiving meant to the early Pil- ligious services at ten A. M., but, there being grims of America. no regular clergyman in the settlement, , CLOSING IN OF WINTER. Capt. John Durand, an old Revolutionary soldier, and a devout Methodist of the old The winter of 1830 was a long and un- style, officiated as the leader, offering a fer- usually severe one for Michigan, at least vent prayer, reading the scripture lesson, that was what the “Nitche Naubu," as we 76 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. then called the Indians, said. Just at its clearing the timber, and the big old break- commencement two useful and important ing plows had been running and many small citizens was added to the community. One fields of wheat had been sown to supply an- of these was William D. Thompson, a shoe- other season's wants. A bountiful supply maker, who had started for Marshall, but of potatoes had been raised, and pumpkins, who got to Jackson, tired, cold, footsore and squashes, cabbages and turnips stored in cel- “dead broke.” As soon as it was found he lars and pits for winter use. A large amount was a shoemaker he was importuned to stay. of hay, about eighty tons, was cut and put up The settlers offered to advance money to on the new marshes by DeLand and the purchase leather and stock, and my mother Blackman boys to feed the stock. The log offerd him a corner by her fireplace for his houses were chinked and mud plastered in bench. He reluctantly consented, and the next the cracks to make them comfortable. The convoy from Detroit brought in leather, chimneys had great stone fire places, and thread and wax. He had his “kit” of tools the smoke towers were built of sticks, thickly in a little round valise. While waiting for plastered with mud and clay, and they were the teams to return from Detroit, Thomp- made to hold great roaring fires of logs that son built him a bench, and busied himself gave both warmth and light. cutting and splitting shoe pegs out of soft It was early in November that “the beau- maple saplings taken from the woods. When tiful snow” began to come down, and it the leather arrived he was all ready for jobs, never left us until melted by the warm and was a busy man all winter, mending breezes and rains of April. In fact the win- and making footwear for his customers. Mr. ter was “beastly cold," and a number of cat- Thompson afterwards became not only a tle, sheep and other animals perished. Those marked and prominent personage in Jack- who could improvised log stables for stock. son, but died a very wealthy man. and those who could not built rough sheds The other man was Leonard G. Perry, on the east or south side of their houses a cabinetmaker, who came in with a limited to shelter the animals. supply of tools, but whose services were in. During the winter many settlers em- great demand for making plain tables, cup- ployed their time in chopping timber, split- boards, stands and bedsteads. These were ting rails, and preparing for putting in spring of the plain kind, but were an improvement crops. My father located three hundred and upon the boxes, bunks and temporary fur- twenty acres on section 4 in Summit town- nishings that existed in nearly every house. ship, and had four men cutting timber all Mr. Perry, after a year or two, located a winter. He built the first house west of farm three miles south of the city, married the town on the Spring Arbor trail, on the Sarah Hodgkins, and resided on the farm spot where Byron C. Foote now resides. until both died, she in 1879 and he in 1885. Several other houses were erected during His oldest daughter was married to the the winter, and timber got out for others. writer in 1858, and is now living and owns OPENING MAIN STREET. the old homestead where she was born in 1838. When the Territorial road was laid out During all the summer the axe had been it was upon the line of what is now Ganson JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 77 street. inarsh grass. The Blackmans selected Trail for not enough for all to use. There was no their main street, but after the compromise straw to be had, and ticks were filled with with Bennett, Packard and Thompson, Main This soon powdered up and street was located on the township line. It made unsatisfactory resting places. The had no end or connection east or west, and marshes and swamps were full of flags that travel went on down Jackson to Trail, where bore "cat-tails.” One day my mother start- it crossed the river and found its way east ed out and gathered several baskets of these diagonally to Ganson at the top of the hill. cat-tails in a swamp where the Fields store To remedy this, Mr. Durand, who was a sur- now stands, and working them up with her veyor, was asked to lay out an extension, hands converted them into a mattress. The to connect with the Territorial road. He experiment was so satisfactory that soon all started at the section corner (in front of the the cat-tails in the neighborhood were gath- old Hurd house) and ran at the proper angle ered and converted into mattresses and pil- to intersect the road on the town line, mak- lows for the comfort of the almost freezing ing the extension to the east. He then start- residents. ed at the quarter line, on the hill at the west What did we do for lights? Well, we end, and run on the same angle until he had no lamps, no candles, no gas, no electric- struck the Territorial road at the east line ity, no brilliant chandeliers or arc lights in of the Daniels farm. This last extension is the houses or streets. The bright blazing now called Wildwood avenue. fireplace was what sufficed most families, As soon as these surveys were properly though they also used two other lights completed and marked, the villagers com- known as “a slut” and “a bitch." A “slut” menced to cut the new road out. The ground was a bowl or tin cup half filled with oil or on each side of the river was very swampy grease with a cotton wick held up by a wood- and miry and nobody could get to the en cover, with a small hole in the center. river there when it was not frozen over. So A “bitch” was an open plate or saucer with the timber was cut and drawn on the ice and a piece of woolen cloth that hung over the placed in position for a roadway when the edges, the fire being fed by a supply of spring came. A bridge was also built, of grease. And we had no matches. Fire timber and covered with split logs. The was kept in the fire place or started with a woods on the east side of the river were flint and steel that threw sparks on dry punk very dense, and the land swampy as far east or tinder. You who shiver or growl over as Page avenue. The trees were cut out and shaking down a coal stove just imagine the a crossway built to that point. Before spring pleasure of getting out on a zero morning a roadway was opened east and west to the and starting a fire with green wood by this Territorial road, and thereafter this became primitive method. It would be a more se- the regular highway. vere test of your manhood than you now One of the first incidents of this hard imagine. winter was a search for something warm During the winter of 1830-31 my father's and comiortable to sleep on. A few feather house was country store, a shoemaker's shop, beds had been brought by the settlers, but a hotel, a boarding house for four hired men 78 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. and a home for a family of four. My son men, Adams men, Whigs and Demo- mother was the cook, washerwoman, baker, crats, Masons and Anti-Masons, and occa- chambermaid, housewife and mother for all, sionally, as nowadays, a “mugwump,” who and yet she always told about how happy was too good to belong to any party. For and contented they all were. In fact she several weeks politics was all the talk, and did not have time to be unhappy. Fortu- the most of the settlers being from New nately we were all healthy, there being but York it finally settled down that the first little sickness in the entire settlement. The contest should be between the Freemasons cold, dreary winter wore itself out at last, and Anti-Masons. The excitement grew al- and spring began to breathe its balmy most to fever heat as the partisans waited breezes in our faces; the birds returned, the anxiously for “the battle of the ballots” in trees began to bud, and Jackson entered up- April. on the second year of its existence under The manner of holding elections was most favorable auspices. quite different then from now. There were no regular written or printed tickets. When TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. the electors had gathered, proclamation was Up to the first Monday in April, 1831, made to prepare ballots for the first office, the settlement had been a little republic, and the voters were then registered separate- with only a single public officer to direct its ly as each deposited his vote in the box. If affairs and administer its laws. It had been, no choice was made on the first ballot, a sec- in the main, a peaceful and orderly settle- ond was taken and so on until choice was ment. One or two cases of assault and bat- made. In fact, it was the caucus and elec- tery, growing out of drunkenness, had been tion combined. It was sometimes more before the "Judge,” but he had held them tedious, but it was very democratic, as it well in check by inflicting a stiff fine, and enabled each elector to vote for whom he by committing the first offender to the Ann chose unhampered by party or regular tick- Arbor jail for sixty days. ets. This was the “modus operandi” of the At the session of the legislative council old New England town meeting in the early in February, 1831, the twenty townships of days of the republic. Jackson county were declared to be the town- THAT FIRST ELECTION. ship of Jacksonburg, and attached to Wash- tenaw county for judicial purposes. The Under the law, or enabling act, it be- first township election was to be held at the came the duty of the justice of the peace to house of William R. Thompson on the first call the meeting to order, and the electors to Monday in April, and a full set of town- choose a moderator and clerk, and these ship officers was to be elected. Up to this three were to compose the election board. time nothing had been said about politics, "Judge” DeLand called to order and Alex- but as soon as an election was to be held ander Laverty was chosen moderator and the political pot began to boil. Politics was Hiram Thompson clerk. These were duly a good deal mixed at this time, and the set- sworn by the justice, and the call for the tlers were much divided. There were Jack- | town meeting was read, after which a bal- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 79 LAYING OUT ROADS. lot was called for for supervisor, the first dard, anti-Mason, and Oliver Russ, Mason; ; officer to be chosen. school inspectors, Osgood H. Fifield, Hi- Now came the first political contest ram Thompson, W. R. DeLand, Isaac N. when Mason and anti-Mason were to meet Swain and James Valentine; fence viewers, in “tug of war.” Both sides were sanguine John Durand, Martin Flint, Samuel Rob- of success, and both eager to learn the re- erts and Timothy Williams; pound-master, sult. When the poll was finished, the bal- Martin Flint. Thus was the township of lots were counted, and the moderator an- Jacksonburgh organized and officered and nounced the result: That thirty-one votes fully clothed with civic responsibility. had been cast; that Ralph Updike (anti-Ma- son), had received seventeen votes and Will- iam R. Thompson (Mason) had received Up to this time there were no regularly thirteen votes, John Durand one vote. The laid out roads in the county except the Ter- anti-Masons gave three cheers. Mr. Up- ritorial road. The highway commissioners dike had voted for Captain Durand while were the first of the new municipal officers Thompson had evidently voted for himself. to be called upon to act. People had used The Masons affected to surrender with a the well-worn Indian trails as guides to good grace, but subsequently proposed that travel by, but so many locations were being no more party distinction be made, but that made the question of regular roads was a the best man bę chosen for the rest of the growing one. The first road laid out was in offices without distinction of party. This March, by Jonathan Stratton, William R. was regarded as a quasi-surrender and had DeLand and I. W. Bennett, special commis- its effects on further proceedings. sioners, starting from the crossing of Trail The next office was township clerk, and and Blackstone streets and running north Christian Prussia, Anti-Mason, had seven- six miles to the town line, and known as teen votes, David Striker, Mason, thirteen the River road. The legislative council had votes and H. Thompson, Mason, one vote. authorized a post road laid out from the For assessors, Russell Blackman and village of Clinton, in Lenawee county, to Ezekiel T. Critchett, anti-Masons, each four- Jackson, “and thence, by the most eligible teen votes, and they were elected. route to some point on Grand river, in the For town treasurer, collector and con- county of Ionia." William R. DeLand, stable, Horace Blackman, anti-Mason, had Daniel S. Case and Jonathan Stratton twenty-eiglit votes, there being no oppo- were the commissioners. This road was laid sition. out from Clinton to Jackson and hence The balance of the offices elected were about ten miles north to where it crossed as follows: Highway commissioners, Isaac the Sandstone creek, now Tompkins Center. M. Sterling, Mason, Alex. Laverty, anti- | The board of highway commissioners im- Mason, and Isaiah W. Bennett, Mason; mediately appointed John T. Durand public overseer of the poor, Lemuel Blackman, an- surveyor, and laid out a road starting from ti-Mason, no opposition; school commission- the west end of Main street and running ers, William R. DeLand and Sampson Stod- southwest to the town line, called the Spring 80 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Arbor road. They also laid out a road N. Swain penetrated to Spring Arbor. starting from the head of Jackson street Over one hundred farms were located in and running south and west to the town line the county in 1831, and the ring of the in section 18, called the Huntoon road, immigrant's axe was heard in all directions. since known as the Kibbey road. A road Among the new comers in the spring of was laid out running south from the village 1831 was Mr. Benjamin Shaw, a practical to the Swain place, now known as Fourth carpenter, and a good one, too. His first street. The Clinton road, leading to the leading to the job was to build a frame store for Mr. southeast to Napoleon, furnished an open- Hogan, on the east side of Jackson street, ing for travel that way. north of the old square. Next he superin- It was an easy matter to lay out roads. tended the erection of a frame tannery but it was quite another thing to work them for Mills & Prussia, where the old Purifier so as to be available for travel. It required buildings now stand. He next built a large years of time and much heroic labor and frame barn back of the Blackman tavern, self-denial to construct roads so as to be of which still stands on Pearl street, the oldest much use, but the settlers set about it with frame structure in Jackson. For many years commendable zeal and in a few years many Mr. Shaw was a familiar figure, and laid roads were in good passable condition. out and framed most of the early frame buildings of the place. At all the “raisings” RUSH OF NEW SETTLERS. his stentorian "Heave, O heave” inspired The spring of 1831 saw a large acces- the men and boys to lift and tug and push sion to the population of Jackson county. on their pike poles until the heavy frames Not so many settled in the village, but there were in position, after which the inevitable were a large number of homeseekers scat- wrestling match and game of base ball tered all through the county. About twenty ended the "grand rally.” families settled along the Territorial road in Grass Lake and Leoni, among whom we THE FIRST DEATH. remember Nathan Russ, Norman Allen, The first death in Jackson was the re- William Todd, the Barnes family, a Mr. sult of an accident and cast a deep cloud of Smith, John Leper, Marcus Wakeman, Con- sadness over the little village. It occurred stance McGuire and James Ganson. A in April, 1831. Some choppers were en- . colony settled on the river road, north of gaged in removing some large oak trees from the village, among them George Wood- Main street. Of course there were more or worth, the Morrill families, Rosevelt less lookers-on and as one large tree fell it Davis, T. D. Smith and Jonathan Hastings. caught on a limb of its neighbor and swung A party consisting of Chester Harington around across the street. The men shouted and several sons, Stephen H. Rowen and to the spectators to run, which they did, but family, Leander McCain and George Wor- Willie, the ten-year-old son of William R. den, settled on the Spring Arbor road in Thompson, ran the wrong way and was Summit township, while John Van Fossen, crushed to death by the huge limbs and Amasa B. Gibson, Mr. French and Isaac weight of the felled monster of the forest. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 81 The body was extricated and carefully In the fall of 1832 the people voted to wrapped in blankets and carried to Ann build a frame school house on the big hill Arbor, where it was buried. which is the site of the present high school. The next death in the colony was the The job was let to Joseph Sturtevant and wife of Isaiah W. Bennett, in the spring of James Finn, two men who came on from 1832, of pneumonia. Ann Arbor. When the job was only partly In June, 1831, Jeremiah Marvin came done these men got into a drunken row up from Monroe, and took charge of the with Ogden Laverty and some teamsters, saw-mill erected by Bennett & Thompson. and Sturtevant had an arm broken. Jim A few months afterwards he purchased the Finn got hold of a shot gun to shoot Laverty property and made some improvements, and when he fired the gun it bursted and and did a prosperous business. Mr. Mar- destroyed the sight of both his eyes. The vin also located about four hundred acres doctors picked the shot out of Laverty's of land, and continued an enterprising citi- back and scalp back and scalp and he recovered. Finn zen until his death, about 1880. Mr. | traveled the country for years, selling a Cyrus Hodgkins, Abram Dibble, William piece of poetry called “The Blind Man's Fields, Curtis Wheelock, Chancy Barnes Lament,” but disappeared about ten years and other well known settlers were added to ago. The school house was left unfinished the list of pioneers who located in the all winter, but the next spring it was com- vicinity. pleted by Uncle Ben Shaw and was painted red. Miss Blackman taught for three sea- sons. The first two she received no compen- sation, but the last year she had twenty- In the summer of 1831 Miss Silence D. three scholars and the rate bill” netted her Blackman opened a day school in the old about thirty dollars for the season's work. Blackman house for the instruction of her She was soon after married to John T. Du- younger brothers and the few other children rand and both spent their lives in Jackson, in the settlement. Her pupils were Fran- both reaching beyond the four-score mark. cis, George and Levi Blackman, Semantha The year 1831 was less stirring and and Charles V. DeLand, Harvey and Emma eventful than its predecessor. Considerable Thompson (children of W. R. Thompson), additions were made to the little hamlet, Sarah Thompson (daughter of Hiram and its fame became more widely known. Thompson), and Huldah Case (daughter of It had a double cognomen that was of some the blacksmith). The school was continued confusion. The postoffice department in- . the next summer, with the addition of the sisted on calling it Jacksonopolis, and all Willman children, two Marsh boys and the mail matter was addressed to that name, Sumner Hamlin. A log building was put | The village was named Jacksonburg, and the up on Jackson street, in the rear of the Con- settlers usually headed their letters with gregational church, and answered the pur- that name. This caused confusion and many pose of a school house until the spring of letters went astray. It was not until 1835 . 1833. that the suffixes were both dropped and the A SCHOOL OPENED. 6 82 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a place became plain Jackson and has re- Daniel Dwight, who, with his son, David mained such. F. Dwight, and a nephew, John N. Dwight, There were many more newcomers dur- carried on the business for many years. ing the year, but they mainly selected farms WHAT HAPPENED IN 1832. and the county began to be well dotted with locations. These included Concord, Parma, In the spring of 1832 opened a new leaf Tompkins, Brooklyn and some other town- in the history of Jackson. It was a year of ships. Jackson, however, lost nothing by suffering and excitement. Early in the this. It was the commercial center or spring the people began to have the chills nucleus of the county and all who began and fever, which was afterward known as improvements had to visit our postoffice and the dreaded “Michigan fever and ague.” interview our mechanics and merchants. As early as April the doctors were busy, The saw-mill also had to be patronized for and Doctor Stoddard and Doctor Russ lumber to complete the cabins and nobody were supplemented by Doctors Gorham, could ignore the "burg." Pratt and McClure. Early in the season The winter of 1831-2 was a mild one there were rumors of trouble with the In- and the people were better prepared for it. dians. Black Hawk called a council at Terre The settlers had raised a fair crop and Coupee prairie and the Pottawattomies many had all the grain they needed. The were invited. The people became panicky. wheat had to be threshed outside on blankets The women hit upon a plan to pacify the a with flails and winnowed by hand. Then “Nitchies.” They proposed to get up a big they had to take it to Monroe to have it feast and invite the chiefs and braves to it ground, a trip of eight to ten days with ox before they went to the council. The men teams. all fell in with the scheme, and the "runners” The Blackmans put two freight wagons were sent to the Indian villages. The chiefs on the road to Detroit, and the Thompsons and braves nearly all came in, but they were two more, leaving Mondays and Wednes- very solemn and reserved and not inclined days and making the trip in a week. This to talk. The feast was served on the old was continued until the frost came out in camp ground. The provisions were served the spring, when the trips became less regu- in pails, kettles and baskets, and the In- lar. But supplies and goods were in fair dians feasted all day. They were to start supply during the season. for Black Hawk's council the next morning. During the winter two new stores were Meat, bread and pies were given them early built, one on each side of the square. The and just before starting every Indian was one on the south side was built for Mr. given a pint of whiskey. As they started Coleman, who ocupied it in the spring with off old Whaup-kee-zeek turned to them and a stock of goods and was made postmaster, simply said, “You good chimokeman The other was occupied by Guy H. Gorham squaws.” for a grocery, by Mr. Thompson as a shoe When Black Hawk's grand council was shop, and by Doctor Gorham as an office. adjourned it was understood that the In the fall Mr. Hogan sold out his stock to Pottawattomies had refused to take the war JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 83 man. path. The Indians returned, but they would capture of Black Hawk were joyfully received, and not talk. Some of the young braves slipped brought great relief to the harrassed settlers. Quite . a number of our citizens of Jackson county still live away quietly and joined the enemy, but the to tell of their martial exploits in the Black Hawk majority remained quiet and peaceful. As war and the thrilling scenes enacted at Fort Black- illustrating the situation, we copy the fol- lowing written by my father and published Early in May the people were charmed in the Jackson Citizen in 1852: by the appearance of a full regiment of United States soldiers. It was the First In 1832 there were two causes of excitement which agitated our little community deeply—the Regiment of regular infantry. It was Sun- prevalence of the cholera at the east and even west, day morning when they passed through the village of Marshall having been afflicted, and Jackson, having camped the night before on the Black Hawk war. By the latter event all of southern and western Michigan was kept in a con- the banks of Gillett's Lake. They were in tinual state of fear and suspense for months from full uniform, with white pants, blue coats the countless rumors afloat, and from the danger and high hats, and each of the latter had which all the settlers seemed to regard as imminent. a feather in it. They marched from Detroit Men were summoned in the spring time, during the plowing and planting season, to appear, with what overland to Chicago and finally were in the firearms they could obtain, at some distant ren- battle when Black Hawk was defeated near dezvous, where they would be obliged to remain for Fort Atkinson, in Wisconsin. After the weeks, while their families were left at home in the woods without protectors, to bear for weeks together regulars passed through things quieted down suspense and fright. A company was organized here and the people resumed their work. under Capt. O. H. Fifield, consisting of about thirty In June word was received that the vil- The rendezvous was at Blackman's tavern, lage of Marshall was affected with cholera that place being chosen on account of its supposed invulnerability to Indian assault-it being a very and all the people had died. A party was at stout and substantial edifice of logs, well put to- once organized to go and ascertain the facts. gether, and meriting the exclamation of one of the Doctor Russ, W. R. DeLand, Zenas Fuller lieutenants who, after making a reconnoissance in force around it, and taking an account of the ditches and William Bradley started on foot for which nature had provided in profusion, reported, Marshall. They got there the next morning "Our castle's strength would laugh a siege to scorn!” and found the place deserted, except one Here the embattled farmers of Jackson remained man. Five people had died and laid in their for some time, and served to confirm the fears of the people that danger threatened. Rumors, of in- beds unburied. All the rest of the inhabit- cursions and massacres spread over the country, ants had fled to Prairie Ronde and White gathering terrors as they went, and quite a number Pigeon. The Jackson party buried the dead of people actually moved back to the east through and returned home. fear occasioned by these stories. It was a great blight to emigration, and many who would have During this year D. T. Warner came this year settled in Michigan were diverted to Ohio late in the fall and built a small store where because of the alarming stories which were told of he sold groceries, liquors and drugs. It was the "troubles in Michigan.” Even the Indians about here were suspected, and it was imagined that their on the north side of Main street, where the deportment with the whites had undergone a change, Dwight block now stands. that they were more reserved and grave than be- William R. DeLand and Solomon Brill fore. It is needless, however, to remark that all the stories of savage incursion were without the slight- opened a brick yard a short distance down est foundation, but the tidings of the defeat and the river and burned two kilns of good brick, men. 84 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a which were used to construct fire hearths, Akers took his plat to Poughkeepsie, New fire places, ovens and chimneys. Abram York, and offered lots for sale. He dis- Wing discovered lime stone near the Port- posed of about forty lots from twenty-five age river and opened a lime kiln. Mr. Rob- dollars to one hundred dollars each. A few erts did the same in Spring Arbor. Dr. of the purchasers came west to settle in the Russ discovered and opened the stone quar- new city. Akers built a church and induced ry where the prison stands, and Jerry Rev. Mr. Parks, a Presbyterian minister, to Marvin also opened one where the present come to Barry and organize a church. He dam crosses the Grand river. Mr. Marvin was the first regularly settled minister in the also got out fifty thousand feet of white-county. I can remember well when people wood and basswood lumber for building, used to go from Jackson to Barry to hear besides oak and black walnut. Mr. Parks preach. Akers built a store and Abel F. Fitch came in this fall and blacksmith shop, a shoe shop and a large located on the Clinton road, near where El-frame hotel. Later, in 1835, he built a stone dred Station now is. He kept a tavern there bank building, from which he issued notes for several years and the old “Fitch stand” on the Farmers' Bank of Sandstone. He became known all over the country. Sub- had a large stone residence built for himself, sequently he removed to Michigan Center, in which he had his office and drug store. and in 1857 was the central figure in the One of his inducements was free medical “Great Railroad Conspiracy Trial,” to be attention to all settlers for one year. spoken of later. Doctor Akers' village of Barry soon ac- Gen. Abram F. Bolton this year located quired notoriety, and when the county was the village of Napoleon, which at one time organized, in 1833, it was a sharp competi- was a rival of Jackson for the location of tor for the county seat. Barry flourished the state prison on account of its sandstone until 1838, when the Bank of Sandstone col- quarry, but it lost it because it was not sup- lapsed and Jackson having secured the coun- plied with water for use in the prison, and ty seat and the state prison, it went gradual- there was no chance for drainage or sewer- ly to decay. Doctor Akers' stone house and bank are still standing. A NEW RIVAL. In the spring of 1833 William E. Per- rine and Charles H. Van Dorn came from The year 1833 brought brighter and Elizabeth, New Jersey, and started a large better times to Jackson, and it also brought general store. They built a large frame a new rival. James Volentine had located store, forty by one hundred feet, two stories with Chester Wall on Sandstone creek, and high, where the Union Bank building now they had been reinforced by two others, Mr. stands, and stocked it with dry goods, Titus and Mr. Pool. Then along came groceries, hardware, iron, nails, plows and Doctor Akers and located one hundred and other merchandise. It was looked upon as a sixty acres of land, and platted a village “hummer,” and was a great addition to the which he called Barry. The boom in west- town. Mr. Perrine was a man of great push ern cities and town lots had just begun, and and energy and began at once to make him- üge. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 85 COUNTY SEAT. self felt. He invested in some of the swamp and timber lands east of the river and agi- tated the subject of a flouring-mill and other Oliver Whitmore, Bethuel Farrand and manufactories. He obtained money from a Jonathan F. Stratton were appointed com- banker named Ford in Clyde, New York, missioners “to designate the county seat of and finally induced the Fords to become in- the county of Jackson.” In their report, terested in Jackson. The result was the ex- made March 30, 1833, they said: “A terri- tension of the village east of the river, and torial road, called the St. Joseph's road, was eventually the erection of a grist-mill and last winter laid directly through the heart several other industries. of the Peninsula. Where this road crosses the Grand river, about seventy miles west of JACKSON COUNTY ORGANIZED. Detroit, a flourishing village is commenced, and the proprietors are erecting mills. The January 26, 1832, the territorial coun- road was opened last winter as far west as cil passed an act providing for the organiza- Grand river by a company of citizens of Ann tion of Jackson county, but it did not go into Arbor, who, together with the commission- effect until the first of August of that year. ers, gave the village the name of Jackson- Section 1 of the act provided for the or- burgh. We speak confidently when we say, ganization of the county (the limits having the state capital will be at Jacksonburgh. So been before established), it to be divided into sanguine were we, that we required the pro- four townships and the inhabitants thereof prietors to appropriate ten acres of land for to be entitled to all the benefits, rights and the state-house square. Upon a command- privileges and subject to all the duties to ing eminence near the upper part of this vil- which, by law, the inhabitants of other coun- lage, at a point sixty-two degrees six chains ties of this territory were amenable and from the southwest corner of the southeast entitled. quarter of section 34, town 2 south of range Section 2 provided that all suits, prosecu- I west, we have struck the stake of the coun- tions and other matters pending before ty seat. The proprietors have given a court- courts of record of Washtenaw county, or house square, a public square, four meeting- before any justice of the peace of said Wash- house squares and one college square." tenaw county, should be prosecuted to final This report is addressed to “Lewis Cass, judgment and execution as though said Governor of the Territory of Michigan," county had not been organized. and signed by the commissioners. General The act further provided for two terms Cass approved their finding, and issued his of the circuit court, to be held in the county, proclamation declaring the village of Jack- those in Jackson to convene on the Tuesday sonburgh to be the county seat of Jackson after the first Monday in June and December county. . The site of the court house was located One of the things to be done was to estab- on the southwest quarter of the public square, lish the county seat and fix the site for the the place where the L. H. Field store now court house. stands, which was then a deep lagoon or mud of each year. 86 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. hole. When they came later to erect a stone In the tax for Jacksonburgh were twenty- building for court house and jail the build- five dollars for sickness. The pay of the su- ers reported it was so soft they could not pervisors was one dollar per day. The next get a safe foundation, and so the building meeting was held in March, 1834, the mem- was moved to the east and one-half of it bers of the same board being present. encroached on Jackson street. The county The county | Among the accounts then allowed was one offices were erected on the north side of dollar and fifty cents to Alexander Lav- Main street. erty for crying at court. The treasurer was allowed three per cent for collecting taxes, GROWTH OF THE COUNTY. and at that rate Dr. Stoddard managed to When Jackson county was young and earn the princely sum of six dollars and struggling, seventy years ago, it had about seventy-two cents. There was a balance re- the same machinery for county government ported in the treasury, but of only twenty- as it now has, except that there was not so six cents. At that early day there were in- much of it. The records show that the first dividuals so poor that the county had to pro- meeting of the board of supervisors was at vide for them. At this session the names of the house of Lemuel Blackman, in the vil- two sufferers were mentioned, and accounts lage of Jacksonburgh, the first Tuesday in for their maintenance presented. October, 1833. At that time the county was A special session was held in April to see divided into only four towns, which, with about building a jail. John Daniels suc- their supervisors, were as follows: Spring ceeded C. Harrington as supervisor for Jack- Arbor, Amasa B. Gibson; Jacksonburgh, C. sonburgh, and he was instructed to act as a Harrington; Napoleon, H. Austin; and committee of one to secure a safe room for Grass Lake, W. H. Pease. Amasa Gibson . use as a jail. In October it was voted to was elected chairman, and Hiram Thomp- raise three hundred and fifty-five dollars and son, clerk. At this meeting it was voted that seventy-two cents, and the taxes this year a sum of two dollars and fifty cents be paid were considerably higher than before. for the scalp of any full-grown wolf killed Spring Arbor had outstripped Jacksonburgh, within three miles of the dwelling of any and was the wealthiest town, and its share of white inhabitant. Claims for such killing the tax was two hundred and thirty-eight were allowed to the amount of thirty-five dollars and seventy-six cents; Jacksonburgh, dollars. The total of bills allowed at this two hundred and twenty-six dollars and six- session was two hundred and twenty dollars ty-two cents; Grass Lake, forty-three dollars and nineteen cents. Property was not quite and eighty-two cents; Napoleon, one hun- so valuable then as now, neither were taxes dred and thirty-eight dollars and sixty-eight so heavy. The assessed valuation and total cents. taxation of the towns was as follows: In March, 1835, twenty-one dollars and Valuation. Tax. nine cents were reported in the treasury, and Spring Arbor . $30,111 00 $150 64 one hundred and sixteen dollars and seventy- Jacksonburgh 34,765 00 164 05 nine cents had been allowed. Joseph Morris Napoleon 14,700 00 Grass Lake.... 4,260 00 and others objected to the line of the Wash- 74 20 12 73 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 87 tenaw Territorial road, and it was ordered “Jacksonburgh,” for before the October ses- to be changed, if the change could be made sion the last syllable was dropped, and it without doing greater public or private in-became “Jackson.” Michigan was lifted to jury than the one complained of. the plane of a state, and now all through the In October a new board appeared. Col. record appears a new item, “state tax." Abram Bolton represented Napoleon, and Owing to there being so many non-resident was elected chairman; Samuel Hamlin, from landholders, the treasurer could not collect Jacksonburgh, and Caleb Culver, from Grass the state tax as assessed, and he was directed Lake, with W. R. DeLand as clerk. Prop- to pay it out of the first moneys he might col- erty was rising, and the assessment roll lect, and to sell the lands of non-payers. In - showed an increase in the valuation of from the minutes of this session appear the names two hundred to four hundred and fifty per of Parma, Rives, Liberty, as new towns. cent. Spring Arbor was valued at one hun- There were also represented Aurelius and dred and eleven thousand eight hundred and Stockbridge, of Ingham county, which coun- , seventeen dollars; Jacksonburgh, seventy- ty was then attached to this for business pur- two thousand and eighty-four dollars; Na- poses. . In 1838 Pulaski, Springport and poleon, fifty-one thousand seven hundred Tompkins were added. In this year the rec- and forty-nine dollars; Grass Lake, eighteen ord closed somewhat abruptly, on account, thousand six hundred and fifty-seven dol- as a note says, of the board of supervisors iars. This session was marked by nothing being abolished by law. special except that the board forgot For the next four years the affairs of the to approve the proceedings, and had to county were conducted by a board of three meet the next week to set the seal of approval county commissioners, who were Nicholas on the record. Townley, of Tompkins, Drusas Hodges, of In October, 1836, the number of towns Spring Arbor, and Alvin Clark, of Grass were increased to ten, namely: Jackson- Lake. During the first two years of their rule burgh, Concord, Grass Lake, Hanover, nothing of interest occurred, except the addi- Leoni, East Portage, West Portage, Springtion of Columbia to the sisterhood of towns Arbor, Napoleon, Sandstone. The assessed in 1839. In 1840 the commissioners of Jack- valuation was seven hundred and thirty- son and Ingham counties met to settle up the seven thousand six hundred and twenty-four joint affairs, Ingham being now old enough dollars. In January, 1837, a resolution was to run alone. The Jackson commissioners adopted to issue bonds for ten thousand dol- were Clark, Townley and Hodges, with the lars to build a jail and court house, Jerry G. treasurer, John N. Dwight. Ingham coun- , Cornell and George B. Cooper being ap- ty was represented by J. Loomis, William A. pointed to negotiate the loan, which was to Dryer and Henry Lee, commissioners, with run ten years and draw interest at seven per H. H. Smith as treasurer. It was agreed that . cent. Proposals were advertised for, and a Ingham should pay one hundred and twenty contract for stone building awarded to David dollars for her nursing. Porter. In 1840 West Portage drops out, and This was the last time the board met in Henrietta appears; but it was seven years 88 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. I 00 I 50 • • . 5 00 2 50 3 00 5 50 4 00 2 00 5 00 before Waterloo took the place of East Port- James Voluntine, returning votes for treas- urer and coroner.. age. In 1842 the supervisors again appear, Martin Flint, services to county paupers. 5 00 the county system not lasting long John M. Dwight, bill for room. 4 50 The writing in the old record book is well Samuel Climo, bill as chairman. preserved, though an occasional page is fad- Daniel Coleman, bill for book..... H. Thompson, services on appeal on road. ... ed. Of the many clerks, whose penmanship John McConnel, com. highways. is found, that of the late Judge W. R. De W. R. De Land, on appeal on road. 2 50 Land was the finest and handsomest. Czar Charles Harrington, supervisor. 3 50 Amasa B. Gibson, supervisor. Jones was clerk in 1843, and claims the palm Harvey Austin, supervisor.. for plain writing William H. Pease.... Hiram Thompson, clerk of the board. ..... TRANSACTIONS OF THE SUPERVISORS, 1833. Total ... .$185 19 Amasa B. Gibson, chairman; W. H. Pease, Grass Lake; C. Harrington, Jackson- The first ordinance of the board was, burgh; Harvey Austin, Napoleon, and A. B. “That the sum of two dollars and fifty cents Gibson, Spring Arbor. be given as a bounty for the killing of every A meeting of the board of supervisors full-grown wolf; that the nature of proof - of the county of Jackson was held at the shall be as follows: Every person before house of Lemuel Blackman, in the village of he shall be entitled to such bounty shall make Jacksonburgh, on the first Tuesday of Octo- affidavit before a justice of the peace of the ber, 1833, pursuant to law. Amasa B. Gib-county in which said wolf was killed, of son, of Spring Arbor, was chosen chairman, the time and place of killing of said wolf, and H. Thompson, clerk. The first business and that said wolf was killed within three of the meeting was the auditing and payment miles of a white inhabitant, and shall present of public accounts; and as the list of country the justice the scalp of the wolf so killed, auditors contains names that cannot but re- which scalp shall be destroyed by said justice; call the past, and the simple, easy and eco- and the said justice shall make certificate of nomical manner in which the pioneers at- the same, and that such person is entitled to tended to the interests of the county, it is but said bounty.” just that the list be subscribed : After the ordinance was duly promul- gated, the following accounts for the killing David Keyes, services as sheriff.... .. $47 49 of wolves were audited and county orders Russell Blackman, services to county paupers 4 03 issued for amounts: Lyman R. Lowell, services to county paupers. 14 68 Oliver Russ, attendance and medicine... 2 25 Hiram Godfrey, services to county paupers.. Thomas McGee, killing two wolves... .$ 5 00 John T. Durand, surveying bill.... Leander McCain, killing five wolves (L. Mc- 37 54 John T. Durand, clerk bill.... Cain's order was $2.50 too much)....... 12 50 David Keyes, com. highways.. Jolin Daniels, killing one wolf.... Chester Wall... Henry Daniels, two certificates. Samson Stoddard, county clerk. 3 50 Abel W. Daniels, two certificates. 5 00 Hiram Austin, chairman. I 50 Isaac Sterling, two certificates... 5 00 John Wellman, chairman.. Martin Flint, chairman... The supervisors ordered “That orders a IO 00 3 70 IO 00 2 50 4 00 5 00 888SS 75 75 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 89 JACKSONBURGH, 25 00 SPRING ARBOR. upon the county be issued by the clerk upon meeting of the board. A note says: “No all the accounts preferred against the coun- further business being before the board, it ty, except for wolf certificates, which are was adjourned sine die.” This closed the not to be given out until there are sufficient proceedings for that meeting, and the report funds in the treasury to pay them, after all was duly signed by H. Thompson, clerk. other bills now audited and pending against The next meeting of the board of super- said county are paid off and discharged." visors was held April 14, 1834, at the house The assessment of the townships was of Lemuel Blackman. The supervisors pres- next supervised : ent were Amasa B. Gibson, of Spring Ar- bor; William H. Pease, of Grass Lake; Har- vey Austin, of Napoleon, and John Daniels, The aggregate amount on the assess- of Jacksonburgh. The object of the meet- ment roll .... $34,765 | ing was to provide a jail for the reception of Amount of town allowances.......$43 17 prisoners, and the only resolution accepted Money raised to prevent infectious was that authorizing Supervisor John Dan- diseases Proportion of county expenses..... 95 88 iels to furnish a room for the reception and keeping of prisoners committed to the cus- Amount of tax.. .$164 05 tody of the sheriff of Jackson county. The board met on the second Tuesday of Aggregate amount of assessment roll. $30,111 October, 1834, being the second "annual" Amount of town allowances... .$79 13 meeting. Among its first acts was the issue Proportion of county expenses.... 71 51 of a county order to D. B. Brown, sheriff Amount of tax.. $150 64 of Washtenaw, for twenty-five dollars and thirteen cents, amount due him for boarding a prisoner. Reuben Barns, Russell Swain, Aggregate amount of assessment roll. $14,712 Linus Gillett, John Kearn, William P. Wor- Amount of town allowances.......$30 16 den and Amos Fassett were acknowledged Proportion of county expenses.... 44 04 the slayers of nine wolves, but the orders for Amount of tax... $74 20 amount of bounty were not issued to Kearn and Fassett until May I, 1836. Lemuel Blackman was allowed one dollar and fifty cents for the use of the court room. Aggregate amount on assessment roll. $4,260 Proportion of county expenses.....$12 73 The financial condition of the county may be gleaned from the following order of the Daniel B. Brown, sheriff of the county of board: That the following sums be raised, Washtenaw, presented his account of twen- to-wit : ty-five dollars and thirteen cents for keeping Balance on allowances for the year 1833... $ 47 02 William Savacool, a prisoner from Jackson Allowed at the March meeting 1834....... 80 8642 Allowed October, 1834.. 168 481/2 county. The account, however, was present- A sum to meet contingent expenses....... 59 35 ed too late for adjustment, and was placed on file, to be brought up at the next annual Total $355 72 NAPOLEON. GRASS LAKE. 90 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. SPRING ARBOR. II 93 . JACKSONBURGH. 99 03 II 33 NAPOLEON. Now, with a view of equalizing the as- five dollars for killing two wolves, and D. sessment roll of the several townships of the Shannon one dollar for guarding prison, to- county, the supervisors ordered that the four gether with other accounts, amounting in divisions of the county raise the following the aggregate to one hundred and sixteen amounts: dollars and seventy-nine cents, for all which county orders were issued, and a balance left in favor of the people of twenty-one dol- Share of county expenses. .$118 20 lars and nine cents. The order of the board Town charges 108 63 to the commissioners of highway to enquire Collector's fees into the complaint of Joseph Morris and oth- Total $238 76 ers against the location of the Washtenaw Territory road, closed the proceedings of the meeting. Share of county expenses.. .$116 26 The fifth annual session of the board was Town charges held in the house of William Bothwell in the Collector's fees village of Jacksonburgh, October 5 1835. Total $226 62 Present, Cabel Culver, supervisor of Grass Lake; Samuel Hamlin, supervisor of Jack- sonburgh; Col. Abram F. Bolton, supervisor Share of county expenses. .$ 68 25 of Napoleon; Caleb M. Chapel, supervisor Town charges of Spring Arbor; Samson Stoddard, county Collector's fees clerk. The supervisor of Spring Arbor was not Total $138 68 present at that meeting, yet a quorum being present, it was organized and immediately adjourned to the 7th. Caleb M. Chapel ap- Share of county expenses. $ 21 63 Town charges peared at the adjourned meeting and took his Collector's fees seat. Accounts were passed to the amount of one hundred and twenty-eight dollars and Total .$ 43 82 twelve cents, among the items of which is one The entire tax amounted to six hundred showing the claim of Alexander Laverty for and forty-seven dollars and eighty-eight crying in court, three dollars and seventy- - cents, with Spring Arbor township leading five cents. in the van of prosperity, and Jacksonburgh Olney Hawkins, the former district at- following closely. Napoleon in one year al- torney, presented an account of one hundred most doubled its taxable property, while dollars for professional services rendered in Grass Lake showed a three-fold amount of 1834. This claim was rejected, after which the board received the following notice: wealth, The fourth meeting of the board con- GENTLEMEN :-Please take notice that I shall ap- vened March 3, 1835, with the same super- peal to the Circuit Court, to be held in and for said visors present. Lorenzo Rice was allowed county, on Tuesday, after the first Monday in De- 63 50 6 93 GRASS LAKE. 20 00 2 19 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 91 cember next, on my claim for professional services zo Brown, Daniel Porter, Josiah Mills, John as district attorney for said county for the year Barnum and Thomas McGee. The board 1834, this day presented before said board, and re- jected, and ask said court to do me justice in regard resolved that the assessors of Sandstone thereto. OLNEY HAWKINS, township should report to the meeting to be By Daniel Coleman, Agent. held July 20, 1836. JACKSONBURGH, Oct. 7, 1835. The ninth meeting, or fourth annual Seth T. Atkins, John Pratt, L. Gillett, meeting, was held in the dwelling of Pau! C. Matthews, Elijah Spencer, John F. Fi- B. Ring, October 4, 1836, with William R. field, received twenty-two dollars and fifty DeLand, clerk, and the following supervis- cents for killing wolves. ors, elect: Jerry G. Cornell, Spring Arbor; William R. DeLand was allowed ten dol- Alonzo Brewer, Grass Lake; Daniel Porter, lars for services rendered in criminal prose- Hanover; Jonathan Wood, Jacksonburgh; cutions, 1833-4, and seven dollars to William Josiah Mills, Leoni; Harvey Austin, Napo- , R. Perrine on lost order, which sums brought leon; John Barnum, Sandstone; Thomas up the disbursements to one hundred and McGee, Concord; Andrew Corvell, East sixty-seven dollars and sixty-two cents. The Fortage; Lewis D. Stowell, West Portage. assessments of the townships for 1835 were: Israel S. Love was allowed for services Jacksonburgh, $206.53; Spring Arbor, as constable at court, two dollars and thirteen $407.90; Napoleon, $255.64; Grass Lake, cents; P. B. Ring, for use of court room, $90.00; total, $960.07. thirty dollars; George B. Cooper, for jail The board sat on October 8, 13 and 26, room, nineteen dollars and fifty cents; A. B. and transacted much routine business. Will-Gibson, for sheriff, thirty-one dollars and fif- iam R. DeLand acted as county clerk. ty cents; Samuel Hamiln, for services as The sixth meeting of the board was held supervisor, seven dollars; making a disburse- January 20, 1836, in the house of Paul B. ment for the day of ninety dollars and thir- Ring, of Jacksonburgh, but the only subject teen cents. brought before the meeting was the petition The following day Guy H. Gorham, dep- of B. H. Packard, asking for alterations in uty sheriff, was allowed thirty-five dollars; the Territorial road between Jacksonburgh Samuel Hamlin, for use of grand jury room and White Pigeon. The board did not ac- for two terms, June, 1835, and December, cede to the prayer, being convinced that said 1836, six dollars; and Samson Stoddard, as alterations were not required for public con- county clerk, twenty-one dollars, aggregat- venience and expedient. ing a sum of sixty-nine dollars. The seventh meeting was also held in Mr. The sitting of October 6 was the most Ring's dwelling, March 1, 1836, with Will- 1836, with Will- | important of the session. The assessment . iam R. DeLand, clerk. County Treasurer rolls of the new and old townships were re- Samson Stoddard reported a balance in the ceived and examined, showing the valuation treasury of thirty-four dollars and thirty- of property to be as follows: Jacksonburgh, seven and one-half cents. $194,205; Concord, $125,159; Grass Lake, The eighth meeting was held July 7, 1836, $40,136; Hanover, $64,867; Leoni, $27,731 ; at which were present Jerry G. Cornell, Alon- East Portage, $6,112; West Portage, $11,- 92 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 864; Spring Arbor, $50,872; Napoleon, “That the above mentioned loan be made $77,171; Sandstone, $139,507. The board for ten years, conditioned that the board of subsequently lessened the valuation to the supervisors of said county may be at liberty following townships, from ten to fifty per to pay up said loan at any time after five cent.: Jacksonburgh, $174,784; Concord, years, and in such installments as the board $68,837; Hanover, $32,433. The tax or- may direct, by giving three months' notice dered to be levied off these townships was: to any person or persons to whom said loan Jacksonburgh, $1,008.7774; Concord, $400; or loans may be due, provided a loan can be Grass Lake, $250 ; Hanover, $188.81; Leoni, negotiated on such conditions.” $254.85; East Portage, $44.62; West Port- The first regular salary was ordered by age, $61.40; Spring Arbor, $323.08 1-2; Na- the following resolution: “That the dis- poleon, $493.50 3-4; Sandstone, $687.08. trict attorney for the county of Jackson be An amendment to the wolf section of the allowed, as compensation for his services, by-laws was carried, directing that one dol- a salary of one hundred dollars yer annum, , lar and twenty-five cents be the bounty for to commence the first day of January, 1836; the scalp of a wolf whelp, and two dollars and the clerk of the board be authorized to and fifty cents for that of a full-grown ani- issue an order for the same for one year.” mal. The business of the session closed Oc- The sheriff was authorized to expend tober 8. twenty dollars on preparing a room for the The tenth meeting was held in the office reception of criminals. of William R. DeLand, county clerk. A At the adjourned meeting, held January number of county orders were issued in pay- 10, 1837, Messrs. Austin and Porter were ment of accounts. appointed a committee to procure a draft or The eleventh session began Monday, plan of the proposed court house and jail, to- January 2, 1837, but owing to a quorum not gether with estimates for building the same. being present it was postponed to January 9. The legislators of the county assembled that day at the dwelling of P. B. Ring, and Reuben Barns, I wolf killed. at once proceeded to resolve- Roswell Hall, I wolf killed. “That the sum of ten thousand dollars Henry Daniels, i wolf killed..... Abraham Francisco, grand juror. be raised (agreeably to the provisions of an Phineas Farrand, one year's salary as district act to authorized the boards of supervisors attorney for the county.... of certain counties to borrow money, etc., Thomas McGee, as supervisor. Jonathan Wood, for the erection of county buildings, approved Daniel Porter, March 24, 1836) for the purpose of a court a Josiah Mills, house and jail for the county of Jackson. Henry Austin, Alonzo Brown, "That Jerry G. Cornell and George B. William R. De Land, as clerk to the board.. Cooper, Esqs., be authorized to negotiate a loan of ten thousand dollars (at an interest The board adjourned to the 25th of Jan- not exceeding seven per cent. per annum) uary, but, as was previously the case, there for the above mentioned purposes. ACCOUNTS AUDITED. $ 250 2 50 2 50 2 25 IOO 00 4 00 66 4 oo 4 00 4 00 66 2 00 2 00 was not a quorum present on that day, and 7 00 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 93 the meeting was postponed until the 26th, is hereby accepted; provided, that (agree- when a similar comedy was enacted. The able to a previous resolution of this board) few members of the board adjourned until the loan of ten thousand dollars shall be ef- February 6. fected.” Supervisors Daniel Porter, of Han- At the February meeting they considered over; Jonathan Wood, of Jacksonburgh, and the plans and estimates furnished by S. R. Amasa B. Gibson were appointed members Green for the new court house and jail. The of the building committee. board resolved, that in case the loan referred The sitting of March 9 was given up to to hitherto could be negotiated the two coun- the examination of accounts and the pay- ty buildings should be erected at once. With ment of themselves and the county clerk, this view the clerk of the board was in- seven dollars and fifty-three cents to Messrs. structed to cause notices to be posted Dwight, and fifteen dollars to Paul B. Ring throughout the neighboring counties, asking for room. proposals for building a court house and jail The supervisors present at the meeting of stone or brick, such proposals to be opened of October, 1837, were J. G. Cor- March 1, 1837. nell, Spring Arbor; Thomas McGee, Con- The consideration of the taxes due by cord; James Ganson, Jackson ; Daniel Por- absent property-holders, drew forth from the ter, Hanover; R. B. Rixford, Napoleon; board the following resolution: Ezra Rumery, Liberty; C. M. Chapell, Sand- stone; John Barnum, Parma; E. B. Chap- WHEREAS, It is ascertained that by reason of the large amount of non-resident taxes unpaid in the man, Rives; Sherlock Patrick, West Port- county of Jackson, there is not money sufficient to age; Ben. Davis and O. Gregory, Aurelius pay the state tax and county contingent expenses, and Stockbridge, Ingham county; A. Brew- and that to proportion the amount would be at- tended with much difficulty and perplexity, in as er, Grass Lake; Josiah Mills, Leoni; P. Hub- , much as a balance would be due the state, and a bard, East Portage. portion of county expenses remain unpaid, until said The reading of the journal of proceedings taxes may be collected; therefore, Resolved, That the treasurer of said county be for the past twelve months was then gone and he is hereby instructed to pay off all county through, after which eighty-five dollars and orders already issued, and no others, until the state sixteen cents were voted away for services tax shall be fully paid. rendlered to the county. Chippewa and We- The session of March was important, as nonquit, two Indians, were paid five dollars it undertook to review the public accounts. for killing two wolves. A. B. Gibson, as This review proved that on March 8 the sheriff, recived thirty-eight dollars and for- treasurer had a balance in favor of the coun- ty-seven and one-half cents, and the balance ty amounting to two hundred and thirty- was paid to wolf-scalpers. October 4 a sum seven dollars and one cent. of one hundred and eighty-two dollars and The board opened the proposals for the sixty-four and one-fourth cents was voted to building of county offices, and resolved, the various officers of the county. “That the proposal offered by David Porter At the sitting of October 5 the bounty for for building a court house and jail of stone killing wolves, to be granted only to white for the sum of ten thousand dollars, be and inhabitants, was increased to five dollars. 94 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. The equalization of the assessment rolls was The first meeting of 1838 was held March a most important portion of their proceed-6, with Supervisors Thomas McGee, James ings. William D. Thompson presented an Ganson, C. M. Chapell, Benjamin Davis, E. appeal asking fifteen dollars and fifty cents B. Chapman, S. Patrick, A. Brewer, John for services performed by him as county Barnum, J. Mills and Hubbard present. clerk. Leander Chapman, judge of probate, The session was continued to March 8, but was allowed five hundred and fifty dollars, the only business transacted was the audit- and as district attorney received his salary ing of the numerous accounts, aggregating of one hundred dollars, with twenty-two dol- five hundred and nineteen dollars and eleven lars and thirty-five cents for expenses. The cents, and the reception of a petition from board gave notice to the electors that it rec- Sylvanus Parkinson and other inhabitants ommended the raising of five thousand dol- of Concord township, asking the alteration lars for the purpose of completing county of the Monroe (state) road. ( buildings, and erecting a fire-proof safe for The meeting of October 1, 1838, was the county records. William J. Moody, carried over to the following day for want district attorney, was allowed twenty-five of a quorum. On the 2d the following mem- dollars for a half year's services. The board bers of the board presented themselves : Jer- also ordained that four thousand six hun- ry G. Cornell, Spring Arbor; Henry Acker, dred dollars and seven cents be raised during Concord; Benjamin Copeland, Napoleon ; the current year to defray contingent ex- Jotham Wood, Jackson; C. M. Chappell, penses of the county and for the purpose of Sandstone; Daniel Porter, Hanover; John ; paying state tax. Barnum, Parma; Jesse B. Burroughs, Pu- November 10, the subject of the five thou- | laski; Nicholas Townley, Tompkins; E. B. sand dollar loan was taken up, with the fol- Chapman, Rives; Isaiah Whitman, Spring- lowing result: “Whereas, the electors of the port; A. Brewer, Grass Lake; J. Mills, Le- ; county of Jackson have by their vote author- oni; James Preston, East Portage; E. Rum- ized the board of supervisors to negotiate a ery, Liberty. William R. DeLand was ap- loan of a sum of money not exceeding five pointed deputy clerk by William D. Thomp- thousand dollars, for the purpose of erecting son, county clerk, and ex-officio clerk of the a fire-proof register's office and the comple- | board. The equalization of assessment rolls tion of the court house and jail yard, it was was the principal business before the meet- therefore resolved that the board authorize ing. Amasa B. Gibson to effect said loan of five The supervisors appointed a committee thousand dollars for the accomplishment of of three, at their sitting of October 18, to said object.” A fire-proof register's office examine and report on the rooms in the court was next ordered to be constructed, twenty-house, fixing the amount of rent, annually, four feet in the clear; to be built of wrought for each room according to its size, situation stone, one story high; to be partitioned into and value. This committee reported as fol- four rooms. This order was conditioned on lows: “That the north and middle rooms the loan being obtained. The business of on the west side of the hall, occupied as the the year was concluded in December. registry and probate offices, were worth sev- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. . 95 treasurer. و a ors. enty-five dollars each; that the southwest subsequently elected at the next election. room, same side of the hall, occupied by P. William D. Thompson was the first county Harrand, was worth one hundred dollars, clerk, and Samson Stoddard the first county and that the north and middle rooms, on the east side of the hall, were worth fifty dol- In this connection a good story is told lars each per annum.' A debate ensued, but of Clerk Thompson. The law allowed own- the report was adopted. ers of stock to record "marks” in a town book The last meeting of the old board of su- kept by the clerk. Some had a slit in the pervisors was held October 19, 1838, when right ear and some two slits, etc. Mr. James warrants were issued to the several collect- Ganson chose "a piece off of each animal's The following accounts were ordered tail.” Some time after that John Batchelder to be paid: Bildad Bennett, for services as came in asked to have the same mark record- constable, two dollars and twenty-five cents; ed. Mr. Thompson told him that mark was A. P. Crowell, bill of costs, two dollars and recorded. “Then what shall I do?” said Mr. forty-four cents; Bildad Bennett, constable Ganson, “my cattle are all bob-tailed now?” bill, twenty dollars and thirteen cents; 0. “Well," said Mr. Thompson, “we will fix Russ, constable bill, one dollar and thirty- | that by recording it two pieces off each ani- one cents; N. Sullivan, printing fifty blank mal's tail," and so it was done. Subsequently warrants, two dollars; W. R. DeLand, der- a suit arose between Ganson and Batchelder uty clerk of board for two last sessions, twen- about a hog that each claimed, and Doctor ty-five dollars. Russ was called in to arbitrate. Ganson wanted Batchelder to prove that he had act- BACK TO TOWN AGAIN. ually cut off two pieces. Batchelder could Having followed the growth of the coun- only give his word for it, and Ganson charged ty several years in advance, we will turn perjury. Doctor Russ awarded the hog to back to the village once more. the defendant with the remark, “As it was In 1833 Lyman A. Coleman came to the only one he claimed he ought to have it, Jackson and established another general and it was blamed hard work to settle a new store, on the north side of the public square. country without a little perjury, any way.” He was soon afterwards appointed postmas- The first marriage in the new county was ter to succeed Mr. Bennett, who resigned. celebrated in 1833 when Thomas Godfrey In 1835 he returned to New York, where and Salinda Sutherland were married by he was married. While riding with his new- Justice of the Peace William R. DeLand. ly wedded wife, in the village of Livona, Subsequently two of the Blackman girls were Livingston county, New York, he was married, to-wit: John T. Durand and Si- thrown from his carriage and instantly killed. lena D. Blackman, and William Acker and George B. Cooper succeeded him in the store Lucy M. Blackman, the ceremony being per- and as postmaster. formed by Rev. Mr. Bennett. These last When the county was organized, Will- two are the first marriages recorded in Jack- iam R. DeLand was appointed county judge son county, the first being of record in Wash- and Amasa B. Gibson sheriff, and both were tenaw county. 96 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. In the spring of 1835 Benjamin W. ried out in time, though some of them were Rockwell came to Jackson from Cleveland, not completed until 1838. This action of Ohio, and built a large frame store on the the Fords was a great Godsend to Jackson, site of the Loeb store. It was painted yellow, and soon gave it a new impetus in material and for many years was known as the “Yel-growth. low Store," and the firm of E. S. & B. W. The condition of Main street was most Rockwell was one of the leading ones in the deplorable during these years. The ground county. was all low and swampy from Blackstone In the spring of 1835 the firm of Jerry street to Page avenue. It had been “cross- Ford & Sons appeared on the scene. The wayed” for part of the way, but in the rainy father has been heretofore mentioned in con- season was almost impassable. Lemuel Black- nection with Perrine & Van Dorn. The man had two yoke of stalwart oxen, and he Fords began clearing the east side of the used them most of the year hauling emi- river, and, after making surveys, determined grants and teamsters' loads through the to build a new dam that would develop the town, securing quite a revenue for his help. full water power. The present dam was the Finally big ditches were opened and much result. They also set about building a new work done, but the street was very bad for saw-mill, a flouring-mill, and a woolen-mill years, until it was at length paved with cob- and a foundry. These projects were all car- ble stones in 1848. CHAPTER V. COURTS. In dealing with the court of Jackson action of the commissioners appointed to lo- county, it is desirable to give only its history cate the county seat of Jackson : from the beginning to that period when its BY LEWIS CASS, organization may be said to have been com- Governor in and over the Territory of Michigan. pleted, and its rules understood and observed. Therefore, in the succeeding pages the legal transactions of the circuit court are sum- A PROCLAMATION. WHEREAS, By an act of the legislative council, marized up to 1838. approved July 31, 1830, authority is given to the governor of the territory to appoint commissioners to locate the seats of justice in the several counties SEAT OF JUSTICE ESTABLISHED. where the seats of justice may not have been lo- cated, and to receive their report and confirm the The territorial governor, Hon. Lewis same if he approve thereof; and then to issue a proclamation establishing the seats of justice so Cass, issued the following proclamation un- located; der date February 2, 1831, confirming the AND WHEREAS, Henry Rumsey, Chauncey S. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 97 , Goodrich and John Allen, Esquires, were appointed Always prompt in matters of this kind, commissioners to locate the seat of justice of the the territorial authorities appointed Dr. Oli- county of Jackson, and have proceeded to execute the said duty, and have, by a report signed by them, ver Russ judge, Samson Stoddard clerk of located the seat of justice of the said county of court, and David Keyes sheriff. The neces- Jackson at the said village of Jacksonopolis, in the sary legal notice was extensively posted, and said county: Now, therefore, By virtue of the authority given in accordance with the spirit of the act, the in said act, and in conformity with the said report, first court of justice in Jackson county was I do hereby issue this proclamation, establishing the proclaimed open on the first Tuesday of seat of justice of the said county of Jackson at the said village of Jacksonopolis, in the said county. September, 1832. A grand jury was im- In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my paneled, which comprised almost every re- hand, and caused the great seal of the territory to be sponsible man then in the neighborhood. At- affixed. Done at Detroit, on the second of Febru- torneys John Allen and Olney Hawkins, of ary, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hun- dred and thirty-one, and of the independence of the Ann Arbor, were present, with a few deter- United States the fifty-fifth. mined litigants ranged in the back-ground. LEWIS CAss. [L. S.] The court room—a parlor in the log house of By the Governor: Horace Blackman—was densely packed John T. MASON, Secretary of the Territory. with the jurors, lawyers, litigants and the curious. The Judge sat patiently waiting the time when the multitude would cease PIONEER COURTS. their converse, and settle down to hear the The formation of counties throughout | lecture to which he was determined to treat the state in 1829 was followed by acts of the the jurors. It came. Sheriff Keyes read the legislative assembly of the territory, relat- proclamation a second time, and declared the ing to the government of such counties, their session of the court to have begun. The partition in townships, and the establishment Judge rose from his seat with a good deal of county and circuit courts in each district of dignity, took a long look at his assembled so organized. These acts were approved | friends, and then entered on one of those June 29, 1832, and among others relating to peculiar addresses heard only in the courts, this county was one dealing with the courts, or at meetings of the people recently settled in the following terms: “That a county in a new country. He said: court should be established in Jackson coun- “Gentlemen of the Grand Jury, Friends ty, possessing all the privileges of the other and Countrymen: We are just emerging county courts in the territory, a session of from the barbarous period of our lives, and which must be held on the first Tuesday of that is comprised in the few months which September each year, and the first session to have passed away since we left our eastern take place at the house of Horace Blackman. homes in search of western ones. The state The county of Jackson was created one cir- | has not forgotten us; but, on the contrary, cuit, and a session of the court ordered to has recognized our courage by bestowing be held on the second Tuesday of September upon us all the forms of government known each year, the first session to be held at the in much older counties, and above all she has house of Horace Blackman.” blessed the county by placing me a judge 7 98 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. over you. Gentlemen of the jury, I am prised a capias, costing 50c; docketing, proud to assure you that your duties at this 12 1-2c; filing papers, 25c. So Stoddard session of the court will be of the lightest remarks: “Capias issued on filing affidavit character, but I trust the time is not far dis- of E. W. Morgna. Capias returned with tant when intelligent men, such as you are, bond for defendant's appearance by David will be not idle in such a cause, or lawyers Keyes, sheriff. Fees, $1.50.” such as I see before me, be without a train of The action of Stephen Grant and Trum- clients. The advancing civilization of our bul Cary against Elijah Spencer, claiming time requires that litigation and trouble of damages of one thousand dollars, was all sorts should accompany it, and I must brought before the court in 1832, and a ca- congratulate the state for placing among us, pias was issued returnable at the next term so early in the history of our county, an in- of the circuit court. stitution which may, undoubtedly, cause The Bank of Michigan vs. John Wick- more trouble and anxiety than it will be ever ham, H. W. Bassett and H. Blackman, a able to relieve. case noticed under date December 18, 1832, “Gentlemen, in closing this little address, is treated to the laconic remark, “Capias is- I must not forget to remind you that this sued returnable at next term of circuit court. is only the beginning of the end. The time Returned, served by David Keyes, sheriff.” will soon be at hand when the juror may All the cases were returned to the circuit lose the curiosity which this court now awak- court, the judge asked three hearty cheers ens, and seek a means to escape a visit to the for the Stars and Stripes, which were freely county court house, that will soon offer us, given, and then, placing one foot on the chair at least a larger room to examine and de- and his hand under his chin, spoke to the liberate in. The case of John Doe will come members of that grand jury for over an before you; treat it as it deserves.” hour, and might have continued for the suc- The jurors were satisfied, the crowd was ceeding sixty minutes had not the last of the satisfied; but the happiest mortal in all that fatigued pioneers followed the example of gathering was the Judge himself, who looked his friends, leaving Messrs. Stoddard and with a smile at the folowing entries, made Keyes for the audience. by Mr. Stoddard, clerk of the county court, It is related by one of the surviving first in one of the early record books: settlers that the Judge was very desirous to indite John Doe, then a tavern-keeper in the John Doe, selling liquor to Indian; damages, township, for selling liquor to Indians. In , $20. Attorney, John Allen. Thomas Godfrey vs. Daniel T. Warner, trespass; his charge to the grand jury he referred damages, $100. Attorney, O. Hawkins. to it; but the jury requested the Judge to Fee bill-Summons, 50c.; docketing, 127/2c.; same, 6440. Date—Sept. 4, 1832. Remarks—Sum- make out a bill against the breaker of the mons issued returnable at next term of court. ke- laws, as they were not conversant with legal turned, served by David Keyes, Sheriff; fee, $1.0674. | forms in their adopted state. forms in their adopted state. Russ snatched Under date of September 7, 1832, the up a pen and wrote: “John Doe to Jackson fee bill, in the case of Abel Millington vs. County, Dr., to selling liquor to Indians, Sanford Marsh and Daniel T. Warner, com- twenty dollars." . JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 99 What became of this “true bill" is not A commission, under the same date, was recorded; but it is handed down in legend issued to Hiram Thompson, appointing him that Doe never paid the twenty dollars, and associate judge, though he did not take his that Doctor Russ' "true bill” was for many seat until the November session. years passed round the judicial circuits of the The first grand jury was composed of the state, always forming subject for the leisure following persons; Solomon Brill, Lemuel moments of modern lawyers. Blackman, Russell Blackman, William H. FIRST REGULAR SESSION, 1833. Pease, Wesley W. Laverty, Elizur B. Chap- man. Ezekiel T. Critchet, John Laverty, Ze- The first session of the circuit court, held nas Fuller, Jotham Wood, William T. Wor- in Jackson county June 3, 1833, was pre- den, Charles Herrington, William D. sided over by Hon. William A. Fletcher, Thompson, Samuel Wing, Hiram Austin, , chief justice, with William R. DeLand as Nathan Russ, Abel Bennett, William Pool, assistant judge. The commission of Judge Nathan Z. Lattimore, Caleb Chapel, Ira Kel- Fletcher was issued by Gov. G. B. Porter iogg, Timothy Williams, James Jacobs. Sol- April 23, 1833. This document appointed eman Brill was appointed foreman and au- him judge of the circuit court in and for the thorized by the court to administer oaths to territory of Michigan for four years, or dur- such witnesses as might appear for examina- ing the pleasure of the governor of the terri- tion. tory for the time being. The petit panel comprised the following: David Keyes, the sheriff, read his commis- Nathaniel Bayn, Moses Bayn, George Wood- sion, together with that appointing W. R. worth, Edward Morrell, Aaron Evans, John DeLand assistant judge. As the latter named Daniels, Josephus Case, Alexander Laverty, has been so intimately connected with the Isaac Carrier, Joseph Sutton, John Eames, county, it is well to give a copy of his com- Ethan Allen, James Fifield, Jeremiah Mar- mission: vin, David Riley, Orrin Gregory, Leander GEORGE B. PORTER, Governor ir, and over the Terri- McCain, Sanford Marsh, William Worth, tory of Michigan. Stephen Rowan, Martin Flint, Major D. To all to whom these presents may come, greet- Mills. ing :-Know ye that, reposing special trust and con- fidence in the integrity and ability of William R. The court orderd that Olney Hawkins, De Land, I have nominated and, by and with the of Ann Arbor, be appointed district attorney. advice and consent of the legislative council of the Those preliminaries being completed, the said territory, have appointed him an associate judge of the circuit court for the county of Jackson; and case of Millington against Marsh and others I do hereby authorize and empower him to execute was called, when Attorney Hawkins moved and fulfill the duties of that office according to for judgment of nonsuit, owing to some in- law,—to have and to hold the said office with all formality in the procedure of plaintiff; but the rights, privileges and emoluments thereunto be- longing, during the pleasure of the governor of the the motion was overruled at the adjourned said territory for the time being. meeting, June 4, and the plaintiff allowed to The date of this document is contempor- | file a declaration within thirty days. ary with that of Judge Fletcher's commis- A nonsuit ensued in the case of Thomas sion. Godfrey vs. Daniel T. Warner by consent of 100 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. tem. plaintiff's attorney, John Allen, and Olney W. D. Thompson, D. Laverty, E. Allen, J. Hawkins, the defendant's attorney. H. Otis, C. Smith. Abraham F. Bolton was The little difficulty between Harvey Aus- appointed foreman, and directed to swear any tin and Calvin H. Swain was simply settled witnesses who might come up for examina- by the failure of defendant to appear before tion, and O. Hawkins, district attorney, pro the court, or, as Dr. Samson Stoddard, then county clerk, reported, “The defendant being Attorneys E. W. Morgan and Jewett ap- three times solemnly called comes not, but peared at this session, but the docket was so makes default.” light, showing only five unimportant cases, The United States against William Sav- that they manifested their disapproval by acool was almost a cause celebre. Savacool leaving the village the evening of the first was indicted for larceny. He denied the day's sitting. On the 12th a jury appeared, crime, not wisely, but too well, and was re- consisting of S. Brill, R. Davis, J. S. Fifield, quested to sojourn for three months in the Lyman Pease, Hiram Austin, J. Marvin, A. hospitable jail of Washtenaw county, and Barrett, W. Laverty, J. Laverty, Sam. Rob- instructed to stay there until the costs of erts, Stephen Rowan, M. Bean, N. Bean, E. the prosecution be paid. All this kindness, B. Chapman, J. Case, R. Updike, Ed. Mor- resulting from the stealing of property val- rell, J. T. Durand, J. Wellman, M. D. Mills. ued at two dollars and twenty-five cents, was This jury was immediately discharged, as fully appreciated by the prisoner. The jurors there did not appear any necessity for its who tried this terrible man were Sanford further attendance, and subsequently the Marsh, Williain Worth, George Woodworth, court adjourned without naming a day for Orrin Gregory, David Riley, Aaron Eames, the next session. Moses Boyn, Isaac Curier, Major D. Mills, A session of the court was held June 5, Jeremiah Marvin, Edward Morrell and Mar- 1834, with the judges named hitherto pre- tin Flint. siding: A jury was impaneled, and the docket disposed of. A most peculiar pair SECOND SESSION, 1833. of cases, those of Nehemiah O. Sergeant The session of November, 1833, was held against Daniel T. Warner, and Abel Milling- under President Judge Fletcher, with Asso- ton vs. Marsh and Warner, seem to have oc- ciate Judges Hiram Thompson and W. R. cupied almost the entire attention of the DeLand. Alexander Laverty proclaimed court from its first session in 1833. Some- the court open, after which the commission times Warner would appear, and sometimes of Judge H. Thompson was read. The grand an attachment would be issued against him, jury panel was called, when the folowing but the celebrated defendant still considered answered to their names : O. Gregory, J. himself at liberty to do exactly what he Wood, A. F. Bolton, J. Valentine, J. S. Love, pleased. Attorney C. Clelland appeared for A. B. Gibson, O. Russ, A. Tripp, J. McCon- Warner at this session, and succeeded in nell, A. Eames, C. M. Chappel, N. Russ, N. causing the attachment against him to be G. Lattimer, J. Tunnicliff, J. Daniels, C. discharged. Harrington, C. Harrington, Jr., I. N. Swain, Ogden B. Laverty was not so successful. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. IOI He was committed to Washtenaw jail for btu all that could be done by him was to ob- ten days, and fined ten dollars for offending tain leave to indorse the writ in the case nunc the state by battering a citizen. pro tunc, and cause the first jury to disagree. At the session of December, Edward Solomon was plaintiff in a number of cases, Mundy, an Illinois attorney, was examined which were now discontinued. by attorneys G. W. Jewett, James Kingsley The session of 1835 was principally en- and E. W. Morgan, took the usual oath, and gaged in investigating a number of civil was admitted an attorney and counsellor at cases. The case of the State against E. M. iaw. William J. Moody was admitted in a Barnes for assault and battery, resulted in similar manner. a fine of two dollars. The charge against The judgment in the shocking case of him of selling spirituous liquors to Indians Solomon Brill, a man guilty of a crime that was postponed to the December session, the sent a thrill of indignation through the hearts defendant and his surety, Samuel Quigley, of the people, that of an attempt at rape, was giving bonds in the sum of fifty dollars each. rather too lenient to be just. The second jury W. J. Moody was appointed district attor- impanelled to try the prisoner found him ney, Jotham Wood, foreman of jury, and A. guilty, when the court delivered the follow- | Laverty, crier. ing sentence: “It is charged and adjudged The 'session of 1836 was opened under the by the court, that the said Solomon Brill be presidency of Judge Fletcher and Associate and he is hereby sentenced to be imprisoned Judge DeLand. Harvey Austin was elected by solitary imprisonment, and at hard labor, foreman of the jury, and Phineas Farrand for a period of three years from, and includ- was appointed prosecuting attorney. The ing, this day, and that he pay a fine of one trials of civil cases were proceeded with with- hundred dollars, together with the costs of out ceremony, and disposed of and the court, this prosecution, and that he stand commit- having admitted Leander Chapman as an at- ted until the sentence be complied with. And torney and counsellor at law, adjourned it being made to appear to the court that | June 8. there is no gaol in the county of Jackson The circuit court of 1837 was declared aforesaid, suitable for the confinement of open by the newly appointed crier, Joseph said convict, it is therefore ordered by the C. Watkins, April 25. Hon. William A. court that this sentence be executed by the Fletcher, Ethan Allen and David Adams pre- imprisonment of the said Solomon Brill in sided. A jury was impaneled and, Moses the gaol of the county of Washtenaw, in Benedict being elected chairman, the exam- the territory of Michigan; and the sheriff ination of the docket was proceeded with. of the said county of Jackson is hereby au- W. D. Thompson's name appeared as clerk, thorized to convey the body of the said Sol- and the criminal prosecutions were carried omon Brill into the said county of Washte- out under the name of the State of Michigan naw, and to deliver it to the keeper of the vs. the United States as formerly. gaol in the said county of Washtenaw." The president and associate judges, with W. J. Moody appeared for the defendant, foreman of jury, Townsend E. Gidley, as- 102 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. sembled April 24, 1838. The organization JACKSON'S EARLY LAWYERS. of the session was followed by the motion of William J. Moody to admit David John- The first lawyer to settle in Jackson coun- son as an attorney and counsellor at law. ty was Phineas Farrand. The family moved The aspirant for legal honors having been into Leoni in 1833, and Mr. Farrand divided examined by Phineas Farrand, P. Morgan his time for two years between teaching and George Miles, and having taken the school and reading law. He was admitted usual oath, was duly admitted to the bar of as shown and soon became an important Jackson county. The people of the State of factor in the new community, but he was Michigan against Jira Payne, Paul B. Ring, not long the only one. He was followed by Abel F. Fitch, C. H. McClure, Phineas Far-Charles Cleland, Edward Munday and Will- rand, in which the latter were charged with iam J. Moody. In 1835 a young lawyer conspiracy this year, and a commission ap- named Zepheniah Platt came from Pough- pointed to take depositions of witnesses in keepsie, New York, with Townsend E. Gid- the several cases. ly. He was a very brilliant young man, and a The October session proved a feast for was appointed attorney general by Governor the few professors of law permitted to prac- Woodbridge in 1839. In 1844 he returned tice at the bar of Jackson county. Every Every to New York and served four years as at- adult in the county appeared upon the uncer- torney general of that state. Later there tain ground where angels fear to tread, until were added to the Jackson bar Leander at length the very hard-working agriculturist Chapman, David Johnson, Fairchild Far- sued the studious lawyer, and of course did rand, D. C. Chapin, Samuel Kimball and not receive any reward beyond the experi- Augustus D. Hawley, and in 1838 the legal ence gained during the progress of his staff of the county numbered ten regular practitioners. case. CHAPTER VI. STILL FURTHER PROGRESS-EVENTS OF INTEREST. The village continued to grow slowly, the In February, 1834, the first calamity by organization of the courts and county gov- fire visited the town. The log house of John ernment giving new interest and zest to Wellman, situated at the forks of Main street county affairs. During 1834 a new and bet- and what is now Wildwood, avenue, was de- ter bridge was built over the river on Main stroyed, and their oldest daughter, Permilia, street, and a bridge was also built on Ganson about twelve years old, was burned to death. street. Several others of the family were badly JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 103 a DEATH OF LEMUEL BLACKMAN. burned, including Mrs. Wellman, but they trustees consulted with Lawyer Farrand and all recovered. Mrs. Wellman was a tailor- Judge DeLand, and they advised them to ess, and was the first to follow that vocation haul their building off and put it on another in Jackson. lot. So one Saturday afternoon the church During this year, by order of the terri- gathered, with about forty yoke of oxen, two , torial council, several new state roads were long timbers for skids, pried up the building, laid out, one from Clinton to Adrian to con- put under the timbers, hitched on the cattle riect with the old Clinton road to Jackson; and the session house took a sleigh ride to a cne from Jackson to Jonesville, a hamlet that lot they had purchased on Jackson street, had sprung up on the Chicago turnpike; an- and the building stands there today, just other from Jackson to Howell, and still an- south of the Baptist church. A lot of the other from Jackson to Corrunna. A road men were sued for trespass in removing the was also authorized from the Fitch tavern building, but no damages were ever awarded on the Clinton road west to Spring Arbor. or collected. These, with the numerous township roads, opened new avenues for settlers, and as early as 1836 nearly all the available lands of the The two or three foregoing years had county had been pre-empted or located. been extremely sickly. The rapid clearing In the village one of the principal signs up of the country had brought on fever and of progress was the building of meeting ague, chill fevers, and all kinds of malarial houses. The Methodists had pre-empted the diseases. There had been several deaths, but school house. The Baptists organized a now came one that brought universal sorrow. church and began preparations for building. From the earliest days of the settlement They had it prepared to raise, but failed in one of the most active, hopeful and helpful two or three attempts to get men enough to citizens had been “Uncle” Lemuel Black- raise the ponderous frame. At length Uncle man, as he was known to everybody. He Abram Wing undertook the job of putting was a man quite well along in years, but very up the frame. He advertised a “raising bee” | vigorous and active for his age, and none for Sunday, and added to his notice the thought of his dying. He was taken down words, "plenty of good whiskey." It is with malarial fever, and in a few days suic- needless to remark that the building was cumbed to the disease. The death of Mr. raised promptly as advertised. It stood on Blackman cast a gloom over the whole coun- the ground now occupied by the ruins of the ty, and no pioneer has ever passed away who old Hibbard House. The Presbyterians and was more missed and mourned. Congregationalists started this year to build The death of Mr. Blackman was soon a "session house,” for church and school pur- followed by that of William E. Perrine, an- poses, on Courtland street, on a lot donated other man who stood high in the esteem of by Perrine & Van Dorn. It was completed of the settlers and who also was greatly that fall, but after Mr. Perrine died, in 1835, missed. it was found the land was mortgaged, and Among the men who came here in 1835 they were to be sold out. In the winter the and who became prominent in the after af- 104 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. fairs of the county was James A. Dyer. He brought a stone cutter named Marsh from De- came as a clerk for Allen D. Richardson, who troit, and a mason named Granger to do the , opened a store in Main street near where work. The sandstone was quarried near the the Dwight block stands. He remained with prison, cut, and the building finished that him about three years, when he was elected | fall, and stocked by Blackwell with merchan- constable, and later county sheriff. In 1839 dise. This store was a wonder. It stands he became associated with Charles Derby in today in the rear of the Blackman House, trade, and the firm of Dyer & Derby was and was really the main factor that decided prominent for many years. Finally they the location of the state prison, two years closed out and Mr. Dyer was county clerk later. and for many years a justice of the peace. “Jo” Blackwell proved an inspiration to In this year D. M. Glidden came in and the village. He was wild and harum scarum set up as a clock and watch repairer. He in all things, but he had command of an continued the business until 1849, when he unlimited sum of money, and cut a wide was succeeded by Joseph B. Tomlinson. swath for a few years, when it was said his Joshua and Dan Palmer came in the fall father failed in business in the general panic of 1835, and opened a blacksmith shop, and that spread over the country from 1837 to prosecuted the business for many years. 1840, and “Jo” suddenly sold out and dis- Joshua Palmer was the first man to introduce appeared. the shoeing of oxen in winters. One of “Jo” Blackwell's pranks was re- lated to be that, having incurred a bitter AN IMPORTANT YEAR. hatred of Rev. Marcus Harrison for preach- The year 1836 was one of the most im- | ing a violent sermon against drunkenness, he portant in the early history of Jackson, and secured the corpse of a negro that died during in it the first substantial boom in its progress the week and placed it in the pulpit, and when was realized. It was in 1833 that Mr. Black- the Rev. Harrison came to occupy the pulpit man offered to sell all his holdings in the the next Sunday morning the dead darkey north half of the village plat to Amasa B. was sitting up straight and waiting for the Gibson for one thousand two hundred dol- minister. The people were very indignant lars, and Mr. Gibson replied if he would and threatened prosecution, but as “Jo” paid strike off the two ciphers he would consider the expense of removal and interment of the the offer. corpse, the matter was dropped. , Early in the spring a young man named Jackson was this year represented in the Joseph R. Blackwell came on from New territorial council, and Townsend E. Gid- York. The story was that his father was ley and Rosevelt Davis were the first two men wealthy and that he had sent the son west to elected to that honor. When delegates were get him into some business that would steady chosen to a convention to form a state con- him down. Blackwell could find no unoccu- stitution, Mr. Gidley and Roswell B. Rex- pied store, so he purchased a lot on the north- ford were chosen. Up to this time there were east corner of the square and commenced the no political organizations in the county, erection of a stone Hinck of two stores. He | though the Mason and anti-Mason feeling JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 105 THE EAST SIDE BOOM. was strong, and the latter had generally the which are still standing, one of which they best of it. The first sheriff under territorial used, and the other was occupied by Walter government was George W. Woodworth, Buddington & Company. They also erected anti-Mason; the next was Amasa B. Gib- a three-story frame hotel, at the corner of son, Mason. The first clerk was Samson Main and Columbus streets, called the "Ex- Stoddard, anti-Mason, and the next was change," and kept by William Bothwell. Five William D. Thompson, Mason. All the other or six log houses were erected on the east county officers were anti-Masons. So the side, and were occupied by prominent resi- first four supervisors were anti-Masons, be- dents. John Rodgers was brought on from ing Charles Harrington, John Daniels, Sam- Buffalo and installed as chief miller. uel Hamlin and Jotham Wood, succeeded In 1833 a frame hotel was erected on the by James Ganson, Mason, in 1847. The , north side by Paul B. Ring and called the lines were not closely drawn on the other Western Hotel. It stood on the east side officers. of the square, back a short distance from the street, and will be remembered by a few old residents as the "Astor House" in the time The Fords had purchased the land east when W. H. Monroe kept it. of the river in 1835, and during the winter Lewis Bascomb began the erection of had been busy cutting off the heavy timber another hotel, on the lot where the City Bank and clearing it for settlement. At the session now stands, which he completed and kept for of the legislative council in the winter, they many years, until it was destroyed by fire obtained a "concession" to "build a dam some time in the 'fifties. In fact, Bascomb's across the Grand river on the southeast quar- Hotel was for many years a noted feature of ter of section 3, town 3 south, I west, not to the town. exceed seven feet above the water surface, This year Merrick C. Hough and Daniel with a lock or sluice of sufficient width to Parkhurst, two prominent lawyers, were add- allow the passage of logs, rafts or flat boats, ed to the bar of the county. to float upon and navigate said river.” The Fords had erected two large log houses to accommodate their workmen, and the mat- The meeting of Whigs, held at Jackson ter was placed in charge of William Ford. September 27, 1836, was attended by many About fifty men were employed all the sum- of the pioneers including those of the fol- mer, and by October ist the race was com- lowing well-known names: Norman Allen, pleted and the mills ready to raise. This was Zina Allen, Russell Blackman, Horace done, and workmen covered it, and during Blackman, N. Bayne, Benah Bean, J. C. the winter the machinery was brought in Burnell, C. P. Cowden, John Collar, R. W. and the interior work pushed, and in July, Chamberlin, L. Calkin, J. N. Dwight, Will- 1837, the mill was put into operation—the | iam R. Deland, R. Davis, J. A. Dyer, John first flouring-mill in the city. Daniels, John Durand, John T. Durand, I. The Fords also built two frame stores Darling, P. Farrand, Heman Fassett, H. H. on the north side of Main street, both of which Gilbert, Samuel Hamlin, Reuben Hollister, , THE WHIG PARTY ORGANIZED. 106 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. was Thomas Jenkins, W. W. Laverty, Lyman ter also determined to celebrate, and Lewis, George Monroe, Stephen Monroe, upon which was most successful Stephen Town, Leander McCain, John Mc- to depend much of the future prestige of the Connell, Nathaniel Morrell, Lyman Pease, rival towns. Judge DeLand, William Ford, , S. F. Richardson, Nicholas Sullivan, James | George B. Cooper, James Ganson, James A. McKee, Ralph Stiles, Amos Temple, Peter Dyer, William D. Thompson and Phineas C. Vreland, Samuel Wing, G. W. Wood- Farrand were the committee and they did worth, S. Woodworth, P. Williams, Jotham their work energetically and well. Hon. Wood, George Weston, Enos Wheeler, An- Townsend E. Gidley presided, Rev. Marcus sel Wing, James Wing. Harrison was chaplain, Merrick C. Hough The meeting was organized by the ap- was reader and Augustus D. Hawley was pointment of Phineas Farrand, president, orator of the day. The celebration was a and J. C. Burnell, secretary. The persons success. Jackson had the greatest crowd, whose names are given above were appointed and each of the others was a failure, and delegates to the county convention held at from this on there was no contention as to Jacksonburgh seven days later. P. Farrand, local superiority among the aspiring villages D. F. Dwight and J. C. Burnell were ap- of Jackson county. pointed a town corresponding committee, But the celebration was attended with a and the president, secretary and Norman Al- sad accident. On the 3d a “liberty pole” len were appointed a committee to draft a was raised in front of the Exchange Hotel. series of resolutions, expressive of the sense It was stuck into a big hollow stump and of the meeting. The resolutions were sub- not securely braced. A man named John mitted and approved, and so the voice of the Chapin climbed it to disengage the guy people, seeking for their liberties, went forth ropes too soon and when he loosened them from the village to be re-echoed throughout the pole fell, causing his death. He had a the state. son just the writer's age, who resided in The result of the election in 1836 was a Jackson until 1898, when he committed decided Masonic and Democratic victory.suicide. William D. Thompson was chosen clerk, Amasa B. Gibson sheriff, Joseph C. Bailey register, Oliver Russ, treasurer, Leander A movement was started this fall for the Chapman probate judge, and Merrick C. improvement of Grand river. During the Hough prosecuting attorney. past two or three years several families de- stined for points on Grand river had come AGAIN PATRIOTIC. to Jackson, built flat boats and floated down For the second time the people decided the river. Among them was the Lyons fam- to celebrate the Fourth of July. Elaborate ily, who settled at Lyons, Samuel Hamlin preparations were made and a patriotic pro- and Mr. Spicer, who settled at Eaton Rapids, gram arranged. But there was “music and Cyrus Lovell, who settled at Ionia. in the air.” The three rival villages There was an immense "floodwood” at the of Barry, Napoleon and Michigan Cen- ' mouth of the Portage and the goods had to FOR IMPROVING GRAND RIVER. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. IOZ be hauled down in wagons and the scows one of the first settlers in Concord, having hauled around in the marsh before they could come in in 1831. As we think it is worth load and obtain a free ride down the stream. reading, we copy the letter as follows: The citizens decided to make a working bee and remove this obstruction. About forty In answer to your inquiries relative to that por- turned out with tools and teams and after tion of Michigan where I reside, I would remark that I have been a resident of Jackson county for about two weeks' hard work cut a channel about four years; the west part of the county, where that allowed the flat boats to pass. After I reside, and with which I am best acquainted, I this was done the passage was often made, consider second to no other section of country in our own or any other of the states of the Union and the fact that Grand river was navigable for general farming purposes. The land is gener- was quite a drawing card to those who ally a rich, sandy loam, freely interspersed with desired to settle along its banks. small pebbles of limestone, generally undulating, This year the writer's father moved on and sufficiently elevated to admit of the healthful drainage of its liberally interspersed small streams to a farm two and a half miles north of the of water, that afford a sufficient supply of hydraulic village and built the first frame house and power for all farming, mechanical and manufac- barn on the Clinton road. Both are stand- turing purposes. About two-thirds of the land is covered with a sparse growth of burr oak, white ing yet. and red oak and hickory trees. The burr oak and hickory plains are very beautiful, generally free WHAT WAS DONE IN 1837. from underbrush, resembling orchards, and cov- ered, in the summer months, with a succession of the most beautiful wild flowers. Farmers un- During the years 1836 and 1837 there acquainted with the character of our country can was much excitement about the admission have no idea of the great difference in the expense of effecting a settlement and improvements on our of Michigan to the Union. The Toledo war plains or on heavily timbered lands, as an evidence was also on the carpet and excitement ran of which I would state that within the short time high and Jackson was called on for its quota that I have been a Michigan farmer I have im- proved and put under the plow five hundred acres of troops. General Bolton commanded the of land, three hundred of which are now to wheat. infantry, Captain Fitch had out his cavalry, These improvements have been effected with com- and Major Dyer mustered his riflemen. paratively limited means—every first crop paying the entire expense of each improvement. I These armies marched down to the border found the expense of taking off the timber, fencing, and, after waiting a good part of the sum- plowing, harrowing and seeding the land, on free mer, they marched back again. The details plains, to be about eight dollars an acre; and then ; of the war are recited in the history of the the farmer has the great advantage of having his land clear, or nearly so, of stumps, a great obstacle state. The state was finally admitted, and to the farmer on timbered lands. From my own quiet again reigned in Jackson. experience and observation I am satisfied that it is There was still a great influx of emi- better for a FIRST settler to pay ten dollars an acre for plains, when he can accommodate his farm (as grants this year, and nearly all of them came may generally be done) with a sufficient quantity of from western New York. It finally leaked timber, than to pay one dollar where the land is all out that it was largely occasioned by a letter covered with a heavy growth of timber. Our farm- written by Gen. John Van Fossen to an old ers have been decidedly more successful in growing different crops of grain on the plains than upon the friend, and which was published in the timbered lands. Wheat, oats, corn, barley, potatoes Rochester Democrat. Gen. Van Fossen was and the English grasses have a most prolific growth. 108 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. THE DEMOCRATS ORGANIZE We have now come to the point to chronicle the appearance of The state having been duly organized and the political lines drawn between the Whigs THE FIRST NEWSPAPER IN JACKSON. and Democrats, the latter organized under that name and the old issues as to Masonry In the spring of 1837, in April, the first disappeared. A convention of Democrats newspaper was started in Jackson. It was was called at the county seat and was at- called the “Jacksonburg Sentinel, issued tended by the leading men of that party. It every Saturday, office on the northeast cor- was organized by electing Paul B. Ring ner of Jackson street and the public square,” chairman, Marcus Wakeman and A. F. etc. It was a good looking twenty-column Bolton vice-presidents, and Hiram Thomp- paper, set in long primer throughout, with son as secretary. Among those who par- full-face headings. The columns are filled ticipated were: W. J. Moody, M. C. Hough, with legal advertisements, mostly mortgage John Garrow, Simon Peterson, James Gan- sales, there being thirty-seven of this class son, Abel F. Fitch, William Ford, David in the number before us. There is a great Markham, J. D. Batchelder, Chester Har- paucity of “local items," and as you turn ington, C. L. Wing, Franklin Pierce, J. over the dreary pages, volume after volume, Stevens, R. C. Sandburn, Ira Wilbur, J. you scarcely find a paragraph of interest save Snyder, L. Bascomb, C. Carver, S. A. Pruitt, in the advertising department. In the Sen- Oliver Russ, A. B. Gibson, G. B. Cooper, tinel, of October 14, 1837, the following Thomas Godfrey, H. S. Hollister, M. C. “local" appears: "Jackson County Bank.-- Pease, John Stirling, M. Mooney, Walter The books of this institution were closed Fish, J. D. Davis, D. Johnson, B. Harring- yesterday. More than three hundred thou- ton, J. W. Prescott, W. L. Palmer, J. W. sand were subscribed, and thirty-four thou- Glidden, W. E. Bothwell, Leander Chap- sand in specie actually paid in. The capital man, Czar Jones, Joseph C. Bailey, David stock being one million dollars, and the Keyes, J. G Cornell, James Videto, B H. amount required at the time of subscribing Deming, L. C. House and others. ten thousand dollars, of course the balance The first election to endorse the new con- was returned. As soon as the requisite meas- stitution resulted in a small majority against ures are complied with, the bank will com- it, but a subsequent election later decided in mence operation.” In No. 37, December 23, , its favor. 1837, there is an article on Jacksonburgh In this year Lemuel C. House commenced and its prospects. It says: “The county is “ the erection of a block of five stores on the now organized into thirteen townships, and block in which the Carter block stands, it contains between eight thousand and nine being built of rough tamarack logs, cut along thousand inhabitants, as is ascertained by the the swamps in the south part of the town. census taken this fall; three years ago the It was a rough looking structure and dis- population was one thousand eight hundred liked by the people. Happily, before it was and thirty-one, thus showing an unparalleled completed it was blown down and destroyed. ) increase for the last three years," etc. “Jack- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 109 sonburgh is situated in the center of the Pardee, John Fitzgerald, Drusus Hodges, , county, where there is a respectable water- and Sylvester Abbott were appointed a com- power; this waterpower is well improved, mittee to obtain money “to complete the sur- but there is sufficient for all other purposes vey now being made between the above named to build up a large town." It then speaks rivers." William Smith was chairman, of the Detroit & St. Joseph Railroad, which John Belden, secretary, and the meeting was was to connect Jacksonburgh with Detroit addressed by Dr. B. H. Packard, Asa A. and the mouth of St. Joseph on Lake Michi- Flint, William Smith and S. A. Abbott. gan and "all intermediate points," and of Advertisements appear for the following the Jacksonburgh & Palmyra Railroad, persons: William Ford, William Ford, Jr., which was to terminate at this place, giving and J. Ford give notice that they shall "pe- “ "direct and convenient communication with tition the next session of the legislature to Monroe, Toledo and other points on the change Ford's Addition to the village of Maumee.” “The Grand river from Jackson- Jacksonburgh, on the east side of Grand burgh down said river can easily be made river, as will enable the subscribers to take navigable, either by canal or slack-water up and repossess in their own right certain navigation, or both combined, so as to con- parcels thereof, to wit: all that part of Cooper nect this place with all communications by street lying north of Ford street; all that railroads or canals that intersect the river. part of Columbus street lying south of St. Flat-bottom boats do now frequently pass Joseph street; all the east one-half of Le down from this place to the Grand Rapids, Grand square; all of State House square, , and with from ten to fifteen tons burthen. At all that part of all streets extending between this place (Jacksonburgh) there are in- Canal streets and Grand river, as lie south exhaustible quarries of free stone, well adap- of Elizabeth street." ted to building purposes, and which will soon The estate of Lemuel Blackman is ad- be wanted, and will be transported over a vertised; petition of the minors by their great portion of the state. Lime, of the best guardian, W. R. DeLand, praying for li- quality, is also inexhaustible. Bituminous cense to sell certain real estate, Leander coal is also found under indications which Chapman, judge of probate; H. H. and J. warrant the belief that it will be found in M. Gilbert advertise stray cattle. W. Bud- abundance. Three varieties of iron ore are ington, domestic cloths by the piece or yard, discovered under circumstances that warrant and wooden stocking yarn for sale. “The the same belief." Inhabitants of the township of Jackson," The same paper contains the proceedings give notice they will petition the legislature of a meeting of citizens of Spring Arbor, at their next session for an act to incorporate held December 15, 1837, for the purpose of the village of Jacksonburgh. Fairchild discussing the propriety and practicability of Farrand, assignee of mortgage, gives notice connecting the waters of Grand river with that he will sell on the 5th day of March, those of St. Joseph, by a canal running 1838, at the house of L. Bascom, in the vil- through said town. Resolutions were passed | lage of Jacksonburgh aforesaid, "where applauding the scheme, and Thomas J. the last circuit court was held,” “lot i in IIO JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. block I north of range I east, reserving son Mills. N. B.-Flour and shorts for nevertheless from sixteen to twenty feet sale.” Jacob Beeson, H. P. Cobb and H. square, heretofore deeded by J. N. Dwight Stevens, commissioners to locate a state to Samuel Cline,” etc. From this notice it prison, give notice that they “will meet at the appears that Phineas Farrand was here in National Hotel in Detroit, December 26, 1836, for the mortgage was executed in 1837, at which time proposals for a site for June of that year to Samuel Hamblin of the a state prison, and for furnishing materials same place. Phineas Farrand has a mort- for building the same, will be under consider- gage sale notice in his favor. Doctor Russation. Written proposals may be addressed is township treasurer, and William D. to H. P. Cobb, Detroit.” Among the names Thompson is county clerk, and application which appear in this number of the Sentinel is made to them to establish the Bank of is Ami Filley, A. F. Fitch, P. B. Ring, E. Sandstone, in the village of Barry in the Smith, Isaac and William Van Fossen, Leon- county of Jackson, with a capital of fifty ard Stowe, Amasa B. Gibson, James Vedeto, thousand dollars, books to be opened for Ira Jacobs, Hiram Thompson, William H. subscription at the house of Gould Butler, Monroe, Michael Hoose, William Bothwell, in the village of Barry, December 27; also Layton Collar, Lemuel S. House, Thomas for the Merchants Bank of Jackson county, Allen, John Southard, William J. Moody, at Brooklyn. L. Chapman is attorney, with Frederick Beck. Most of these names appear office over D. W. Owen's store. "Chally immediately under the head of mortgage shawls and pitch forks for sale by N. Mon- sale. Mr. Ami Filley offers two hundred dol- roe.” J. C. Baily, register of deeds and lars reward for any information which may justice of the peace, office two doors east of enable him to ascertain what has become of G. B. Cooper & Company's store. L. Bas- his boy, and if he is alive, where he may be com's tavern house is the vendue place for found, and describes certain marks. “More all mortgage sales, and appears to have been than two months have elapsed since the the place of holding courts. Wolfley & absence of my child, and as yet nothing has Rockwell, “at the stand formerly occupied been heard by which to form any conception by C. P. Cowden, on the east side of Grand of his mysterious escape. Every effort has river in this village,” advertise a “splendid been used to find him by the generous citizens assortment of fall and winter goods." Their in this section, and myself, but all to no pur- stock consists of dry goods, groceries, hard- pose.” ware and queensware, together with every The Sentinel was published by Nicholas other article sold in a retail store in this Sullivan, who came from Vergennes, Ver- country, also a small quantity of first-rate mont. He was induced to come by his wine and brandy, "expressly for persons in brother, Rev. William N. Sullivan, who came sickness" (dated December 2, 1837). west in 1835 as a missionary, and who was Phineas Farrand is an attorney. W. Ford & long a well known resident of the county. Son “will pay cash for any quantity of wheat, | One of his sons, A. A. Sullivan, is a well corn, rye and barley delivered at the Jack- | known resident of Leoni. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. III LOCATION OF THE STATE PRISON. of using the waters of Grand river, owned by said H. B. Lathrop, and in case the water The winter of 1837 and the spring of power shall be insufficient on the lands of 1838 was a strenuous time for Jackson. The said Lathrop or the great expense of im- session of the legislature was wrestling with proving it shall prove objectionable, the pro- the question of locating and establishing a prietors shall then furnish the state with the state prison. Jackson was represented by water power that would be equal and suf- T. E. Gidley and George B. Cooper in the ficient to carry two runs of mill stones; and senate and by Marcus Wakeman and R. B. also the right and privilege of a certain Rexford in the house. The latter favored spring of flowing water situated on the land Napoleon, as he lived at that place. Detroit of James Ganson. was an applicant. A committee was ap- The act further provided for the securing pointed to examine the sites proposed, and of the proper deeds, having the same recorded after a hard fight Jackson won. Much of and then deposited in the office of the the credit was due to Hon. Henry B. Lath- secretary of state. This act was approved rop, a recent comer, who had bought a large and signed by Governor Mason, March 3, farm just north of town and east of the 1838. river. Mr. Lathrop came from Buffalo and There was great rejoicing in Jackson over had just completed a large stone work house the passage of this act. The citizens set and city prison for that city. Mr. Lathrop about complying with the terms, and the decided that the quality of stone was first proper deeds were soon procured and re- class; it was plentiful, easy to quarry and corded. dress, and he in fact acted as expert in all A small appropriation was made to begin these matters. He also offered to donate construction, and the governor appointed twenty acres of land adjoining the river to | Benjamin Porter, a master builder of De- furnish water and good drainage, two im- trot, as "commissioner to begin the work." portant things entirely lacking at Napoleon. Mr. Porter caused a strong wood building The location was central and would much to be constructed of oak plank to hold the better accommodate the state in the transpor- prisoners, and later in October all those tation of prisoners than Detroit. serving sentences in jail were brought here. After three months' consultation the At first guards were stationed outside the commissioners reported in favor of Jackson, building and over small gangs of prisoners provided, that in addition to the twenty while they were at work outside. Their acres donated by Mr. Lathrop, the citizens first work was to go to the woods and cut would also donate ten acres owned by Will- tamarack logs, sixteen feet long, for a stock- iam Ford and sons, ten acres owned by ade. They were drawn and set on end in a . Russell Blackman, ten acres owned by four foot trench, closely fitted together and James Ganson and ten acres owned by Henry planks pinned to each log to hold them stiff H. Gilbert, all adjoining to or near the above and fast. By the first of December the stock- described land; also the right and privilege ade was completed, and the house for the II2 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. THE NEW GOVERNMENT. > agent and guards completed. This stockade and Wakeman and Rexford in the house. went for many years by the cognomen of The county officers chosen were all Whigs “The Tamaracks," and it is still in use. except the prosecuting attorney, as follows: The first “accident” that happened at the County clerk, William R. DeLand; register, prison was about four weeks after the pris- | Joseph C. Bailey; sheriff, James A. Dyer; oners were received. One desperate fellow treasurer, Norman Allen; prosecuting attor- named Bell, while chopping, left his axe and ney, Leander Chapman. . started to run away. There were two guards The legislature of 1837 abolished the and one of them saw him at a distance of board of supervisors and substituted a board a about thirty rods, and promptly shot him of three county commissioners. These were dead in his tracks. This was a sufficient elected and qualified and commenced their warning to the rest of the gang not to in- duties. The following is the record of coun- dulge in such dangerous amusement. ty business for the next four years: It is evident from the wording of the re- port and act that it was the intention of the state to utilize water power for the prosecu- The first session of the board of com- tion of industries in the prison, but the project missioners of Jackson county was held in the was abandoned. Very little outside work was office of the county clerk November 19, 1838. undertaken for several years, as the prisoners Messrs. Nicholas Townley, of Tompkins, were kept busy quarrying stone and prepar- Drusus Hodges, of Spring Arbor, and Alvin ing them for building "the west wing,” the Clark, of Grass Lake, the commissioners- first to be completed, and also erecting a elect, were present, and, having taken the stone wall twenty feet high to take the place oath of office, proceeded to the classification of the “tamaracks.” The space originally of the board, with the following result: enclosed by this wall was five hundred by Nicholas Townley, commissioner for three six hundred feet, though it has since been years; Drusus Hodges, Jr., commisisoner for doubled in size. two years; Alvin Clark, commissioner for The construction of the prison brought one year. The organization of the new body a great many new nien to Jackson, among was perfected by the election of Nicholas them Edwin H. Lathrop, Silas W. Stowell, 1 Townley as chairman, W. D. Thompson, Benjamin Porter, Aruna P. Woods and clerk, and William R. DeLand, deputy clerk. others. About twenty Irish families also These first labors being performed, the came to labor on the prison and all remained members adjourned to December 3, 1838. as permanent settlers. On that day the commissioners held their sec- ond conference, and their first regular duties were entered upon. Norman Allen, the county . The second general election of the state treasurer-elect, who would have charge of the took place in the fall of 1837, and resulted in public moneys from January 1, 1839, to Jan- the re-election of Governor Mason and the uary 1, 1841, received their early attention, so Democratic ticket. Jackson county was rep- that, on motion of Commissioner Alvin resented by Gidley and Cooper in the senate Clark, it was resolved, “that Norman Allen ANOTHER ELECTION. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. I13 be required to execute a bond to said commis- A true copy of the original. sioners, with three or more good and suffi- W. R. DELAND, Clerk. Fee, $2. Paid. cient sureties, in the penal sum of ten thou- sand dollars, before entering upon the duties The first licensed auctioneer had to give of his office." bonds for the faithful discharge of his duty, December 4, A. B. Gibson, of the court house, jail and clerk's office building com- prior to the issue of the license. mittee, presented his report, in accordance January 10, the board received the state- ment of the former county treasurer, Oliver with the request of the commissioners, and Russ: Aniount of receipts, twelve thousand also one dealing with the loans which he was and thirty dollars and twenty-six cents; empowered to negotiate. amount of disbursements, six thousand nine The board entered upon the work of an hundred and seventy-two dollars and fifteen important session January 8, 1839. The three commissioners were present. cents; balance in treasury, five thousand and The sixty-six dollars and eleven cents. Oliver name of William R. DeLand now appears as county clerk and ex-officio clerk of county | lars in full compensation for his services in Russ received the sum of ninety dol- commissioners. A verbal report of A. B. receiving and disbursing the sum of six thou- Gibson showed that the title to the lands on sand nine hundred and seventy-two dollars which the county buildings were erected was and fifteen cents. full and complete. Mr. Gibson presented to A board of superintendents of the poor the board the release deeds at the same time. was appointed during the same sitting, com- Mr. Perrine, the register-elect, applied to the board for blank books for use in his office. posed of W. R. DeLand, Jackson ; Thomas Cotton, Napoleon, and Elihu M. Goold, Such books A. B. Gibson was authorized to Parma. procure. January 11 the board resolved that A. B. Norman Allen's bond as county treasurer Gibson should be authorized to pay L. S. was signed by Jonathan Wood, David F. House four hundred dollars, the sum to apply Dwight and Henry H. Gilbert, sureties in on his bill of extra work on the court house; the sum of ten thousand dollars, and was ac- and also one hundred dollars to David Por- cepted by the board. ter to purchase materials for the clerk's and The first license granted to an auctioneer registrar's office. The sum of twenty-five . was issued January 9, 1839, as follows: dollars was also voted to the judge of probate, We, the undersigned, the board of commissioners in and for the county of Jackson aforesaid, do here- L. Chapman, to purchase blank books for by license Charles Derby, of the township of Jack- his office. son, in the county aforesaid, to be and act as auc- The board ordained that H. Acker be tioneer within said township for the term of one authorized “to procure the following weights year from the date hereof. Given under our hands at Jackson, this ninth and measures, scales and beams, to be pur- day of January, A. D. 1839. chased in the city of Detroit, for to be the NICHOLAS TOWNLEY, standard measures of said county, viz: One Drusus HODGES, ALVIN CLARK, half bushel, one peck measure, one half peck Board of Commissioners of the County of Jackson. --one measure to contain two quarts, one 8 114 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. manner. ditto one quart, one ditto one pint, said meas- stituted one of the board. On the 5th Judge ures to be made of copper, in a substantial Chapman's resolution, asking A. B. Gibson . The weights to be cast iron, of to show by certificate of deposit or otherwise good workmanship, the scales and beam such the amount of public money he has in his as are usually furnished, and a complete set control, was carried, and a statement of the of wine measures, made of copper.” Subse- result was submitted. quently Mr. Acker applied to the state for May 7, 1839, the board abolished all dis- standards, but on account of the state being tinctions between town and county poor. minus such, the agent of the board in the James M. Goold, of Tompkins, was ap- matter could not procure the same. pointed to fill a vacancy on the board of The prison cells occupied the attention of superintendents of the poor. the commissioners on the 12th. L. S. House, The first county poor-house was the the builder under Mr. Porter, was directed work of the commissioners. A resolution of to make the door in the partition of the hall theirs says: “In view of the resolution of the jail in the following manner : “Of abolishing the distinction between town and iron bars one and one-fourth inches wide, county poor, the board is of opinion that it the cross bars crossing at right angles, and is necessary and expedient to carry into effect firmly riveted at each angle. The open space the provisions of law in regard to the erection of the squares shall not exceed five inches of a county poor-house; therefore, it is re- square. The hangings and fastenings of said solved that the superintendents of county door shall be similar to those now used on poor are hereby authorized to purchase for the doors of the cells of the state prison now the use of the county a tract of land, not ex- building at Jackson. This door to be made ceeding three hundred and twenty acres, , and in lieu of a door which said House was to erect one or more suitable buildings for bound to make by contract for the finishing the reception and accommodation of the of said jail, and that Mr. House, for comply-county poor.” ing with the above, shall receive the sum of The board resolved “That E. Higby, thirty-two dollars and fifty cents as entire Esq., be charged twenty dollars for the rent pay for making said door." of room No. 4, from the time he first occu- A similar instruction was given him in pied it up to the ist day of April, 1839; that regard to the doors of cells, and so far the P. Farrand be charged forty dollars for labors of the commissioners may be con- rent of room No. 5 prior to said ist day of sidered of a most precise character. April, 1839; that Joseph C. Bailey, Esq., The new board of superintendents of the be charged for the use of room No. 1, from poor took the oath of office on the 21st, and the oth day of January, 1839, to the 1st day was duly organized. of April, 1839, nine dollars, it being at the At the meeting of the board, held Febru- rate of forty dollars per annum, and that ary 4, 1839, Leander Chapman, judge of the rent of said room (No. 1) be fixed and probate of the county of Jackson, by virtue rated at forty dollars per year, provided the of his said office, took the oath of a com- treasurer's office shall be continued and missioner, as required by law, and was con- kept in the same room.” JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. I 15 The clerk of the board was directed to road, and establish the same according to the sur- vey of said road on record. open accounts with each occupant of the NICHOLAS TOWNLEY, rooms, and to prohibit all gambling and card ALVIN CLARK, playing. Sheriff James A. Dyer was author- DRUSUS HODGES, JR., ized to rent the court-room to religious so- Committee. July 9, A. D. 1839. cieties, its use to be limited to Sabbath serv- ices only. The annual meeting of the board was On June 27 the resignation of Thomas held October 7, 1839, with Commissioners Cotton, one of the superintendents of the Townley, Hodges and Clark present. The county poor, was accepted, and Chester C. Carpenter, of Napoleon, and Daniel Park- auditing of accounts and the consideration of taxes for the years 1839-40 were pro- hurst, of Jackson, were appointed to fill the ceeded with vacancies then existing. November 18, 1839, Alvin Clark took his seat in the board, having been re-elected The appeal of Abraham F. Bolton and to that position, and, on the motion of N. others from a decision rendered by the com- Townley, was chosen chairman. missioners of highways of the town of Columbia, came before the board for final public accounts, as kept by ex-Treasurers O. December 17, the board investigated the hearing July 9, 1839. Messrs. Farrand and public accounts, as kept by ex-Treasurers O. Russ and N. Allen. In the settlement there Higby represented the appellants, and Sam- is a sum of nine dollars allowed Norman uel H. Kimball the respondents. After the Allen for money he received as treasurer examination of forty witnesses, the board when current, and failed in his hands. took the matter under advisement and December 20 the resignation of N. Allen finally rendered the following judgment : was accepted, and the board appointed John N. Dwight to that position. The closing In the matter of appeal of Abram F. Bolton days of 1839 were given up to much routine and others from the decision of the road commis- sioners of the town of Columbia to the county business, such as the auditing of accounts commissioners of the county of Jackson, the said and examination of tax records. The Christ- road commissioners having discontinued the follow- mas holidays were unobserved by the mem- ing described road, viz: The Napoleon and Michi- bers, nor did they adjourn until Saturday, gan Center road, so-called, or so much of the same as is within tlie town of Columbia, commencing on December 28, 1839. the section line about fifty rods east of the north- The first meeting for 1840 was im- east corner of section 36, in township 3 south, range portant, in so much that the accounts of 1839 I east, and running in nearly a northwest direction were received, and W. R. DeLand, county until it intersects the north line of the town of Columbia. clerk, ordered to superintend their publica- Now, therefore, we, the commissioners in and tion in the columns of a newspaper known for the county of Jackson, having heard the proofs as the Sentinel, then printed in the county. and allegations of the parties, and all the testimony of witnesses offered under oath, and upon due con- This report appeared January 15, 1840, and sideration of the whole matter, do hereby adjudge is said to have afforded much satisfaction to that said road is necessary and for the public con- the people. venience, and we hereby reverse the decision of the said commissioners of highways discontinuing said The meeting of January 16, took up the 116 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. question of standard weights and measures, extend to all claims prior to this date, that have been audited and allowed by the board of super- and ordered the clerk to apply to the state visors or commissioners of the county of Jackson. for them. And whatever claims may arise hereafter growing The commissioners of the two counties out of the judicial connection of the two counties of Jackson and Ingham, with the county shall be a matter of future adjustment. And the commissioners of the county of Jackson hereby treasurers, assembled at Jackson March 23, agree to relinquish for the benefit and use of said 1840, for the adjustment of claims existing county of Ingham, all claim which the said county between the two corporations since the time of Jackson may have had to the balance of the above mentioned non-resident unpaid tax, amount- they were united for judicial purposes. ing to about $517.00, and permit the same to be Messrs. Alvin Clark, Nicholas Townley, collected by the treasurer of the county of Jackson,- Drusus Hodges, Jr., and Treasurer John N. the said county of Ingham paying all extra expenses which may arise from collecting the same. Dwight represented Jackson, with William [Signed.] ALVIN CLARK, R. DeLand acting as clerk. Messrs. Jacob NICHOLAS TOWNLEY, Loomis, Henry Lee, William A. Dryer and DRUSUS HODGES, JR., Treasurer H. H. Smith, of Ingham, repre- Commissioners of Jackson County. JACOB LOOMIS, sented their county. HENRY LEE, The afternoon of the 23d was devoted to WM. A. DRYER, a resume of the accounts of both corpora- Commissioners of Ingham County. WM. R. DELAND, Clerk of the Board of Commis- tions and in fixing upon a principle which sioners of Jackson County. might lead to a friendly adjustment of claims. Much desultory debate ensued, in The united wisdom of two counties dis- which all the members of the convention persed, and the fact is thus set forth in the took part. A simultaneous proposition from annals of that important and amicable trans- each board was suggested, but was not a suc- action. “Having no further business, on cess. After recess Henry Lee, a commis- motion the two boards adjourned sine die.” sioner from Ingham, took his seat, and a So late as March, 1840, there were sums further examination of books and papers paid out to wolf-scalpers. was ordered. The sitting of March 24th was more con- PECULIAR STATISTICS. ciliatory. After a short deliberation the fol- In the annual abstract furnished to the lowing paper was drafted and signed :- auditor general, the total value of real and personal property, pertaining to the county, The commissioners of the county of Ingham, is set down at $1,661,318, which, compared in pursuance of powers vested in them by law, agree to pay to the county of Jackson the sum of $120; with the exhibit made June, 1839, viz.: said sum to be paid out of moneys collected on the $2,065,720, shows a depreciation in value, unpaid non-resident taxes on lands in the said equaling $404,402. This exhibit was com- county of Ingham returned, and now in the office of the treasurer of Jackson, levied in the year 1837; pleted June 29, 1840. A few days later the and provided said sum of $120 should not be realized same board approved a corrected assessment from collections on said tax within six months from roll, showing a further reduction in total this date, the commissioners of the county of Ing- value of real and personal property of $158,- ham agree to pay it over from other funds. And it is further understood that this settlement is to 954, or a total depreciation within the years JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 117 1838-40 of $563,356, or over a half million be permanently fixed and located by law; provided, dollars. that the seat of government of said state of Michi- gan shall be temporarily fixed and located at the A resolution of July 10 orders “That said village of Jackson by law. Daniel Parkhurst, the present district attor- F. FARRAND, Clerk. ney for this county, be allowed the sum of ALVIN CLARK, Chairman Board Commissioners. four hundred and fifty dollars, and the use of the room he now occupies in court house, The commissioners assembled on the known on the journal of the commissioners roth to consider the question of the collec- as room No 1 (reserving said room for the tion of delinquent taxes. After some con- use of the grand jury at each term of the cir- sideration the board resolved, "that Alvin cuit court), as his salary for one year,—the Clark be and is hereby authorized to bid year to commence from the time of his ap- off all the lands that are not sold to private pointment to said office.” Many accounts individuals for taxes remaining unpaid, as were authorized to be paid, some routine agent for the benefit of the county, and that business transacted and the board adjourned. the treasurer be requested to make such cer- Nicholas Townley, of Tompkins, Alvin tificates, as required by law, to said Alvin Clark, of Grass Lake, and John Belden, of Clark, agent." Spring Arbor, with Fairchild Farrand, ex- The June session was mainly occupied in officio clerk of the board, met January 4, the preparation of the annual report for the 1841, and organized by electing Alvin Clark auditor general of state. , chairman for the ensuing year. The first A county surveyor was appointed No- action of the board was the appointment of vember 8, 1841, to serve until the election of superintendents of the poor for one year county officers, the first Monday in January, from January 4. They were John Daniels, 1843; James A. Knight was chosen to fill , Drusus Hodges, Jr., and Daniel Parkhurst. the position. Nicholas Townley's motion to have the The following day George Byrne, regis- court house insured for four thousand dol- trar of the county, was authorized to com- lars and the poor house for three hundred pile a general index to the record books of dollars, in the office of the Jackson Mutual his office. Fire Insurance Company, was carried. In December the board voted a sum of At a special meeting held February 8, five hundred dollars to Treasurer John N. 1841, the commissioners resolved : Dwight in compensation for his services from January 1, 1841, to January 1, 1842. That said county of Jackson shall and will pre- pare, construct and furnish for the use of the legis- The commissioners held their last regular lature of said state, a good, suitable and convenient session, as recorded, January 3, 4 and 5, building at the village of Jackson, in said county, 1842. A number of accounts were ordered for all sessions of said legislature, and equally as suitable and convenient in all respects as the build- to be paid, and a sum of two hundred dol- ing now occupied by said legislature, in the city of lars allowed Phineas Farrand for his services Detroit, without any charge for the same or ex- as prosecuting attorney during the year pense to the said state, at all times from and af 1841. the first day of September next, until such time as the seat of government of said state may and shall Norman Allen's name with that of John 118 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Belden appear as signers and commissioners, man and Oliver Russ were elected by the on the last record. board superintendents of the poor for one year. REVIVAL OF POPULAR GOVERNMENT, During the December sessions the super- JULY 4, 1842. visors manifested a desire to increase the The rule of supervisors was re-estab- 1 salaries of the county treasurer and district lished, and though few complaints were attorney. Consequently a motion was car- a lodged against the oligarchy who for a few ried granting the former, J. N. Dwight, four years had ruled over the county, the change hundred and fifty dollars for services ren- to the government of many was hailed with derd during the year 1842, and four hundred delight. and seventy dollars, together with the use The supervisors assembled at the meet- of two rooms in the court house, for the ing of July 4 were: Nicholas Townley, , latter, Phineas Farrand, for services from Tompkins; Benjamin Davis, Napoleon; A. April, 1842, to April, 1843. R. Morrison, Parma; Abram Van De Bo- At this time the question of leasing the gart, Liberty; H. G. Cornell, Spring Arbor; court room to the Methodist society created Charles Woodworth, Concord; A. H. De much discussion, both within and without ; Lamater, Columbia; William J. Moody, the board, so that when the motion granting Jackson; David Porter; Hanover; Stephen the lease was placed before the meeting, B. Crawford, Springport; C. M. Chapel, it required the casting vote of Chairman Cor- Sandstone; Ben. Seidle, Grass Lake; Rus- nell to pass it. sell Ford, Leoni; A. T. Gorton, East Port- From the table of equalized valuation the age; G. Coolbaugh, Henrietta; Alvin True, total worth of real and personal property is Rives; Elijah Dixon, Pulaski. set down at $1,412,160, and the number of The new board having appointed com- acres in the county at 410,880. The super- mittees, adjourned to the 5th, when it took visors ordered that a sum of $10,591.25, in- up the subject of claims against the county, cluding $2,824.24 state tax, be levied off and the equalization of the assessment roll. the county for 1843. The table showing the result of their delib- The election of the superintendents of the erations in the second instance gives the fol- poor, held by the board October 24, resulted lowing totals: Number of acres, 399,866; in the re-election of Messrs. Wood, Wake- | value of real estate, $1,355,213; value of per- man and Russ. sonal property, $82,701; total value, $1,437,- In December, 1843, the tenants, repairs 914 and decoration of the county court building The session of October, 1842, opened on occupied the attention of the board, and if the ioth. The supervisors ordered a sum of resolutions of such bodies ever resulted in $2,875.83 to be levied for the purpose of trouble to outside parties, a few of those paying state tax; and $8,500 as county tax characterizing that meeting promised any- for 1842. This was duly apportioned to the thing but peace to an old citizen. township. October 19 was given up to the examina- Messrs. Jonathan Wood, Marcus Wake- tion of one hundred and twelve claims JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 119 against the county, and also to the equaliza- strange that a number of supervisors and tion of value of county property for 1844. commissioners, who bestowed so very much The entire value of real estate was set down attention on the county, should overlook a at $1,245,556, and that of personal property subject so interesting and valuable, and re- at $178,080, with an acreage of 402,797. main without such important knowledge The name of David Johnson appears as from 1833 to 1845. prosecuting attorney in 1844. October 31, In the calculations of the board it ap- that year, the board voted him a salary of pears that the number of acres credited to five hundred dollars per year for his services the people in 1845 was 407,204; the aggre- from April 10, such salary to be paid quar- gate value of real and personal property, terly. $1,407,369; the state tax, $3,518.38; the By some happy advance in the knowl- county tax, $8,796.96, and the rejected tax, edge of orthography, the word “moneys" | $1,158.84. is spelled correctly for the first time in the Sixty-six accounts were passed by the pages of the records January 1, 1845. The board, and receipts presented by G. T. God- corrected word is contained in a resolution frey, prosecuting attorney, for his salary; a | affecting the poor farm, carried that day by by H. Tisdale for $454.78, for services ren- the board. dered county in 1845; and by L. D. Well- The second day of the January session, ing for $1,072.51, for services rendered the 1845, was occupied in the auditing of seven- county during the years 1843-5. ty-nine accounts against the county. At the October meeting of 1846 Super- At the annual meeting in October, the visor Nicholas Townley was elected chair- , supervisors having answered their man of the board for the succeeding twelve names, proceeded to organization. Superin- months. On the third day of the session the tendent Townley's motion, "That Marcus following resolution was adopted: “That Wakeman be chairman of the board for en- Hiram Thompson be authorized to make an suing year," was carried, when the call of abstract of all the records of the register's townships was again made. office of Jackson county, affecting the titles The business brought before the October of any lands in said county, but at his own session was of a varied and important char- costs and charges, reserving the right to the acter, though not exceeding in subject the county of Jackson of purchasing the same ordinary routine. at the rate of nine cents for each abstract en- At the meeting held December 19, 1845, try; the said Thompson to have the use of the supervisors resolved "that Hiram the books of the office, when not in use by Thompson be authorized to procure the bind- the register or other person or persons, for ing of the entry books in the register's office; the above object.” Whether Mr. Thompson also to procure an abstract at the land office carried out his patriotic offer remains to be of the original entries of lands in Jackson county." From this it appears that the coun- The board offered the payment of one ty did not possess any records of the first hundred and eleven accounts October 22. . land purchases until 1846; and it does appear On the 23d Marcus Wakeman, Abram Van to seen. I20 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. De Bogart and William H. Moody were mittee on equalization presented their report, chosen by the board superintendents of the which, summed up, showed the following poor for the ensuing year. totals: Number of acres, 409,350; value of The board begun to entertain the idea of real estate, $1,312,155; equalized value, $1,- ; erecting new county offices, and among other 295,599; value of personal estate, $112,- committees appointed was one composed of 851.50; total, $1,425,006.50. Nicholas Townley, F. C. Watkins and John A tax of fifty cents per scholar, aggre- Belden, to ascertain whether it would be ad- gating one hundred and ninety-five dollars. visable to remove the register's and county was ordered to be levied in Hanover town- clerk's office from the public square; if so, ship for the support of primary schools. The upon what terms can a site be procured, and supervisors further granted the use of the also the terms for erecting a fire-proof build- court house for the meetings of the teachers' ing. This committee reported December 30, institute. The election of superintendents , but a resolution of the board postponed its of the poor resulted in the choice of Stephen further consideration indefinitely. B. Crawford, Caleb M. Chapel and Amos The duplicate for 1846 presented the fol- Pickett to fill that position. The closing lowing totals of township valuation : Num- | meetings of the year 1847 were almost en- ber of acres, 406,676; value of real estate, tirely devoted to ordinary routine business. $1,225,407; value of personal estate, $195,- The annual meeting of 1848 was held 409; aggregate value, $1,420,816; state tax, October 9. The supervisors-elect were duly $3,551.08; county tax, $7,812.46. This installed in office, and organized by choosing statement being approved by the board, the Alford Hall as chairman for the year 1848-9. , public accounts were taken up, and fifty-two , The committee appointed to examine the claims ordered to be paid. This closed the assessment roll reported as follows on the labors of the supervisors for 1846. third day of the session : Acres of land, The January session of 1847 was princi- 422,788; value of real estate, $1,360,836; pally occupied in auditing and passing ac- value of personal estate, $235,503; equal- counts. The meeting of January 22, how- ized valuation, $1,274,201; aggregate valua- ever, entertained a resolution offering to levy ation, $9,510,904. upon the county the sum of fifty thousand The annual meeting of 1849 was organ- dollars for the erection of a capitol, provided ized by electing Michael Shoemaker as chair- the legislature would fix the permanent lo- The business was of routine order cation of the state government in the vil- and contained nothing important. lage of Jackson. Forty-two accounts were ordered to be paid. At the annual sesson of 1847, October The legislature of 1838 changed the II, David Menzie was elected chairman for name of the place of Jackson, striking off the year ensuing: the “burg," and thereafter both county and The business transacted during the first village and postoffice rejoiced in the patro- three days of the session was of an unim-nymic of “Old Hickory.” No more "burg" portant character. On the 14th the com- man. NAME CHANGED. for us. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. I 21 In the business columns of the Sentinel & Son advertise "all kinds of current wild-cat for 1838 the following names appear: Far- money received in payment for flour.” P. rand & Higby, law office, south side public Stone, of Adrian, and Ring and Hibbard square; W. Baker & Company advertise for advertise daily line of stages to Adrian, office , many rags; Green & Jessup advertise steel at the Jackson Exchange. Livery stable, and iron, also books and stationery; Gregg carriages, horses and sleighs, D. Hibbard. & Eggleston, tailoring establishment; M. Grand River House, by H. P. Mabee. “Jack- Collamer, furniture warerooms, east side son Iron Foundry, at the old stand of Clark, river, purchased the establishment of. C. E. Monroe & Company, Joseph Ganson and Sillsbee; J. M. Gilbert, saddlery, immediate- Stephen Monroe, proprietors.” D. Park- ly over S. Blackwell & Company's store, pub- hurst, attorney-at-law; Charles Derby, auc- lic square; L. Graves, tailor; J. B. Cobb and tioneer ; E. Higby, attorney and counsellor- Smith M. Brown, carriage painters; David at-law, office in the Court House. F. Dwight and David Porter advertise lime; The township officers of 1838 were James Bunnell & Fish advertise shingles; M. B. Ganson, supervisor; J. C. Bailey, town clerk; & J. W. Medbury sell Brandreth's Pills; Oliver Russ, Edward Morrell and Linus ; Amos Bigelow, hardware store in the build-Collamer, assessors; Simon Peterson, Jos- ing now occupied by Dr. Gorham for an of- eph Wing, John T. Durand, commissioners fice in the village of Jackson; Ford & Buck, of highways; Samuel Higby, Alonzo Ben- merchants; W. Chittock, tailoring establish- nett, Jason B. Packard, school inspectors; ment, new building, one door east of Russell David Fuller, collector; Lewis D. Welling, Blackman's public house; N. Allen, agent, David Fuller, John Gillespie, John Kane, office for sale of Rowland's tonic mixture; constables; Oliver Russ and William P. S. Blackwell & Company, opposite court Worden, directors of the poor; Fidus Liver- house, general merchandise; Jackson Acade- my, Mr. Dudley (tuition seven dollars per The Sentinel contains the following par- quarter); J. W. Gledden, watch and clock agraph: “Disgraceful.—While several of repairing ; L. S. House, hat store. the members of the legislature were return- ing on Friday evening last, through this place A NEW PAPER. to their respective homes, a large number of The first number of the Democratic paper, persons assembled in front of the stage The Michigan Democrat, appeared March house, and assailed their persons with eggs 8, 1838, office over the store of W. W. Bud- and stones, and their ears with tinpans, ington & company. J. Ford and H. H. Van- horns etc., to not only the great annoyance dercook advertise for proposals for erecting of the honorable gentlemen themselves, but frames for twenty dwellings on the east side to that of the more quiet and peaceably dis- of Grand river. Moody & Johnson's law of- posed portion of our citizens.” fice, south side public square. Myrick C. This was the method the constituents of Hough, attorney and counsellor-at-law, the “honorable gentlemen” took to show east side. About the same names appear their disapproval of their course in the leg- here as were given from the Sentinel. Ford islature. The indignation arose from the inore was town treasurer. - I 22 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. same: 452 00 6. understanding that the senator from this we give the condition of county finances for county had voted against an appropriation 1840: to aid in the building of the road from Chel- sea to this place. From the report of the county commissioners, made December 31, 1840, the sum of $17,841.96 con- In 1839 the following township officers stitues the grand total for which the county is to were elected: James Ganson, supervisor; be taxed, including the premium for collecting the William J. Moody, justice of the peace; Jo- seph C. Bailey, town clerk; Edward Higby, For state tax.. $3,322 00 treasurer; A. Swain, J. Fifield, J. Marvin, Support of poor, enlarging building, etc... 1,448 00 , assessors; S. Peterson, A. Bennett and Jo- Interest due for purchase of poor farm.... Interest on loan for erection of county seph Wing, highway commissioners; Walter buildings 1,050 00 Budington, Myrick C. Hough and David Contingent expenses of county. 6,645 00 Johnson, inspectors of common schools; of townships as ren- dered 4,033 44 Lewis D. Welling, collector; Lewis D. Non-resident highway tax returned unpaid 898 52 Welling, James Hale, D. Fuller and James The incidental expenses of Jackson are $724 92— Brandt, constables. high 16.99. Jackson contained at this time two banks, two printing offices, Jackson Sentinel and The comniissioners, Alvin Clark, Nicholas Townley and Drusus Hodges, Jr., say it is a matter Michigan Democrat, two semi-monthly pub- of congratulation to the board that the expenses of lications, American Freeman and Michigan the county have been reduced the present year and Temperance Herald, two drug stores, ten that the taxpayer is measurably relieved from the burden of taxation. There seems to have been a dry goods stores. Five religious denomina- great profuseness and extravagance attending the tions met weekly, viz: Episcopal, Presby- | maintainance of government, of law and of good terian, Methodist, Close Communion Bap- order throughout the country for the past ten years, but we trust that the time has arrived when this tists and Free Will Baptists. The papers spirit of pride and extravagance, which has per- claim a population of one thousand people vaded not only national governments but all orders and two hundred dwellings-eighty build- and ranks of the great mass of community, is to ings in course of completion for the year be checked, reduced and brought within the super- vision of sober sense. When this takes place, and 1839. the people return within the precincts of sober sense In this year a state road was laid out from and reason, salaries will be less, public expenditures Jackson to White Pigeon. reduced, tithes and taxes mitigated, and the whole great body of community be relieved. The board The names of Benjamin Hazelton (ash- have fixed the salary (compensation) of the prose- ery), Drs. J. M. Terry, E. D. Merriman, J. cuting attorney of the county at four hundred and C. McLean, D. G. McClure appear in the fifty dollars. They have also allowed the treasurer of the county five hundred and twenty-five dollars, papers; also Childs, Houssel & Brown, car- from the time he entered upon the duties of his riage painters, paper hangers and cabinet- office up to the first Monday of January, 1841 (com- The whole number of votes given in prising a period of about thirteen months), as full the county, November, 1839, were 2,304. compensation for his services. The duties of the treasurer have been greatly increased during the The whole amount of tax levied in the county past year, requiring his constant attention and, in for the year 1839, was $25,233.17. Below some cases, the assistance of a clerk. ware. CHAPTER VII. THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Having traced the history of the county an abundance of excitement and healthy up to 1840, a period of ten years, we will gum. We used to speak pieces and sing Meth- now turn backward and tell something about odist hymns for variety and felt just as the early schools. proud of our teachers as any alumni who ever We have described the first school taught worshipped at the shrine of his alma mater. by Miss Blackman. This was in a log school | As a fitting tribute of her we loved so well, house on Jackson street. There was a fire I deem it proper to insert here an obituary place in the west end and the seats were notice of “our first teacher,” penned by the made of split logs, smoothly edged off, and writer and published in the Jackson Daily fastened to the sides with big pins driven Citizen March 28, 1889: into the logs. We had no desks in front and The death of Mrs. John T. Durand calls to held our books in our laps. Miss Blackman mind many interesting thoughts to mingle with the had a stool to sit on and a square whitewood sadness which always gathers around the death table to rest her books on. She was a patient pioneer and a devoted Christian, wife and mother. couch of a pure and noble woman, a brave-hearted and painstaking teacher. The books we used Silence D. Blackman was born December 12, 1805, were the old New England Primer, Cobb's in the town of Berkshire, Tioga county, New York, and was the fourth in a family of fourteen children. Spelling Book, Daboll's Arithmetic, Mur- She early exhibited a fondness for books, and to a ray's Grammar, and the New Testament. cheerful disposition ever added the virtues of in- Writing was done on the teacher's table, on dustry, charity and Christian faith and love. She was educated in the public schools of Bershire, and cap paper with a goose quill pen. There the later in the academy at Lisle Center, and thus be- "young idea” was taught "to shoot.” But came fitted for the profession of a teacher. She we had happy times and learned fast. Every added to this education another in those days scholar had his "limit" and initials or names equally important, that of spinning, weaving, dress- cut in the back of the poplar log behind him painting. In 1829 her father, Lemuel Blackman, making, tailoring, as well as fancy needlework and , or her so there was no confusion as to seats and his two oldest sons came to Michigan and lo- or "jumping claims." When we had to cated a portion of the land where Jackson now stands. April 3, 1830, the family, with others, left drink we took the old gourd dipper and Berkshire for their new home on the banks of the went to the brook, always careful to bring a Grand river of Michigan. The colony arrived at gourd full to the school house for the other Ann Arbor May 20, the advance guard reaching thirsty scholars. We had plenty of grounds Jackson May 30, the deceased and several of the family being detained in Ann Arbor nearly three to play upon and the tamarack swamp a few weeks by the illness of her father and others of rods in the rear of the school house furnished the colony. It is a remarkable fact that her hus- a 124 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. band, John T. Durand, who was a surveyor and many were the times when that old mansion rang land looker, arrived in Jackson the same day that with mirth and song, and the mistress ministered she did, but by a different route and entirely un- well not only to our pleasures but to our lusty ap- known to each other. During the first part of the petites.' The hardy life of the pioneer at last began year 1830 there were but eight women in the set- to tell upon their health, and about 1850 Mr. Durand tlement, and about thirty men. Early in 1831 Miss , gave up his farm and moved into the old Blackman Blackman opened a school, to which all the children house on Trail street, where they lived until they in the county, nine in number, were sent. This changed to the present residence on Lansing avenue. school was free, Miss Blackman neither receiving The death of Mr. Durand in 1882, only a few nor charging anything for her services. This school months previous to the anticipated "golden wed- was continued the next year as a public school, and, ding," was a great shock to his companion, and als remarked in yesterday's Citizen, “was the be- since that event she has mingled but little in gen- ginning of the great work of education of the young, eral society, but her kindness, cheerfulness and soci- which has since been advanced from one great step ability with relatives and friends have never ceased to another, until Jackson has become famous for to be a pleasure and profit to them. When we con- the excellence of her schools and institutions of template a blameless life of over eighty years, on learning." In 1832 Miss Blackman aided in or- every page of which has been written true woman- ganizing the first religious congregation and Sab- hood, Christian virtue, kindly sympathy, wifely bath school in the settlement. The writer is the affection, motherly love and unceasing charity and only surviving scholar in Miss Blackman's classes kindness, we can safely invoke the beatitudes for the in both these common and Sabbath schools, and re- full description of its character and rewards. members distinctly many of the events and lessons, Of all the large Blackman family, but one which have never wholly lost their impress for member survives the deceased, Mrs. Julia Chap- kindness and love. In 1833 there were only two man, who resides on Taylor street. Of all the marriageable ladies in the settlement, and on the thirty-nine pioneer settlers of Jackson in 1830, but 21st of February there was a double wedding at the three now survive--Mr. and Mrs. Chapman, both Blackman homestead, Miss Silence D. Blackman over eighty years of age, and the writer. Our little becoming Mrs. John T. Durand and Miss Lucy S. circle, held together both by ties of kindredship and Blackman becoming Mrs. James Acker. The fol- stronger than kindred, is fast disappearing. As lowing, which is a copy of the first record made in each drops out the burden seems harder to bear, for the clerk's office for this county, explains itself: of all that are left it seems that this one was the fittest to remain. But providence has willed other- To the Clerk of the County of Jackson, M. T. I hereby certify that sufficient credentials being to me wise, and with her two children, sister, relatives presented, I have this day married together in the holy and friends, all mourning its decree, allow me to bonds of wedlock, John T. Durand and Silence D. add my imperfect tribute to her life, work and char- Blackman. acter. “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.” [Signed] ARUNAH BENNETT, Administrator. JACKSONBURGH, M. T., July 22, 1533. Recorded July 22, 1833 S. STODDARD, County Clerk. This first school referred to above was A like certificate for James Acker and Lucy S. continued in the log school house until the Blackman is the second paper of record. r.ew school building was completed, two The bridal trip on this occasion was to a Wash- ington's birthday party, after which Mr. and Mrs. years later. The next teacher was Lyman R. Durand settled down to farm life in a new log Lowell, who had come on from Speedsville, house upon his farm just west of the village, which New York. The school gradually increased in years after he sold to Hon. M. Shoemaker. The in size until the old hive overflowed before large frame house, which still stands near the city limits, was erected by Mr. Durand in 1838, and was the new one was finished. then regarded as the most palatial farm residence The location of the new red school house in the county. In married life Mrs. Durand was was where the Union high school now stands, home-like, industrious and hospitable, and the "young folks" of those days (we are rather "old but was a different looking place. It stood on folks” in these days) were always welcome, and the top of a knoll or knob at least twenty JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 125 a feet higher than the present surface. Main the boys occasionally, but I do not remember street was cut down about ten feet there, having seen him whip but one girl and that and presented an abrupt bank. One of the was for spitting in his face. So you see we regular exercises was to form a "class rush" had some spunky species of the female race, and push the other fellows over the bank, even in those early days. and girls and boys all joined in this amuse- Mr. Adams was succeeded by a man ment. After awhile a girl had an arm brok- named Byrne, a lame man, also a good and en, and soon afterward one of the boys had kind man, afterwards elected register of a leg fractured, and the school trustees in- deeds, and father of the late Gilbert R. terdicted this recreation. The ground just Byrne, and grandfather to Benjamin Byrne west of the hill was marshy, and on the of the City Bank. He was a man personally north side of Main street was a deep ravine popular both in and out of the school house. filled with small tamaracks. When Mr. A man named Cowden was the next au- Porter built the house on the northeast cor- tocrat of our school house and he was a ner of Main and Blackstone streets, where "holy terror." The plunk of the ruler and the W. C. A. building stands he filled the the swish of the birch gads was music to his swamp hole about six feet deep with earth, ears and brought a hearty and continuous then he built the stone foundation and filled chorus from the pupils. Cowden introduced in the lot to its present grade. The three the punishment called “ferruling," and half lots west of Blackstone were filled in the the school carried blistered and blood shot same way. In the winter scholars used to hands as the result of his cruelty. One day, it drag an old ox sled to the top of the hill and was in the winter of 1847-8, Cowden called slide down Main street to the river bridge, up one of the largest girls in school and and some times when there was glare ice ceeded to "ferrule” her. She was a favorite we would go forty or fifty rods up East Main in school. He told her to hold out her hand . street. My father had an old horse called and she refused. He grasped it and attempt- “Lafayette," and we used to steal him out ed to strike it but she jerked it away and he of the barn to draw the sled back again. Of hit himself. He was furious, and drawing | those scholars who participated with me back his ruler, struck her a blow on the side prior to 1836 all have gone to “the great of the head that knocked her down. The heyond.” school was in great confusion and some of A Mr. Adam's was the second teacher. the large boys demanded he should desist. He was a bright young man and a very pop- He flew at one of them and struck him a vlar teacher. The discipline in those days blow with the ruler that made a gash in his was strict, with not much moral suasion. The head. As the blood spurted out and ran implements of torture consisted of thumb down his face, some one shouted, “Boys, screws for the fingers and ears, a heavy ruler | let's throw him out.” Instantly every scholar and several long blue beech gads, such as made a rush. Cowden defended himself, were used to drive cattle with, and they were knocking several of the boys down, but they all kept handy and in full sight. Mr. Ad- were too much for him and pushed him over ams was quite merciful. He used to whale | the big wood stove, burning him and frac- pro- “ 126 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. turing his leg. The boys dragged him out- years princpal of the high school in San doors and to the edge of the bank and threw Francisco. All these teachers have passed him over into the road. The school house away, though some of them lived notable caught fire, but the scholars put it out with lives. Mr. Stacey settled in Tecumseh, be- snow and ice. The incident created a great came a lawyer and an editor and we believe furor in the village, but it ended the school his sons are still publishing the paper. Mr. teaching career of the “tyrant Cowden.” Aldrich became a merchant; later he re- In 1838 and 1839 Prof. Roswell Dudley moved to Three Rivers, in Wisconsin, and was our teacher. He was a tall, awkward, was a member of the legislature. In 1856 lanky sort of a man, but well educated. He he removed to Chicago and engaged in the was a reasonably popular man, though he wholesale grocery business, and was for six was a good deal given to “birch rod” pre- years a member of congress. scription for infraction of the rules, but he In 1852-3 the subject of a new school had no serious troubles. On account of his house was agitated, and it was decided to awkward way the scholars and people often build of brick a four-room school house, to made fun of him. The scholars often satir- cost twelve thousand dollars. This was ized him and perpetrated some home-made completed and opened in 1854, with O. M. poetry. It was nothing unusual to see the Barnes as principal, and three assistants. The scholars running from the school house sing- next year Prof. E. L. Ripley was in charge ing these dittys, one of which we remember of the school and held the position until ap- was as follows: pointed to a position in the State Normal School in 1860. At the annual school meet- Prof. Dudley, does your mother know you're out? ing in 1859 it was voted to make the tuition Does your father know what you're about? free to all residents of the district and special Prof. Dudley, in all your little whirls, Now be careful--don't kiss the girls. taxes and rate bill were abolished. In 1860 the school was opened, with Daniel B. Briggs Prof. Dudley, after leaving the public as principal. Mr. Briggs was afterwards su- school, established an academy and run it perintendent of public instruction of the quite successfully until about 1848, when he state. J. C. Lowell succeeded in 1865 and retired to a farm, and died soon afterward. | held the principalship until 1868, when he Among the scholars who attended while gave way to Prof. U. W. Lawton, who was Dudley was teacher, we can now recall as in turn succeeded by Dr. Avery and he by now living, Dr. Gordon Chittock, David G. Prof. Estabrook, who was called to Saginaw Palmer, Willington R. Butt, of Saginaw, in 1878 and was elected in 1886 superinten- and Mrs. Mary (Durand) Green, of Cali- dent of public instruction. fornia. As early as 1838 the eastern half of Consider A. Stacey was the next teacher, the village, east of Grand river, was estab- in 1840-1, succeeded by William Aldrich in lished as a separate school district, known as 1842-4, and he was succeeded by Thomas No. 17. A school house was erected on De- S. Myrick, who taught during 1845-9, when troit street and a school taught by Joseph C. he went to California and was for many Bailey. He was succeeded by a man named JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 127 Center, and he in turn by Mr. Southworth. was for some years a successful and popular In 1846 William Aldrich was principal. The school and was well patronized, but the death district records up to 1854 having been de- of his wife and the marriage of his oldest stroyed, we cannot secure the names of all daughter, who assisted him, finally broke it the teachers. Subsequent to that time the up and the proprietor moved to Wisconsin. school was in charge of Prof. Gill, Mr. Among the scholars who attended this Brown, John S. Lane, H. R. Gass and John school, we remember Mrs. John M. Root B. Glasgow. The school on the east side and Mrs. Geo. D. Walcott as still among was well supported, and in 1880 consisted the residents of Jackson. of a large and commodious central building There have been several other attempts to and three auxiliary schools. establish private schools, but none have been Some ten years ago the schools of the successful, to any extent, the excellence of entire city were united under one manage the public schools, and the parochial schools ment and the arrangement has been satis- maintained in the Parishes of St. John's and factory and beneficial. The consolidated St. Mary's, and by the German Lutheran de- union school district now consists of two nomination, having fully supplied the public large and perfectly equipped high schools and sixteen ward and primary schools, all under the guidance of Prof. Norton. DEVELIN'S BUSINESS COLLEGE. wants. PRIVATE SCHOOLS. This institution was organized soon af- The Rev. Marcus Harrison opened a se- ter the Civil war by Gen. George M. Deve- lect school in 1838 in his residence on Lan- lin. Mr. Develin was a student of Prof. P. sing avenue, for advanced scholars, and se- R. Spencer, the author of the Spencerian cured a large patronage, mainly young la- system, and was fully qualified for the con- dies. He continued it for four or five years, duct of such a college. He was a soldier when he erected “the Academy," on the in the Civil war, serving in an Indiana ar- south side of Main street, on the west lot tillery regiment. The college is organized selected for the site of the Carnegie Library. on regular business basis, all departments After a few years, his health failed him, and being carried out in actual practice. It has he sold out to Professor Dudley, who con- always had a good attendance, and is still tinued it up to about 1850, when it was dis- one of the leading business colleges of the continued. state. Since the death of General Develin, Gen. M. W. Southworth started and in 1898, it has been successfully conducted maintained a “seminary” on the ground by his son, Capt. Harry S. Develin, who suc- " where the Episcopal church now stands. This ceeded his father. CHAPTER VIII. MORE LOCAL HISTORY. THE LOG-CABIN CAMPAIGN. The years 1839 and 1840 were years of At the session of the legislature Henry Acker unprecedented political e xcitement. The was elected speaker, and Augustus S. Porter great panic of 1836-7 had spread over the United States senator. country, banks had suspended or failed al- It was hardly to be expected the village together and the condition of affairs, public would grow much in such times and but few and private, was most deplorable. Values of permanent improvements were made. In land went down to zero, and there was no fact work on the state prison was about all market for produce or stock of any kind, the employment that could be had, and this for there was no money. It was for four was paid for in “state shinplasters," worth years an era of "swap" and "dicker.” Flour forty cents on the dollar in trade but receiv- was twenty dollars a barrel, while wheat was able for taxes. It was a time of suffering forty-five and fifty cents a bushel in cash; and unrest such as Jackson has never seen pork was sixty dollars a barrel, while the since. woods were full of wild hogs. What little silver and gold was in the country went up to five to ten for one, and the problem of The political campaign of 1840 was "wherewithal to be clothed” was a most seri- something that never had been experienced ouis one. The Democrats had been in power in in this county before and has seldom been the nation and state, and the Whigs laid all equalled in interest and exictement since. It the public ills to their charge. The political began early in the year by the re-nomination excitement ran high, and, as might have been of Martin Van Buren by the Jackson Demo- expected, the Whigs swept the country and crats and the nomination of Gen. William Henry Harrison by the Whigs. Henry Clay Judge William Woodbridge, an old as- was a strong competitor for the nomination, sociate of General Cass, was chosen gover- and was named for vice-president, but he nor, as was also a Whig legislature. T. E. refused second place on the ticket and John Gidley was chosen state senator and Henry Tyler, a “conservative” from Virginia, was Acker and Henry B. Lathrop members of named. The way the election turned out, the house of representatives, and all the the "conservative” was the undoing of the Whig county officers, J. L. Videto, sheriff; Whig party. William R. DeLand, clerk; John M. Dwight, Soon after the nominations were made, treasurer, and Phineas Farrand, prosecutor. the Democrats opened a campaign of ridicule state. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 129 upon General Harrison. Amos Kendall, In the campaign of 1840 the people of who edited their leading organ, the Wash- Jackson county were wrought up to the ington Globe, in announcing his nomina- highest pitch. “The Hero of Tippecanoe,” tion, illustrated it with a cut of a rude log and all of the accessories of the campaign cabin, with a lank old farmer sitting on a were prominent. A meeting of Whigs was log, and in his hand a tin dipper labeled called as early as the 9th of May to erect “Hard Cider.” A political speech was made a log cabin. About three hundred men as- in congress by Isaac E. Crarey, a member sembled at the Monroe Tavern, with axes from Michigan that ridiculed the General, and tools, teams and wagons, to gather the calling him "an antedeluvian relic,” “a logs and erect the Tippecanoe Cabin. It was granny statesman,” and “newspaper-made a cold and gloomy day, but there was no general," and ascribing the glory and success dampness to the enthusiasm. The log cut- of the campaign in the northwest, ending ting was mostly done on the lands of John with the battle of the Thames, to Col. Rich- 1 T. Durand and William R. DeLand, on sec- ard M. Johnson, of Kentucky, who was the tion 4, north of town, and the site of the vice-presidential candidate with Van Buren. cabin was fixed on Main street opposite This treatment irritated the Whigs and where the First Methodist church now brought out replies from Tom Corwin, of stands. By nine o'clock the huge logs be- . Ohio; William Ogle, of Pennsylvania; gan to arrive, and by night the cabin, forty ; , Humphrey Marshall, of Kentucky, and other by sixty feet in size, was up and ready for Whig congressman, that gave a key note to the roof. The next day split log floors were the campaign, and put the Democrats on the laid, a “shake” roof covered it and carpenters defensive. The enthusiasm inspired by these had put in the doors and windows. Deacon speeches extended to all parts of the country. Culver and 'Squire Stone, of Leoni, hauled The log cabin, the hard-cider barrel, the in an immense ash pole, seventy-feet long, coon skin, the big beaver hat, and the other and that was erected in its front. On the emblems of ridicule of the Democrats were 20th of May the cabin was dedicated by a turned into campaign argument, that in the mass meeting. Everbody was there. The outset completely demolished and overthrew farmers of the west part of the county rigged the opposition. up an immense wagon on big wheels, used It has been since said that of all the for moving logs, with a pole box, thirty feet prejudices and peculiarities of the American long, and drawn by forty yoke of oxen, la- people, there are none so comically strange, beled “Old Tip's Buggy." Speeches were so humorously emotional, so hard to under- made by T. E. Gidley, Henry Acker, A. D. stand or control, as those developed in their Hawley, Lieut.-Gov. J. W. Gordon, of Mar- political campaigns. Enthusiasm is fairly shall , and Hon. Jacob M. Howard, mem- rampant, so that reason is often thrown to ber of congress from Detroit. Hundreds of the winds, and those things that men would coon skins were displayed, and all the cider do and say they would fear and abhor to do in the county was consumed by the crowd. in calmer moments or in any other condition The great Whig mass meeting at Fort or pursuit. Meigs was held the first week in June. We 9 130 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. find in the Sentinel of that date the follow- ble excitement and discussion, but it did not ing: “We are all, save the d—1 (and he receive favorable consideration and was laid wants to go bad enough), going to attend upon the table, and the capital remained at the great Whig jubilee at Fort Meigs, the Detroit until 1847. first week in June, and shall therefore be unable to issue another sheet until our re- ORIGINAL PURCHASE OF THE SOIL. turn." Well, the editor went, and so did the By the beginning of the year 1840 prac- “devil,” for that representative diabolical tically all the lands of Jackson county that was none other than the writer. were fitted for agricultural purposes had been The campaign, as all remember, resulted taken up, and we will turn back again and in the election of General Harrison and the review the names of the first purchasers of entire Whig ticket in county and state. its fertile acres. As early as 1826-7, a tract of land, begin- THE SECOND NEWSPAPER. ning two and a half miles north of the city In the fall of 1838 a second newspaper, boundary and extending along Grand river called the Michigan Democrat, was estab- north of the Au Foin, now Portage branch, lished by George W. Ranney, who came from was in the possession of an Indian band, Penn Yan, New York. It was a five-column under a Russian named Peter Riley, or folio, rather neatly printed for that day, and O'Reilly. This land he desired to dispose of, , soon took its place as a rather hot partisan and by the following letters patent he ob- paper. It was located on the East side and tained the necessary permission, so that very its patronage made it a strenuous advocate soon it passed out of his hands : of East Jackson. It had advertisements for Buddington & Company, merchants; W. D. WHEREAS, By the third article of the treaty Ford, merchandise and real estate; Monroe made and concluded at Chicago, in the State of Illinois, between Lewis Cass and Solomon Sibley, & Ganson, furnaces and castings; Palmer Commissioners of the United States, and the Ot- Bros., blacksmiths; the Jackson Flouring tawa, Chippewa and Pottawatomie Indians, on the Mills; C. E. Van Dorn, merchandise and 29th day of August, 1821, there is granted to Peter Riley, the son of Me-naw-cum-e-go-qua, one sec- produce; Guy H. Gorham, groceries, and E: tion of land at the mouth of the River Au Foin, on Mundy, wines and liquors. The Democrat the Grand river, with a provision that the lands flourished until 1843, when it went into in- granted by the said third article "shall never be nocuous desuetude." leased or conveyed by the said grantees or their heirs to any persons whatever without the permis.. sion of the President of the United States;" THE STATE CAPITAL. AND WHEREAS, The said Peter Riley, having In the winter of 1840 a heroic attempt obtained the permission of the President of the United States to sell and convey the land granted was inade by Jackson to secure the location to him by the said article, has made an assignment of the state capital. It was represented in of the same unto John R. Williams, of the city of the senate by Hon. Townsend E. Gidley and Detroit ; in the house by Augustus D. Hawley and There is therefore granted by the United States unto the said John R. Williams, as assignee of Peter Benjamin Copeland. A resolution was intro- Riley, the tracts of land reserved for the said Peter duced by Mr. Hawley that created considera- Riley, being the west half of the southwest quarter JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 131 of section one, containing 80 acres; the southeast public lands," for the southeast quarter of section quarter of section two, containing 160 acres; the 34, in township two south, of range one west, in the north part of the southwest fractional quarter of district of lands offered for sale at Monroe, Michi- section two, containing 62 acres and 23-100ths of an gan territory, containing 160 acres, according to the acre; the south part of the southwest fractional official plat of the survey of the said lands, returned quarter of section two, containing 72 acres and 60- to the General Land Office by the Surveyor-General, rooths of an acre; the north part of the northeast which said tract has been purchased by the said fraction of the north half of section eleven, contain- Horace Blackman; ing 102 acres; the south half of the northeast quar- Now KNOW YE, That the United States of ter of section eleven, containing 80 acres; and the America, in consideration of the premises, and in west half of the northwest quarter of section twelve, conformity with the several acts of Congress in such containing 80 acres; in township two south, of range case made and provided, have given and granted, one west, in the Southern Land District of the Ter- and by these presents do give and grant, the said ritory of Michigan: tract of land above described unto the said Horace To have and to hold the said tracts, with the Blackman and to his heirs and assigns for ever. appurtenances, unto the said John R. Williams, as In testimony whereof, I, Andrew Jackson, assignee of Peter Riley, the son of Me-naw-cum-e- President of the United States of America, have go-qua, and to his heirs and assigns for ever. caused these letters to be made patent, and the seal In testimony whereof, I, John Quincy Adams, of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed. President of the United States, have caused these Given under my hand at the City of Washing- letters to be made patent, and the seal of the Gen- ton, the tenth day of November, in the year of our eral Land Office to be hereunto affixed. Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty, and Given under my hand at the City of Washing- of the Independence of the United States the fifty- ton, the sixteenth day of April, in the year of our fifth. ANDREW JACKSON. Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States the In 1831 a patent was issued to Jeremiah fifty-first. By the President, J. Q. ADAMS. Bennett, on presentation of a duplicate cer- Geo. GRAHAM, tificate of purchase made at the Monroe land C. G. L. Office. office in 1830. This document is recorded in the office of the registrar of deeds of Jack- The next patent was issued to Horace son county. In it the extent of the second Blackman, who represented his father, Lem- purchase is laid down, and the signature of uel. It proves beyond doubt that he was the President Jackson attached : first patentee house builder, and therefore may claim the title of the first settler; al- WHEREAS, Jeremiah Bennett, of Genesee coun- though his visit to New York, and conse- ty, New York, has deposited in the General Land Office of the United States a certificate of the quent absence from his new home, gave oth- Register of the Land Office at Monroe, Michigan, ers the opportunity to enter upon a perma- according to the provisions of the act of Congress nent residence before him. The following of the 24th of April, 1820, entitled, “An act making further provision for the sale of the public lands," is a copy of the letters patent : for the northwest quarter of section two, in town- ship three, south of range one west, in the district WHEREAS, Horace Blackman, of Tioga county, of land subject to sale at Monroe, Michigan, con- New York, has deposited in the General Land Office taining 161 acres and 99-100ths of an acre, accord- of the United States a certificate of the Register of ing to the official plat of the survey of the said lands the Land Office at Monroe, whereby it appears that returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor full payment has been made by the said Horace General, which said tract has been purchased by the Blackman, according to the provisions of the act of said Jeremiah Bennett; Congress of the 24th of April, 1820, entitled, “An NOW KNOW YE, That the United States of Amer- act making further provisions for the sale of the ica, in consideration of the premises, and in con- i32 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. This document, like those offered to Messrs. Bennett and Blackman, were signed by Andrew Jackson, President, and Elijah Hayward, general land commissioner. A WRITER DEALING IN LAND. formity with the several acts of Congress in such case made and provided, have given and granted, and by these presents do give and grant, unto the said Jeremiah Bennett and to his heirs the said tract above described, to have and to hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities, and appurtenances of whatsoever nature thereunto belonging, unto the said Jeremiah Bennett and to his heirs and assigns forever. In testimony whereof, I, Andrew Jackson, President of the United States of America, have caused these letters to be made PATENT, and the seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed. Given under my hand at the city of Washing- ton, the fourth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-one, and of the Independence of the United States the fifty-fifth By the President, ANDREW JACKSON. Elijah HAYWARD, Commissioner of the General Land Office. The emigration excitement in the eastern states between 1827 and 1840 was participat- ed in by Washington Irving, as well as many other publicists of the time. He purchased a tract of land in the county, and formed the intention of coming here to live; but, as the following power of attorney will show, his enthusiasm abated, and he resolved to re- main east: WASHINGTON IRVING TO DAVID GODFREY. The purchase made by B. H. Packard is cotemporary with the Bennett transaction, and in the patent of which the following is a copy, the location and extent of land bought by him, is set forth: WHEREAS, Benjamin H. Packard, of Washte- naw county, Michigan, has deposited in the Land Office of the United States, a certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Monroe, Michigan, whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said Benjamin H. Packard, according to the provisions of the act of Congress of the 24th of April, 1820, for the north east quarter of section three, in township three south, of range one west, in the district of lands subject to sale at Monroe, Michigan, containing 162 acres, and 77-100 of an acre, according to the official plat of survey of lands, which said tract has been purchased by Benjamin H. Packard; Now KNOW YE, That the United States of America, in consideration of these premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress, have given and granted unto the said Benjamin H. Pack- ard, and to his heirs, the said tract of land above described, to have and to hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities, and ap- purtenances thereunto belonging to the said Ben- jamin,H. Packard, his heirs and assigns forever. Know all men by these presents, that whereas, I, Washington Irving, of the County of West Ches- ter, and State of New York, Gentleman, am seized in fee of, and in all that certain farm or piece of land situate, lying and being in the State of Michi- gan, being the west half of section number thirty- six, in township number six north, of range number five west, containing 296 96-100 acres, as the same is described in certificate No. 14,560 of Thomas C. Sheldon, Receiver, dated March 24, 1836, at the Receiver's Office, Bronson; also all that other cer- tain farm or piece of land situate, lying and being in the State of Michigan aforesaid, being the south part of the northeast fractional section number two, in township one south, of range two east, contain- ing 80 acres, as the same is described in certificate , No. 19,189, of J. Kearsley, Receiver, dated April 23, 1836, at the Receiver's Office, Detroit; Now KNOW YE, That I, the said Washington Irving, have made, constituted and appointed, and by these presents do make, constitute and appoint David Godfrey, of Ann Arbor, in the State of Michigan, aforesaid, my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name to sell and dispose of the said two pieces of land above described, absolutely in fee simple for such price and sum of money as to such person or persons as he shall think fit and con- venient, and also for me and in my name to make, sign, seal, execute and deliver such deeds and con- veyances for the same or any part thereof as may be proper, with or without the usual covenants of JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 133 warranty, and generally to do, execute and perform Thomas Field, R. Henry, G. Lumpkin, V. every act and deed that may be necessary in and about the premises, as fully in every respect as I J. Teft, Lewis Snyder, Jr., A. Henry, Sum- myself might do if I was personally present, and ner Wing, John P. Hitchings, Geo. Almni- attorney or attorneys under him for all or any of deign, J. D. Wadhum, Asahel King, Saml. the purposes aforesaid to make and substitute, and Kutz, Danl. Laddock, Wm. Gallup, J. W. again at pleasure to revoke; and I hereby ratify, allow and confirm all and whatsoever my said at- Price, Theo. Updike, J. W. Whitney, Obed torney shall do or cause to be done in and about Hall, G. D. Godfrey, Ann Marsh, David the premises by virtue of these presents. Haumer, Geo. Snyder, T. Skeels, E. W. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fifteenth day of August, in the year of Comstock, E. S. Gavit, G. W. Woodworth, our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- Lyman Pease, C. M. Chappell, Wm. Mayo, eight. WASHINGTON IRVING. (L. S.) 0. T. Cass, S. Adams, Hiram Fowler, T. Sealed and delivered in presence of GERARD MORRIS. F. Towler, Layton Palmer, John Donoghue, Lor. Graham, James Wake, N. Dever, O. H. Guitman, Hiram Phelps, Hiram Austin, J. STATE OF NEW YORK, . CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW YORK. Tunnicliff, Salmon Hale, H. Putnam, Lois On this fifteenth day of August, 1838, before me and Abial Tripp, Seth Sergeant, Seymour came Washington Irving, known to me to be the Fitch, James Devell, Edward Belknapp, person and individual described in, and who exe- cuted the foregoing power of attorney, and acknowl- Alanson Shelly, Stephen Town, James D. edged that he executed the same. Clilland, Elijah T. Cole, Hiram Brown, C. GEO. IRELAND, M. Bostwick, Daniel Turmo, A. K. Austin, Commissioner of Deeds. John Fenton, Peter Showerman, Sira R. Grosvenor, Joseph Dunlap, John Reithmil- The statement of the commissioner of ler, Calvin and Nathan Burr, Precilla Col- deeds was further verified by Joseph Hoxie, grood, S. A. Randall, John M. Colgrood, clerk of the city and county of New York, N. Jones, H. Choute, F. B. Ward, Rosevelt and the three documents registered in the Davis, R. M. Davis, Robert Davis, C. M. registrar's office of Jackson county by Will- Kerr, S. Eastman, O. G. Eastman, Perrin iam E. Perrine, May 20, 1839, at 8:30 A. M. Moe, Zera Crawford, Jotham Wood, Tim- The patent was signed by Martin Van Buren, othy Pratt, Veeder Green, Wm. A. Crane, , President of the United States, August 2, L. Reynolds, B. Whitney, E. Van Orman, 1837 Anthony TenEyck, John Tilfair, G. Filley, The other patents issued to settlers in Elijah Hazelton, Gilbert & Hanford, Geo. Jackson county and signed by Presidents of Hickkox, Lafayette Knight, Chester Clarke, the United States embrace the following Nathan Roberts, Barkley Mount, F.-A. Ken- grantees: Wm. R. DeLand, Wm. M. Sulli- nedy, Hiram Karr, Eben. Manley, Nathan van, James Dowling, Harriet Cook, Anthony Clark, L. G. Perry, Ber. Pratt, Peter Near- Brown, Hiram Williams, John Henry, James grass, Charles Ketchum, O. Dibble, D. F. , , Hawkins, Jas. Townson, John Parliman, Moore, E. H. Swain, John Durand, A. P. Lem'l Woodworth, Richmond Briggs, John Wixom, O. D. Thompson, J. McCollum, Pratt, Michael Nowlin, Seth Griswold, F. Gardner Tripp, Abigail Tripp, T. B. Pierce, Jaquinot, Foster Tucker, Alfred H. Kyes, Abraham Kehl, Patrick Fallan, Amos I 34 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Brown, Jones, Butler, Corning and others, Ira C. Backus, Wm. Drake, S. C. Dalton, Lepe. Chapman, C. Southworth, Perrin Con- Martin Lautis, Jr., G. Filley, John David- verse, Alvinzie Hunt, J. Hutchins, J. Hutch- son, Ten Eyck, Bun & Brown, Lyman Hunt- ins, W. C. Childs, W. C. Page, D. Trumbull; ley, Geo. Field, Wm. Tilden, Peter Cochran, , Jacob Demaret, Seth Burgo, James B. Cole, Danl. Coleman, Thomas Coleman, Allen John Curtis, J. P. Smith, H. S. Skinner, Kennedy, Jr., G. W. Marsh, Wm. Roberts, Wm. Rose, John Murphy, Owen Ellison, Thomas Cranson, Sam. B. Wolcott, James Dan. C. Wildey, J. A. Curtin, B. Robinson, Kress, Thomas Vreeland, Nathl. Cooper, F. P. Stillman, N. B. Lemm, Spraym & Bow- Geo. W. Bentley, John Southworth, Geo. en, Ezra Brown, Wm. Desbrow, Josiah Byrne, El. Ring, Henry Lewis, John Bur- Whitman, Andrew Simmons, J. H. Now- nett, Wm. Wilcox, McClelland & Chris- lan, Simon Peterson, Amos Peterson, John tiancy, Elisha Burns, Jr., J. C. Bailey, Williams, Henry Wood, L. Huffman, Al- Amanda F. Fitch, Abel F. Fitch, James pheus Putnam, Lewis Snyder, Joshua Thay- Cole, James McConnell, Prosper J. Wheeler, er, Tenny Peabody, Isaiah S. Kaywood, T. Joseph Clark, W. Gilliland, U. D. Wade, E. Gidley, John C. Griswold, John A. Dow- David Adams, H. B. Lathrop, H. Woodard, ney, John A. Dironer, Wm. G. Sandford, Obed Hale, Perrine Moe, John Westren, D. W. Whitman, Mary Kelcey, A. C. Max- Isaac V. Stage, Stephen P. Spear, A. L. on, J. V. Carmer, A. M. McKenzie, Garrett Beaumont, Laura Chapman, John Bostedor, Chapman, Cornelius Sullivan, Charles Guile, Ben. H. Packard, Joanna and P. C. Vree- Geo. Williams, Mary S. Walsh, Mitchell land, Gordin Fox, Wm. Clay, Eben Taylor, Gue, Goodwin and Coffin, B. Harrington, Roswell Weston, J. Nottingham, Isaac A. J. Crandall, Chatfield and Cross, Lewis Quigley, Robert Burns, John Willett, Sam- Motry, N. Archibald, Henry Wooden, A. uel Roberts, David Ostrander, James Bell, Shutt, H. Masin, Alfred P. Brown, Harvey David D. Trumbull, Samuel Bassett, John Anstin, L. P. Spratt, Grindall Reynolds, G. Daniels, David Laverty, Benj. Davis, M. Holland, David Cole, L. A. Bostwick, John B. Adams, C. H. Sheldon, Martin Fuller, Wilber, Allen Green, Green, W. F. F. Good- Joseph Whitney, Jas. E. North, Abner win, J. Blackman, A. F. Bolton, J. Bartlett, Burgess Hoyt, Wm. R. Bixbe, H. DuBois, S. M. Mott, Henry, Jas. Clark, Jos. Gardner, Thomas Rhoades, O'Neill, E. M. Skinner, Peter A. Palmer, James Fisher, Abraham Quick, Matthew James Williams, Wm. Miles, F. A. Bolles, Stanfield, C. B. Seeley, Mary J. Haire, Ad- John Adams, J. C. Cornell, John Gilliland, dison P. Cook, Gardner H. Shaw, Lowell Clarke Foot, O. D. Taylor, Culver B. Bragg, W. Tinker, Amos Root, Samuel Thomas, Randall Kellogg, Henry Perrine, John Man- A. J. Van Riper, James Connolly, John ning, J. McKenney, James M. McKinny, Palmer, Squire Rice, Justice Fowler, Cor- Nathl. Wadsworth, J. D. W. Schwnamat- nelius Titus, Royal D. Hendee, James ter, John R. Williams, David A. Cohoon, Ready, J. A. Knight, Geo. Gates, Maurice A. & A. McKnight, A. W. McKnight, Am- Ready, Wm. Hall, John C. Douglas, P. B. brose Arnold, Noah Clarke, Chas. A. Crary, Crowl, Edwin K. Whitman, John Collar, JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 135 Henry Tivinor, Michael Keables, J. Marvin, Lor. M. Chanter, Abram Van Gorden, Ed- . Elihu Taylor, I. Kibbee, S. Crittenden, D. win Perry, J. S. Williams, Baxter Howe, K. Akers, John McConnell, Moses Tuthill, Anson Townley, Reuben Croman, Isaiah Lorenzo D. Chapell, L. Cahoon, Joshua Croman, Solomon Croman, Joseph McCloy, Tuthill, Hulda Shaw, Horace Blackman, Elias Corwin, Wm. Gould, W. W. Wether- Mary J. Welch, Charles P. Woodruff, ly, Eleazer Finley, David Finley, Henry Chauncey Hawley, Samuel Upton, Wm. Laycock, Horace Wheelock, Alanson Wood- Pool, Phillip Cook, John Stevens, Isaac Am- ward, Samuel Higgins, Ira Wheaton, John merman, Joseph Clark, Isaac Townsend, M. Root, John A. Bacon, N. N. Hayden, M. W. Southworth, John Preston, Henry Francis Woodbury, Leonard A. Waldo, Palen, Ira Barber, N. B. Ayres, Moses Bene- John D. Dwight, D. F. Dwight, B. P. dict, Nicholas Townley, Henry Ackley, Hutchison, Silas Titus, Charles Ferry, Richard Townley, Aaron Davis, John David B. Dwight, L. H. Prickett, D. B. Guinan, A. F. Campan, Gardiner F. Goold, Freeman, I. Crispell, A. S. Stiles, James W. O. Stone, Ben Longyear, Sands Gidley, M. Barber, John M. Hunt, Lyman Fox, Henry Pelton, W. B. Gardner, John Brewer, Sherman A. Randall, Benjamin Walker, , Constant Maguire, Marvin Burk, Miller Ben. S. King, James H. Case, Samuel Shel- Yeckley, Nathan G. Latimer, Timothy Col- don, T. W. Pray, Richard Hendee, H. G. lins, John G. Perry, John Hitch- Dickinson, B. T. Webster, Asbury Fassett, cock, Almon Cain, Ezra Brown, Asa Samuel Fassett, Robert Lawrence, Daniel M. Clark, J. L. Videtto, Thomas B. Hibbard, Patrick Brosnahan, John D. Tanner, Ed. Arnold, George B. Fuller, Vanduson, Henry Jean, Daniel Porter, John Washington Irving, Geo. Kemble, Harry Todd, Merrit Johnson, Amasa R. Stone, Denison, Geo. W. Stolp, John Crego, M. B. Washington Hewitt, Martha Hewitt, Dud- Thomas, Geo. Hall, R. S. Armitage, H. N. ley Hewitt, Dennis Carren, Ira Petrie, Geo. Rider, Robert Monier, Ben. Huntley, John Cogswell, Sidney N. Soper, James Fisher, Maxon, Almus V. Main, Margaret Chapin, Chauncey C. Smith, John J. Markle, John F. W. Peters, R. G. Crego, A. H. Delameter, Glann, Ira Davenport, Sally Wolcott, C. N. Weeks, G. Rhodes, J. H. Dubois, Jas- Erastus Wolcott, Jr., J. P. Christiancy, per Thomas, Orrin Seeley, Jas. Hayten, Sam- John W. Fiske, John Chester, Reuben Lut- uel Works, L. C. Salisbury, Hilas Hayes, tenten, Geo. Field, Stephen Morehouse, Robert Bradford, Wm. M. Lee, M. C. Pat- Alvin Whedin, John Dunning, D. H. Mills, terson, John Van Vrankin, Samuel Hamlin, Joseph C. Watkins, Geo. Denmark, Anson John S. Brown, John M. Carter, Ezekiel Willis, Joel Clemens, James Tullman, Jo- Lader, Chauncey Kennedy, D. Sweeney, seph B. Lockwood, David Osborne, J. Sa- Daniel B. Miller, Joseph Hodge, John Kern, gendorf, Paul B. Ring, Thomas Godfrey, John C. Waterman, Betsy Utly, E. Graves, H. S. Gregory, James Graham, Hiram Otis Cranson, Wm. O. Cross, Abraham, Annson, Peter Brown, Asa C. Thompson, Catlin, Harriet Catlin, Sam. R. Feeks, P. D. Ansel Bissell, John Countryman, Jacob Hall, R. B. White, Bradley Freeman, Sam- | Waikle, John Russ, Nathan Russ, John uel Swezy, Bart W. Smith, Daniel Smith, 'Belden, B. C. Hatch, G. Reynolds, Isaac 136 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Giles, Alex. Richmond, Sterling Went- Sanford, D. H. Lockwood, Geo. S. Streeter, worth, Joe Wightman, Jr., Nelson Mc- T. H. King, S. Stoddard, James Acker, Arthur, John Tate, Stephen Chesebro, Jr., Jas. McCloy, J. A. Pratt, H. H. Smith, H. Phillips, F. C. Watkins, T. J. Lewis, Daniel Peck, William Hunt, W. S. Wolcott, Simon Davidson, J. and A. Chesebro, Geo. E. B. Chapman, E. W. Morgan, Abram W. Bush, Hiram A. Barber, Chauncey S. Wing, Jonas Wing, Nathaniel Morrill, E. Cross, John J. Crout, Adelia Crout, DeWitt Van Horn, N. B. Beardsley, John Hastings. Knowlton, Wm. Showerman, H. Spauld- These comprise the bulk of the pioneers ing, Benj. Sneden, Sincler Bean, Lester P. who took up and improved the farms of Beebe, Josephus Darling, B. B. Bradford, the county. There are a few who did not Jas. Loranger, John Worth, Lathrop L. , put their deeds on record for many years, and Sturgess, Lois Swain, W. W. Carter, Cyrus they are scattered through the records sub- Hodgkins, Jerry Cranmore, W. W. Spauld- sequent to 1850. These men struggled with ing, W. V. Smalley, J. H. Spratt, Geo. the wilderness with primitive tools, and Barnes, Ira L. Watkins, Geo. Watkins, toiled in season and out of season to make Chester Bennett, M. J. Draper, B. H. Thurs- homes for themselves and their children. The ton, James Culver, Chas. Stone, Wm. Clapp, life was hard and they were denied many Moses Bean, Stephen Rowen, J. Wood, pleasures and comforts, but the most of them Fred. Johnson, Mason Cabine, James reaped an abundant reward for their sacri- . Weekes, Abram. J. Crego, Samuel B. Dar- fices and toil. Not a few died with wealth row, D. H. Rogers, Lyman Harrington, and comfort at hand. Yes, they have died, Wm. B. Mills, P. B. Ripley, Amasa B. for, although in the old days we personally Gibson, L. W. Douglass, Alfred Draper, knew nearly all of them, a careful search Nicholas McCann, Joseph Avery, Edward now shows only four living, Horace Dean, Smith, Wm. Killicut, Marlin Austin, Wm. John Stevens, A. L. Stiles and Lorenzo M. Sullivan, John A. Schmidt, John S. Chanter, and these are all octogenarians. Hurd, John G. Blanchard, Orson Under- The methods of improvement in those wood, Eri E. Underwood, Charles Townley, days were prinitive. The first step was to John Barber, Edward Strong, Oliver B. girdle the timber on the tract that was to Ford, Peter Knauff, James R. Wisner, John be cultivated. Then the huge breaking plow, W. Pardee, John Smiley, James Slayton, with three to five yoke of oxen, was run Leander McClain, S. Patrick, Bissel over the ground to turn the sod. After this Humphrey, Caleb Osgood, Barzilla Mutler, lad lain a few weeks it was cultivated with Joseph Patch, Barney Christopher, John E. the A-drag and mellowed down, after which Barton, J. E. Parham, M. J. Hudler, Nor- the grain was sown broadcast and dragged man Allen, Wilson Spencer, Sarah S. in. When harvest time came the grain was Chapel, Abraham H. Bennett, Aaaron Pres- cut and raked and bound by hand, and put ton, Edwin Adams, Alamon Carpenter, into stacks. For several years it was threshed Wm. H. Boland, Geo. Huxford, Jesse Gard- with flails by hand, and the chaff separated ner, A. J. Williamson, Andrew Smith, Sid- by winnowing it on sheets and blankets. It ney A. Updike, Fannie E. Maltby, Norman was not until nearly 1840 that the threshing JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 137 machine made its appearance. For many church, called the Union church, to accommodate several denominations, will be completed soon. The years everything was done by hand, by both state penitentiary has been located here, and is in men and women. For while men raised and progress of construction. Here is likewise the loca- gathered crops, the women carded and spun tion of a branch of the university. The Detroit & the wool into yarn and the flax into thread, St. Joseph Railroad is to pass through here. There is a fall of eight feet in the river at this place, and and wove the cloth upon the looms that fur- any amount of water-power can be obtained in the nished clothing and other necessaries for the vicinity. Within half a mile of the village is a family and household. The nightly lullaby quarry of fine sandstone. . It is very flourishing, of the children was the whirl of the spinning and six northwest of Washington city. distant eighty miles west from Detroit, six hundred wheel and the steady and monotonous thud of the loom. It was the brave hearts and Such was Jackson village of 1837-8. strong arms of the pioneers that has devel- What a change! What advance! What advance! During oped this great country and made it the para- the year 1839 the industries named in the dise of the earth. description given by the Gazeteer increased, The census taken in 1840 showed a pop- so that instead of one bank there were two; ulation of thirteen thousand one hundred instead of one printing office there were and thirty people in Jackson county. The four, publishing two weekly papers and two county had gained as much in wealth as in semi-monthly, journals, viz: Jackson Sen- - population. It contained four flour mills, tinel, Michigan Democrat, American Free- eleven saw-mills and a large number of in- man, and the Michigan Temperance Her- dustries, with eight flourishing villages, in- | ald. During the same year there were added cluding Brooklyn, Jefferson, Napoleon, to the business establishments of the village Grass Lake, Leoni, Waterloo, Michigan Cen- one drug store and six dry-goods stores. In- ter, Barry and Concord. stead of two, there were five churches. The population of 1837-38 was four hundred, AN OLD-TIME DESCRIPTION OF THE VILLAGE. inhabiting seventy-five dwellings; a year In 1838 the Gazeteer of Michigan was later this number rose to over one thousand, published, and in the pages of the quaint old claiming two hundred buildings, and with volume a reference was of course made to eighty more large stores and dwellings in the central village of Jackson. This descrip- process of completion. The year of 1839 tion, though brief, is particularly interesting, was the first building era—the era of prog- since it will the better protray the rapid ress, in which the inhabitants resolved to strides of the city within a period of forty- raise their village to the pinnacle of its two years : greatness. THE NEXT DECADE. Jackson, a village, the seat of justice for the county of Jackson, in a township of the same name, situated on the west bank of Grand river, contains The growth of Jackson for the next ten a postoffice, court-house, jail, banking association, years was steady, but not phenomenal. It printing office, a druggist's store, a tannery, furnace, gained in population and improved in ap- , two saw-mills, a flouring-mill with four run of pearance. The Jackson Sentinel was sold stone, four dry-goods stores, eight lawyers and three physicians. A Baptist church is now erecting. A) by N. Sullivan to Moore & Hitchcock, who 138 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. continued its publication, but Mr. Moore leadership of George Morton, a noted horse retired in 1842 and established the Michigan thief, rebelled and one morning in August, Farmer. This he sold in 1845 and it was as they were brought out from breakfast, removed to Detroit. Mr. Moore returned at a signal, fell upon the guards, overpow- to Rochester, New York, and established ered them, forced the rear gate, and about Moore’s Rural New Yorker, which became forty of them escaped. forty of them escaped. They forded the riv- one of the most prosperous and widely known er and went in a body to the west. As soon papers in the country. as the news had spread a number of citizens Messrs. W. B. and J. W. Medbury erect- armed themselves and started in pursuit. A ed, in 1841, the first brick block in Jackson on few miles west of town they came across Mr. the ground where the Allen Bennett block Robert's farm and tried to secure his horses. now stands. It was forty by eighty feet in He went to the house and got his gun and re- size and two stories in height. Russell turned to confront the gang, but they rushed Blackman this year completed and opened upon him, and beat him with clubs until he his three-story frame hotel, called the Amer- was insensible. The pursuing party came ican, afterwards the Marion House, which up with them near the Videto place in Spring stood on the lot west of the Medbury build- Arbor. Here they were surrounded and or- ing. The Marion building burned in 1878, dered to surrender. Morton, the leader, re- and destroyed the Medbury block with it, and fused, and ordered a charge, when he was the whole was built up again by Mr. Bennett. shot dead by Virgil Cummings, a keeper. The Gazette has the following under One other was shot by Dorus Spencer, and date of March 4th: “A proposition is on the gang then surrendered and were marched foot to build a desirable sidewalk on St. back to the prison. Joseph street (Main) from the Eagle to the The Michigan Central Railroad was river. This is right, and we hope our citi- completed to Jackson in December, 1841. zens will show a proper regard for so bene- It was a great event, though the engine and ficial improvement, and contribute liberally cars ran in for ten miles on wooden rails, to the fund that is being raised for its con- strap iron being laid by spring. This event struction. A word to the wise!" By this opened a new era for trade and business, and we learn that no walks of any kind were at Jackson no longer depended upon stages and that time laid upon Main street. mud wagons to reach and do business with In July of this year a county agricultural the outside world. society was organized, with Dr. J. A. Cor- In 1843 Dr. C. L. Merriman erected a nell, president; Paul B. Ring, A. F. Bolton, brick block on the site of the present Dwight James Valentine, vice-presidents; R. C. Ba- block, the second in the city. This was oc- ker, secretary; Chester Bennett, treasurer, cupied for many years by the Merriman fam- and ten directors. It did not flourish well ily (which consisted of four brothers) as a and died at the first fair. dry-goods store. In 1844 Benjamin Porter This year there was an insurrection at erected a three-story brick building on the the state prison. The convicts, under the south side of the public square, the structure JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 139 now facing on Jackson street. The third The same year Mr. Reynolds erected his first story was used as a hall for secret societies brick block on the south side of Main street for many years. and which is still standing. In 1845 the first brick Congregational The political campaign of 1848 was nota- church was erected and dedicated. It was ble for the rise of the Free-soil party. There regarded as a magnificent structure, and was were three candidates for president, Zachary presided over for many years by Rev. G. L. Taylor, Whig; Lewis Cass, Democrat, and Foster, a talented and popular clergyman. Martin Van Buren, Free-soil. The canvass The Michigan Democrat having been was hot. The Democrats won in the state, discontinued, Messrs. Wilbur F. Storey and the Whigs in the nation. In Jackson and R. S. Cheney established the Jackson county the Gazette, the Whig paper, went Patriot in its place. The Patriot has filled over to the Free-soil party, and the Whigs its field ably and well, and is still an enter- started a new paper, called the Journal, with prising and up-to-date newspaper, issuing A. A. Dorrance as publisher, and Henry three editions, a morning and evening daily Frink editor. It was published only during and a tri-weekly. the campaign, when, the Whigs having lost In 18.46 an act was passed to incorporate all the local offices and standing the third the Grand River Valley Railroad Company. party in the county, it was sold and taken to Amos Root, Harvey Williams, Benj. Porter, Lansing. B. Knight, E. B. Danforth, A. V. Berry, A FIGHT FOR THE STATE CAPITOL. I. C. Backus, Jno. Sumner, Amasa B. Gib- son, Allen Bennett, Jr., Wm. P. Kassick, During the legislative session of 1846-7 A. Roberts, Philo M. Everett, Jno. Ganson there was a long and bitter fight over the and Lewis Bascom were made directors by removal of the state capitol. A bitter feeling the charter. This road was to be construct- had sprung up in both parties against De- ed from Jackson to Grand Rapids. troit, on account of the failure of the State The village charter was amended this Bank of Michigan, and political influences year, increasing boundaries, and providing used to the detriment of the interior, and for the election of president, six trustees, all parties seemed to favor the location of the recorder, treasurer, marshal, street commit- state capitol at some central point in the tee, attorney and two assessors. Col. A. V. interior of the state. Of course Jackson was Berry was the first village president. at once a competing point. The first telegraph line built between De- Jackson county was represented in the troit and Chicago reached Jackson in 1848, state senate by James Videto, of Spring Ar- and was welcomed with a great celebration. bor, and in the house by Austin Blair, Mar- Mrs. B. M. Sheldon was the first local oper- cus Wakeman and Frederick A. Kennedy, ator. all able and active men. A large three-story brick block was built Among the places that entered into the on the corner of Main and Mechanic streets competition were Kalamazoo, Marshall, Al- in 1847, by Walters & Lathrop, of New bion, Jackson, Ann Arbor, 'on the Central York, and was called “Temperance Hall." Railroad, and Corrunna, Owosso and Ly- 140 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ons, on the so-called Northern road, which in with the new location, carried their friends was at this time only completed to Pontiac. with them, and three days later the house The fight was a fast and furious one, and concurred. the legislature held about thirty joint ses- The course pursued by the people of sions before it was decided. As the ballots Jackson in connection with the location of began to concentrate in these joint conven- the capitol won them great praise. Though tions, it soon became apparent that the three to an extent disappointed, they wisely cast favorite places were Jackson, Lyons and their influence to build up a neighboring Marshall. For over thirty ballots Jackson county that seemed to have much less natural stood within one to three of winning the chance for prosperity and growth. The prize, but the inveterate hatred of Detroit concensus of opinion was that if Jackson and Marshall held the balance against it. At could not have the honor, it should be placed length a new factor appeared upon the scene. nearest and where it would do the most A man named Seymour, from Rochester, good. New York, had located a tract of land, and There is no doubt this action was for the erected a dam across Grand river near the best interests of the state at that time and north line of Ingham county. There was a since. No part of the people are more proud . heavy belt of timber in that section of the of the splendid location and progress of state, comprising the counties of Livingston, Lansing than the people of Jackson. Ingham and Eaton, and it was deemed of SALE OF THE RAILROADS. importance to do something to aid in de- veloping this region. Adjoining Seymour's At the same session of the legislature location on the south was a full section of the sale of the railroads owned by the state primary school land. The Grand river skirt- was a paramount issue. The Central road ed its eastern boundary, but the land laid was opened only to Marshall, and the South- high and dry and nearly level, except a gent- ern to the village of Hillsdale. For twelve ly rising hill in the center. Mr. Seymour years they had been a heavy drain upon the came to Detroit and pointed out the advan- state, and accumulated a debt of five millions tages of the location, the splendid water of dollars. They had degenerated into a power, the wealth of oak, beech, maple and political machine, and, whether true or not, , whitewood timber, the rich lands, the central it was charged the whole influence was used situation and the fact that the capitol located for private benefit rather than for public on school lands would make ready sale and a good. The men who had control certainly large accretion to the primary school fund. had the command of the markets, and were He was ably seconded by Mr. George Dan- rapidly growing rich at the expense of other forth and Henry H. Smith, of Mason, and business interests. Many Democratic papers by James Turner, of Flint, and Charles P. united with the Whigs in denouncing the Bush, of Howell. After a few days' labor management and policy and urging the state these gentlemen were pleased to see their bill to sell. pass the senate on the 12th of March, and A company of Boston capitalists offered the Jackson members of the house, falling two million dollars for the Central, and a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 141 a company of New York capitalists offered House stands, were destroyed. The citi- five hundred thousand dollars for the South- zens "chipped in” and purchased an old ern. After two months of legislative action, “goose-neck" machine from Detroit which charters were granted and the roads sold. was labeled “Protection No. 1.” A com- As an indication of popular feeling, we will pany was organized, with Peter E. DeMill state that the members who voted against as foreman. But the people neglected to get the sale were publicly burned in effigy in the more than fifty feet of hose, and at the next streets of Detroit. The people will recall fire, which was a dwelling house on Court- the stormy scenes of just fifty years later land street, the engine was useless for want over the repeal of the same charters. of hose to reach the fire. In 1851 a new engine was purchased at THE PLANK ROAD ERA. Rochester, New York, and the “goose-neck” The years 1847 to 1852 were notable in was sold to the state for use inside the prison. Michigan as the plank road era. The craze Two years later a second engine was pur- for plank roads started in northern New chased, and in 1856 a third. Joseph B. Tom- York, and speedily spread to Michigan. linson was the foreman of Protection No. I, Over one hundred companies were chartered L. A. Pennoyer of Neptune No. 3, and Cal- to build plank roads. Jackson shared the vin T. Beebe of Liberty No. 3. Peter B. fever and roads were projected to Adrian, Loomis was the first chief engineer, and Jonesville, Lansing, Eaton Rapids and other served two years. Henry A. Hayden sec- points. Only one was ever constructed, ceeded him, and served until 1861, when he from Jackson to Eaton Rapids, twenty-five was succeeded by T. E. Hayes, who held miles. This was hailed as a great improve- the place until his death, in 1863. ment and for several years was popular and The fire department of Jackson, in all profitable. But in a short time the residents the days of hand engines, was one of the became weary of paying tolls, and there was best organized and decidedly the most effi- constant trouble. The road was maintained cient of any in the state. In the several for about twenty-five years, when it was contests and tournaments with companies abandoned. from the other cities and villages of the state, their success reflected great credit upon Jackson. When the chief engineer of Jackson had not been a great sufferer the Jackson fire department called upon his from fires, but the people early took precau- forces to “man the brakes,” whether at a tion not to be left defenseless. The burn- fire or in a friendly contest, it was under- ing of John Wellman's house, in 1832, was stood that work was to be done such as any the first accident of the kind. The next was company might well be proud of. In every the burning of the old Blackman Tavern in contest Jackson fire companies were victors. the winter of 1837-8. In 1841 there was a They carried off the prizes at seven tourna- small fire in the prison, the wood kitchen ments. Each chief engineer can boast of his being destroyed. In the spring of 1843, two silver trumpet, and Jackson won and held frame stores on Main street, where the Hurd the champion banner against all competitors. FIRE PROTECTION. 142 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. In 1865 the city bought a rotary steam and representative paper until the present fire engine called “Phil Sheridan,” after- day. ward changed to “Gen. Sherman." From AFFAIRS IN 1849. this time the hand engines fell into disuse, but the efficiency of the fire department of The discovery of gold in California in Jackson has been in no way impaired by the 1848 made a great furor in Jackson. Early change, and its members feel the same pride in the year a large colony started to cross the in the discharge of their duty as when their continent and dig gold. It was a journey predecessors stood by the brakes. In 1870 of three thousand miles across an unknown the city constructed water-works on the continent, but Jackson furnished a company Holly plan, and they have been the main re- of daring men willing to undertake the task. liance for the extinction of fires, although They fitted out with covered wagons, horses, the steamer has been retained as a measure oxen and cows for beef, groceries and pro- of protection for the districts not reached by visions, and on the 5th of April started for the Holly works. The Holly system has the land of gold. The party consisted of been severely tested several times and has Edward S. Rockwell, Joseph Bunce, Thomas so far proved an entire success. It has al- S. Myrick, John T. Durand, Sylvester ways prevented the spread of the flames, and Hodgkins, T. R. Smith, Franklin George, , there has usually been more damage from Reuel C. Baker, George Blackman, S. T. the flood of water than from the fire. The Carr, Sherman Eastman, Dr. J. T. Tobey and two or three more. Jackson fire department is today acknowl- They made the edged the best and most efficient and suc- journey and arrived at Sacramento in the cessful of any in the state. following November. Sylvester Hodgkins and Franklin George died on the way, and Rockwell, Bunce, Smith and Baker died in From December, 1848, until August, California. Myrick became a school teacher 1849, the Jackson Patriot was the only in San Francisco, and died in 1891. The newspaper published in the county. It was others returned at various intervals of three intensely Democratic, under the editorial to five years. control of Wilbur F. Storey, afterwards In May, 1849, the Lansing Journal notorious as the head of the Chicago Times spoke of the stage line between Jackson and during the Civil war. The Whigs finally that place, as follows: JACKSON STAGES. persuaded two young printers, A. A. -Messrs. Hibbard & Knapp now leave here Dorrance and C. V. DeLand, to try their at 2 o'clock P. M., with the mail, and arrive hand at establishing a Whig paper. They at Jackson in time for the cars the next morn- purchased the old Gazette office and on Au- | ing, going west, as well as east. This is a gust 15th issued the first number of their great convenience to those residing in the paper, which they called the American Citi- western part of the state. These gentlemen It was a seven-column weekly folio, deserve much credit for the regularity with but it gained the confidence of the people which they have delivered our mails here. from the start, and has continued a leading Within the last year they have not failed on FOUNDING A NEW PAPER. zen. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 143 saw 7 a single trip to deliver the mail here by four- votes; the assessed valuation was one million horse teanis, as the law directs. This is three hundred and thirty-four thousand nine extraordinary, indeed, over a newly made hundred and twenty-eight dollars; state road, in the timbered land. There is prob- tax, five thousand four hundred and seventy- ably not an instance of punctuality to equal eight dollars and eighty cents; county tax, it on record in the postoffice department.” eight thousand five hundred and twelve dol- * The new Methodist church was com- lars and forty-seven cents. The following, pleted and dedicated this year, as well as taken from the Citizen, shows the summary several new brick buildings, among which of the industries of the city: Dry-goods was tlae old Empire block. This block has stores, eighteen; provision stores, sixteen; a history. In 1843 Isaac M. Dimond came clothing stores, three; hardware stores, one; to Jackson from New York City and estab- stove stores, three; drugs, etc., stores, five; lished a dry-goods store. In 1845 he pur- book stores, two; jewelry stores, three; hat chased the block, which was unoccupied stores, two; flouring mills, two; except by two small wooden buildings. mills, one; woolen manufactories, two; He began to excavate a cellar at the west lard oil manufactories, two; sash man- end and found a bed of good clay. The ufactories, one; cigar manufactories, land south was heavily timbered and this one; window window manufactories, one; glove timber he purchased and had it cut into cord and mitten manufactories, one; marble wood, it making several hundred cords. manufactories, one; chair manufactories, The next spring he began the manufacture five; soap and candle manufactories, of brick, and obtained the material for the two; confectionery manufactories, one; same by digging it out of the cellars and steam engine manufactories, one; agricul- manufacturing his own brick. It is probably tural implements, one; tailor shops, eight; , the only home-made building in the city. boot and shoe shops, five; blacksmith shops, Mr. Dimond afterwards sold out and eight; tin shops, three; carpenter shops, six; founded the village of Dimondale in Eaton saddle and harness shops, three; cooper county, near Lansing. shops, three; turning shops, six; cabinet shops, four; wagon shops, seven; gun shops, TWENTY YEARS HAVE GONE. one; paint shops, one; baker shops, one; printing offices, two; insurance office, one; The census of 1850, when Jackson was daguerreian, one; iron foundries, three; twenty years old, is a good point to reckon exchange broker, one; schools, ten; physi- progress from. The census of that year cians, twelve; lawyers, twenty-two; churches, showed that the county had a population of eight; livery stables, three; auction and com- nineteen thousand five hundred and thirty- mission, one; meat markets, two; hotels, four; the city had six hundred and eighty-four; billiard saloons, one; breweries, one; six buildings and three thousand one hun- distillery, one; race course, one. These were dred and nine population and stood fourth in in addition to the manufactures carried on the state; the county cast, the fall before, two at the prison. thousand nine hundred and ninety-two The following article, taken from the 144 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. New England Monthly, will give the reader the fifty years ago idea of a fast age: THE AGE WE LIVE IN. It has, says the “Yankee Blade," been often said that this is a “fast” age. Verily, it needs no ghost to tell us that. Everything is "rushed” now upon the locomotive principle. Even a race-horse speed no longer satisfies; nothing short of a high pressure velocity will answer. What was once a Jehu-like hurry is now considered a snail progress, and men turn away from lazy, dragging railway lines that travel only twenty miles an hour, with perfect dis- gust. A man who can control himself to travel at all in a stage coach, is considered a miracle of patience—a phenomenon more inexplicable than the dogged imperturbability of Job. The whole human family lias caught the steam mania, and are kept continually on the jump. Every day the pace is increasing, till it has become too frightful for "old folks” to live. They are in the background by the helter-skelter, neck or nothing speed of the rising generation, and find themselves perfectly bewildered by the hurry scurry with which scenes and events sweep by. “Go ahead”—“put it through”—“hurry up the cakes!" are the mottoes of the times. No matter . how well or ill—substantially or flimsy, a work is doine, if you only "push along and keep moving." A building which twenty-five years ago no architect would have dreamed of erecting in less than six months, must now be pushed up in as many weeks; a railroad which none but a moon-struck engineer would have expected to construct in less than five or six years, must now be completed in two; a book, which once would have required years of brain work for its composition, is now dashed off at a dozen sittings. In short, all things which can be made to "go it," are whizzing on the "lightning" principle, and, from the high-flyer on the Cambridge race course to the stupendous floating palaces that dart up and down our mighty rivers, are scampering at a 2:40 speed. It is true that fast built buildings every now and then tumble down and crush the inmates, and that fast steamers are continually bursting up and blowing thousands of passengers to immortal smash. But "vot of it!" as Sam Weller says. This is a go ahead age, and it is preposterous to suppose that millions of human beings are to be kept crawl- ing along at a snail's pace on life's thoroughfare, only that a few hundreds may travel in safety. It is the age of improvement, too, and, as a cotempo- rary says, “we are bound to keep the great engine of human civilization at racing speed, even if we sit on the safety valve to prevent the steam from es- caping." There is no whoaing, holding in, or halt- ing on any of the lightning lines of our day. Men are now born in a hurry-grow up, get married, have children, and die in a hurry and when buried, are dragged out from their graves by resurrection- ists in a hurry, almost before the breath is fairly out of them. Even in education the same fast principle is adopted. Everywhere the steam pressure is applied -everything is done per saltum. Young men are taught to get to their journey's end by short cuts, with a hop-skip-and-jump, and to scorn the example of stupid nature, which can produce nothing great except by slow and tedious processes of growth and assimulation. Years are no longer wasted in ac- quiring a single language or mastering a solitary branch of science. A bold, dashing, sweep-all-be- fore you style of study is the fashion, and the cita- dels of learning are carried by a coup de main. To-day the student is down in the bowels of the earth with the geologist; to-morrow he is soaring through the stellar spaces with the astronomer. This week you find him encircled by glasses, jars and blow-pipes; the next, the chemical gases are exchanged for the fogs of metaphysics or logic. One month he is cramming with Greek, Latin, French, German and Italian; another, he is gallop- ing like a race horse over the vast fields of moral philosophy, political economy, poetry and romance. The literature of a country is exhausted in a day; he devotes a cigar or two to the writers of Spain, knocks off the ashes, and calls for the literature of Portugal. Great discoveries, too, are made in science with a flash of thought; miracles of invention are achieved in a moment of inspiration : and the prob- ability is, that- "Modern philosophy, anon, Will, at the rate she's rushing on, Yoke lightning to her railroad car, And, posting like a shooting star, Swift as a solar radiation, Ride the grand circuit of creation.” During this twenty years Jackson coun- ty had passed from the primeval state to that of a thriving, civilized community. The native Indians had given place to the whites, JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 145 the forests to the cultivated farms, the primi- B. Hibbard and became a part of the old tive trails to roads, and the rude cabins to Hibbard House, which was torn down in the the comfortable, and in many cases, elegant summer of 1902. homes of the prosperous farmers. Every On July 4th a fire occurred in the Porter town was settled and organized, and schools block, on the south side of the public square, and churches were seen everywhere. The which destroyed the Citizen office, though slow tramp of the teamsters was not seen on the building was only badly damaged. The the main thoroughfare of commerce, for Citizen resumed publication in September, the modern railroad had taken its place. with C. V. DeLand as proprietor, who pub- The city had grown with equal vigor. The lished it until 1861. log cabins disappeared and fine business The Citizen of June 1, 1853, says that blocks of wood and brick harbored our “building is all the rage here now. There tradesmen, and the dwellings lined the never was a time when there were so many straight and well improved streets. It was new houses and buildings being erected. Our the market center for the whole county and merchants and mechanics are all busy, busy, for miles beyond its limits, and its streets busy. Lumber and all kinds of material are were daily filled with dozens and hundreds scarce and high. Of personal knowledge, of loads of produce which sought the Jack- we can count twenty new buildings in course son markets. The decade opened with every of erection. What town can beat this?" evidence of increased prosperity and the In the spring of 1851 occurred the arrest future was bright and glorious. of Capt. Abel F. Fitch and twenty-three The first excitement of the year was a other citizens for conspiracy against the Cen- considerable fire at the prison which con- iral Railroad Company. The trial lasted sumed the north row of shops, and caused nearly all summer in Detroit and attracted a loss of about sixty thousand dollars to the wide attention. We shall make it the sub- state and some of the contractors. ject of a special chapter later on. In May a special election was held for The presidential election of 1852 was an delegates to a convention to revise the state important matter, and resulted in the or- constitution. Jackson sent five delegates.ganization of a new national party, the initial The Whigs nominated Hon. Townsend E. steps to which were taken in Michigan, the Gidley, Henry Frink, William Jackson, Aus- platform and naming of which occurred in tin Blair and Abram Van DeBogart, while Jackson July 6, 1854. A complete historical tthe Democrats nominated Wilbur F. Story, account of this great event will form a dis- John L. Butterfield, R. H. Anderson, Dr. tinct chapter later on in our work. Jerry G. Cornell and Elisha S. Robinson. During 1853 the Grand River Railroad The Democrats were all elected. Company was formally organized and an In May the corner stone of a new hotel assessment made to make the preliminary building was laid by Messrs. Graham and Surveys. Joseph E. Beebe was president, M. Buck, which was erected this year and opened A. McNaughton, secretary, and Amos Root, as “The National.” It was afterwards pur- treasurer. A mass railroad meeting was chased and greatly enlarged by the late D. held in August to promote railroad interests, 10 146 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a which was largely attended and resulted in 1854, and the Novelty Steam Mill was built work being commenced on the road to Adri- in 1855. The Jackson Gas Company was an as well as to Grand Rapids. Gentlemen organized in 1856, and the next year the city were present from Eaton, Barry, Ingham, was lighted by gas. Kent, Lenawee, and some other counties. In February, 1857, a disastrous fire broke Hon. T. E. Gidley presided and C. V. De out in a frame building adjoining the Em- Land was secretary, with a number of vice- pire Hotel, on the north side of Main street, presidents. Resolutions were adopted fa- and swept over two whole blocks. The loss voring the construction of a road from Adri- was very heavy, as it was in the business part an, also to Grand Rapids, which gave a new of the town. It was a severe blow, but inside impetus to these projects. Messrs. H. H. of two years it was rebuilt with substantial Smith, O. M. Barnes and others advocated brick structures. a road to Lansing and steps were taken look- In 1860 the population of Jackson was cing to further action in that direction. 5,060; number of houses, 782. In the county In August the Citizen said, “We have there were 5,033 families and a population the pleasure of announcing that the work of 26,664. Value of real estate in the coun- on this end of the Jackson branch of the ty, $11,712,271; number of farms, 2,596; Southern road was commenced last Monday acres improved, 209,023; unimproved, 158,- morning. About one hundred men entered 504; number of sheep, 107,931 ; swine, 12,- the ‘disputed territory' and are digging their 549; number of bushels of wheat raised the way through it with a vengeance. The road past year (1859), 667,691; rye, 19,591 ; will soon be graded the five miles, the right corn, 600,268; oats, 145,641; barley, 17,487; of way having been purchased by Mr. Root buckwheat, 23,822; potatoes, 216,152; and those acting with them. As soon as the pounds of wool, 352,304; butter, 662,559 ; grading is completed the contractor, Mr. cheese, 58,279; number of flouring mills, 14, , , Ransom Gardner, says the work will be manufacturing 64,700 barrels of flour per pushed to completion at an early day, the year, and nine saw-mills, cutting 1,654,000 Michigan Central Company to the contrary feet of lumber per season. Whole number notwithstanding." The first locomotive of children attending school, 7,229; amount reached the city on this road December 10, raised by rate bill, $2,128.78; total amount 1857 of district taxes, $13,446.25. During 1853 five three-story brick stores The history of Jackson since 1860 is so were erected, by Alonzo Bennett, Daniel recent that it is hardly worth following in Hodgkins, C. W. Penny and George Mc- dry detail, but it will be sandwiched in with Grath. Several frame stores were also built. events and biographies, and its distinct The Kennedy Steam Mill was completed in features given due prominence. CHAPTER IX. EARLY OFFICIALS—THE GREAT RAILROAD CONSPIRACY CASE- GROWTH OF THE CITY. The following is a list of the early offi- 16 votes. The inspectors of election on that cials of the township and a record of the occasion were Ralph Updyke, Christian elections from the first settlement down to Prussia, Ezekiel T. Critchett, Isaac Sterling the organization of the village. and Horace Blackman. 1831.--The town meeting poll lists of 1833.—An election held at the house of Jacksonburgh for 1831 contained the follow- David Keyes on the second Monday of July: ing names : Russell Blackman, William For delegate to congress, William Wood- Shipman, J. W. Bennett, Daniel Hogan, M. bridge had 20 votes ; Lucius Lyon, 26 votes. Freeman, William R. Thompson, Orvil | For members of the legislative council, Cummins, George C. Pease, Oliver Russ, George Renwick had 27 votes; Abel Milling- John Durand, J. Fifield, John Wickham, W. ton, 24 votes; Henry Rumsey, 26 votes; C. Pease, William Curtiss, Abel Daniels, Munnis Kenney, 22 votes. Signed by E. T. Joseph Case, Lyman Pease, Hiram Thomp- Critchett, William D. Thompson, clerks of son, Elias Keyes, Christian Prussia, John election. Fifield, Silas Loomis, E. S. Billings, Tim- 1835.–At a special election at the house othy Williams, Jeremiah Thompson, O. H. of William Bothwell May 25, for the pur- Fifield, Isaac Sterling, Samuel Wing, John pose of electing one delegate to represent Wellman, Lemuel Blackman, David Striker, Jackson county in convention “now assem- . Chester Wall, Martin Flint, Elemis Gillet, bled" to form a state constitution, Rosevelt Horace Blackman, Ezekiel T. Critchett, John Davis had 50 votes, and Roswell B. Rex- Ritchie, Jesse Baird and William R. De- ford 46 votes. Signed by Oliver Russ, Sam- Land. uel Woodworth, inspectors, and William R. An election was held at the public house DeLand, town clerk. of William R. Thompson, July II, 1831, At an election held October 5 and 6, which resulted in the choice of Samuel W. 1835: For governor, Stevens T. Mason had Dexter as delegate to congress, who received 51 votes; John Norvell, I vote; William E. 21 votes; while his opponent, Austin E. Perrine, I vote. Lieutenant-governor, Ed- Wing, was accorded 20. For members ward Mundy had 51 votes; Ross Wilkins i of the legislative council, James Kingsley re- vote; William R. DeLand, I vote. Repre- ceived 27 votes ; George Renwick, 22 votes ; sentative to congress, Isaac E. Crary had 59 E. M. Skinner, 15 votes, and Isaac Sterling, votes. Representative to the state legisla- 148 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ture, Townsend E. Gidley had 58 votes ; Phineas French was appointed poundmaster. Abram F. Bolton, 30 votes; James Franklin, Election returns signed by David Keyes, J. 6 votes. Senators, fifth district, David Page P., J. C. Bailey, J. P., Oliver Russ, modera- had 62 votes; Abel Millington, 62 votes; tor, township board. Benjamin T. Mather, 57 votes ; Henry Rum- William R. DeLand was elected justice sey, 31 votes; Silas Finch, 30 votes; William by “lot,” April 16, for one year, deciding the J. Moody, 31 votes. Adoption of the state tie vote between H. H. Smith and himself. constitution: Yes, 27 votes; no, 5 votes. At a special election May 2, 1836, William Samuel Hamlin, Oliver Russ and Jotham | R. DeLand had 38 votes for justice of the Wood, inspectors of election. peace; Hiram H. Smith, 34 votes for justice At an election held April 4, 1835, to of the peace, thus finally deciding the con- elect two delegates to represent Jackson test in favor of DeLand. county in convention to form a state consti- At a special election at the house of Paul tution, Townsend E. Gidley had 60 votes ; B. Ring, March 11 and 12, 1836: For rep- Rosevelt Davis, 58 votes; Roswell B. Rex- resentative to the state legislature in place ford, 56 votes; Thomas McGee, 51 votes. of Townsend E. Gidley, resigned, Phineas Signed by Jotham Wood, John Daniels, Cur- Farrand had 80 votes; Abram F. Bolton, 37 tis Wheelock, inspectors of election for the votes; John N. Dwight, I vote. town of Jacksonburgh. At a special election May 3, 1836: For 1836.—At the township meeting April representative to the state legislature, Ab- 4, at the house of Paul B. Ring: For regis- ram F. Bolton had 41 votes; Phineas Far- ter of deeds, Joseph C. Bailey had 81 votes; rand, i vote; Oliver Russ, 3 votes; Josephus William R. DeLand, 63 votes. For super- Case, I vote; D. F. Dwight, I vote. visor, Jotham Wood had 65 votes; Daniel At an election held September 12, 1836: Coleman, 63 votes; J. Wood, 2 votes. For For a delegate to the state convention, Jerry township clerk, William D. Thompson had G. Cornell had 52 votes; Ethan Allen, 53 66 votes; William R. DeLand, 55 votes. For votes. justice of the peace, J. N. Dwight had 103 At the election November 7 and 8, 1836: 7 votes; Joseph C. Bailey, 70 votes; James For presidential electors, William H. Welch, Fifield, 65 votes; Hiram H. Smith, 63 votes; Woolcott Lawrence and William Draper had William R. DeLand, 63 votes ; David Keyes, 105 votes; David McKinstry, Daniel LeRoy 61 votes; J. W. Dwight, 16 votes. William and William H. Hoeg, 80 votes. For sena- R. DeLand and Hiram H. Smith had each tors, fifth district, George B. Cooper had 109 received an even number of votes, and de- votes; William Moon, 110 votes; Marcus clared a tie between them. And then the Land, 90 votes; Abram F. Bolton, 86 votes. electors again proceeded to vote for one jus- For representative in the state legislature, tice of the peace, and William R. DeLand Jerry G. Cornell had 88 votes; Phineas Far- had 48 votes; Hiram H. Smith, 48 votes. rand, 109 votes. For sheriff, Amasa B. Gibson Whereupon it was declared a tie. The sun had 128 votes; George W. Gorham, 75 being then down, it was declared that no votes. County clerk, William R. DeLand, more votes could be polled upon that day. 108 votes; William D. Thompson, 101 votes. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 149 votes. votes. County clerk (to fill vacancy), William D. votes; Fairchild Farrand, 114 votes; Nor- Thompson had 96 votes. Judge of probate, man Allen, 46 votes. For justice of the Leander Chapman had 82 votes; Benjamin peace, William J. Moody had 230 votes ; Copeland, 97 votes. Judge of probate (to John C. Burnell, 104 votes ; De Witt C. fill vacancy), Leander Chapman had 87 Chapin, 64 votes. For township treasurer, votes. Associate judges, David Adams, 123 Edward Higby had 208 votes; Fairchild votes; Ethan Allen, 107 votes; Joab Page, Farrand, 116 votes. . For collector, Lewis 37 votes; John Hall, 38 votes. County treas- D. Willing had 320 votes; John P. Sawyer, urer, Oliver Russ had 82 votes; Samuel 94 votes. At a special election for justice Hamlin, 128 votes. County surveyor, John of the peace in place of John N. Dwight, T. Durand had 142 votes ; Anson H. Dela- resigned, on the 7th of January, 1839, Ben- mater, 49 votes. Register of deeds, John N. jamin J. Mather had 117 votes; William J. Dwight had 132 votes; Joseph C. Bailey, 87 Moody, 110 votes. At the election November 5 and 6, 1838: 1837.—At the November election, No- For representative in congress, Hezekiah G. vember' 6 and 7: For governor, Stevens T. Wells had 217 votes; Isaac E. Crary, 198 Mason had 168 votes; Charles C. Trow- For state sénators, Townsend E. bridge, 186 votes. For lieutenant governor, Gidley had 191 votes; Olney Hawkins, 209 Edward Mundy had 165 votes; Daniel S. votes; Thomas J. Rice, 190 votes. For Bacon, 185 votes. For senator, James Kings- state representatives, Benjamin Copeland ley had 164 votes; Dwight Kellogg, 171 had 227 votes; Harvey Austin, 207 votes; votes. For representative, Jerry G. Cornell | Henry Acker, 192 votes ; Merrick C. Hough, . had 160 votes; Townsend E. Gidley, 181 182 votes. For sheriff, James A. Dyer had For county loan: Yes, 70; no, 2. 223 votes; Moses Benedict, 166 votes. For Returns signed by James Ganson, Aaron county clerk, William R. DeLand had 181 Swain, Oliver Russ, James Fifield, W. D. votes; Joseph C. Bailey, 201 votes. For Thompson, inspectors of election. county treasurer, Norman Allen had 197 1838.—At the township meeting April | votes; Williain D. Thompson, 194 votes. 2: For supervisor, Jotham Wood had 116 For county register, Peter C. Lawrence had votes; James Ganson, 99 votes. For town 182 votes; William E. Perrine, 208 votes. clerk, Norman Allen had 130 votes; Will- For coroner, James Valentine had 204 iam D. Thompson, 99 votes. For justice of votes; Caleb Cowen, 206 votes; Joab Page, the peace, John N. Dwight had 128 votes : 189 votes; Isaac Kirby, 190 votes. For John C. Burnell, 107 votes; James Fifield, county commissioners, Nicholas Townley 88 votes; Lewis Collamer, 99 votes. For had 205 votes ; Drusus Hodges, Jr., 200 treasurer, William D. Thompson had 105 votes; Alvin Clark, 195 votes; Ira C. Back- us, 199 votes; Thomas McGee, 185 votes; 1839.-At the township meeting, April William H. Pease, 197 votes. For county 1: For supervisor, James Ganson had 230 surveyor, John T. Durand had 210 votes; votes ; David F. Dwight, 194 votes. For Franklin Pierce, 187 votes. township clerk, Joseph C. Bailey had 275 At the general election, November 4 and votes. votes. i 50 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. votes. 5, 1839: For governor, William Wood- votes; Edward L. Fuller, 318 votes ; Towns- bridge had 312 votes; Elon Farnsworth, 248 end E. Gidley, 304 votes; Valorious Meeker, votes. For lieutenant-governor, James 11 votes; Theodore Foster, II votes. For Wright Gordon had 311 votes ; Thomas state representative. August D. Hawley had Fitzgerald, 238 votes. For state senator, 319 votes; Benjamin Copeland, 327 votes; James M. Edmunds had 307 votes; Russell Leander Chapman, 281 votes; Jerry G. Co Briggs, 237 votes. For state representatives, nell, 268 votes; Horace Fowler 12 votes ; Henry B. Lathrop had 345 votes; Henry John M. Reed, 13 votes. For sheriff, Jona- Acker, 308 votes; Charles DeLong, 222 than L. Videteo had 332 votes; John L. But- votes; David Johnson, 220 For terfield, 270 votes ; Israel S. Love, 15 votes. county commissioners, Alvin Clark had 272 For county clerk, Fairchild Farrand had 303 votes; Harvey Austin, 230 votes. For coun- votes; Fidus Livermore, 292 votes; Henry ty treasurer, John N. Dwight had 257 votes ; H. Gilbert, 13 votes. For treasurer, John Joseph C. Bailey, 235 votes. N. Dwight had 332 votes; Benjamin H. At the town meeting, April 6, 1840: For Packard, 264 votes; James D. Cowden, 16 supervisor, James Ganson had 261 votes; votes. For register, George Byrne had 317 Martin B. Medbury, 211 votes; John Mc- | votes; Merrick C. Hough, 253 votės; Sey- Connell, 118 votes. For justice of the peace, mour B. Treadwell, 14 votes; William E. Leander Chapman had 233 votes ; Zephaniah Perrine, 28 votes. For judge of probate, Platt, 295 votes; Berthier M. Sheldon, 23 William R. DeLand had 327 votes ; Giles votes. For township clerk, Joseph C. Bailey Bloomfield, 272 votes. For commissioner, had 264 votes ; Fairchild Farrand, 205 votes; John Belden had 330 votes; Franklin Pierce, Albert Foster, 77 votes. For township col- 271 votes; Horace Dean, 15 votes. For lector, David Gould had 208 votes ; David associate judges, Henry A. Francisco had Fuller, 280 votes; Lewis D. Welling, 100 330 votes; Samuel Sheldon, 331 votes; Dan- votes. For township treasurer, Fidus Liver- iel Porter, 268 votes; Guy C. Chatfield, 268 more had 251 votes; Berthier M. Sheldon, votes; Thomas McGee, 15 votes; George L. 243 votes; Lemuel S. House, 91 votes. Densmore, 14 votes. For county surveyor, 1840.—At the general election, Novem- John T. Durand had 329 votes; Anson H. ber 2 and 3: For presidential electors, Aug- Delamater, 261 votes; George L. Densmore, 3 : ust L. Portia had 21 votes; Jabez S. Fitch, 21 votes; Thomas McGee, 21 votes; Thomas 1841.—Township meeting, April 5: For L. Drake, 341 votes; John Van Fossen, 341 supervisor, James Ganson had 243 votes ; , votes; Hezekiah G. Wells, 341 votes; Charles Jotham Wood, 236 votes ; Berthier M. Shel- , Moran, 255 votes; Kingsley S. Bingham, don, 63 votes. For justice of the peace, Mer- 255 votes; Charles E. Stewart, 255 votes. rick C. Hough had 350 votes; George Mun- For representative in congress, Jacob M. roe, 135 votes; Seymour B. Treadwell, 17 Howard had 335 votes; Alpheus Felch, 262 votes. For township clerk, Jason B. Pack- votes. For state senator, George B. Cooper | ard had 261 votes; Albert Foster, 238 votes; had 292 votes; Norton B. Ramsdell, 281 John McLean, 24 votes. For township treas- 15 votes. - JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 151 20 votes. votes. urer, John W. Sachett had 266 votes; Ed- VILLAGE ORGANIZATION. ward Higby, 240 votes; James D. Cowden, The village of Jackson was duly incor- 1842.—Township meeting, April 4: For porated by act of the legislature March 7, supervisor, William J. Moody had 272 votes; 1843. The officers were to be elected in Benjamin G. Mosher, 179 votes; Berthier April. The first president was Abram V. M. Shelden, 53 votes. For justice of the Berry, who served for three years. He was peace, John Garrow had 255 votes; Iott C. succeeded by Jerome B. Eaton in 1846, John Steele, 208 votes; Seymour B. Treadwell, Sumner in 1847, Alva Gould in 1848, Orson 45 votes. For township clerk, Edward Hig- W. Bennett in 1849, John Sumner in 1850-1, by had 224 votes; Albert Foster, 219 votes; G. T. Gridley in 1852-3, John W. Hulin in James T. Burchard, 51 votes. For town- 1854, Fairchild Farrand in 1855, and Sam- ship treasurer, Levi P. Gregg had 232 votes; uel Higby in 1856. Lyman Case, 191 votes; John T. Wilson, 44 THE CITY OF JACKSON. 1843.— Township meeting, April 3: For The city of Jackson was incorporated supervisor, Marcus Wakeman had 317 February 14, 1857, with four wards, and the votes; Jotham Wood, 169 votes; Cyrenus first city officers were elected in April of that Smith, 49 votes. For justice of the peace, For justice of the peace, year. There have been many changes in the Lott C. Steele had 289 votes; James A. Dyer, charter since that time, the principal one be- 193 votes; Seymour B. Treadwell, 51 votes. ing in 1871, when the city limits were extend- For township clerk, Warren N. Buck had ed to their present extent, and the city was 304 votes; Albert Foster, 181 votes; Cyrus divided into eight wards, making a board of H. Thompson, 54 votes. For township sixteen aldermen. The following table will treasurer, Berthier M. Sheldon had 247 show the names of the principal officers, and votes; Levi P. Gregg, 238 votes; Benjamin the vote by which each was elected : : Hazleton, 50 votes. 1844.—Township meeting. For super- VOTE OF THE CITY FROM 1857 TO 1903. visor, Marcus Wakeman had 300 votes ; 1857 Mayor ..J. C. Wood, D... John T. Durand, 189 votes; Horace Wheel- 1857 Mayor .. Chas. W. Penny, R..... 424. . ock, 123 votes. For justice of the peace, 1857 Recorder..J. L. Mitchell, D..... 492.. 69 1857 Recorder.. E. Pringle, R... Berthier M. Sheldon had 258 votes; Fidus 1858 Mayor ..P. B. Loomis, R........ 549. .143 Livermore, 241 votes; Seymour B. Tread- 1858 Mayor ..J. C. Wood, D...... 406.. well, Io votes. For township clerk, War- 1858 Recorder..Ben. Newkirk, R. ...... 1858 Recorder..J. L. Holmes, D.. 410.. ren N. Buck had 295 votes; Milton J. Hol- 1859 Mayor .. Wm. Jackson, R. ....... 473. . 31 brook, 177 votes; Norman Allen, 128 votes. 1859 Mayor .. Fidus Livermore, D..... 442.. For township treasurer, Ichabod Cole had 1859 Recorder..J. D. Conely, D..... 471.. 9 1859 Recorder..J. W. Hulin, R. 462.. 260 votes; James Munroe, 218 votes; Fred- 1860 Mayor .. Amos Root, R. 501.. 35 erick Johnson, 129 votes. 1860 Mayor ..H. A. Hayden, D. ... ... 466.. 479.. 55 423.. 545..135 152 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. . 535..126 ..358 . I . . 1860 Recorder..F. M. Foster, D... 496.. 16 1860 Recorder..G. W. Brown, R. ....... 480.. . 1861 Mayor ..Amasa B. Gibson, D..... 530.. 33 1861 Mayor ..Daniel Upton, R. ...... 497.. 1861 Recorder.. Enoch Bancker, D....... 561. . 107 1861 Recorder..E. H. Ring, R... 454.. 1862 Mayor ..A. B. Gibson, D...... 1862 Mayor . . Jas. E. Dyer, R.. 409.. 1862 Recorder..C. C. Esmond, D.. 522. . 104 1862 Recorder. .Levi J. Burr, R... 418.. 1863 Mayor .. A. B. Gibson, D. ... 545.. 31 1863 Mayor ..M. A. McNaughton, R.. 514.. 1863 Recorder.. James O'Donnell, R..... 537.. 15 1863 Recorder..B. L. Carlton, D........ 522.. 1864 Mayor ..Delos Fisher, R. ... 550.. 1864 Mayor ..Henry A. Hayden, D. ... 549.. 1864 Recorder.. James O'Donnell, R..... 590.. 82 1864 Recorder..H. F. Knapp, D..... 508.. 1865 Mayor ..D. B. Hibbard, D. ...... 624..140 1865 Mayor ..Wn. Jackson, R..... 484.. 1865 Recorder. . James O'Donnell, R. .... 563.. 20 1865 Recorder.. Thomas J. Conely, D. ... 543.. 1866 Mayor ..M. A. McNaughton, R.. 697.. 54 1866 Mayor ..A. B. Gibson, D..... 643.. 1866 Recorder.. James O'Donnell, R..... 698.. 26 1866 Recorder. . Edward Crowe, D.. .. .. . 672.. 1867 Mayor ..W. N. Buck, D.... 774.. 38 1867 Mayor ..E. A. Webster, R..... 736.. 1867 Recorder.. Thomas J. Conely, D. ... 781.. 33 1867 Recorder.. Erastus Peck, R.... 748.. 1868 Mayor ..W. N. Buck, D.. 902.. 30 1868 Mayor ..Geo. H. Lathrop, R..... 872.. 1868 Recorder.. Thomas A. Wilson, D.... 986..117 1868 Recorder.. W. W. Andrew, R...... 869.. 1869 Mayor ..W. M. Bennett, D....... 982. IIO 1869 Mayor .. George H. Lathrop, R... 872.. 1869 Recorder.. Thomas A. Wilson, D... 986. .117 1869 Recorder.. W. W. Andrews, R..... 869.. 1870 Mayor ..W. M. Bennett, D. ......1242..354 1870 Mayor ..M. A. McNaughton, R.. 888.. 1870 Recorder..T. A. Wilson, D.. .....1130..143 1870 Recorder.. James O'Donnell, R..... 987.. 1871 Mayor ..Jasper H. Noyes, D.....1252. .256 1871 Mayor ..W. L. Seaton, R.... .. 996.. 1871 Recorder..A. M. Tinker, R.. ..1169.. 63 1871 Recorder..L. M. Powell, D. I106.. 1872 Mayor ..B. G. Mosher, D. 1355..513 1872 Mayor ..B. F. Eggleston, R...... 842.. 1872 Recorder..G. A. Foster, D.... . 1277..137 1872 Recorder. .A. M. Tinker, R. ....... 1140.. 1873 Mayor ..B. G. Mosher, D. .. .. .. . 1061.. 75 1873 Mayor . . James O'Donnell, R..... 986.. 1873 Recorder..G. A. Foster, D......... 1298..519 1873 Recorder..S. C. Rodgers, R. ....... 779.. 1877 Mayor .. James O'Donnell, R.....1296. .236 1877 Mayor .. Douglas Gibson, D...... 1000.. 1877 Recorder..J. S. Harrington. ..1288.. 48 1877 Recorder.. Wm. F. Johnson. . 1240.. 1878 Mayor .. James O'Donnell, R.....1008.. 1878 Mayor ..C. W. Higby, D. & G. B.. 1248..240 1878 Recorder..H. F. Knapp, D..... 1878 Recorder..J. S. Harrington, G. B... 1880 Mayor .. Joseph Mabley, D. .. Joseph Mabley, D....... 1207..518 1880 Mayor ..N. C. Lowe, R..... 689.. 1880 Mayor ..Milar McLaughlin, G. B.. 665.. 1880 Recorder.. Geo. R. Holden, D...... 794.. 1880 Recorder.. Wm. A. Ernst, R. ...... 1260..450 1880 Recorder. . John Harrington, G. B... 810.. 1881 Mayor... Daniel V. Bunnell, D...1794..158 1881 Mayor ..W. C. Heyser, R.... 1636.. 1882 Mayor .. Winfield S. Heyser, R...1813..550 1882 Mayor ..D. V. Bunnell, D.... . .1387.. 1882 Recorder.. Wm. A. Ernst, R. .......1865..547 1882 Recorder..E. C. Morrissey, D......1318.. 1883 Mayor ..Joseph D. Mabley, D....1815. .224 1883 Mayor .. Wm. B. Read, R. .. .. .. .1436.. 1884 Mayor .. Joseph D. Mabley, D. ...1726. .135 1884 Mayor ..G. A. W. Dodge, R......1591.. 1884 Recorder.. Wm. A. Ernst, R.......1834..165 1884 Recorder..J. S. Harrington, D.....1669.. 1885 Mayor .. Eugene Pringle, D......2041..333 1885 Mayor ...T. C. Brooks, R.. .1708.. 1885 Recorder.. Charles H. Hunt, D. ....2014..185 1885 Recorder.. Wm. A. Ernst, R........1829.. 1886 Mayor ... Wm. M. Bennett, D. ... .2436..545 1886 Mayor ..T. C. Brooks, R... .1891.. 1887 Mayor ..Henry Hayden, D. ..Henry Hayden, D. ......2123. .303 1887 Mayor .. William Seaton, R...... 1730.. 1887 Mayor .J. B. Granger, G. B..... 243.. 1887 Recorder..C. H. Hunt, D. . 2002. .229 1887 Recorder..J. W. Gates, R...... ..1873.. 1888 Mavor ..M. G. Lonecker, D. & P..2140..851 1888 Mayor ..Geo. M. Develin, R.....1289.. 1889 Mayor ..M. G. Lonecker, D......2395..512 1889 Mayor ..John D. Clark, R.......1883.. 1889 Recorder.. Charles H. Hunt, D.....2763. .951 , 1889 Recorder.. Geo. Bigelow, R........1812. . 1890 Mayor . . E. Knight, D.. .2224..434 1890 Mayor ...P. B. Loomis, Jr., R.....1790.. 1891 Mayor ...A. J. Wetherwax, R. ...1997.. 36 1891 Mayor ..E. Knight, D.... . 1961.. 1892 Mayor ..T. C. Brooks, R..... .2405..533 1892 Mayor .. James Gould, D.........1872.. 1893 Mayor ..C. H. Bennett, D.......2298. .178 1893 Mayor ..T. C. Brooks, R.. 2120.. 1894 Mayor ...T. C. Brooks, R..... ...2541..494 . . . . . . JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 153 . 1894 Mayor ..C. H. Bennett, D........2047.. stinctively avoided by animals of all kinds, 1895 Mayor ..A. J. Wetherwax, R.....2388. .592 1895 Mayor .. Clarence Markham, D.... 1796. . except minks, muskrats and animals of that 1896 Mayor..J. C. Richardson, R.....2214..181 description. When the railroad was built, 1896 Mayor .. Robert Lake, D..... . 2033.. a crossway of logs was first put down and a 1897 Mayor ..M. G. Lonecker, D......2843..709 1897 Mayor ..W. S. Heyser, R........2134.. covering of earth was put upon it. In this 1898 Mayor ..M. G. Lonecker, D......2472..274 way a track was laid, but it was constantly 1898 Mayor ..0. J. R. Hanna, R. .....2198.. settling, even under the small engines and 1899 Mayor ..M. G. Lonecker, D......3044..762 light cars, and the railroad was constantly 1899 Mayor ..Wm. C. Crone, R.......2282.. 1900 Mayor .. Wm. M. Palmer, R.. ... .2865..509 being raised for thirty years before a solid 1900 Mayor ..T. J. Birney, D.........2356.. roadbed was secured. When the road was 1901 Mayor .. Frank E. Palmer, D.....2915..520 built cattle and stock, which would formerly 1901 Mayor ..W. M. Palmer, R.......2395.. 1902 Mayor .. Samuel Pickles, R.. .. .. .2014. .375 go round this “dry marsh," began to use 1902 Mayor ..H. H. Neesley, D.......2239.. the track as a nearer way home. The engi- 1903 Mayor ..Samuel Pickles, R.. .. .. .2156..343 neers were constantly annoyed, but the trains 1903 Mayor .. Eber L. Peek, D. .1873.. 1903 Mayor were light and the speed slow, and but few .. Geo. Dimond, Soc. ... ... 977.. 1903 Justice ..E. J. Wood, R.... .2356.. cattle killed. After the road was sold and a 1903 Justice .. John Helmer, D. ......2363.. 7 7 T rail took the place of the strap rail, larger 1903 Justice ..W. D. Stevens, Soc...... 206.. engines were put on, faster speed made, and 1903 Sch. Ins...B. H. Winchester, R.....2362.. 6 1903 Sch. Ins...F. H. Helmer, D........2356.. night as well as day trains added. The char- ter of the road required that it should be THE GREAT RAILROAD CONSPIRACY. fenced, but the company neglected this until after it was completed to Chicago, a period of The year 1857 was one of the wildest eight years. The result was a great many and most profound excitement ever experi- more stock were killed, and the people were enced in Jackson county. It marks an era subject to great loss. Among others, Capt. in its history and in that of the judicial his- Abel F. Fitch, a pioneer, captain of the Barry tory of the state that will probably never be Home Guards, and the most forehanded forgotten. It is known in history as the farmer and citizen in the settlement, began “Great Railroad Conspiracy Trial.” It is prosecution against the company, the engi- quite necessary to make some introduction to neers and train men. He would get a judg- fully explain its inception and bearing: ment in the lower courts and the company When the Michigan Central Railroad would appeal, and then, as now, it was found was built just east of the little hamlet of next to impossible to get a decision against Michigan Center, it encountered a “muskeg," a corporation in the supreme court, and if or sunken lake. Such places are of frequent one was gotten, the cost exceeded the value occurrence in Michigan, and usually styled of the judgment. “sink-holes." From the earliest settlement Fitch tested the matter in several suits, of the county the muskeg had been known until he became discouraged, and finally gave as the “Dry Marsh.” It was never under up. The railroad company, to avoid liti- water, but it was never safe to venture upongation, agreed to pay the farmers one-half it, even for a foot passage, while it was in- the appraised value of the stock killed, but 154 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a they brought the appraisers from Detroit, state. We hope that the company, for the safety of and the butchers and drovers from there, travellers, will be enabled to bring the offenders to justice, and that those involved in this unhappy diffi- not seeing the stock until it had been dead cuity, will pause and reflect upon the consequences several days, made ridiculously low appraise of their nefarious conduct. From the state of public ments. Year after year passed by, and the feeling now existing in the community, we believe that these outrages will speedily be put an end to, horses, cattle, hogs and sheep of the farmers and those concerned meet their reward. were slaughtered by the fast trains and they secured but little recompense. This naturally That this editorial voiced public senti- aroused a spirit of retaliation that at length ment is shown by the fact that there were began to show a spirit of lawlessness. no further attempts made in that line. Cap- In the latter part of the year 1850 these tain Fitch personally assured the writer of demonstrations began to become marked. his perfect sympathy with the sentiment of Wood piles and property of the company the article. were burned and destroyed and in some in- The railroad company offered a reward stances the tracks were tampered with. These of five hundred dollars for the arrest of the acts were sporadic and instances of personal parties who tampered with their tracks. revenge for private wrongs. To show the A corps of spies was employed, compris- feeling of the public, we take the following ing at one period over one hundred men. editorial from the Jackson Citizen of No- No less than fifteen of those disreputable vember 10, 1850: IO scoundrels appeared as witnesses against the very men whose hospitality they enjoyed. This most detestable band of cowards and villains included Phelps and Lake, two dis- For a long time past the inhabitants of the town of Leoni have been at loggerheads with the Michi- charged convicts; VanArman, a Marshall gan Central Railroad Company. The affair origi-lawyer; Clarke, a member of the legislature nated in the killing of some cattle, for which the from Marshall; Dixon, a sheriff from Mar- company, for reasons best known to themselves, did shall; Cochrane, Sherman, Holden and Gil- not choose to pay the full value. The result of this was, the organization (as is supposed) of a gang, lispie, four laborers; Taylor, an employe of who have done all in their power to inconvenience the railroad company; Wollicer, Wells and the company. That the company ought to have paid Caswell, accomplices in the crimes they de- for the property destroyed, we do not doubt, but be- cause the company would not do what individuals nounced; Wescott, a discharged bar-tender, thought to be just, they most surely have no right to and Faulkner, a carman. They were called take the law into their own hands, and inflict pun- from the prison and the brothel, from the ishment upon the whole community. There are laws in our statute books which regulate the conduct of counter and the farm, from the sheriff's of- companies as well as individuals, and a proper legal fice, the bar, and even the legislature. For course would have set the matter to rights with less a period of six months did these reptiles hazard to the individuals than the course they have taken. The removing of the track from its carry out a system of espionage, but failing proper place and fixing it to run a loaded passenger completely to arrest one of the injured set- train off a culvert of twenty or twenty-five feet, thus tlers in the act of placing obstructions on the endangering the lives of hundreds of innocent per- track, resolved to swear anything and every- sons, is an act which richly entitles those concerned to ten years' service in the penitentiary house of the thing that might earn the reward it was re- THE LEONI AFFAIR. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 155 a ported the company would offer if the dep- former's wrath, as well as of the railroad redations continued. Alive to the situation, company's treachery. He or they must fall those murderers of domestic peace and quiet in this contest; and so it proved, for the high- sleep, resolved to close their labors with a ter- minded pioneer of a Jackson county town- rible coup de guerre. On November 18, 1850, ship died in the Detroit jail, while waiting a banded set of such informers set fire to to vindicate his honor, and rescue himself the great freight depot at Detroit, destroying and his friends from the villainy and the cor- thereby one hundred and fifty thousand dol- ruption which banded themselves together to lars' worth of railroad property. One thou- work his destruction. sand dollars reward was offered for the ap- The notorious George W. Gay, the real in- prehension and conviction of the incendiar- cendiary, a most. consummate liar, a dark ies, and as a result, a ruffian came forward perjurer, died in the same jail before the before the grand jury, and on his informa- beginning of the trial. Scoundrels equally tion, the manhood of a township over sixty as vicious were present to take up the course miles distant from the scene of the conflagra- of perjury allotted to Gay. Henry Phelps, , tion was seized upon and hurried off to a Herman Lake and Jacob Wolliver were will- distant prison, to be tried by a jury of De- ing instruments in the hands of the railroad troit citizens who neither knew the character company, and one unprincipled lawyer, who , of the accused, nor that of the disreputable instructed the creatures in all the refined vil- perjurers and informers, who contracted to lainies and the art of perjury. Thus were work the ruin of fifty innocent men. they prepared for the cross-examination. At the sitting of the grand jury of Wayne The trial dragged its weary way along for county, April 24, 1851, thirty-seven men of months; but the end was at hand. Mr. Van the fifty under arrest were indicted. May | Dyke addressed the jury for the prosecution; 20, following, the accused parties appeared William H. Seward, for the defense. Van at the circuit court of Wayne, of which War- | Dyke, in his address, asked the jurors to ner Wing was presiding judge. The rail- believe that the guilty, among the large num- road company employed no less than ten emi- ber indicted, comprised : Ammi Filley, Ly- nent lawyers, including David Stuart, John man Champlin, W. W. Champlin, Erastus Van Arman, James A. Van Dyke, Jacob Champlin, Eben Price, Richard Price, O. , M. Howard, Alex. D. Fraser, Daniel Good- D. Williams, William Corwin, Eben Farn- win and William Gray. The defendants ham, Andrew J. Freeland, Erastus Smith were represented by six members of the state and Aaron Mount. He distinctly pointed bar, led by William H. Seward, of New out those men as guilty in the first degree, York. The trial occupied four months, dur- while in regard to M. T. Laycock, John Ack- ing which time the plaintiffs examined two erson and Daniel Myers, he stated that their lundred and forty witnesses in twenty-severi evidence did not point directly to any of days, and the defendants two hundred and their criminal actions. The remaining twen- forty-nine in forty days. Capt. Abel F. ty-two prisoners he declared innocent, and Fitch, a commissioned officer of the state advised the jury to let them go and sin no militia, was made the principal object of the more. 156 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. William H. Seward, in reviewing the ber to the following terms of imprisonment, evidence, showed clearly that the prosecutors with hard labor, within the state's prison, , relied wholly on the evidence of some of the situate in their county: Ammi Filley, ten most disreputable creatures that ever brought years; Orlando B. Williams, ten years ; the blush of shame into the fact of true man- Aaron Mount, eight years ; Andrew J. Free- hood. The whole proceedings were illegal land, eight years; Eben Farnham, eight from beginning to end; yet, since it was evi- years; William Corwin, eight years; Richard dent that law was to be prostituted to the Price, eight years; Evan Price, eight years ; service of a wealthy corporation, and in the Lyman Champlin, five years; Willard W. face of morals and decency brought down Champlin, five years; Erastus Champlin, five from it high pedestal, he closed his brilliant years; Erastus Smith, five years. peroration with the following reference to Now the crime had passed from the the first victim of that strange tragedy: criminals to the jury and again to the state. “Remember that you are mortal, and that Never was sentence pronounced upon a more he is immortal; that before the tribunal where innocent array of citizens. The guilty had he stands you must confront him and vindi- escaped, and in their travels left the mark cate his character or your own judgment. of Cain in their tracks; for the blood of one Remember that he is now free. He has not victim and the curse of men who lived in only left behind him the dungeon, the cell, servitude followed them, took effect and and the chain, but he exults in a freedom doomed them to that spiritual punishment compared with which our liberty is but slav- which ever accompanies the thorough ruffian. ery and bondage. You stand then between The state, however, did justice to its victims the dead and the living. There is no need within a few years. Gov. Kinsley S. Bing- to bespeak the exercise of your candor, of ham was elected governor a few years later, , , your impartiality, of your caution. You the names of the living and dead cleansed will, I am sure, be just to the dead and the from the stains which the hired villains of living, because under circumstances so sol- a corrupt jury left upon them, and the release emn, so full of awe, you cannot be unjust of the prisoners ordered. Previously a few to the dead, nor false to your countryman, of the imprisoned men were released; Aaron nor to our God.” The great lawyer was Mount died within the prison in 1852, and convinced of the innocence of his clients, nor Orlando Williams found a means of escape did the verdict of that jury and the sentence in 1853. He was not re-captured until the of that judge remove his firm belief that his issue of the proclamation announcing an am- clients were the victims of purchased treach- nesty to all the victims of bribery and evil ery, rather than so many sacrifices to justice. laws. The Jackson Republican in after years The verdict "guilty" was rendered at 9 embodied in a very able editorial the follow- o'clock P. M., September 25, 1851. On the ing reference to this important event : 26th the prisoners were put forward to re- “And thus were the ends of justice de- ceive sentence, when many of them protested feated, and money and power and villainous their entire innocence, after which the pre- craft triumphed over innocence and helpless- siding judge condemned twelve of the num- ness. They killed their vile tool (Gay) JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 157 a A LETTER HOME. whose pretended 'confession' they produced; oners were all pardoned at the suggestion of they killed the high-minded, but to them dan- the railroad company and their lawyers, that gerous, man, who had discernment enough a tender of damages was made to them after to see through the treachery of their unprin- | being released, and that the witnesses, to this cipled hirelings, and influence enough to de- day, all stand convicted for perjury, is of feat their base designs, if once restored to itself vindication enough for all; while their liberty; and two years after the inauguration victims were in prison for a crime they never of this war-four months after the culmina- committed.” tion of their meanness and insufferable op- pressions in the arrest and abduction to a distant city, of fifty innocent citizens, from The following letter from Mr. Fitch, un- the youth of eighteen, to the old bed-ridden der date May 6, 1851, was addressed to his 6 man of eighty—they incarcerated twelve of wife and child. It is a lengthy epistle, but them in the state's prison, there to languish sufficient!y interesting to claim the reader's for years, separated from family and friends, attention : and homes, not to appease the wrath of a “I have just received your letter, and was growing and thriving corporation, for ‘iť pleased to hear that you were well, and in was guilty only of flagrant errors and much such good circumstances for help, etc. I injustice, which wiser members in sober mo- heard that Sebastian had gone home. I do ments have acknowledge and deplored, but not think that I should try to do much farm- to satisfy the hatred, glut and vengeance of ing; I would not employ more than one hired a few, whose robberies and heinous crimes man, as I do not think more would be profit- had brought them to shame and to a prison able under the circumstances. Take good experience, which they repeatedly swore care of the stock, etc., and, as I wrote before, should be inflicted upon those that helped to let things move along as quietly as possible. send them there. The last words of Fitch Court sits here next week, when some of us were: “Who will vindicate my character ?' will have our trials. We are very uncom- It would seem that the man's own life and fortably situated, but try to get along as well the character of his accusers were sufficient as we can. It comes very hard for Dr. Moul- vindication of his own, and though his un- Dany was here yesterday. We all timely death gave power to the enemy, and , have bad colds, otherwise health is tolerably the conviction of some of his own compan- good. good. Mr. Washington Gay, the man we ions in misfortune had served to cast a stig- are charged with conspiring with, is but just ma on their names, his character was then, alive here in jail, and if he has told things and is yet, vindicated by all who have ever to some of the railroad folks, which they known him, or who have ever given a single say he has, criminating us from Jackson impartial thought upon the details of the county, so palpably false and wicked, I do conspiracy against him and his companions. not wonder that he dies the death he seems Abel F. Fitch died a crushed and heart- about to die-loathsome and disgusting in broken, but guileless, man, and an honest the extreme. However, he may be innocent, Christian gentleman. The fact that the pris- and the charges against him as corrupt and ton. 158 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. DEATH OF ABEL F. FITCH. wicked as they are against us; but he is as kind. Set on a strong foundation, it finds poor and loathsome an object of pity as I expression in the letters, and is confirmation ever saw, and the last end of some others I strong that he and his neighbors were the could mention, I have faith to believe, will victims of some terrible plot. be like his, for the proceeds of false swearing may flourish for a time, yet their last days will be spent in some loathsome prison, where Mr. Fitch was imprisoned in Detroit there will be none to care for or pity their April 19, 1851, and was under confinement sad condition. If divine vengeance was ever until his death, charged with being one of the meted out to man while here on earth, those who have entered into this secret plot against railroad conspiracy" case. Living in easy leaders among the persons then on trial in the " us will most assuredly receive their full share. circumstances, if not in luxury, before his “You are well aware that I have been very cautious in all my operations for the last imprisonment, the nauseous atmosphere of the jail engendered disease, and he was at- year, knowing, as I did, that large rewards tacked with dysentery August 16, 1851. On were offered for my conviction, and that se- August 21 his recovery in the jail being de- cret spys were lying in wait for me, and when they found they could not draw me by of the Sisters of Charity, where he was kindly spaired of, he was removed to the hospital any pretext into any of their schemes, they attended to by the Sisters, and a part of the finally pitched upon this depot scheme, and time by his affectionate wife; yet, notwith- now seek to convict me and others. They standing the care bestowed upon him, his . never can do it! They will be worse con- weary heart and cruel persecution tended to founded than those who undertook to build his death on August 24. the Tower of Babel. Next Tuesday the bail The following reference to the death of in the criminal suits will be fixed, and then Mr. Fitch was made in the Detroit Tribune I should like to go home and prepare for my under date of August 24, 1851: trial, for it does not seem as though I should stand it here much longer, and we have no It is with feelings of sorrow, we perform the means of making any preparation for trial solemn duty of announcing the death of Abel F. Fitch, who died at the Hospital of the Sisters of here; yet I suppose our enemies would be Charity, this morning about three o'clock, aged glad to keep us here until our energies were forty-three years. all impaired or weakened, so that we would Mr. Fitch was imprisoned in this city on the fall an easy prey." 19th of April last, and has been under confinement ever since, charged with being one of the leaders This letter bears the signature: Abel F. among the persons now on trial in this city, in the Fitch. There are ten letters from Mr. Fitch “Railroad Conspiracy Trials.” Living in easy cir- preserved, the last of which is dated June cumstances, if not in luxury, before his confinement, the confinement and nauseous atmosphere of the 29, 1851. They are all very well written, but jail engendered disease, and he was attacked with toward the close the sentiments of a heart dysentery, in a virulent form on the 16th inst., previ- bowed down with care and anxiety are ap- ous to the last adjournment of the court. On Fri- day last his recovery in the jail being despaired of- parent. His sympathy with his fellow-pris- he was removed to the Hospital of the Sisters of oners and their widows was of no ordinary Charity where he was kindly attended to by the JACKSON COUNTY159 COUNTY, , MICHIGAN. Sisters, and, a part of the time, by his affectionate, His remains will be taken to the cars at half past but now lonely wife, and died as stated above. four this afternoon, and thence to his former resi- We forbear expressing any opinion on the mat- dence for interment. ters of which the deceased is charged, content and William M. Gunn, another one of the prisoners believing from the character he has maintained in on trial in the “Railroad Conspiracy Case," died the state, and especially in the vicinity of his resi- yesterday. dence-where he has always been known as a kind and conscientious man and neighbor, charitable and The funeral sermon was preached by sympathetic to the poor and unfortunate—that his Rev. Dr. G. L. Foster, and was listened to by last, dying words, uttered in the full possession of his mental faculties, and with a full realization of an immense throng and the corpse was fol- his situation, the awfully solemn rites performed at lowed to Mount Evergreen Cemetery by his own request, and when expecting every passing nearly one hundred vehicles containing sym- mement would be his last—should have their full effect, as we doubt not they will, upon every un- pathizing friends. The following is the final biased heart. A friend who was present, at his chapter in the tragedy, as recorded in the death, has furnished us with the following: Jackson Citizen of August 27, 1857: “At three o'clock P. M. yesterday, Mr. Fitch became conscious that he could not live, and talked Early on Monday morning, an universal sadness calmly and firmly of his approaching death. He de- was thrown over our community, by the announce- sired that Mr. Frink might be present, to con- ment, by telegraph, of the death of Abel F. Fitch, sult about his worldly matters. Prosecuting At- one of the unfortunate victims of the jealousy and torney Stewart and Doctors Rice and Pitcher malice of the Central Railroad monopoly. It was arrived about ten o'clock. An examination and con- known, for several days that Mr. Fitch was severely sultation was had and the opinion expressed that he ill, but the universal wish for his recovery was so could not survive the night. Mr. S. went to the great and anxious that no one seemed to harbor the bedside of the dying man when he (F.) enquired, thought that he must die. His situation, that of a 'What is to be done now?' and said 'I shall die a man of standing, dragged from his home, upon the martyr to liberty.' Soon after, he remarked that complaint of a set of miserable vagabonds; incarcer- he put his trust in God, and desired that he might ated in a loathsome prison, and bearing the taunts be baptised. He received the solemn rite at the and jeers of almost the entire press of the Union- hand of one of the Sisters of Charity; and whilst in arraigned at a civil tribunal where neither mercy the midst of the ceremony, while committing his soul nor justice was accorded him, seemed hard and to his God, he declared his entire innocence of the grinding in the extreme; and all eyes were looking crimes of which he was charged—said he had never anxiously to the time when a jury of his country- violated the laws of his country—that he had simply men would pronounce him guiltless of the crimes expressed his opinions, as he supposed he had a right charged against him, and urged, not by desires for to do, and thought it not just that he should be the public good, but by revenge, backed by an enor- punished. mous piie of gold. But an all-wise providence had "Mr. Fitch then called his wife to him, bid her decreed that death should rescue him from the good bye, saying, 'Farewell! it is hard to part with hands of those who were seeking his ruin, and on the only being I ever loved;' and then bidding adieu Monday morning, at about three o'clock, at the age to other friends around him, closed his eyes for a of forty-three years—he breathed his last,—worn moment. Recovering again, he exclaimed, “There is out by his cares and trials, and as he himself de- poor dear little Amanda—I had nearly forgotten her clares, -"of a broken heart." -remember me to her. I dread to die with this As might have been expected, the news ran like charge resting upon me. Will not the truth come wildfire the length and breadth of the county. Ar- out and my character be vindicated ?' Being as- rangements were made to have his funeral attended sured by Mr. Frink that his character should be vin- in this village on Tuesday (yesterday), eleven dicated, he expressed himself prepared to die; and o'clock A. M. taking the hand of his wife, and pressing it to his The body having been brought to his late resi- lips, he said, “Amanda, it is hard to part-I die of a dence at Michigan Center, on Monday night, was broken heart?' And fell back in death !" escorted to this village on Tuesday morning, by a 160 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. funerai procession of near a half mile in length. Of the principal actors in this scheme of Besides the corpse and mourners, there were up- perjury, Gay, the alleged accomplice, who wards of fifty carriages and teams from all parts of the county, bearing at least three hundred persons. fathered the confession, died in prison, a vic- This large concourse was swelled at the church to at tim of the same loathsome treatment that least one thousand persons by those arriving from killed Fitch, and two of his companions. . more remote sections, and the friends of Mr. Fitch in this village. Greene and Williams. Henry Phelps went The sermon was preached at the Congrega- to Texas and was murdered in a brawl. Wes- tional church, which was filled to overflowing, many cott died of delirium tremens, and Wooliver persons being obliged to stand at the doors and windows. The services were opened by Rev. E. H. died in an Illinois prison, where he was serv- Hamlin, who read appropriate passages from the ing a term for highway robbery. The rail- Scriptures, after which a most touching, sympa- road company paid large sums of money to thetic, child-like and fervent prayer was addressed other parties, and the demands for hush to the throne of grace, by the venerable Dr. Com- stock, of Marshall, which for simplicity of language money were no small part of its expenses. and depth of feeling was never surpassed. The Judge Wing was retired from the bench at sermon by Rev. G. L. Foster, from the text found the next election, and Lawyer Stewart was in Tob, tenth chapter and part of the twenty-second verse,-"without any order”-was a well written, defeated for congress by the votes of the in- talented production, extraordinarily well adapted to dignant citizens of Jackson county. the occasion, and one which seemed to be highly acceptable to all. After the sermon, Prof. Fairfield, THE GROWTH OF THE CITY. of the Michigan Central College, followed in a prayer full of eloquence and emotion, commending During the decade of the fifties the the bereaved family and friends to the mercies of growth of the city was phenomenal. The the Saviour, and the vindication of the reputation of the deceased, to the "hands of the great Jehovah, new business blocks and numerous residences who doeth all things well." that were built equaled that of the preceding The exercises at the church being concluded, the twenty years. Its business growth was equal- immense concourse marched in procession to the grave yard to witness the final interment of the ly great, and it had become the greatest wheat earthly remains of one whom all loved and respect- and wool market in central Michigan. It had ed. This sad rite performed, the sorrowing friends gained an additional railroad connection returned to their homes, and sympathizing spectators with the south, had good stage lines in every dispersed. Although a deep, abiding, and heart felt resent- direction, a plank road to Eaton Rapids, over ment to the probable cause of his untimely death which the trade of Eaton county was brought was everywhere seen, yet all passed off with the to its doors, and everything pointed to a solemnity and propriety which the circumstances at- tending this event were well calculated to inspire.metropolitan development. It had begun to Last Tuesday will be long remembered by the citi- develop manufacturing industries that add- zens of Jackson county',—and as a stranger treads ed greatly to its stability and progress, and the avenues of our beautiful cemetery, the grave of A. F. Fitch will be shown him as a memento the impetus then gained has never been lost, of one of the most exciting criminal cases that ever but have continued to increase its prestige occurred in our country. and importance. A beautiful marble monument stands over the grave of Captain Fitch, and the VILLAGE OF JACKSON IN 1854. story is still told of the wickedness of his Meeting Houses, 6; Clergymen, 6; Physicians, taking off. il; Dentists, 3; Lawyers, 12; Public Schools, 2; JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 161 Select Schools, 4; Insurance Offices, 2; Dry Goods Stores, 17; Clothing Stores, 8; Drug Stores, 4; Bock Stores, 1; Hat & Cap Stores, I; Boot & Shoe Stores, 5; Hardware Stores, 3; Tin & Stove Stores, I; Grocery Stores, 14; Millinery Rooms, 3; Print- ing Offices, 2; Harness Shops, 3; Brokers' Offices, 2; Glove & Mitten Factory, I; Hotels, 6; Ware Houses, 2; Livery Stables, 2; Furniture Ware Rooms, 4; Flouring Mills, 2; Saw Mills, I; Fur- naces, 3; Lumber Yards, 2; Tanneries, I; Brew- eries, I; Saloons, 3; Confectionery Stores, 1; Black Smith Shops, 7; Wagon & Carriage Shops, 3; Ma- chine Shops, I; Paint Shops, 1; Jewelry Shops, 4. Wool.—Total number of pounds bought in this vil- lage of farmers, up to August 1, 152,000; Sumner & Bennett, 56,000; Whitwell & Co., 34,000; Pool & Co., 20,000; Reynolds, 15,000. Balance, smaller lots. There is considerable held back by farmers, who have been misled by those newspaper articles which held out the promise of last year's prices. These men find themselves sold, but their wool on hand.- Citizen. The years. 1852 to 1860 were a period of continued political excitement in Jackson. The presidential and state campaign of 1852 was a warm and exciting one, and the trend of political success was largely in favor of the increasing anti-slavery sentiment of the country. The repeal of the celebrated “com- promise measure” and the beginning of the Kansas-Nebraska controversy took a strong hold upon public sentiment, and effected strong revolution in political sentiment. The formation of the new Republican party add- ed to the interest and excitement, and made the contest too bitter, and in some respects too personal, to be creditable. The result of the election in 1852 and 1854 showed a great revolution in public sentiment, and in 1856 the city voted against the Democratic party for the first time in sixteen years. The cam- paign of 1860 was noted for its heat and furor, equal to that of 1840. Jackson con- tributed liberally to the vote which made Abraham Lincoln President, and, with the rest of the country, calmly waited for re- sults which seemed to overwhelm the country with a deep and undefined fear of an im- pending catastrophe. But the spirit of the masses was one of true loyalty to the Union and the constitution. CHAPTER X. JACKSON IN THE REBELLION. The opening of the Rebellion marks one an idea of how our people met the treacherous of the most important periods of our city spring of the secession serpent, and how glor- as well as our country. The patriotism of iously they responded to the defense of their Jackson was instantly aroused, and hearts country: took fire as the reverberating echos of the first FORT SUMTER FIRED UPON.-A meeting of the gun at Fort Sumter rolled across the North, citizens of Jackson, without distinction of party, filling cities, towns and hamlets with its por- was called at Jackson Hall, Monday evening, April tentious sound. The following extracts from 15th, to consider the state of the Union, and give expression to the public feeling in reference thereto. the city papers of the time, as well as briefer Meeting was called to order by Eugene Pringle, notes made up from recollection, will give Esq., and on motion James C. Wood was called to 11 162 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. the chair. Hon. M. Shoemaker, C. W. Penny, J. O. Gunnison and Hon. P. B. Loomis were made vice- presidents, and Melville McGee and Chas. S. Ismon, secretaries. A committee of five, consisting of Amos Root, H. C. Mead, Eugene Pringle, H. H. Vander- cook and John L. Mitchell, were appointed to pres- ent resolutions. The resolution's were then read and received with applause. Several patriotic songs were sung, including the “Star Spangled Banner," by Mr. Budington, assisted by the “National.” At the close the chair proposed six cheers for the Union and the enforcement of the laws. They were given by the whole audience with a will. An account printed in the Citizen says: Never in the history of our city was there seen a public assembly equal to that of Monday night. The notice was brief, yet Jackson's immense hall was packed to overflowing. The speech of Hon. J. C. Wood was an able and noble effort. He was followed by Mr. Levi Gregg in a calm, deliberate and telling speech, full of good sense and patriotic senti- ment. After the resolutions were read, Hon. M. Shoemaker made some remarks which called out the warmest applause of the vast audience. During his re- marks a tramping was heard upon the stairs, and the Jackson Grays pushed their way through the dense crowd and formed in front of the platform. They were received with immense cheers. Governor Blair was sent for and soon appeared, when the cheering was again renewed. Captain Withington then read a resolution which had that evening been adopted by the company, unanimously tendering their sery- ices to the governor and through him to the general government. Governor Blair then read a telegram from Washington, calling upon him for one regi- ment of volunteers. He then addressed Captain Withington, accepting the proffer, and then ad- dressed the Grays and the audience in a most elo- quent and fervid speech. Judge Avery, of Saratoga, New York, was next called out, and made a splendid effort. He was followed by Rev. John Monteith, who blended the Christian and the patriotic in a peculiarly telling manner. P. B. Loomis and F. Livermore, Esq., were called out and made brief speeches, after which some patriotic songs were sung by a glee club, and the meeting adjourned. April 25th. Gov. Blair left for Detroit yester- day, to arrange for mustering the various companies of the First Regiment into the United States service. The company in this city are ready and anxiously waiting for orders to march. Rev. J. Montieth preached the farewell sermon to the Grays, after which each member of the Com- pany was presented with a Bible, by the Rev. Mr. Abbott. April 29th. Yesterday being the day set for the departure of the Grays, the greatest excitement prevailed throughout the day. In the morning peo- ple from the country began to flock in and at noon the streets were crowded; at nine o'clock the com- pany met at the Armory, and after forming and drilling a short time. Captain Withington presented to each man, as a donation from our citizens, the following articles which had been donated and pre- pared principally by the ladies of the city and vicini- ty: Two woollen shirts, two pairs of stockings, a pincushion, paper of needles and a little sack con- taining a supply of buttons, thread, etc., for which appropriate and hearty thanks were returned by all. Rev. Mr. Montieth also presented Captain Withing- ton a purse of one hundred dollars, the proceeds of the contribution of the Congregational church Sunday evening, to be kept and used as a fund for the general benefit of all in any case of sickness or other extremity they may be called to endure. Af- ter dinner the knapsacks were packed and all things got ready for the march. The fire department turned out in full force to escort the Grays to the cars, and formed in the street in front of the Ar- mory. The following is a correct list of the officers of the company: Capt. W. H. Withington, First Lieut. E. B. Griffith, Second Lieut. G. C. Lyon, Orderly Sergeant Newton Haight, Second Sergeant F. Sharp- steen, Third Sergeant E. Pomeroy, Fourth Sergeant M. Webster, First Corporal Geo. W. Bullock, Second Corporal J. B. Kennedy, Third Corporal Marcus Grant, Fourth Corporal D. C. Welling. They were accompanied on the train by the band, by Rev. J. Montieth, their chaplain, by the governor, and by many of our first citizens, who could not be restrained from seeing them safely landed in Detroit. May 16th, 1861. At a meeting of the home guard, Silver Grays of this city, C. W. Penny was elected chairman and M. Shoemaker, secretary. On motion of Col. Berry, a committee of six was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws, to report at a future meeting. A. V. Berry, George A. Baldwin, J. A. Robinson, J. C. Wood, L. J. Burr and William In the same paper appears the message of Governor Blair, calling for ten companies of volunteers. JACKSON 163 COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Norris were appointed said committee On motion value to them. The Doctor thinks (and so do we) of Mr. Livermore, it was resolved that we proceed that the ladies of Jackson are incomparable in all viva voce to the election of officers; the following respects, but particularly so in the grace of charity, officers were unanimously elected: Captain A. V. industry and patriotism. May they long continue in Berry; first lieutenant, M. Shoemaker; second lieu- well doing tenant, C. W. Penny; first sergeant, J. C. Wood; The Jackson Gray's Silver Cornet Band have second sergeant, M. A. McNaughton; third sergeant, been accepted as the Regimental Band of the First J. A. Robinson; fourth sergeant, F. M. Foster; first Michigan Regiment. corporal, William Norris; second corporal, James D. B. Hibbard & Company are purchasing horses McKee; third corporal, J. D. Videto; fourth cor- in this city for the Army of the United States. poral, L. J. Burr; standard bearer, S. W. Stowell; There are six recruiting offices in this city in full drum major, E. Knapp. blast. The following resolutions were then adopted: Capt. Withington was wounded and captured RESOLVED, That A. V. Berry, J. C. Wood and M. A. while in the discharge of his duties at Manassas McNaughton, be appointed a committee to procure or Bull Run. a flag staff. RESOLVED, That S. W. Stowell, F. M. Foster and The Citizen of September 12, 1861, con- F. Livermore be appointed a committee to confer tains extracts from two letters from Capt. with the Jackson Grays for the purpose of procuring the use of their Armory. On motion, the meeting Withington. The first, dated August 14th, adjourned till Tuesday evening next, at eight P. M. says, “I read, play chess and wait on the May 29th, 1861. At a meeting held last evening, wounded, having especial care of Col. Wil- at the law office of George Proudfit, Esq., a volun- teer rifle company was organized and designated as cox.” The second bears date August 28th; the Ellsworth Rifles, in honor of the late Colonel he says: “I enjoy excellent health. George Ellsworth, composed entirely of young men of this Parker, Company K, died yesterday morn- city, between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five; the meeting adjourned to meet at the call of the cap- ing. This is the fourth death out of our tain for drill in the Armory of the Jackson Grays regiment at this hospital, and poor Lieuten- or such other place as shall be selected. ant Casey died at Charlottesville.” The following is a list of the officers elected : Captain, George Proudfit; first lieutenant, A. M. Sept. 23. Jackson Blair Cadets took their de- Tinker; second lieutenant, J. P. Dunning; third parture for Fort Wayne, commanded by Captain lieutenant, G. H. Wolcott; first sergeant, F. John- George Proudfit, First Lieutenant R. S. Cheney, Second Lieutenant Wm. Minor for the 8th Regi- June 15, 1861. At a meeting of the Jackson Gray ment. Reserve last evening the following non-commis- Sept. 24th. The Jackson County Rifles took sioned officers were appointed: First sergeant, R. their departure for Fort Wayne, to form a part of Stephenson; second sergeant, W. H. Haight; third the Ninth Regiment, Captain Charles V. De Land, sergeant, C. V. DeLand; fourth sergeant, F. A. Mc- First Lieutenant Joseph H. Lott, Second Lieutenant Arthur; first corporal, H. E. Bowser; second cor- J. Curtiss Purdy in command. poral, J. H. Pilcher; third corporal, J. R. Everard; Sept. 26th. The Kellogg Rangers left this city fourth corporal, Chris. Rath. The company will last week for Grand Rapids—Captain J. H. Shaw, hereafter meet every Friday evening for drill. First Lieutenant M. M. Lattimer, Second Lieuten- Sept. 5th, 1861. Dr. Shaw has filled up his cav- ant C. E. Brown. The company consists of one alry company, and they have gone to Grand Rapids hundred and seven men. to join the Kellogg regiment. He has a good com- Nov. 4th. SOLDIERS' AID SOCIETY.-A large num- pany, and we believe they will represent our county ber of ladies met at Jackson Hall. The meeting was creditably. called to order by Rev. J. Monteith. An organization Dr. Tunnicliff, surgeon of the Michigan First being perfected, the officers were elected as follows: Regiment, desires us to thank the ladies of this city President, Mrs. P. J. Avery; vice-president, Mrs. for their donation of one hundred and twenty-two F. Livermore; secretary, Mrs. L. Kassick; execu- hospital towels, and serveral other articles of great tive committee, Mrs. George Thurber, Mrs. Dwight son. 164 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Merriman, Mrs. B. G. Mosher, Mrs. L. J. Burr, Mrs. During 1861 a company was organized J. E. Beebe and others. The society adjourned and in Concord and adjoining towns for the met again on Saturday, the 9th inst. After being called to order by the president, Rev. D. T. Grinnell Sixth Michigan Infantry (afterwards heavy addressed the society, encouraging them in the good artillery), which served in the department , work already begun. The office of the treasurer hav- of the Gulf. ing become vacant, Mrs. A. O. Bliss was unanimously elected. The following additional directresses were During the winter of 1862 Company F, appointed: Mrs. Sherwood, Mrs. Whitmore, Mrs. First Michigan Sharpshooters, was recruited Stetson, Mrs. Harwood, Mrs. McNaughton, Mrs. by Capt. H. A. DeLand. This regiment Connable, Mrs. Seaton. The treasurer of the society reports that she has received, up to this time, funds was mustered into service in the spring of and articles as follows: For memberships, $6.15; 1863, and assigned to duty with the famous contributions, $20.25; a quantity of handkerchiefs, Ninth Corps. During the same fall another pillows, pillowcases, towels, calico, delaines, &c. Nov. 28th. Three hundred dollars worth of company of cavalry was raised by Capt. D. necessary garments have been made by the Soldiers' W. Smith for the Ninth Cavalry and joined Aid Society, and sent to the Ninth Regiment within the Army of the Cumberland. Another com- the last two weeks. In the latter part of July, 1862, the first regiment pany was raised by Capt. James R. Slayton organized in Jackson (the 20th), was ordered to in the spring of 1862 and attached to the rendezvous at this place, Fidus Livermore, Esq., Thirteenth Michigan Infantry, which was being appointed commandant of the camp. This assigned to the Fourteenth Corps, in the regiment was very speedily filled up by volunteers from Jackson, Washtenaw, Eaton, Calhoun and Army of the Cumberland. Capt. J. H. Ingham counties. It was mustered into the service. Reeves raised a company in 1862, which was August 19, 1862, left for the seat of war September attached to the Twelfth Michigan Infantry I, and numbered on the day of its departure one thousand and twelve officers and men. It soon after in the Army of the Mississippi. became incorporated with the illustrious Ninth These are only a part of the organizations Army Corps. recruited in Jackson and vicinity during the The Twenty-sixth. Regiment was mustered into the service at Jackson, December 12, 1862. Its or- war. Including the two companies in the ganization began July 21. It left the state the day Seventeenth Infantry, and three in the Twen- after it was mustered. tieth Regiment, Jackson county sent up- There was organized in Jackson during wards of five thousand men to the front dur- the fall of 1861 three companies for the ing the Civil war, and that they were brave First Michigan Infantry three-years service and patriotic men is attested by the fact that . One of them was commanded by Capt. E. B. their regiments all won splendid reputations Griffith, one by Capt. Edward Pomroy and upon the most desperate conflicts of that try- one by Capt. G. C. Lyon. They were all | ing period of our history. In subsequent mustered into the service at Detroit, and as- pages we shall treat the war history of the signed to the Army of the Potomac. county in greater detail. July 30 a company of one hundred men During the years 1862 to 1864 a provost was organized by Major Hopkins for the marshal's office was located in Jackson. The Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, which district was composed of five counties, Cal- left in September for Louisville, Kentucky, houn, Eaton, Ingham, Jackson and Washte- and served during the war in the Army of the naw, with Capt. Robert J. Barry as provost Cumberland. marshal, Capt. S. N. Fowler, draft com- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 165 war. missioner, and Dr. H. B. Shank, surgeon. tember 26, 1865; Eleventh Infantry (re-or- The total enrollment for the district was ganized at Jackson, March 16, 1865), Sep- 16,589 men liable to military duty. There tember 23, 1865; Eleventh Cavalry, Sep- were two drafts ordered in Jackson county tember 28, 1865; Sixth Cavalry, November calling for 197 men. Of these, 106 com- 30, 1865; Seventh Cavalry, December 20, muted or sent substitutes, while 91 respond-1865; Twelfth Infantry, February 27, 1866; ed to the call in person. Third Cavalry, March 10, 1866. All during the war Jackson was the act- The last camp in Jackson, Camp Blair, ual military headquarters of the state. Gov- was continued until about the ist of June, ernor Blair resided here, and his office was 1866, when the last vestige of the pomp and constantly thronged with officers, applicants circumstance passed away by an order dis- and citizens. Over six thousand commis- continuing the camp. The disbanding and sions were issued by the Governor during the paying off of so many men made trade good, In 1863 a military camp was organ- and our merchants realized the full benefit ized where sick and convalescent soldiers of this condition of things. Indeed, the busi- were gathered, and for the reception and or- ness of Jackson during the war was immense, ganization of recruits for the regiments in and added greatly to our prosperity and ma- the field. The camp was commanded by Gen- terial wealth. Throughout the war the ladies eral Cutler. After the close of the war it of Jackson were very active and efficient in was converted into a camp for muster-out giving “aid and comfort” to the brave men and discharge. It was located near the west who had left home to defend their country. limits of the city, where the Imperial Wheel A great amount of sanitary stores were col- Works are now situated. After the war, lected and sent forward. After the war Jackson was for nearly a year a continual closed, a committee of citizens, of whom camp of returned warriors. The following many were ladies, were appointed to make regiments reported to Jackson to be paid off arrangements and take measures to provide and discharged: Twentieth Infantry, June for the returning Michigan regiments such 4. 1865; Twenty-sixth Infantry, June 7, refreshments and attention as they migh 1865; Thirteenth and Fourteenth Batteries, stand in need of on their arrival in the city, June 21 and 22, 1865; Battery F, June 24, Jackson having been a rendezvous for re- 1865; several artillery companies from the turning troops. The most liberal and gen- 21st of June to August 2, 1865; Twenty-fifth erous provision was made to this end, and Infantry, July 2, 1865; Eighteenth Infantry, from June 4, 1865, to June 1, 1866, over July 2, 1865; Eeventh Infantry, July 7, 10,659 Michigan troops had been received 1865; First Infantry, July 12, 1865; Battery and entertained by the committee in the most M, July 12, 1865; Tenth Infantry, July 22, satisfactory manner. 1865; Thirteenth Infantry, July 27, 1865; First Sharpshooters, July 31, 1865; Second Cavalry, August 26, 1865; Sixth Heavy Ar- The growth of the city since 1865 has tillery, August 30, 1865; Ninth Infantry, been steady and satisfactory. The events September 19, 1865; Eighth Cavalry, Sep- ' have been so recent, and the people who have AFTER THE WAR. 166 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. mostly witnessed it. are so well acquainted into the history of events and improvements with it as not to be deeply interested in the which will be traced under their appropriate simple details, other than they will be woven | headings. CHAPTER XI. THE REPUBLICAN PARTY-HISTORY OF ITS ORIGIN AND ORGANIZATION. The fact that the great and successful California, was south of the compromise Republican party was born "under the oaks” line and which was immediately claimed at Jackson is a sufficient excuse for placing by the South for slave territory. The a detailed account of that significant event discovery of gold discovery of gold in California started in a history of Jackson county, especially an immense immigration to that state in made by one who was an active participant 1849, which continued for several years. in the convention and many of the important Those from the slave states took their slaves movements leading up to that event. with them and there immediately sprung The constant agitation of the slavery up rival parties, trying to secure recognition question had been an impending peril in of a slave-state or a free-state constitution. national politics ever since the adoption of After a bitter and prolonged contest, the the constitution. It had resulted in much free-state men won and, after an equally bit- friction and had always to be settled by some ter contest in congress, California was ad- kind of compromise. Among the earliest mitted into the Union as a free state. of these difficulties was the admission of the These events caused a sort of new align- state of Missouri, which, while it admitted ment in national politics, many northern Missouri as a slave state, was accompanied | Democrats supporting the “Wilmot Pro- with a compromise or agreement that no viso," which was virtually a declaration more slave states should be allowed or ad- against the admission of any more slave mitted north of the parallel of latitude states into the Union, while the southern thirty-six degrees thirty minutes north. minutes north. Whigs took sides Whigs took sides largely with the pro- This was the southerly line of Missouri and slavery Democrats of the South. In the covered all the Louisiana purchase to the presidential election of 1852 both parties line of the Rocky mountains, that being tried, to a large extent, to dodge or straddle then the western limit of the United States. the issue, but the Abolition party and the The Mexican war, in 1846, resulted in Free-Soil party, which had defeated General the acquisition of Texas and the Mexican Cass as the Democratic candidate in 1848, states of New Mexico, Arizona and upper kept the issue in the public mind and the re- California, all of which, except a part of sult was the defeat of the Whig ticket, headed JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 167 by General Scott, and the loss of almost the to be held at Jackson on the 22d of February, entire Whig element in congress from the 1854. This call recited the conditions which South. This sweeping political victory for existed at Washington and invited all op- the slave element was followed by legislation posed to the repeal of the Missouri Compro- in congress repealing the Missouri Compro- mise and the surrender of any free territory mise and substituting in its place Mr. Doug- to slavery to participate. Taking advantage las' doctrine of “popular sovereignty" in of this offer a number of influential Whigs dealing with the slave question in all future and editors of Whig papers were invited to territories and states, as had been done in meet at Jackson the same date and confer California. About this time the supreme upon the situation. Those who attended court of the United States handed down the this conference were Henry Barnes, of the decision in the celebrated “Dred Scott case, Detroit Tribune, George A. Fitch, of the arising under the fugitive slave law, which Kalamazoo Telegraph, Charles V. DeLand, affirmed the constitutionality of slavery, and of the Jackson Citizen, Harvey B. Rowlson, made it practically legal in all the territories. of the Hillsdale Standard, Seth Lewis, of Mr. Douglas had introduced into con- the Marshall Statesman, C. B. Stebbins, of gress his bills to organize the territories of the Adrian Expositor, Aaron B. Turner, of Kansas and Nebraska, with the “squatter the Grand Rapids Eagle, and Zephaniah B. sovereignty stump speeches in their bellies,” | Knight, of the Pontiac Gazette. Among as the venerable Thomas H. Benton char- leading Whigs were H. H. Emmons and acterized it, and these were being pushed William A. Howard, of Detroit, Whitney through congress. The whole country was Jones, of Eaton county, James M. Edmonds, soon aflame with excitement. Men from the of Washtenaw, A. H. Morrison, of Berrien, south invaded the unorganized territories and George W. Lee, of Howell. with their slaves, while emigration societies These gentlemen met at the Marion were formed at the North to send free state House and organized by electing Henry men into the same territory. All during the Barnes president and George A. Fitch, sec- year 1853 there was outlawry and brigand-retary. They formulated a proposition for age on both sides. All through the North calling a convention of all who were op- mass meetings were held to denounce the posed to the repeal of the Missouri com- Kansas-Nebraska bills, while armed bands, promise and making an attempt to or- organized in the slave states, invaded Kan-ganize a fusion of Free-Soil Democrats, sas and devastated the settlements of north- Anti-slavery Whigs and all opponents of ern emigrants with fire and sword. “Bor- pro-slavery legislation upon a state ticket in der Ruffians” and “Bleeding Kansas" were opposition to the regular and pro-slavery standing headlines in all the newspapers, and Democracy. The Missouri Compromise had a state of actual warfare existed for months. not then been repealed, and the Kansas and It was in the month of December, 1853, Nebraska bills had not passed and the time in these midst of these conditions, the Free did not yet seem ripe for the effort at fusion. Democratic state central committee issued a The Free-Soil convention was presided call for a Free-Soil party state convention over by Hon. William T. Howell, an old 168 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Democrat, with Jabez Fox, editor of the Michigan Free Democrat, as secretary. Af- ter due deliberation the convention decided to nominate a full ticket, but upon it they put the names of several hitherto well-known Whigs. Subsequently the convention lis- tened to speeches by Kinsley S. Bingham, S. B. Treadwell, Fernando C. Beaman, Free- Soilers, and Henry Barnes and Halmer H. Emmons, Whigs, and adopted a resolution authorizing their state central committee, in their discretion, to call a subsequent mass meeting to act upon any proposition for a fusion, and if one was possible “to withdraw the ticket this day nominated, and act with any new organization they may designate or deem advisable.” The committee consisted of Hovey K. Clarke, of Detroit, F. C. Beaman, of Adrian, K. S. Bingham, of Livingston, Erastus Hussey, of Calhoun, Nathan Power, of Oak- land, D. C. Leach, of Genesee, and Lovell Moore, of Grand Rapids. The following are the proceedings and resolutions adopted by this convention, as taken from the Citizen of that date: to that union among the people of the United States, of which the Constitution is the bond; and that the great purpose "to establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to themselves and their posterity," is, and ever shall be ours. And, as a political party or- ganized to promote this purpose, we believe it to be our duty, a duty which is especially and solemnly enjoined upon every man who has sworn to support the Constitution, to support every measure calculated to advance this purpose, and to resist with the energy of inflexible principle every scheme which may defeat or retard it. We therefore Resolve, That we regard the institution of domestic slavery, which exists in some of the states of the Union, not only as a foe to the domestic tranquility and the welfare of such states, but as subversive of the plainest principles of justice, and the manifest destroyer of the blessings of liberty. As an institu- tion we are compelled to denounce and abhor it. Yet we concede that in states where it exists, it is politically beyond our reach; but as we cannot deny our responsibility concerning it, so long as it finds protection under the laws of the federal government, so we will never cease to war against it, so long as the purpose of the Constitution shall remain unac- complished to secure the blessings of liberty to all within its power. That in following in the footsteps of the fathers of the republic, who regarded freedom the national, and slavery the sectional sentiment, we best vindi- cate their claims to enlightened patriotism, and our own to be considered loyal supporters of the gov- ernment they established; and that opposition to any extension of slavery, and to any augmentation of its powers, is clearly the duty of all who respect the doctrine or the practice of the wisest and ablest of the framers of the Constitution. That the attempt now pending in congress to repeal the enactment by which the vast territory north of the Missouri Compromise line was dedi- cated to freedom is an outrage upon justice, human- ity and good faith, one by which traitorous ambition confederating with violaters of a solemn and time- honored compact, is seeking to inflict upon the nation a deep and indelible disgrace. We denounce the scheme as infamous; and we call upon the people to hold its authors and abettors to the most rigid and righteous accountability. That executive patronage has grown to be an evil of immense magnitude; consolidating the power INDEPENDENT DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION. This Convention convened at the Court House in this village on the 22d ult., and was organized by appointing Gen. W. T. Howell, of Jonesville, presi- dent: eight vice-presidents and three secretaries. About three hundred delegates were present; the following resolutions were discussed and adopted at the afternoon session: The Independent Democracy of Michigan as- sembled in convention on the anniversary of the birthday of WASHINGTON, deem it an appropri- ate occasion to express our veneration for the char- acter of this illustrious man, and our appreciation of the wisdom and patriotism which laid the founda- tion of our national prosperity in that admirable in- strument, the Constitution of the United States. We desire now and always to proclaim our attachment JACKSON COUNTY, 169 , MICHIGAN. Superintendent of Public Instruction-Elijah H. Philsher, of Lenawee. Member Board of Education-Isaac P. Chris- tiancy, of Monroe. A committee to correspond with the nominees, consisting of C. C. Gregory, Jabez Fox and S. A. Baker, was appointed. A state central committee, consisting of S. A. Baker, Samuel Zug, J. W. Childs, R. R. Beecher, W. W. Murphey and D. W. C. Leach, was appointed. Quoting from the “Life of Zachariah Chandler :" of the government into the hands of the incumbent of the Presidential mansion, to a degree subversive of all proper accountability to the people; and for which there is no adequate remedy short of a trans- fer of this power from the President to the people. That we are in favor of cheap postage by land and sea, of free grants of land out of the public domain in limited quantities to actual settlers; of harbor and river improvement, national in their character; and of grants by the government in aid of the railroad to the Pacific in such form as shall best avoid the wasteful splendor of the government jobs, and secure the early completion of the road. That upon questions of state policy we are in favor of the re-enactment of the law for the sup- pression of the traffic in intoxicating liquors, with such amendments as shall remove all constitutional doubts, and secure the highest degree of efficiency to the law. We are in favor of general laws under which capital may be associated and combined for the prosecution of works of public improvement, and of various industrial pursuits; we are in favor of free schools, and of such a disposition of the public money as shall promote the interests of the state other than the interest of any individual or corporation, and especially are we opposed to the loaning of the public money at i per cent. interest. That the subjects likely to be presented to the action of the next legislature are such as require the selection to the offices of senators and representa- tives of men of sound head, of business capacity, and of unimpeachible integrity; and we take the liberty of commending this subject to the seasonable and thoughtful consideration of the electors of this state, for we are assured that it is only by such selections for this important trust, that wise legisla- tion can be accomplished, and the recurrence of the scenes which linger painfully in the memory of the people can be effectually prevented. A motion was made to postpone the nomination of state officers, but after much discussion it was defeated, and the convention proceeded to make the following nominations. For Governor-Kinsley S. Bingham, of Liv- ingston. Lieutenant Governor-Nathan Pierce, of Cal- houn. Secretary of State--Lovell Moore, of Kent. State Treasurer-Silas M. Holmes, of Wayne. Auditor General-Philetus Hayden, of Van Buren. Attorney General-Hovey K. Clarke, of Wayne. Commissioner of Land Office-Seymour B. Treadwell, of Jackson. Contemporaneously with this organized action of the Free-Soilers and Independent Democrats, but outside of it and of all recognized party lines, there were held many public meetings throughout Michi- gan to denounce the Kansas-Nebraska act. One of them took place in Detroit on the 18th of February, 1854. Zachariah Chandler was among the many prominent citizens who signed the call, and was one of the five speakers, the others being Maj. Jonathan Kearsley, Samuel Barstow, James A. Van Dyke and D. B. Duffield. The tone of all the speeches was wholesomely defiant and this was also true of the resolutions, which were reported by a committee consisting of Jacob M. Howard, Samuel Barstow, Joseph War- ren, James M. Edmunds and Henry H. LeRoy. The effect of this demonstration in the metrop- olis of the state was very marked, and it and like non-partisan action did much to pave the way for the success of the subsequent convention of Jackson in July. In many places anti-Nebraska tickets were run for local officers in April, and anti-slavery coalitions were successful in many municipal con- tests, notably in the important city of Grand Rapids, which chose Wilder D. Foster mayor on that issue. The city of Jackson promptly followed Detroit in its protest against the Kansas- Nebraska legislation, the following call being issued : MASS CONVENTION. - SHALL THE MISSOURI COMPROMISE BE REPEALED ? A meeting of the citizens of Jackson and vicinity, without distinction of party, is requested at the court house, on Friday evening next, at seven o'clock, to consider the provisions of the Nebraska bill, by which the Missouri Compromise is sought to be repealed, and to express the sentiments of the com- munity in relation thereto. 170 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Dated, Jackson, February 27, 1854. James A. Dyer, Eugene Pringle, John Sumner, Geo. M. Crittendon, M. McGee, R. L. Spear, Lon- son Wilcox, Oscar F. Pool, Dorrance & Gavet, Geo. G. Wells, C. V. DeLand, E. B. Brigham, E. W. Baker, C. Loud, John W. Hulin, John S. Hurd, John Fish- er, L. Kassick, J. B. Tomlinson, A. Bennett, Jr., Austin Blair, Herrman Levy, D. Merriman, Dyar Foote, B. F. Eggleston, John L. Ford, W. R. De- Land, G. L. Smalley & Bros., Cyrus A. Lewis, W. Wormington, Wm. S. Moore, M. E. Andrews, J. L. Mitchell, E. W. Heaton, M. E. Dyer, A. Bennett, B. W. Rockwell, Wm. M. Avery, J. M. Root, Thos. Beebe, B. F. Aldrich, J. L. Hutchins, D. W. C. Smith, John Webb, Wm. O. Stone, A. D. Loud, Levi G. Merriman, Frank W. Carr, J. M. Tread- well, and many others. Of the signers of the call, Messrs E. Pringle, G. M. Crittenden, C. V. DeLand, A. A. Dorrance, D. Merriman, Alonzo Ben- nett, J. L. Mitchell, M. McGee and W. S. Smalley are still living. The following ac- count of the proceedings of the meeting is from the Citizen: lowing, which were discussed by Messrs. Pringle, F. Livermore, A. Blair, C. V. DeLand, Joseph E. Beebe, S. B. Treadwell and other gentlemen, and adopted unanimously: Resolved, That, being as we are, firmly, unalter- ably, immovably and forever opposed to the exten- sion of slavery into free territories, and believing as we do that the provisions contained in the bill now before congress, providing for the organization of the territories of Kansas and Nebraska, by which the so-called "Missouri Compromise” is sought to be repealed, are calculated, designed and intended to promote and secure an open way for the spread- ing of the curse of slavery over a vast region, we do now here without distinction of party, and as one man, utter and record what we mean to be an in- dignant and emphatic protest against the passage of this bill, so long as such provision shall be therein contained. That whatever may be our abstract opinions as to the propriety of "compromises” in legislation, yet we regard that of 1820 as one which the people of the south are morally and honestly bound to abide by, and especially as the bargain or compact is already 'executed on the part of the north, by per- mitting Missouri and Arkansas to enter the Union as slaveholding states. That the facts force upon us the conclusion, that the southern statesmen who now favor the repeal of the “Missouri Compromise," are false to the idea of their own boasted chivalry, and are deliberately act- ing in perfidy and bad faith towards the North, but that we can see some semblance of an excuse for them in the fact that northern men so often in our national councils desert and betray the free spirit and liberty-loving ideas of those who elevated them to places of trust and honor. That we regard those northern members of con- gress, and officials of the general government who, being sufficiently informed to know all the inherent baseness of this new scheme for the extension of slavery, still favor it, as traitors and doughfaces, every way unworthy of our confidence, respect or support. That we regard the pretence, that these terri- tories are so far north and so barren that slavery cannot and will not go there, is disproved; ist, by the fact that the “peculiar institution" now, and for a long time, has existed further north and in regions not more fertile; 2d, by the fact that a few slaves have already been carried there by the first settlers in disregard of law; and, 3d, by the fact that a bill has recently been prepared and printe1 Pursuant to public call, a meeting of the citizens of Jackson, opposed to the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, as proposed in the Nebraska-Kansa's bill, now pending in congress, was held at the court house in the village of Jackson, on Friday evening, March 3d. The meeting was organized by the appointment of S. B. Treadwell, Esq., president, George F. Rice and E. W. Heaton, vice-presidents, and Dr. C. L. Merriman, L. Kassick and J. M. Treadwell as secretaries. On motion of E. Pringle, Esq., a committee of five was appointed to report resolutions expressive of the sentiments of the meeting. The following gentlemen were appointed such committee: E. Pringle, A. Bennett, A. Blair, Dr. D. Foote and L. Wilcox. Austin Blair, Esq., in pursuance of a call of the meeting, addressed it at length in explanation of the principles of the Nebraska bill, exhibiting in a masterly and convincing manner the falsity and danger of the pretexts and arguments resorted to by the friends of the measure, and eliciting the fre- quent applause of the audience. | The committee on resolutions reported the fol- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 171 under the direction of the committee on Indian Throughout the spring of 1854 many affairs, in the house of representatives, by which it conferences were held in Michigan, among is not only proposed to legalize the Indians' holding slaves, but to offer bounty lands to such as shall be- representative men of the Whigs, Free-Soil- come owners of them in these very territories. ers, Abolitionists and the out-spoken anti- That whatever now or in 1850 may have been our Nebraska Democrats to discusse the feasibil- individual opinion as to the compromise measures of that year, we never supposed that it was intended ity of political union in opposition to the by them to repeal or abrogate the compromise of pro-slavery tendencies of the regular Demo- 1820. That we are not at all deceived by the pre- cratic party and to turn the tide of southern tense that the legislation now proposed is necessary or proper to carry out and establish the principles aggression. aggression. The action of the Independent asserted in the so-called “Compromise or Finality Democratic convention in February was a measures” of 1850, because we know that "compro- serious obstacle in the way. On the 20th of mises” can never be based upon principles, and that they can establish none; that yielding a principle April a meeting of the nominees on the Free- once for a consideration can never, by any possibil- Soil ticket was held in Detroit, and there ity, become a reason for yielding it again with or met with them many prominent men from all without an equivalent. If the assertion were cor- parts of the state, at which it was decided to rect that the measures of 1850 settled the constitu- tional question thus recently raised as to the power take steps to withdraw that ticket, and make of congress to legislate for the territories, against an effort to force the anti-Nebraska and such power, then it follows that the principle of anti-slavery element into a concrete mass such settlement would be violated by this very bill, which provides that governors, judges, secretaries and to overturn the Cass-Democratic party and other officials shall be appointed by the national in the state. government. The readiness with which Mr. Bingham That while we believe in the democratic idea of and the Free-Soil, Whig and Independent self-government, yet we disbelieve that the trappers, Indian traders, soldiers, government officials and Democrats accepted this proposition soon other transient persons, who ordinarily compose a bore fruit. The Free-Soil state central com- majority of the people of a new territory on its mittee issued a call for a mass convention, first settlement, are better fitted than the congress of the United States to provide for the future wants, to be held at Kalamazoo on the 21st of May. prosperity and greatness of such a country as Kan- The call was full of denunciation of the sas and Nebraska embrace, and hence we prefer the slave propagandists and evidenced from its old way of having congress "make all needful rules and regulations for the territories," and among the vigor how intense the popular feeling had be- most needful we consider the inhibition of human come. slavery. Meantime many of the old Whig papers That a copy of the proceedings of this meeting of the state were making a vigorous cam- be sent to the Hon. David Stuart, representative in congress from this district, and that the papers of paign for such paign for such a fusion. a fusion. The Detroit this village be requested to publish the same. Tribune, the Free Democrat, the Pontiac S. B. TREADWELL, President. Gazette, Jackson Citizen, Marshall States- GEORGE F. RICE, E. W. HEATON, man, Adrian Expositor, Jonesville Gazette, Vice-Presidents. Constantine Mercury, Kalamazoo Gazette, C. L. MERRIMAN, Grand Rapids Eagle, Saginaw Enterprise, J. M. TREADWELL, Hillsdale Standard, Flint Citizen and several Secretaries. other papers were strongly advocating the L. KASSICK, 172 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. consolidation of the anti-Nebraska strength, Soil ticket, and removing the only formida- and urging the calling of a state convention ble obstacle to a complete union of all the for this purpose. elements of opposition. The following are the resolutions as reported and adopted : THE KALAMAZOO CONVENTION. The 21st of May was dark, rainy and Whereas, This convention, called to aid in con- centrating the popular sentiment of this state to unpleasant, but it did not prevent the as- resist the aggressions of the slave power, are deeply sembling of upwards of one thousand earn- impressed with the importance of the crisis in our est and patriotic citizens of Michigan who national affairs; we are compelled to contemplate a strife in the councils of our nation participated in, were deeply interested in the political situa- to some extent by the people, in which the eiemen- tion. A special train of five passenger cars tary principles of wrong and injustice are warring brought delegates from the east on the Mich- against the interests of justice and liberty. We have seen this strife carried to a degree of success shame- igan Central Railroad, while scores of stages ful to its authors, and which excites the most alarm- and teams poured into Kalamazoo from ing apprehensions for the peace and prosperity of Grand Rapids and other towns north and the country; we have seen our national government south. The largest hall in the village was sink from the position of the freest nation on earth, to that of a mere presidential despotism-and deensely packed and many could not find a that, too, controlled by a system of iniquity which is place to stand. the disgrace of our country and the scorn of man- Hon. Moses A. McNaughton, of Jack- kind. Therefore, Resolved, That the Constitution of the United son, was made presiding officer, assisted by States establishes a government of freemen for free H. H. LeRoy, of Detroit. W. W. Murphy, W. W. Murphy, people; and that in so far as the goveernment has of Jonesville, and Rev. Thomas Ferry, of been perverted from its original purpose, it is the duty of every lover of his country, to seek its com- Grand Haven, as vice-presidents, Aaron B. plete restoration to the original purpose of its Turner, of the Grand Rapids Eagle, Rev. authors. Jabez Fox, of the Detroit Free Democrat, Resolved, That the institution of slavery that existed in some of the states at the formation of and George A. Fitch, of the Kalamazoo Ga- the Constitution, was then regarded as exceptional, zette, secretaries. Hon. Hovey K. Clarke, and local in its character, and which was to be of Detroit, Charles V. DeLand, of Jackson, limited and restricted until it should finally dis- Chester Gurney, of Constantine, D. C. appear. Resoived, That in the recent passage of the bill Leach, of Flint, and N. W. Beecher, of for the organization of the territories of Nebraska Adrian, were appointed a committee on reso- and Kansas, we see the crowning act of a series of lutions. aggressions, by which the sectional and exceptional character of slavery has been gradually changed until The meeting was addressed by Hon. it has become the great national interest of the Kinsley S. Bingham, Philetus Hayden, S. country, for the protection of which every other B. Treadwell, Nathan Pierce, S. M. Holmes interest must be sacrificed; and its power has be- come so potent, that from the President to the post- and Isaac P. Christiancy, all nominees on the master, all of the functionaries of the executive Free-Soil ticket, and all favored the forma- government and a majority in congress, are twisted tion of a fusion party. and corrupted by it into absolute subjection to its The committee on resolutions reported insulting demands. Resolved, That evils so great as these demand a stirring set of resolutions, the last one of a remedy; and that if that remedy cannot be found which provided for withdrawing the Free- in the virtue of the people, a people who are yet JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 173 true to the instincts of liberty, to the immortal son; Walter W. Murphy, Hillsdale; Ches- principles promulgated by the fathers of the Consti- ter Gurney, St. Joseph; Alex. H. Morrison, tution, a people who enjoy the blessings of the gov- ernment they established, and a people who are yet Berrien; Erastus Hussey, Calhoun; J. H. willing to display something of the energy and per- Van Zandt, Barry; Thomas D. Gilbert, severance, and if need sacrifice which moved the Kent; Dr. J. H. Whiting, St. Clair; Dewitt patriots of 'seventy-six to the accomplishment of their great work, then the days of the republic are C. Leech, Genesee; Daniel L. Case, Ingham, numbered, and it must soon become what its laws and James Birney, Saginaw. will make it, a nation of slaves. Resolved, That we do not, and will not, despair; by electing Isaac P. Christiancy as chairman This committee immediately organized that we believe the people of this State are ready to respond to the call of their country in this emer- and C. V. DeLand secretary, and adjourned gency; that they are ready, irrespective of all past to meet on the 23d at Detroit. political preference, to declare in an unmistakable The bill to repeal the Missouri compro- tone, their will; and that will is that slavery aggres- sior upon their rights shall go no further—that mise of 1820 was passed in Congress on the there shall be no more slave states that there shall 22d of May, 1854. The next day the com- be no more slave territory—that the fugitive slave mittee of sixteen met in Detroit, and at a con- law be repealed that the abomination of slavery shall no longer be perpetuated under the sanction ference with leading citizens, among whom of the federal Constitution and that they will make were Jacob M. Howard, Zachariah Chan- their will effective by driving from every place of dler, Henry Barnes, H. P. Baldwin, C. H. official power, the public servants who have shamelessly betrayed their trust, and put in their Buhl, Franklin Moore, John Owen, Eber places men who are honest and capable; men who B. Ward, Judge S. Conant, Jacob S. Far- will be faithful to the Constitution and the great rand, William B. Wesson, John J. Bagley, claims of humanity. Resolved, That the Free Democracy of Michigan D. B. Duffield, David Smart, William A. rejoice to behold the indications of popular senti- Howard, T. N. Lockwood, Patrick Hig- ment, furnished by this convention; they are con- gins, R. W. King, James F. Joy, H. T. scious that the deeply aroused feelings of the masses of this state will seek a suitable expression in a con- Backus, and others drew up and signed the vention springing from themselves, irrespective of following call: any existing political organization; and that if such a movement shall be animated and guided by the TO THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN. principles expressed in the resolutions of this con- vention, and shall contemplate an efficient organiza- A great wrong has been perpetrated. The slave tion to give effect to our principles in this state, we power of the country has triumphed—liberty is shall willingly surrender; our distinctive organiza- trampled under foot. The Missouri Compromise, a tion, and with it the ticket for state officers nomi- solemn compact entered into by our fathers, has nated at Jackson, on the 22d of Feb. last; and that been violated, and a vast territory dedicated to free- we commit the execution of this purpose to a com- dom has been opened to slavery. This act, so unjust to the North, has been per- mittee of sixteen-two persons from each judicial district, to be appointed by this convention. petrated under circumstances which deepen its per- fidy. An administration, placed in power by The following is the committee of sixteen Northern votes, has brought to bear all the resources of executive corruption in its support. provided for in the last foregoing resolution: Northern senators and representatives, in the Harvey K. Clark, Detroit; Rev. Jabez Fox, face of the overwhelming public sentiment of the Detroit; Isaac P. Christiancy, Monroe; North, expressed in the proceedings of public meet- ings and solemn remonstrances, without a single Fernando C. Beaman, Lenawee; Dr. J. A. petition in its favor on their table, and not daring Bingham, Livingston; Austin Blair, Jack- to submit this great question to the people, have 174 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. yielded to the seductions of executive patronage, lar letter was printed and sent with it, as and Judas-like, betrayed the cause of liberty; while follows: the South, inspired by a dominant and grasping am- bition has without distinction of party and with an JACKSON, MICH., June 1, 1854. Dear Sir: Enclosed find call for a public mass unanimity almost entire, deliberately trampled under foot a solemn compact enered into in the midst of meeting in this city July 6th next, with the attached a crisis threatening to the peace of the Union- sheet for signatures. Please have the same circulated sanctioned by the greatest names of our history- and signed, and published (names included) in your and the binding force of which has, for a period of local paper, and send copy to the secretary of the more than thirty years, been recognized and declared committee. When not so printed, mail petition to by numerous acts of legislation. us with as little delay as possible. Such an outrage upon liberty, such a violation ISAAC P. CHRISTIANCY, Chairman. of plighted faith, cannot be submitted to. This C. V. DELAND, Secretary. great wrong must be righted, or there is no longer a North in the councils of the nation. We, the undersigned, citizens of.... , The extension of slavery under the folds of the who are in full sympathy with the sentiment and American flag is a stigma upon liberty. The indefi- objects set forth in the above call, hereby endorse nite increase of slave representation in congress is the same, and will use our influence to promote and destructive of that equality between freemen which pledge ourselves to do all in our power to carry it is essential to the permanency of the Union. into effect and promote its success. The safety of the Union-the rights of the North —the interests of free labor—the destiny of a, vast These were sent to every county, and, as territory and its untold millions for all coming time far as possible, to every township in the —and finally, the high aspirations of humanity for state, and before the first of July over nine universal fredom, all are involved in the issue forced thousand signatures had been returned to the upon the country by the slave power and its plastic Northern tools. secretary, most of which had been published In view therefore of the recent action of congress in the papers of the state. upon this subject, and the evident designs of the In anticipation of the convention, the slave power to attempt still further aggressions up- on freedom-we invite all our fellow citizens with- citizens of Jackson held a meeting the last out reference to former political assocations, who week in June, and appointed committees to think that the time has arrived for a union at the make the necessary preparations for it. Gen- North to protect liberty from being overthrown and down trodden, to eral committee of arrangements, C. V. De- Land, Amos Root, John H. Bennett, E. H. ASSEMBLE IN MASS CONVENTION, Whitmore, Ethan H. Rice, W. H. Warner, on Thursday, the 6th of July, at one o'clock, at C. T. Beebe, John Stewart. Finance com- Jackson, there to take such measures as shall be thought best to concentrate the popular sentiment mittee, A. A. Dorrance, Robert F. Lattimer, of this state against the encroachment of the slave John M. Root, J. S. Hurd, George F. Rice. power. Reception committee, Austin Blair, M. A. This call was published the next day, the McNaughton, Alonzo Bennett, William R. 24th of May, in the Detroit Tribune, the De- DeLand, Dr. Ira C. Backus, Eugene Prin- troit Advertiser, the Michigan Free Demo- gle, William K. Gibson, Joseph E. Beebe, crat and other papers, the Detroit Free Press Benj. Shaw, William Jackson, P. B. Loomis, alone refusing to copy it. The secretary of Chester Bennett, B. F. Eggleston and Dr. the committee was authorized to have one Chas. S. Merriman. thousand copies printed in circular form to The 6th of July was a most beautiful be mailed to parties in the state, and a circu- day, bright and sunshiny, but not excessively © 500090 FIRST REPUBLICAN CONVENTION JACKSON, 1854. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 175 a warm. Delegations began to arrive on the mound, the ground, covered with a thick 5th, among them a party of twenty from the sward of grass, sloping gently in all direc- Saginaw valley, who came all the way, over tions and shaded by fully a hundred fine oak a hundred miles, on horseback. At nine trees. The growth of the city has long since o'clock on the morning of the 6th there were absorbed the old grove, and it is now thickly not less than three thousand strangers in the covered with fine residences. Only a few city who came to attend the convention. of the grand old oaks are standing in the The first session opened at half past ten in yards and on the street lines, as no pains the Bronson Block. It was called to order have been taken to preserve them. But it by Austin Blair and Judge Levi Baxter, of was a brilliant and picturesque place and Hillsdale, was chosen temporary president. scene on that memorable 6th of July, when He was a pioneer settler of Michigan and the thousands of intelligent citizens had assem- founder of a family of marked prominence bled in a patriotic spirit and effort to arrest in the state. He was well known as a busi- | the demoralizing political tendencies of the ness man, a successful lawyer and a man times and were about to lay the foundation of great spirit and enterprise. He had been for the greatest political revolution of mod- a Whig and a Free-Soiler, had been a state ern times. It was a day memorable in the senator and a circuit judge. Mr. Baxter history of the country and the world, and made an eloquent and stirring speech, which marked a crisis in the affairs of this country, filled the audience with enthusiasm. At its as did the 4th of July, 1776. close Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, of Detroit, When the people had assembled in the was chosen temporary secretary, and, on grove after dinner and the venerable presi- motion, the chair appointed Samuel Bar- dent had called to order, he was surrounded stow, of Detroit, C. K. Van Cleek, of St. by a galaxy of men who were destined to Clair, Isaac P. Christiancy, of Monroe, G. play an important part in the history of their W. Burchard, of Niles, Lovell Moore, of state and the nation. Among them we re- Grand Rapids, James W. Hill, of Saginaw, | member Zachariah Chandler, Jacob M. Henry N. Lord, of Pontiac, and Newell Howard, Austin Blair, Isaac P. Christiancy, | Avery, of Detroit, as a committee on per- George Martin, H. P. Baldwin, James F. manent organization. Joy, J. M. Edmonds, John F. Driggs, James As there was no hall in the city that Birney, E. B. Fairfield, D. S. Walbridge, would hold more than a small part of the C. T. Gorham, F. C. Beaman, Walter W. people, the general committee had erected a Murphy, Charles M. Croswell, Rev. Jabez large stand and temporary seats in a grove Fox and others. of oak trees on what was known as “Mor- Before them were prominent and intelli- gan's land,” near what is now the intersec- gent citizens, representing all shades of | tion of Second and Washington streets, and former political opinions, Whigs, Demo- the meeting at Bronson Hall adjourned to crats, Free-Soilers and Abolitionists. To meet in the grove at one P. M. weld such a diverse mass into congruous The grove was a beautiful spot. The and homogeneous opinion homogeneous opinion and action stand was erected on the apex of a large looked like an impossible undertaking, but 176 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a the underlying sentiment that had brought fraud, deception and tyranny, and show, like them together was a deep seated determina- them, that we are giants in the defense of our tion to stop the further spread of slavery, rights and constitutional liberties. While , and vindicate the right of free men to ter- we do not make any aggressive war upon the ritory dedicated to their use, and restore the institutions of our sister states, the time has powers of government to their proper and come when we must insist upon their ob- representative uses as the heritage of the servance of the sacred compromises of the people, and put a stop to the further expan- past and demand unqualifiedly, protection sion of the vice and curse of human slavery. for the future.” The committee on permanent organiza- Mr. Walbridge's speech was cheered to tion were called upon and reported the fol- the echo. At its conclusion the meeting lowing officers: President, David S. Wal- separated into four divisions to select four bridge; vice-presidents, F. C. Beaman, Alvin members of a committee on resolutions from Johnson, Rudolph Diepenbeck, Thomas each congressional district. When the con- C. Curtis, Charles T. Gorham, Dr. Pliny vention came together the following selec- Power, Emanuel Mann, Charles Draper, tions were reported and unanimously en- George Winslow, Norman Little, John Mc- dorsed: First district, Jacob M. Howard, Kinney and Walter W. Murphy; secretaries, of Detroit, Austin Blair, of Jackson, Donald J. Van Rensselaer, J. F. Conover and Aaron McIntyre, of Ann Arbor, and John Hilsede- B. Turner. gen, of Detroit; second district, Charles Mr. Walbridge was a prominent business Noble, of Monroe, Alfred R. Metcalf, of man of Kalamazoo, who had been an active Adrian, John N. Turner; of Coldwater, and and influential member of the Whig party. Levi Baxter, of Jonesville; third district, He had served several terms in the state Marsh Giddings, of Kalamazoo, Erastus legislature, and subsequently served three Hussey, of Battle Creek, Albert Williams, of terms in congress. He was a man of fine Ionia, and John McKinney, of Paw Paw; presence, good voice and pleasant and genial fourth district, Charles Draper, of Pontiac, The mention of his name was M. L. Higgins, of Flint, J. E. Simonds, of greeted with great applause, which at once Saginaw, and Z. B. Knight, of Pontiac. marked the harmonious feelings of the gath- Jacob M. Howard was made chairman ering. He returned his thanks in a brief but of the committee. Mr. Howard was an able singularly felicitous speech, in which he said lawyer, had represented the state in congress he was a Whig, not out of place, but in a and afterward served the state as a senator, new place, because his duty to his country and was the author of the thirteenth amend- demanded it, and he appealed to all his hear- ment to the national Constitution. Mr. ers to forget their former asperities, and Howard had prepared a draft of a platform join hands to rescue the virgin soil of a new in advance of the convention, by request of and great America from the despoiling others, and the committee adjourned to a hand of the slave power. “We must,” he clump of trees on the corner of Second and " said, "unite as did our fathers, to resist Franklin streets, to deliberate. While so manners. a a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. . 177 an as engaged the mass meeting listened to the same subject, and then exclaimed that not speeches from the prominent men on the one of the representatives had ever been hon- platform. est enough to carry them out except Kinsley Hon. Kinsley S. Bingham was the first S. Bingham; a spark of enthusiasm fired the speaker, and graphically described the con- crowd, shouts of approbation rang through tests over the slavery question during the the vast assemblage, and if any doubt had four years he was in congress, the struggle previously existed as to who should be the over the famous “Wilmot Proviso," and the man for governor that doubt was there re- unbearable insolence of the slave power. moved." Among the incidents he brought out was These addresses were followed by the one of peculiar significance. While a report of the committee on resolutions, which “homestead bill” was pending in the house was read by Mr. Howard amid frequent out- of representatives, a Mr. Cobb, of Georgia, bursts of applause, and were unanimously proposed amendment follows: adopted : “That in addition to the land to be home- THE FIRST REPUBLICAN PLATFORM. steaded to the heads of families, that for The freemen of Michigan, assembled in conven- ten or less servants of such head of family, tion, in pursuance of a spontaneous call emanating two hundred acres, and for twenty such ser- from various parts of the state, to consider all the vants, or more, five hundred acres may be measures which duty demands of us, as citizens of a so homesteaded." This was not only rec- free state to take, in reference to the late acts of congress on the subject of slavery and its anticipated ognizing the right to take slaves into the further extension. territories, but was offering a premium for Resolved, That the institution of slavery, except taking them there, and the only way it was in the punishment of crime, is a great moral, social and intellectual evil; that it was regarded by the defeated was by killing the homestead bill, fathers of the republic, the founders and best friends and denying the privileges to the free men of the Union, by the heroes and sages of the Rev- of the nation. olution, who contemplated and intended its gradual Mr. Chandler was next called upon and and peaceful extinction, as an element hostile to the liberties for which they toiled; that its history in made a strong and forcible speech. The re- the United States, the experience of men best ac- port in the Detroit Free Democrat said: “We quainted with its workings; the dispassionate con- fessions of those who are interested in it; its ten- would say in parenthesis that an allusion dency to relax the vigor of industry and enterprise most generously made to Mr. Bingham drew inherent in the white man; the very surface of the from the crowd three rousing cheers for the earth where it subsists; the vices and immoralities latter gentleman." The Jackson Citizen gives which are its natural growth; the stringent police often wanting in humanity, and speaking to the sen- a synopsis of Mr. Chandler's speech, in which timents of every generous heart which it demands, it said: “When, in the course of his speech, —the dangers it has already wrought and the future he gave a brief history of Wilmot Proviso- dangers which it portends to the security of the Union, and our constitutional liberties; all incon- ism in Michigan, he alluded to the anti-slav- testably prove it be such an evil. Surely that ery resolutions passed by the Democratic institution is not to be strengthened or encouraged state convention in 1849, and the resolutions against which Washington, the calmest and wisest of our nation, bore unequivocal testimony; as to of instruction to the senator and representa- which Jefferson, filled with the love of liberty, ex- tives in congress by the state legislature on claimed: "Can the liberties of a nation ever be 12 178 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. as thought secure when we have removed their people, that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath ? Indeed, I tremble for my country, when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever; that considering members, nature and national means only, a revolution of the wheel of fortune, an ex- change of situation is among possible events; tha it may become probable by supernatural interference! The Almighty has no attribute which can take sides with us in such a contest!" And as to which another eminent patriot in Vir- ginia, at the close of the Revolution exclaimed: "Had we turned our eyes inwardly, when we sup- plicated the Father of mercies to aid the innocent oppressed, when we invoked the Author of right- eousness to test the purity of our motives and the justice of our cause, and implored the God of War to aid our exertions in its defence, should we not have stood more self-convicted than the contrite publican!” We believe these sentiments to be as true now as they were then. Resolved, That slavery is the violation of the rights of man as a man; that the law of nature, which is the law of liberty, gives to no man rights superior to those of another; that God and nature have secured to each individual this inalienable right of equality, any violation of which must be the result of superior force; and that slavery is there- fore a perpetual war upon its victims. That whether we regard the institution as first originating in cap- tures made in war, in the subjection of the debtor as the slave of his creditor, or the forcible seizure and sale of children by their parents, or subjects by their kings; and whether it be viewed in this coun- try as a “necessary evil,” or otherwise, we find it to be like imprisonment for debt, but a relic of bar- barism, as well as an element of weakness in the midst of the state, inviting the attacks of external enemies, and a ceaseless cause of external appre- hension and alarm. Such are the lessons taught us, not only by the history of other commonwealths but by that of our own beloved country. Resolved, That the history of the formation of the Constitution, and particularly the enactment of the ordinance of July 13, 1787, forever prohibiting slavery north of the Ohio, abundantly shows it to have been the purpose of our fathers not to pro- möte but prevent the spread of slavery. And we, revering their memories, and cherishing their pure republican faith as our richest inheritance, which we now at whatever expense seek to defend, here publicly proclaim our determination to expose, by all the lawful and honorable means in our power, now and henceforth, all attempts, direct or indirect, to extend slavery in this country, or permit it to be extended into any region or locality where it does not now exist by positive law, or to admit new slave states into the Union. Resolved, That the Constitution of the United States gives to congress the full and complete power for the niunicipal government of the territories thereof-a power, which, from its nature, cannot be either alienated or abdicated without yielding up to the territory an absolute political independence which involves an absurdity. That the exercise of this power naturally looks to the formation of states to be admitted into the Union; and on the question whether they shall be admitted as free states or slave states, congress has a right to adopt such prudential and preventive measures the principles of liberty and the interests of the whole country require. That this question is one of the gravest importance to the free states, inasmuch as the Constitution itself creates an inequality in the appointment of representatives greatly to the detri- ment of the free and to the advantage of the slave states. This question, so vital to the interests of the free states (but which, we are told by certain political doctors of modern times, is to be treated with indifference), is one which we hold it to be ever right to discuss—which we hold it the duty of congress, in every instance, to determine, in un- equivocal language, and in a manner to prevent the spread of slavery, and the increase of such unequal representation. In short, we claim that the North is a party to the new bargain, and is entitled to have a voice and influence in settling its terms. And, in view of the ambitious designs of the slave power, we regard the man or party who would forego this right as untrue to the honor and interest of the North; and unworthy of its support. Resolved. That the repeal of the "Missouri Compromise," contained in the recent act of con- gress, for the creation of the territories of Ne- braska and Kansas, thus admitting slavery into a region until then sealed by law, equal in extent to the thirteen old states, is an act unprecedented in the history of the country, and one which must en- gage the earnest and serious attention of every Northern man. And as Northern freemen, inde- pendent of all party ties, we here hold this measure up to the public execration for the following reasons: That it is a plain departure from the policy of , JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 179 the fathers of the republic, in regard to slavery, and a wanton and dangerous frustration of their pur- poses and thier hopes. That it actually admits and was intended to admit slavery into said territories! and (to use the words applied by Judge Tucker of Virginia to the father of that commonwealth), “thus sows the seed of an evil which, like a leprosy, hath descended upon their posterity with accumulated rancor, visit- ing the sins of the fathers upon succeeding gen- erations." That it was sprung upon the country stealthily and by surprise, without necessity, without petition and without previous discussion, thus violating the cardinal principle of republican government, which requires all legislation to accord with the opinions and sentiments of the people. That on the part of the South it is an open and undisguised breach of faith, as contracted between the North and South in the settlement of the Mis- souri question in 1820, by which the tranquility of the two sections was restored !-A compromise binding upon all honorable men. That it is also an open violation of the com- promise of 1850, by which, for the sake of peace and to calm the distempered impulses of certain enemies of the Union, the North and South ac- cepted and acquiesced in the odious "fugitive slave law" of that year. . That it is also an undisguised and unmanly contempt of the pledge given to the country by the present dominant party at their national convention in 1852, not to "agitate the subject of slavery either in or out of congress"-being the same convention which nominated Franklin Pierce to the presi- dency. That it is greatly injurious to the free states, and to the territories themselves, tending to retard their settlement and to prevent the improvement of the country by means of free labor, and to dis- courage foreign emigrants from resorting thither for homes. That one of its principal aims is to give to the slave states such a decided and practical preponder- ance in all the measures of government as shall re- duce the North with all her industry, wealth and enterprise to be the mere provinces of a few slave- holding oligarchs of the South!—to a position too shameful to be contemplated; Because, as is openly avowed by its southern friends, it is intended as an entering wedge to the still further augmentation of the slave power by the acquisition of other territories cursed with the same "leprosy." Resolved, That the obnoxious measures to which we have alluded ought to be repealed, and a provision substituted for it, prohibiting slavery in said territories and each of them. Resolved, That after this gross breach of faith and wanton efforts to us as Northern men, we hold ourselves absolved from all “compromises” except those expressed in the Constitution, for the protec- tion of slavery and slave owners; that we now de- mand measures of protection and immunity for our- selves, and among them we demand the repeal of the fugitive slave law; and an act to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia. Resolved, That we notice without dismay certain popular indications of slaveholders on the frontier of said territories, of a purpose on their part to pre- vent by violence the settlement of the country by non-slaveholding men. To the latter we say, be of good cheer; persevere in the right; THE NORTH WILL DEFEND YOU. Resolved, That, postponing and suspending all differences with regard to political economy or ad- ministrative policy in view of the imminent danger that Kansas and Nebraska will be grasped by slavery, and a thousand miles of slave soil be thus interposed between the free states of the Atlantic and those of the Pacific, we will act cordially, and faithfully in unison, to avert and repeal this gigantic wrong and shame. Resoived, That in view of the necessity of battling for the first principles of republican gov- ernment and against the schemes of aristocracy, the most revolting and oppressive with which the earth was ever cursed or man debased, we will co-operate and be known as REPUBLICANS until the contest be terminated. Resolved, That we earnestly recommend the calling of a general convention of the free states, and such of the slaveholding states or portions thereof as may desire to be there represented, with a view to the adoption of other more extended and effectual measures in resistance of the encroach- ments of slavery; and that a committee of five per- sons be appointed to correspond with our friends in other states on the subject. Resolved, That in relation to the domestic af- fairs of the state, we urge a more economical ad- ministration of the government and a more rigid accountability of our public officers; a speedy pay- ment of the public debt, and the lessening of the amount of taxation; a careful preservation of the primary school and university funds, and their dili- gent application to the great objects for which they are created; and also further legislation to prevent 180 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. urer. the unnecessary or imprudent sale of the lands be- Charles M. Croswell, F. C. Beaman and Nor- longing to the state. man Little as vice-presidents, and Henry , Resolved, That in our opinion the commercial wants of the state require the enactment of a gen- Barnes, C. B. Stebbins and LeRoy Walker eral railroad law, which, while it shall secure the as secretaries. investment, and encourage the enterprise, shall also The subject of apportioning the ticket to guard and protect the rights of the public and of different elements was first settled, by decid- individuals; and that the preparation of such a measure requires the first talents of the state. ing to give the Whig element three places, the Independent Democrats two places, the Succeeding the adoption of the platform, Free-Soilers two; and the Abolitionists one Hon. Isaac P. Christiancy, chairman of the place on the ticket. Kinsley S. Bingham was special committee of sixteen, appointed at conceded as candidate for governor by all, the convention held at Kalamazoo on the while the other Free-Soil representative was 21st of May, took the stand and formally Silas M. Holmes, of Detroit, for state treas- withdrew the ticket nominated by the Free- The Whigs drew lieutenant-gover- Soil state convention held on the 22d of nor, auditor-general and attorney-general, February, “relegating to the people the pow- and presented Hon. George A. Coe, Whitney er and right to select such a ticket as they Jones and Jacob M. Howard as their candi- desired to represent the Republican party of dates. The Independent Democrats were Michigan, and which he hoped would ulti- assigned the secretary of state and superin- mately become the Republican party of the tendent of public instruction, and presented whole country.” He exhorted them to nom- John McKinney and Ira Mayhew, while the inate tried and true men,-honest men, whom old-time Abolitionists presented Seymour B. the people can honor and trust—and said | Treadwell for commissioner of the state land such a ticket upon such a platform would office. The convention completed its labors certainly be endorsed by the people, and harmoniously and at the adjourned meeting elected. The announcement was received reported the ticket, which was enthusiasti- with great applause, that culminated in three cally ratified and became hearty cheers by the multitude. Following this a motion was made and THE FIRST REPUBLICAN TICKET. carried that the meeting divide into judicial conventions, and that ten delegates be select- For governor, Kinsley S. Bingham, of from each of the eight districts to act as Livingston; lieutenant-governor, George A. a nominating convention to present candi- Coe, of Branch; secretary of state, John Mc- dates, and that they report the ticket for rati- Kinney, of Van Buren; state treasurer, Silas fication at a meeting to be held on the pub-M. Holmes, of Wayne; attorney-general, lic square at seven P. M. This committee Jacob M. Howard, of Wayne; auditor-gen- of eighty delegates comprised among its eral, Whitney Jones, of Ingham; commis- members many of the ablest men of the sioner of land office, Seymour B. Treadwell, state. It repaired to Bronson Hall, where it of Jackson; superintendent of public instruc- organized with Jacob M. Howard as chair- tion, Ira Mayliew, of Monroe; members of man, Charles T. Gorman, Moses Wisner, I board of education, John R. Kellogg, full JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 181 term, of Allegan; Hiram L. Miller, to fill The claim that the Republican party was vacancy, of Saginaw. first organized and named at the Jackson Considerable has been written and many convention cannot be successfully disputed. claims made as to who is entitled to the It has been asserted that it was first organ- honor of naming the Republican party. Theized in Wisconsin. This claim rests upon the call for the July convention was mailed to action of a small meeting in a country vil- a number of men of national reputation. | lage in that state. Maj. A. E. Bovay, whose Among them was William H. Seward, Thur- death at the age of eighty-five occurred at low Weed, Horace Greeley, Silas Wright Santa Monica, California, recently, used to and D. S. Dickinson, of New York; Senator stoutly contend that the earliest Republican Collamer, of Vermont; Senator Hamlin, of organization ever formed was held in Ripon, Maine; David Wilmot, of Pennsylvania; in Wisconsin, March 20, 1854, the call have Henry Wilson, of Massachusetts; Benj. F. | ing been issued by himself, and that he at that Wade, and S. P. Chase, of Ohio; J. W. time proposed the name “Republican” for Grimes, of Iowa, and Governor Bissell, of the party. The writer had the opportunity Illinois. Several of these gentlemen wrote to investigate that claim in the fall of 1854, letters endorsing the action and suggesting when assisting his friend, the late Hon. what action should be taken. Nearly all Charles Billinghurst, in his campaign for suggested some combination name. Sena- congress against Ex-Governor Bouck. A tor Seward mentioned the "American Union local meeting in denouncing the repeal of the Party;" Horace Greeley, the “Democratic- Missouri compromise resolved in favor of Republican Union party;" Mr. Wade, “any “returning the government to republican name but Pro-Slavery Democrat;" S. P. principles,” but this was only the expression Chase, “Anti-Slavery Union;" Mr. Wilmot, of a local meeting that did not culminate in a “Free-Soil Union;" Silas Wright wrote, great national organization. Other old-time “let us go back to Thomas Jefferson's appel- | Republicans have pointed to Edwin D. Hurl- lation, when he antagonized the Federalists but, of Oconomowoc, as the sponsor of the and re-establish the old Democratic-Repub- party, for at its first convention, held at Mad- lican party." ison, he offered the resolution which gave it These letters were all placed at the dis- its name. The first Republican convention posal of the committee on resolutions, and in Wisconsin was held at Madison on July when the question came up to fill the blank | 13th, and the call was dated July 9, 1854. for a name, Zephaniah B. Knight, a member This convention had the advantage of the of the committee and the editor of the Pon- results of the Jackson convention, and copied tiac Gazette, made a motion to fill it with its declaration in one of its resolutions as the single word “Republicans." Mr. Knight's follows: motion was adopted, and to him belongs the "Resolved, that we accept the issue forced honor of suggesting the simple but compre- upon us by the slave power, and in defense hensive party name that has become so con- of freedom will co-operate and be known spicuous and historic among the names of as Republicans.” the political parties in this county. On July 19, 1854, the Anti-Nebraska and 182 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a Anti-Slavery men of Massachusetts held a It is true that the convention of July convention at Worcester and passed the fol- 6, 1854, was the development of a settlement lowing resolution : of feeling that impregnated the whole North, “Resolved, that, in co-operation with the and that the forces that gave it birth were friends of freedom in sister states, we hereby in no sense local. Similar movements were unite to form the Republican party of Massa- in progress in many other states, but it was chusetts." left to the men who congregated, in mid- In Vermont, July 13th, a similar state summer, from all parts of Michigan, to grasp convention closed its resolutions with this a great opportunity. They were optimistic declaration: enough to seize the great opportunity, to not “Being in favor of resisting, by all con- only act for the present, but to build for the stitutional means, the usurption of the prop- future, and it was this point and prescience agandists of slavery, we propose and re- that induced them to found the great party spectfully recommended to all the friends of of the future, on July 6, 1854, "under the freedoin in this and other states, to co-oper- oaks at Jackson." ate and be known as Republicans. A mass convention was held at Colum- STILL TO THE FRONT. bus, Ohio, July 13, 1854, which organized a campaign that swept the state that fall, but The results of the state election in 1854 the party did not formally adopt the name had given the Republicans of Michigan great Republican until the convention in 1855, that hopes of making it a national party, and early nominated Salmon P. Chase for governor. in 1855 steps were taken to secure unity of July 24th the Anti-Nebraska men and action among all the opponents of slavery in Whigs of Iowa held a state convention at all the states. With this end in view, the Burlington, and nominated James W. state central committee issued the following Grimes for governor and accepted the desig- call: nation of Republicans. These were the first states to officially accept the party name. All the others ran tickets headed “Union" or More than a year has passed away since the day “Anti-Nebraska,” and Pennsylvania did not upon which the friends of human liberty and the adopt the name Republican until 1860 in the opponents of the further extension of slavery met Lincoln-Douglas campaign. together at Jackson, and, casting behind them all Senator Chandler, in the senate, in Sep- previous party ties, struck hands together in mutual ' alliance. tember 14, 1859, claimed priority of both The act repealing the Missouri Compromise, and for Michigan. Senator Henry Wilson, in his destroying the line of freedom consecrated by it, had book, “The Rise and Fall of the Slave Power stirred to their profoundest depths the hearts of the in America,” after a thorough investigation electors of the state, who, being made conscious how unstable and treacherous all previous reliance upon of the different local claims, gives Michigan the two leading party organizations had proved, de- termined for themselves thenceforward to know no credit for the first organized effort to form party except that which should make freedom the a new party, and gives credit for priority to principal object of its organization, and should recog- the Jackson convention. nize opponents only among her enemies. TO THE REPUBLICANS OF MICHIGAN: JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 183 AT In this independent organization Michigan took the lead of all other states, and originated the work of a revolution and reorganization of parties. She entered the canvass which immediately followed un- der the fresh flag of her newly associated strength- she bore it gallantly onward through the contest, unintimidated by opposition—undismayed by treach- ery—undeterred by misgivings. Strength of heart gave her strength of arm; inflexible purpose inspired her steps with majesty; a strong confidence and un- hesitating, steady advance reinforced her ranks. She triumphed, and as the brilliant sun of victory shot its rays from out dark clouds which had so long hung threatening above, they fell upon the bright, fresh folds of the Republican flag. Other sovereign states have, one after another, acknowledged before the world that their first politi- cal obligation is due to human freedom, and have taken upon themselves the Republican name and organization, as an outward emblem of their faith. Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and Maine have thrown aside the vain trappings of mock war- fare, and stand upon the arena, girt with power, for a death struggle upon a living issue. The busy note of preparation sounds throughout the great camp of the Empire State, and upon her all eyes, wait, and in her freedom's hopes center. A bold defiance has already rung out on the plains of Ohio, and the steady advance of the mighty hosts of freedom shakes the ground. It has been thought advisable by the Republican state central committee of Michigan, in view of the magnitude of the issue, its absorbing character and the near approach of the presidential campaign, when for the first time it must be put to the test as a national question, that a convention of the Repub- lican masses of Michigan be held preparatory to further detailed organization, to give an opportunity for a full and free interchange of views, to further the ends of consolidation and assimilation, and, lastly, to evince to those who sympathize with us and with freedom, in other states, that Michigan, the first to take the field, will be the last to leave it, and that the fruits of the Republican organization with her have been harmony, unity, efficient effort and triumphant success. In view of the objects of the great cause which binds us together, the mem- bers of this committee unanimously concur in ex- pressing the hope that the friends of freedom and of the Republican organization and its objects in Michigan, will meet together at Kalamazoo on Wednesday, the 12th day of September next, at 12 o'clock noon, then and there to take such further measures as may be by them deemed appropriate. RUFUS HOSMER, S. P. MEAD, F. C. BEAMAN, G. W. LEE, D. MCINTYRE, JOHN MCKINNEY, W. R. NOYES, PLINY POWERS, I. P. CHRISTANCY, State Central Com. DETROIT, August 1, 1855. The following is in part the record of this mass convention, taken from the Kala- mazoo Telegraph of the succeeding day: REPUBLICAN CONVENTION KALAMAZO0—6,000 FREEMEN IN COUNCIL--No MORE SLAVE STATES- NO MORE SLAVE TERRITORY-FREEDOM TO BE NA- TIONAL-SLAVERY SECTIONAL. KALAMAZOO, Sept. 12. The convention assembled at noon, and was called to order by R. Hosmer, Esq., chairman of the state central committee. On motion R. Hosmer, of Detroit, was ap- pointed chairman, and Geo. A. Fitch, of Kalamazoo, secretary, for the purpose of a temporary organiza- tion. On motion a committee of one from each judi- cial district was appointed to report permanent offi- cers for the convention, as follows: J. M. Howard, Wayne; A. Blair, Jackson; James Sullivan, Cass; C. W. Hobart, Lenawee; W. M. McConnell, Oak- land; G. M. Dewey, Genessee; J. McKinney, Van Buren; A. B. Turner, Kent. The convention then adjourned to meet at half past I o'clock. AFTERNOON SESSION.-The convention reassem- bled at Firemen's Hall. The hall was filled to over- flowing, and many crowded the different entrances, unable to get within seeing, much less hearing, dis- tance of the stand. The committee on permanent officers not being ready to report, the chairman read several letters which he had received from prominent men, includ- ing Cassius M. Clay, of Kentucky; William H. Seward, of New York; David Wilmot, of Penn- sylvania; Gov. James W. Grimes, of Iowa ; Hon. Thomas H. Benton, of Missouri; Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois; Samuel Galloway and Gov. Chase, of Ohio, closing with the following from United States Senator Sumner: BOSTON, Sept. 8, 1855. MY DEAR SIR :-My pleasant and instructive circuit through the west ended only yesterday on 184 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. my arrival at my home in Boston. Amidst many pressing cares, incidents to my protracted absence, I make haste to acknowledge the honor of your invitation, and to speed my profound regret that I cannot, according to your invitation, meet the Re- publicans of Michigan in their state convention, then and there, face to face, to exchange congratula- tions and confident hopes that the sectional party of slavery which now, in the livery of a false Democ- racy, dominates over the republic, will surely yield before our national party of freedom. Let the people comprehend the true issue, and they must be on our side; if they cannot compre- hend it, or, comprehending it, they hesitate, then are they wanting in backbone. As Republicans we go forth against the oligarchs of slavery. But if another name be needed for our organization, embracing the true, good and staunch men from all quarters, without regard to previous alliances, let it be called the Backbone party. Ever faithfully yours, CHARLES SUMNER. The committee on permanent organization re- ported as follows: For president, Hon. George A. Coe, Branch; vice-presidents, C. W. Hobart, of Adrian; C. Shanahan, of Cassopolis; J. M. Howard, De- troit; M. A. McNaughton, Jackson; J. McKin- ney, Lawton; Nathan Power, Farmington; N. G. Isbell, Howell; Lovell Moore, Grand Rapids; sec- retaries, George A. Fitch, Kalamazoo; C. V. De- Land, Jackson; Joseph Warren, Detroit; F. H. Bankin, Flint. Mr. Coe, on taking the chair, remarked that he knew that the convention did not call him to the chair to hear him make a speech, so he would sim- ply return his heartfelt thanks for the renewed token of confidence which this nomination gave him. Some little interruption was occasioned here, , as the crowd outside were unable to obtain a hear- ing and desired an adjournment to the Court House park. After some interlocutory conversation, the convention finally decided to remain, as the weather was very forbidding. On motion the following committee on resolu- tions was appointed : Rufas Hosmer, W. W. Mur- phy, Chas. Draper, E. Lakin Brown and Thomas D. Gilbert. The meeting was addressed by Hon. Henry Wilson, of Massachusetts. An editorial mention of his speech says: "Hon. Henry Wilson acquitted himself with great credit. Many were disappointed in the speak- er entirely. Being a self-made man, it was hardly expected he would evince the power, forecast and reliability which pervaded every part of the effort he made at Kalamazoo. He is indeed a powerful man, one who has not been too long in places of honor and power as to have forgotten altogether the feelings and the instincts of the people. Look at him in whatever light may be presented, the 12th of Sep- tember he made a host of friends in Michigan.” Owing to the drizzling rain, only a part of the assembled mass could be accommodated in the Fireman's Hall, and meetings were organized in the court house and in three other halls, all of which were filled to overflowing. These meetings were ad- dressed by Governor Bingham, who made one of his happiest efforts; by Zachariah Chandler in one of his earnest and fiery appeals; by Hon. Austin Blair in a masterly effort; by Henry Waldron, of Hillsdale; William A. Howard, of Detroit; Fran- cis W. Kellogg, of Grand Rapids; J. A. Hubbell, of the Upper Peninsula, and others. After Senator Wilson had finished his speech at the main meeting, the committee on resolutions made a long report, reaffirming the principles of the party, and concluding with the following: “Resolved, That we repeat the recommendation made at the Jackson convention, of July 6th, 1854, for a general convention, of the Republican party of the free states and of such of the other states as may see fit to be there represented, with a view to the adoption of more extended and effectual measures in resistance of the encroachments of slavery; and that a committee of five persons be appointed to correspond and co-operate with our friends in other states on the subject." The resolutions were adopted unanimously, and subsequently read in the other meetings and ap- proved by each. On motion a national committee of five was appointed to confer with like committees from other states respecting the calling of a national convention and forming a national Republican organization, as- follows: Hon. Jacob M. Howard, chairman; Zachariah Chandler, of Detroit; Fernando C. Bea- man, of Lenawee; David H. Walbridge, of Kala- mazoo; Francis W. Kellogg, of Kent. Five different meetings were held in the even- ing, addressed by the same speakers and, others, and at ten o'clock P. M., the assemblage dispersed with the utmost good feeling, and a firm determina- tion to uphold, now and forever, the rights of the states, and of the North—that no more aggression JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 185 will be submitted to; that freedom is and must be save the Union, emancipate the slaves, put national, and slavery sectional; that Kansas be down a gigantic rebellion, and to live, pro- restored to its original condition as free territory; and that not another acre of the possessions of this tect and preserve the country in spite of common country shall be polluted with the wither- treason, faction and the enduring political ing curse of human servitude. hatred of the leaders of southern pro-slavery sentiment. Michigan is entitled to the credit Here was the beginning of that great of being first in these great achievements, movement that culminated in the calling of and it is useless to try to rob her of the laurels the national convention in June, 1856, that the state has earned or to deny her patriotic , nominated Gen. John C. Fremont and Will- citizens praise for their foresight, boldness iam L. Dayton as the first national Republi- and devotion to the principles that led the can candidates, and the present organization nation up to the second great birth of free- of that grand old party, that was destined to dom. CHAPTER XII. EARLY BUSINESS MEN OF JACKSON. Michael Hogan was the first merchant in the medical department of the University in Jackson. He continued in the business of Michigan. about a year and sold out to Daniel Coleman John N. Dwight came to Jackson in 1833 in the fall of 1831, removing to a place called as à clerk for Daniel Dwight. About two Bristol, on the Chicago road. years later he bought out the store, and, with Daniel Coleman succeeded Hogan, in David F. Dwight, continued the business for 1831, and did business in a small frame twenty years. He was elected justice of the store for about a year, when he was acci- peace in 1836 and county treasurer in 1838 dentally killed, as heretofore related. and 1840. When P. B. Loomis came to The Coleman stock was, in 1833, pur- Jackson, he bought out D. F. Dwight, and he chased by Daniel Dwight, who brought with and John N. did business as Dwight & him his nephew, John N. Dwight, as a clerk, Loomis. The latter purchased the Kennedy a but soon sold out to the latter and his cousin, Steam Mills, and was afterwards in company David F. Dwight. But Daniel Dwight con- with the late C. W. Penny. Mr. Dwight re- tinued a citizen of Jackson and did business tired from business in 1850, but continued to for many years as a real estate broker and reside in Jackson until his death, which oc- money lender, and died about 1850. He had curred in 1853. He left two sons, John N. a daughter, who married Dr. Abram Sager, and Charles Fox, and a daughter, Lizzie, afterwards and for many years a professor who married George H. Gorham, of Mar- 186 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. shall, recently deceased. There was not til 1842, when the firm became E. S. & B. among the pioneer business men of Jackson W. Rockwell, continuing thus until 1849, a more pleasant, genial or honorable man when E. S. Rockwell went to California and than John N. Dwight. B. W. Rockwell returned to his farm in the David F. Dwight came to Jackson in south part of the town. 1834. He was a fine specimen of the old- Guy C. Gorham was the first man to style gentleman, and soon became a favorite. establish an exclusive grocery store, com- His father, Daniel Dwight, was a man of mencing business in 1837. He built a small , means, for those days, and David developed store on the north side of the public square, a disposition to make money. He acquired and opened up a stock of groceries, and con- considerable property in Jackson and later, tinued the business until his death, about about 1850, moved to Detroit, and became 1847. quite wealthy. He died about the time of Ford & Sons came in 1834 and began the Civil war, and left one son, Percy D. to make improvements on the east side of the Dwiglit, who, a few years since, erected the river. They built a frame store (now the , Dwight Block in commemoration of his Hawks-Angus road depot) in 1835, and put father, at the latter's old pioneer home. in a stock of goods with which to pay their William E. Perrine and his brother-in- men, who were building the dam, the saw and law, Charles H. Van Dorn, came to Jackson grist-mill, and digging the mill-race. from Elizabeth, New Jersey, in the fall of Walter Buddington came to Jackson in 1833, built a store on Main street, and opened 1835, and was for two years connected with a large stock of goods. Mr. Perrine was an the Fords, managing their store. In 1838 energetic and successful business man; and , he was connected with B. M. Rockwell for a did much towards improving and building time, and afterwards was cashier of the De- up the village. He purchased and cleared troit & St. Joseph Railroad Bank. In 1840 up farms, and was the leading spirit in in- he was in company with Warren N. Buck. ducing capitalists to erect a grist-mill, foun- He was one of the most active and public dry and other necessary industries to im-spirited citizens of the place. He was a jus- prove conditions. Van Dorn was a young tice of the peace, a school trustee, and di- and foppish fellow, the dude of the settle- rector, served as a supervisor, as town clerk, ment, but was popular with the ladies, and village recorder and trustee, was county quite an attraction in the store. Mr. Perrine clerk from 1848 to 1852, and later served as died in 1838, regretted by everybody. His city treasurer in 1863-5. partner and wife soon afterward moved back Warren N. Buck came here in 1839. He to New Jersey. was first in the employ of the Fords and Benjamin W. Rockwell and John G. afterwards in mercantile business with Wal- Wolffley, came from Cleveland, Ohio, in the ter Buddington, and subsequently with winter of 1838, bringing in loads of pork Henry H. Vandercook. He held office many and butter from Monroe. They purchased years as justice of the peace, was town clerk, . the Perrine & Van Dorn stock after Mr. Per- | supervisor, treasurer, and mayor of the city rine's death, and continued the business un- ' in 1867 and 1868. Mr. Buck was a quiet 1 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 187 a ator. man, but very capable, and always deservedly sequently became proprietor of the Exchange popular. He was also a member of the school Hotel, on the south side of the public square, board in District No. 17 for thirty years. and was for years a popular and successful George B. Cooper came to Jackson in Boniface. 1830, and was employed as a common labor- Mrs. John Wellman, who came here in er by Bennett & Thompson in building the 1831, was the first tailor, and had a monop- first dam and saw-mill. He was subsequent- oly of the business of cutting and making ly mail carrier and clerk in Dwight's store. men's garments for five or six years. In 1835 he, in connection with William D. Joshua Palmer came in in 1835 and es- Thornpson, started a small store or “shop," tablished himself with his brother in black- in which both lived as well as did business. smithing and wagon repairing. He was for In 1840 the firm of Cooper & Company was years one of our most prominent and re- one of the best and most reliable in the place. spected business men. Mr. Cooper was for ten or more years post- Thomas Trist, a colored man, came in master and in 1836 was elected state sen- the same year, and erected a large frame In 1838 he established the Jackson building west of Jackson street, part of which City Bank, and remained connected with it is still standing. is still standing. He was a blacksmith and until his death. He was appointed state did a flourishing business until his death, treasurer in 1844 and 1848, and in 1858 was about fifteen years later. Mr. Trist was the elected to congress, but lost his seat, by con- first colored man to settle in Jackson and test, to William A. Howard. Cooper came was always respected as an energetic, honest from Elizabeth City, New Jersey, where he and thrifty citizen. had wealthy and influential relations, but Chester Yale came to Jackson in 1834 preferred to carve out a reputation and for- from Penn Yan, New York, and established tune for himself, in which he was eminently the first tin shop in the city. He continued in successful. At the close of the Civil war business until his death, in 1845, and did he removed to St. Louis, Missouri, where a large business. Mr. Yale was a very re- he had large property interests, and where ligious man, and an active member of the he died. Congregational church. He built a large Major D. Mills came to Jackson in 1831, frame residence just east of Cooper street, and, with Christian Prussia, erected a large that had to be moved to accommodate the tannery on the corner of Jackson and Clin- | Michigan Central Railroad, and it still ton streets. They located here because oak stands just north of the track. bark was plentiful, but they soon found that William H. Barrett came in at the same bark was more plentiful than hides, and on time with Mr. Yale, and established a hard- account of the scarcity of the latter the busi- ware store. He did business about fifteen ness was a failure, and both abandoned it, years, when he removed to Joliet, Illinois. and, after much trouble and scandal, they also James Ganson came from Batavia, New abandoned the town. York, in 1833, and settled on a farm just William H. Monroe came to Jackson in east of town. It soon leaked out that he 1836 and began merchandising. He sub- was "a man with a story." He was wor- 188 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. The great shipful master of the Masonic lodge to which of the peace. He died in 1902 at the . age of James Morgan belonged, and was sheriff of ninety-two years. Genesee county when Morgan was kidnapped Lemuel C. House was a carpenter and and murdered. During the great anti-Ma- came to Jackson in 1832. He erected several sonic excitement he was indicted and tried of the early residences in the city, two of for murder, but was acquitted after lying in which still stand on the north side of Court- jail over a year. He sold out in New York land street, and one on Jackson street, known and came to Michigan. He lived very quiet- as the Walter Fish house. ly for a couple of years, but soon took an The Ford family were early settlers, and active part in politics and business. In com- did much to push the place along in the pany with Monroe & Clark, he established 'thirties. William and Jerry were the oldest the first foundry and machine shop, on the of the boys, and had charge of the Ford in- , ground now occupied by Holton & Wether- terests for ten or twelve years. Then John, wax, and cast the first plows, etc., made in Phineas and Benjamin were added, and the Jackson county. He was a genial man per- whole Ford contingent formed a heavy factor sonally, but a strong partisan, and frequently to be reckoned with for years. They were was addressed as the “old Morgan killer." | all all intelligent and active men. James Monroe was a young man and panic of 1837 crippled the Fords, and they came here to take charge of the new furnace, never recovered financially from its effects. as a moulder. He was a pleasant, genial, A strange fatality seemed to follow them, for stirring inan, and made a success of the busi- in the short space of six years they all died , a He sold his interest in the business in except one, and the family thus disappeared 1847, and went to Albion, where he estat- from the business record of the country. lished himself in business. Mr. Monroe Amasa B. Gibson came into the county in served several terms as a member of the leg- 1830, and first settled on a farm in the town islature, and four years as a United States of Spring Arbor. He early became promi- marshal of the western district of Michigan. nent in county affairs, and was elected sher- The Welling family came to Jackson in iff. He was commissioned to build the first 1833. Asa A. Welling established himself court house and jail and in 1844 became a as a harness-maker in a frame building north resident of the city, where he engaged in of the public square. His brother, Jared dealing in real estate, insurance and in tax Welling, was associated with him several titles. Mr. Gibson was always highly es- years, when he went to Niles. He was suc- teemed and popular, a leading church mem- ceeded by his son, Smith Welling, and he in ber and a very useful citizen. He served turn by his son, Fred Welling, in nearly the two terms as mayor of the city, and died same place. Lewis D. Welling started in as full of years, beloved and respected by every- a teamster, but soon developed into a politi- | body. cian. He begun as a constable, was a dep- Samuel H. Palmer came to Jackson in uty sheriff, jailer, sheriff, tax collector, and 1838. He built a large frame building on finally for twenty-four years was a justice 'Pearl street, and established a wagonmaking ness. a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 189 sons. mer, and blacksmith shop, which he conducted business with T. E. Lark until his death. successfully for over twenty years. He had He acquired a large landed property near a large family of boys, all of whom became what is now known as Vandercook's lake, useful citizens. Mr. Palmer served several part of which is still owned by one of his times as village trustee, and one term in the Mr. Vandercook was a man of fine state legislature. Three sons, David G. Pal- presence, great energy and business ability, Charles H. Palmer and Frank A. Pal- and his death, at an early age, was univer- mer, are still residents of Jackson. sally regretted. His sons, A. E., Charles Norman Allen came from Vergennes, H. and J. T., are still residents of Jackson. Vermont, to Jackson in 1831. He settled Mr. Vandercook was not a politician, but on a farm three miles east of the village, and was several years supervisor of his ward, opened a public tavern, afterwards known as and for twenty years a trustee in School the McArther tavern. He was elected District No. 17. county treasurer in 1838, and moved into the Chester Bennett settled in Jackson in city, where he resided up to the time of his 1832. His first business venture was to build , decease in 1878. Mr. Allen was several a saw-mill, three miles south, near Vander- years in the grocery trade, afterwards kept cook lake. He was a tanner by trade and a book and notion store, and for some years later established that business on the corner before his death was an insurance agent. of Clinton and Mechanic streets, and built Thomas J. Kent settled in Jackson in the three-story brick block on that location. 1834, and established himself in the grocery Mr. Bennett took an active part in religious trade. He afterwards ran a livery stable and inatters, and was one of the fathers of the later devoted himself to farming. Mr. Kent Congregational church. He was an honest, was the first man in the county to attempt to frank and candid man, and highly esteemed reclaim swamp lands. He purchased a tract for his probity, energy and generosity. It of swamp lands to the south of the village, was often said that Deacon Bennett was “a drained it, dug out the tamarack trees and man in whom there was no guile.” Few bushes, and made one of the finest farms men did more to build up Jackson in an early in the vicinity. This part of the city is now day than did Chester Bennett. known as the “Harmon property.” Lewis Bascomb came here in 1834. He Henry H. Vandercook settled in Jackson built a three-story frame tavern in 1835, in the spring of 1835. He was a machinist, where the Jackson City Bank now stands, and began work in the foundry of Ganson and for many years Bascomb's Tavern was a & Monroe, and soon after became one of the noted landmark in Jackson. It was de- firm. On the death of Ganson he became stroyed by fire in 1856, and Mr. Bascomb proprietor. Soon after he erected a card- erected a residence on Wildwood avenue, ing and woolen mill, which was run by Bur- in which he passed his declining years. tis Hoyt, afterward by Hoyt & Brigham. Paul B. Ring was another early settler, Mr. Vandercook later bought the old Bennett who came here in 1834. He purchased the mill property, three miles south of the city, Western Hotel, a stage house, and kept it and erected a flouring mill. He continued in for several years. He was president of the 190 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Jackson County Bank in 1837 and cut a Huyser, and others. In company with W. wide swath as a financier in the "wild-cat" D. Thompson and C. H. Knickerbocker, he days of 1837-8. Later he was a stage pro- built a large steam flouring-mill, now known prietor and farmer, and in 1850 he removed as the Eldred Mill. He was also a promoter to Chicago and became an insurance agent. and large stockholder in the Smith Purifier He died there in 1863. Company. He left a large estate at his death, Allen Bennett came to Michigan in 1835 which was caused by apoplexy, in 1882. and to Jackson in 1836. He purchased real Joseph G. R. Blackwell was one of the estate and engaged in merchandising, which pioneer merchants of Jackson, who has been he relinquished two years later to his sons, mentioned fully in other pages. Alonzo and Allen, Jr., but he continued to Martin B. and John W. Medbury became reside in Jackson until his death. settlers in 1835, and were for ten years Alonzo Bennett came here in 1836 and prominent merchants and business men. They commenced clerking in his father's store. built the first brick block of two stores in Two years later the business passed into the the place on ground now occupied by the hands of himself and brother, and was con- Allen Bennett block. They were succeeded tinued for a number of years. When the by the firm of Sumner & Bennett, and re- a Michigan Central Railroad reached Jackson, moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where both in 1842, Mr. Bennett erected a large ware- spent the remainder of their lives. house and embarked in business with a Mr. The location of the Michigan state prison Sackett. A few years later he again em- in Jackson brought a large number of new barked in the dry-goods trade. Later he residents and business men to Jackson in engaged in the foundry business with 0. C. 1836-7-8, and greatly increased its prestige Morton. The latter was killed by an acci- and trade. Not all these pioneers can be dent, when Mr. Bennett succeeded to the called by name now, but a few of the most business, which was later turned over to his prominent deserve notice. oldest son. Both Alonzo and Allen Bennett, Henry Acker was an early settler in Jr., were very successful in business mat- Concord, but became a resident of Jackson ters, and have each monuments in some of in 1838. He was a man of unusual ability the best and most successful business blocks and breadth of character and filled a large in the city. Mr. Bennett is entitled to the place in local and state affairs. He served record as the oldest continuous resident of two terms as a representative in the legisla- the city, he never having left it for a day ture, and at the session of 1840 was speaker since 1836. He is still living in the city at of the house. Being a strong Whig, the the age of eighty-five years. political superiority of the Democracy kept Allen Bennett, Jr., after separating from him from further public service. His eldest his brother, was many years in business as daughter married a Doctor Rice, who was Bennett & Sumner. He was also engaged afterwards a United States senator from largely in the lumber and manufacturing Minnesota, to which state both Mr. Acker business with the late A. P. Woods, Silas and his son-in-law removed in 1845. Mr. , JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 191 Acker was a state senator and held other residence is now the home of the Woman's positions of trust in Minnesota prior to his Christian Temperance Union on Main street. death in 1859. Mr. Porter was a member of the Congrega- Henry B. Lathrop came to Jackson in tional church, and a stanch supporter of re- 1837, being the owner of a large tract of ligion and morality. During the time the land on the east side of the river, including Maine law was in vogue, he was elected vil- , part of the prison site and north of it. Its lage marshal, and signalized the first week was largely to Mr. Lathrop's exertions and of his official career by closing every place influence that Jackson was indebted for the where liquor was sold in the village. When location of the prison. He was an ardent justice of the peace, Joseph B. Pierce, in a politician of the Whig school, and was elect- case brought before him, decided the pro- ed a representative to the legislature in 1839. hibitory law unconstitutional,” “Uncle Ben” He built a commodious residence on the cor- said it was only “a brevet supreme court," ner of Blackstone and Clinton streets. He and paid no attention to the justice's rulings. removed from Jackson to Ionia in 1850, Once the village trustees ordered that all , when he died in 1898, the last of his family, dogs found running at large without muz- at the age of eighty-eight years. zles on a certain day, should be shot by the Edwin H. Lathrop, a brother of the village marshal. Promptly on the day desig- above, came in 1837, and had the contract nated “Uncle Ben" sallied out with his to build the west wing of the prison. He re- double-barrelled shot-gun and soon cleared mained in Jackson until his death, which the streets of all unmuzzled dogs. While a occurred in 1849. man of great force of will and determination, Benjamin Porter came to Jackson in the he was a kind hearted, genial person and a spring of 1838, as commissioner to superin- popular and respected citizen. Two of Mr. tend the building of the state prison. He Porter's children are still residents of Jack- held the position two years, when he was son, Benj. Porter, Jr., and Mrs. A. P. superseded by David Adams. He continued Woods. to reside in Jackson until his death, engag- Aruna P. Woods was a son-in-law of ing as a contractor and builder, and holding Mr. Porter and came to Jackson with him. several public offices. “Uncle Ben” was a He was a carpenter, and had charge of the bluff, energetic and stirring man, highly re- timber work of the prison. He was also as- spected by all. In 1847 he secured the con- sociated with Mr. Porter in the construction tract to build the first state capitol, at Lan- of the first capitol building. Later for many sing, and though the time was short he had years he was associated with “June” Bennett the building completed on time. All the in the lumber business. Mr. Woods was an lumber had to be hauled from Saginaw active church member and worker, and stood | county by teams, and the stone, lime and high as an honest and capable business man. brick from Jackson, also on wagons. Mr. His wife and two daughters are still residing Porter erected a large brick block on the in the city. south side of the public square, which at that Benjamin G. Mosher was one of the men period was the finest in the place. His old who came to Jackson as a worker on the 192 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. new prison. He was a mason and plasterer body. In all his long business career he a and was largely engaged as such until his never had an altercation or a law-suit and his death. He had the contract to do the plaster-chief pride was that everybody called him ing on the best brick blocks in Jackson, in- "Honest Jo." cluding the first Baptist church. He was Oliver C. Mosher was one of the settlers twice elected mayor, in 1872 and '73. He in 1836. He was a machinist and foundry- was for many years one of the best known man, and, in company with B. W. Rockwell and most highly esteemed residents of our and Alonzo Bennett, erected buildings and city. established a business on Main street just Wright Chittock came to Jackson in east of the First Methodist church. Mr. 1836, almost directly from London, Eng- Mosher was an educated, courteous and land, and established himself as a tailor, Christian gentleman, and soon built up a a which business he followed until his decease. large business. He was killed by an acci- . He was father to Dr. Gordon Chittock, for dent in the foundry in 1845. The big fly- many years and still practicing his profession wheel had become loose on the shaft and Mr. in this city, as is also his grandson, Dr. Mosher was engaged in making it tight, Wright Chittock. when the engine was inadvertently started Barnett F. Eggleston was another of the and the crank-pin struck him on the head, settlers in 1838. “Frank," as he was always causing instant death. His son, George H. called, was one of the lively boys, and no Mosher, is well known as a former promi- citizen was more widely known or better nent dentist of the city, but who is now liv- liked. From a journeyman tailor he ex- ing in the state of Colorado. panded into a clothing merchant, and for Albert Stiles was a true pioneer. He came thirty years he was a leading dealer in this with his father when only two years old. line of goods. His jovial disposition and They settled on a farm three miles west of fine ability as a singer made him a universal town. When Albert was only eight years favorite, and few residents of this city were old his father died, leaving a wife and five more missed or more sincerely mourned than children, Albert being the oldest. He re- Frank Eggleston. mained on the farm with his mother until Joseph B. Tomlinson came to the city in after man grown, assisting her to bring up 1839 and began work for J. W. Glidden, the the family. He worked barefoot summers, . pioneer jeweler, who came in 1834. Mr. driving the oxen and putting in crops, and Tomlinson bought out his employer in 1841, attended school in the winter. There were and continued in business until his death, in many days of hardship and much poverty 1901. Mr. Tomlinson was for many years for the Stiles family in those years, but Al- connected with the fire department, was bert toiled bravely on, and was faithful to prominent in Masonic and fraternal orders, his duties and to his mother and brothers and was remarkable for his regular habits, and sisters. In 1864 he moved into the and the peculiarity that he would never wear city, where he engaged in the manufacture of an overcoat. But he was an excellent citi- gloves and mittens, which he continued for zen, and was beloved and respected by every- 'three years. He then engaged in the grocery JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 193 business. In 1879 he was elected treasurer 1854, and was an active agent in forming of the city, the only public elective office he the Republican party. Governor Bingham ever held. In 1880 he purchased an interest made him warden at the state prison, where in the Jackson Ice Company and became he instituted many necessary reforms in dis- treasurer and manager of the company, re- cipline and in the economy of management. taining that office until some five years ago. He held the place for four years, and was In May, 1864, the Jackson Corset Company succeeded by William L. Seaton. When the was organized, Mr. Stiles becoming its presi- war broke out Governor Blair appointed Mr. dent, an office he held until his death. Dur- Hammond paymaster-general, and he dis- ing the last five years of his life he gave his bursed many thousands of dollars for boun- entire time to the duties of that office. Mr. ties and to pay the state troops, and was Stiles was united in marriage, July 9, 1868, a careful, correct and scrupulously honest with Miss Rozella Rowan, who survives official. He died in 1866. He had several , him. He leaves also an adopted son. Out- daughters, one of whom was Mrs. George side of business niatters Mr. Stiles was per- H. Mosher, and one son, J. T. Hammond, haps most prominent in Masonic circles. He who is now filling his fourth term as pro- was a member of Michigan Lodge No. 50, bate judge of the county. Free and Accepted Masons; Jackson Chap- William P. and Latian Kassick came ter No. 3, Royal Arch Masons; Jackson in 1839, and opened a dry-goods store and Commandery No. 9, Knights Templar, and continued in business together until 1858, Moslem Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He when W. P. Kassick died. Lathan Kassick was also a thirty-third degree Mason. He continued in business until 1879, when he has held nearly every office in the various retired, his death occurring about 1893. His orders, the last one being that of grand emi- widow still survives and is one of the most , nent commander of the grand commandery esteemed ladies in the city. For many years of Michigan, Knights Templar. He was also she has been one of the foremost church a member of Amity Council, Royal Arca- workers and takes especial interest in mis- Albert Stiles was a good business sionary and charitable work. Strictly honest and honorable in all Levi P. Gregg was a pioneer of 1838, and his transactions, he had succeeded in amass- for many years served the public as a tailor. ing a competence. He was a progressive He was an active and progressive man, and man and was deeply interested in the growth made his mark in politics, being city treasur- and prosperity of his native city. In poli- er, register of deeds, and holding other posi- tics, !ie was a radical Republican, and al- tions. His two sons enlisted in the Union though refusing to accept office himself, he | army: one is now in the State Soldiers' ' was for many years a leader in the councils Home, and his youngest daughter is the of his party. As a friend Mr. Stiles was sin- wife of Supervisor E. H. Howell, of this cere and constant. city. Mr. Gregg was an earnest and patriot- William Hammond originally settled in ic citizen, and through his long business ca- Eaton county, where he held the office of reer was well liked and popular. courty treasurer. He came to Jackson in George Byrne came to Jackson in 1838, num. man. 13 194 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. and engaged in teaching school. In 1840 the city itself, the old "Merriman Store” he was elected register of deeds and held the was a fixture of the place. office for two years. He was then chosen Frederick W. Kirtland was an early set- a justice of the peace and held this office ten tler, coming here in 1842. He kept a retail years, or until his decease. One of his sons, store on the south side of the public square Gilbert R. Byrne, was employed for many for many years, when he retired to a farm years in the Jackson City Bank, and died just east of the city, where the Central Rail- two years ago. A son, Benj. Byrne, Byrne, road Junction shops now stand. Mr. Kirt- is still in the bank, and a daughter is the wife land made a success of raising and selling of Ald. George W. Scotford, the well known sheep, and was for twelve years town clerk local editor of the Daily Citizen. of the town of Sunimit. Later he moved into Samuel W. Whitwell came to Jackson the city and resided on the corner of Jackson county in 1838, and established himself as and Biddle streets, where he died some two à merchant in the village of Leoni. In years since. 1845 le transferred his business to Jackson, William Jackson settled in Leoni in 1837 and was a leading merchant for ten or more and kept store. He also built a mill and a years, until he turned the store over to Will- distillery. These he ran for years, until the iam M. Bennett, and started a private bank, temperance wave resulted in prohibition, which afterwards became Whitwell & when he left Leoni and came to Jackson, Loomis, later still P. B. Loomis & Com- where he was engaged in the grocery trade. . pany, and after the death of William D. Mr. Jackson was prominent as a Whig and Thompson was merged with the Jackson Republican, ran several times for the legis- City Bank. In 1859 Mr. Whitwell removed | lature, and was mayor of the city in 1859. to New York and opened a wholesale com- He was familiarly known as “the General," mission house on Whitehall street. He re- and was a devotee of the stage. His store tired in 1890 and soon afterward died at was always the favorite resort of all who Aiker, South Carolina, where he had gone wanted “fresh garden seeds” and “Court- for his health. Many old settlers will re- land county cheese." member “Sam” Whitwell as a most genial, Daniel Hodgkins came to Jackson in but dignified, gentleman. He was very pop-1831, with his parents. He started at the ular personally, and it was said of him that age of seventeen teaching school, and in he saved more farmers from being sold out 1840 started in trade in the grocery busi- on mortgages than any other man in Jackson ness. By energy and thrift he extended his county. pursuits to dry goods, grain and wool buy- Denman T. Merriman came from Au- | ing and finally banking. He built the two burn, New York, in 1837, and established brick stores, corner of Main and Jackson 2 dry-goods store where the Dwight block streets, on the old public square and for now stands. In 1840 he built a brick block, years was one of the foremost business men and with his brothers, Charles E., Levi and in the county. In 1857 the failure of the William, who succeeded him at his death, re- Bank of River Raisin, at Adrian, with tained the store for thirty years. Next to which he was connected, caused a collapse a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 195 that was fatal to his business interests, good musician and organized the first brass He removed to Chicago in 1868 and later band in the city about 1842 and was its to St. Louis, where he died in December, leader for twenty-five years. He was al- 1902, aged eighty-four years. ways quite prominent in local affairs, but Joseph C. Bailey was an early pioneer, was a Whig, and being very frank and in 1833, and taught the first school on the positive in his opinions and expressions, was east side of the river. He was a justice of not a success as an office getter or holder. the peace, register of deeds and in 1847 | But Jackson had few better all-around good became deputy state treasurer, and died in citizens in his day than Mr. Foster. Lansing in 1856. James M. Gilbert came in 1835 and William Jessup was an early merchant, established a saddle and harness shop. He the firm of Green & Jessup first appearing was a very energetic man and soon built in 1836. They came from Buffalo. But up a fine business. But the climate did not they did not last long, as their firm dis- agree with him, and in 1842 he sold out appeared during the panic of 1838-9, Mr. to Mr. Albert Howe, and soon afterward Green, the Buffalo end of it, having failed died a victim of consumption. , in that city. Michael Norris came to Jackson in 1834 Daniel Porter settled in Jackson in 1835. and established the first cooper shop. He He was a mason by trade, and was one of cut the oak trees for his first stock of staves the stálwart type of Connecticut pilgrims. along Oak street. He continued the busi- He settled in the south part of the village, ness until his death, some eight years ago. at the corner of Jackson and Franklin He had a large family and some of his sons streets. His family consisted of five are among the present business men of the girls, all fine, well educated and relig- city. ious ladies. Some old residents will re- Henry A. Hayden was a native of member these women as wives of Francis Otsego county, New York. He came to Woodbury, Ichabod Cole, Charles S. John- | Michigan in 1837, and was employed as an son, of Jackson, and W. F. Hollister, of assistant civil engineer on the Central Rail- Chicago. Of the Woodbury children one road, in which capacity he first came to son became quite noted as a preacher, and Jackson in the winter of 1838. He spent the other died in the naval service during the most of his time here until the road was Civil war, and the daughter married the sold by the state in 1847. He purchased Rev. John Montieth. Mrs. Cole's only the old Vandercook Mill property, and a daughter became the wife of the late John | few years later the Ford Mills in the city, M. Root, and is still a resident of the city of and engaged in the manufacture of flour. Jackson. In 1851 the firm became Hayden & Reyn- Albert Foster came to Jackson in 1838 olds. In 1854 they purchased the Kennedy and established a blacksmith shop on Jack-Steam Mill from P. B. Loomis and became son street, where he continued business until the leading millers in central Michigan, his death, in 1868. Mr. Foster was a putting out upwards of five hundred bar- prominent citizen all his life. He was a rels per day. Both their mills burned down, 196 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. and Mr. Hayden turned his attention to and several fraternal orders, and was a most other business, principally banking and estimable man and a good citizen. railroad building He was one of the John H. Jenkins came to Jackson in original stockholders of the Peoples Nation-1835. He built a store on the south side al Bank, organized in 1861, and was its of Main street and a residence on Courtland president up to the time of his death. He street, and opened a shoe store and shop. was also one of the original promoters of For some years he did a good business, but , the Jackson, Lansing & Saginaw Railroad he had a strong appetite for drink. He lost Company, and retained a large interest in his business and his property, and became a that. He died in 1899 and left a large common drunkard. At last the poor fortune to his son and daughters. He was authorities took him in charge, and finally prominently connected with the Episcopal he was sent to the poor house, a victim of church, and to his liberality that society is appetite, where he died. very largely indebted for its prosperity. George H. Gardiner was an arrival of Mr. Hayden was a quiet man, of a con- 1834, starting in as a grocer. Two years servative and even temper, quick and de- later he changed his business into a saloon. cisive in his methods, but extremely liberal Then for the first time the denizens of Jack- in his views and dealings. He represented son saw the real thing—the large mirrors, the district in the legislature in 1863, and the fine counters, and the long rows of bot- was twice elected mayor of the city. Few | tles. The saloon soon became the regular men who have ever lived in Jackson have resort of the drinking population and many been so universally esteemed as a citizen hilarious times were reported. Not that it or business man, or whose loss was more had been at all hard to obtain liquor, for generally regretted. all the merchants kept it for sale by the jug Silas W. Stowell came from Detroit to full, and nearly all kept a black quart bot- Jackson in 1836, and opened a grocery store tle under a counter out of which customers on the public square. When the prison was were treated, but this was stale, compared located Mr. Stowell secured the contract with the gorgeous saloon. Gardiner pros- for supplying the prisoners, and built a pered apace. Finally he sold an interest store on the east side of Mechanic street, to his brother-in-law, Reynolds, and soon a few rods south of that institution, and after retired from business and removed to carried on business there for a number of Chicago. years. Later he moved back into Main Erastus Champlin came in 1836, and en- street, and continued business until 1865. gaged to work in Ford's mill. He remained Mr. Stowell was a factor of no inconsider- | in their employ for six years, when he went able quantity in the growth of Jackson. He to Jefferson to start the flouring mill there. built a large number of buildings, and Later he was connected with the Spring several brick blocks. He lived to the age of Arbor Mills, and at Jonesville and Homer, ninety-six years, and died in 1896. He was also at other places in the state. He had a member of the Congregational society, a good reputation as a miller, and it was JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 197 . said of him that he was strictly honest, in his whole business life in the Jackson flour- fact that “he never harbored a thief in his ing mills. He died in 1878, much regretted, mill, or over-tolled the farmer's grist.” for he was a genuine, good, all-round man. Columbus C. Darling was a settler of James A. Dyer came to Jackson in 1834, 1834. He started a farm about where P. and first engaged as a clerk for B. W. Rock- B. Loomis resides, but afterward became a well, and other merchants. Later he be- contractor, builder and merchant, and a came one of the firm of Dyer & Derby, and hotel keeper. In 1847 he removed to Lans- for several years they did a thriving busi- ing, where he engaged in hotel keeping, as ness. He was a natural-born politician and the original proprietor of what was later soon became a leader in the Whig party. the Hudson House. He died there, hav- He was elected town clerk, county clerk, ing acquired a considerable property in that sheriff and for many years was a justice of city. the peace. He was a very genial man, and John Rodgers removed from Penn Yan, was known as “the man with the perpetual New York, to Jackson in 1838, to take smile." He was a leading Mason and Odd charge of the Ford Mills, which he ran for Fellow, and one of the most popular men about twenty-five years. He was a tall, a tall, personally that ever lived in Jackson county. good looking man, very popular and an ex- He lived and died as "a man without an cellent miller. Mr. Hayden used to say enemy.” that his success was largely due as a miller Gordon Case was one of the men who to John Rogers' sagacity and good judg- came to work on the state prison in 1838. ment in handling the mills. He erected He was a master builder, had a subcontract the first brick dwelling house in the city, at for the cell work in the west wing He was the corner of Mechanic and Ganson streets, a large, jolly, good natured man, and held where he lived until his death, in 1862. a high place in the community for many Nathan Russ came in 1831, and located years. He built a large brick house on the at the junction of Granson and East Main corner of Main and Cooper streets, was a streets. He built a big double log tavern, leading member of the Congregational and his wife was an excellent landlady, church and held several places of trust in "the Russ tavern” soon becoming a famous the village. He erected, among other build- place. It was a favorite resort for young ings, the old church on the west side of the people, and not a few of the rising gen- public square, a double brick house on Cort- erations learned to "trip the light fan- land street, recently torn down to make tastic toe” to the music of "Uncle Nathan's room for the new telephone building. In fiddle," ate their fill of “Aunt Jemima’s” | his after years he suddenly shocked all his doughnuts and pumpkin pies. It seems as friends by deserting his family and leaving if I'd like to try it over again, once more. the city. It was afterwards learned that Wesley Jenkins was a “thirty-niner”, he was in Texas, the land that Gen. Phil and although a mere boy began work as an Sheridan said was worse than “Sheol.” assistant to John Rogers in the Ford Mills. Robert Blaine was another man brought Wesley was a fine, genial fellow and spent here to work on the new prison. He was 198 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. an Englishman, a stone cutter and mason, two sons have succeeded to his business in- an ambitious and intelligent workman and | terests, and are amply capable of carrying a good citizen. He purchased a lot on the them on successfully. corner of Main and Mill streets, and erected Samuel O. Knapp came to Jackson in a two-story brick building on the site of the 1844, and took charge of the manufactur- old Heord House, which was used for a ing of woolen goods in the state prison. In hotel and called the Tremont House. His 1848 he went to Lake Superior and took wife was a milliner and opened the first shop charge of the valuable “Minnesota" mine, in in that line in one of the stores of the which he was largely interested, and from Tremont, carrying on the business for which he derived a competence. Mr. Knapp nearly twenty years, when she suddenly was for many years a member of the board disappeared with Gordon Case and spent of public works, and president of the school the balance of her life in Texas. Blaine took board of district No. I for several years. to drink and soon after died, and the Tre- He gave much attention to horticulture, and mont burned up, and these incidents gradu- was an active and valuable member of the ally passed out of mind. State Pomological Society. He was in poli- Wiley R. Reynolds came to Jackson in tics a Republican, and one of the pillars of 1840, as an employe of the Great Western the Methodist church in Jackson, of which Stage Company. After working for the denomination he had been a member for company about six months, he purchased an forty-six years. His death, in 1886, was interest in Gardner's saloon, selling it out greatly regretted. in 1842, after which he engaged in the gro- W. W. Langdon was an early settler, cery trade. In 1844, he and his brother dating back to 1835. He was a carpenter William B. added dry goods. ' In 1856 the and cabinetmaker, and had his shop at the firm changed to W. R. & S. C. Reynolds. corner of Jackson and Clinton streets. He William B. removing to the village of Nor- was a splendid workman and a good citizen. vill, where he engaged in trade and milling. He left a family of three daughters, two of In 1857 Mr. Reynolds became a partner whom, Mrs. J. W. Jones and Mrs. T. J. with Mr. Hayden in the milling business, Conely, still reside in the city. which partnerstrip lasted until Mr. Hayden's Eathan H. Rice became a resident in death. The dry goods business was sold in 1837, and engaged in the hardware business, 1880 to L. H. Fields, S. C. Reynolds re- the firm being Rice & Bennett. Later he moving to Toledo, where he still resides. was joined by his brother, George F. Rice, Mr. Reynolds was interested in the for- and they did business together. Subse- mation of the Peoples' National Bank and quently the firm became Rice, Pratt & Gil- on Mr. Hayden's death succeeded to the son, and later still Rice & McConnell. Both presidency, which he held until his death, the Rice brothers were for years among in 1902. Mr. Reynolds was interested in our most esteemed citizens and both passed many lines of business, was the heaviest away greatly to the regret of their fellow real estate owner in the city, as well as in townsmen. the cement plant at Cement City. His Charles W. Penny came from Detroit a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 199 to Jackson in 1840, and engaged in merch- | 1840, and opened a , and opened a store in Michigan andising, which he followed for nearly Center. In 1842 he removed to Jackson as fifty years. He was a man of fine presence, a member of the firm of Ollendorph & great scholarship, stanch integrity and suc- Root, which continued for eight years, when cessful business ability. He was the he became interested in real estate. He was founder of the Young Men's Association, a member of the village council, and an of which for years he was president, and alderman under the city organization. He of the Jackson Public Library. He was an was representative in the legislature in active Odd Fellow, and passed all the chairs 1859. Elected mayor in 1860, and post- of the subordinate and grand lodge of the master during Lincoln's first term. He was state. He was an active member of the nine years on the board of inspection of the Episcopal church and was for forty years state prison, and filled other public po- one of the wardens. He was always deep- sitions. Mr. Root was one of the principal ly interested in school matters, serving promoters of the Grand River Railroad many years as trustee. Mr. Penney retired Company. He purchased a tract of one a from business in 1880, and died only a few thousand two hundred acres of “the Portage years since in Ann Arbor. Marshes," and transferred it into a first- George D. Brown came to Michigan in class dairy farm. He was also one of the 1848, when he was barely of age. He founders of the People's National Bank, established a book store, and by his per- and engaged in many other enterprises. severance and energy was soon the lead- Few men in Jackson filled a more important ing dealer outside of Detroit. The Brown place in the progress of the city than Amos book store is still a prominent feature in Root during his lifetime. Jackson, and is carried on by his wife and Jerome B. Eaton was an early settler in son, Irving D. Brown. Adrian, but came to Jackson in 1841, and Charles R. Knickerbocker came to Jack- | entered into the grocery trade with Mr. son in 1845, with his father, and engaged in Knickerbocker. He was an active and ca- the grocery business. For some years the pable business man and soon had a strong firm of Eaton & Knickerbocker was the influence as a business man and a politician. largest wholesale dealers in central Michi- He was president of the village in 1846, gan. Later he engaged with Allen Bennett supervisor of the township several years, and W. D. Thompson in milling, and was and representative in the legislature in 1857. interested in the Smith Purifier Company. Later he turned his attention to real estate At present he is president of the Knicker- and was one of the proprietors of the Liver- bocker Company, manufacturing all kinds more, Wood & Eaton Addition in the third of flour-mill machinery. Mr. Knicker- | ward. He was one of the promoters of the bocker has for several years been afflicted Air Line Railroad Company and was presi- with a paralysis that confines him to his dent of the organization until his death. house, much to his own regret and that of Colonel Eaton was connected with the Jack- his friends. son Mutual Insurance Company when it did Amos Root came to Jackson county in a large business in Ohio, Indiana and Illi- 200 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. nois, and connected with other interests and Iron Company, on Lake Superior, and re- trusts. He was a man of probity, of great tained an interest that furnished a compe- business shrewdness and very highly tence. Francis W. served the old fourth esteemed by all his fellow citizens. ward for several terms as alderman, and Warren N. Choate came to Jackson was later engaged in real estate business. in 1840 and established himself in the hard- The family are all dead, though some of ware trade, which he conducted for twenty the children still reside in the city. years with great success. He also dealt William S. Tomlinson came to Jackson largely in real estate. He served two in 1840. He was an engineer and machin- terms as village trustee, but was never very ist, and became connected with the old actively identified with politics. He erected Jackson Foundry. He was an active man, several brick blocks and did much to en- and served on the village council several hance the growth of the city. His only son years. He purchased a farm in the east is a, banker at Dowagiac, while his two part of the city on which is now the Michigan daughters, Mrs. Robinson and Mrs. Benj. | Central Junction shops and Carr's ad- Newkirk, still reside in the city. dition. His only daughter was the wife of Philip Thurber came from Rochester, F. W. Carr. He died in 185 New York, in 1842, and became associated William Norris came to Jackson in with Mr. Choate in the hardware and real 1841, in the employ of the Central Railroad estate business. He was an energetic and Company, and continued there until his hustling man and soon gained a large in- | death, in 1868. He served in all stations fluence in the community. He was a promi- from watchman at the round house up to nent member of the Congregational church the local passenger and freight agent, and and did much towards its upbuilding. He was a very useful and popular citizen. He was for years the active man in the old was an alderman of the first ward and a Jackson Mutual Insurance Company, and member of the school board for eight years. as its active manager and general agent He had no children, but he adopted and built up an immense business. He acquired brought up no less than seven orphan girls, a competence and removed and removed to Detroit, and it was his especial pride to be seen where he spent his last days. walking or driving about town with his John S. Carr came from Machias, splendid family of daughters. Maine, in 1837, and settled in Jackson. He Burtis Hoyt came from Connecticut in had three sons, Francis W., George and 1837, and took charge of the Jackson Thayer, and two daughters who became Mrs. Woolen Mills, which he operated many W. B. Reynolds and Mrs. J. M. Humphrey. years. He was a model of induśtry and Mr. Carr was a contractor and died in probity, and a sincere Christian gentleman. 1846. Francis W. engaged in the hardware | One of his sons, Jacob Hoyt, has been in trade. George went west in 1847, and the employ of the Michigan Central Rail- Thayer went to California in 1849, but sub- road for over fifty years as its baggage sequently returned to Jackson. He was one agent at the Jackson passenger station. of the original proprietors of the Jackson Benjamin Porter, Jr., came here with JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 201 a years. his father in 1838. During all these suc- quired a large reputation and sale. Mr. ceeding years “Little Ben” has been a Beebe was a vigorous and active man, and familiar figure among our citizens. He was engaged in many other enterprises. He was for many years engaged in the brick-mak- an influential member of the Congregational ing business, and was a pioneer in the de- church, and to him more than any other velopment of the coal mining industry. Mr. one man the society is indebted for its Porter has been prominently identified with splendid church edifice. Mr. Beebe also took the Masonic fraternity, and held all the quite a hand in public affairs. He was a honorary positions in the order. He has' member of the village council, a repre- passed through all the usual vicissitudes of sentative in the state legislature, a state a long life, and is still a familiar figure on senator, and also judge of probate for four the streets, being always welcomed by a years. Mr. Beebe was a very liberal man, host of friends. and both he and his estimable wife bore a Hollis S. Knapp came to Jackson as a large part in all charitable enterprises. boy in 1842. He was, educated in the Henry H. Bingham came to this public schools, and was for four for four years county in 1830 and settled in Grass Lake, deputy postmaster. He was deputy collec- as a merchant. He removed to Jackson in tor of customs under Colonel Shoemaker, 1845, and continued in business for several during the administration of President He was a brother of Gov. K. S. Pierce, and for several years clerk at the Bingham, and with the formation of the state prison. He also served as supervisor Republican party he drifted into politics. of his ward. For many years he was book- | He was connected with the state prison, as , keeper for the George T. Smith Company, clerk, and agent and warden, from 1855 to and was accounted one of the best expert ac- 1875, after which he was in the real estate countants in the state. He was employed by business until his death. Mr. Bingham was Governor Rich to revise the bookkeeping of an able and active business man, and was the Michigan state prison and install a uni- personally popular among our citizens. form system for the institution. He Artemus S. Cushman came from Ver- joined the Masonic order early in life, mont to Jackson in 1844. For a number of passed through all the degrees to the thirty- years he was associated in business with third and filled all the chairs in the order. | George Kellogg, who came the same year He died in 1897. from St. Joseph county, the firm being Joseph E. Beebe came from Smithboro, Cushman & Kellogg. Both were good busi- New York, in 1838. He was a wagon- ness men and excellent citizens. Mr. Cush- maker, and soon after he settled in Jackson man was city treasurer, and filled several , he began the manufacture of wagons at the minor positions. . state prison, which he continued for twenty George Kellogg, after the dissolution of years. Under the management of Mr. Beebe the firm of Cushman & Kellogg, engaged in and his brothers, Thomas and Calvin T. the business of selling farm implements, Beebe, and U. T. Foster, the celebrated lime and plaster, which he continued until "Jackson Wagon” was introduced and ac- his decease in 1884. 202 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. John Western purchased a large tract of was a kindly man, and always popular with land in Rives and Henrietta townships in his help and tenants, but he was very prompt 1835. He came here to look after it in and punctual and expected everybody to 1840, and liked the country so well that he he the same. He was one of the investors in built a home on “Piety Hill” and moved the Jackson Iron Mines, on Lake Superior, his family here in 1841, and remained a and took great interest in the development citizen of Jackson until his death, twenty- of that region. One of his sons, William eight years later. He was born in Devon- Western, resides on one of the old farms shire, England, and was in all respects a in Henrietta township, and one, Thomas typical Britisher, and preserved his English Western, is a resident of the city. peculiarities until his death. He used to do Philo M. Everett established himself as all his traveling on horseback, and in genu- a resident of Jackson in 1834, and opened a ine style of an English gentleman-riding general store on the south side of the public boots, knee breeches, roundabout roundabout and square. He did business there until 1847, cockney cap, on a large brown, bob-tailed when he removed to Lake Superior, as horse, a spectacle to Yankee men and superintendent of the Jackson Iron Mine. women and a wonder to the youths. Mr. He was for years a prominent citizen of Western divided up his land into farms of Marquette, and did much to build up that one hundred to one hundred and sixty acres beautiful city. He built a brick residence each, built a house and barn on each, and at the corner of Jackson and Wesley streets, rented or sold them as opportunity offered. which was demolished two years since to He would make two or more trips to his make room for the erection of the Episcopal farms every week, summer and winter. He parsonage. CHAPTER XIII. RELIGIOUS MATTERS. The first religious meeting held in Jack- | meeting with prayer, after which the ladies son was the first Sunday in June, 1830, at extemporized music and Bennett read a a the house of Isaiah W. Bennett. Mr. Ben- sermon, presumably one he had left over. nett had been a licensed preacher, but as The subject of future meetings was dis- the saying went, was a backslider. The cussed and Mr. Roberts consented to come strenuousness of pioneer life had caused him down from Sandstone, six miles, and open to "fall from grace.” Samuel Roberts, from the meetings when the weather permitted. Sandstone, was a devout Methodist and The latter part of June, Capt. John Durand Bennett got him to attend and open the 'arrived in Jackson, and as he was a very JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 203 devout church member he filled the places wife, Ezekiel T. Critchett and wife, Orrin of both Roberts and Bennett. It is only Gregory and wife, and W. R. DeLand. | just to Mr. Bennett to say that he soon re- In a few weeks the Thompson family and gained his temporarily lost religion, and re- Martin Flint were added. sumed his allegiance to the church and to The meetings were held in the little log the Lord, resuming his ministerial character school house and it was to the credit of the sufficiently to officiate when it was necessary people that while the membership was small to perform a marriage ceremony. the school house was usually full of settlers The first sermon preached by a regularly of both sexes. In the year 1840 the society ordained minister in good standing was by purchased a small frame building for a a Rev. John D. Pierce, who was sent out by church, which went by the name of "the the Presbyterian Missionary Society to Methodist Pepper Box.” In 1850 the society organize a church at Marshall. The society erected a larger church edifice, which was somehow managed to skip Jackson. An ac- dedicated by Bishop Hamline. The opening count of Rev. Pierce's meeting has been of the church, which later became the court previously given. room of the present court house building, The women of Jackson organized a was a great event. It was attended by Rev. meeting for themselves soon after the place | George Bradley, Rev. J. M. Pitezell and Rev. was settled, and met in different houses | A. M. Fitch, presiding elders, and the fol- , every Sunday during the first year, con- lowing preachers, E. H. Pilcher, R. C. Craw- ducting their own services. My mother was ford, A. M. Daugherty, R. S. Fiske, P. C. the principal leader, though nearly all the Mead and H. E. Gillett. Mr. Pilcher and women attended. After a time several of Mr. Gillett recapitulated their early pioneer the men joined with them, and Captain Du- reminiscences. rand assumed the leadership. In 1834 the Methodists of Michigan In January, 1831, Rev. Elijah H. were separated from Ohio and established Pilcher, a young Methodist preacher at- in a conference of their own. The church at tached to the Ann Arbor circuit, came to Jackson passed out of its mission state in Jackson and established the first regular | 1839, becoming independent. . preaching the first Sunday in each month. In 1865 the society determined to erect In March Rev. Henry Colclasher was added a new and more commodious edifice, and to the circuit, so that these clergymen came purchased a full lot on Main street, a few regularly every fortnight thereafter until, rods west of the first location. A building in the month of September, the circuit was committee, consisting of Samuel O. Knapp, so arranged as to afford Services every M. S. Hitchcock, Milton J. Draper, E. J. Sabbath. Connable, Silas Heyser, James C. Gould and C. C. Lathrop, were appointed. The THE METHODIST CHURCH. sum of twenty thousand dollars was raised The first Methodist church was organ- to start the work, and it was commenced in ized in September, 1831. The first member- the spring of 1867. The building cost the ship consisted of Capt. John Durand and society, completed, including organ and fur- 204 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. nishings, about seventy-five thousand dollars. and wife, J. S. Barkalew and wife, H. H. It was dedicated by Bishop Simpson Febru- Paige and wife, H. A. Barkalew and wife ary 6, 1870, and at the dedicatory services and H. Bascomb and wife, called the Haven thirty-six thousand five hundred dollars was Methodist Episcopal church of Jackson. raised by subscription, which left the build- Mr. Berry was succeeded in 1892 by Rev. ing free of debt. William Riley and he in 1894 by Rev. W. S. Since 1870 the Methodist denomination Sly. Under Mr. Sly's pastorate the church has had a steady and phenomenal growth, purchased a lot on the corner of East Main and now largely leads the total of Protestant and Seymour streets, and erected a church denominations in Jackson. It has had some edifice at a cost of six thousand dollars. The able and notable pastors, among whom membership had increased to one hundred are the names of J. S. Jackway, A. M. Fitch, and eighty-six. and eighty-six. Mr. Sly was succeeded by R. C. Crawford, George Bradley, S. R. Rev. A. P. Moore, who did much to advance Fiske, J. S. Smart, J. H. McCarty, Fayette the interests of the church. In 1899 Rev. Thompson and the present pastor, Rev. J. N. S. Bray took charge of the church. Dur- T. LeGear. During the year 1902 the so- ing this year an extension was built for a ciety expended upwards of ten thousand dol- Sabbath school and assembly room, doubling lars on their church edifice, making it one of the seating capacity of the church. The the finest in the state. The present member- present membership of the church is three ship is six hundred and thirty; the enroll- hundred and seventy-five and the Sabbath ment of the Sabbath school is upwards of school has an average attendance of three five hundred attendants. The Epworth hundred scholars. Mr. Wetherwax is still League is largely attended and a branch of its superintendent. the Brotherhood of St. Paul numbers about During the present year this society has two hundred members. Altogether the purchased a fine parsonage on Seymour church is in a very prosperous condition. street which cost three thousand five hundred dollars and besides made considerable im- provements on the church property, and is During the summer of 1883 some people | reported as out of debt. determined to start a mission Sunday school in the eastern part of the city. A hall was secured on Page avenue, near the junction, For several years prior to 1895 there had and the school was organized with Mr. An- | been a two-story brick building on the corner drew J. Wetherwax as superintendent. The of Greenwood avenue and Fourth street first year the attendance numbered about which had been used and kept for a saloon fifty, but it gradually increased in number or road house. The people in the neighbor- and influence. In 1890 Rev. James Berry hood had tired of it and the project was began to hold regular services in Haven Hall started to buy it out and convert it into a and in 1891 a regular church was organized church. The proposition met with favor and by J. H. Pilcher and wife, J. B. Tuttle and funds were raised and the building bought wife, J. H. Patchin and wife, D. V. English and the sign “saloon” was changed to "Green- HAVEN M. E. CHURCH. GREENWOOD AVENUE CHURCH. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 205 wood Avenue Methodist Episcopal church.” THE DIMOND MISSION. A church and Sunday school was organized and both have met with phenomenal growth. This is another Methodist institution, The church numbers two hundred members located in the northeast section of the city, and the Sunday school about the same num- and is gradually increasing in membership ber. The pastor, Rev. Mr. Sharp, has this and importance. The founder, Rev. George year undertaken the erection of a ten thou- | Dimond, is an indefatigable worker and it is sand dollar church with excellent prospects only a question of time when this mission of success. The south section of the city is will become one of the notable religious in- settling and improving very fast, and the fluences in the city. day is not distant when the Greenwood Avenue will be one of the largest churches in BROTHERHOOD OF ST. PAUL. the city. This society is composed of male mem- COOPER STREET MISSION. bers of the Methodist church, and is fast be- This was organized only a year ago in coming a popular and useful factor in that the extreme north part of the city, but is organization. It is of recent origin, but has developing into an influential factor in the acquired a large popularity and few Method- denomination and among the religious in- ist churches in the county are now without fluences of the city. Steps are being taken to its Brotherhood. It may not be without in- erect suitable church buildings. It has now terest to the reader to copy the following nearly one hundred members and a large and from the prospectus of the order : growing Sunday school. OBJECT.—The purpose of this brotherhood is to effect the mutual improvement and entertainment IDA STYLES MEMORIAL CHURCH. of its members by religious, social, physical and This church stands at the junction of literary culture, to promote the spirit and practice of Christian brotherhood, to build up the church Lansing and Stewart avenues. It takes its with which we are connected, and especially to ex- name from the only daughter of Mr. and tend Christ's cause in the world by winning our Mrs. Artemus S. Styles, two faithful mem- brothers to a Christian faith. bers of the denomination. Ida Styles was a PRINCIPLES.—We accept Christ as our Great Commander, Example and Saviour, and St. Paul as devoted member of the church, who died at the leader of our division of Christ's army. They the early age of twenty-two and desired that are our types of manly character. We declare loy- her estate be used to found a new church. alty to the Methodist Episcopal church, to its laws, its pastors and its lay officiary, and to the Scripture To gratify this wish the parents donated ten doctrines upon which it is founded. thousand dollars for the purpose. It is a AIMS.-We will seek daily the noblest Chris- tian manhood. handsome building, with parsonage attached, We will devote our lives to the cause of Jesus and supplies a great want to the northwest part of the city. It has a membership of We will be loyal to the church, and will keep about three hundred and a large and flourish- her rules. We will know more of the Bible, and be proud ing Sabbath school. The present pastor is to carry and use it. Rev. J. W. Vickers. We will be educated church-men, making good on earth. 206 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. use of our church papers and of the publications of sion House.” This building still stands upon our Methodist Book Concern. its original site, being the first house upon We will esteem them that are over us in the church very highly in love for their work's sake. the east side of Jackson street, south of the We will be true brothers, seeking to protect First Baptist church. It was then quite upon each other's reputation and to advance each other's the southern edge of the young village. interests. We will be Christians everywhere, and in all Across the street where the Unitarian church the relations of life, social, business, political, re- now stands was a pond, fringed with wil- ligious. lows. The street made its way between We will take an all-round interest in every good cause, and especially in missions, church-building, stumps. The first building south of the Ses- education, and the care of veterans and the sick. sion House was the dwelling known as the We will pray daily, and will labor to save lost residence of the late Walter Fish, and a little men, and to increase the numbers of them who shall further on, the Woodbury mansion, both come under the influence of our church. of these being quite in the open country. A Branches of this order are already Sabbath school was organized in connection formed in the three leading churches in this with this church, June 28, 1837. William R. city, and are exercising a strong and whole- DeLand and Chester Yale took charge of some influence upon their prosperity and it, and Mr. Raymond, Barney Smith, Eliza , growth. Bailey, Mrs. Barrett, Mrs. DeLand, Mrs. Charles Johnson and Miss Clara Porter formed the first corps of teachers. The Ses- sion House was a plain structure, fitted with This church was originally organized as rough board floor and wooden benches. A a Presbyterian church, with thirteen mem- bell swung above it, which was presently bers, on the 9th of June, 1837, by the Rev. stolen, as was believed, by those who were Marcus Harrison. Mr. Harrison came to embittered against Mr. Harrison by his fear- Jackson county from the state of New York less denunciations of intemperance. His in 1835, and resided for a time upon a farm horse's mane and tail were sheared for the in the town of Springport. Early in 1837 same cause, and on one occasion he was com- he removed to the village of Jackson, having pelled to spend the night in a corn-field to es- purchased a farm, lying upon “Moody Hill,” cape being mobbed by the friends of whiskey. upon which he lived in a log house not far Mr. Harrison and many members of his from the corner of Lansing avenue and church had formerly been Congregational- North street. He afterward built and occu- ists in the east, but gave to their first organ- pied the house next below the residence of ization here the Presbyterian form, because Governor Blair, upon Lansing avenue. He at that early date Congregationalism was lit- was a man of great energy, a fearless, forcible tle known in the new states of the west; but and eloquent preacher, but possessed of a in 1841, led by certain difficulties, which had dominant will, which easily brought him in- grown out of the administration of disci- , to controversies. pline, and also of the pro-slavery action taken The Presbyterian church worshipped in by the Presbyterian assembly at Philadelphia a small wooden building, known as the “Ses- in 1840, the pastor and a large majority of a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 207 the members effected a new organization af- The “Society" held its first meeting ter the Congregational form of church pol- March 22, when Daniel Parkhurst, Gordon ity. A small portion, however, of the orig- Case, Amasa B. Gibson, Chester Yale, S. W. inal membership continued to maintain a Stowell and Berthier M. Sheldon were elect- Presbyterian church until the year 1843. ed the first trustees. Steps were immediately The record of the Congregational organ- | taken looking to the erection of a house of ization stands in these words: “A meeting worship. In April, the society accepted plans of professors, called (in pursuance of pre- for a building to be erected of brick, forty by , vious notice) for the purpose of organizing sixty feet, with the addition of a portico in a Congregational church and society in Jack- front six feet wide. At the same time it was son, convened at the Session House on Sat- Resolved, That we purchase the lot for said urday, the 6th day of March, A. D. 1841. church of S. H. Kimball, on the west side of the Appropriate services were performed by the public square. Rev. Marcus Harrison, officiating clergy- Resolved, That a committee of four be appoint- ed to build said house. man, after which the meeting was called to Resolved, That the society be requested to meet order, and the Rev. Mr. Harrison chosen and hew the timber for said church. moderator, and Daniel Parkhurst secretary, pro tem. Mr. Harrison brought his team and plow On motion, it was then resolved by the from the farm to aid in grading the site. persons present, to-wit: Chester Bennett, A hill which stood upon it was graded down William R. DeLand, Daniel Parkhurst, Gor- and used to fill a considerable hollow, which , don Case, Silas W. Stowell, Peter C. Vree- disfigured the public square. The walls were land, Benjamin J. Mather, Chester Yale, carried up and the roof completed during Berthier M. Sheldon, Aruna P. Woods, the following year, 1842, and then the work , Frederick Johnson, Charles Johnson, Daniel come to a stand, the funds being exhausted. Rand, Jehiel Bartholomew, James Hamilton, Meanwhile the church continued to wor- Elihu Taylor, George Taylor, William A. ship in the Session House, the Presbyterians Barrett, James A. Bannister, Amos A. Bar- holding their services for a time in the school tholomew, Clark Cole, John A. Bailey, Jehiel | house, and afterward in a small church a Bartholomew, Jr., and others, that we do building which they erected upon the ground now proceed to form and organize a Congre- leased from the late Hon. Fidus Livermore, gational church to be denominated the First at the southeast corner of Jackson and Pearl Congregational Church and Society of Jack- streets, now occupied by the rear of the Con- son.” Chester Yale and Jehiel Bartholomew gregational church. were selected as the first deacons of the At the end of the year 1842 the society church, and William R. DeLand was chosen voted not to employ Mr. Harrison longer as its first clerk. Of the fifty-eight persons who pastor, whereupon he proceeded to build subscribed to the articles of faith and cove- “The Academy," on the sight upon which nant, on that March day sixty years ago, now stands the old residence of Mr. H. S. only one is now connected with the church, Ismon, where he conducted a school and also Mrs. A. P. Woods. maintained for some time an independent a a 208 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. and rival church service. This building was five hundred dollars. This call was accept- afterward removed to Pearl street, and trans- ed, and Mr. Foster was installed by an ec- formed into a dwelling. clesiastical council, January 21, 1846. Thụs Early in 1843 the Session House was after a struggle of five years, or more prop- sold by Mr. David F. Dwight, who had erly of nine years, counting from the orig- bought out the other owners, to Mr. Benja- inal organization of the Presbyterian church, min Porter, who transformed it into a car- which was finally merged in the Congrega- penter shop. The Congregational society, tional body, the church was provided with a being thus compelled to remove its services, suitable house of worship and a settled obtained the use of the Presbyterian church, pastor. where for a brief time their pulpit was sup- Mr. Foster, like Mr. Harrison, incurred plied by the Rev. A. Trotter, and then by the displeasure of the anti-temperance por- the Rev. Norman Tucker. In June the Pres- tion of the community, and in consequence byterian organization disbanded, and its an attempt was made during his pastorate members united with the Congregational so- to burn the church building. Straw was ciety. In July “the trustees were instructed placed under the pulpit steps and set on fire. to sell the church they then met in for three A window was left open to fan the kindling hundred and fifty dollars.” This building, flames, which burned sufficiently to consume often designated in those days as “The Pep- one leg of the pulpit-sofa, and then singu- per Box," was sold to the Methodist church, larly, shall we not say, providentially, went and after a time removed to the north side of Pearl street. Still later it was again This first "brick church” erected in Jack- moved to the south side of Pearl street, son, now known as the Jewish synagogue, where it now stands. Having made Mr. B. was occupied by the society for sixteen years, Porter building committee, and instructed 1844-1850. During this period the pulpit him to “proceed immediately to the comple- was filled by the following pastors: Rev. tion of the brick church," the society re- G. S. Foster, from January 21, 1846, to Sep- inoved its services to “Porter's Hall," which tember 18, 1852; Rev. James A. Hawley, stood west of the Astor House, on the south from February 15, 1853, to August , sidle of the public square, being the brick 1855; Rev. A. Mahan, D. D., from Septem- Llock on the east side of Jackson street. Here ber 1855, to April 25, 1858; Rev. Will- the Rev. Darwin Chichester served as min- iain B. Dada, from June iam B. Dada, from June —, 1858, to August ister for one year, commencing in July, 1843, I, 1860. During these pastorates the mem- and was succeeded by the Rev. William Ful- bership of the church increased to the num- ler in August, 1844. In the autumn follow- ber of two hundred and twenty-two. The ing, the "brick church” was at last com- need of a larger house of worship began to pleted. Dedicatory services were held on be felt. Some discussion was had with re- the 17th of October, the sermon being gard to the enlargement of the building then preached by Mr. Fuller. In November, 1845, occupied, but in October, 1858, the trustees a call was extended to the Rev. G. L. Foster were directed to ascertain where a suitable to become pastor of the church at a salary of site for a church could be obtained. In De- out. - a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 209 rear was cember, thereafter, they were authorized to tember 1, 1892; Rev. M. C. Stokes, from purchase "the Livermore lots," on the north October, 1892, to October 1, 1894; Rev. side of the public square, “for a sum not William E. Strong, from February 14, 1895, exceeding five thousand dollars.” At the to October 1, 1901; Rev. Bastian Smith, same time, Messrs. Joseph E. Beebe, George from December 1, 1901, to date. F. Rice, F. Woodbury, N. S. Hubbell, G. T. The following have been the years of Gridley and P. Thurber were appointed a largest accessions to the membership: 1847, building committee. Early in 1859 they when ninety-five members were received; adopted plans and specifications furnished 1866, when one hundred and fifty members by H. N. White, architect, of Syracuse, New were received ; 1869, when eighty-nine mem- York, and entered into a contract with James bers were received ; 1875, when fifty mem- Morwick, of the same place, to erect the bers were received; 1876, when fifty-seven building. This edifice, also of brick, occu- members were received. The present mem- pies a beautiful location upon the north side bership is three hundred and seventy-two. of the public square, where its main entrance The Jackson Association of Congrega- is flanked by massive towers, while its ex- tional churches was formed May 17, 1842, tent for one hundred and thirty-two feet and in pursuance of a call issued by that along Jackson to Pearl street in the body, the “General Association of Congre- affords convenient side approaches. gational Churches and Ministers of Michi- The church completed in the gan” was organized in Jackson, October 11, of 1860, and dedicated Oc- 1842. The General Association held its an- tober 18, the sermon being preached by nual meeting in Jackson in the years 1847, the Rev. Mr. Conklin, of Providence, Rhode 1852, 1856 and 1866. Island. The old brick church was soon after The bell, which swings in the main tower, sold to the congregation Beth Israel, for the was procured in 1846. The organ was fur- sum of two thousand dollars. nished by Hook Brothers, of Boston, in In the forty years, during which the 1866, for the sum of three thousand five church has occupied its present house of hundred dollars. In order that it might be worship, it has been served by the following placed in the rear of the pulpit, the com- pastors: Rev. John Montieth, from Febru- modious lecture room, which formed part ary —, 1861, to March 29, 1863; Rev. Al- of the original building, was converted into, bert Bigelow, from August 9, 1863, to Octo- an organ loft and also a study for the pastor. ber 9, 1864; Rev. George H. Coffee, from The parsonage was erected in 1867 at a cost February 5, 1865, to December 1, 1867; of about three thousand dollars. During the Rev. J. W. Hough, from February 1, 1868, same year the Second Congregational church to October 13, 1872; Rev. F. W. Beecher, was organized as the result of a mission from May 4, 1873, to October 7, 1873; Rev. school maintained for some years in the Moses Smith, from January, 1874, to eastern part of the city by members of this, March 31, 1879; Rev. J. W. Hough, D. D., chursh. In 1871 the entire church building from September 1, 1879, to 1884; Rev. D. was raised and a basement story built be- M. Fiske, from February 14, 1886, to Sep- ) neath it, in which were provided spacious autumn a 14 ZIO JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN: year a build- rooms for the Sabbath school and prayer Connell came to the rescue and advanced meeting, with double parlors, dining-room the church fifteen hundred dollars to com- and kitchen for social uses. At the same plete it. In 1850 the frame church was sold time a steam heating apparatus was substi- for three thousand five hundred dollars and tuted for the furnaces, these various im- the society moved into the brick church now provements costing about six thousand dol- known as the Unitarian church, corner of lars. In 1880 the audience room was newly Jackson and Washington streets. frescoed, and furnished with new carpets, So early as 1864 the need which existed chandeliers and pulpit furniture, at a cost of for a new Baptist church made itself evident; nearly two thousand dollars. but not until 1868 was there any important The officials of the church at the present action taken in the matter. That time are as follows: Deacons, Thomas M. ing committee, consisting of Messrs. S. Hol- Smith, Henry Curtis, E. R. Warner, Grove land, J. R. Lewis, J. E. Smith, B. G. Mosher H. Wolcott, Dr. Chas. H. Lewis, D. P. Sa- and C. E. Webb, was appointed. The con- gendorf; church treasurer, E. R. Warner; gregation authorized them to purchase the church clerk, H. Holton; Sunday school su- ground at a sum not exceeding eight thou- perintendent, B. J. Glasgow; trustees, A. S. sand dollars. The present site of the Baptist Glasgow, chairman ; Charles A. Poole, treas- church was subsequently bought, and in urer; William McLean, clerk; F. B. Crego, June, 1868, the work of construction was E. A. Walcott, E. J. Weeks. entered upon. For a time work on the build- ing ceased, but in 1869 Mr. Mosher offered THE BAPTIST CHURCH. to put up the walls free of any cost, provided the congregation would furnish the material. The first Baptist church was organized The generous offer was accepted, and in as the Barry and Jackson church in 1834, 1870 the work progressed rapidly. In 1871 and held its services alternately in the school the building committee borrowed sixteen house in Barry village, in Sandstone, and thousand dollars, but this sum was compara- in the Woodworth school house in Black- tively insignificant, and gave out in Decem- man, Rev. J. D. Hendee being the pastor. ber, when another delay occurred. Friends In the year 1838 the society divided, and the were not wanting in this crisis. Messrs. C. First Baptist church of Jackson E. Webb, L. M. Lyon, O. H. McConnell and 'organized, John McConnell, Everett, H. K. Fritts advanced the necessary funds George and William P. Fifield, Hor- to complete the building. The church was ace and Curtis Wheelock, E. P. Smith, Jona- dedicated in March, 1872. At that period than Whitmore, Edward K. Whitmore, and the property of the Baptist congregation was H. K. Fritts and their families being among valed at $71,143.68, and the liability set the original members. Mr. Hendee contin- down at $25,960.95. This church stands on ued as pastor for a number of years. The the southeast corner of Jackson and Court- society erected a frame church on the site land streets, and is now out of debt and in of the old Hibbard House, but were several a flourishing condition. The various pas- years in finishing it, until Deacon John Mc- tors that have presided over the church have was JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 211 ST. PAUL EPISCOPAL CHURCH. been Messrs. J. D. Hendee, S. Morton, E. Dr. M. P. Guy; secretary, Miss Jennie T. H. Hamlin, G. W. Harris, E. J. Covey, J. Stiles; superintendent of Beth Eden mission, J. Scarritt, J. E. Johnson, L. D. Palmer, J. L. H. Joy. S. Butterfield, C. H. Harris, L. S. Kirtley, E. J. White and A. Wheaton. The latter died suddenly in January last of heart fail- The first services of the Episcopal de- ure, greatly regretted by all, and was suc- nomination were held in the summer of 1833 ceeded by Rev. Van Kirk, the present pastor. by the Rev. S. Freeman, a missionary There have grown out of this parent preacher, who preached a few times in the a organization the following mission Sunday old school house. As there were not enough schools, which have all developed into active laity of the faith to maintain regular ser- and prosperous churches: Hope mission vices, it was soon discontinued and the sect church, Ganson street; East Main Street was not represented until the fall of 1838, church, Main street; Wilcox mission church, when Bishop McCloskey visited Jackson and East High street; Butterfield mission gathered a congregation of twelve persons. church, Griswold street, and the society is In 1839 the parish of St. Paul was organized sustaining several more mission schools in by the Rev. F. H. Cummings, a minister the city with good success. from Rochester, New York. The members The following is the present list of offi- of the parish thus organized were John N. cers of the church and societies: Deacons, Dwight and wife, Dr. Ira C. Backus and N. H. King, C. M. Spinning, Robert Tur- wife, David F. Dwight and wife, Dr. Sager ner, H. J. Turnell, D. A. Yocum, G. L. and wife, Leander Chapman and wife, S. McCulloch, T. E. Barkworth, J. T. Ham- H. Kimball, Jerry Ford, Allen Bennett, Jer- mond, Wright Hawkins, Dr. M. P. Guy, emiah Marvin and George B. Cooper. The honorary, H. S. Petit; trustees, J. F. Scott, services were held in the court house. August Frank Winchester, Clyde Burnett, C. C. 7, 1839, Rev. Charles Fox was installed pas- Jenks, D. A. Yocum, J. T. Hammond; clerk, tor, and being a popular and enterprising George H. Curtis ; treasurer, C. H. Palmer; young preacher, the society at once began superintendent of Bible school, W. L. C. to make a rapid and healthy growth. The Reid; chairman finance committee, G. L. society was regularly incorporated in Sep- McCulloch; financial secretary, F. D. Ham- tember, 1839, and during the winter steps ilton; music committee, T. E. Barkworth, were taken for the erection of a house of Frank A. Herrick, Frank Winchester; pres- worship. On the ist of September, 1840, ident of Baptist Young People's Union, H. the society had completed a neat frame build- J. Turnell; president of Ladies' Aid So-ing on the site of the present church, at a ciety, Mrs. J. H. Russell; leader of King's cost of two thousand five hundred dollars, , Daughters, Miss Ruth Myers; president which was dedicated in November by Bishop Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, Mrs. McCloskey, and was used until the present Archibald Wheaton; president of Woman's brick church was commenced, when it was Home Missionary Society, Mrs. J. H. Camp- | moved to the corner of Washington and bell; chairman of committee on benevolence, Francis streets, which still stands and is used 212 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. an agricultural implement warehouse. of the church and erected a fine parsonage. During the year 1840 the church was rein- In 1898 the Guild House was torn down, forced by the addition of such members as and the parsonage moved to the corner of H. A. Hayden, H. B. Lathrop, Philo Bates, the block, and, principally through the lib- E. H. Lathrop, Joseph C. Bailey, Henry Tis- erality of Hon. Henry A. Hayden and How- dale, Giles Bloomfield, Charles Derby and ard Merriman, a fine stone building was their families and others. The Rev. Ed- erected between the church and parsonage, ward Whaylen officiated as pastor for one which is known as the Parish Home or year, when he was succeeded by Rev. Charles , house, at an expense of thirty thousand dol- W. Fitch, who remained until 1847, when, lars, making it the finest church property in his health failing, he resigned and was suc- the city. ceeded by Rev. D. T. Grinnell. Dr. Grinnell CHAPEL OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN proved to be a very able and popular pastor, and under his charge, from 1847 to 1864, is the outgrwoth of St. Paul's church, situ- the church prospered wonderfully. ated in the northwest part of the city on the The present church building was pro- corner of Hallett and Bennett streets. It jected and commenced in the summer of is a neat frame structure, capable of seating 1850, the corner stone being laid August about three hundred people, and cost about 20th of that year. The credit of erecting three thousand dollars. It was the gift of this fine building was largely due to the lib- Mrs. Emily Marvin, Mrs. Guy Foote, Mrs. erality and energy of Hon. Henry A. Hay-Dwight Merriman, and Messrs. H. A. Hay- den, John Sumner, Philo M. Bates, Allen den and Allen Bennett. It is a wooden struc- Bennett, Henry B. Lathrop, Samuel Higby ture, in Gothic style, and finely finished and and Mr. Grinnell. The work of erection oc- furnished, and altogether a fine memorial cupied two years, and it was finally com- for the generous donors. pleted in December, 1852, and dedicated January 11, 1853, the venerable Bishop Mc- Closkey presiding at the dedication cere- The first Free Will Baptist church was mony. organized in February, 1843, by Rosevelt Upon the death of Rev. Dr. Grinnell, Davis, Nathaniel Morrill, William P. Fi- in 1869, the Rev. Dr. Johnson was called field, George Fifield, Enoch Fifield, Cirester to the pastorate, and continued for several Herrington, Ralph Stiles, Samuel P. Lewis, years, when he was succeeded by Mr. Bal- Zina Allen, Lucian B. Johnson, Herbert com, who continued at the head of the church Daniels and William Peterson and their fam- until 1902, when he was succeeded by Rev. ilies, with Rev. Freeman Straight as pastor. , Mr. McDuff, who is present pastor. They built a small wooden church on Francis In 1870 the ladies of St. Paul church street, which was afterwards exchanged for purchased the old residence of Philo M. Ev- a modern brick edifice on the corner of Me- erett, south of the church, and converted it chanic and Franklin streets, where the so- into a Guild House. The church also pur-ciety still worships. It is still a prosperous chased the lots between and adjoining those society and has recently refitted its church FREE WILL BAPTIST. a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 213 edifice and made it one of the architectural part of the present church was finished under ornaments of the city. his direction, with Rev. G. P. Berentzen as- sisting. The priest struggled with many ST. JOHN CATHOLIC CHURCH. serious difficulties until illness bowed down Passing over the period prior to the set- his energies; his funeral at Jackson is his tlement of Jackson by the eastern people, the biography, attended by representative men history of the Catholic church in the county of all opinions, religious and political. It may be said to begin in 1835-6, when Rev. proved the popularity of the missionary Mr. Cullen, of Ann Arbor, entered on his priest, and a high testimony to the character missionary labors. In the spring of 1836 of the thousands forming the funeral cor- this missionary priest caused a log church tege. to be built, in which he continued to officiate Mr. Moutard was succeeded by Rev. R. for many years, making his visits at intervals P. O'Brien, who was required to watch over of three months. In 1854. Rev. Mr. Hen- the spiritual interests of eleven hundred nessy, of the Marshall mission, succeeded members. He arrived here August 15, 1870, to the pastoral charge, still continuing the and remained until January 27, 1871, when quarterly visits suggested by his predecessor, he was succeeded by the Rev. T. Buyse. and the congregation still satisfied with the Under the administration of Rev. Buyse primitive log building in which it wor- great advances were made and many im- shipped. The Catholic families of Jackson provements carried out. The church edifice then comprised John McCabe, James Ward, was enlarged and beautified at a cost of John Mahon, John Carroll, James Burns, twenty-five thousand dollars; a school build- Matthew Fallahee, John Fallahee, John ing was completed, at an expense of five , O'Brien, Daniel Reilly, John O'Neil, Peter thousand dollars. The Sisters of Charity, a McGill, Nicholas McQuillan and Michael number of religieuse who devote themselves Morrissy with their families. Rev. B. C. to works of mercy as well as education, were Koopmans was appointed priest of the Jack- introduced into the parish. Their school son mission in 1855, and the subsequent year numbers about six hundred and fifty chil- he succeeded in obtaining such financial aid dren, and is supported by the school fund of and promises of aid in the erection of a new the church and a portion of the church reve- church, that he entered upon the work. In The grounds surrounding this school June, 1856, Bishop Le Fevre consecrated the were improved, the parochial house reno- corner-stone of the building, and in 1857 the vated, and a general line of progress appar- nucleus of a beautiful church was completed ent, under the administration of Father under the supervision of Mr. Koopman's Buyse. During the year 1880 the Rev. Mr. successor, Rev. Father C. Moutard, the first Mallany was appointed assistant in the mis- resident priest of Jackson. Rev. Mr. Mou- sion, and later the parish was divided, and tard, however, visited Jackson as early as St. Mary's instituted, with Father Mallany 1855, in a missionary capacity, saw the city as the administrator. On the death of Father was destined for a great future, and deter- Buyse, in 1900, Rev. Fr. G. F. Schenkle- inined to share in its fortunes. The old ' berg was assigned to St. John's parish, and nie. 214 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. . THE UNITARIAN CHURCH. a is now its head, with an assistant. During about four hundred families, and has been the last two years, a new brick school build- administered without any friction or dissen- ing has been erected, at a cost of thirty-five sion, and its administrator has today the un- thousand dollars, and other improvements bounded confidence of his parishioners and of made, and it is noted as one of the most pros- the general public. perous religious congregations in the state. ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH. In the autumn of 1852, Rev. William During the year 1880 the Bishop of De- Bradley came here as a missionary and De- troit, the Very Reverend Borgess, decided cember 28 of that year a brick church, stand- to divide the parish of St. John's, and all ing on the site now occupied by the Unitarian that part of the city south of Main street was church, on Jackson street, was rented, and erected into a new parish and called St. religious services commenced. February 17, Mary's. Rev. Fr. J. W. Mallany was given 1853, Mr. Bradley, having presented the charge of the new parish, and at once set Bible, especially the New Testament, as the about its organization. A hall was fitted up only creed and discipline for the new or- for the temporary use of the congregation, ganization, thirty-one persons gave their and immediate steps taken for the building names and were acknowledged a “Christianº of the church. So successful was Father church by Revs. William Bradley and F. H. Mallany that the corner-stone was laid June Adams. Mr. Bradley was a successful pas- 10, 1881, and the church completed and ded-tor, but remained only to December 1, 1853, , icated in March, 1882. It is a large building when he was succeeded by Rev. S. M. of brick, Romanesque architecture, finely fin- Fowler. ished and furnished, and will accommodate Mr. Fowler labored very faithfully, and a congregation of one thousand people. The with a measure of success, till the middle of cost of the edifice was upwards of thirty February, 1856, when he was succeeded by thousand dollars. The parish school was Rev. J. S. White, of Marshall. The first commenced in 1888, and completed in 1889. year of Mr. White's ministry was eminently It is a large, commodious and modern build- successfully, a large revival was enjoyed, ing, and cost complete seventeen thousand and numerous additions to the church were five hundred dollars. It is provided with all made, but soon after he entered upon the modern conveniences, and ranks with the second year of his pastorate an unfortunate best school buildings in the city. A large division occurred, and he closed his labors and finely furnished residence for the Sisters June 1, 1857. For a while meetings were engaged in teaching and in works of charity suspended, but May 28, 1859, the church was built in 1893, at a cost of twelve thou- was again brought into active labor. The sand dollars, and in 1891 a pastor's residence house on Mechanic street, now owned by the was purchased, at a cost of six thousand dol- | Lutherans, was rented, and meetings were lars. All this has been accomplished by held there until 1863, Revs. A. M. Sowle Father Mallany in addition to the regular and Elder Asa Burdick supplying the pul- duties of his pastorate. The parish contains pit. After that meetings were held in pri- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 215 vate houses, and at the Round school-house, less it has had a mission and has accom- two miles east of the Hibbard House, until plished acknowledged good. For many years January, 1866, when, under the labors and it was an active religious organization. This direction of Rev. D. E. Millord, who was is its position: “No creed but the Bible; no engaged by the State Missionary Society and name but the Christian; no test of fellow- the church jointly, the church was re-organ- ship but Christian character.” The denom- ized according to law, February 28, 1866, ination believes in the inspiration of the , with thirty members. Public services of Scriptures, in the divinity of the Son of God, recognition were held March 1, and Rev. J. and in spiritual regeneration. There were G. Noble preached an appropriate and elo- two hundred conversions and more than one quent sermon. Mr. Millord continued as pas- hundred and sixty additions to the church tor until April 1, 1872, a period of six years during Mr. Millord's pastorate. From its a and a quarter. During his pastorate the brick foundation and during its existence more church on Jackson street was built, and more than four hundred names have been enrolled than three-fourths of the cost was paid. The among its members. About one-fourth of church had grown from a membership of that number remain in the city. Many are thirty to one hundred and sixty-five, and the members of other churches, and quite a num- society was considered in an eminently pros- ber are scattered as sheep without a shep- perous condition, but by reason of poor herd. health the pastor felt compelled to resign, There are still other churches to be found and his resignation was reluctantly accepted within the city limits, comprising the Jack- by the society. He was succeeded by Rev. son Society of Spiritualists, organized March C. I. Deyo, who was an able and popular 28, 1868; the German Evangelical Lutheran, speaker, and by his “liberal" sentiments drew organized May 24, 1864; First Free Meth- a new element into the congregation, which odist, organized May 13, 1875; Apostles' it was thought might add to its strength. Church of Jackson, organized April 23, He continued in the pastorate about three 1877; African Methodist, organized Octo- years, during which time a portion of the ber 20, 1865; the Central Baptist; Sec- congregation became alienated from the so- ond Baptist (colored), organized Oc- ciety, and the financial condition of the tober I, 1868; the Emanuel Chapel, church was so impaired that subsequently the evangelical, January 19, 1875; the Simp- church building was sold on the mortgages, son Mission, St. Paul's, at Woodville, and at this writing is the property of a pri- Universalist and Unitarian have all sprung vate citizen. Rev. Mr. Pardee, a Unitarian into existence in later years. A few minister, succeeded Mr. Deyo. Soon after of these religious societies have made a the Unitarian church was formed, and the steady progress; a few are still giving bat- church property on Jackson street was pur- tle to the world, and all have accomplished chased by the society, since which the Chris- much good. The following is a complete tian church of Jackson has been known only list of the churches of the city today, taken by its vicissitudes and reverses. Neverthe- from the last edition of the city directory: 216 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. EPISCOPAL. BAPTIST. Perrine Chapel, east side Perrine, be- tween Main and Pearl. No pastor. Sunday Beth Eden Chapel, west side Milwaukee, school, 3 P. M. near Wall. Sunday school, 4 P. M.; Harry Plymouth Church, southeast corner Page J. Turnell, superintendent. and Elm avenues. Rev. J. A. Cole, pastor. East Main Street, northwest corner East Services, 10:30 A. M. and 7:30 P. M.; Sun- Main and Gilbert. Rev. James McGee, pas- day school, 3 P. M.; prayer meeting, Wed- 3 tor. Services, 10:30 A. M. and 7:30 P. M.; nesday, 7:30 P. M. Sunday school, 12 M.; prayer meeting, Wednesday, 7:30 P. M. First Baptist, southeast corner Jackson St. Paul's Church, Southeast corner and Cortland. Rev. Mr. Van Kirk, pas- Jackson and Washington. Jackson and Washington. Rev. Ralph E. tor. Services, 10:30 A. M. and 7:30 P. M.; Macduff, rector. . Services, 10:30 A. M. Sunday school, 12 M.; prayer meeting, Wed- and 5:00 P. M.; Sunday school, 12:15 P. nesday, 7:30 P. M. M.; Holy Communion, first and third Sun- Jackson Freewill Baptist, northwest cor- days of each month, 8:00 and 10:30 A. M. ner Mechanic and Franklin. Rev. A. R. Harper, pastor. Services, 10:30 A. M. and 7:30 P. M.; Sunday school, 12 M.; prayer Evangelical Church, south side Wesley, meeting, Wednesday, 7:30 P. M. between Mechanic and Francis. Rev. Peter Ganson Street Church, south side Gan- | Scheurer, pastor. Services, 10:30 A. M. son, near Bush. Rev. Wm. L. Munger, pas- and 7:30 P. M.; Sunday school, 12 M. tor. Services, 10:30 A. M. and 7:30 P. M.; St. John's (German), 803 South Me- Sunday school, II:45 A. M.; prayer meet- chanic. Rev. W. H. Alber, pastor. Ser- . ing, Wednesday, 7:30 P. M. vices, 10:30 A. M.; Sunday school, 12 M.; Memorial Baptist Church, northeast cor- Y. P. M. S. meets first and third Sundays of ner Griswold and Third. Rev. L. Dumont month, at 7 P. M. Pettit, pastor. Sunday services, 10:30 A. M. and 7 P. M.; prayer meeting, Wednes- 7 day, 7:30 P. M.; Bible school, 12 M. Trinity Evangelical German Lutheran Second Baptist (colored), north side Church, north side Wesley, between Jack- Franklin, east of Francis. Rev. Wm. H. son and Mechanic. Rev. Gustave E. Spie- Johnson, pastor. Sunday services, 10:30 A. gel, pastor. Services, 10:30 A. M. and 7 M. and 7:30 P. M.; Sunday school, 12 M. P. M.: Sunday school, 2:30 P. M. EVANGELICAL. LUTHERAN. CONGREGATIONAL. METHODIST EPISCOPAL. First Church, northwest corner Jackson African, north side Franklin, east of and Main. Rev. Bastian Smits, pastor. Ser- Francis. Rev. Wm. Collins, pastor. Ser- vices, Jo:30 A. M. and 7:30 P. M.; Sunday vices, 10:30 A. M. and 7:30 P. M.; Sunday school, 12 M. ; prayer meeting, Wednesday, school, 3 P. M.; class meeting, 11:30 A. M. Cooper Street Church, northwest corner 7:30 P. M. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 217 PRESBYTERIAN. ; Cooper and Keeler. Services, 10:30 A. M. P. M.; Epworth League, 4 P. M.; class and 7:30 P. M.; Sunday school, 12 M.; meeting, 6:30 P. M. prayer meeting, Wednesday, 7:30 P. M. Dimond Mission, northwest corner Mil- waukee and Michigan avenue. Rev. Walter First Church, east side Blackstone, be- Jones, pastor. Service, 10:30 A. M.; Sun- tween Main and Cortland. Rev. F. W. day school, 11:45 A. M.; prayer meeting, Fraser, pastor. Services, 10:30 A. M. and Friday, 7:30 P. M.; class meeting, 7:30 7 P. M.; Sunday school, 12 M. ; prayer meet- P. M. ing, Wednesday, 7:30 P. M. First Church, south side Main, between ROMAN CATHOLIC. Blackstone and Jackson. Rev. James T. Le- Gear, pastor. Services, 10:30 A. M. and St. John's, southeast corner Cooper and 7:30 P. M.; Sunday school, 12 M.; prayer Ganson. . Rev. C. M. B. Schenkleberg, meetings, Wednesday, 7:30 P. M.; Epworth paştor; Rev. John Needham, assistant League, 6:30 P. M. pastor. Services, first mass, 7:40 A. M.; First Free Methodist, 309 East Wilkins. second mass (children's), 9:15 A. M.; high Rev. C. D. Paige, pastor. Services, II A. mass, 10:30 A. M.; catechism, 3 P. M.; ves- M. and 7:30 P. M.; Sunday school, 10 pers and benediction, 3:30 P. M. A. M.; prayer meeting, Thursday, 7:30 St. Joseph's, corner East North and P. M. Loomis. Rev. J. F. Herr, pastor. Greenwood Avenue, corner Greenwood St. Mary's Star of the Sea, north side avenue and Fourth. Rev. George E. Sharp, Wesley, near Mechanic. Rev. J. W. Ma- pastor. Services, 10:30 A. M. and 7:30 laney, pastor. Services daily, 7:30 A. M.; P. M.; Sunday school, 12 M.; Junior Sundays, 7:30 A. M.; children's mass, 9 League, 4:30 P. M.; Epworth League, 6:30 A. M.; high mass, 10:30 A. M.; baptism, 2 P. M.; prayer meeting, Thursday, 7:30 P. M. ; catechism, 3 P. M. ; vespers and bene- P. M. diction, 3:30 P. M. Haven Church, 1301 East Main. Rev. N. L. Bray, pastor. Services, 10:30 A. M. and 7:30 P. M.; Sunday school, 12 M.; First Church, northwest corner Wash- prayer meeting, Wednesday, 7:30 P. M. Ida F. Stiles Memorial, corner Stewart ington and Jackson. Rev. Wm. M. Forkell, and Lansing avenues. Rev. J. W. Vickers, pastor. Services, 10:30 A. M.; Sunday school, 12 M. pastor. Services, 10:30 A. M. and 7 P. M.; Sunday school, 12 M.; prayer meeting, Wed- MISCELLANEOUS. nesday, 7:30 P. M.; Epworth League, 6 P. M.; prayer meeting, Wednesday, 7:30 First Church of Christ (Scientist). P. M. Meets in church west side of City Park. Ser- North Street Methodist, East North, vices, Sunday, 10:30 A. M., and Wednesday, northeast corner Loomis. Rev. Walter 7:30 P. M. Jones, pastor. Services, Sunday, 7:30 Prison Chapel. Rev. Frank McAlpine, UNITARIAN. 218 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. chaplain. Services, 10:30 A. M.; mass at Saturdays, 10:30 A. M.; Sundays, 7:30 9 A. M. every second and fourth Sunday. P. M. Salvation Army Barracks, III East Spiritualists, meetings at I. 0. 0. F. Cortland. Nora Walker, captain. Sunday Hall, 140 W. Cortland, at 7 P. M. services, 9:30 and 11 A. M. and 3 and 7:30 Volunteers of America. Meet in hall P. M.; Sunday school, 3 P. M. corner Cooper and Detroit. C. J. Smith and Seventh Day Adventists, Summit avenue James L. Ruddon, captains. Sunday ser- northwest corner Ten Eyck. Services, 'vices, 3:30 and 7:30 P. M. CHAPTER XIV. REMINISCENCES AND EARLY HISTORY AS RELATED BY PIONEERS THEMSELVES. correct, as as In chronicling the pioneer history of | perhaps prior to the Revolution, the Pottá- Jackson county, it ought not to be ex- watomies, Kickapoos, Foxes, Sacs, and pected that any one person can recall all the some wandering Otchipwas, met near the facts, conditions and data that would be of present capital of the county, then the interest, hence we have called to our aid Washtenong county, and ensanguined the sketches, letters and addresses that have ap- wilds east of the meeting of the trails with peared from time to time, and introduce their blood. The bones which had been so them as valuable matter that will interest extensively scattered over the wilderness in many of our readers and subscribers. We 1830, and found at present, point to this as have taken pains to select the most reliable having been the terrible battle-ground of the and well some slightly barbarians. The legends of the Northern imaginary and amusing. There will be nec- Crees and Assiniboines speak of central essarily some conflict of dates and facts, but Michigan as the scene of the "great-battle," pains will be taken to eliminate any sugges- and even the war songs of the Pottawatomies tions that are calculated to give improper re- did not fail to notice it. flections or claims an undue amount of per- In 1673 the holy Marquette, with the gal- sonal credit. lant Joliet, appeared among the tribes of the Northwest, and prepared the barbarian ANTE-PIONEER HISTORY. mind to conceive an idea of the white invader That the Indians of many tribes met who was destined to occupy the Indian hunt- within the present confines of Jackson coun- ing-grounds within a century and a half. ty in their travels between Chicago and Fort The first white men who are known to have Detroit has been conceded; nor is it ques- arrived at the meeting of the trails were in- tioned by many that at a very early period, I voluntary visitors. Their names were Mc- I JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 219 AN INDIAN KILLED BY A STAG. Donough and Limp,—two soldiers of Har- Aux of immigration. The little lake in Hen- rison's army corps, -reported missing while rietta which bears his name is the only en route to Detroit in 1812. But from what monument of his early visit and his stay; little can be learned from the British blue but there are a few living who remember books, it may be presumed that the Potta- him well, and bear testimony to his rude ex- watomies seized upon many more American cellence. Generation after generation of sav- troops, and wreaked their vengeance on ages appeared upon the scenes of Indian them close by or within the limits of Jackson | life, roamed through the forest, or paddled city. Those soldiers were the first white set- their canoes down the streams of the county, tlers; their ashes rest here, and over their while yet beyond them and around swarmed graves rises a beautiful city, while the bar- the civilizers, the immigrants from the Fast. barians who put them to death are vanished, The white man at length appeared. The banished or slain. Indian did not free from his approach, but lived among the deer and wolf and bear THE INDIAN TRADER. which abounded in the district and offered The French-Canadian voyageur came them pleasure and food. next, and he was followed by the French trader. The presence of the Frenchman among the wigwams of the wild hunters Early in 1825 an Indian from some dis- rather detracted from the morals of the tant village was wending his way northward former than added to the intelligence of along an unfrequented trail, passing through the latter. He introduced his peltries the present location of Western's Corners. first, and followed up his commercial suc- At sun-down he spread his robe beside his cesses by the sale of fire-water. He ulti- blazing fire, and settled down to that repose mately acquired the proprietorship of a to which his long march entitled him. Pres- squaw, and for years shared in the sym- ently he saw a stag approaching, and rose to pathies and manners of the savages among grasp his rifle, but he was too late; the mad- whom he dwelt. As a rule, the earlier dened animal rushed at him with a stunning traders, after many years' intercourse with force, and did not cease to belabor the red the red men, decamped from their wigwams, man with antlers and hoofs until instinct in- separated forever from their Indian wives, formed him of his victim's death. Indians and sought the civilized life of olden days; passed tliat way when the night was ad- but the last French trader known in Jackson vanced, took in the situation, buried their county was faithful to his savage spouse friend next day, and parted from the solitary and continued to dwell on the old camp- grave. The road of the white man was sub- ground long years after the last of the Pot- sequently made, and the bones of that Indian tawatomies disappeared from the county. exhumed. This trader was generally known by the name of Baptiste Boreaux, and claimed to JACKSON, 1831 AND 1879. have traded with his dusky customers from At a meeting of the local Pioneer So- the year 1815 to the period of the great in- | ciety, held in 1879, an address was read by 220 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Hon. Henry Little, of Kalamazoo county, that contained many interesting reminis- cences, which we copy as follows: Mr. President, Pioneers, Ladies and Gentlemen: It affords me great pleasure to be with you upon this very interesting occasion, to exchange friendly greetings and congratulations with you, and to listen to the recital of your pioneer experience as you passed through those diversified and trying scenes which marked your progress all the way onward and upwards, from the first log cabin to the crown- ing glory of the grand achievements which are now so conspicuously apparent all about us, as to excite the admiration if not the profound astonishment of every beholder, while seeing your populous county, with its productive farms, manufacturing interests, thriving villages, and this beautiful city, all having sprung into existence within the last fifty years. While Jackson is justly celebrated for the intel- ligence, morality, thrift and enterprise of its in- habitants, its uninterrupted growth and prosperity, its beautiful public and private institutions, it is not renowned for its great antiquity. Jackson is a young city, and still in its infancy, but what an infant? There are still some persons remaining with us who well remember when it was born. I distinctly remember the time when that little young- ster, which had been christened “Jacksonburg," was being cradled and nurtured in his little rude log crib, or cabin. But that child grew with astonish- ing rapidity and soon became an active, precocious youth, and the next moment he was a mature man; and after a brief space of time, a few revolutions of our earth, and instead of that feeble, tottering child, a powerful giant walked forth by his own inherent strength, dispensing his favors in all directions, and commanding the respect and admiration or all. I had known many villages in the eastern states which were one hundred and fifty years old, with but five thousand or six thousand inhabitants, and we sup- posed that a much longer time would be required in this country to reach similar results, but by the magic power of science, when aiding and directing the impelling forces in these modern times, a city, a nation is born in a day. In the early days of Jacksonburg the old Wash- tena w trail was the only traveled route from east to west through this section of country for many years. Between Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo county (as then called) the log cabins of the early pioneers were located only upon that Indian trail. The distance between those primitive solitary dwellings, as found by me forty-eight years ago, was fourteen miles in some cases and seven miles in others, with no improvements whatever between them. Mr. Allen was located at Grass Lake, from which place an unbroken wilderness extended all the way (ten miles) to Jacksonburg, where a wide belt of heavy timbered land extended up and down on the east side of the river. When we passed over that route the river had overflowed its eastern bank, and the water extended over that low timbered land about eighty rods, partially concealing many large and small stones and many large roots of trees, which caused our wagons to contort most fearfully as they piunged up and down, and rocked from right to left. By much time and careful manage- ment three of our wagons passed over without much harm, while two wagons became fast, but by the assistance of Mr. Blackman and his two pairs of oxen they were finally brought over. The bridge across the river was a rude structure of logs, and the east end, being much lower than the other, was under water. At that time (1831) Jacksonburg contained about half a dozen log cabins. Among the number was that of Mr. Blackman, the double log cabin used for a tavern by William R. Thompson, Hiram Thompson, the postmaster of Jacksonburg, Mr. Hogan, the merchant, Mr. Richie, a school house and blacksmith shop, all being of logs. While stopping a few days with Mr. Thompson, I learned that he was about to send out teams to White Pigeon prairie for flour and other provisions, therefore two of my teams returned to the east and Thompson's took their places, the postmaster of Jacksonburg having charge of one team and Mr. Richie the other. Do you still send out ox teams on a three or four weeks trip for your provisions? And do you obtain your meat as you did a few months later, when Mr. Thompson brought a drove of one hundred hogs from Indiana ? As we had good teams, good weather and no detentions, we made the run from Jacksonburg to the place now called Galesburg in six days, two full weeks having been required in passing from Detroit to Gales- burg. We stopped over night with Allen at Grass Lake; Thompson, Blashfield and Roberts at Sand- stone creek; Crane and Abbott a few miles west of Rice creek, where the Rev. John D. Pierce was located, having stayed over night at every cabin on the route from Grass Lake to Rice creek, except at Jacksonburg. In those good old times the latch string always hung upon the outside of every door JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 221 -if they had a door—and however poor and desti- tute the inmates might have been, they willingly entertained all travelers, who were then very few and far between. Some of the dwelling places on that route were nothing but shanties, sheds or pens, without door, window, floor or chimney, and no furniture except such as was made on the premises, the whole outfits being novel apologies for human comforts. The above picture is not gloomy and dishearten- ing as some might suppose, but it is a very hopeful and encouraging state of things, for those times. In 1832 Roswell Crane, formerly of Jackson coʻinty, called at my residence on Gull prairie and informed me that he had located near to and on the west side of Battle creek, and was therefore my neighbor. It was very gratifying to learn that I had a neighbor within fourteen or fifteen miles in an eastern direction, because J. D. Pierce, at Rice creek, had thus far been my nearest neighbor in that direction. Whoever thinks that the movements of the world are slow, let him compare the condition of' matters and things of the present time here with those of a few years ago, when it might have been said that ever since the dawn of creation, when the morning stars sang upon the glorious event, that the greatest part of Michigan was unoccupied, un- known and avoided because it was supposed to be a waste, pestilential desert! It is within the recollection of many persons still living when Ann Arbor was at the extreme west end of the habitable world, beyond which the sun went down into a boundless, bottomless morass, where the frightful sounds of yelling Indians, howl- ing wolves, croaking frogs, ratting massasaugers, and buzzing mosquitoes added to the awful horrors of that dismal place. But, very fortunately for us, that silly illusion was dispelled, so that out of that worthless region there arose one of the most beauti- ful, productive and prosperous states in the Union. Michigan has the largest lakes, which are liter- ally alive with delicious fish, the best climate, soil and crops, the best minerals, timber, schools, col- leges, churches, better laws and more of them than other states; smarter old men and women, brighter boys and more attractive girls. While we have a grateful sense of the rich profusion of the various inexhaustible natural resources of Michigan, I am not at liberty to withhold the merited meed of praise from the hardy, energetic, persevering pioneers, who Patiently submitted to great and long continued hardships and privations, while they utilized the great works of nature by converting a waste wilder- ness, previously the abode of wild beasts and wild men, into fruitful fields and gardens, so that it be- came a land of corn and wine and of the finest of wheat-a land of milk and honey. They beautified the face of nature with the decorative works of art, founded cities, villages, towns and elegant rural palaces, highways and railroads throughout our broad domain; caused the light of science to illuminate every corner, gave us laws and educational, relig- ious and charitable institutions, which would be an honor to the older states, and instead of a territory of less than thirty thousand, we now have a state containing one million five hundred thousand in- habitants, in the full enjoyment of all the rich boun- ties of nature and art. But has Michigan arrived at the zenith of its prosperous progression, and here- after to remain stationary? No, will be the em- phatic exclamation of everyone, because the history of the past, and the present indications in regard to the future, are such as to justify the firm belief of a steady and continued onward movement in all the good and ennobling characteristics appertaining to a great and prosperous commonwealth. The words "progressive improvement” are legibly inscribed upon everything appertaining to the affairs of life. Therefore, with an intelligent, energetic, enterprising people, under the sure guidance of science, with ma- chinery for the farmer, mechanic and for most all kinds of manual labor, and greatly increased facili- ties for prosecuting business enterprises, nothing short of a frowning Providence can prevent a long and highly prosperous and happy career in the future. Veteran pioneers, respected fathers and moth- ers, you do not need monuments of brass or marble to proclaim or perpetuate the remembrance of your glorious achievements to coming generations, be- cause your foot-prints are deeply and indelibly im- pressed upon this fair land, where the results of the magnificent work of your hands are the best of testimonials for you. Here you not only hewed out and laid those deep and broad foundations, but you were the archi- tects and builders of a grand superstructure, whose lofty imposing towers and pinnacles greet the rays of the rising suin, and afford shelter and protection to life and property. Now at this delightful season of the year, when all nature is arrayed in her most gorgeous attire, when the indications from all quar- ters inspire the most sanguine hopes and expecta- tions of an abundant supply of all creature com- forts, it is pleasant and profatable to come together, to review the trying scenes of the long, long past, 222 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. and rejoice together for the rich abundance now en- that “his team went in out of sight, but he joyed. I therefore most heartily congratulate one kept whipping and hallooing at the hole, and and all of you on your good fortune in having such a goodly heritage and your homes in such pleasant they eventually came out all right on the places, which is but the just reward of the pioneer. other side! But your ownership of this beautiful domain, for Of the many discouragements and hard- which you devoted your best energies during the best years of your lives, will soon pass from your ships of those early days it is unnecessary to hands, as a rich inheritance to your successors, and speak, as the old settlers have had experience it will be with the consciousness of having faithfully in that direction and know all about them; guarded and preserved the treasures intrusted to while the younger generation could not real- your keeping, and increased its value far beyond the limited powers of human computation. We hope ize how great they were, even if told them. . and believe that your successors will imitate your But those early days were not without their worthy example. pleasures of a social nature. The oxen would be yoked to the large lumbering ox-- RECOLLECTIONS OF HON. DAVID ADAMS. sled; there were no horses in those days; Hon. David Adams was one of the earli- straw would be used to sit upon, and a buf- est settlers in the northwestern portion of falo robe or a few bed-quilts employed to Jackson county, where he located in Tomp- wrap women and children, and off would kins, in the spring of 1833. At that time, start a family to spend the day or evening in that now prosperous township, there was with neighbors, taking other families on the but a handful of people, and Adams' nearest way along with them. There were no neighbors were Abel Lyon, who lived half a broadcloths, no silks, no “fuss” in the way mile away, Joseph Wade, one mile, Deacon of preparation; they were ready at a Townley, two miles. Mr. Adams, J. M. moment's warning; there was no necessity Jamieson, Henry Hecox and D. W. Parchal to notify anyone, as they were every day came into the county together and located alike, and went just as they were, as regards lands for future homes.. Adams and Jamie- their personal outfits. Nor was it deemed son were the only ones of the company who necessary to apprise the family they intended had means enough to move their families, visiting that they were coming, as "pot-luck” and the following fall they made clearings was the word in those days,—there being and put up houses. Jamieson kept bachelor's no luxuries to offer. What was lacking in hall; and the next summer Adams' family high living was made up in good feeling. came on via the Erie canal to Buffalo, whence All went in for a good time generally—sing- they took steamboat to Detroit. From the ing, dancing, telling stories, and merry- latter place they were conveyed to their making; and often an entire night would be future home in a wagon—a three days' jour- | thus spent, as it was found difficult, seem- ney over rough logways and through almost ingly, for the settlers to separate early when bottomless marshes, with mosquitoes swarm- they got together on such occasions. They ing about them in clouds. They often got were hail fellows well met, and ready with stuck in the swales, when they were forced a helping hand in time of need. to unhitch and use double teams to pull them Mr. Adams was thrown upon his own re- out. One of the drivers on this trip declared sources at an early age. While a boy he JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 223 learned the shoemaking trade, and later ion of the state changed, and he was rotated learned the jeweler's trade, in the days when out for another, returning to his farm. spoons were made by hand. He located and Shortly after this time he joined the Method- opened a shop in Lyons, New York, where ist Episcopal church, of which he remained he married Hannah Perrine, who proved to a consistent member, ever ready with his tal- be a help, indeed, cheering and assisting in t, time and money to help on the cause he every womanly way to make their home espoused. espoused. His temperament was of the bright and happy. She was noted for never nervous, sanguine order, which always made complaining, but always making the best of him look on the bright side of events; con- everything as it came. In his younger days In his younger days sequently he was always cheerful and happy, Mr. Adams was one of those generous, with a good word for all. Although an wholesouled men, to whom a dollar's worth earnest Christian, he was no bigot; his of fun was worth five dollars of cash at any charity was large, always contending that time; consequently he was not overburdened there was much more good than evil in man. with this world's goods. He often remarked He had many warm friends and but few that had he not married a prudent wife he enemies. The latter never questioned his would probably never have laid up anything. honesty of purpose or the purity of his in- When he came west he was not rich, but had tentions. enough to keep the wolf from his own door, THE STORY OF MR. MOORE. and some to help his less prosperous neigh- bors; for he was no niggard, but generous John L. Moore, now of New York state, to a fault, often putting himself out to ac- but formerly of this state, was recently in- commodate a friend. He never turned any terviewed as follows: away hungry from his door; his "latch- “ “I suppose," said the interrogator, “that string” was always out; his unvarying price your journey from New York state to Mich- for a meal was “fourteen dollars.” He was igan at that early day was not a very luxuri- always an earnest politician. He and T. E. ous experience?" Gidley, with a few others of like political "Well, we certainly did not come in a faith, met at Slab City, a little west of where palace car, nor did we go to bed at home and Parma now stands, and organized the Whig awake next morning in Detroit,” was the party in this county. He remained in that reply; “however, we got here. I particularly party until it went to pieces, or was merged well remember that we crossed into Canada into the Republican party, of which he was at Lewiston, May 14, 1831. The next day an earnest worker. we dined at Brantford, with Brandt, a son of In the early days the circuit court con- the renowned chief of the Mohawks. Our sisted of a judge and two associates. Mr. host on that occasion was educated, I believe. Adams was one of the associates, hence his in England, and although he held a commis- title of “Judge.” In Woodbridge and reform sion from the crown he was himself chief times he was appointed “agent” of the state of his tribe. He was one of the most per- prison, then in its infancy, which office he fectly formed men I ever saw. At dinner held two years, when the political complex- | he was in military undress, and he acted the a 224 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. host with all the possible graces and refine- named Deland. I believe there were no ments of the oldest civilization. other settlers near Jackson then. “The next point that especially attracted “On the path from Ann Arbor a Mr. my attention, and that lives freshest in my Sloat kept a tavern at Honey creek, five miles memory, was the town of Oxford, which west of Ann Arbor, and nine miles further seemed to me one of the most beautiful por- on a man named Garlick had built a house. tions of the country I had ever seen. We There was only one family at Grass Lake, crossed the Thames at Moravian Town, not and not a building from there to Jackson.' far from which place both of my horses were In the further course of conversation Mr. poisoned. One of them died right there and Moore said that he remained in Jackson less the other lived only about long enough to than a year, owing to both his own and his reach Detroit. Goodale took my wife in his wife's ill health. wagon, and through his good nature we On leaving Jackson he moved to the were enabled to get our stuff through. I town of York, Washtenaw county, and be- never knew who poisoned my horses, but I came one of the founders of Mooreville, at always believed it was the work of a female which place he was the first postmaster, and tramp who had taken offense at my refusal carried the first mail through from Saline to to allow her to make one of our party.” Raisin. He subsequently returned to the “How long did you remain in Detroit?" East, and since 1843 has lived in New York, “Let's see. We arrived here Sunday, During the many years of his proprietorship May 21, 1831, and I left for Jackson on the of the Madison Square and other hotels in following Wednesday—three days. I left the metropolis, Michigan people always Goodale here and went on alone. I say alone, found a hospitable welcome. He is now liv- , but of course had my own family. Anning in retirement at Mt. Vernon, on a beauti- Arbor was our first halting place—forty ful place not far from the city, in the serene miles I believe they call it—but we made it enjoyment of a hale and happy old age, with in one day; and the end of our second day's all his faculties as bright as they were half journey, after crossing Detroit river, brought a century ago, and his genial love of human us to Jackson, where I had decided to settle. kind in no degree abated. I There was no road or sign of a road west of Ann Arbor, and the only families in Jackson were those of William R. Thompson and his Rev. Mr. King, at present pastor of the brother, Mr. Bennett and Mr. Blackman. I Lone Star Baptist church, at Chepstow, Kan- the fifth married that sas, prepared the following interesting paper tled in that neighborhood, and I put for this work. The subject is well treated, up the first frame building erected in Jack- although it claims to be a plain, unvarnished son county. When I arrived there, the tale: town of four houses-two of which were “My grandfather, Asahel King, was born taverns and all built of logs—boasted two in Massachusetts, September 15, 1781. In plıysicians, whose names I have forgotten. the twelfth year of his age he was hired to Half a mele out of the city' lived a man go as a drummer in the state militia. He was RECOLLECTIONS BY REV. ASAHEL A. KING. was man set- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 225 drum-major in the war of 1812. His com- were just returning from the Toledo war. pany was ordered to Sacket’s Harbor in Of course they had done 'exploits.' My fa- 1814. Before it got there the British sur- ther had been all through Michigan to Chi- rendered. An important event happened at cago the year before, in company with two the harbor, which is worthy of record. As other men named Caleb Jackson and Hiram the British were surrounding the harbor, led Anderson (I believe); they rode Indian by their general, and shouting 'the victory is ponies, going through Canada on their return ours,' the American soldiers were few in to New York. When my father returned to numbers and expected defeat; a young boy his wilderness home he was yet a single man, lay sick in a log coopershop, but seeing the in 1838. He was married to Miss Rebecca danger, he leveled his musket at the general, Emily Smith, daughter of John Smith, who fired, and he fell dead. The British became came from Dover, England. Mr. Milton J. terrified, and supposing the building to be Draper was then justice of the peace, and he full of soldiers, they fled in dismay. This, married our parents according to the Meth- added to other defeats, proved to be a great odist rule, which ceremony occupied a whole a event in the closing of the war. This was hour. in 1814. "When father was living in his log house, “My grandfather had eight daughters and my brother Jefferson was about eight and four sons. He moved from Lafayette, years old, a black bear came into his wood- New York, to Rives, Jackson county, Michi- shed and tried to get a calf-skin hanging gan, in 1837. He was a tanner and currier, there. My brother thought it was a dog, , also a shoemaker and a farmer. His boys and whistled to call it. My father shot it, were all farmers here except my uncle. but it only shook itself and ran off. One Asahel King, who lived on a farm at Cardiff, day when my mother was alone, two large, Onondaga county, New York, where the fat deer came and stood side by side in front famous Cardiff Giant was exhumed. of the door and very near. A rifle was loaded “When my father and grandfather set- in the house, but she dared not shoot it, al- tled here Michigan was a wilderness; no though they needed meat very badly. Fa- clearing for miles around; the wolves howled ther often started large herds of deer away around during the night, and Indians from his cellar while digging it. He shot prowled about by day; they suffered for food, a large turkey just where he built his house; they lost cattle, etc.; they used to go to De- the turkey ran his head into a brush heap troit for all their provisions and to sell their and supposed he was safe. wheat, etc., driving oxen instead of horses, “The Indians were all around and often and there sold their wheat for thirty-five came for something to eat. When they were cents per bushel. Jackson was only a small through eating they always took up all the village then. My father has often mired fast food from the table, away in their blankets. in Main street, his oxen not being able to Mother was often frightened at night when extricate the wagon. alone, by some old Indian looking at her “When grandfather came here in 1836. through the window. The young Indians in company with Horace G. Cole, the soldiers used to steal corn for roasting, then hide it 15 226 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. (as they supposed) under their blankets; iest snow falls in the remembrance of our every now and then an ear would drop; they settlers. It came on Sunday night. I will would conceal it again as soon as they could. relate an instance of interest to many of our “The wolves used to howl terribly at young people and some who are older. Eleven night. In the winter of 1837 they killed and of our young Americas left Rives in a sleigh ate an Indian, near the corner of Tompkins, for Jackson, to attend service at the Baptist Eaton Rapids, Springport and Onondaga church and see some friends baptized. When townships. He backed up against a tree and we got our load gathered and were about fought with his hatchet until he killed seven two miles from our community, the snow be- wolves; then he was overpowered. His gan to come down by measure. It was not hatchet, some of his clothing and part of his very cold. We stopped to debate whether body and the wolves were soon found. we would go on or not. The majority said, Many others made very narrow escapes. ‘Go.' So go it was. I had my team. The “Once father went to Detroit with a load storm raged so that we were very late in of wheat. He sold it and bought five barrels town. We went to the Marion House, and of vinegar. He started home; but a storm warmed, put the team in the barn, then went set in and he was obliged to leave his vine- to the church just as the last candidate came gar with an 'honest farmer, who was to sell ‘up out of the water. We went back to the it for him and send him the money. He sold hotel and waited for the storm to abate, but it, but never yet sent the money. This was it raged terribly. We stayed all night. In a great loss. I suppose that man will say, the morning there was six feet of snow on on the day of judgment, 'Here is your a level. We got breakfast and started for vinegar.' Rives. We got in the community, a dis- “Twenty-three years ago last fall our at- tance of eight miles, just at sunset. We were mosphere was so smoky that it was very dif- â a hungry set, tired and forlorn. We fed our ficult to see any distance. Travelers used team and had supper at Rev. Mr. Osborn's. bells on their teams to avoid collisions. It We then commenced to distribute our load, made tears come in the eyes; the fish, large and we finally got to my mother's about and small, died in the streams, etc. eleven o'clock at night, having driven over caused by fires in the forests of Michigan fences, etc. ; but I could not get near the and Canada. house; so I got my brother-in-law to carry “January 1, 1864, seventeen years ago. 'my girl' to the house in his arms. The next was the coldest day on record in our state, day I took her home on horse-back. We got The night before we attended a war meeting into a gravel pit, climbed fences, etc., but , and on going home at eleven o'clock it was I landed her safe at home, her parents fancy- raining; b y daylight it was exceedingly cold. ing that we were all buried in the snow. b Some people froze to death. Cattle, sheep “During the Civil war a great many of and poultry were also found dead. Very my cousins and some uncles enlisted. In one little work was done, except to feed and run family of eight boys, five were soldiers. They the stock to keep them from freezing. were the sons of Charles and Lucy Smith, of “In March, 1868, we had one of the heav- North Plains, Ionia County. Uncle Charles It was 1 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 227 went to Memphis, Tennessee, to care for land, my father took a journey east to pro- three of them. He died about two weeks cure a breaking-up team, as it required three after his arrival there. I had three cousins, or four yoke of oxen to do the first plow- sons of Horace S. and Lucinda Cole, who ing. He returned in April with his team, served all through the Rebellion. Again, and also four cows. On his arrival we had two cousins, sons of John H. and Amanda the chimney built, and the laying down of King, were among the first to enlist. They the floor completed, together with many came home after re-enlisting. One of them, other little improvements which render the David Marion King, was sergeant of Com- log cabin at least comfortable. All were pany E, Third Michigan Cavalry. He went He went happy in this home in the wilderness except back, and soon after, while going through mother, who suffered sometimes from home- a piece of woods with a small squad of men, sickness. She had to return to look again they were attacked by 'bushwhackers,' and as at the old homestead in Monroe county, New they ran down a hill, my cousin's horse fell York, after which visit she returned to her , in a miry place called a bayou; the last ever new home, and was ever afterward content seen of him by our 'boys in blue,' he was to dwell here. under his horse, struggling to extricate him- “Our nearest school house was about self. Soon after our boys returned and three miles distant, and for three years the searched diligently for him, but he was gone; children had to walk thereto, before a school we have never heard from him since. He was provided for this district. At that time is the oniy cousin out of many but came the whole district was called Jacksonburgh. home at the close of the war. Any informa- We could walk through the country then tion concerning him would be gladly re- with as much ease and pleasure as we can ceived by the relatives. I think he died as drive through it now. a prisoner in Libby or Andersonville pris- “Our farm produced good flax, and we made our own cloth. Mother wove a piece for grain bags, and disposed of each bag for EARLY TIMES IN RIVES, AS PICTURED seven shillings. We manufactured starch from green corn or potatoes; band boxes we “In November, 1834, my parents moved made from elm bark, and indulged in many to Jackson county, and composed one of the branches of domestic economy. eleven families who settled in Rives town- “Indians, fleas, wolves and bears were ship that year. all so numerous as to be somewhat trouble- "In January, 1835, my father moved in- The Indians and sand-hills were to the log house which he had then erected. equally covered, if not filled, with fleas, and The flooring was sawed from frozen logs, the latter added not a little to the annoyance and the boards laid down loose and rough, and discomfort of our first settlers. with a rough partition forming a room. One “The bears and wolves were also the of the windows of their house served as a cause of much annoyance. They would prowl chimney, as the stove-pipe passed through around the dwellings in the night time, and it. Having been thus far established in the most of the housewives of those days insist- Ons.” BY MRS. RANNEY. some. 228 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ed that they had seen them at their windows The following year it produced two apples, peering in with ferocious looks, as if they which I picked, as the owner did not live were desirous of gratifying their appetite at there. As recently as 1847 a man from Ohio the expense of some of the smaller or weaker was out prospecting for a location; but he members of the family. We have no record formed such a strange opinion of the coun- that any such deplorable event occurred, try that he said: “This country will soon though many hairbreadth escapes are related be deserted; the log houses will soon be left of women and children in passing after dark tenantless; people cannot live here; it's a bar- from house to house. The Indians visited ren waste! What would that man say now us from time to time and frequently brought were he to visit us? The country,—we think venison to trade for bread and potatoes. it is one of the richest on the continent.” "In 1842 I taught school in what was MARVIN DORRILL'S REMINISCENCES. called the 'Draper neighborhood,' a district extending about four miles. My pupils were "I left Herkimer county, New York, in Harriet Draper, Ann Phelps, Cordelia Cook, company with Allen Bennett, Sr., in March, Sarah Hatten, Elizabeth Hatten, Charlotte 1833. Mr: Bennett came as far as Buffalo, Draper, Eunice Tingley, Josephine Snyder, went aboard a steamboat, but suddenly Mary Draper, Violet Anderson, Andrew changed his mind and returned. Phelps, Wm. Bates, Edwin Smith, Austin on to Detroit and there met an acquaintance, Draper, Frank Quigley, Quigley, who traveled with me west. We took the Edward Draper, John Anderson and James stage and reached Ann Arbor the first day, Anderson. Jackson the second, and Marshall the third "In January, 1842, I made a visit to day. We then took our knapsacks, traveling Ohio, and became acquainted with D. H. westward to Gull Prairie. At Battle Creek Ranney, who subsequently came out here, there was but one house. We reached Gull where in 1844 we were married by Rev. Prairie the fourth day, and started thence Mr. Harrison, of Jackson. to Grand Rapids, in company with a pioneer “When settlers first entered on their lo- who was moving thither with his family, and cations it was thought by some that tame who carried our luggage. We stopped the grass would never grow here. My father, first day long enough before night to build Alva True, said he thought it would, and a bough house of brush, having brush with- very soon afterward discovered a blade of out leaves for our bed and covering. plantain; clover followed plantain, and in “On the morning of the second day our a short time we had a pleasant green. When pioneer, whose team was a yoke of oxen and father moved into the township there was a single horse, found his horse missing. I neither of these herbs. Now all the grasses started out with him to search for the horse, and cereals are produced, and wild berries but not finding him, went on to Grand Rap- are abundant. ids, and from thence to Ionia. On our way “The first orchard was planted in the to Ionia we came across our friend who had spring of 1835, on the farm now known as lost the horse, who had himself been lost, the Wilbur farm, then owned by Mr. Elmer. and had wandered in the woods seven days. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 229 “During our travels we camped in the west, the state of Michigan, my husband hav- woods or open prairie wherever night over- ing purchased three eighties in the north- took us. My valise was my pillow, and a west portion of Hanover township the year camlet cloak my covering, and in the ab- previous, where we now reside. Emigration sence of water, washed our hands in the dew in those days was less expeditious than in on the grass. During our travels looking for these modern times. We went aboard the land on which to make a home, we were canal boat, and jogged along at a slow rate; often for long distances without water, and but as it ran both night and day, we made one time dug with our hands a hollow place considerable progress. Arrived at Buffalo, on the border of the marsh, which filled with we took the steamboat for Toledo, not much water, and muddy as it was, it tasted sweet. of a village at that time, there being but a We used an egg-shell for a goblet. We trav- few houses. We made out to climb the bank, eled through Ionia, Clinton, Shiawassee and and then started by team for Adrian, Mr. Oakland counties to Detroit, ocupying on Mallory having transported his wagon and our trip through the state over four weeks. horses across the lake. We found the roads I located some government land near Lyons, passing through the cottonwood swamp, , Ionia county, and returned to Herkimer through mud and muck, where many a wagon county, New York. had been stuck, Mrs. Mallory and myself “In the spring of 1837 I started with my walking four miles on logs and rails. We I family and effects for Michigan, to make a saw the first locomotive with cars making permanent settlement. I drove a team their first trip in Michigan. My uncle, Darius through Canada and reached Jackson April | Comstock, and George Crane, from Farm- , 12, having been four weeks on the journey. ington, New York, who were stockholders, We remained in Jackson a few weeks, and were on board. When the train stopped at then went on to my farm in Rives, about ten Blissfield the old gentlemen alighted with miles north of the city. For the next ten buckets in land, and descended the bank of years we went through all the hardships and the River Raisin, and up again as sprightly privations of a pioneer life. We then moved as young men, with their buckets of water to the city and resided four years, again upon to supply the tender. Both men are now the farm a few years, and for the last fifteen dead. We arrived at Moscow Plains, and , years in the city. put up with an old acquaintance of ours for "In the retrospect I have found a great six weeks, who made our stay very pleasant source of enjoyment, whether as a pioneer until our houses were finished, which, of or otherwise, in an active, busy life.” course, were built of logs. We then began keeping house. We experienced many pri- REMINISCENCES OF MRS. M. W. CLAPP. vations, having to go thirty miles to mill “In May, 1837, we left my native place, with an ox-team, taking two days for the Farmington, Ontario county, New York, in journey. Our neighbors were few and far company with Azariah Mallory and family, between. No roads at that time except the of Macedon, Wayne county, who were also main traveled road, three miles south, known bound for the same destination, and then far as the Chicago turnpike. Now and then we 230 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. came across an Indian trail, though only one iog school-house, a few rods northeast of Indian called on us. Though our mode of where the Methodist Episcopal church now conveyance for a few years was by ox-teams, stands, where we used to attend meetings. we could expedite by taking a bee line nearly “The first tombstone in the cemetery to the different points, as there was no un- marked the grave of our son. It was a derbrush, the Indians having kept it burned brown sandstone, taken from the quarry at down. Afterward, by chipping the trees, Stony Point, some ten years before its in- or blazing the lines, the tracks were followed exhausible stones were developed. by others until they became established roads. “And thus we might extend our view of "Jonesville had only one store at that pioneer life; but perhaps enough has been time. Immigration was very great in 1837. said. The improvements since those days It made very hard times, on account of the that tried men's souls are before us; our state scarcity of provisions. Many were afflicted being traversed by the numerous railroads, with ague, for which Michigan became pro- and the facilities we enjoy for communica- verbial. The first fall my husband had for- tion enable us to see the progress in civiliza- ty-nine ‘shakes' in forty-nine days; our tion; that which fifty years ago was an un- daughter suffered from it at the same time, broken wilderness is now dotted with cities and none of us escaped it entirely. Mr. Mal- and villages, with the advantages of mod- lory's people seemed like relatives, though ern improvements, and we truly can sit un- living three miles away. On Sunday the old der our own vine and fig tree." gray horse would bring the wife and youngest REMINISCENCES OF W. W. WOLCOTT. child, while he and one or two others trudged on foot; then we appreciated the face of a South and west from the little village of friend, and the attachment thus formed has Onondaga the land gradually rises until you ever since existed. In the spring the fire reach the county line, about a mile and one- would run through the woods, which warmed half directly west; then turning south about up the ground and caused vegetation to half a mile you find yourself traveling along spring up, beautiful to behold. The flowers a summit level which divides the waters that covered the earth and yielded a fragrant per- flow into Grand river on the one hand, fume. The wild deer would gambol over the from those that flow into Spring brook plains, and the turkey was also seen. Now on the other. Without being hilly, the and then a massasaugua put in an appear- land has those long undulations that ance, and the wolves and screech-owls would make it not only easy of drainage and sometimes make night hideous. cultivation, but attractive to the lover of “We soon had a flock of sheep, from rural scenery. To the east and north the which we spun and wove our own cloth, and view is extensive, as the eye ranges across had to be tailoress and dressmaker too; but the valley of the river. Here, on the corner, clothes were made in plainer style then than where the east and west roads meet, the now-a-days. county line road at right angles, is situated “Where the village of Hanover is located the residence of William W. Wolcott, the were only two or three residences, and one first settler in this part of the county. The JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 231 at house is attractive, being built in the Italian cholera was raging in Detroit at that time. style and having a tower, and is situated On arriving at Ann Arbor the old gen- on a natural building spot, well back from the tlemen found themselves so foot-sore that road, in a handsome grove of oaks. Just they concluded to try the stage, which proved back of the house Mr. Wolcott has a fine to be a peddler's wagon “altered over" for grapery, and one of the finest peach orchards the accommodation of travelers. They came in this part of the country, and when we in by the way of the Washtenaw trail, the were there tree and vine were laden with road along which was laid out by Firmferin luscious fruit. The barns are across the way in 1834, and extended west to St. Joseph. from the house, and near by there is a water This trail entered and crossed the river not hole with no source of supply but the rain- far from where the state prison now stands, , fall, yet which furnishes water for his stock and Dr. Russ's brother kept tavern there throughout the year. The farm consists of on or near the site of that popular boarding one hundred and seventy-four acres, all but establishment. The land now occupied for thirty acres of which are under improve that purpose could then be bought for three ments. It is one of the finest in this part of hundred dollars. the country. He owns besides one hundred Since then it is safe to say that Jackson- and fifty acres in Jackson county, about one burgh has grown. John M. Dwight was then mile south. the only dealer in goods and notions; Bill Mr. Wolcott's forefathers lived Bothwell kept the Thompson House, which Weathersfield, Connecticut. The old build- sported Indian blankets at the windows in ing is still standing in which his great-grand- lieu of a more transparent medium. Black- father used to do business, and it may be man kept the rival establishment across the that some of his relatives took part in the street. The Hamlins, since of Eaton Rapids, celebrated Union war, so graphically narrat- lived there then. Bailey was justice of the ed by that prince of historians, Dedrich peace. There were Moody, Durand, Russ Knickerbocker. and Allen, the last of whom was the first William W. Wolcott was born in Auster-dealer, aspiring to dispense groceries and litz, Columbia county, New York, in 1807. provisions to his fellow sojourners; and this He lived there until 1823, when his father constituted about the entire nucleus, around moved to Genesee county, and it was on the which has grown up one of the most prom- hunting ground of the Senecas that he ac- ising inland cities of Michigan. quired that love for hunting which has been The surveyors were at that time employed one of his diversions through life. June 29, in running out the line of the old Clinton 1832, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Bald- road. Their contract specified that they were win, who was born November 4, 1808, at to lay out a road, following generally a north- Dorrest, Bennington county, Vermont. He west course between the villages of Clinton first came to Michigan in 1832, and having and Grand Rapids. In those days it would formed a traveling acquaintance with an old seem that Clinton was one of the prospective gentleman by the name of Daniels, they foot- points in the territory. In looking out the ed it out from Detroit to Ann Arbor. The line of road, the surveyors sent out two men, 232 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. who, taking opposite directions, prospected daga, was said to be the only white man in for the most eligible lines of communication Ingham county. and worried their way around swamps, or This time he visited the land office at plunged through them according to circum- Kalamazoo, and he gives a graphic account stances. Mr. Wolcott and his friend, George of the journey through the wilderness at Woodworth, were the first men, after the that date. A party of fourteen set out from surveyors, over the newly laid out road west Jackson on foot, but when they reached of Jackson. When he came there the sur- Graham's Tavern, a little west of Albion, veyors were encamped on the hill not far they concluded to wait for the stage, and from the site of ex-Governor Blair's resi- they changed conveyances six times between dence. The friends resolved to take time by there and Kalamazoo. Then, if there was a the forelock, and having procured some po- settler along the route, the stage went to his nies they started out but a day behind the door, and every shanty was a public house. gentlemen of the compass and chain. They In taking passengers it was part of the con- followed the line to where it struck Sand- tract that they should walk up hill, and stone creek, near where the bridge now spans even push a little at times, and the party had the stream at the head of the pond at Tomp- more than one laugh over paying fares and kin's Center. Not being able to cross at going afoot. At Searles' Tavern, eight miles that point, they went down the creek and this side of Kalamazoo, while the party was felled a tree to serve as a bridge. They there, the landlord's son went out and shot spent a part of the day on the section of two noble bucks, which had got their horns land where Marcus Wade now lives, and re- clinched in fighting. On the way back Mr. turned the same night to Jackson. The next Wolcott put up at Birnegs' Tavern, at Bat- morning, starting before daylight, they set tle Creek, and was strongly urged by that out for Tompkin's again, and when about gentleman to invest in town lots at twenty- two miles on the route it began to snow, and five dollars each; but Mr. Wolcott had no kept it up until twelve o'clock the following faith, and responded that he would not give night. On the way up they crossed a num- twenty-five cents. ber of fresh bear tracks in the snow; plenty Returning to Detroit, he visited a cider- of deer, but got nothing, as their guns were mill on the river Rouge, and washed out a bushel of apple-seeds, with which to start a Mr. Wolcott resolved to locate a mill-site nursery near Jackson. This was done in at Tompkins, and visited the land office at company with his friend Woodworth; but Monroe with that intention, but found that from a variety of reasons the project was not the land had long been taken. Becoming dis- a success, though it furnished the new coun- couraged, he concluded that the whole coun- ty with many trees. The large and thrifty try was a succession of tamarack swamps, trees in Mr. Wolcott's orchard are from those and returned to the east. In the fall of 1835, seeds. The grafts were brought by Thomas he returned to Michigan and located on the Baldwin from Ohio. land where he now lives. At that time a In the fall of 1835 he returned to New man by the name of Booth, living near Onon- | York state, stopping over winter in Ohio, wet. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 233 and in the spring of 1837 he came back to breed of fowls, and has never been out of Michigan to build a house and get ready for eggs or fat chickens. Yet it would not do his family. While doing so he boarded at to begin too rashly on the poultry; and, after Lyon's Tavern, then located where Mr. Ford getting terribly hungry, Mr. Wolcott started now lives. It was three or four miles away, out with a pillow-case, in pursuit of pork yet he went to and from his labors night and and butter. He purchased a small hog at . morning, and paid five dollars per week for fifteen dollars per hundred, but butter was board. This, in the new country, was some- not to be had, though he visited all the thing scanty; but the hungry could always farmers in the vicinity of Parma. Strong in find two essentials at every public house, his determination to have some butter, he however poor, milk and whiskey. Returning returned to Jackson, but was dismayed, on again to New York state, he worked through arriving, by the intelligence that there was harvest for ten shillings per day,—seventy- none in the city. However, the dealer said five cents for haying. that he had sent his team for some, and that In the fall of the same year he purchased he expected it in that night. The team came, the best horse and wagon he could find, to with butter from Ohio. Peace was restored please his wife, who dreaded the journey by to the households of Jackson, and Mr. Wol- water, and they started for their home, cott turned his steps homeward with glad- through Canada; but, after seventeen days ness in his heart and twenty-five pounds of in the mud, they were glad to embark at butter in his pillow-case; and after his twenty Chatham. Having arrived, he was not able miles' march through slush and mud, he felt ' to keep his team and wagon, and they were no disposition to accuse that grocery man sold at Jackson, to. Paul B. King, for three of light weight. hundred and seventy-seven dollars. They The winter of 1836 was remarkable in were, perhaps, at that time, the best span the annals of the county. A snow fell eigh- of horses ever driven into the place, and were teen inches deep and crusted. The wolves, purchased for the use of Dan Hibbard in driven by hunger, came up from the north- carrying the mail. At home in the wilder- ern wilderness and killed the deer in droves. ness, the question of provisions made itself | They even killed young stock. The cold was felt, and Mr. Wolcott started to spy out the something terrible. Quails and prairie chick- fatness of the land, and, if possible, bring ens were almost exterminated. From No- some of it home with him. He visited Spring vember 15 to January 1 it did not thaw, and Arbor, but the farmers wanted twenty-five it thawed then but little. From February cents per pound for pork. Mr. Wolcott con- 20 to April 20 the sky was without a cloud, tented himself with flour and a somewhat and the cold was steady and intense. How- antiquated ox, which he purchased for beef. ever, April 1, Mr. Wolcott, being in Jackson, Being out of meat, in the spring he purchased observed that it thawed a little on the north twelve hens from Gartner Gould, for three side of the street. April 20 the snow went shillings apiece, and carried them home on off, and the long, hard winter was at an end. his back. Forty-two years have passed since The wolves went back to their northern then, and Mr. Wolcott has still the same haunts, and none have been heard of in the a 234 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. county since. When Mr. Wolcott was here his cow, and with Perrine and Wolcott turned in 1835 he hired ten acres broken up, and let out to hunt him. The bear first undertook to out five of them to Daniel Dunn, and has pass Messrs. Sibley and Perrine, who shot never been out of wheat since. For meat at him and turned him back. This drove Mr. Wolcott depended more on his gun than laim toward Wolcott, who saw him coming his pocket. He became an adept in bagging along the path in which he was standing; wild turkeys, and through the fall and winter feeling sure that he must kill him at the first the family was seldom without a fat turkey shot or have an encounter, Wolcott aimed in the larder. He used to delight in getting for his eye, and with the crack of his rifle in the friends, and with a big fire in the old Bruin went down. He proved to be very fireplace, and the children at home, have a large and fat. feast on baked turkey. Mr. Wolcott had six children, of whom He used to hunt through the woods to are now living but one, Grove H. Wolcott, Jackson, get his mail, and hunt back again, a lawyer of Jackson. without thinking it much of an undertaking. JACOB CORNELL'S REMINISCENCES. On one occasion, having business to do at Mason, he set out on a trail through the "In the autumn of 1833 my father Ste- woods with dog and gun. On his return, phen Cornell, of Poughkeepsie, New York, when he was north of Leslie, night fell; it came to Michigan and purchased of the Uni- clouded up and became fearfully dark, and ted States one hundred and twenty acres of he lost his trail. After groping on the ground land in the township of Unadilla, and with for some time he found it again, but without the help of two men, a yoke of oxen, and a being sure which way he was facing. How- . rope, erected the first log house in the county. ever, it must bring him somewhere, and final- He hauled the clapboards and the lumber ly he came to the house of Mr. Phillips on for the floor from Dexter, fourteen miles the right track. He awoke the inmates to southeast of our home. He and his men learn where he was, and they were surprised built a camp of brush and marsh hay in which that any human being should undertake to they lodged and cooked for three weeks, us- traverse these woods in the night. Arriving ing brush for a spring bed. My father re- at the river it was necessary to halloo out the turned home late in the fall, preparatory to ferryman, Mr. Allen, who, with the generos- removing his family the following spring to ity of a frontiersman, refused to receive pay our home in the territory of Michigan. About from a new settler. the middle of April, 1834, we packed up our He killed one bear—a large one—famous little all, together with a year's supply of in the country for killing hogs. The bear provisions and medicines, and employed a was easily recognized from the fact that he sloop to carry us to Albany, a distance of had lost one of his feet in a trap. It had eighty miles, on the Hudson river, the trip recently killed one of Mr. Sibley's hogs, and from Poughkeepsie occupying nearly a week. Mr. Wolcott went for Rue. Perrine's bear- At Albany we took a boat on the Erie canal trap; but bruin was posted on traps. Finally for Buffalo, reaching that city in about nine Mr. Sibley saw the animal while looking after days; thence by way of Lake Erie, on the JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 235 steamboat ‘Daniel Webster' to Detroit. At mother, who soon distributed among them Detroit we made a contract with two team- all the cooked provisions she had in the house, sters to take us the remainder of our journey, hoping to save her life thereby, but they soon sixty miles, through the mud. We counted departed in a friendly manner, and we found . up our funds and found we could foot the it a great convenience to have such friends, bill and have fifty cents left. We left De- for they often brought us venison to ex- troit, plodding our way, when not stuck in change for four, and we ever found them the mud, over a wild and horrible road to friendly and honorable unless influenced by Dexter, being then within fourteen miles of whiskey. We experienced very close times our new home, for eight miles of which we the first two years, and one year our scanty were blessed with an Indian trail to guide supply of provisions gave out before harvest us, the remainder being trackless marshes time, and we were compelled to cut the un- and lakes. We waded about fifty rods through ripe wheat, dry it in the sun, thresh it on a lake, and this seemed close akin to ship- sheets, fan it in the wind, grind it in the cof- wreck, and my mother and sister thought | fee mill and bolt it through crepe, and this that if this was Michigan life their days were flour made into biscuits we partook of with numbered; but we reached the shore in safe- a relish that I shall never forget. As we ty, and three miles more brought us up in were fourteen miles from postoffice, mill, front of our new log house, and although or store, it required three days to make the without paint or cornice, and having a chim- trip with an ox team, so that the bread box ney of sticks plastered with mud, we all re- sometimes got lonesome before the new grist paired to it with great relief from a long and came from the mill. fatiguing journey of three weeks, being "The howling of wolves of a winter even- obliged to walk most of the way from De- ing was of frequent occurrence, but we were troit. We soon discovered that several hun- never disturbed by them or any other wild dred miles lay between us and our New York animals; the worst enemy to mankind with home, and to return, with but fifty cents in which we came in contact was whiskey; some the treasury, was impossible, so we resolved of our nearest neighbors who settled about to submit to the fortunes of the pioneer and us the first year being intemperate men who protect our scalps from the swarm of In- sought to injure every outspoken temperance dians that surrounded us as best we could; inan; my father, being of the latter class, un- they were so numerous we felt that we were dertook to raise a barn without the custom- completely in their power. When our goods ary aid of intoxicating liquors, but inviting were unpacked and the rough floor was all to the raising. The whiskey lovers came cleaned my mother remarked that she was with bottles of whiskey of their own, and a now prepared to receive company. more disgraceful scene than the one that oc- “After a hearty laugh over the remark, curred on that occasion I never witnessed. sure enough in marched her company in After furnishing them with a good supper, single file, to the number of nine, all red | they remained until a late hour drinking and men, squaws and pappooses ; this was a stun- carousing; they broke our dishes, butchered ner as was shown by the pale face of my the dog, tore down all the outbuildings, and a 236 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. SHEARER. threatened to destroy the barn frame. Nearly for food. She told them they might have all of these rioters have dropped into drunk- all they wanted, and she supplied them with ards' graves.” bread and milk, and kept them over night. When they went away the next day they left REMINISCENCES OF HON. JONATHAN her four silver dollars. Afterward, he learned, she told a neighbor that they were Mr. Shearer was in the county forty- angels, and that money never was so good three years ago, and stopped at Ring's Tav- before as they were entirely out of it at the ern, the site of which he could not find dur- time. Her name was Mrs. Tanner, and the ing his visit in 1877. Then he could see the narrator was quite affected by the intelli- whole city easily; but now it had been built gence of her death. up so that he could not. Forty-three years THOMAS TANNER'S EXPERIENCES. ago he settled in Ingham county, in the town he himself christened Bunker Hill. There Thomas Tanner, in his references to early. was no school-house there, none in Jackson, days in Henrietta, says: “My wife and I and none in Flint, so he went to Plymouth, moved into the town of West Portage, now and finding one there located in that town, Henrietta, October 13, 1835. We took up and has lived there ever since. In that time one hundred acres of land, and built a log he lost his way near Lansing, while travel-house on the Indian trail, built the first wagon ing through the woods, and fell in with Col- road, drove the first wagon through the Port- cnel Hughes and Major Wilson, who were age woods, and there we were, alone in the in the same predicament. They wandered to- forest, with no neighbors within six miles, gether looking for the trail, but without suc- except Indians and wild beasts. The wolves cess. Their provisions ran out and they ate especially were very numerous. Verily we elm bark; and after that failed they used could look out into the forest and say, “We , bass-wood root bark as a substitute. After are monarchs of all we survey.' It is now a time they fell in with an Indian who di- the flourishing town of Henrietta. I got rected them to a house which had just been the first barrel of flour at Ann Arbor. Drove built, eight miles or so from Jacksonburgh. an ox-team through the Portage river with They walked along and at last saw a cow, my goods, crossing myself in a canoe cut out and then Mr. Shearer exclaimed to his com- of a log. On the first day of December I panions, “Glory to God! we have reached drove my oxen through the river and went the pale of civilization.' to Detroit. I returned in six days and crossed They found the house was newly built, the river on the ice; got my first half bushel with a blanket hung up for a door. They of potatoes of Samuel Wing on that side of were delicate about putting the blanket aside; Grand river, and carried them home on my ; so they knocked on the logs, and a beautiful shoulder, with the cat which he gave me in little woman showed her face. The travelers the opposite end of the bag to balance. I saw there no floor, but on the shelf they saw sent my oxen to Livingston county, and one johnny-cake that made their mouths water. of them was taken sick and could not be got- They told her they were hungry and asked ten home until near spring; so I carried my JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 237 rails on my shoulder to fence four acres per and breakfast with the provisions they round my house. had with them. They inquired where we “In February I left my wife at home were from, how long we had been there, and while I went to get my team. I lost my way, our circumstances, gave her four dollars, and traveled until evening, when I came to then shook hands and bade her good-bye. a place where some one had been, but no Four dollars ! what a sum in those days. How one lived there. The first thought was to it relieved us! lie down for the night; but tired, hungry, “At the close of the winter I got my oxen disappointed, cold and lost, I was reminded home; then I thought times would be a little that it was very dangerous to lie down where easier, but my oxen, not liking their place, the howls of wild beasts could be heard in would get away to the other side of the Port- every direction; so I took my back track to age. One morning I went to drive them the house where I had last inquired my way. home. The ice had broken up, and going “The woman of the house asked me to cver the river I drove them into the water; have some supper; but the frog had got but as I was crossing the river on some fallen into my throat and I could not talk freely; trees, the oxen would go back. There was so I asked her to let me go to bed, where I no way to do but to dive into the stream and could rest. The next morning, weary and swim the river after them; so I buttoned my lame as I was, I started for my oxen. When , coat and swam after them. After I landed I I got there I found them not able to be taken was chilled through, some of my clothes be- home yet. Without money or means, and in ing frozen, and as I thought, this settlin' a destitute condition for food at home, it in Michigan is pretty hard.' I gave way to made my heart ache. As I returned and got human weakness and cried like a baby. Just within sight of home, I saw my wife sitting one week after this I had the same thing to on a pile of rails, with work in hand, watch- do over again. ing for my return. I hardly knew what to "May 15 our second child was born, and tell her of my journey's trials. I sat down it was the first child born in the township on the rails almost in despair, not knowing of West Portage, without doctor or doctress, , what to do. She told me I must not give up ceremony or custom, no one to welcome or yet, as she had got four dollars. There were rejoice with us that a son was born into the four men looking for land, and had trav- family. Sometimes his cries in the house eled all day in the rain and wanted to stay and the howls of the wolves on the outside during the night. She told them she was made matters quite interesting. He has alone and had no where to put their horses, grown up to manhood and has prospered, and and not much to give them for supper. They now since 1862 has been engaged in the itin- stated that they would hitch their horses to erant work of the Methodist Episcopal min- the trees and be glad of any accommodation istry as a member of the Michigan confer- she could give them, if they could stay under cover, for there was no where else to go, and RECOLLECTIONS OF J. M. GRISWOLD. they were wet and weary. They proved to be gentlemen indeed. My wife sup- "In taking up a review of the old pioneer ence. got them 238 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. life of Brooklyn we would suggest that time where the A. C. Ennis block now stands. leaves but memories, and those memories The small hotel was then only partly finished cluster affectionately around the men and but has long since decaded away. Rufus women who commenced our local history. | Tiffany had a little unpainted store on the The recent interment of Mrs. Lucretia site so long occupied by Harmon & Cook Jones, the life partner of the late Day and their successors. This building for Jones, Esq., suggests a slight record of some many years afterwards stood at the south of the incidents of local and family histories end of the horse sheds of the big store and of the early pioneers of Brooklyn. was used as a lime house. Near the corner “In those early days the members of the now occupied by the mercantile and bank- Jones family were important factors in the ing house of W. S. Culver was the resi- social, industrial, religious and intellectual dence of Gamalial R. Swain, unfinished, well-being of the community. Their lives, with the roof boards projecting toward the like those of their neighbors, were in hard street. The building still stands, remodeled places; but cheerfulness, hopefulness and and finished, adjoining the brick block attentiveness to each other's wants and ne- which now fills up that corner of the square. cessities were characteristics of all that love- Mr. Jones and his sister Belona, afterwards able people. Mrs. A. R. Stanley, and Mehitable, who “The writer recalls the fact that in the married L. R. Brown, accupied a slab early days of July, 1836, he, then a lad of shanty along the walnut trees that lined the eleven years, with his father's family, an old west side of Main street. fashioned minister's gig carrying his mother “Ferdinand French had a little carpen- and sisters, and an ox team hauling a lum- ter's shop near what is now Chicago street. ber wagon load of household necessities The little house at the northwest corner of with seats for four young boys, hove in the public square, called the convention sight of this new home after a struggle of house of the Baptist church, stood up on , three and one-half days from Toledo. stilts, with plenty of water underneath. It “At a point some dozen rods east of the was unoccupied. Some movement had been brook Kedron, a man emerged from the oak made toward the erection of a house on the bushes from a little slab blacksmith shop.ground now occupied by the Cosmopolitan This was Day Jones, a picture of manly hotel. strength, and with that peculiar bland smile “Rev. Calvin H. Swain had so far com- and individual stride that all his old friends pleted the house in which Day Jones closed will recall, he advanced and saluted my his earthly career that he had moved his father and welcomed his family. family into it. Mr. Swain brought his fam- “The outlook as we came up the ele- ily to his new home in 1832, and he and his vation from the Kedron, I noticed was very son, Consider, built the dam and erected a depressing to my mother. As I recall the saw-mill. He also erected what was denom- scene there was ample excuse for her inated 'the Castle on grounds now occupied emotion. Mr. Jones was having erected the by the Episcopal church and sold the same hotel which so long stood on the corner to my father. It was a large, two-story JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 239 a house with a hall through the center. It of 1850, whose work the people of the state was partiy sided with plank and the bal- have substantially clung to for more than ance with siding, and was without lath or half a century. Mr. Butterfield married plaster. Into the south side of this build- Gertrude Harmon, a sister of Albert M. ing my father's family was introduced. Harmon, of the enterprising firm of Har- “The north half was occupied by Es- mon & Cook. Richard Pelham, of Wood- quire Carpenter, a son-in-law of Elder stock, was also another of the workmen on Swain, who was then crecting what was af- the mill. terwards known as Young's house, on the “Day Jones married Miss Lucretia N. brow of the decline to the north. Worden, daughter of Thomas F. and Nan- "Edwin Smith, the mentor and news- cy Worden. The Worden family consisted paper of the town, whose cheerful voice of Lucretia N., Phoebe Ann, afterwards saluted every residence each day, had his Mrs. A. R. Stanley, Eunice who was un- house in order at the north end of the vil- ited with J. N. Griswold, and Miss Susan. lage, and a Mr. Perkins had a little place to And now the earthly tabernacle of father, live in on the present site of Chicago street. mother and children is together, each in The little red schoolhouse completed the ar- their narrow house in the rural cemetery. chitectural claims of the town and not a “During the summer of 1836 the in- building could boast of lath and plaster. mates of the little red school-house were Before the 'winter closed in Henry W. frightened into hysteria by the sudden ap- Ladd, Daniel Wright, Rev. Fulton, Guy pearance of a band of forty or fifty Pot- Chapman, Elisha Cole and their families tawatomie Indians. They were all in full made important additions to the little so- Indian costume, with paint and feathers, ciety. The farmers in proximity whose but carried few guns or other hostile weap- names I recall were Joseph Townson, Daniel ons. Arranging themselves in order before Howland, Milton Wood, Elijah Webber, the door, they seemed delighted at the Benjamin King, Israel Love, Mr. Parks, consternation they caused, but by their Morgan Case, and Mr. Cogswell. A few physical demonstrations they soon turned others were also here, but their names have fear into curiosity. It was a rare sight gone from my memory. that will never be repeated in this vicinity. “Messrs. Tiffany & Copeland had the After a parley with the teacher, Miss Mary flouring mill enclosed and the mill-wrights Watkins, afterwards the wife of Waterman had just commenced the inside work when Thompson, they exchanged presents with my father's family arrived. Charles her and the leaders of the party entered the Howell, who afterwards became a resident, room, scanning the pupils and all the appurt- was the contractor for the inside work. An- enances of the school. A second visit to other of the workmen on the mill who be- the village a short time after was for busi- came a permanent resident was John L. ness purposes. They had many trinkets to Butterfield, a man much beloved and re- exchange for more substantial articles and spected. He was honored by the county as their appeals were made at every house. It a member of the constitutional convention was their last visit before going to their 240 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. government reservation. They camped un- home with a saddle of venison or all the der the big elm trees on the east side of fish he could carry, and to which every fam- Kedron creek, near the present site of the ily was welcome to as much as could be union school building. From a spring now used. After sunset every day the entire covered by the waters of the mill pond they male population would hasten to the mill obtained their supply for cooking, etc., this pond for the fun of the spring board and being the spring from which the pioneers a deep dive. Little folks as well as big ones also drew their water. One of the branches became expert swimmers before the sum- of the great Detroit and Chicago Indian mer closed. trail, which was followed in constructing the "When the flouring-mill was completed Chicago road, left that trail somewhere in the event was celebrated by a supper to the the present town site of Woodstock and workmen and their friends at the Jones ho- crossed Main street in Brooklyn at the iden- tel with David Barnard as landlord. We tical spot where my old friend, Edward little folks had to be contented to look on Brighton, forced his porterhouse steak upon from the outside and to carry in our mem- unwilling customers. But his eccentrici-ories that among the viands cove oysters ties are lost sight of in the fact that he had were served at an extraordinary effort to do a permanent monument on almost every the 'big thing.' street in the rows of beautiful shade trees “The fall was a most delightful season. planted with his own hands. But to this Wild flowers, now so rare, carpeted the identical trail. It passed to the camping woods, and as the gentle frosts tinged the . grounds and from thence to the high bluff leaves of the oak forests, everywhere nature and over the rocky bottom of the river was then in her holiday attire. At night the Rasin, the way now being covered by the sky was ablaze with lurid flames and smoke waters of the pond. from the burning marshes in every direc- “There was plenty to eat in those early tion.' Occasionally the fire would catch in days, but the variety was limited. Bread, a luckless stack of hay. Then there was a potatoes and imported salt pork was the minature volcanic eruption, the flames basis of every meal. Venison and fish were shooting skyward with wondering effect, plentiful, served only with salt seasoning, and left thrilling and never to be forgotten and the big yellow pumpkins furnished the memories. 'sauce for the evening meal. Dairy prod- “Fall a glorious season for the ucts were of very limited extent. All the sportsman, and all men were sportsmen fruit was the wild plum. · Melons came on then. A herd of deer, a flock of wild tur- later as a great luxury in the fall. Black keys, a lake with myriads of wild ducks, and New Orleans molasses cost one dollar per an occasional rumor of bear or wolf brought gallon at the stores. out the guns whose capabilities had been “Everybody was busy during the sum- well tested by their owners. As the season mer months with their labors. Towards advanced, fishing through the ice with evening perhaps a man with a gun or a fish spears became rare sport in which all the line would steal away for a change and come boys could participate. Then the little red was a a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 241 school-house became the center of attraction heavens were propitious, and Elder Swain for the winter. It was the meeting house had a big wood-shod sled. Mr. Tiffany had for Sunday service and for the day school. two span of horses, one for his transpor- I recall many of my schoolmates: Augusta tation line (Ervin Crane, driver) and one Ladd; Mary, Lydia, Ann and Rebecca for personal service. Elder Swain was the Wright; Lucretia and Ellen Howland; ' owner of a span of grey ponies, my father Lavina Webber; William, George B. and had two big black horses, and Elisha Cole Henry Tiffany; Samuel and Justin D. Ful- had brought with him a large team. This ton; Homer Chapman; Harlow and Ira was the only horse flesh to be found in a Swain; my half-brother Benjamin and Fish- large range of country. large range of country. When the snow er and brothers Horace, George and Milton, invited a moonlight ride the boys did not Noel, Benjamin Sidney, Gerome and Peter , fail to gather all the girls into the two Webber. The evening spelling schools were sleighs, pile in the hay, and with quilts for not only instruction, but for fun and frolic. robes the pleasures of such occasions were What impresses my memory most vividly, not lessened by our democratic outfit. Na- however, was the entertainment of the sing- poleon, Manchester and Blackman's Tavern ing school. Henry Palmer, who then re- were visited, the latter being then located sided with his relatives on the ‘plains,' was where the Chicago turnpike crossed the the teacher. One evening of each week river Rasin. brought a crowd that filled the little red "There was not always peace in this little schoolhouse. Each family or community. The first local sensation which brought a tallow candle and a Hayden col- I recall was a conflict over a conflict over the Baptist lection of music. Ransom Jones carried the church. . Mr. Tiffany was a man of influ- bass, Mrs. Guy Chapman with a sweet, He was the merchant, president of strong voice led the soprano, Miss Euseba the 'wildcat' bank he succeeded in establish- Swain, the alto, and Ferdinand French was ing, and a leader in the church. An idea of always present with a big bass viol and his the values of those flush times appears in violin. Mr. Palmer as he walked the floor, the securities on real estate, upon which the pitched the tunes with his tuning fork and bank based. The flouring mill, if my mem- . sang the tenor, was in his element, his head ory serves me right, was placed at twenty erect and voice so harmonious that his very thousand dollars. Mr. Tiffany desired to soul seemed to come out with his words. place his old friend, Rev. Mr. Fulton, in And so sang we all till the candles burned charge of the church. At this time my to their sockets and then the further pleas- father was fast passing to his final reward ant duty of escorting the girls to their and was the first adult interred in the cem- homes. etery by the marshy banks of Goose creek. “The snowfall that winter was very light In the fight for the pastorate Rev. C. H. and was hardly sufficient to gratify the Swain led the opposition, a born fighter with wishes of old and young. Mr. Tiffany had many intellectual resources. The battle was an iron sleigh, designed for transportation fierce; division followed; councils of the de- purposes to and from Detroit in case the nomination were held, but their advice was person ence. a 16 242 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 5 not received. The majority held the little devoted and enthusiastic Mason, and he and red schoolhouse and Elder Swain and his his sons and a few of their friends, some friends worshipped in his own house. Day of whom had been members of the order Jones and one or two others were the party before their emigration to the wilds of for peace, the other members of the com- Michigan, conceived the plan of a lodge for munity hot and unrelenting on either side, Brooklyn. They consequently obtained the and not for many years was the church re- charter, No. 17, from the authorities of the united. Rev. Justin D. Fulton, then a a order in the new state, and William Jones schoolmate, strenuous, impulsive and love- was elected worthy master. They occupied able, has since achieved a wider fame than the garret of the Harmon & Cook store for his father from the Atlantic to the Pacific. their lodge room, a very inconvenient place “Elder Swain, as before stated, was the for their work, but the best the town afford- first settler. He secured the establishment ed. But the lodge did not flourish very suc- of the postoffice with himself as postmaster cessfully and the charter was transferred to and named the office Swainsville, the vil- Jackson, where it still maintains its existence lage following the nomenclature. Mail was at the head of the master Masons' interests brought once a week from Springville from in that city. However, the local effect of a , the Detroit and Chicago stage line via the movement was a red flag and mad bull Clinton and Tecumseh, and again reached episode. Rev. Mr. Bacon was then pastor the Chicago road at the Junction. The of the Baptist church and was in full sym- heated church controversey drew strong pathy with the anti-Masonic spirit which had lines of separation between the factions. been so violent in the east. It was beginning Mr. Tiffany and his friends made an on- to decline slowly everywhere, however, as slaught on the name of ‘Swainsville' to the it was to the effect that a man could not be grief of the Elder and vote of the people a Christian and a Mason at the same time. pronounced for the name of ‘Brooklyn.' | A Mason must confess his sins, abjure his A This was accepted by the federal govern- order, tell all his secrets, or he must be ex- ment as the designation of the postoffice. At pelled from the church and die without bene- that time it cost twenty-five cents for a let-fit of clergy. Church meetings were called, ter from our eastern friends and all letters hot words were spoken, and all unrepenting came C. 0. D. Masons were expelled. The Jones families “The hottest controversy in the early with others were outside the 'stated preach- forties anti-Masonic outburst. ing of the gospel.' William Jones and a number of his sons “My memory now runs forward to the had been members of a lodge at Fort Ann, second generation of citizens. The mercan- New York, of which my father had been tile house of Rufus Tiffany passed to the the chaplain. After the order became in- firm of Harmon & Cook in 1838. The flour- volved in politics in that state and indeed ing-mill became the property of John L. But- in the whole country, growing out of the terfield. Harmon & Cook bought everything Morgan affair, Masonry was at a great that anybody had to sell and furnished the discount. William Jones, however, was a necessities for a large range of country. They was an JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 243 stocked the mill with wheat to be manufac- as related by Waup-ca-zeek, a semi-chief of tured into flour, and employed farmers to the Pottawatomie tribe, then living at an In- transport to and from the lake ports every- dian village some ten miles southwest of thing that entered their lines of trade. Their Jackson, in the town of Spring Arbor. Some . due bills on the store became common cur- time during the war of 1812 an American rency of the community. They carried They carried soldier was taken captive by the Indians un- financially the whole people, and also to their der Tecumseh, at the battle of Frenchtown, able and faithful assistants much of their suc- and was brought to this place, it being deemed cess was due. Walker B. Sherman, Percy by them a secure retreat. Here he was tried, T. Cook, Homer Chapman, William S. Cul- condemned and executed according to the ver, H. C. Clark, Hi Muir, Shep Spaulding, rules of Indian justice, no one appearing in Morris W. Ferris, A. P. Bates, Norman his behalf. He was condemned to be burned Sparks, Ludlow Austin, and others for their at the stake, a kind of immolation most com- courteous attention will be recalled by many mon among savages. This cruel sentence, a reader of this sketch. And I see in my passed upon the unfortunate soldier, was, as mind's eye the array of artisans who made alleged by Waup-ca-zeek, in retaliation for the boots and shoes for the house: the story- the barbarous acts of the American soldiery telling Judge Lester, the staid Walter White, toward the Indians, to which he alluded in the silent Adolphus Webber, and the rollick- justification. Here, on this devoted spot- ing Orlando H. Foote. And the sturdy Will- perchance the very spot on which the church iam Ennis cannot be forgotten, the man who now stands—the execution took place, amid measured the wood, bought the ashes and the imposing and barbarous scenes of an In- made the potash. dian war-dance and pow-wow. This sad “And thus I bring my scanty recital of story was known by very few of the early a few reminiscences to a close. I am mourner settlers, as it was revealed by the Indian only with my friends of the Jones family. I have when in a state of intoxication. a kindly memory and a tear for many whose names I have written, and hearty well wishes for those who are still in the battle of life. The following, from the pen of H. H. “My boyish reverence for the men and Osborn, was published in the DeerfieldTimes- devoted women who bravely faced the trials Journal: “Seventy-eight years since my of pioneer life, and the memories of child- first birthday; it would take thousands of hood's unselfish friendships makes every pages to give only a brief record of the oc- spot associated with them dear to my heart, currences of these years. If the historian and cheerful is the hope that when I lay down will turn back he will find the 29th of Jan- in the last sleep it shall be by the side of those uary, 1825, a few weeks prior to the inaugu- I love.” ration of John Quincy Adams, the sixth pres- ident of the United States. The population at that time of the United States was less than If not deemed out of place, we would ten million, and of Michigan fifteen thou- here append a little episode of Indian history, sand, practically a wilderness, and twelve INTERESTING TO PIONEERS. THE WHITE CAPTIVE. a 244 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. and oxen. years from statehood, her boundaries unes- the news only "seven weeks later" from tablished, her roads the Indian trail, her Europe. Neighbors! The word seemed to home the log cabin. Ten years later our imply more then than now. | Then it meant home, a log shanty in this county, our white if your neighbor was sick, or behind-hand neighbors three miles away, Indians close at with his work from no fault of his own, to hand, and every day callers and always ‘me make a "bee" and husk his corn, dig his po- " hungry.' Not a very agreeable salutation tatoes, get up his winter's wood, or do many with flour and pork at thirty dollars a barrel, other acts of kindness, which he was very but we were soon in a position to feed them ready to reciprocate when occasion required. on stewed pumpkin and boiled turnips, all It was considered no hardship to go four or the same to them so they are filled up. Then five miles to assist at a neighbor's raising, . on the farm the sickle, the cradle and scythe or to yoke the oxen to the sled and take wife were in use to cut grain and hay. Grain was and children for an evening's visit. Visit! threshed with a fiail, or tread out with horses Yes, that is the word. When those old moth- All know the methods of today, erly ladies—“God bless them"-got together and can see the difference.” for a visit it meant business in that line. No gossiping and backbiting, but generous, JAMES VALENTINE, OF BARRY. heart and hand friendliness, while the click James Valentine was one of the earliest of knitting needles kept time to the intellec- settlers in Jacksonburgh. He was chosen tual feast. It may not be amiss to say in con- a school inspector at an election held April nection with this subject, that the ladies of 4, 1831, and was the first judge of probate that period took upon themselves their full elected in the county, serving from 1833 to share of the burdens of pioneer life, and are 1836. entitled to as much credit as their husbands. The village of Barry (Sandstone) took The pioneers of Jackson were intelligent, the lead of Jacksonburgh in business and en- honest and industrious—were good neigh- terprise. But the building of the old water bors and good citizens. Very few are now grist-mill in 1836, and the establishment of alive to meet with the pioneers of Jackson the state prison and building of the court county; but many lived to see remarkable house in 1837 put Jacksonburgh ahead and changes and to be proud of their township gave Barry a set-back from which, some and the city which now bears its name. think, it will never recover. The township To their successors, who can never fully of Jackson was six by twelve miles square, realize their privations, but who now enjoy embracing the territory now constituting the the fruits of their hardship and toil, we would townships of Summit and Blackman and the say: Endeavor by your actions to show the city of Jackson. All came to the village to survivors that you appreciate their character vote, and an election was quite an important and worth; cheer their hearts and lighten the occasion; where the new settler could meet burdens of their declining years, and you and become acquainted with the older; where will have nobly performed your part in life, neighbors could meet and talk over the news if you make for yourselves as good a record a from “York state" or Vermont, or discuss as have our Jackson pioneers. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 245 THE PIONEERS SCHOOL. tion of pride and apprehension, on the event- ful morning of his first day at school. Ah, If one were to name the wisest action these memories, these memories! And the taken by the pioneers of Michigan in the interior! How can the memories of those organization of society and the state, he iloors with their wide cracks, their protrud- would say without hesitation “the wise pro- ing nails menacing the big toes of boys and vision made for the cause of education and girls as they marched back and forth to the the support of public schools.” To their pro- master's seat in the old plank pulpit to ask found and magnanimous foresight do we him puzzling questions, how can they fade? owe the liberal policy that has placed our There are the old walls decorated with pen- commonwealth in the forefront of the states cil marks, apple stains, flattened paper wads of the union in education and charitable in- | and coats of many colored plaster; there are stitutions. They builded even better than the old seats carved into fantastic shapes by they knew and deserve the profound grati- thrifty occupants; the old rusty box stove tude of all the generations since their day, with its rickety pipe covered with names of for laying the foundation of our intellectual | beaux and belles, written couplets, cartoons life, broad and deep. Among the memories of the schoolma’am, solutions of puzzles and of the past, lingering with an ever increasing knotty problems; there is the old brown col- tenderness in the minds of the patriarchs who ored, wooden water pail and its accompany- came to this Canaan two-thirds of a cen- ing tin cup, standing on the bench, tempting tury ago, there are none more fondly cher- the always thirsty mental worker to drink. ished than the recollections of the “old log Memory peoples this interior world with its school house,” or “the little red schoo! occupants again. Boys in blue jeans or house," "standing by the road side like a “hum-made," frowsy headed and smutty ragged beggar sunning.” There it stands faced, sit upon those plank seats, swinging in the June sunshine, in the center of its four their bare feet in unison with the movement square rods of land; the turf worn smooth of their lips as they con their lessons; sweet around it by the friction of bare feet; its low faced, ruddy looking girls, in pink aprons, roof with its turned-up shingles; its short sit at safe distance from the boys, working chimney of brick, stone, or perchance sticks; sums from Colburn or Dayball with slate and its battered door that leads into the inner pencil. In the amphitheatre, in front of all, sanctuary; its windows of narrow panes is the monarch of this aggregation of hu- placed so high that its denizens within could manity--the teacher, solemn-faced and stern not see the fields, the roadside or the babbling as fate. Over his head, resting against the brook that rippled through the meadow, close wall, is the never failing remedy for idleness. by; the play house of rails, wood or stone, stubbornness, mischievousness and all the va- fringing the yard; the log step in front; the ried mental and moral ills that affect boys carvings on the clap-boards or the logs com- and girls—a generous bundle of birch rods; posing the exterior walls. there, in a conspicuous place, stands the There it stands as of yore when the bare- dunce block, the great corrective of stupid footed boy approached it, with mingled emo- brains, always occupied, of course, by a 246 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. WOODMAN. a specially dejected-looking offender, guilty of REMINISCENCES OF AN OLD PIONEER, DAVID the monstrous sin of stupidity. Such is the picture that hangs on memory's wall. A thousand other memories are thrown upon “I am a Green Mountain boy, rather an the canvas at the roll call of pupils who oc- old boy, however, being over eighty-four cupy the old benches. “The prettiest girl” in years of age. So far I have not learned the school faded early in life's morning—yonder cane exercise, though I have several laid up she rests under the grassy mound in the for time of need, one of which was from 1lear-by cemetery; the hero of the play Jerusalem, a present from E. A. Crane, of grounds fell in the deadly rifle pit and his your city, which he brought home from the warm blood drenched the ground of a for- Holy Land about a year and a half since. Un- eign land—for the glory of his country; the til about fourteen years of age I was a resident lad that oftenest passed his time on the dunce of old Vermont, and as I well remember the block, sits a solemn judge on the bench. Va- customs of the day and manner of doing ried are the paths that lead into the great business in the household, on the farm and world from the “old log school house." elsewhere in that early day and the changes Some of them have been weary and long; that have been wrought since I can remem- some hedged in by disappointment, suffer- ber, I thought that perhaps some of my ex- ing, temptation and sorrow; others have periences might be interesting to the readers, been full of joy, success, light and peace. especially to old pioneers like myself. My Many, nearly all have led over the bound- memory extends back to 1822, when I was a ary of one world into another. Most of the little boy and reposed in a trundlebed and remaining “boys and girls” have finished was lulled to sleep by the humming of the their lessons, put away their thumb-worn spinning wheel operated by my mother. My . books, folded their weary arms and are wait- first experience in fishing was with a bent ing for the Master to say—“school is dis- pin for speckled trout in a pebbly brook missed.” And those teachers, where are which went murmuring by. My first ex- they? How some of them were hated, how perience as a farmer boy was picking up po- others were loved! It is all the same to them tatoes, weeding flax and preparing it for the now: spinner. Out of the fine part nice linen was made, whiie the tow was spun and used as Their part in all the pomp that fills filling for the linen warp, and out of this The circuit of the summer hills, fabric men's and boys' summer clothing Is--that their graves are green. was made. Winter clothing for the family was also manufactured at home and from Sometimes they were stern, sometimes wool produced on the farm, the clothier they were cold and distant, but time and the dressing the cloth after it was woven. Far- grave have cleared the vision and we see mers generally had_their clothing made up them transfigured—the classmates of the at home and their boots and shoes by the angels. Blessed be the memories ! traveling shoemaker. All hosiery was of JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 247 home make also. No farmer's home was vice was a large, one-story structure, divided considered fully equipped unless it had a into pews about four feet square, with seats complete outfit for manufacturing its own on three sides and a lock door next the aisle. clothing The corner pews were set apart for the poor “Cook stoves did not come into general and the pulpit was elevated some eight feet use until about 1830. Brick and the old above the audience. The choir were located Dutch oven had been previously and were in the rear of the pulpit and several feet in general use at that time. The tin baker above it. . came into general use about 1836, and the “Except the Masonic, I think there was tin telescope lamp for burning lard soon no secret societies, and that one came near after. foundering after the disappearance of Mor- "Washing machines were live ones, as- gan. Postage on letters was graded accord- sisted by a battle board and battler. Maple ing to distance, twenty-five cents being sugar was the sweetening and it was no un- charged on letters of four hundred miles and common thing to be obliged to gather the over, it not being necessary to prepay post- sugar water on top of snow four feet deep, age. Envelopes came into use in 1839, steel . walking on snow shoes and hauling the sap pens in 1833, sewing machines in 1846. Flint in a tub mounted on a broad runnered hand lock guns were in use until about 1830, when sled. In that way I learned my first lesson the percussion cap superseded it. The tinder in sugarmaking, which I continued as the box flint and steel or the fintlock gun, were season came around for over forty years. the only means at hand to start a fire with There was no cultivated fruit where we re- prior to 1830, when the lucifer match made sided seventy-seven years ago. We gath- its appearance. ered strawberries in the meadows and rasp- “All vehicles were of the wide track pat- berries and blackberries in the woods. We tern. The old covered coach and one-horse climbed the spruce trees for gum, thus secur- thus secur- shay were in general use for travel, and the ing the genuine article. Afternoon visits cart and oxen for business on the farm. and refreshments, including ‘sling,' was a Usually notes were made payable in meat, custom with the women. Liquor was al- stock or grain and imprisonment for neg- ways furnished at raisings and bees, yet no lect to pay a debt might follow. intoxication was the result. Murders, sui- “We moved onto a new place when I cides and divorces were few and far between. was seven years old. It was in a dense for- “There were no Sunday schools in that est, composed of evergreen and hardwood land of steady habits in that early day. timber, and my business was to assist in Preachers of that day claimed to have a clearing the land, hoeing in rye and clover- a special. call from God to preach and some seed on the hillsides which were too steep to of them of today think so, I believe. plow, preparing oven wood for the brick “The tuning fork was the only musical oven, going to mill on horseback, carrying instrument in use in the churches, and a two- a bushel of corn, rye or perhaps wheat. But hour sermon was not uncommon. The the old custom of our forefathers who ('tis church building where I first attended ser- said) put a stone in one end of the bag as a 248 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a balance against the grist had been abandoned road. The weight of the engine was four before that time. Vermont was a good stock tons, the passenger cars were regular stage and dairy country, except the drawback of coach bodies set on car wheels. On the first long winters and time spent in securing for- trial trip were sixteen persons who were age to carry stock through. Potatoes were thought to be very venturesome. extensively raised and out of them starch “Cholera made its appearance in the and whisky was made. Common bread was United States in 1832 and lasted in some lo- made of rye and corn ground together, wheat calities until 1835. In the place where we flour being used for pastry, etc. Small resided the people were badly frightened and grains were reaped with sickles, threshed refused to eat green fruit of any kind at first. . with flails and cleaned with a hand fan. My But their alarm soon subsided and they re- first plowing was done with a wooden plow turned to their green corn and cucumbers. and a yoke of oxen. The plow had an iron “In 1835 we concluded to go farther point and was held together by an iron rod west and Michigan seemed to be the choice which passed up through the beam. of the family. And in the spring of that year “The scythe was the mowing machine the family, except myself and oldest sister, and hand rakes, pitch forks and muscle put left New York state for Michigan." the hay in the barn. I remember the contest EARNED HONORS. for the presidency between John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, William H. Craw- The celebration of the fiftieth anniver- ford and Henry Clay in 1825. There being sary of the settlement of Jacksonburgh no choice by the people, the house of repre- township in October, 1880, was made the oc- sentatives elected Mr. Adams, who received casion of memorializing the settlement of only eighty-four electoral votes. In 1829 the Fifield and Stevens families therein. Andrew Jackson was elected president. I Messrs. Fifield and Stevens left the town- have been a voter sixty-three years and have ship of Salisbury, Merrimac county, New voted at every presidential election since, ex- Haven, on the 6th day of October, 1830. cept one when in California. I remember The western bound party consisted of when Lafayette visited the United States in Enoch Fifield, James Fifield and wife, Os- 1824, and the enthusiasm with which he was good H. Fifield and wife, John S. Fifield, received. He died in 1834. I well remem- George W. Fifield, William P. Fifield, Ed- ber when the Erie canal was completed in ward Morrill, John Stevens and Benjamin 1825, and the grand celebration that fol- Wilson. They arrived in Jacksonburgh on lowed. We left our Vermont home July 4, the 22d day of October, 1830, and put up at 1831, with two teams of two horses each and the log tavern then kept by Thompson, and went our way to Monroe county, New York. had the privilege of sleeping upon a rail During that year the first steam railroad in floor; not a board was used in building the the United States was built. The line of house, even the doors were made of rails. . road was from Albany to Schenectady, New Enoch Fifield and Edward Morrill returned York. The engine, also the engineer, were east the same fall. The remaining nine of imported from England, expressly for this this company, together with the Pease fam- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 249 ily, numbering eight, making a party of sev- There were plains untilled, and mills and factories enteen, wintered in this township in 1830- unbuilt, And thousands of chances for hearts of steel 31, they being the first white people that ever To come and appropriate, till and build, wintered in this township outside of Jack- And open a way for humanity's weal. sonburgh. George Fifield and John Stev- There were richest mines all unexplored; There were leagues of iron and salt and coal, ens were the only two living of the seven- The greatest of blessings on earth to men, teen that settled here in 1830 and of the little And source of comfort and wealth untold; party of eleven that left Salisbury, New It only needed the stalwart arm, Haven, on the 6th of October, 1830. The iron nerve, and the flinty will, To push straight on, to dig and delve, At this meeting, June 18, 1879, were And our beautiful State with prosperity fill. present Mrs. A. L. Bolton, a lady aged sev- And so, on they come! and the western trains enty years, who with her family, was the first Of the emigrant wagons, white and slow, Were circling round hill tops or winding through settler in Napoleon, where she lived forty- plains, eight years. Subsequently, Subsequently, the same year, Undauntetd by menace of half concealed foe. Morgan Case, and his wife settled here also. They startled the deer in their ambushes wild, As still moving onward the invaders filed; Senator Hodges, who lived in Pulaski and Dark savages peered at the unwonted sight, Concord for a time of forty-three years, was a And forgot to resist or seek safety in flight; present. Melville McGee, who came into But a garden of sweets to the venturous band the county in 1832, when fourteen years old, Was this wild territory, so new, yet so grand. There were acres of wild flowers of every hue; and a resident for forty-seven years, was Springs, rivers and landscapes most charming to also present. Mr. Tripp of Hanover, al- view; though fifty-eight years of age, was present There were silvery lakelets with fine sandy beaches, And forests of timber with broad sunny reaches; and seemed in the prime of life. This settler There were plaster and lime deeply bedded in earth, has resided on the old homestead forty-seven Which have borne no mean part in enhancing our years. He came to Hanover in 1832, with worth; There were meadows of wild grass, grapes, and his father, Abel Tripp, who located the first wild honey, farm in that township. John Curtis, aged And nothing was wanting, indeed, except money. seventy-nine, who came to Jackson in 1837, But the millions still buried in mines and in land, was also present. Was now only waiting the engineer's hand To prove us enriched with this product unfurled. Mrs. N. H. Pierce, of Ann Arbor, read Which soon would astonish the rest of the world! the following poem, entitled "Seekest thou,” said a voice to the brave pioneer, "A beautiful Peninsula ? Behold it here!" And soon through the forest the silence he breaks With the firm, ringing blows of the engineer's ax, "On to the West !" was the earnest cry And humble log-cabins soon dotted the plains, Of our people some fifty years ago. And the spirit of civilization now reigns. The people were many, and labor was scarce, And gardens and orchards next brighten the way, And industry crowded our busy marts, And deep, tangled wildwood soon vanish away, And the Eastern markets were glutted and slow. And broad fields of grain with their tassels of gold On to the land where the forests wild Soon laugh in the sunlight, a treasure unfold; Were standing so lonely with outstretched arms. And soon did the wilderness bloom like the rose, The lakes and rivers were broad and free, Prosperity followed, their spirits arose; And all untrammeled in their rush and flow, All nature exulting cries out with a cheer: And waiting of human use to be; "Long life and success, to the brave pioneer!" THE BRAVE PIONEER. 250 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. in the course of his remarks made eulogistic allusions to the nation at large. He retired amid enthusiastic applause. B. F. Eggleston, of Jackson, followed with the ballad, “Forty Years Ago," which he sang in the happiest manner, and was rewarded by the attention and the applause of the assembly. Harring- ton Hendee, of Blackman, read a poem. The years have rolled on and the young head is old, And the heart, warm and hopeful, is fast growing cold, And the hand once so nimble has finished its toil, For the work of the laborer in tilling the soil Has fallen to others still younger in years, Who walk in the wake of the old pioneer! Now, behold what a change to the eye of those Who were first to lead in the onward way: Great forests are felled and rivers are bridged, And towns and cities now stand this day. All over the country, like network spread, The rail and telegraph routes now lay; And eager and longing and wishing for more, Our youths are still seeking our western shore; And then, when the uttermost verge is found, They'll on to the east and the world go round. Now, looking back through the vanished years, We're well repaid for our toil and pain; The trials are over of the pioneers, But their grand achivements still remain; And better facilities none can find, In search of improvements in morals and mind. HANOVER'S EARLY HISTORY. The following was related by George Kennedy at the Pioneer Picnic held August 15, 1900: FURTHER EXERCISES. At the close of the meeting referred to Gen. J. W. Brown, of Tecumseh, a veteran of eighty-seven years, and one of the heroes of the Black Hawk war, in which he com- manded all the troops of the Northwest, was introduced and made a short speech. He recounted his personal experience as a pio- neer and gave a short sketch of his early life. The band played “Hold the Fort” and “Sweet Bye and Bye” in their best manner. Judge Witter J. Baxter, of Jonesville, was introduced. He said he was a pioneer rather by virtue of his gray hairs than because of any pioneer work he had ever done. He said he had witnessed the development and growth of the great state of Michigan with pride, and adverted in glowing terms to its religious and moral standing, to its educa- tional advantages, and its political rights and privileges. He declared that she stood among the first in the galaxy of states; and Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : In re- sponse to your kind invitation to give you my ex- perience as one of the pioneers of your township, I will state that in the month of April, 1831, when I was about eleven years of age, my father's family started from Lodi, Seneca county, New York, for the territory of Michigan, with a span of horses and covered wagon. Our family load consisted of my parents and three boys aged from eight to four- teen years and such furniture as the wagon would hold. We boys slept in the wagon and lived on bread and milk, helped out with doughnuts cooked by my mother before starting. In about one week we reached Buffalo and found the harbor filled with ice. After loading our effects on board of a steam- boat and making an ineffectual attempt to get through the ice, we had to unload, hitch on to the wagon and drive to Dunkirk, about forty miles, Here we boarded a steamboat which landed us in Detroit on the lith day of May, where we remained about a week or ten days, waiting for the balance of our household goods that came by the Erie canal and lake. Another wagon and a pair of oxen were then purchased and we started for the interior or wilderness, Ypsilanti being our objective point, where we tarried about a month while land-looking. Father finally located two hundred and eighty acres in what was afterward called the township of Ma- con, now Ridgeway, Lenawee county. Our purchase bordered on heavy timber land, and it was necessary to cut a road about a mile through the woods, and clear the ground before we could build a log house to shelter us. Cooking was done out of doors in fair weather and over a fire with a frying pan, kettles and bake oven in stormy weather at one end JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 251 of our house, the smoke going out at a hole made in the roof for that purpose. A piece of land was cleared and put into wheat in the fall and harvested the next year when a platform was built with a tight railing around it, and the oxen were made to thresh out the wheat on this platform. We had the good fortune to purchase an interest in a field of corn and potatoes that fali which was situated about five miles distant. We had to go to Detroit or Monroe the first year for the most of our provisions. I worked on the farm we were slowly making during the summer and helped cut and draw logs in the winter, getting the log timber from lands supposed to belong to Uncle Sam. I was permitted to attend school when it was stormy weather or the sleighing was poor until I was 19 years of age when I com- menced teaching school for twelve dollars a month and board; nine dollars with board being the price paid for farm hands during the winter season. I recollect very distinctly that I had to make out my rate bill for tuition and collect the same myself from the patrons of the district, they paying me in "shin plasters," being pieces of paper with “I owe you” written on them for various sums by merchants and others to balance accounts. These due bills were almost the only circulating medium for frac- tional parts of a dollar. We frequently could hear the wolves howling and fighting in the night and the Potta watomie Indians from their reservation in Monroe county made frequent visits to our clearing. The only way we could get rid of them was to set all the cooked victuals in the house on the table and tell them to help thmselves, when, having filled their bread baskets to repletion, they stuffed the balance inside their garments above their belts. They repeated this eating business at every house in our settlement. And still life was worth living in those primitive days. Riding on horseback was practiced for recreation. In fact it was the only mode of locomotion superior to footing it. When a young man wanted to give his best girl a ride, he simply put the blind bridle and a bed quilt on a horse, mounted and rode up to a worm fence or gate on which his girl had climbed, she gave a spring and landed behind him snug as a bug in a rug, using one arm to hang on with. On the 24th day of April, 1849, I was married to one of my scholars and a few days later we rode forty miles on the soft side of a board in a double or lumber wagon to our new home in this township. Jackson county was organized in 1832 with four townships, Spring Ar- bor, Jackburg, Napoleon and Grass Lake. The township of Hanover was organized in 1836, having been embraced with the seven other western towns of Jackson county in one township under the name of Spring Arbor for several years previous to that date. At the first township meeting Daniel Porter was elected supervisor and Charles I. Stone clerk. The first permanent settler in the town was Abiel Tripp, who moved here in 1832 and settled on sec- tion 3. He built the first log house, and his step- son, Salmon Hale, held the plow to turn the first furrow in the township. Amasa M. Brown was the first white child born in the town. Horace Will- iams and wife were the first couple married. The first death was that of a Mr. Perry, who was killed while felling a tree in 1838. The first interment in the Hanover cemetery was that of a son of O. D. Thompson, in April, 1839. The first interment in the Horton cemetery was that of a daughter of Aaron Reynolds, who died in May of the same year. The first Methodist quarterly meeting held in this township was in the barn now owned by Mrs. Elias Allen in your village in 1842, then owned by G. Tripp and sold to me in 1849. My first visit here was in Noveniber, 1837, the year that James 0. Bibbins and my brother, F. A. Kennedy, settled here. Time and change have wrought wonders in the looks of this locality. This beautiful little lake that nestled among the hills when I first saw it one Sunday morning is now a little off color. At that time its water was soft as rain water, pure and clear as crystal and delicious as a beverage. It was drawn for miles around by the settlers in barrels on stone- boats made of the crotches of trees, also on wagons for longer distances. There were but few roads on section lines at that early day. The woods were burned over every spring, consequently there was no underbursh and the settlers cut across lots with- out asking permission of adjacent owners. informed that Salmon Hale is still living, if so he, Amasa Sprague and myself are the only male sur- vivors that were living here when I came in 1849. If my memory serves me right, of the married wo- men living here then I know of but few namely: Mesdames William B. Thorne, F. A. Kennedy, Ma- son C. Richards and Amasa Sprague. To make a farm here at that time all that was necessary was to girdle the timber, break up the sod, and the sun would rot it, and in the fall drag and sow it to wheat. You could fence it during the winter and following spring. The girdlings were removed to suit the convenience of the owner, perhaps not until years afterwards. I purchased a farm of one hurdred and ten acres adjoining the one we are now on for sixteen dollars per acre. It was covered I am 252 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. BY with girdlings, but it had beautiful huddles of oak avhere it is intended. His gifts of money for grubs along the roadsides. I was young then and establishing public libraries will not be forgotten knew no such word as "failure" or "give up the by future generations. He is trying to make the ship.” Please do not get the impression that we world better for his having lived ir. it. Let us all did not have any amusements, semi-occasionally at do the same. least. When we took the yokes from the oxen's necks and put the bells on at night, we could only EARLY DAYS OF CONCORD, RELATED guess as to their whereabouts the next morning. If we were lucky enough to wake up in the night JUDGE MELVILLE M'GEE. the proper thing to do was to go out doors and listen for the bells and locate the oxen in that way. "In giving a short historical sketch of The rule was to turn out at daylight and tramp the early settlement of the township of Con- through the woods, getting wet to our armpits, and cord, I perhaps cannot do better than to if possible find the oxen and return home for commence with its municipal organization. breakfast, letting the sun dry our clothes in the meantime. Should we not find the cattle before The first municipal organization of the town- ten A. M., we were sure to have a good appetite ship, or rather of the district now embraced for breakfast on our return; besides there was lots within the present limits of the township, of fun when after the wheat was harvested and threshed we drew it to Jackson with our oxen, going was effected, or perhaps more properly two trips a week by loading up the day previous and speaking was first set in operation by an starting about five A. M., carrying a lantern when act of the legislative council of the terri- necessary. We could reach Jackson about eleven A. M. and then we had to wait from three to four tory of Michigan, passed the 30th day of hours for our turn to unload, which having done and July, 1830. This act provided that a town- getting pay for at say from fifty-three cents to sixty- ship meeting should be held on the 3d day three cents per bushel, I headed the oxen for home, of August of that same year, at the house which was reached with a good appetite for a nine of Isaiah W. Bennett, for the purpose of o'clock supper. I used the avails of my first wheat crop to pay off the mortgage on my farm and bear- electing township officers, not, however, for ing interest at ten per cent. annually. Dr. Samuel the township of Concord, but for the town- Johnson said it was worth five thousand dollars a year to any person to be able to look on the bright ship of Jacksonopolis, which included with- side of things. In other words, take hold of the in its boundaries not only the present terri- smooth end of things. Never try to elevate a feline tory of Concord, but the entire county of , by her narrative. Physicians tell us that if we de- Jackson, as afterwards organized. The lo- sire to attain a good old age, and enjoy the days as they pass, we must maintain a cheerful frame of cation of the house at which that first town mind. The person who lives merely to accumulate meeting was held cannot now be accurately property is living to very little purpose. I believe , , within the present limits of the city of Jack- for "a rainy day” as we call it, so as to be able to enjoy the glorious privileges of being independent son, probably not far from where the Hib- when no longer able to labor for his living. An- bard House now stands. drew Carnegie says that he enjoyed, at twelve years “The township officers then elected were of age, the avails of his first week's wages, amount- elected to serve only until the first Monday ing to one dollar and twenty cents, more than his millions earned later in life by his business sagacity. of the April following, a little over seven Riches and poverty are comparative terms. Josh months, but the territory over which they Billings said "any man was rich who was satisfied ruled was ample in extent and consisted of with what he had got and what he had not got.” Car- an almost unbroken wilderness, peopled with negie, like John Ruskin, is trying to dispose of his wealth while living in order to make sure of its going Indians and wild beasts. On the 18th day every man should, early in life, strive to provide determined, but must have been some place JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 253 of February, 1831, the legislative council of the single township of Jacksonburg, was , of the territory enacted that “the township duly organized into a county by itself, to of Jacksonopolis shall hereafter be called take full force and effect on the ist day of Jacksonburg, and law to the contrary not- August of the same year. withstanding.' And so the new township, hav- “On the 2gth day of June, 1832, three ing borne the euphonious name of Jackson- days after the passage of the act to organize opolis for the period of six months and nine- the county of Jackson, the fair township teen days, the legislative council of the ter- of Jacksonburg was sadly mutilated by two ritory, without any apparent cause or reason acts of the said legislative council, passed in set forth in its records, ruthlessly relegated one day. The first cut a strip of territory it to 'innocuous desuetude and in its place twelve miles wide off the east side thereof, substituted that of Jacksonburg. All this which was named Grass Lake, and the sec- . was before there was any organization of ond act cut off another strip of land twelve the county of Jackson, or before it had any miles wide on the west side of the township legal existence and even before it had so of Jacksonburg, and this was given the name much as a naine. of Spring Arbor. Poor Jacksonburg sur- “The township of Jacksonburg (for we vived this severe surgical operation and must now call it by that name in obedience maintained only a miserable and precarious to the mandate of the legislative council) existence until the 6th day of March, 1838, by the arrival of adventurous pioneers, soon when her humiliation was completed by cut- gre:v apace and it was not long before it ting off the last syllable of her name and needed other municipal swaddling clothes making a virtue of necessity. Jackson has even in those primitive days to make it ap- ever since gloried in being the only name- pear seemly in good official society. It had sake in the state of 'Old Hickory,' the hero . been heretofore attached to Washtenaw of New Orleans and the patron saint of county for judicial purposes, whatever that modern Democracy. term may mean—the meaning that was most “The work of division so auspiciously apparent to those early settlers at that time begun was continued apace. On the 232 was to help pay the taxes and bear other day of March, 1836, the legislative council burdens of that county without bearing its passed an act setting off the township of honors in the shape of county officers. But Concord by itseif and directed that the first the inhabitants of the township of Jackson- township meeting be held at the house of burg, even if they were scattered over a ter- William Van Fossen. The township as then ritory of many square miles in extent, knew set off contained not only the present town- a thing or two themselves and felt them- ship of Concord, but also the township of selves entirely competent to share in the hon- Pulaski, and so continued until the 30th ors, in the way of offices, as well as in the day of December, 1837, when the present burdens of government, and so they besieged township of Pulaski was set off and organ- the legislative chamber with such effect that ized into a township by itself. on the 26th day of June, in the year of our “The first white person who settled Lord 1832, the county of Jackson, composed within the present limits of the township of 254 , JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Concord was John Acker. He came in No- ilies already mentioned, and before the first . vember, 1831, put up his log cabin on the town meeting was held, may be named Da- northwest quarter of section 36, and resided vid Smalley with a large family of children, there for a number of years. William Van Dr. Edward Lewis, Isaac Van Fossen, Isaac Fossen with his family was the next white Carpenter, Isaac N. Swain, William Spratt settler to locate in the town. He came in with four nearly grown-up sons, Leonard May, 1832, erecting a log house on the Stow, Roswell Hall, Charles Mason, Sher- north bank of the Kalamazoo river on the man Jacobs, Jesse B. Burroughs, Porter La- southwest quarter of section 27, but a few throp, Charles Hancock, Joseph Drake, rods west of where the grist-mill now stands George McAllister, John M. Reed, Isaac in the village of Concord. He had only Townsend, Jesse Gardner, Erastus B. Gan- fairly gotten into his new log house when iard, Moses Benedict, Gilbert Striker, and Thomas McGee, with his wife and a fam- some few others. These, however, com- ily of nine children, in June, 1832, moved prised the leading and most influential of the in. They were received and cared for and earliest settiers of the township. Of these enjoyed the hospitality of Mr. Van Fossen earliest settlers Mrs. A. M. Ganiard, the and his family as though they had been youngest daughter of Thomas McGee, and old friends and acquaintances, but in fact Mrs. Isaac Carpenter are believed to be the had never seen each other before. It took only ones still living in the township and but a few days' time to cut down and roll who have lived in the township ever since up some logs for a cabin, and Thomas Mc- they first came into it, Mrs. Ganiard in June, Gee and his family moved into it before 1832, and Mrs. Carpenter in May, 1833. any windows or door were put in or even “The first child of white parents born in a floor laid. A blanket was hung up to do the township was Frederick McGee, who duty in the place of a door until one more was born February 21, 1835. The first mar- substantial could be made. It was located riage that took place in the township, and in- on the northwest quarter of section 22, deed the first that took place in the two west nearly one and a half miles north and about rows of the townships in the county, was one-half mile west of where Van Fossen had that of Sarah Jane McGee, the oldest daugh- settled. Who came next into the infant col- ter of Thomas McGee, which occurred De- ony it would be difficult if not impossible to cember 4, 1833, the marriage ceremony hav- tell at this day, as no one then thought of ing been performed by the Rev. Jason Parks, keeping a record of the incoming emigrants. who had just settled in Sandstone, and whose Indeed, one would have been kept busy in name is still familiar with the oldest resi- keeping an accurate record of the names of dents of that township. those that came into the infant settlement. "At a meeting of the early settlers to con- Some came to stay for the remainder of their sider and determine what name should be earthly pilgrimage, and some to tarry as it given to the town about to be organized, were but for a night. after considerable discussion of a number of Among those most deserving of honorabie names that had been proposed, Thomas Mc- mention who came soon after the three fam- Gee arose and after stating to those as- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 255 a tembled that they as neighbors and friends of the forest, and the hum of the busy bee, had always lived together in peace and har- were heard on every hand in the balmy mony and that the utmost good feeling and springtime. The forest trees with their rich neighborly kindness had uniformly prevailed foliage of green overhead, and the luxuriant among them ever since they had become vegetable growth beneath the feet, and the neighbors and acquaintances, suggested that flowers in all their variegated colors in full they call the name of the town Concord. His bloom, and the sweet songs of the birds, and , suggestion met with the hearty approval of the drowsy hum of the busy bee, all com- all assembled, and Concord has since been bined to form a scene of beauty and gran- the only name by which the township has deur which no pen can adequately describe been known. and which must be seen to be fully appreci- “Could I but bring before you a faithful ated and enjoyed. To get through the wil- picture of the natural beauty and loveliness derness so full of beauty the early settlers of the township as it appeared in the spring followed for the most part an Indian trail. of the year in those early days you would not This was a narrow path made by the Indians be surprised at the rapidity of its settlement. and their ponies as they journeyed in single "It was what is known as ‘oak openings,' file from one place to another, and it was so largely burr oak. There were no grubs or well worn and firmly beaten that for many, small growth of young timber, and no brush many years after it had ceased to be used by of any sort to hinder driving with a team all the Indians it could easily be followed through the woods and all over the township. through the woods. The only obstacles in the way were the "I need not tell you that the life of the marshes and rivers, and even these it was not early settlers was full of toil and hardships, difficult to find places where they could be and that their task after putting up their readily crossed. rude log cabins, was to clear and break up “The virgin soil in most places was rich the virgin soil and sow and plant the neces- and fertile, and I have seen what we then sary crops for their daily food. The pro- called "brakes," but which would now be visions for the first year for my father's fam- called a species of fern, two and a half to ily all came from Detroit, about ninety miles three feet high, so high and thick in fact that distant, and the journey was always made cattle lying down would be completely hid- with an ox team. About as serious an un- den from view at a distance of four or five dertaking as it was in olden times when the rods. And sometimes beneath such a lux- sons of Jacob had to go down into Egypt to uriant growth wild strawberries were found | buy corn to keep the old fólks from starving on stems from two to four inches high. to death. There were also wild flowers in great pro- “On one occasion when my father went fusion scattered throughout the woods and to Detroit for a supply of provisions for the the air for miles would be laden with their family, by reason of some unlooked for de- delicate perfume. If was indeed a fairy land | lays, he was unable to get home as soon as such as might well have been inhabited by he expected into some two or three days. fairies. The notes of the sweet songsters The provisions in the meantime had all been 256 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. sessor. consumed. The only article left was some elected town clerk, having received forty- corn meal—so musty, however, that the cat- seven votes. tle would not eat it. With this my mother “ 'Isaac N. Swain received thirty-eight made a 'Johnny' cake for the children. This votes for assessor; Jesse Gardner received was the time, and the only time, so far as her forty-nine votes for assessor; William Van children ever knew, when my mother's uni- Fossen received forty-eight votes for as- form cheerfulness and courage failed, and Being the highest numbers given, for a short time she gave way to such grief they were declared duly elected. as only a wife and the mother of helpless 'Charles Mason received thirty-one children can feel under a depressing sense of votes for collector and was elected. loneliness and helplessness. The safe ar- “ ‘John Acker and George McAllister rival of my father soon after restored her to each received ten votes and were elected di- her wonted cheerfulness, the clouds passed rectors of the poor. quickly away and never returned. “ 'Isaac Carpenter, Porter Lathrop and “The first town meeting was held on the Reuben Luttendon were elected commission- first Monday in April in the year 1836, and ers of highways. through the kindness of the present town 'Charles Mason, Noah French and Jo- clerk, George A. Stahley, Jr., I have been seph Drake were elected constables. permitted to copy the record as made in that “ 'Edward Lewis, Isaac N. Swain and early day. It reads as follows: Charles Hancock were elected commission- “ 'Pusuant to law, the inhabitants of the ers of common schools. town of Concord convened at the dwelling ‘Thomas McGee, Isaac Van Fossen, house of William Van Fossen in said town Luther L. Ward and Isaac N. Swain were on this first Monday in April, 1836, and were elected justices of the peace.' called to order by Jesse B. Burroughs, Esq. “The record further states : 'Voted, On motion of Mr. Burroughs, Thomas Mc- That the sum of one dollar and a half be paid Gee, Esq., was chosen moderator and Isaac by the town as a bounty upon each wolf Van Fossen clerk of the meeting, viva voce. killed in this town.' The next year the town Said officers being duly sworn in by H. voted to pay a bounty of five dollars for Thompson, Esq., and the board being duly every full grown wolf killed in the town. , formed and the meeting opened by procla- Stimulated by the bounty offered, as well as mation, the meeting then adjourned to the to prepare the way for the future raising of store of Ira Jacobs. sheep and wool in the state, my father con- “ 'The meeting being again opened at the structed a trap—we then called it a 'dead- store of Ira Jacobs, the following persons fall'—out of logs, one of which was sup- were voted for: ported by a 'figure four,' by means of which “ 'Thomas McGee • was unanimously a number of wolves were captured and their elected supervisor, having received forty- | pelts and the bounty_offered helped to in- nine votes. crease the very scanty income of the family. ‘Isaac Van Fossen was unanimously In those early days small favors were very JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 257 thankfully received, and I may add, were to grow dark, and got permission from the made the most of. landlord to stay over night, provided the “From the number of votes polled at family could furnish their own beds, a condi- this first town meeting we can very readily tion of affairs in those rude hostelries which fix with a good degree of accuracy the popu- was by no means rare in those early days. lation of the new township at that time as not My mother went to the wagon to get a. far from two hundred souls. feather bed that had been carried on the out- “In the spring of the year the early set- side of the load, when lo and behold it was tlers had to keep a sharp look-out for forest not there. Dotey at once took the case in fires. Whenever the smoke was seen to as- hand and soon discovered that some one had cend above the trees in any direction no other ridden on horse back up to the wagon and, alarm was needed to warn them of approach- as he thought, taken the bed. He at once ing danger, and everyone who was able, with went in pursuit of the thief and was not long hoes, rakes, or with whatever would best in overtaking a man on horseback carrying serve their purpose, at once took his place a feather bed. At that time feather beds were at the point where the danger appeared most not liable to be found on every bush by the imminent, prepared to battle with the ap- roadside and although the man protested proaching fire. This was usually best ac- that he was innocent and that he found the complished by a 'back fire.' Great care, how- bed in the road, yet the fact that there was no ever, had to be taken that the fire set to meet mud on the bed, with the further fact that his the approaching fire did not get away from horse made a track precisely like the one by those who had set it and so do the same dam- the wagon made the chain of evidence age it was intended to avert. To the early against him very conclusive, and as the fam- settlers the woods on fire at night was a sight ily could not stop to let the law have its slow at once weird, grand, sublime and awful. and devious way in the matter, Dotey Many a time at night have we followed be- | promptly took upon himself the three-fold hind the advancing line of fire and looked up duties of jury, judge and executioner. The at the weird fantastic forms of the overhang- jury promptly convicted the fellow of theft, ing branches of the forest, as lit up from be- the judge as promptly sentenced him to be neath they appeared distinctly outlined and immediately severely flogged, and Dotey, the imbedded in the unfathomable darkness be-executioner, retired with the culprit behind yond. Such a sight once seen can never be the log barn and with his horse whip inflicted forgotten and can never be adequately de- upon the offender the full sentence of the scribed in words. law. “Some of the ideas of justice in those “The Indians were quite numerous in early days found illustration in an incident those early days and were not backward in that occurred to the family of my father, making the acquaintance of the early settlers. Thomas McGee, while being moved from | They belonged to the tribe of Pottawato- Detroit to Jackson by a teamster named mies. They were a lazy, mild, inoffensive Dotey. They had reached a log tavern a lit- tribe and were chiefly noted for being great tle distance east of Ypsilanti, just as it began beggars. If they found the men folks at 7 258 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ance. . home they were quite careful not to go too with the Indians that occurred in Concord so far in their importunities for provisions, but far as I ever knew. if Chee-mo-kee-man, the name by which "How true it is that none of us, women they called a white man, was absent they or men, ever know or can know of what would sometimes annoy the women of the stuff we are made until suddenly confronted house very much. The women, however, with some imminent, supposed or real, peril soon learned that if they opened the door demanding prompt decision and energetic, and pointing to it told them to march-ee they decisive action. Of quite a different charac- usually got rid of their troublesome visitor. ter, however, was the episode my mother had One day, however, an Indian came to the with an Indian who had made our acquaint- cabin of William Van Fossen, who lived He fancied that the white squaw, as about one and a half miles from my father's he called my mother, could cut and make log house, and having found out that Chee- any kind of a garment worn by a white man. mo-kee-man was absent and being somewhat The height of his ambition was to have a under the influence of liquor, he became very coat made like Chee-mo-kee-man's and he importunate in his demands and abusive as had, as the saying is, set his heart upon hav- well, and wanted the white squaw to give ing one and so he proposed to my mother him pretty much everything there was in the that she should make it for him. It was house. Mrs. Van Fossen, somewhat fright- all in vain that she told him in the most posi- ened at his insolence, opened the door and tive manner that she could not make it. The pointing to it ordered him to march-ee. To more she told him so the more persistent and her surprise and alarm he refused to budge determined he was that she should. Like an inch. He was armed with a rifle and she the girl who married her persistent lover to was alone and defenseless, without a weapon get rid of him, so my mother at last gave up of any kind better than a broomstick. She and told him that if he would get the cloth took in the situation at once, and, as the and all the materials with which to make it sailors say, 'cleared the deck for action.' Al- she would undertake the job. It was not though very much frightened, she concealed long before he brought to her a piece of blue it all from him, and, with apparent fearless- broadcloth, with the necessary trimmings, ness, adroitly mancuvred around him until including no small number of big, brass, bell a favorable opportunity presented itself, buttons, which were all to be put on some- , when she suddenly sprang upon him and took where. She took his measure the best she his gun from him. She was then master of could and the measurments she failed to get . the situation and when she next ordered him she guessed at. She cut it out and sewed the to march-ee he marched. With the rifle in pieces together, and when the buttons were . her hands and with the ability and disposi- all on, it would have reminded one of ‘old tion to use it, too, if necessity required, she Grimes, that good old soul, who used to wear , stood guard over him, keeping him at a an old blue coat all buttoned down before.' proper distance until her husband came, when “Our Indian friend's coat, however, was his gun was given back to him and he sent not only ‘all buttoned down before,' but the away. This was the niost serious episode | buttons were all sewed on the wrong side. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 259 Any one can see with half an eye that to an his own expense. It is true that there were Indian who was not familiar with the use no regular hours for the arrival and depart- of buttons that he could use them as well on ure of trains, but the station was always one side as on the other. When finished it open, both night and day, for business. The was quite doubtful if a fashionable tailor termini of the road were Mason and Dixon's could have told what garment it was intended line at one end and Canada at the other. The for without its being labeled 'This is a coat.' only class of persons permitted to travel or It certainly fitted him as well as the prover- be transported over the road were the slaves bial shirt did the bean pole, and it fitted him from the South in search of an asylum from so much better than the blanket he had al- their oppressors. ways been accustomed to wear, that he never “I well remember the man who surveyed noticed the wrinkling here and the bagging the route and established a station at my there, and the misfit everywhere. It can be father's house. His name was Rev. truly said to the credit of the Indian that Cross, residing at some place in Indiana. he was not only perfectly satisfied with the “Many slaves, both men and women, “ garment, but paid in full the six silver dollars were assisted by my father on their way to he had agreed to pay. It suffices to say that Canada and to freedom. the incident was the source of a great deal “In the early dusk of the evening when of merriment in the family for years after. objects began to look hazy and indistinct No one now, of the many who get on and have I seen the horse team silently harnessed off at the railroad station in Concord, thinks and hitched to the lumber wagon and driven to ask if there had ever been any other rail- to the door, then the poor, hunted fugitives road surveyed and established through the from slavery would come guiltily out of the town, and if such a question should be asked house, where they had been carefully con- he would no doubt be told by any of the pres- cealed during the day, and take their places in ent inhabitants that there never had been. the wagon, with an older brother in the driv- , But such, however, would not be the truth. er's seat, and a scarcely audible earnest ‘God As early as 1838 or 1839 a road had been speed,' and a moment after they would be on surveyed, a station established and the road their way to the next station in Jackson and put in full operation. It was afterwards to a land of freedom in Canada. known as the 'Underground Railroad,' and "How like a dream of the night it now carried passengers only. all seems, that there should ever have been a “It was the first railroad laid out and time in the free state of Michigan and within put into operation in the state, and was oper- the memory of living men when it was neces- ated so safely -that during all the time it sary to take men, women and children did business no person was ever known to stealthily and by night in order to escape in be killed or injured on its line. It was en- safety from a cruel bondage to a land of tirely unlike the present railroad system, in liberty. And how strange, too, it seems that , that it required the keeper of every station the doing of such an act of humanity should to deliver all passengers taken in by him at by him at subject one to fines and imprisonment. Such, the next station in good condition and at however, is the true record of history. 260 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a “The traveler of today, as he visits the fending garment would master the lesson. It flourishing village of Concord, will notice was seldom necessary to repeat the operation in the western part of the village a large, with the same scholar. elegant school building, evidencing to him “Balloon frames for houses, barns and very clearly the great interest the inhabitants other buildings were unknown in the early take in the education of the young. It is pioneer days. The sills, posts, beams, plates, always a pleasant duty to record such evi- etc., constituting the main part of the frame ciences of advancing civilization of a com- were all made of hewn timber, put together munity, and to trace back to its fountain with tenon and mortise and securely fastened head the characteristics of the people when with wooden pins, and it required the united so manifest and pronounced. In the present strength of a goodly number of strong men instance it is easy to do this, for there can to raise them to their proper position and be no doubt that it can be traced along the fasten them together. Consequently, the backward track of evolution to the first raising of a framed house or barn was an school which was opened for scholars in 1835 event that called together the entire neigh- and was taught by Miss Mary McGee in a borhood, and it was very seldom that any little lean-to built on to the one-story log one invited to assist on such an occasion failed cabin of Deacon David Smalley, and was to be present. The event was looked forward located in the northwest corner of the south- to by the boys of the neighborhood with west quarter of section twenty-two. Thus great satisfaction, as it gave them a half holi- proving again, if any proof were needed, the day from the labors of the farm and enabled truth of the old adage that 'great oaks from them to enjoy a game of base ball after the little acorns grow.' building had been raised. The women folks, "After Mary McGee came Miss Hannah also at the place where the raising was to Burroughs, who ‘swayed the rod and taught be, were very busy about that time in baking the young ideas how to fire.' One of her pumpkin pies, gingerbread and cookies and favorite methods to coerce the larger boys frying doughnuts by the bushel basket full to master the mysteries of the multiplication -all for the men and boys to eat after the table and the abstruse ways of science, while building was raised. There was also plenty not savage or inhuman, was very much of hot coffee, well sweetened, brought from dreaded by the luckless victim, but its effect the house to wash it all down with. was very salutory indeed, and seldom failed "I can even now in my mind's eye see in its object. I can assure everyone that the boss carpenter as he took his place upon upon this point my testimony is reliable and the bent with his steel square in his hand recollection most vivid. She compelled the and ordered the men to take their places. At delinquent boy to take off his jacket before the foot of each post was placed a strong the whole school and hang it up in a conven- man, who was known to be careful and a man ient place; then placing in his hands a good of good judgment, with an iron bar or hand- whip, she commanded to lay on McDuff fash-spike to hold it and keep it in place while the ion until he acknowledged before the school bent was being raised. When all were at that it was his opinion that thereafter the of- | their places the boss carpenter gave the word, JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 261 a All ready! He, O heave! As the last word their own rights and at the same time recog- was pronounced the bent was lifted, and if nized the fact that their neighbors, without not very heavy and there was help enough, regard to their condition, possessed the same it would not stop until it stood upright.rights and were entitled to the same consider- Sometimes, however, when the timbers were ation and an equal chance in the battle of large and the frame heavy it required the ut- life with themselves. The rude log cabins most strength to raise the bents and great erected in the wilderness were not only the care in order to avoid any accident. I re- home of the family, but the traveler found member of but one serious accident having there also a whole-souled hospitality and was occurred in the township. That occurred at made welcome at all times to the best the the raising of the Brown grist-mill. When humble home could give. the bent was partly up the foot of the post "It is simply astonishing to think what slipped from its place and the bent fell, and an enormous capacity those small log cabins Charles Brown, the oldest son, was caught had in those early days to accommodate beneath it and killed. When the frame was guests. Just how many could be accommo- up and rafters on, the pumpkin pie and the dated in one house was never known, as no gingerbread and doughnuts and coffee were matter how many had been already received brought out by the women folks and each there was always room for a few more. The one helped himself to all he could eat and hut of the early pioneers of Concord was not drink. The next thing in order was to select only used as a hostelry for travelers, but a good place and two of the young men chose upon the Sabbath it was used for the holding sides and they played ball until it was time of religious services as well. Instead of to go to their several homes. working in the fields or hunting or fishing "It seems to me now as I look back and lipon the Sabbath day, it was the custom of recall those early days that the young peo- the early settlers of Concord to quietly as- ple enjoyed their sports and games and en- semble together in some one of their houses tered into them with far more zest than for religious worship. A prayer would be young people do at the present day. There offered and a sermon would be read, and , was no feeling of envy or superiority, or the nearly all would join in the singing of some feeling that you don't belong to my set. All old, familiar hymn. This was the usual way were on a level, and everyone was just as in which the Sabbath was spent when the good as any other. . weather was warm and pleasant. “The character of the early settlers of “These weekly meetings were held some- Concord is deserving of a few moments cor- times in one settler's cabin and sometimes sideration. A goodly number of them came in another, but wherever held all were made from eastern New York and Vermont, and welcome, and the carriages that brought the none of them belonged to that class who women and children were the lumber wag- ‘leave their country for their country's good.' ons drawn by ox teams. Indeed for a good They were hardy, industrious and honest many years I never knew or heard of any of They were fully alive to and tenacious of the early pioneers of Concord so far forget- 262 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a ting to ‘remember the Sabbath day, to keep it “The early settlers of Concord have holy,' as to pursue their ordinary labors on mostly passed away. Their memory still lin- that day. gers amid the scenes of their early strug- "If a minister of any religious persuasion gles and their triumphs. Their best monu- happened to come into the town he was im- ments are not the sculptured marble that portuned to preach, and the boys were sent marks the last resting place of many of them, out to notify all the neighbors when and but rather the institutions, religious, educa- where the preaching would be. As soon as tional and political, they assisted in found- a school house was built it served the purpose ing and which will continue to live and bless of a meeting house and religious services the land long after the marble monuments were held there instead of in private houses. shall have crumbled to dust and the spot that These religious observances by the first set- once knew them shall know them no more tlers of Concord produced their natural and forever. They were worthy, indeed, to be the legitimate fruit in the early organization of partakers in the glory of those who lay the the Presbyterian, Baptist and Methodist foundations of institutions upon which is churches and the building of their respective reared a great and prosperous common- houses of worship in the village of Concord. wealth, concerning which all its loyal citizens “Let no one, however, think that all the can earnestly, sincerely and ever pray, let it early settlers were by any means religious. be perpetual.” But it is true that they all possessed so much Abram V. Berry was first introduced to respect for religion, and so much regard for Jackson in 1841, when he became connected , the feelings and sentiments of their neighbors with the mecantile firm of Berry & Medburys, who were religious, that their outward con- and for some time ran one of the leading duct was on the whole favorable to morality business firms. They owned the old Ford and religion in the community. mills for several years, and were large pur- "The kindness and active sympathy man- chasers of grain and other produce. Colonel ifested for each other by the early settlers Berry was largely interested in military af- of Concord in times of sickness and bereave- fairs, and soon had “the militia" organized, ment were very marked and gratifying. Ev- and became colonel of the regiment. He ery assistance that one neighbor could render also filled many civil offices, and always with another at such times was generously and credit. He was the first village president, freely given and the burden made as light as for three years, and did much to improve possible. They were also in a more than or- the town. He was marshal in 1858-60, and dinary measure deserving of public confi- also city engineer for six years. He was dence and trust, and no small number of also a supervisor, alderman and member of public offices were filled by them and have the school board. He was always a useful and been filled by their children with credit to respected citizen, and passed away at the themselves and to the satisfaction of the pub-advanced age of eighty-two, universally re- lic, and in no instance did they, nor have their spected for his upright character and manly children, proved false to their official obliga- virtues. tions and duties. Janies S. Holmes was a boy when he ar- a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 263 rived in Jackson, in 1838. At an early age people now remember Mr. Dimond, but the he learned the trade of a shoemaker, which few who do will recall that he was one of he followed for ten years, when he became the most resourceful hustlers that ever in- a saloon-keeper. "Jim" was always a popu- vaded this city. lar fellow, was a great hunter and fisherman Lemuel Woolsey, a chairmaker and and an all-round good fellow and companion. turner, settled here in 1831, established him- There are many old residents who still re- self in that business, and about the same time member "genial Jim." Samuel Kline made a welcome addition to Daniel B. Hibbard came in with the ad- the business of the settlement by opening a vent of the Great Western Stage Company cabinet shop. This business was afterward in 1837. Dan drove the first four-horse conducted by John Penson, who had become Concord coach that ever ran between Ann a resident, but was more permanently estab- Arbor and Jackson. The arrival of that lished by Myron Collamer in 1834, who ex- coach was an event that compared only with tended the business quite largely, and con- the advent of the railroad, or of Boland's tinued in it for over thirty-five years. 4 big suburban street cars. Dan was a slight, wagon and general repairing shop was wiry boy, who hardly seemed big enough opened by Hiram Godfrey in 1831. to drive a pair, but he was dexterous with Simon Holland settled in the township “the ribbons," and the way he used to whirl of Napoleon in 1837, and removed to Jack- his four-in-hand around the old public square son in 1857, when he engaged in selling was a wonder to the natives. A history of paints, oils, drugs and medicines, with his Dan Hibbard would be so nearly a history son-in-law, R. F. Lattimer, as successors to of Jackson we shall not attempt it in detail. H. G. Bliss. Mr. Lattimer retired in 1862, Isaac M. Dimond came from New York and the firm became Holland & Son, and city to Jackson in 1843. He had been a after Mr. Holland's death, James M. Hol- member of a large wholesale dry goods house land. Mr. Holland was a fine, genial and which failed in the years of panic 1837-8-9, honorable man. He was always a zealous and came west to retrieve his fortune. He and active member of the Baptist denomina- opened a small retail store in the old Rockwell tion, and had been a deacon since the early building (where Loeb's store now stands) | age of twenty-two. The family are all de- and it soon became evident that he was a ceased, and the tragic death of Mr. Lattimer man not only of fine education but of great and his wife are still remembered by nearly business ability. He soon gained a reputation all of us. as "a plunger" in business matters. He pur- Morris Knapp became a resident of Jack- chased the ground where the Empire block son in 1840. He soon engaged in the livery stands, cleared it up, and soon began to erect business, and became a partner of D. B.Hib- the block. As his means were limited, he was bard in the stage business, and for many several years in completing it. Nearly as . years run more lines and miles of stage routes fast as they were completed he sold the stores, than any other firm in Michigan. Mr. Knapp and in 1845 removed to Dimondale, on was a very pleasant and genial man, with a Grand river, near Lansing. Possibly but few | strong propensity to smile, and his merry a 264 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. and musical laugh is still a thing that is re- cashier of the People's National Bank, and membered. held that position until his death, some three Douglas Gibson came to the county with years ago. his father, A. B. Gibson, in his boyhood. He Albert Howe came to Jackson in 1841, enjoyed exceptional advantages, as his father and set up in the harness business, which he was wealthy, but did not profit by them as carried on until his death. He held the he might. He was at one time engaged in office of treasurer of the township for two the hardware business with Rice & Pratt, years, but did not aspire to further political but the firm was soon dissolved. He after- honors. wards engaged in banking, but failed, which In 1831 W. R. Thompson and I. W. Ben- greatly impaired both his fortune and repu- nett divided their real estate, Bennett taking tation. the east and Thompson the west part of the Delos ! Holden became a resident of village property. This gave Bennett the Jackson in 1839, and established himself as saw-mill and water-power, one-half of - a hatter. For many years he manufactured which he sold to Jeremiah Marvin in Febru- and sold hats, in connection with Samuel ary, 1832, and soon after the other half was Ruggles, and no young or old man was in sold to Rodney House. good style without one of Holden's hats. In Mr. Marvin came to Jacksonburgh in the 1858 he gave up the hat business and became ſall of 1831 with two yoke of cattle, a wagon, an official at the state prison, where he re- a bed and a cross-cut saw. He came from mained twenty-two years. From that time Monroe, and had to cut a road for his wagon until his decease he engaged in farming. through the Saline woods. His trip from Sewell S. Vaughn came from Batavia, the “mouth of the Raisin" to Jacksonburgh New York, at the age of twenty-one and was a most tedious and laborious one. Mr. settled in Jackson in 1841. He was en- Marvin commenced running the saw-mill gaged in clerking for two years, after which soon after his arrival here, and “Jerry Mar- he engaged in business, first as a druggist, vin's mill,” being the only one west of Mill then in the hardware business, again in dry creek in Washtenaw county, became widely goods as the partner of C. W. Penny, again and favorably known in all the adjacent set- in the drug trade and last as a partner of tlements. B. J. Billings in the hardware trade. Mr. In the summer of 1832 Mr. Marvin Vaughn was a most pleasant and companion- | bought of Mr. House his interest in the prop- able man and a general favorite with all our erty, and continued sole owner and manager citizens. He was an expert in horses, and until 1835, when he sold his mill and water- dealt largely in them in his later years. power to William and Jerry Ford. After John M. Root came to Jackson in 1848, this time Mr. Marvin was engaged in farm- and was for a time engaged in school teach-ing. ing. Later he was connected with his broth- Lorenzo Dow Griswold pitched his tent er, Amos Root, in business. He was elected in Jackson in 1838, and established himself register of deeds, and from 1861 to 1865 was as a tailor, which business he followed for deputy postmaster. In 1866 he was elected nearly thirty years. He was elected city . JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 265 treasurer twice. He finally purchased a small and recently died there, much regretted by farm at the south end of the city and spent the educational fraternity of the whole state. the remainder of his days as a fruit farmer William M. Bennett came from Batavia, and gardener. New York, in 1847, and began life as a clerk William Aldrich settled in Jackson in in the store of S. W. Whitwell, whom he 1838. For two years he was a school teacher, succeeded in 1855. Mr. Bennett was for when he established the first exclusive cloth- years the leading dry goods merchant in ing store in the place, which he carried on, Jackson county, if not in central Michigan. with B. F. Eggleston, until 1852, when he He erected the large block on the southwest removed to Two Rivers, Wisconsin. There . corner of Jackson and Main streets now oc- he was sent to the Wisconsin legislature. He cupied by the Field Company. He was mayor removed to Chicago in 1856 and went into of the city in 1869 and 1870, and also post- the wholesale grocery trade. He was elect- master during Cleveland's first term as presi- ed to congress in 1860, and represented that dent. His son, Clarence H. Bennett, has city in three congresses. also been mayor, and is still in the dry goods Charles L. Mitchell arrived here in 1837 trade in the city of his birth. and opened a tailor shop. He was prosper- Levi J. Burr first came to Jackson in ous and continued in trade for many years, 1837, and began merchandising in a small a quiet man but a good citizen. way, but gradually developed a large trade. David G. Palmer came here with his He became a partner of P. B. Loomis, which father when a mere youth, and grew up with continued until Mr. Loomis became interest- the place. He learned the trade of wagon- ed in milling. Afterwards he kept a crockery making and carried on the business for sev- store for many years. Mr. Burr was a fine eral years after his death. He served during gentleman, and well liked by all. He was the Civil war as quartermaster of the First unfortunate in his later business affairs, and Regiment Michigan Sharpshooters. After passed his later years in straightened cir- the war he spent two years in the grocery cumstances. trade, and served one term of two years as Peter B. Loomis came from Rochester, chief of police. Then he served four terms New York, in 1843 and entered into part- as justice of the peace, retiring in 1899. He nership with John N. Dwight in the dry now resides on a farm at Michigan Center. goods business. Later he was associated Austin George came to Jackson in 1844, with L. J. Burr. In 1850 he became inter- and established himself in the shoe trade. ested in the milling business with P. J. Ken- In 1846 he commenced manufacturing in the nedy. In 1856 he organized the Jackson Gas state prison, and soon built up a large trade. Company, and was for many years its près- In 1849 he was thrown from a buggy, near ident. In 1857 he became a partner in the Joliet, Illinois, and instantly killed. His banking house of Loomis & Whitwell, and oldest son died the same year on the way to continued in that business as P. B. Loomis California. Another son, Austin George, until it was consolidated with the Jackson has for years been prominently connected City Bank, he remaining as its president. Mr. with the State Normal School of Ypsilanti, | Loomis was an important factor in building 266 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. the Fort Wayne & Jackson Railroad, and ive business man and did much to push the is still president of the company, though the city ahead. Among other things he built road is operated by the Lake Shore & Mich- the Union block, which was burned. He was igan Southern Company. He was elected also engaged with Mr. Sabin in platting and mayor in 1858 and representive in the legis- developing Summitville, and built three large lature in 1859. As a Republican Mr. Loomis dwelling houses on Fourth street and estab- has always been active in all public matters, lished a 'bus and hack line in advance of the though he is somewhat erratic in his views, street railways. The panic of 1871-3 caused and has always been an influential and use- the collapse of both Sabin and Lathrop, the ful citizen. latter going to Traverse City, where he died. Thomas Rockwell, one of the patriarchs Two of his sons are residents of this city, of Jackson, came here from Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. N. W. Lathrop and Arthur Lathrop, of in 1846, and, though over sixty years old, the City Bank. engaged in business with his sons, Edward Abner H. Pinney came from Columbus, and B. W. Rockwell. He was a gentleman Ohio, in 1848, and established the manufac- of the old style, and a devoted Christian, and ture of farm tools, at the state prison on a an active member of the Congregational | large scale, contracting for the labor of one church. He continued in active business for hundred and fifty convicts. It was one of ten years, when he was gathered into rest. the pioneer manufacturing industries of the Bela Turner came to Jackson in 1847 place. Mr. Pinney invested largely in prop- at the age of seventy, from Hartford, Con- , erty, and built a large private residence on necticut. He had a competence and did not Wildwood avenue, which was, after his engage in active business. He was a devoted death, purchased and became the home of church member, and a constant worker in W. R. Reynolds. During the hard times in the Congregational society. He had a son, 1857 Mr. Pinney became discouraged and George F. Turner, who was a well-known committed suicide at his home. minister of that church. He died at the age E. J. Connable joined Mr. Pinney in his of ninety-one, a father in the church and in business in 1852 and the firm became Pinney, the community, and left the reputation of a Connable & Company, and removed from grand old man. One of his daughters was Columbus to Jackson in that year, so as to the wife of George H. Lathrop, and another give the business his personal attention. The was Mrs. M. A. McNaughton, both well partnership was terminated at Mr. Pinney's known and remembered in this community.death, and Mr. Connable turned his atten- George H. Lathrop came here from New tion to other business. Subsequently he York city in the interest of his father and his started the Jackson Tile Works, and prose- uncle, Nathan Waters, in 1848, and was an cuted it with vigor for years until his death, active member of the firm of Waters, La- a few years since. He was prominent in re- throp & McNaughton, who manufactured ligious matters as a member of the Metho- and sold farming implements at the state dist church, and was the most liberal con- prison. Mr. Lathrop was for years an act- tributor to its financial support. Mr. Con- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 267 nable was a most excellent citizen in all re- connected with the Cooper & Thompson spects, and always possessed the esteem and Bank at an early day, and remained with it confidence of all people who knew him. until his death, in 1902. He was an excel- The form of Pinney, Connable & Com- lent citizen and for many years one of the pany had a quartette of bright, active and pillars of the Baptist church. enterprising traveling men, composed of'W. Billy J. Billings came from Batavia, New H. Withington, Elihu M. Cooley, Harold | York, in 1853, and engaged in the hardware Sprague and James W. A. Culton. After trade with S. S. Vaughn. He continued in Mr. Pinney's death, and on settlement of business in Jackson until his death, in 1878, the estate, these four young men purchased and always bore the reputation of an ex- and succeeded to the business, under the firm cellent citizen and a good business man. name of Withington, Cooley & Company, Francis Woodbury came from Westfield, and laid the foundation of a business and Massachusetts, in 1843, and made Jackson firm that today has a world-wide reputation. his home the rest of his life. He was a man The two last named dropped out of the firm of means and was a loaner of money. He in 1860 and went to Chicago, where they was a strictly honest man, one of the kind amassed a competence during the war in the whose word was as good as his bond, and grain business, and as contractors for sup- looked at others to follow the same rule. He plies for the army. The other two partners was a Congregationalist, and was a very lib- have continued the business until the present eral donor to his society and to other relig- time successfully. Mr. Cooley died in 1882, ious objects. but his wife and daughter still hold their Tarsus E. Hayes was an early settler, interest in the firm, Mr. Withington being dating back to 1839. He was a mason by the president and manager. trade, and built a number of buildings for Benjamin Newkirk came from Colum- himself and others. He was identified with bus, Ohio, with his brother-in-law, E. J. the fire department of the city from its start. Connable, and worked for the firm a short and was for about fifteen years chief of the time, then engaged with the Cooper & department. Thompson Bank, of which he became cashier Willard Lewis was a son of Dr. Edward in 1860, and held that position until the con- Lewis, and came to Jackson when a young solidation of the City Bank and the P. B. lad. As soon as he finished his education . . Loomis & Company Bank. Mr. Newkirk he adopted bookkeeping as a profession. He then interested his friends in starting the was much interested in music and church State Savings Bank, of which he was chosen work, and was for many years the leader of president, and held that position until his the Congregational church choir and superin- death, in 1902. Mr. Newkirk was a model tendent of the Sunday school. When the of honesty, accuracy and thrift, one of the People's National Bank was organized he most exemplary of men, and his death was entered its employ and remained there until a great loss to the community. his death about 1890. He was always a fa- Gilbert R. Byrne was born in Jackson, vorite with all who knew him. and spent his whole life here. He became Edward H. Kingsley came to Jackson in a 268 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1840, and established himself in the jewelry Company, of Albany, and later for himself. trade, which he followed until 1894, when He was a village trustee, and held other local he retired from business. He died in 1902. offices. In 1864 he was appointed clerk of George D. Walcott came to Jackson with the state prison, and held the position for ten his father in 1843, when he was about fifteen years. The public were at last astonished years old. His father was a machinist and at the discovery that he was a heavy default- engineer, and young George learned the ter. He admitted the crime, his peculations trade with him. He lived for a while in extending over nearly his whole term. He Minneapolis, but returned to Jackson after was sentenced for a term of years, and died the Civil war. He superintended the con- before its expiration. struction of the Jackson water plant, also Lenson Wilcox became a citizen of Jack- the Holly water system in East Saginaw. son in 1838, and established a shoe store, in Later he established a machine shop for man- which business he continued for over thirty ufacturing fine lathes for iron, brass and years. He was prominent as a citizen and steel work, which was successful. He died as a church member, serving for twenty-five some ten years since, but the business is still years as a deacon in the Congregational carried on in his name by his sons. church. He was a pronounced temperance Hiram H. Smith first came to Jackson in and anti-slavery man, and was prominent in 1831, and settled on a farm six miles south all work to forward his moral and political of the city. Later he moved to Mason, and ideas. in 1847 to Lansing. He became a contrac- Joseph B. Pierce arrived in the place in tor, and became well off. He was one of 1839, and became landlord of the American the projectors of the Jackson & Lansing Rail- Hotel. He was a genial person, and a great road, and, with R. A. MacDonald, built the story teller, and to some extent a story in- road to Saginaw. He returned to Jackson ventor. A great many of “Jo Pierce's stories” in 1866, and, with his sons, Dwight S. and were floating around the county for years. Henry, and the late S. B. Collins, engaged He engaged in politics—as a Democrat- , largely in manufacturing. Mr. Smith was a was elected justice, and served one term in man of great energy and perseverance, and the state legislature. He acquired a state of excellent business judgment. To him and reputation in 1853, when, in a suit brought his son the city is indebted for its street rail- before him as a justice of the peace, he de- way system and many other improvements. clared the prohibitory liquor law unconsti- He lived to the age of eighty-four years, and tutional. After that he was always styled by his death removed not only an old pioneer, the temperance men and newspapers as but one of the most energetic and public spir- “Chief Justice Jo.” He was a great horse “” ited citizens. jockey, and many jokes were told of him John W. Hulin came from Albany, New and Dan Hibbard, which culminated in Hib- York, in 1840, and was for many years one bard palming a dead horse off on him, and of our most prominent hardware merchants, when he went into the barn to get his nag, business men and politicians. He was he exclaimed, “Dan, that critter's eyes is agent and business manager for Corning & sot!" JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 269 a 1 Daniel V. Bunnell came to Jackson in but who removed or who dropped out of 1848, and began life as a clerk. Later he sight by reason of failure or other causes, entered the clothing trade of his own ac- that are omitted. Our object is to preserve count, and conducted a large business. He the memory of the best and fittest, those most was mayor of the city one term, and was deserving to be remembered. We have en- prominent as an Odd Fellow and in social deavored to be fair and impartial and naught circles. set down in malice. We have purposely Joseph Mabley came here during the war, Omitted those who still live, with a few ex- and engaged in the clothing business. He ceptions, for they are still here to speak for was one of the celebrated family in that line themselves. of trade in Rochester, Detroit and Toledo, The following statistics, compiled from and other places. Mabley was a man of old copies of the Jacksonburg Sentinel, will strong character, a rabid politician, and was give a few more names and a bird's eye view a three times mayor of the city. A man of of earliest business conditions in the old large ability, his life and usefulness were "burg." marred by too great a tendency to convivi- In the year 1837 N. Munroe was dealing ality, and he died at an early age. in dry goods, groceries, hardware, boots and Silas Heyser was one of the later comers. shoes, drugs, dye-stuffs, window sash, etc. dating from 1855. He was a carpenter and In the spring of 1837 J. N. & D. F. Dwight builder, but one of those forceful and ener- sold their stock of goods to N. Munroe. In getic men who are always successful. He the summer Arza Richardson sold his stock soon engaged in the making of sash, doors to Derrick W. Owens, who kept a general and blinds, and became interested with the assortment of goods, as did W. Budington late Allen Bennett in a lumber yard and and Wolfey & Rockwell. Spears & Collier planing mill. Mr. Heyser did more to sup- were succeeded by Stowell & Collier. They ply the people with homes than any other sold out to S. W. Stowell, who entered into citizen, owning at one time over forty dwell-partnership with A. A. Welling, forming ings. He engaged quite largely in farming, the firm of Stowell & Welling. Welling in and built a large manufacturing plant in the the spring had been one of the firm of Clark east part of the city, in which his sons had & Welling. All these were dealers in gro- an interest. The destruction of this plant ceries, liquors, paints, oils, etc. Moses Bean, by fire was a severe loss, and before he could David Porter and S. W. Stowell were selling rebuild and reconstruct his business his life lime. The Jackson Furnace and Iron Foun- was suddenly ended by a stroke of apo- dry, on the east side of Grand river, near plexy. the Ford mills, was owned and managed by Thus we have briefly pen-sketched a part Samuel P. Clark, Stephen Munroe and Tos- of the business men who laid the foundation eph Ganson. Paul B. Ring kept the Ex- and builded the superstructures of the city. change Hotel and run a line of stages to Te- The professional men we shall reserve for cumseh. M. L. Sutton kept a select school. another chapter. There were many others Phineas Farrand, Leander Chapman, Mer- who were more or less prominent for a time, rick C. Hough, Fairchild Farrand and Will- 270 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. . iam J. Moody were practicing attorneys. dlery; L. Graves, tailor; W. Chittock, tailor- John N. Dwight was justice of the peace. ing establishment; J. B. Cobb and Smith M. In 1838 the merchants of Jackson were Brown, carriage painters; Russell Blackman W. Budington & Company, S. Blackwell & was keeping public house, and the Grand Company, Wolfley & Rockwell, succeeded by River House was kept by H. P. Maybee ; B. W. Rockwell, Dyer & Derby and H. H. George W. Gorham was a practicing phy- & J. M. Gilbert. Grocery and provision sician; L. S. House, hat store; J. W. Gled- stores were kept by Stowell & Welling, suc- den, watch and clock repairing; Jackson ceeded by A. A. Welling, Myron Collamer, Academy, by Mr. Dudley; D. B. Hibbard, P. C. Vreeland & Company, S. W. Stowell livery livery stable; Charles Derby, auctioneer; and Norman Allen. C. E. Silsbee kept a Joseph Ganson and Stephen Monroe, pro- furniture establishment. John Phelps had John Phelps had prietors of the Jackson Iron Foundry; Sam- an ashery. N. M. & J. M. Gilbert were sad- uel Higby, Alonzo Bennett and Jason W. dle and harness makers. Wright Chittock Packard, school inspectors; Lewis D. Wel- and L. Graves, tailors. Ring & Hibbard kept ling, John Gillespie and John Kane, con- livery stable and run a line of stages to Adri- stables; Fidus Livermore, township treas- an. In the fall D. B. Hibbard kept a livery urer; Oliver Russ and William P. Worden, stable. Ganson & Munroe were running the directors of the poor; Norman Allen, agent furnace and iron foundry and selling plows. for sale of Rowland's tonic mixtures; David A. P. Maybee kept the Grand River House, F. Dwight and David Porter, in lime busi- and Munroe & Carpenter the Exchange. ness, and Bunnell & Fish, shingles; Ring & Johnson & Higby, Moody & Johnson, L. Hibbard ran a daily line of stages to Adrian. Chapman, D. Parkhurst, M. C. Hough, Ed- D. G. McClure and J. M. Terry were prac- ward Higby, Phineas Farrond and Fairchild ticing physicians; E. D. Merriman became a Farrand were practicing attorneys. Dr. resident; Childs, Houssel and Brown were John McLean kept a drug store and practiced carriage painters, paper hangers and dealers his profession. Dr. Ira C. Backus and Dr. in cabinet ware, and Benjamin Hazleton was Oliver Russ were also practicing physicians. running an ashery. J. W. Glidden repaired clocks and watches. There were in Jackson in 1839 two banks, Cobb & Smith were painters and glaziers. two printing offices (the Jackson Sentinel G. W. Logan & Company made and sold and Michigan Democrat), two semi-month- boots and shoes. ly publications (the American Freeman and In 1839 Moody and Johnson were part- | Michigan Temperance Herald), two drug ners as attorneys; D. Parkhurst, Myrick C. stores, ten dry goods stores. Five religious Hough, Leander Chapman, Phineas Far- denominations held services weekly (the rand and E. Higby were also practicing at- Episcopal, Presbyterian, Methodist, Close- torneys; M. B. & J. W. Medbury, W. Baker Communion Baptist and Free-Will Baptist). , & Company, Green & Jessup, L. Blackwell The population of the village was, by the & Company, Ford & Buck, and William H. newspapers at that time, claimed to be one & N. Munroe were merchants; Amos Bige- thousand, and the number of dwellings two low, hardware merchant; J. M. Gilbert, sad- hundred. CHAPTER XV. THE EARLY COURTS AND LAWYERS. We have already recited the appointment was assisted by two associates, called “side of the first justice of the peace, and the hold- judges.” My father was one of these, and ing of the first county court by Dr. Russ, on one occasion Judge Fletcher referred a who was appointed special judge for the case to him, by saying, “Judge DeLand is occasion. the only part of this court that is sober.”' The first regular judge assigned to ju- Judge Fletcher was succeeded by Judge dicial duty was William A. Fletcher, the Charles W. Whipple, who presided several presiding chief justice of the state. He was terms, and he by Judge Alpheus Felch. When a resident of Ann Arbor, a college gradu- Felch was appointed bank commissioner ate and an able lawyer. He was a very con- Governor Barry appointed Judge Warren vivial man, and it was some times a matter Wing, of Monroe, who retained the place of grave doubt how long the court would until 1850. hold together on account of the Judge's The new constitution of 1850 made the “sprees,” which were frequent and lasting. circuit judges elective, and provided for two On one of these sprees the Judge got mar- or more judges in each district, which con- ried. The bride was a buxom, high-spirited tinued until 1858, when each district chose Irish woman, who made up in physical force its own judge. The judges from 1851 to and vim what she lacked in refinement. She 1858 were Samuel T. Douglas, Abner Pratt, took excellent care of “my Lord” when he | David Johnson, Edward H. C. Wilson and ” was at home, frequently running him from Edwin Lawrence. "the tavern” and his companions in Ann Under the single-district system the cir- Arbor, and carrying him home. It was said cuit judges have been, successively, Edwin the Judge always doted on the chance to Lawrence, Samuel Higby, Alex. D. Crane, “ride the circuit," as it freed him from her George M. Huntington, G. Thompson Grid- motherly supervision. It was when on one ly and Erastus Peck, the present incumbent of these sprees that he decided a case against who is serving his third term of six years. Phineas Farrand, and the attorney gave no- The early terms of court were attended tice of an appeal. “What for?” asked the by lawyers from outside counties, principally judge. “May it please your honor," replied Washtenaw, which was well stocked with the lawyer, “I want to appeal from the court legal talent. Among the old practitioners drunk to the court sober.” The appeal was we recall the names of Ramsdall, Hawkins, granted, and the lawyer won. The court Morgan, Wilcoxson and Allen, of Ann Ar- 272 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. zen. bor; Crane, of Dexter, and Morey, of Te- sought the nomination as a Whig in 1844, , cumseh. but was unsuccessful, and this disappoint- Phineas Farrand was the pioneer lawyer ment so soured him that he deserted the of Jackson, having settled here in 1835. Pre- Whig party and went over to the Demo- vious to that time all deeds, legal papers and crats. Failing of recognition in that party, contracts were drawn by Judge DeLand. He he became despondent, took heavily to drink, acted as prosecuting attorney and was twice and died in 1849. The big marble slab that a Whig candidate for the legislature and was covers his grave in Mt. Evergreen cemetery, beaten. He was rather a bluff, but an ener- which bears only his name, covers the re- getic man, whose only fault was an inveterate mains of one of the brightest, most ambitious love for brandy. He continued to practice and most disappointed citizens of the early until his death, which occurred in 1846. years of Jackson's history. Leander Chapman was the second law- George Sumner was a native of South- yer to settle in Jackson, also in 1835. He bridge, Massachusetts, and a graduate of was elected judge of probate in 1836, and Amhurst College. He studied law in Bos- was also prosecuting attorney in 1838-9. He ton, and was admitted to the bar in 1840. "also ran” for the legislature in 1840, and He came to Jackson in 1842, and soon had a was beaten. He was county treasurer from good standing at the bar. He was a scholar- 1842 to 1846, and was chosen representatively man, and was a prominent and useful citi- in 1848, and was speaker of the house. Judge In 1850 he removed to Detroit and Chapman resided in Jackson for thirty years, was one of the rising men in the profession. and always maintained a high standing in He died in 1852, greatly missed by all his his profession and as a citizen. He was a colleagues in the profession. He was a cou- leading member of the Episcopal church. sin of Charles Sumner, the United States Zephamah T. Platt came here in 1837 senator, and resembled him in looks and from Poughkeepsie, New York. He was a character man of fine ability and appearance and took William J. Moody moved to Jackson in a front rank from the start. He was an 1836. He had purchased the interest of Ben- ardent Whig, and was appointed attorney nett & Thompson in some of the lands in general of the state by Governor Wood-jackson, and came here to look after his in- bridge. He returned to Poughkeepsie in terests, as well as practice law. He was a 1843 and was afterwards for four years at- large, fussy and impetuous man, who had torney general of the state of New York. He lost his left arm in the war of 1812, and soon was an uncle to the present Senator T. C. became an important figure in Jackson, so- Piatt, of New York. cially and politically. He purchased the prop- Augustus D. Hawley joined the profes- erty known as Moody's Hill, erected a house, , sion in 1847. He was a brilliant man, and and lived there for many years. He was a a fine speaker, and soon became a favorite. great speculator, and many good stories are He was elected a representative in the state told of his deals. He purchased at one time legislature in 1840, and took rank as a lead- a tract of land on the Mississippi river on er. He was ambitious to go to congress and which the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 273 110w stand and sold it to Gen. A. F. Bolten made him personally popular as a companion. and Dr. Rice for one thousand eight hun- He ran for judge and was defeated by less dred and fifty dollars. Dr. Rice went out than a hundred votes in a strong Democratic there, became a millionaire out of it, and was district. He removed from Jackson to Ke- a United States senator. Moody was justice nosha, in Wisconsin, and was there elected of the peace and afterwards county judge. to the legislature and also county judge. A story was told that he once bound over Fidus Livermore moved into Jackson in a prisoner for a small offense, and when the May, 1839, and commenced practice the lawyer expressed surprise and objected, the same year. He was popular with the pub- Judge said, “Damn him, he stole some of my lic and soon became a leader in the profes- wood once, and I'll hold him anyhow." On sion. He was a peculiarly smooth and plaus- the bench as judge he was some times very ible man, and one of his opponents once irritable. One time when “Guss" Hawley said of him, “He does not know so much law, was trying a case, he let fall some "cuss but he makes the people think he knows it words." The Judge cautioned him, but all." He was a Democrat, and as such was Hawley forgot and used some hot ones elected town treasurer in 1841, member of again. “Stop, Mr. Hawley, stop, sir !" cried the legislature in 1846, and several terms the Judge. “I've told you not to swear in prosecuting attorney. He was at times a this court, and now I'll fine you five dollars, candidate for other offices, including a seat in by God, sir." The Judge was gathered to congress, but was defeated. He once said his fathers at a ripe old age, and his follies he "had been knocked down so many times, remembered more in sorrow than in anger. he had begun to like it.” In all respects, Mr. Fairchild Farrand came to Jackson in Livermore was always a good citizen and 1836, and soon after opened a law office. He possessed the confidence and esteem of the was a useful citizen, but he never attained public. a high position as a lawyer. He was elected Henry Frink commenced the practice of county clerk in 1840 and held a few minor law in Jackson in 1837, and soon took rank offices. among the ablest of the profession. He was DeWitt C. Chapin came in 1838. He a slight man, of nervous temperament, but was a bright, but erratic young man, but did active, tenacious, resourceful, “a bundle of not remain here long, removing to Marshall nerves on fire," and an effective speaker. He and next to Albion. In 1855 he went to . was a strong Whig, but he would not run for Alma, Gratiot county, where he became office, preferring private practice. He was prominent in his profession and in politics. very successful as a defense in criminal Nehemiah -H. Joy came from Benning- tice, being strong before a jury. He re- ton, Vermont, in 1841, and practiced in this moved to Chicago in 1857, and acquired a county for ten years. He was a man of good large practice there as a member of the firm ability and an honorable and respected citi- of Arnold, Frink & Walker. In 1852 he was He was an ardent Whig, and noted for counsel for Abel F. Fitch in the great rail- his vehement advocacy of his political ideas. road conspiracy trial, in which he was as- Joy was a great story teller, and this trait sociated with William H. Seward. He died prac- zen. 18 274 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a court. when a comparatively young man and lies just, and though he imposed severe sen- buried in Mt. Evergreen cemetery with his tences, he did it because the law and the facts wife, who was a daughter of Paul B. Ring. demanded it, and without any malice or Samuel H. Kimball was an early addi- prejudice. He was a strong Democrat and tion to the Jackson county bar and one of its a partisan, but he was never accused of mean- strongest members. The firm of Chapman ness or personal bitterness by his political & Kimball was a popular one. Mr. Kimball opponents. He was not a money maker, was largely connected with real estate mat- and died poor in this world's goods, but ters, and became attorney for the Jackson rich in the love and respect of his fellow Iron Mining Company and the Michigan citizens. Central Railroad Company. He was Samuel Higby became a resident of Jack- Whig, but he never became a candidate for son in 1839, and the same year was admitted office, preferring to attend to his private to the practice of his profession in the courts business, though offered the nomination for of this state. Mr. Higby at once took a high both circuits and judge of the state supreme stand among the citizens of Jackson, not only as a lawyer, but in all the relations of Guy Foote came here in 1840 and was life. A consistent member of the Episcopal for a long time in company with Mr. Kim- church, he stood forth to the day of his ball. He was strictly a business lawyer and death a bright example, to the church and to a successful one. He was called to the posi- the world, of the life of a Christian gentle- tion of attorney for the State Bank of Mich- The practice of Mr. Higby was not igan and removed to Detroit, where he died. that of an advocate, but as counsel and in David Johnson came to Jackson in 1836, chancery practice it is no disparagement to and read law with Phineus Farrand, being the bar of Jackson to say that he stood at admitted to practice in 1839. He was a its head. As a counselor he was sought, man of large ability, and soon became prom- not only in intricate legal cases, but in many inent in his profession and in the community. others of great importance, and all parties His ability and forcibility early won his interested were perfectly certain that his de- promotion to the bench of the circuit court, cision would be the impartial conclusion of where he was recognized as one of the ablest his judgment. In 1843 Mr. Higby was members of the bench. He had naturally elected recorder of the village, and in 1856 a clear, judicial mind, was quick and ac- he was elected its president, being the last curate in judgment and remarkably clear in to hold that office. Mr. Higby in 1869 was expression. Judge Johnson was an agnostic, elected judge of the fourth judicial circuit, and the boldness with which he defended his but resigned after serving three years and views was distasteful to some of his religious resumed the practice of his profession, in neighbors and associates, and detracted from which he was actively engaged when he was , his personal popularity. But he was an hon- struck with the hand of death on the 12th est man and his heart always beat responsive of May, 1876, while in the office of the coun- to the right and to human suffering and ring and ty clerk in the performance of his duty. Mr. distress. On the bench he was inflexibly Higby was a member of the vestry of St. man. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 275 Paul's church from the time of its organiza- though he favored the nomination of Mr. tion to the close of his life, and for many Seward, made a speech supporting Mr. Lin- years was one of its wardens. Of Judge coln's nomination that attracted general at- Higby it could most truly be said that he tention. He was nominated as the Republi- was an honest man, the noblest work of God can candidate for governor in 1860, and Austin Blair came to Jackson in the elected, and re-elected in 1862. As “war spring of 1840, fresh from his graduation Governor,” he achieved a national reputa- from Union College and the Albany Law tion for his fearless patriotism, his vigor School. He was of Scotch ancestry, of vigor- and constant support of the administration. ous physique and admirably fitted for the Under his watchful care Michigan furnished battle of life. He did not remain in Jack- its full quota of defenders of the Union, and, son long, being persuaded to go to Eaton inspired by his courage and example, Michi- county, where he was elected county clerk, gan troops became noted as among the best which office he held for two years, when he in the Union army. After the war Mr. returned to Jackson. As a Whig he engaged Blair served six years with distinguished actively in the campaign of 1844, and ac- ability in the lower house of congress and quired a reputation as an effective publ was defeated for the senate in 1866, by one speaker. He was a partner of Henry Frink of the most disgraceful political bargains ever until the latter removed to Chicago, after waged in this state. In 1872 he supported which he continued practice with the late Horace Greeley for president, but returned to W. K. Gibson. He was elected to the legis- the Republican party in the next campaign. lature in 1846, and became the leader of the After his retirement from congress he re- Whigs in that body. He had much influence sumed the practice of his profession, which in the legislature for the sale of the railroads continued to his death. In all his varied ex- and the location of the state capital at Lan- perience, and amid all his severe responsibili- sing. He made a report in favor of remov- ties Mr. Blair's reputation was never sullied ing the word "white" from the constitution, by a breath of scandal or a charge of wrong as a qualification for suffrage, which caused doing. He was a noble example of personal his defeat the next year on the charge of and official rectitude and honesty both in being "an abolitionist.” In 1848 he affiliated opinion, principle and action. In every sta- . with the Free Soil party and was a delegate tion he fully filled the maxim "with charity to the Buffalo convention, which selected for all, with malice towards none." His Martin Van Buren as candidate for Presi- motto was “to see the right is to do it.” No dent in opposition to General Cass, and his citizen of the city or state has left a prouder policy of “non-intervention.” In 1852 he monument than the reputation of Austin supported General Scott and was elected Blair. prosecuting attorney on the Whig ticket. He G. Thompson Gridley came to Jackson was active in the organization of the Repub- about 1850 from Ypsilanti, and added an- lican party and was elected to the state sen- other to the able and reputable practitioners ate. He was a delegate to the national con- at the Jackson county bar. Mr. Gridley vention that nominated Lincoln in 1860, and, served several years as a United States inter- a 276 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. nal revenue official and was chosen judge of gether most of the time until 1880. He was the judicial circuit and filled the office for Governor Blair's private secretary from six years. He died in 1886. 1860 to 1865, was also elected circuit court John C. Spencer settled here in 1840 and commissioner and prosecuting attorney and practiced law for about fifteen years. He conducted the celebrated Crouch murder held a fairly reputable place at the bar, case in 1884. He removed to Milwaukee though he was not rated as successful as in 1886, and became connected with one some of the other members. He was twice of the leading law firms in that city and re- the Whig candidate for prosecuting at- mained in practice there until his death, in torney, but was defeated. He removed to 1900. He was a man of ability and always Winona, Minnesota, in 1858 and died there stood high as a citizen as well as a lawyer. a few years afterwards. James R. DeLand came from New York Omar D. Conger came to Jackson in in 1850 and studied law with Austin Blair. 1842, and studied law with Livermore & He was admitted to the bar in 1854, and , Johnson, and was admitted to the bar in was elected circuit court commissioner. In 1848. Some three years later he removed to 1863 he removed to Lincoln, Nebraska. He Port Huron, where he became a noted law- afterward became a preacher and died in yer and politician. He was prosecuting at- Wisconsin in 1895. torney, circuit judge, three terms a state Loss E. Jones was an early settler in senator, ten years a representative in con- Jackson county, and began practice at an gress, and six years United States senator. early day in the village of Brooklyn. He He died in Washington, D. C., in 1900, at was considered a very good lawyer and did the age of eighty-two years. his share of professional business in the James C. Wood settled in Jackson in Jackson circuit. He was a member of the 1844 and became a partner of Fidus Liver- state legislature and was quite prominent as more. He was more of a politician than a Democratic politician. lawyer, and was probably the most active Benjamin F. Burnett settled in Grass partisan in the Democratic party for many Lake and acquired a considerable reputation years. He was elected county treasurer, as a local lawyer. He was a keen, sharp was mayor of the city one term and served fellow, and was regarded by his associates one term in the legislature as a Democratic- as sometimes a little tricky. During the Greenback fusionist. He had a son, Charles celebrated railroad conspiracy trial, in 1852. B. Wood, who also became an attorney, but he rendered Captain Fitch and his associates who left Jackson soon after his father's death great service in ferreting out the reputation and became lost in Chicago. of witnesses for the company. He started William K. Gibson was a son of Dr. E. a weekly paper called Public Sentiment, in C. Gibson, of Parma, and who graduated at which he flayed the “railroad gang," as he the State University. He first entered the . called them, most unmercifully. He was office of Kimball & Foote, and after that threatened with action for libel, but was firm retired from business became associated shrewd enough to keep out of the law's with Austin Blair and they practiced to- clutches. He died at Grass Lake about 1861. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 277 a one. a Asher B. Bates was a native of Boston. of the royal order, and a tendency to take Massachusetts, and a graduate of Harvard. the world easy. These traits, of course, did He came to Detroit in 1840, and to Jackson not tend to the building up of a large practice, , a few years later. He was a cultivated man por detract altogether from a successful and rather aristocratic in his tastes and But "Rough” was always a favorite tendencies. He did not succeed as well as at the bar and in social life. He was asso- he expected in Jackson on account of his ciated with a hardworking and careful part- strict church tendencies and extreme tem- ner, Mr. Enoch Banker, and the firm always perance views. In 1852 he emigrated to the stood high in the profession. Mr. Bennett Sandwich Islands. Two years after he was an alderman and served one term as landed in Honolulu he was appointed at- prosecuting attorney. He had a large circle torney general and later supreme justice of of personal friends and his death, after a the islands. Later he was for years the pre- long and distressing mental illness, was mier or secretary of state of the Hawaiian greatly regretted. kingdom. Jonathan L. Videto was one of those self- Lewis M. Powell came to Jackson in made lawyers who are always admired for 1852, and began the practice of law with their persistence, honesty and conscientious Judge Johnson. He was a candid, hard fidelity to their clients as well as their convic- working man and soon gained a good stand- tion. Mr. Videto came to Jackson county ing and a fair clientage. He was chosen in 1832 and was first a school teacher. In prosecuting attorney in 1874, and judge of 1840 he was elected sheriff and later was a probate in 1876, and again in 1884. He was justice of the peace. He was chosen probate a man of excellent capacity and reputation, judge and filled the office for four years. He . and always respected by the people of the was a radical temperance man and a strong city and county. He died in 1899. Republican. Few men were more noted for Robert Haire came to Jackson county in their courage and devotion to what they 1840 and studied law with Judge Johnson. deemed right than Judge Videto. He was admitted to the bar in 1844 and was James M. Gould joined the profession soon after chosen a justice of the peace, which about the close of the Civil war and was an office he held for twenty-four years. After influential and popular citizen and lawyer. retiring he was afflicted with deafness, He was prosecuting attorney in 1872, and which precluded him from active business. probate judge from 1880 to 1884. He died He had a son who was also a lawyer and soon after going out of office. held one term as circuit court commissioner. Victor M. Bostwick was a promising Both of them removed from Jackson, and young attorney who joined the bar in 1860. the writer lost all trace of their later where- He was elected prosecuting attorney in 1864, abouts. but later made a business of real estate and Orson W. Bennett cast his lot in Jackson insurance more than law. He died at an in 1847. He was a fine scholar and a bril- | early age, regretted by all who knew him. liant orator as well as a capable lawyer. He George Proudfit entered the profession was of a high, convivial type, an entertainer in 1860, but in 1861 entered the army as a 278 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. - a captain, and served three years. He re- Massachusetts for Michigan, where the turned to practice after the war and con- father had the year previous entered a quar- tinued his residence in Jackson until his ter section of land in Pulaski, Jackson coun- death. He was elected circuit court com- ty. Mr. Hodge commenced teaching school missioner in 1878, which was the only office at fifteen years of age, devoting all his spare he held in the county. time to study, preparatory to the study of the Frank Hewlitt was a bright young law- law. He commenced his law studies with yer, who commenced practice in 1870. He the Hon. Fidus Livermore, of Jackson, and was elected court commissioner in 1878 and completed the same in the office of Messrs. prosecuting attorney in 1882. He died while Tallman & Dean, of Poughkeepsie, New still holding the office, a victim of consump- York, in 1848. March 28, 1849, he left tion. Michigan for the newly discovered eldorado William T. Howell was one of the old —California. Here he took an active part time lawyers of the state, having begun prac- in advocating the adoption of a free-state tice in Hillsdale county in 1840. He served constitution; constitution; held several offices of trust in the state senate two terms from that coun- while there in the county of Nevada, which ty, and removed to Jackson in 1850. He he helped to organize. Mr. Hodge was was circuit court commissioner in 1854, re- quite an explorer and traveler, having visited moved to Newaygo county in 1860, and was and written up for the press most parts of prosecuting attorney, and served several the continent. His travels extended through terms in the legislature from that county, every state and territory of the Union ex- and died there in 1882. His son, E. H. How- cept Alaska, and also Mexico and Central ell, still resides in Jackson, and is the veteran America. He was a member of both houses supervisor from the fifth ward. of the Michigan legislature, and served with Hiram C. Hodge was born at Stamford, credit to himself and satisfaction to his con- Bennington county, Vermont, February 22, stituents. 1821, son of Warner I. and Sarah (Chese- There were quite a number of young law- bro) Hodge, natives of Adams, Berkshire yers belonging to the Jackson county bar county, Massachusetts; their ancestors were from 1870 to the present time, who have English in the main, with French and Welsh died or removed from the county, among blood intermixed. They removed from Ver- them James W. Bennett, J. A. Townsend, mont to Adams, Massachusetts, when H. C. W. S. Gridley, Homer A. Curtis, Walter was but two years old and remained there Johnson, James Hammill, George A. Arm- until 1836, giving their ten children a com- strong, Volney B. Merwin, Reuben E. Clark, mon-school education ; eight of the children Robert Haire and James E. Goss. Several lived to maturity. Those who were old of them were prominent in their day, enough, including the subject, worked in but did not live or remain in practice to ac- a cotton factory several years, their father quire more than a local reputation. The being the clerk of the firm known as An- sketches we have given comprise most of the thony & Hoxie. In 1836 the family left men who have marked the ancient and ablest JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 279 a periods of the profession. The present bar Lake; George S. Wilson, W. S. Cobb, Rich- is equally able with the periods that have ard Price, H. E. Edwards, Michael Kenny, preceded it. Jay J. Calkins, Elmer Kirkby, Thomas J. The following is a list of the members as Birney, D. P. Sagendorph, C. K. Perrine, now carried on the roster of the circuit R. S. Woodliff, Forrest C. Badgley, Lewis court: D. Campbell, John E. Shekell, William E. Hon. Erastus Peck, circuit judge; Wal- Ware, John W. Miner, Lyman B. Trum- ter A. Cunningham, county clerk; Clifton bull, John F. Henigan, Robert Campbell, H. Vedder, deputy county clerk; Forrest George O. Payne, John I. Breck, Rudolph C. Badgley, prosecuting attorney; James J. Worch, Wm. K. Sagendorph, W. H. L. Noon, assistant prosecuting attorney; Aded- McCourtie, George J. Genebach, Harry L. bert W. Dwelle, sheriff; Robert A. Smith, Stearns, Christie A. Stearns, J. H. Zuver, Albert O. Reece, circuit court commission- Fred A. Kies, Charles E. Townsend, Walter ers; T. I. Daniel, reporter; William D. S. Wilson, Byron E. Linnabury, James M. Wheat, court officer; Eugene Pringle, Eras- Adams, W. E. Bellows, George E. Bailey, tus Peck, Melville McGee, Grove H. Wol- of Jackson ; E. J. McKay, of Hanover; Jno. cott, Enoch Bancker, of Jackson; Nathan C. Boughan, Benjamin Williams, James J. G. King, of Brooklyn; Thomas A. Wilson, Noon, of Jackson; H. J. Cortright, of John C. Sharp, James A. Parkinson, Charles Springport; Robert A. Smith, Albert O. H. Smith, Robert D. Knowles, J. T. Ham- Reece, Verne W. Badgley, Adam Cooper, mond, Thomas E. Barkworth, Charles A. Geo. H. Curtice, Leroy Northrup, Arthur Blair, John McDevitt, Cassius M. Jenks, W. Taylor, Verner Taylor, Claude L. Tar- A. E. Hewitt, Jackson; Dora L. Ball, Grass box, Nathan D. Bailey, of Jackson. CHAPTER XVI. MEDICAL HISTORY OF THE COUNTY. OUR PIONEER DOCTORS. the people here concluded to remain in Jack- son. Dr. Stoddard was a pleasant and kind- Samson Stoddard was the first physician | ly dispositioned man, and was soon a favor- to settle in Jackson. The occasion of his visit ite. He not only followed his profession, was the accouchement of Mrs. 'E. B. Chap- | but filled many official positions in township man, at the birth of her daughter, Sarah, the and county. He located a fine farm in the first white child born in the county. He town of Concord, and removed to it in 1840. came here from Ann Arbor, where he had One of his sons, J. Blake Stoddard, now just began to practice, and at the request of At a late period of his life he owns it. 280 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. moved to Albion, where he died at an ad- polypus in the nose, he explained it to some vanced age, a few years since, beloved and of his companions. It pleased the boys to respected by all who knew him. hear him, and they managed to have him Dr. Oliver Russ was the next physician repeat it two or three times. One day a lot to settle in Jackson. He came from Rut- of boys were playing on the square, and the land, Vermont, in the fall of 1831. He was Doctor came sauntering up towards them a man of stalwart physique, a brainy man, when one of the crowd called out, “See, and old-style doctor, who used the lancet there comes Dr. Russ; let's get him to tell quite freely, and prescribed heroic doses of about Polly Anderson in Bill's nose.” The calomel, jallap and quinine, and whose Doctor was fond of using technical terms jovial disposition and frank ways and speech and words. One day after the big boys had not only made him a favorite but a reputa- had a scrap, he came into the tavern, where tion that has long survived him. Some of sat Jim Finn, one of the noted scrappers of the stories told of Dr. Russ are true and the village, and said, “Jim, you got a bad some are fiction, but they are all to a good laceration of the cuticle of your nasal pro- extent typical of the man. One of the stories tuberance in the scrap last night.” Jim was that one day when he was returning jumped up and replied, “See yere, Doc, if , from looking after a patient across the woods you don't stop your blackguarding I'll plant environing the prison, in a clump of bushes one on your old snot gob that'll make it look he found two men butchering a hog. Right- worser than mine." The Doctor did not " ly concluding they had stolen the porker, indulge in any more "blackguarding.” One he blurted out in well simulated indignation, time a man came up just at dark from the "You scoundrels, you have stolen one of “Portage woods," who said his wife was , my hogs and here you are butchering it!" very sick with bowel trouble. It was dark As everybody's hogs run at large in those and rainy and the Doctor did not relish a days and they had really stolen it, they had six-mile walk, so he gave him a dose of no word to say in defense. The Doctor, physic and a bottle of liniment (as he sup- who had never seen the hog before, was of posed), which was to be applied freely, and course in a terrible rage. “But,” he foamed, said he would be down next morning, if “of course, nothing can be done now you necessary. Just after daylight the man have killed it, and I will let you off if you came back with the story that his wife's will take one hind and one fore quarter to bowels were mortified. Russ made all pos- my house and one hind quarter to Widow sible haste, on foot, to see the patient. Puff- Blank. The other fore quarter you may ing and blowing from the long, muddy walk, have for your trouble, but if you ever touch he arrived. The pulse was rather hard and another hog of mine I'll see that you are wiry, and he out with his lance and took jailed.” The Doctor's wishes were carried two or three pints of blood to start with. out in every particular, if tradition is to Binding up the arm, he next turned his be credited. Doctor Russ was very fond of attention to the seat of disease. On examin- giving instructions to the young people in ing the woman's person, he turned to the hygiene, and when one of the boys had a husband and said in a tone of vexation and JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 281 disgust, “You d-d fool, don't you know cian, who came here in 1836, but he had the difference between black ink and lini-only a brief career, as he died after a resi- ment?" Dr. Russ was a very generous man. dence of only two years, of rupture of the When the early settlers were in distress he heart, caused by jumping from a high load was ever ready to aid them, and the ques- of goods on a wagon. He was a bright young tion of compensation was not discussed. man and his early death was much regretted. When the cholera raged in 1832 he went on Dr. J. A. Pratt came to Jackson in 1835 foot to Marshall, to the relief of the afflicted and settled in Spring Arbor, where he re- people there. No pioneer left behind him sided for several years, and had a large more pleasant recollections or was more sin practice. He manufactured “Dr. Pratt's cerely mourned at his decease. Fever and Ague Pills," which had an ex- Dr. George W. Gorham was the next tensive sale. He moved to Wisconsin in permanent physician to settle in Jackson, 1844, and died soon after, near Fond du coming here in 1833, and continuing in prac- Lac. tice until his death, in 1860. Dr. Gorham Dr. Edward Lewis came from Vermont was, like all the pioneer physicians, a blunt to Michigan in 1835. His object was not and brusque man, but he had a heart as ten- to practice medicine, but to escape the rigor der as a child, and beside the sick bed was of the climate upon his own and his wife's as considerate and gentle as a woman. He health. He located a farm in Concord town- was a constant student and a keen observer, ship. The frequent demands of his neigh- and was very successful in his practice. Few bors for his services soon brought him an men enjoyed so much the confidence of his extensive practice in that vicinity. In 1843 patients. He was a good “jollier," and it he removed to Jackson, where he built was often said that his cheerfulness and large practice. He was a Christian gentle- 1:umor cured more patients than his medi- man, and soon became identified with the cine. Congregational church, to which he gave Dr. Ira C. Backus settled in Jackson in an ardent support until his death, January 1837 and became a partner of Dr. Gorham. I, 1867. His family consisted of Willard He was of a different temperament, being Lewis, for many years cashier of the People's dignified, conservative and cautious, but he National Bank, who died in 1891, Dr. was well read and very affable and pleasant. Charles H. Lewis, Mrs. George D. Wal- The firm was a successful one, and Dr. cott, and Miss Lucy Lewis, all still residents Backus was quite as popular as his partner. of the city. He was a leading member of the Episcopal Dr. John McLean settled in the city of church, and did much for it in the early Jackson in 1837, and was at first connected days. He served one term as state senator, with the drug store. He was a finely edu- which was his only venture in politics. His cated man, and soon took a high place in family consisted of two daughters, and the his profession. When Rush Medical Col- Backus home was for many years one of lege was organized in Chicago, in 1852, Dr. the social centers of the place. McLean was appointed as one of its pro- Dr. George Smith was a young physi- | fessors, and continued in the faculty up to up a 282 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. the time of his death. He then had a state acquired a high reputation as a surgeon, as -in fact, a national-reputation as a medi- well as a physician, and was a valuable mem- cal man, and no one ever better deserved it. ber of the community as well as of his pro- Two sons, Frank and Charles, who are well fession. . known business men of this city, survive Dr. David G. McClure was another of him. the well-known pioneer physicians. He Dr. Abram Sager became a resident of came here in 1834, and established a drug Jackson in 1838. He was young, but ex- store, which he conducted for twenty-five ceptionally bright, and soon became popular. years, to the time of his death. He was a He married the only daughter of Daniel whole-souled, generous and practical man, Dwight, an old merchant and capitalist. On most highly esteemed. A most perfect pat- the organization of the medical department tern of the “old style gentleman," but there of the University of Michigan he was ap- was neither flattery nor dissimulation about pointed to the chair of materia medica and him. While he did not pretend to practice therapeutics, and continued his connection regularly, he was chief consulting aid to all with that institution until his death, which the profession, and his opinions always car- occurred at Ann Arbor in 1883. Dr. Sager ried great weight. He was always fond of was as widely known and as highly esteemed students, and devoted much pains to their as any man in the profession, not only in proper instruction. Michigan, but throughout the whole coun- Dr. Denman Merriman came here in try. 1836. He was also interested in merchan- Dr. J. D. Davis was one of the early dising, a pioneer of the old firm of Merri- , physicians of Jackson, coming here in 1838. man Brothers. His father was Titus Mer- He was a man of great energy, and, not con- riman, of Auburn, New York, quite a tent to spend all his time in practice, he en- celebrated physician in his day. Dr. Mer- gaged largely in other business. riman died at an early age, and was suc- one of the members of the Western Stage ceeded by his brother, Dr. Charles L. Mer- Company, an extensive dealer in horses and riman. The latter was the first to practice other live stock, and an all-round business homeopathy, which he adopted, though edu- man. He removed to Albion in 1850, and cated as an alopathist. The regulars dubbed died a few years later at that place. A daugh- him “Dr. Little Pills,” but nevertheless he ter, Mrs. Dr. Tunnicliff, still resides here. had a large and successful practice up to the Dr. Joseph Tunnicliff was a native of time of his death, in 1858. Michigan, and began practice in 1840, and Dr. Moses A. McNaughton came here was identified with Jackson for forty years. in 1840. He was of Scotch descent, a man He served during the war as surgeon of the of robust physique, and soon acquired a First and Fourth Michigan Infantry and as large influence in the community. He died state agent at Washington for the care of so recently, and was for so many years a Michigan sick and wounded soldiers, and strongly marked personality in his profes- was for several years an examining age sion, in politics and business, that a biog- of the pension department. Dr. Tunnicliff | raphy is almost unnecessary. Few men have He was JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 283 ever lived in Jackson who were better known escape its affects, he moved to Petoskey, or more generally respected. He did much where he died in 1887. to build up the city, held many public posi- Dr. J. B. Tuttle settled in Jackson in tions, and exercised a wide and general ben-1850, and soon gained a large practice. He a eficial influence upon the city and com- was a religious man and took an active part munity. in the church work of the city. He prac- Dr. Bingham 'was an early settler in ticed for thirty years, until his death, and Grass Lake in the 'thirties. He located at was highly prized as a physician and citizen. “the Center” and had a large practice. He He had a family of two children, a son and laid the foundation of the “Grass Lake Cen- a daughter. The son entered the navy at the ter Acadamy,” which was for years a pros- beginning of the war, and lost his life on a perous school. When the railroad was built gunboat in the engagement at Island No. 10, in 1840-1, "the Center" was side-tracked, a on the Mississippi. His grave is marked by station located on the lake, two miles west, a handsome monument in Mt. Evergreen. and Grass Lake Center soon faded away and His daughter gained considerable fame as was abandoned. a fine singer. She married Charles Beebe, Dr. Reuben C. Gibson located in the and had a daughter. Subsequently she be- town of Sandstone, near where Parma now came the wife of Alonzo Bennett, and still stands, in 1835. He was from Vermont, and resides in this city, as does also his widow. came west intending to establish himself as Dr. Jerry G. Cornell came from New a farmer. The necessities of a new coun- York in 1833, and settled in Spring Arbor try soon drew him into practice again, and on a farm. He soon became prominent in for many years he was a successful and pop- medicine and in politics. He had a large ular practitioner. His son, William K. Gib- practice, and was frequently called to Jack- son, became a pioneer lawyer and is son, Marshall and Jonesville. He was a mentioned elsewhere. Dr. Gibson lived to skillful surgeon, as well as physician. He a good old age, and died in 1867, beloved and , was state prison inspector, state senator, and respected by all who knew him. held several town offices. His son, Dr. Dr. William B. Stanton came to Jack- George Cornell, was assistant surgeon of son in 1848, and remained here for fifteen the First Michigan Sharpshooters. years. He was a son of Judge N. P. Stan- Dr. G. W. Carhart came to Jackson in ton, an old settler, and was educated in 1850. He was an energetic young man and Rochester, New York. He was a man of soon established a good practice. Dr. Car- fine presence, and a very public-spirited man. hart led a very active life for fifteen years, He was an active member of the Episcopal when his health failed, and he died quite church, and was for many years in charge suddenly in the prime of life. of the choir. He served as a member of the MEDICAL ORGANIZATIONS. village council and was president of the Young Men's Library Association. He As early as 1843 the physicians of Jack- finally became affected with asthma, and to son county organized a County Medical As- 284 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a state. sociation. We find, from old files of the he procured a set of dental instruments and Gazette, that Dr. J. G. Cornell was presi- | itinerated, doing what business he could pick dent, Dr. Adams, vice-president, and Dr. up for a time, and eventually establishing an John McLean, secretary. This society did office with Dr. Gorham, then a prominent not last long, for in 1849 we find a call for practicing physician. He was the pioneer another organization, of which Dr. Mc- dentist by some years in this section of Mich- Naughton was president. This association igan. Dr. Porter, of Ann Arbor, afterward continued for several years, and then became his partner, acquired the details of his pro- extinct. After the war, in 1866, the society fession in Dr. Bennett's office. Dr. Bennett was reorganized, and Drs. Carhart, Gor- afterward returned to New York and took don, Chittock, A. M. Crawford and others a course of instruction of Dr. Wanzer, of became prominent in its proceedings. This Rochester. He returned to Jackson, where organization was kept up for about ten ne practiced until 1859; meanwhile he en- years, when it died of “innocuous desue- gaged in farming and breeding fine blooded tude." Some three years ago another so- " stock. A pair of Devonshire cattle and eleven ciety was organized, with Dr. A. E. Bul- Cotswold sheep, the first of these breeds in- son at its head, which is still in a flourishing troduced into Jackson county, were import- The conditions “when the doctors ed by him. In 1859 he went to St. Louis and disagree” are traditional, and it is entirely opened an office, but after a year was com- problematical just how long this latest or- pelled to leave on account of war sentiment, ganization will survive. when he went to Alton, Illinois, where he remained some years. In 1863 he reopened THE DENTISTS. the St. Louis office and conducted business The first professional dentist to locate in there by proxy about eight years. In 1868 Jackson was a Dr. Mansfield, who came or 1869, he went to Carrollton, Green coun- in 1838. He was quite a young man, and ty, Illinois. In 1877 he located in Louisiana, tradition does not relate that he acquired Pike county, Missouri, returning to Jackson much of a reputation or a competence at in 1880. At twenty-five years of age he his profession in Jackson. He remained married Charlotte M. Buck, of Grass Lake. here only two or three years. She died in 1870 in St. Louis, leaving a son Dr. Ebenezer Farnham came in 1840, and daughter, the latter now in Denver, and practiced his profession for many years, Colorado. In 1872 Dr. Bennett married, in dying in the harness in 1860. Dr. Farnham Buffalo, Fanny Sleight, of Carrollton, Illi- was a good workman, but was of a strong nois. Four years later she died in Carroll- convivial turn, and this overshadowed his ton. Dr. Bennett died in St. Louis in 1879. professional reputation. Frederick M. Foster came to this city Dr. George P. Bennett came to Jackson in 1844, and engaged in the practice of den- in 1842. He was a nephew of Isaiah W. tistry, which he continued until his death, Bennett, one of the original settlers of the in 1889. He was a very successful man in place. Dr. Bennett had studied dentistry his profession, and stood high in the com- with a cousin before leaving New York, and munity. He was a Mason and one of the JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 285 leading Odd Fellows of the state, having City Reform Club, and of several other or- passed all the chairs, and was for many years ganizations. He was a prolific writer, was a prominent member of the grand lodge of the author of a number of essays, and sev- a that order for the United States. Mr. Fos- eral poems of merit, also a frequent con- ter was something of a politician as well, tributor to the local papers. Politically he and held the office of city treasurer two was a strong anti-slavery man, and during terms, and also city recorder for two full the Civil war was very active in recruiting terms. He was also an alderman and super- and doing everything possible in aid of the visor for his ward. Personally popular, he Union cause. He removed to Grand Rap- always had plenty of friends, and a large ids in 1880 and died there in 1889. He was clientage in his profession. He was for a worker all his life, and it might be truly years a member of the old volunteer fire said of him that he literally wore out. Mr. department, and took an active part in fur- A. B. Robinson, of this city, is a son. thering public interest. For forty years Jack- Dr. George H. Mosher was born in Jack- son had but few more useful and pub- son, a son of Oliver C. Mosher, who was lic-spirited citizens than Dr. Foster. accidentally killed in his machine shop, as Dr. J. A. Robinson came to Jackson in hereinbefore noted. Mr. Mosher began his 1857. He was a native of Concord, Massa- studies with Dr. Foster and afterwards per- chusetts, and possessed many of the in- fected them in Ann Arbor. He practiced stincts and traits of the genuine New Eng- his profession with good success for many lander. He had practiced his profession in years, until, three years ago, he went to the east, and came here with a reputation Colorado, on account of his health, and there already made. He soon became a leader in he now resides. Dr. Mosher was always . the profession, and in social circles. He had highly esteemed, and still has a host of a large fund of humor, which made him a friends among the foremost people of Jack- welcome guest at all times and places. He was a great reader and a great worker. He There was in 1860 a dental association was recognized as an authority in scientific existing in Jackson county, but it did not matters outside as well as in his profession. last long and was allowed to decay and die. He was invited on many occasions to lec- It was another of these efforts to consolidate ture to the students in the Michigan Uni- interests and form associations for mutual versity. He took a great interest in Sunday | benefit and improvement, which were born schools, and used to say they were the model only to seemingly add to the long list of schools of the world. He was president of fiascos that have marked the past history of the Jackson Literary, and of the Jackson the city and county. son. CHAPTER XVII. NEWSPAPERS AND NEWSPAPER MEN. . nors. Of all the treasures which the arts and done for the newspapers. It is not too much sciences have bestowed upon the world of to say that the newspaper articles are as civilization, the press ranks among the first. much better now than they were then as the It is the great portrayer of public thought papers are better than those on which Chal- and the principal agent in the triumph of mers based his wonder. Not content with progress. It is the teacher and director of the best thoughts, the newspaper secures the the governed and the critic of the gover- choicest enterprise. Do the hidden forces break out in an earthquake? A man springs From a brief review of the journals of up with his note-book and pencil, while the Jackson it will be evident that their part in land is rocking under his feet, and begins the play which rendered this country the to write and flash his words over the first home of a prosperous and happy people wire he can lay his hands on. Is the fire has not been insignificant. The local jour- burning up a city? There he is among the nals led in every movement, and have grown flames, scratching at his paper, the coolest with the country's growth. Some eminent man you shall find. Is the war afield? The publicist has stated that "The steam engine newspaper will give you news of the battle does no day's work so marvelous in its whole far ahead of anything the governments can result as that which is done by the steam get, who are most deeply involved, and vast- printing press; the wire flashes no such ly more true as a rule. Nothing escapes this weight of interest, the railroad carries no ever-present and all-present eye. It mir- such freight as the last edition, while the rors the great markets in one page and tells artist has no such opening as this that trans- you of an oyster supper in the basement of fers work at once to the block and then sends a church, and reports impartially a murder the picture flying into the hearts and brains or a sermon. Does the old lion roar over of a million men. As the newspaper makes there in Europe, or the bear growl, or the tributary to its purpose the finest results of eagle scream? You hear them all through art and science and discovery, so it captures this wonderful telephone of the newspaper. some of the choicest powers in our current It brings to you the froth and foam of the thought and life. Dr. Chalmers said, many chalice of our life, and reports the vast and years ago, that the best writing, and a good awful movements which belong to all the deal of the best thinking, of his day was centuries and are felt all around the world.” JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 287 IN THE BEGINNING. ten, was elected to distribute a copy to every house in the village, which was quite a task, Jackson owes the inception of its first for the place was then one of “magnificent newspaper enterprise to William R. DeLand, distances.” Norman Allen, Russell Blackman, Phineas The Sentinel was a four-page, twenty- Farrand and Dr. B. H. Packard. These column sheet, twenty-four by thirty-six men in discussing the subject expressed inches, set up in long primer type, which is themselves as willing to give a good bonus several sizes larger than any now in news- to anybody who would start a newspaper in paper use, with plain, full-face headings. It Jacksonburg. Mr. Allen had a brother-in- was printed on an old-fashioned Ramage law in Vergennes, Vermont, who was a press, mostly made of wood, and required printer, and he wrote to him about it. The four impressions to print a single paper. The brother-in-law, William Hitchcock, was not ink was spread on the type with buckskin able to undertake the task, but he turned the balls, about the size of a dinner plate, which letter over to a friend, who had a small office was spatted over the form. A man and a in Vergennes, named Nicholas Sullivan, good stout boy could print about one hun- who replied that he would be glad to come if dred copies in an hour. But it was quite a he could be guaranteed the expense of mov- neat and tidy looking paper, and the people ing himself and family, estimated at three were all proud of it. hundred dollars. Mr. Sullivan had a broth- We once had a considerable number of er, William Sullivan, who was a minister, Sentinels stowed among archives, and who also urged him to come. The Rev- The Rev- but the lapse of sixty-six years, and the prev- erend Sullivan came to Jackson and con- alence of the custom of house cleaning, sulted the people here, and the parties above which is a necessity in all regulated families, named guaranteed that the sum should has played sad havoc with these old treas- be paid, and raised one hundred dollars to ures. From the few fragments left we have send to Mr. Sullivan in Vermont, taking already taken a few relics for previous pages. William Sullivan's obligation to repay it, if Mr. Sullivan was an excellent man, can- his brother failed to fulfill the bargain. did, industrious and honorable. He was not Nicholas Sullivan left Vergennes the a brilliant editor, but his effort was to make 5th of July, 1837, and arrived in Jackson a good family paper, and the Sentinel be- about the first of August. Teams were dis- came at once popular. It was Whig in poli- patched to Detroit for his office and family, tics, but not partisan, and was a great help and they were soon landed in Jackson. The to the growth of Jackson. building on the corner of Jackson and Court- Soon the spirit of partisanship began to land streets, now owned by Mr. Carter, was run high and the Democrats began to take just being erected, and the office was estab- steps to have a paper of their political faith lished in the second story, fronting on Jack- | in the county. In March, 1838, George W. son street. The first number of the Jackson- Ranney, of Penn Yan, New York, came to burg Sentinel was issued the first Wednes- Jacksonburg and issued the first number of day in September, and the writer, a lad of the Michigan Democrat. Mr. Ranney was our a 288 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a small, nervous, fussy person, and it was S. P. Jermain, the Adrian Expositer; Seth not long before the political fire began to Lewis, the Marshall Statesman, and others. fly. The Democrat did not flourish very Mr. Moore changed the name to the Mich- well the first year, and in the fall of 1839 | igan State Gazette, and published a red hot the firm was changed to Ranney & Cheeny. “Tippecanoe and Tyler, too,” paper through Reuben S. Cheeny was a very smooth, pleas- the campaign of 1840. Mr. Moon died of ant and plausible man, and he soon became pneumonia in February, 1841, and the paper very popular, and the paper increased in abil- went into the hands of his brother, Daniel ity and influence. The Democrat was pub-D. T. Moore, of Rochester, New York, who lished by Ranney & Cheeny until 1844, when took in for a partner Wiliam Hitchcock, Ranney sold out and went west. who had come from Vergennes, Vermont, In 1839 Seymour B. Treadwell came to to visit his brother-in-law, Mr. Allen. Mr. Jackson and began the publication of a paper Moore retired in 1842, and began the publi- called the American Freeman. It was anti- cation of the Michigan Farmer as a month- slavery, and was the organ of the then just ly, and J. M. Allen became a partner in the inaugurated Abolition party. Mr. Tread- Gazette. During the campaign of 1844 the well was an able man and writer, and the Gazette was edited by Herman H. Heath, Freeman was one of the strongest papers in a very brilliant young man, who later re- the state. It gained quite a state circulation, moved to Dubuque, Iowa, and was for years as the only advocate of anti-slavery doctrine editor of the Gazette, until he died in 1853. in the state. It flourished for several years, Mr. Thomas S. Myrick then became editor until it was merged with the Anti-Slavery of the Gazette, until 1849, when he went to Advocate, published in Detroit. California. The Gazette left the Whig In 1840 the great Washington Temper- party in the campaign of 1848, and support- movement began to sweep over the ed Van Buren, and with the expiration of country, and Rev. William Sullivan estab- that campaign, and the death of Mr. Hitch- lished the Michigan Temperance Herald. It cock it died in the spring of 1849. was published by his brother, Nicholas, who In the spring of 1845, the Michigan had sold the Sentinel, and lived about three Democrat having gone into “innocuous des- years, when Nicholas Sullivan died and the suetude," it was revived a few months later, paper was discontinued. by Mr. Wilbur F. Story. Story was a native In the spring of 1840 Nicholas Sullivan of Middlebury, Vermont, where he was edu- sold the Sentinel to Morgan S. Moore, of cated and learned the printer's trade. He Rochester, New York. Mr. Moore was one came to South Bend, Indiana, in 1849, and of the bright, energetic and stirring young started the Register. He was brother-in- men sent west in 1839 and 1840 by Thur- law to R. S. Cheeney, of the Michigan Dem- low Weed and the Whig syndicate of New ocrat, and having sold the Register to York, to establish Whig papers in the West- Schuyler Colfax, he came to Jackson, pur- ern states. Among others was George Daw- chased an interest with Cheeney, and started son, who came to Detroit; Charles L. Will- the Jackson Patriot in the summer of 1845. son, who established the Chicago Journal; The next change in the newspaper line ance JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 289 was in 1848. The Gazette having deserted tember 1, 1850, until September 1, 1861, the Whig party, Mr. Henry Frink and a few with the exception of less than one year in Whig friends established a new paper called 1854, when it was in charge temporarily of the Michigan State Journal, with A. A. Dor- DeWitt C. Smith. The first five years of rance as publisher. The result of the elec- its existence was a struggle. Under the ag- tion in 1848 left the Whigs the third party gressive policy of Mr. Storey the county had in Jackson county. Mr. Frink had a tempt- become strongly Democratic, and the divi- ing offer to enter a law partnership in Chi- sion of sentiment in the Whig party on the cago, so he sold the Journal to Munger & slavery question made it almost impossible Patterson, who moved it to Lansing. The to unite Whigs and Free-Soilers in support Gazette suspended publication in June, 1849. of the same paper. The Citizen took a rad- In August, 1849, C. V. DeLand and A. A. ical stand on the tenperance question, which Dorrance purchased the Gazette office, and further complicated the question of support. in August began the publication of the Feeling was so high that on the Fourth of American Citizen, under the firm of Dor- July, 1851, under the guise of celebrating rance & Company. At the end of the first the day, the whiskey party bombarded the year Mr. Dorrance retired, and Mr. De- office, then in the old Porter block, with fire Land became sole proprietor. Since 1849, balls, and burned it out. But DeLand re- the Citizen and the Patriot have both been vived it in six weeks, and by hard and con- published continuously, the organ of their scientious work made such an impression on respective parties and the leading papers of the public sentiment of the county as the county. to reverse its political character, and secure There have been many changes in owner- the success of the Whig party in 1852. The ship of both papers. In 1857 Cheeney & organization of the Republican party, in Storey sold the Patriot to John F. Titus, 1854, was rewarded with greater success, from Watertown, New York. In 1854 Mr. and the Citizen from that on became the Cheeney re-purchased the paper, and pub- largest, most influential paper in the coun- lished it until 1857, when he sold it to T. ty. When Colonel DeLand decided to go F. & G. S. Benton. In 1863 the Bentons into the army, in 1861, he sold the Citizen sold it to Chapin & Higgs, and the next to Peter J. Avery, a lawyer, and during the year Mr. Higgs became sole proprietor. In next five years it changed hands as many 1865 W. W. Van Antwerp became a part- as five times. In 1866 it became the prop- ner, and in 1866 B. L. Carlton acquired | erty of Messrs. Ray & O'Donnell. Mr. Ray Higgs's interest, and it was conducted by died in 1867, and the paper passed into the Carlton & Van Antwerp until the latter's ownership of James O'Donnell, who has death, in 1886, soon after which it was sold since been its manager and proprietor. to a joint stock company. The Daily Patriot The first attempt to publish a daily paper was started in August, 1870, and has been in Jackson was made in January, 1848, by published continuously since that time. Storey & Cheeney, but the Daily Patriot The Citizen was continued under the lasted only two weeks, as it was evident the management of C. V. DeLand from Sep- | place was not then large enough to support 19 290 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. . a daily paper. In June, 1861, the Daily in September, 1883, by Parly W. Heaton as Citizen was started and furnished the war a four-column folio, and an independent lo- news until September ist, when it was dis- cal paper, devoted to local interests and continued. In March, 1865, Messrs. Ray news. Six months later it was enlarged to & O'Donnell again issued the Daily Citizen. a five-column quarto, and in 1885 to a six- and the paper has been regularly published column paper. In 1887 it was purchased ever since. It was started as a morning pa- by Henry Hunt, and in the fall of the same per, but in 1868 was changed to an after- year was purchased by a joint stock com- noon paper, and has since continued as such. pany. In 1898 it was merged with the It is not too much to say that the Citizen Patriot, and the name changed to the Even- has been one of the most successful papers ing Press, and has since been published as in the state. It is the oldest Republican pa- the evening edition of the Jackson Patriot. per in Michigan, and has always been a It has long since lost its independent char- reliable and able advocate of Republican acter and become compounded with its Dem- principles. Mr. O'Donnell has pursued a ocratic associate. straightforward course, uninfluenced by fac- During the year 1851, caused by the cel- tion or clan. During the days of recon- ebrated railroad conspiracy trials, a paper a struction, Greeleyism, Greenbacks, Free- called Public Sentiment was started by a Silver, the Citizen has stood for the sub- lawyer named B. F. Burnett. It was a most stantial interests of the county and its party. wonderful and unique paper. It championed Though sometimes overwhelmed by oppo- the cause of the so-called conspirators, and sition and fusion it has, in the end, been followed the long trial, comments on the rewarded with success. testimony, exposes of the character of the On the 20th of August, 1868, Messrs. witnesses for the railroad company, reviews Carlton & Van Antwerp issued the first of the rulings and decisions of the presiding number of the Jackson Daily Patriot, and it judge, that exhibited an acumen, audacity has been continuously issued regularly ever and mendacity that astonished the bench and since. It has been a morning paper, and has bar of the whole state. Not since the cele- filled a useful and valuable field. It has been brated “letters of Junius” had there been Democratic in politics, that is to say, it has a greater sensation. Burnett had no reputa- been anti-Republican. As an advocate of tion beyond that of an ordinary country local interests and prosperity the Patriot has lawyer, but before his pen the arguments been a great advantage to the public. It has and sophistry of James F. Joy, Jacob M. always had a generous support and its full | Howard, James A. Van Dyke and Chief a share of prosperity. It has changed hands Justice Wing faded like a morning dew. a few times, but, under the ownership of the Who started the paper, or where its financial present joint stock company, its permanence backing came from, nobody ever knew. Bur- and prosperity seem assured. It is ably ed- nett kept his own counsel, and resented all ited, and is one of the vigorous and pros- offers to write for any other paper. After . perous papers of the state. the citizens imprisoned for the conspiracy The Jackson Daily Courier was started were pardoned, Burnett announced that the a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 291 mission of Public Sentiment had been ac- à generous support from all families with complished, and the paper was discontinued. the language of the “father land.” It was an adventure and a freak in journal- Of the papers published outside of Jack- ism without a parallel in the history of Mich- son there are several that deserve notice. igan. The Concord Independent is the oldest Beginning during the Greenback craze of the so-called country papers. It is con- in 1878, several attempts were made to start ducted on the strictly local non-partisan weekly papers. W. H. White started the basis. Frank McKenzie is a popular and Liberator, but it soon expired. Later it was well-known citizen, and deserves the gen- renewed by M. G. Lonnecker as the Indus- erous support of his constituency. trial News, a Populist organ. Mr. Lon- The Grass Lake News is and has for necker published it successfully until 1900 years been an excellent local newspaper. Mr. , when he sold it to Mr. Hensley, who is still Carlton, who did so much to build it up, has its publisher. It is a prosperous weekly pa- a worthy successor in E. E. Brown, who is per, which pays special attention to labor in- making it a paper worthy a true metropolitan terests, but has strong Democratic sympa- center. We congratulate the people of Grass thies. It fills a large field and fills it well, Lake upon such an exponent of their local and enjoys a good patronage. interests. The Saturday Evening Star was estab- The Brooklyn Exponent has long been lished in 1880, by Myron W. Tarbox, is an a credit and a benefit to that enterprising independent family paper of considerable village. It is bright, clean and newsy, and influence and circulation. Mr. Tarbox is always contains something of local interest. an accomplished newspaper man, and his The Hanover and Horton Local is an- judgment and opinions on local subjects are other fine suburban paper that fills complete- tersely expressed and have influence and ly the place of a good local chronicle. Noth- weight. The Star fills a useful field and the ing of interest transpires in its field that is hope is that it may continue to shine on in- missed in its weekly issues. definitely. The Parma News keeps the world posted The Volkesfreund is the only German on all that transpires in its thriving section paper published in Jackson county. It was of the county, and is also a valuable family established in 1876 by Rudolph Worsch, and paper. It deserves prosperity because it has continued to furnish our German fellow strives to win it. citizens a paper in their mother tongue ever The Springport Signal is a credit and since. Mr. Worsch is a finely educated man, benefit to that busy and prosperous village. and his paper is very popular among his fel- Springport is a progressive town, and its low countrymen. He is a Democrat, but people appreciate a live newspaper. It is his paper is not partisan in the strict sense what they need and in turn it needs them of the word, though it is quite apt to lean to keep alive. Each must reciprocate, and to that side of public questions. The Volks- that is what we urge the people in each place freund fills a place all its own and receives to do. 292 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. In this age of the world there is no one printing press is to your home the fresher public utility that excels the public newspa- the markets and news. The great trashy per. The only trouble is we have too many papers that boast their hundreds of thou- of them, and the public do not discriminate sands of circulation seldom contain a word in their choice. The most valuable is the or a line of direct or pecuniary interest to well arranged, candid and truthful home you, while the Jackson papers are always paper. That treats of all subjects of imme- full of home news, local facts and incidents diate home interest, and keeps you posted and business intelligence and propositions upon what is going on right about among that are valuable. The better the support your neighbors. The home journals should of the home paper the more interesting and receive first encouragement and patronage, valuable it will be made, and the more nearly and those printed in great cities next. With the subscriber will get the full value of his the rural mail delivery, the paper is brought subscription. to your door every day, and the nearer the CHAPTER XVIII. A BRIEF REVIEW OF LOCAL POLITICAL HISTORY. A full review of the several political Politics in Michigan has always been a campaigns in any extended manner is im- strenuous pursuit. The state was born when practicable, because such a mass of cam- the country was in the throes of agitation paign items and literature as this county between the radicalism of early Democracy alone would furnish would fill several large and the conservatism of the old Republičan volumes, and because the mass of our read- and Whig parties. The Democrats were in ers are content with the quadrennial instruc- the majority, and the whole machinery of tion they receive in their campaign literature. the state was used to perpetuate their power. And besides this, there is very little in po- The tide of emigration had set in from the litical campaigns that is noted for its old world, and the emigrant was always a usefulness in either its educational, chari- disciple of Democracy, and to utilize his table or Christianizing aspects. influence the first constitution of the state Politics, instead of being “the science of was so fixed as to nullify the naturalization government," is too generally regarded as laws of the United States, requiring five the science of getting the offices and emolu- years as necessary to citizenship, by allow- ments. In the early days it was the dogma ing all foreigners to vote as soon as they that “the office should seek the man," but had filed their declaration of intention. Thus in these latter days the reverse is true, and a foreigner could become a voter before he the man has to seek the office. had learned to speak the English language. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 293 This put the balance of political power for umphed. A split in the Democratic party years in the hands of ignorant and clannish in 1848 gave the presidency to General Tay- foreigners, not always for the public wel- lor, but again death stepped in and practically fare. robbed the Whigs of the fruit of victory. The reorganization of parties in 1854 From then till 1860 the pro-slavery De- on pro-slavery and anti-slavery lines in a mocracy dominated the government, and measure corrected this tendency and re-ad- when the rising sentiment of freedom justed parties more nearly on the basis of triumphed inaugurated the great Rebellion. well understood principles. The Civil war The political history since 1860 is so recent was another great influence in classifying and well remembered there is no need to and purifying the general politics of the review it here in the nation or the state. It country. has been an almost unbroken triumph of But the constant tendency toward cor- Republican successes and the country has rupt practices has not been much decreased. advanced in prosperity beyond the most The exhibition in Michigan of the past few sanguine expectations. years of the open purchase and sale of the The political history of Jackson county highest offices of the state has caused a has been a checkered one. Always close, strong agitation for some new method to it was almost solidly Democratic from 1840 destroy the virus of corruption that is to 1852, when it became Republican and has spreading over the county. It is hardly likely remained so most of the time. The almost to be entirely successful until public opinion phenomenal wave of Greenbackism and is strong enough to prescribe and inflict free-silver that had their day found Jackson criminal punishment on those who make county "easy picking” for a campaign or merchandise of political and governmental | two, but the craze over, the political status politics. resumed its normal condition. The follow- The first presidential election in which ing tables will show the results of the several Michigan was a participant was that of elections, the proportion of political vote 1840. It was a remarkable campaign, waged and the names of candidates voted for and at a time when the country was in the midst which were elected. These figures are offi- of a great financial panic. It was a whirl- cial and therefore valuable for reference. wind of excitement and denunciation. Hard To save space we shall omit some of the cider and log cabin, coon skins and cam- minor candidates, but give enough to indi- paign songs and oratory formed its salient cate the strength of the various political features. The election of General Harrison parties. The first column of figures indi- gave promise of relief to the county, but the cates the total vote cast for each candidate, death of Harrison and the split among the the last column indicating the successful Whigs on tariff and currency legislation was candidate's plurality : their undoing, and the Democrats soon re- turned to political power. The campaign FIRST ELECTION IN 1835. of 1844 was fought over the annexation of Steven T. Mason, Dem... Texas, and the aggressive slave power tri- S. V. R. Trowbridge, Whig.... GOVERNOR. 109 920 811 294 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. REGISTER OF DEEDS. NOVEMBER, 1837. GOVERNOR. Steven T. Mason, Dem. John Briddle, Whig. 265 191 1269 1078 Hiram Thompson, Dem.. George Bryan, Whig. Norman Allen, Abol.... Miscellaneous 1080 815 300 4 73 145 REPRESENTATIVE TO CONGRESS. Isaac E. Crary, Dem.... 1178 James W. Gordon, Whig.. I105 ASSISTANT JUDGE. Nehemiah P. Stanton, Dem. 1255 Henry A. Francisko, Whig. 1008 COUNTY TREASURER. Leander Chapman, Dem.... Berthier H. Sheldon, Whig. Thomas Cottin, Abol. David Bingham. Miscellaneous 1027 882 243 27 12 247 CORONER. NOVEMBER, 1839. GOVERNOR. 206 224 36.2 William Woodbridge, Whig... Elon Farnsworth, Dem... 1331 969 Marcus Wakeman, Dem. B. Hill Deming, Dem. Caleb Culver, Whig.. A. Van De Bogart, Whig.. James St. Johns, Abol ... Josiah Whitman, Jr., Abol. Miscellaneous 1058 1021 832 787 314 288 1 COUNTY COMMISSIONER. Alvin Clark, Whig. Henry Austin, Dem. 107 1153 1046 37 CORONER. 279 308 Gordon Case, Whig. Oliver Russ, Dem.. 1247 939 COUNTY SURVEYOR, Caleb A. Canfield, Dem .. A. Van De Bogart, Whig.. Austin Pomeroy, Abol... Miscellaneous 1062 783 317 2 • • • COUNTY TREASURER, John N. Dwight, Whig.. Joseph C. Bailey, Dem.. 182 . . . 1084 902 NOVEMBER, 1843. 497 NOVEMBER, 1841. GOVERNOR. John S. Barry, Dem... Philo C. Fuller, Whig. Jabez S. Fitch, Abol ... GOVERNOR. John S. Barry, Dem... Zina Pitcher, Whig.. James G. Birney, Abol... 1 172 675 391 265 I 127 862 147 REPRESENTATIVE TO CONGRESS-SECOND DISTRICT. Lucius Lyon, Dem .. I119 453 Joseph R. Williams, Whig. 666 Rufus B. Bement, Abol... 401 288 COUNTY COMMISSIONER. Norman Allen, Dem..... Elihu M. Gould, Whig. Reuben H. King, Abol. 1122 834 159 NOVEMBER, 1844. PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT. NOVEMBER, 1842. 87 Democratic electors, Polk... Whig electors, Clay..... Abolition electors, Birney.. 1389 1 302 475 872 2 870 383 8 133 SHERIFF. Henry Tisdale, Dem... James A. Dyer, Whig.. Harvey Austin, Abol ... Miscellaneous COUNTY CLERK. Czar Jones, Dem.. Henry Frink, Whig. Lucien H. Jones, Abol... Miscelianeous REPRESENTATIVE TO CONGRESS. John S. Chipman, Dem... 1410 Henry W. Taylor, Whig Edwin A. Atlee, Abol.... 476 .. 1277 16 937 921 257 163 STATE SENATOR. James Videto, Dem. Henry Acker, Whig Seymour B. Treadwell, Abol.. 1427 1264 469 38 JACKSON COUNTY295 COUNTY, , MICHIGAN. 141 1211 2 2 REGISTER OF DEEDS. Peter E. Demill, Whig..... Henry H. Bingham, Dem... Robert Davis, Abol... 1405 1264 493 1209 316 SHERIFF. Henry Tisdale, Dem... Wm. Clapp, Whig. Henry Austin, Abol COUNTY CLERK. Czar Jones, Dem .... Marion A. Daily, Whig.... COUNTY TREASURER. Leander Chapman, Dem ... Henry Frink, Whig.. Norman Allen, Abol. 88 1370 1282 46 1210 .1164 316 7 158 COUNTY JUDGE. William J. Moody, Dem.... Nehemiah H. Joy, Whig. Thomas McGee, Aboi... Miscellaneous COUNTY SURVEYOR. Anson H. Delamater, Dem... A. Van De Bogart, Whig.. Homer A. Hodge, Abol... 1424 1266 481 . 82 1252 1170 323 201 • • • REGISTER OF DEEDS. Hiram Thompson, Dem. Sylvester G. Abbot, Whig.. Foster Tucker, Abol... 1449 1248 471 NOVEMBER, 1847. GOVERNOR. Epaphroditus Ransom, Dem.. James M. Edwards, Whig... Charles Gurney, Abol.. 226 159 1426 1267 479 1296 1070 256 JUDGE OF PROBATE. Samuel Higby, Dem Asher B. Bates, Whig . David Bingham, Abol.... COUNTY SURVEYOR. Henry A. Hatch, Dem.. John T. Durand, Whig Austin Pomeroy, Abol 145 73 1429 1275 480 REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS. Charles E. Stuart, Dem. 1178 James W. Gordon, Whig. I105 William C. Denison, Abol... 212 Charles Stewart 99 NOVEMBER, 1845. 122 84 GOVERNOR. Alpheus Felch, Dem... Stephen Vickery, Whig . James G. Birney, Abol..... I 150 1066 CORONER. Joseph Tunnicliff, Dem.... M. A. McNaughton, Whig.. Daniel Cook, Abol. Scattering I 202 1080 191 335 50 NOVEMBER, 1848. 52 476 NOVEMBER, 1846. REPRESENTATIVE TO CONGRESS. Edward Bradley, Dem .... 1239 James W. Gordon, 'Whig. 1187 Erastus Hussey, Abol..... 318 Miscellaneous 4 SHERIFF. Lewis D. Welling, Dem... 1330 Sherman Eastman, Whig... 1089 Frederick Johnson, Abol... 313 PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT. Deinocratic electors 1547 Free Soil electors... 1071 Whig electors 968 REPRESENTATIVE TO CONGRESS. 466 241 Wm. Sprague, Whig and Free Soil. ... 2048 Charles E. Stuart, Dem.... 1582 COUNTY CLERK. 518 119 SENATORS. Dwight Webb, Dem... Beriah King, Whig.. William Finley, Dem.... George Skinner, Whig.. Miscellaneous 1264 1145 306 18 2076 1558 2075 1537 538 21 James A. Dyer, Whig.. Edward Higby, Dem. Seymour B. Treadwell, Abol. Miscellaneous COUNTY TREASURER. James C. Wood, Dem... Gordon Case, Whig.. Norman Allen, Abol...... 1221 28 1537 417 COUNTY TREASURER. James C. Wood, Dem..... Berthier M. Sheldon, Free Soil. Henry Frink, Whig.. 1192 I 120 316 940 296 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. SHERIFF. SECRETARY OF STATE. 577 361 Charles H. Taylor, Dem... George Martin, Whig..... Joseph Chedsey, Free Soil... 1577 1206 257 349 ATTORNEY GENERAL. William Hale, Dem.. Austin Blair, Whig.. 182 • • • 1600 1418 REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS. Charles E. Stuart, Dem.... 1516 Joseph R. Williams, Whig.. 1516 457 SHERIFF. 14 Amos Pickett, Dem. Gordon Case, Whig. Miscellaneous 1509 1495 3 447 Lewis D. Welling, Dem. 1619 Benjamin Davis, Whig... 1042 Bela F. Van Brooklin, Free Soil. ..... 953 COUNTY CLERK. Walter Buddington, Dem.... 1477 James A. Dyer, Whig... 1128 Jerome M. Treadwell, Free Soil.. 1027 Scattering 5 JUDGE OF PROBATE. Orson W. Bennett, Dem.... 1620 Austin Blair, Free Soil.. 1163 Abram Van De Bogart, Whig.... 861 Scattering 2 REGISTER OF DEEDS. Gardner H. Shaw, Dem. .. 1519 Hiram Thompson, Free Soil. 1072 Peter E. DeMill, Whig.. 1044 Scattering 5 COUNTY SURVEYOR. Anson H. Delamater, Dem.. 1555 Benjamin F. Burnett, Free Soil........ 1084 , Ira W. Kellogg, Whig... 968 NOVEMBER, 1849. GOVERNOR. John S. Barry, Dem..... 1427 F. J. Littlejohn, Free Soil. 1464 William Woodbridge, Whig. STATE PRINTER. Rensselaer W. Ingalls. 1415 Hubbard H. Demkler... 1533 COUNTY TREASURER. Reynolds Landon, Dem.... Charles W. Penny, Whig. Miscellaneous 153 1585 1432 4 471 268 REGISTER OF DEEDS. Gardner H. Shaw, Dem.... William Clapp, Whig... Miscellaneous 1641 1373 II COUNTY CLERK. Walter Budington, Dem.... William Aldrich, Whig.. Miscellaneous 1579 143 1436 4. 63 I PROSECUTING ATTORNEY. Samuel Higby, Dem.... John C. Spencer, Whig... Miscellaneous 320 1636 1316 18 4 COUNTY SURVEYOR. Anson H. Delamater, Dem... Benjamin F. Bennett, Whig. Miscellaneous 306 1624 1318 3 . I21 86 168 MAY 6, 1850. JUDGES OF THE SUPREME COURT. Warner Wing, Dem..... 1577 Abner Pratt, Dem... 1557 Sandford M. Green, Dem.. 1574 Henry Chapman, Whig... 1456 Samuel H. Kimball, Whig.. 1471 Charles Draper, Whig... 1458 AUDITOR GENERAL. John Sweegles, Jr., Dem... 1566 Elisha P. Champlin, Whig. 1207 J. M. Harmond, Free Soil. 254 Miscellaneous 2 APRIL, 1851. GOVERNOR Robert McClelland, Dem... Townsend E. Gridley, Whig. Miscellaneous 1284 1359 14 75 359 NOVEMBER, 1852. GOVERNOR. Robert McClelland, Dem.. Zachariah Chandler, Whig... I. P. Christiancy, Free Soil.. Miscellaneous 381 STATE TREASURER. Barnard C. Whitmore, Dem. James Birdsall, Whig... Dallamore Duncan, Free Soil. 49 1824 1873 350 1579 1198 257 2 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 297 REPRESENTATIVE, FIRST DISTRICT. 127 STATE TREASURER. Bernard C. Whitteman, Dem. Sylvester Abel, Whig.. Silas Holmes, Free Soil.. 1859 1732 D. McWhorten, Whig... G. Coolbaugh, Dem. 53 690 637 439 ATTORNEY GENERAL. 109 William Hale, Dem.. Nathaniel Breen, Whig. Miscellaneous, Free Soil.. REPRESENTATIVE, SECOND DISTRICT. James C. Bell, Dem.. 649 Amos Root, Whig.. 694 Miscellaneous 2 1849 1740 299 45 42 FOR CONGRESS, FIRST CONG. DISTRICT. David Stuart, Dem.. 1532 Wm. A. Howard, Whig. 2238 Miscellaneous 79 936 REPRESENTATIVE, THIRD DISTRICT. C. M. Chapell, Whig.. 594 D. D. Trumbull, Dem.. 532 I. C. Mott, Abol.. 335 Miscellaneous 36 SHERIFF. 928 Amos Picket, Dem..... Daniel Larzalere, Whig.. Scattering 2023 1095 I JUNE 27, 1853. For prohibition Against prohibition 1635 2441 806 COUNTY CLERK. 1858 Milton H. Myrech, Dem. ... Horace G. Bliss, Whig... Miscellaneous • • • • 2100 NOVEMBER, 1854. 242 3 2061 306 COUNTY TREASURER. Reynolds Landon, Dem.. James M. Jamison, Whig.. Miscellaneous 185 GOVERNOR. Kinsley S. Bingham, Rep.... John S. Barry, Dem... Scattering 2063 1878 4 1755 IO SECRETARY OF STATE. 68 IIO REGISTER OF DEEDS. Levi P. Gregg, Dem.... Alexander G. Bell, Whig. Miscellaneous William L. Bancroft, Dem... , John W. McKinney, Rep. 1924 1814 1993 1925 6 STATE TREASURER. 305 ... JUDGE OF PROBATE. G. Thompson Gridley, Dem.. Jonathan L. Vedito, Whig.. Miscellaneous Silas M. Holmes, Rep... Derastus Hinman, Dem... 2069 1764 1885 148 2033 9 ATTORNEY GENERAL. 315 Jacob M. Howard, Rep.... 2073 Benj. F. H. Witherell, Dem........... 1758 ..1715 2180 465 AUDITOR GENERAL. Ι PROSECUTING ATTORNEY. Samuel Higby, Dem.. Austin Blair, Whig.. G. T. Gridley. CIRCUIT COURT. Fidus Livermore, Dem. Eugene Pringle, Whig... Miscellaneous 295 Whitney Jones, Rep.. John Sargles, Dem... 2061 1766 1671 2164 493 SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. Ira Mayhew, Rep... 2069 Francis W. Sherman, Dem... 1755 314 4 576 74 STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, FULL TERM. John R. Kellogg, Rep.. 2065 Chauncey Joslin, Dem.... 1765 300 STATE SENATOR, ELEVENTH DISTRICT. Alfred Paddock, Whig. James Vidito, Dem.. 502 Miscellaneous 31 STATE SENATOR, TWELFTH DISTRICT. Jerome B. Eaton, Dem.. 891 Moses A. McNaughton, Whig. I137 Miscellaneous 3 587 REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS. William A. Howard, Rep.... 2178 David Stuart, Dem... 1591 Scattering 14 246 298 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. NOVEMBER, 1854. COUNTY TREASURER. Anson Townley, Rep.... Elisha S. Robinson, Dem... 814 SHERIFF. 2991 2177 203 PROSECUTING ATTORNEY. William Wycoff, Rep.... Hiram J. Paddock, Dem... Scattering 2007 1804 I 797 Eugene Pringle, Rep..... Orson W. Bennett, Dem... 2984 2187 COUNTY CLERK. CIRCUIT COURT COMMISSIONER. 90 Dewitt C. Smith, Rep..... Joseph M. Griswold, Dem. Scattering 1932 1842 6 788 William K. Gibson, Rep.... Fairchild Farrand, Dem. Scattering 2973 2185 I REGISTER OF DEEDS. COUNTY SURVEYOR. 355 Levi P. Gregg, Dem.... Alexander G. Bell, Rep.. Scattering 2084 1729 4 830 Austin Pomroy, Rep.... Anson H. De Lamater, Dem.. 2998 2158 1814 1992 178 COUNTY TREASURER. Norman Allen, Rep.... Amos Picket, Dem..... Scattering PROSECUTING ATTORNEY. Eugene Pringle, Rep... Fidus Livermore, Dem. Scattering CORONER. Ransom C. Robinson, Rep.. J. Reed Crowell, Dem... Harry R. Nichols, Rep.... George W. Taylor, Dem. 3003 3003 2158 2158 2 841 NOVEMBER, 1858. 1816 975 3 498 GOVERNOR Moses Wisner, Rep.... Charles E. Stuart, Dem. Scattering 2752 2254 3 NOVEMBER, 1856. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS. Republican electors, Fremont. Democratic electors, Buchanan.... 877 2996 2119 439 REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS. William A. Howard, Rep. 2721 George B. Cooper, Dem... 2282 Scattering 3 777 GOVERNOR Kinsley S. Bingham, Rep.... Alpheus Felch, Dem. Scattering 2971 2194 I 43 SENATOR, TWELFTH DISTRICT. Ira C. Backus, Rep.. Amos B. Gibson, Dem... Scattering SECRETARY OF STATE. John W. McKenny, Rep... Fitz Henry Stephens, Dem.... 2717 2279 3 815 2994 2179 401 STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION. George Willard, Rep. Daniel Blackman, Dem. SHERIFF. George L. Smalley, Rep... Amos Pickett, Dem... Scattering 2700 2299 813 2994 2181 Ι REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS. William A. Howard, Rep.... 3024 George V. N. Northup, Dem. 2150 874 589 2798 2209 COUNTY CLERK. Daniel Upton, Rep..... Abram Van De Bogart, Dem. Scattering COUNTY TREASURER. Anson Townsley, Rep. Reynolds Landon, Dem... I SHERIFF. 762 William Wycoff, Rep..... Robert H. Anderson, Dem.. Scattering 2960 2198 483 2743 2260 I COUNTY CLERK. 850 Alexander G. Bell, Rep... Abram Van De Bogart, Dem.... PROSECUTING ATTORNEY. Eugene Pringle, Rep. Fidus Livermore, Dem.. 3008 2158 340 2664 2324 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 299 885 94 . . . 711 3385 2674 REPRESENTATIVE IN LEGISLATURE. George W. Brown, Rep... Lewis F. Pickett, Dem. 791 SECOND DISTRICT. Peter B. Loomis, Rep... 928 George W. Gorham, Dem.... 791 Scattering 3 137 3232 706 2526 COUNTY TREASURER. L. F. Grundy, Rep.. R. Landon, Dem. PROSECUTING ATTORNEY. W. K. Gibson, Rep... F. Livermore, Dem.... JUDGE OF PROBATE. J. E. Beebe, Rep.. G. T. Gridley, Dem.. REGISTER OF DEEDS. L. H. Ludlow, Rep.... W. Buddington, Dem... COUNTY COMMISSIONER. J. R. DeLand, Rep. E. Bancker, Dem... 684 238 THIRD DISTRICT. William F. Goodwin, Rep. Lewis Brown, Dem. Scattering 3205 2621 916 678 I 523 3210 2687 APRIL, 1859. 545 CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT. Alpheus Felch, Dem.... 2321 George Martin, Rep... 2702 3198 2653 381 COUNTY SURVEYOR. Austin Pomroy, Rep... Merritt S. Cook, Dem. 700 3376 2676 800 46 55 639 NOVEMBER, 1862. SECRETARY OF STATE. Wm. R. Montgomery, Rep... 2655 James P. Porter, Dem.... 2600 REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS. Bradley F. Granger, Union.. 2672 John W. Longyear, Rep... 2602 70 737 . . . SHERIFF. Jacob K. Smalley, Rep.... Abram V. Berry, Union... 82 48 2650 2568 NOVEMBER, 1860. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS. Republican electors, Lincoln.. 3396 Democratic electors, Douglas. 2596 Electors, Breckenridge GOVERNOR Austin Blair, Rep... 3340 John S. Barry, Dem. 2701 Scattering I REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS. Bradley F. Granger, Rep.. 3366 George V. N. Lathrop, Dem... 2629 John D. Conely, Buck.. STATE SENATOR. C. V. DeLand, Rep... 3340 James Videto, Dem.... 2670 REPRESENTATIVE, FIRST DISTRICT. C. B. Wade, Rep.. 1094 R. J. Haind, Dem. 717 REPRESENTATIVE, SECOND DISTRICT. E. Pringle, Rep... 1098 J. B. Eaton, Dem.. 895 REPRESENTATIVE, THIRD DISTRICT. R. J. Crego, Rep... I002 G. W. Kennedy, Dem.... 756 SHERIFF. G. L. Smalley, Rep... 3405 J. E. Ferguson, Dem... 2668 COUNTY CLERK. 670 55 Daniel Upton, Rep... Lewis M. Powell, Union... 2657 2602 TREASURER. 377 40 Anson Townley, Union.... Luther F. Grandy, Rep..... 2654 2614 203 COUNTY SURVEYOR. Henry Bean, Union.... Austin Pomroy, Rep..... 76 2673 2597 246 APRIL, 1863 ASSOCIATE JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT. James C. Campbell, Rep.... 2935 David Johnson, Dem.. 2673 262 737 COUNTY CLERK. 708 D. Upson, Rep.... A. Van De Bogart, Dem.... 278 CIRCUIT JUDGE. Edmun Lawrence, Rep. Lyman D. Norris, Dem... 3374 2666 2944 2666 300 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. NOVEMBER, 1864. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS. Republican electors, Lincoln.. Democratic electors, McClellan.. REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS. Austin Blair, Rep 3960 Isaac M. Crane, Dem. .3715 245 93 3002 2909 GOVERNOR SHERIFF. George Jennings, Rep Joseph Sammons, Dem.... 456 4069 3613 Henry H. Crapo, Rep.... William M. Fenton, Dem.. 95 3005 2910 COUNTY CLERK. Robert D. Knowles, Rep... Girbens Gardner, Dem ... 443 102 4059 3616 COUNTY TREASURER. Luther H. Ludlow, Rep James I. Hawley, Dem.... 401 3278 308 4039 3638 NOVEMBER, 1870. 428 55 REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS. John W. Longyear, Rep.... 3603 David Johnson, Dem..... 2901 SHERIFF. David H. Lockwood, Rep. James E. Furguson, Dem.... 2970 COUNTY CLERK. Daniel Upton, Rep. 3352 Lewis M. Powell, Dem... 2924 COUNTY TREASURER. Luther F. Grandy, Rep. 3261 Anson Townley, Dem. ... 2990 REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS. Austin Blair, Rep.... 3421 Bradley F. Granger, Dem... 2983 SHERIFF. George Jeninngs, Rep.. 3469 Edwin Smead, Dem.. 2958 COUNTY CLERK. Robert D. Knowles, Rep.... 3248 Franklin Johnson, Dem.... 3166 GOVERNOR. Charles Comstock, Dem. Henry P. Baldwin, Rep. Henry Fish, Temper 261 3395 3340 137 438 15 REPRESENTATIVE TO CONGRESS. Austin Biair, Rep 3365 D. Darwin Hughes, Dem.. 3350 John Russell, Tem 116 511 SENATOR. Theodore Bennett, Rep Lewis F. Pickett, Dem. William G. Brown, Tem 453 3570 3117 127 82 243 SHERIFF. Daniel W. Shaw, Dem Isaac N. Smalley, Rep.. Leonidas W. Jones, Tem .... 3475 3232 105 398 NOVEMBER 1866. GOVERNOR Henry H. Crapo, Rep ... Alpheus L. Williams, Dem.. SECRETARY OF STATE. Oliver S. Spaulding, Rep. Bradly M. Thompson, Dem. 3410 3012 307 COUNTY TREASURER. Reynolds Landon, Dem.. Frederick A. Kennedy.. Josiah Bigelow, Tem 431 3432 3001 3529 3222 IIO .... APRIL, 1867 130 COUNTY CLERK, Robert D. Knowles, Rep.... William H. Terpening, Dem. Forrester Keeler, Tem.... JUSTICE OF TIIE SUPREME COURT. Benjamin F. Graves.. 2332 Sandford M. Green .. 2724 NOVEMBER, 1868. 3432 3302 119 392 NOVEMBER, 1872. 403 608 PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT ELECTORS. Republican Electors, Grant 4033 Democratic Electors, Seymour. .. 3630 GOVERNOR Henry P. Baldwin, Rep... 4025 John Moore, Dem.... 3656 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS. Republican Electors, Grant Democratic Electors, Greeley Greenback Electors. Temperance Electors Miscellaneous Electors 4093 3485 135 46 369 2 JACKSON COUNTY301 COUNTY, , MICHIGAN. 4400 1469 GOVERNOR. Austin Blair, Dem John J. Bagely, Rep... Henry Fish, G’back Scattering, Temp. 365 3682 4047 154 37 SHERIFF. Wm.-R. Brown, Dem... John R. Pool, Rep... Benjamin Peckhan, Pro... Scattering COUNTY CLERK. A. M. Tinker, Dem... Luther H. Ludlow, Rep.... Henry N. Archer, Pro... 2931 406 5 REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS. 1068 398 George Willard, Rep... John G. Parkhurst, Dem... Scattering 4044 3646 132 4199 3131 401 239 SHERIFF. Ogden A. Green, Rep... James E. Furguson, Dem ... Scattering, Pro. 3944 3705 104 3255 APRIL, 1875. JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT. Ben. F. Graves, Rep... 7347 Lyman D. Norris, Dem... 4092 Isaac Marston, Rep. 3193 CIRCUIT JUDGE. Geo. M. Huntington, Dem ... 3955 Alex. D. Crane, Rep. 3354 Lucien Reed, Pro.... 125 COUNTY CLERK. 300 601 Luther H. Ludlow, Rep Josiah Hammond, Dem... Norman Allen, Pro. Scattering 4004 3704 140 I COUNTY TREASURER. 329 Mark H. Ray, Rep... Reynolds Landon, Dem. Scattering 3933 3794 146 NOVEMBER, 1876. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS. Republican Electors, Hayes . Democratic Electors, Tilden. Miscellaneous 342 . . 5255 4913 122 APRIL, 1873 COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. 1080 CONGRESS. Fidus Livermore, Dem Jonas H. McGowan, Rep... M. C. Woodmancy, Pro 5634 4554 79 54 GOVERNOR. W. Irvine Bennett, Dem.... 3642 Edward P. Grandy, Rep... 2696 Scattering 49 JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT. Isaac P. Christiancy, Rep...... 6385 487 5332 4845 24 86 NOVEMBER, 1874. William L. Weber, Dem.... Charles M. Croswell, Rep Levi Sparks, Pro.... Albert Williams.... ATTORNEY GENERAL. Martin Morris, Dem Otto Kirchner, Rep. Miscellaneous GOVERNOR. 380 John J. Bagley, Rep.. Henry Chamberlain, Dem... Charles K. Carpenter, Pro.. 3165 4153 411 5267 .4887 118 988 APRIL, 1877. REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS. 1124 107 Fidus Livermore, Dem. Gcorge Willard, Rep. Dan. P. Sagendorph, Pro. Scattering 4210 3086 404 5 JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT. Thomas M. Cooley, Rep.... 3915 Henry Severens, Dem. Scattering 3808 I GOVERNOR. 750 519 STATE SENATOR. Lucius D. Hawkins, Dem... Caleb Angevine, Rep .. William G. Brown, Pro.. Scattering 4013 3763 269 124 Henry F. Smith, Gr'b ... Charles Croswell, Rep.... Orlando M. Barnes, Dem. Wason Snyder, Pro ... 3570 3051 1829 244 302 MICHIGAN. JACKSON COUNTY, . . NOVEMBER, 1878. SHERIFF. William R. Brown, Dem... Norton M. Terry, Gr'b. Alvin C. Smith, Rep. Benjamin Peckham.. 3281 3245 2808 43 1387 NOVEMBER, 1882. GOVERNOR David H. Jerome, Rep 3805 Josiah Bigols, Fusion... 5192 D. P. Sagenduph, Pro.... 258 REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS. Edward C. Lacey, Rep.. 4317 H. L. Hodge, Fusion... 4730 John Lanston, Pro ... 201 223 419 . . . 422 SENATOR. COUNTY CLERK. William D. Taylor, Gr'b. 3303 Elmore L. Griffin, Rep... 2884 Alm. M. Tinker, Dem.. 2574 Henry N. Archer, Pro. 221 REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS. John Dawson, Gr'b...... 3396 Jonas H. McGowan, Rep ..3014 James S. Upton, Dem. 1972 Samuel Dickey... 300 777 382 307 APRIL, 1879. M. Shoemaker, Fusion.. 4907 John O. Gunnison, Rep... 4130 S. V. Smalley, Pre.... 204 REPRESENTATIVE FIRST DISTRICT. Abil N. Howe, Fusion... 2367 B. G. Sttimsons, Rep.. 1970 REPRESENTATIVE SECOND DISTRICT. Patrick Hankard, Fusion . 2636 Judi K. Ausin, Rep 1970 SHERIFF. James N. Winney, Fusion 5163 D. N. Lockwood, Rep... 3900 Geo. Sweezey, Pro.... 205 666 JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT. John P. Shipman, Gr'b ... 4710 James V. Campbell, Rep... 1402 3308 1263 CLERK. 741 656 4485 3744 1817 129 Charles N. Snow, Fusion.. W. N. Van Horn, Rep .... 4864 4208 REGISTER. 1995 Aaron Townley, Fusion... Amos Townsend, Rep 5512 3577 459 TREASURER. 4329 3870 1893 129 1853 4925 4072 II Richard Townley, Fusion.. Luihu H. Ludlow, Rep.... PROSECUTING ATTORNEY. Frank A. Hewlett, Fusion John C. Sharp, Rep. I. C. Patchin, Pro... ..4729 NOVEMBER, 1880. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS. Republican Electors, Garfield ... Democratic Electors, Hancock Greenback Electors, Mann.. Scattering, Pro.... GOVERNOR. David H. Jerome Fred. M. Holloway, Dem.. David Woodward, Gr'b... James McKur, Pro..... Scattering CONGRESS. Edward C. Lacey, Rep... Eugene Pringle, Dem. Hiram C. Hodge, Gr'b George Landon, Pro. SHERIFF. David H. Lockwood, Rep. Eugene D. Winsey, Dem... Norton M. Terry, Gr'b ... Henry E. Francisco, Pro. COUNTY CLERK. W. Henry Van Horn, Rep.. John C. Covant, Dem Aaron Moe, Gr'b..... Fred. E. Palmer, Pro 540 1277 4180 221 4564 3287 2196 125 48 962 3718 3670 2621 117 APRIL, 1883. JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT. Austin Blair, Rep. 4046 J. W. Champlin, Fusion... 3084 T. J. O'Brien, Rep. 3887 Thos. Sherwood, Fusion. 4163 J. A. Jatun, Pro. 231 D. P. Sagendorph, Pro ..... 231 276 856 4333 3477 2006 126 REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY. Republican Candidates 3736 Fusion Candidates 4315 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 303 549 NOVEMBER, 1884. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS. Republican Electors, Blaine. Fusion Electors, Cleveland... Prohibition Electors. Greenback Electors.... GOVERNOR. Russell A. Alger, Rep... J. W. Begol, Fusion.. David Preston, Pro. 4865 5454 646 51 484 4705 5326 760 APRIL, 1885. JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT. Thomas M. Cooly Rep.. 4456 A. M. Moore, Fusion... 4940 H. C. Cliever, Pro .. 614 REGENTS. M. W. Field, Fusion 4753 J. F. Whitman, Fusion 4475 C. S. Draper, Rep 4068 W. J. McAlvery, Rep... 4055 E. M. Ellis, Pro. 612 J. W. Crane, Pro ... 613 PROSECUTING ATTORNEY. Austin Blair, Rep. 5516 Frank Hewlett, Fusion... 2716 542 . . . 27 CONGRESS. James. O'Donnell, Rep. H. F. Pennington, Fusion.. M. J. Fanning, Pro .. Miscellaneous 5134 5107 626 8 1720 SENATOR. Eugene H. Belden, Rep... M. Shoemaker, Fusion . 4910 5811 401 REPRESENTATIVE FIRST DISTRICT. 214 214 80J 128 APRIL, 1887. JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT. James V. Campbell, Rep... 4263 Levi T. Griffin, Dem. 4049 O'Brien J. Atkinson, Gb.... 691 N. W. Chiems, Pro.... 675 Charles D. Long, Rep. 4332 Charles H. Camp, Dem. 4031 J. C. Blanchard, Gb. 608 Lemuel Chito, Pro.... 680 CIRCUIT JUDGE, Ervetus Peck, Fusion.. 5159 R. C. Ostrander, Rep... 3567 James E. Nichols, Pro... 649 P. Hankard, Fusion 2920 Geo. W. Austin, Rep... 2706 REPRESENTATIVE SECOND DISTRICT. Daniel Boyinton, Fusion... 2351 Alonzo McCain, Rep .. 2223 S. V. Smalley, Pro . 523 PROBATE JUDGE. J. C. Sharp, Rep. 4849 Lewis M. Powell, Fusion.... 5371 . 1502 522 SHERIFF. 208 5246 5088 NOVEMBER, 1888. Francis F. Fifield, Rep. E. D. Winnis, Fusion .. CLERK Albert Stiles, Rep.... Chalres E. Snow, Fusion Aaron B. Clark, Pro 477 4807 5428 561 531 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS. Republican Electors, Harrison ... 5647 Democratic Electors, Cleveland 5170 Prohibition Electors.. 587 Greenback Electors 164 REGISTER. Nelson C. Lowe, Rep... Allen Townley, Fusion 2920 5337 417 389 TREASURER. 5630 5241 256 5319 4963 GOVERNOR. Cyrus G. Luce, Rep... W. R. Bush, Dem... CONGRESS. Jas. O'Donnell, Rep Eugene Pringle, Dem. Prohibition 1486 6175 4689 523 H. D. Blackman, Rep.... Richard Townly, Fusion PROSECUTING ATTORNEY. Charles A. Blair, Rep.. Frank A. Hewlett, Fusion Charles E. McGill, Pro..... SURVEYOR. Robert E. Williams, Rep.... John Holcraft, Fusion.. Chester N. Taylor, Pro.... 4592 5630 1038 614 SHERIFF. Mark S. Ray, Rep... D. J. Neall, Dem. 642 5748 5106 4938 394 PROBATE. J. D. Hammond, Rep. Lewis M. Powell, Dem ... 5332 627 714 5795 5081 304 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. CLERK. 5618 428 230 H. D. Blackman, Rep.... Charles E. Snow, Dem 5190 CORONER. R. H. Davis, Rep.... A. M. Crawíord Dem Farley, Feople... Baird, Pro. 5170 4940 701 570 REGISTER. 826 C. E. Townsend, Rep... B. F. Burgess, Dem... 5847 5021 NOVEMBER, 1894. TREASURER. GOVERNOR. 5436 2248 5329 5796 3548 758 572 Geo. D. Winehold, Rep. A. D. Welling, Dem..... PROSECUTING ATTORNEY. Michael Kinney, Rep... J. A. Parkinson, Dem... COUNTY COMMISSIONER. H. E. Edwards, Rep... Elmer Kirkly, Dem.... 5163 5809 646 1474 5722 4248 513 5769 5256 516 John T. Rich, Rep.. S. O. Fisher, Dem .. A. N. Nichols, People. A. M. Todd, Pro... CONGRESS. George Spalding ,Rep. T. E. Bartworth, Dem. D. W. Grandon, Pro ... SENATOR. John W. Watts, Rep.... Chas. H. Manley, Dem Wm. J. Sharp, People... Joseph B. Stem, Pro.... SHERIFF. A. J. Peck, Rep.. James Videto, Dem... NOVEMBER, 1892. 2443 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS. Republican Electors, Harrison. 5130 Democratic Electors, Cleveland ..... 5004 5838 3395 698 554 126 2942 6099 3157 5 GOVERNOR. John T. Rich, Rep John Moore Dem ... J. W. Ewing, Peoples John Russell, Pro ... 5111 5106 665 568 CLERK. A. M. Baker, Rep... Jno. Trumbull, Dem. 5786 2331 3455 200 1887 SHERIFF. A. J. Peck, Rep... John Boyle, Dem.. J. D. Hinckley, Peo.... Geo. Fiquet, Pro ... 5152 4952 714 561 1929 CLERK. 162 A. M. Baker, Rep... J. Trundull, Dem... 5151 4988 1764 PROBATE JUDGE. J. H. Hammond, Rep. C. E. Snow, Dem 240 5208 4968 2738 . . . REGISTER. C. E. Townsend, Rep... 5625 Chas. P. Hunt, Dem.. 3738 TREASURER. Joseph Winehold, Rep... 5622 Add. R. Smith. Dem.. 3693 PROSECUTING ATTORNEY, George H. Blair, Rep. 5670 Elmer Kirkby, Dem 3906 SURVEYOR. William C. Fargo, Rep.. 6287 Henry F. Bean, Dem.. 3449 NOVEMBER, 1896. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS. Republican Electors, McKinley.. ... 6211 Democratic Electors, Bryan. 6518 GOVERNOR. Pingree, Rep 6256 C. R. Sligh, Dem.... 6322 CONGRESS. Geo. Spalding, Rep... 6109 T. E. Barkworth, Dem 6571 TREASURER. Jas. Winehold, Rep. Ad. R. Smith, Dem.... 5070 5082 12 PROSECUTING ATTORNEY. H. E. Edwards Rep Elmer Kirkly Dem 307 5074 5126 52 CONGRESS. 66 583 5393 4810 James O'Donnell Rep. J. S. Gorinan Dem Geo. Peters Pop... A. C. Stafford Pro. 667 498 462 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 305 SHERIFF. LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR. 6342 6399 Robinson Rep.... Ramsdall, Fusion. 6268 6271 57 3 James W. Dey, Rep ... Porter S. Harrington, Dem PROBATE JUDGE. J. T. Hammond, Rep Grover H. Wolcott, Dem 18 6389 6371 CORONER. Talbert Slanon, Rep. R. A. Hobart, Fusion.... 6311 6319 8 CLERK. 6144 6579 CONGRESS Henry C. Smith, Rep M. Lonecker, Dem. Corbett, Pro 267 435 6425 6158 290 6300 6420 SENATOR. I 20 Loesser, Rep.. Ward, Dem... 631 6584 ...5953 George Preston, Rep. Gifford, Patch, Dem... REGISTER. John C. Fox, Rep... Wm. E. Ware, Dem..... TREASURER. Joseph Winehold, Rep.... Nilman F. Wing, Dem.. PROSECUTING ATTORNEY. Henry E. Edwards, Rep... Elmer Kerkby, Dem SURVEYOR. William G. Fargo, Rep.. A. S. Landon 505 6604 бобо SHERIFF. A. W. Dwelle, Rep.. J. W. Boardman, Dem... 718 6639 5921 6230 6565 335 PROBATE. J. T. Hammond, Rep. Wm. E. Ware, Fusion.. 597 6279 6463 6632 6035 184 CLERK. REPRESENTATIVE. 3266 284 122 A. J. Peck, Rep Jas. J. Kieley, Dem... S. E. St. John, Rep. N. M. Teft, Dem... W. A. Cunningham, Rep. Geo. Douglass, Fusion... Geo. D. Pritty, Pro.... 6423 6139 284 3144 3017 3283 . 166 REGISTER. . . . Wesley Sears, Rep... George Evans, Fusion 543 6571 5800 . . . . NOVEMBER, 1900. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS. Republican Electors, McKinley... Democratic Electors, Bryan. Prohibition Electors... TREASURER. 116 6327 6211 346 967 Anthony Patch, Rep... Andrew Murray, Dem. L. F. Kuler, Pro... 6767 5800 314 GOVERNOR. PROSECUTING ATTORNEY. Aaron I. Bliss, Rep. W. C. Maybury, Dem Goodrich, Pro.... 6047 6525 345 473 Charles H. Smith, Rep. H. C. Badgley, Fusion... ..6313 6415 102 20 CHAPTER XIX. RAILROADS OF JACKSON COUNTY. Although railroads were not introduced get through the swamp alone. The advent into this county until 1830, the people of this of this railroad into southern Michigan state were quick to perceive their advantage was a great thing and greatly stimulated and early to make attempts to be benefited emigration and business. The road is still by the new means of communication. As in existence, as part of the Lake Shore & early as 1834 a company was organized to Michigan Southern system, the stockhold- construct a railroad from Toledo, Ohio, to ers drawing a nice dividend every year for the supposed head of navigation on the Kala- the use of their franchise, which is perpetual. mazoo river in Michigan, at Marshall. This It is said to be the most profitable piece of company was chartered in Ohio and also railroad property in the country, as it is all by the territorial council of Michigan. It income. was named the Erie & Kalamazoo Railroad Company. The charter conferred the power THE JACKSON & PALMYRA ROAD. to establish one or more banks, as part of its privileges. The company was duly organized The territorial council, in 1836, granted and proceeded to construct the road through a charter for a railroad from the village of the Black Swamp, a nearly a nearly impassable Palmyra to the village of Jacksonburg, in morass, to the village the village of Palmyra in said territory, and in all the towns along Lenawee county. It was graded about eight the line subscriptions were taken to the capi- miles out of the city of Toledo, and when tal stock of the road, at Palmyra, Raisin, Te- it reached the swamp, that was regularly cumseh, Clinton, Napoleon and Jackson. cross-wayed with logs the entire width. On My father, W. R. DeLand, signed for one this ties and wooden rails were laid and hundred shares of one hundred dollars each. to these rails iron bars, two inches wide and Among his old papers I find the following: three-eighths of an inch thick, was laid and fastened with spikes. Over this road ran a MR. WILLIAM R. DELAND, Jackson, Mich. small engine, that drew four or five cars SIR: You are hereby notified that an install- about twice the size of a lumber wagon. ment of Five Dollars on each share of the stock you This train made one trip a day, but it was own in the Palmyra & Jacksonburg Railroad will be a great improvement in time and amount required to be paid in to the Treasurer of the com- pany by the first day of February, March and the of freight handled by trains, for it frequent- second day of April next. I am directed to urge to ly took a loaded team two or three days to the stockholders the absolute necessity of prompt JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 307 payment of their installments in order to enable the OPENING OF THE RAILROAD TO TOLEDO. directors to fulfill their engagements to the con- The event was commemorated by an excursion tractors. By order of the board. over the road to Toledo and return. Messrs. P. B. Yours, etc., Loomis and Amos Root, as the invitation committee, EZRA BROWN, Treasurer. issued cards of invitation to citizens, and on the 14th CLINTON, LENAWA COUNTY, Mich., of January, 1858, the excursion train started from January 1, 1838. this city at nine and one-half o'clock A. M., consist- ing of twenty-two passenger cars, loaded with re- This certificate is endorsed on the back : joicing and happy people. All along the route the train was greeted with the cheers of hundreds of "Paid, but it cost me a good farm. W. waiting spectators, and at every station the number R. D.” of passengers was increased by citizens and invited The railroad promoters of that day were guests in waiting. At the Junction the train was met by a special train from Adrian, bearing the honest and simple-minded men. They had guests from that thriving city. not learned the art of building railroads on The train arrived at Toledo at one o'clock P. M. wind, or of getting towns to vote them bonds where a formidable array of citizens, headed by the to make the road bed, then bonding that to mayor and council, were in waiting to welcome the Jacksonians. complete it, then lease it to some big cor- On alighting from the cars, Mayor Wood was poration at a good rate of interest, and then introduced to the mayor and council of Toledo. sit down at home and draw interest on the As is usual in such cases, Wood returned the com- pliment by introducing the dignitaries of Jackson to stock. They thought to pay something them- his new Buckeye acquaintances. Wood put on his selves, and therefore they “burnt they “burnt their "happiest expression” and went through the roll of fingers" and many were financially ruined. aldermen present with much grace and dignity. It was Alderman Bascom, Alderman Beebe, etc., to But the early settlers did their best. the end of the council; but the mayor did not stop They struggled along and built the road to there; he proceeded right on, taking each Jacksonian Tecumseh, but could get it no farther. It near and “putting him right through” something in this form : “Gentlemen, Alderman Thurber, Alder- was a great benefit to Jackson, as it short- man Livermore, Alderman Tunnicliff,” but about ened the teaming of their produce to thirty this time sundry exhibitions of uproarious mirth- miles and furnished a new outlet and inlet, fulness among the Jackson boys. called to the dividing the business between Detroit and Mayor's mind that he was in great danger of over- Toledo. flowing the council, and the party immediately ad- But this railroad adventure was journed to the platform, where speeches were made destined to bear fruit later. When the state by Mayor Wood and Mr. Blair, of Jackson. These sold the railroads, in 1847, Mr. Blair, our gentlemen won golden opinions from all who heard their remarks. They were followed by Mr. Baker, representative in the legislature, received a Judge Myers and others, of Toledo, with well- promise of the purchasers of the Michigan timed and appropriate addresses. The hospitalities Southern to complete the Palmyra road to of that city were freely extended, and a most de- . Jackson. In the biography of Amos Root lightful visit was enjoyed. At the Collins House Frank Eggleston made some remarks which the story is told of the use made of that "brought down the house,” and the toasts and din- promise, and the result was that in 1857 the ner went smoothly down together. road was completed and opened for business. After the return of the excursion train from Toledo, at nine o'clock P. M., the guests and citizens An account of this matter was published in repaired to Bronson Hall, where a sumptuous sup- the Citizen, which we will copy : per had been prepared by D. B. Hibbard. Over 303 , MICHIGAN. JACKSON COUNTYCOUNTY, five hundred persons were seated at the table, and the merits of the supper was heartily and satisfac- torily discussed. After the cloth was cleared the Mayor announced the regular toasts, which were read by E. Pringle, Esq., as follows: “The Jackson Branch.”—The joyful sound "it is completed” has at last been heard—the long de- sired event has transpired, and it is a reality-it brings us into communication with our southern neighbors—makes another outlet to the great com- mercial centers of our country. May it be a source of gain to us and not a useless or unprofitable ap- pendage to the main "trunk.” Responded to by Hon. A. Blair, who traced the history of the railroad conflict which we of Jackson had waged for twenty years, until at last the victory was ours, and the branch was here. “The Michigan Southern and Northern Indi- ana Railroad.”—A gigantic enterprise for my coun- try or people—it stretches its iron band from the shores of Lake Erie to the Garden City of the West -while along the way it has feeders imparting strength and life to the great central artery-it pours the immense productions of the west into the lap of the east-may it flourish indefinitely, and not a single “branch” of it wither or die. Responded to by P. B. Loomis (in the absence of Department Superintendent Campbell, who was "taken off” early in the evening by a pressure of family affairs). Mr. Loomis paid the road a high compliment, ranking it among the most extensive and important public works of the country, and when well managed, with its main line, air line and extensive branches, it must ultimately be not only one of the most magnificent but one of the most profitable enterprises of the northwest. "The Directors and Officers of the Michigan Southern and Northern Indiana Railroad."-Worthy of the high trust reposed in them—their prudent and economical management of its affairs give as- surance that they will relieve it from all embarrass- ments—although the "bears” and “bulls” have done their utmost to destroy it, yet they shall not be allowed to overcome the herculean efforts of its honorable board of directors to sustain its credit and make it once more the pride of its stock- holders. “Ransom Gardner."-To his great perseverance and untiring energies we are mainly indebted for the accomplishment of a work of such importance to us. Amid the financial disasters that have swept over the commercial world, and the great decline in the value of that which constitutes much of his fortune, he has pressed on successfully to the final result. We shall hold him in grateful remem- brance, and trust that he may yet realize the reward to which he is properly entitled. Responded to by F. Livermore, Esq., in a very appropriate manner. He thought that if there was such a thing as a railroad king, Gardner was one. “The Excursion."-By the kind consideration of the railroad company we have been favored with a delightful trip over the well-built "branch" to our now neighboring city of Toledo—we shall cherish a kind regard for this manifestation of good feeling, and hope that it may subserve the interests of those who have furnished us so much enjoyment. O. M. Barnes, Esq., of Mason, responded. “The Mayor, Common Council and Citizens of Toledo.”—Such high-souled, hospitable fellows that, though as good "Jackson men” we stand by the "Monroe doctrine,” we shall be as happy to estab- lish relations with our Buckeye friends as though they were, as they ought to be, genuine Wolverines. Responded to by three cheers. “Lansing—The Seat of Government—A Beau- tiful and Thriving Town, Yet Still Without Rail- road Communications."-Although that magnificent enterprise, the “Amboy, Lansing and Grand Trav- erse Bay" Railroad, via Saginaw and the rest of the world, may possibly fail of success, we trust that the “branch” may double its length so that we may yet reach the political center of the state by "riding on a rail." D. L. Case, of Esq., of Lansing, said when he first visited Jackson there was but one log shanty in the county and this beautiful city entirely “in prospect.” But it had grown and prospered and he rejoiced in its prosperity. “The Ladies.”_. "The earth was vacant, Eden was a wild, And man, a hermit, sighed till woman smiled.” Music by the Band. "Our Invited Guests."—We thank them for the compliment of their presence. Hon. William B. Arms, of Oakland county, re- sponded briefly and happily to this sentiment. "Our Energetic and Public Spirited Citizen- Amos Root.” [Three cheers. ] Mr. Root responded in a few modest and ap- propriate remarks, thanking the audience for their remembrance and partiality. By Mr. Pringle: “The Press.”Grateful for its past efforts in our behalf, we bespeak a continuance of its favors. By Mr. Root: “Division Superintendent Camp- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 309 bell and Deputy Superintendent Webster."-To them THE MICHIGAN CENTRAL. we are indebted for the ample facilities, orderly arrangements and good management of the excur- sion-May their whole lives be as pleasant and all In the session of 1835 the territorial their undertakings crowned with equal success. council chartered the Detroit & St. Joseph By Hon. A. Blair: “Mr. Henry 0. Bronson."- Railroad Company of Michigan, to run from By his liberality in always giving the free use of his commodious hall for railroad meetings and this Detroit westward through the second tier of celebration, he is entitled to our thanks and kindly counties to “a point on Lake Michigan.” It remembrance from his fellow citizens. was duly incorporated in Detroit and stock By C. V. DeLand: “Our Conductor."-Atten- taken in the towns along the line as far west tive, prompt and gentlemanly in the discharge of his duties—we "Wood-bury“ the remembrance of as Marshall. My father again nibbled at the his exertions in our behalf to-day deep in our hearts, prospect of being a railroad stockholder, as wish him a safe passage and a "straight track” for did nearly everybody in Jackson. The com- the journey of life; and may he arrive at its “last station all right and on time.” [Dwight Wood- pany graded a road bed as far as Dearborn bury, afterwards colonel of Fourth Michigan In- and the panic of 1837 made it bankrupt. It fantry, killed at the battle of Malvern Hill, Va., in was financed by the old State Bank of Mich- 1862.] By Mayor Wood: “The Jackson Band and all igan, which sued about a thousand stock- its Friends." holders, got judgment and took mortgages The band gave “Hail Columbia.” on their property. It was the means of By Mr. Blair: “Our Friend, D. B. Hibbard.”— ruining many of the old settlers, among them Always ready to do the clean thing-and no ques- tions asked. Russell Blackman, E. T. Cutchett, Jerry By H. H. Smith, of Lansing: “The Jackson Ford and many more. Since I was of age, and Lansing Railroad."-Push it along—we have all I paid to Joy & Porter, of Detroit, the last learned to-day how much more pleasant it is to ride lengthways than "cross-ways” of the rails. of the mortgage father put on his farm on By Hon. J. McKinney, of Paw Paw: "The the Clinton road, as the last of his contribu- cities of Toledo and Jackson.”—Fraternally con- tions. When the old State Bank failed the nected by bonds of iron-may these last while the state took the railroad to satisfy its claims promise endures of seed time and harvest, and while locomotion may be necessary to man. and when it projected its system of internal By the Mayor: “The Committee of Arrange- improvements it used this old road bed as ments, Amos Root and P. B. Loomis."-By happily the beginning of the Michigan Central road, arranging the weather, and well ordering the ex- cursion, this day has been full of enjoyment and The state built the road to Marshall and satisfaction. partially to Kalamazoo. In 1846 the road At twelve o'clock the company dispersed, and was sold to a company of Boston capitalists, so ended one of the most pleasant, orderly and well with J. N. Brooks as its head, for two mil- arranged railroad jubilees that was ever held. It is the commencement of a new era in our history as a lion dollars, who immediately began to im- city, and will be tong remembered as one of those prove it and to extend it to Chicago, which pleasant and profitable occasions the mind delights point it reached in March, 1852. to recur to and the memory shall cherish, at least so long as those iron bands shall last, or man shall From 1841 to 1844, when the line was fellowship his brother in the grand march of im- completed to Albion, Jackson was its provement and social progress. The importance and terminus, and consequently controlled much value of this new artery of travel and communica- tion has more than justified the sanguine expecta- of the business of the surrounding counties. tions of its wa, mest friends and supporters. It has been authoritatively stated that the - 310 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. THE GRAND TRUNK. AIR LINE RAILROAD. prosperous citizens of Jackson at present are man, Jackson; attorney, Eugene Pringle, those who in 1841-4 commenced their com- Jackson, and executive committee members, mercial career in the village. Most of them, J. B. Eaton, M. A. McNaughton and R. W. it is said, possessed only a limited capital, Landon. but yet sufficient confidence in themselves The Michigan Central enters the county and their adopted village. The interests of at the southwest angle of Parma, passes the road were henceforward identified with through Concord, Sandstone, Blackman, those of Jackson, in consequence of the leas- Jackson city, Leoni and Grass Lake. The ing to that company of the Jackson, Lansing Air Line traverses Pulaski, Concord, Spring & Saginaw, the Grand River Valley and the Arbor, Summit and Jackson city. Air Line railroads. This concentration of roads at Jackson necessitated the establish- ment of railroad workshops and official That part of the Michigan Air Line headquarters here, and thus led to the em- Road that was intended to connect Jackson ployment of the thousands of men who took with Port Huron was promoted by the same part in building up the prosperity of the city parties as named in the above Air Line, but it was leased or sold to the Grand Trunk of Canada, which line was seeking a route Together with the main line, the Michi- to Chicago. Subsequently the Grand Trunk gan Central Company operate another con- acquired the Peninsula line, that runs from necting link between Jackson and Niles. Port Huron via Flint, Lansing, Battle Creek The road was finished to Niles after it was and South Bend to Chicago, and the pro- leased to the Michigan Central Railroad, or posed line from Jackson west was aband- in February, 1871. The intention of the oned. The road is now operated as a original projectors of this road, in 1868, branch, but it furnishes Jackson a good line was to create a great iron highway between to Detroit, via Pontiac and to Port Huron the east and Chicago by making a grand | via Ridgeway, and is a very valuable addi- trunk connection at Ridgeway, or with the tion to its business accommodations and St. Clair branch of the Great Western Rail- facilities and is liberally patronized. road of Canada. The project was very pop- GRAND RIVER VALLEY RAILROAD. ular. The city of Jackson voted a loan of forty-six thousand five hundred dollars, and The legislature of Michigan granted a the county one of one hundred and fifty charter to the incorporators of the Grand thousand dollars; however, the zeal of the River Valley Railroad May 4, 1846. The people was checked by the decision of the shareholders held their first meeting June state tribunal, and the proferred loans were 23, 1853, when Joseph E. Beebe was elected consequently not required. The officers of president. In the fall of 1867 the road was the first organization included president, completed to Onondaga; in July, 1868, to Jerome B. Eaton, Jackson; secretary, O. Eaton Rapids; in September, 1868, to Char- W. Bennett, Jackson; treasurer, R. W. lotte; in April, 1869, to Hastings, and in Landon, Niles; chief engineer, N. Board- March, 1870, to Grand Rapids. The in- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 311 RAILROAD COMPANY dividual subscriptions of the citizens to the pleted this road to Mackinaw City, a village capital stock were large, while the vote of three hundred and thirty-six miles north of the city itself recognized the propriety of a Jackson. fifty thousand dollar loan, minus direct in- terest, save that which might be declared THE JACKSON, FORT WAYNE & CINCINNATI as dividend on the capital stock. The first directors of the road were Amos Root, M. A. McNaughton, W. H. Withington, H. A. was organized in September, 1868, in Micn- Shaw, E. W. Barber, E. S. Lacey and N. igan, and in October the Fort Wayne, Jack- Barlow. Amos Root was elected president; son & Saginaw Railroad Company was or- Eugene Pringle, secretary; P. B. Loomis, ganized in Indiana, and the Fort Wayne, treasurer; R. H. G. Minty, of Jackson, gen- Jackson & Saginaw Railroad Company, as eral superintendent, and Nicholas Gleeson, now existing, was organized February 25, chief engineer. 1869, by the consolidation of the companies The track of this road runs northwest in accordance with the laws of Michigan and from Jackson, through Blackman, Rives Indiana. Authorized by a vote of the elect- and Tompkins townships. At Rives village ors, the city of Jackson made a loan to this a junction is formed with the Jackson, Lan- company of twenty-three thousand five hun- sing & Saginaw road. dred dollars on the same terms as that made to the Grand River Valley Railroad. JACKSON, LANSING & SAGINAW RAILROAD. The first officers were H. H. Smith, president; P. B. Loomis, treasurer, and E. This corporation was organized Febru- | Pringle, secretary. The road was completed ary 23, 1864, under the name of the Jack- and running from Jackson to Reading, son & Lansing Railroad Company, with Michigan, November 22, 1869; to Angola, Henry A. Hayden, president, and W. D. Indiana, January 17, 1870, and to Fort Thompson, treasurer. A year later the title Wayne, Indiana, December 25, 1870. The was changed to the Jackson, Lansing & Sag- first report after completion was made in inaw Railroad Company. The city of Jack- | February, 1871, by P. B. Loomis, president. son contributed a sum of fifty thousand dol- He says: “I cannot close, however, without lars to the stock of the new company, and referring with regret to the resignation of many leading citizens encouraged the work Hiram H. Smith, who has served in the ca- by their liberal purchases of shares. The pacity of president from the organization of road was completed to Lansing in 1866, and the company until recently. And while suc- on December 6, 1867, was reported open to cess has been secured by the full, hearty, Wenona. In 1866 the railroad builders of cordial and united efforts of the people re- Jackson purchased all the rights and privi- siding along the entire line, we may here, in leges of the Amboy, Lansing & Traverse parting with him as our chief executive offi- Bay Railroad Company, together with the cer, justly and gracefully say that to his line from Owasso to Lansing. As early as untiring efforts, more than to any other one 1875 these enterprising citizens had com- individual, we are indebted for success. 312 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. THE CINCINNATI NORTHERN. the state can excel it and few are its equals. It has direct connections with all the leading In 1900 this road, which had been in pro- cities and points of the country. There are cess of construction for ten years, was seventy or more passenger trains leaving the finally completed to Jackson. It runs di- Union Depot daily, and over one hundred rectly south from Jackson to Hudson, in this freight trains. Factories line its tracks and state, thence by a direct line to the city of spurs and find ease and dispatch in shipping Cincinnati, on the Ohio river. It is an im- their products. In addition the extensive portant line and is doing an increasing busi- repair shops and car plants cover hundreds It connects at Cincinnati with the of acres and employ upwards of two thou- Chesepeake & Ohio system, making a direct sand workmen. The railroad works and em- line to Washington, Richmond and Newport ployes make a city by themselves, and are News on the Atlantic ocean. In the not constantly increasing, and the future prom- distant future it will be one of the most ises still greater developments. So long as important roads in the country. this interest continues to develop the city is That much of the prosperity of Jackson certain of increased development. It is in has been brought about by the securing of this one direction that our capitalists have these railroad connections goes without say- shown most wisdom and sagacity and ing. As a railroad center no other city in reaped the largest profits. nes. CHAPTER XX. EVENTS THAT HAVE PASSED. It is not pleasant to write the history of in other and more profitable directions. It . the failures, especially when they embrace was revived in 1853 and the first fair was many things that reflect upon the enterprise held in October, of that year. The display and public spirit of the public. But we of cattle, hogs, horses and sheep was made must, as truthful historians, trace their rise on the public square, while the court house and decadence, and write the epitaphs of was utilized for exhibiting grain, vegetables projects that affect the growth and the and floral and fancy exhibitions. It was a honor of our people. Conspicuous among crude affair, but it was a beginning. After them was the this beginning fairs were held regularly down to 1880. In 1855 it was voted to JACKSON COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. purchase the fair ground at the north end This society was first organized in 1841. of Jackson street, and it was purchased of The society did not prosper and we believe John T. Durand for one thousand five hun- never held a fair. The country was too dred dollars. During the summer it was new and public interest centered too much fenced and some buildings erected. E. J. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 313 Connable, C. V. DeLand and J. E. Bribe the society was bankrupt and dissolved, the raised one thousand two hundred dollars by county closing out its property for the in- subscription for buildings and improve- debtedness. ments. The fair of 1856, on the new This ended the life and usefulness of the grounds, was a great success. The receipts Jackson County Agricultural Society. Sev- a amounted to three thousand four hundred eral times there has been talk of reviving it, dollars and the society cleared about nine but it was too dead to come to life and hence hundred dollars. The fairs continued suc- we stand today the fourth county in popula- cessful for several years, until 1874, when the tion, wealth and agricultural resources and state fair was held in Jackson. This neces- products in the state, too poor and too in- sitated the enlargement of the grounds, the dolent to compete with sister and neighbor- erection of new buildings, etc. The city of ing counties in holding an annual farmers' Jackson advanced two thousand five hundred jubilee. We do not hesitate to say it is a dollars, and the county some twelve thousand shame to the people of both city and county, dollars for these purposes, taking liens on and will continue so until they repent of their the grounds and property. The state fair selfishness and reform their shiftlessness in was held here three years and then the coun- this respect. ty fairs were suspended. When the state “AND THERE ARE OTHERS." association moved, the county organization found they had a "white elephant” on their Among the other institutions that have hands. The next fall the big state buildings flourished and died, and which we shall not were almost vacant, the attendance was attempt to write up in detail are the ſackson small and the receipts were meager. The Horse Breeders' Association, the Jackson people began to realize that the state fair Horticultural Society, the Cattle Breeders' had killed the local organization. It had Association and several sheep breeders' asso- left the county society about twenty thou- ciations and the Grange and Patrons of In- sand dollars in debt and the local managers dustry. At present there are a number of were discouraged and disheartened. No farmers' clubs and four granges in the fairs were held until 1890, when a few en- 'county, that represent the and engage terprising citizens determined to reorgan- the attention of the agricultural population. ize the society. John C. Sharp was chosen We might fill dozens of pages with the president, C. V. DeLand, secretary, A. M. obituaries of societies and associations which Tinker, treasurer, and J. G. W. Dean, of have "been born to die” in the city, such as Hanover, B. F. King, of Parma, Mark L. young men's associations, musical organiza- Ray, of Concord, A. H. Delamater, of Co- tions, lecture associations and the like. But lumbia, W. H. Adams, of Tompkins, A. public opinion is ever changeable, and social L. Parsons, of Grass Lake, M. Meyers, of organizations take constantly new forms. Levin, and M. Harmon and J. H. Board- | There are many such in the city now, a few , man, of Jackson, directors. Energetic ef- of the most important of which we shall try forts were put forth, and three fairs held, to mention on other pages. As the city but they were not successful financially and grows the tendency to group into sets and energy and 314 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. classes increases and there is little chance of history with them will serve no good pur- success of any large general organization. pose, for the most of them, if mentioned, As those of the past have dissolved and gone, would only provoke the inquiry so will most of those of the present be ob- "Since I am so early done for solete, out of date and dead. To cumber I wonder what I was begun for.” CHAPTER XXI. FRATERNAL AND SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS. MASONRY IN JACKSON COUNTY. ganized in the village of Brooklyn in the summer of 1838, and worked under a dis- The history of Jackson county would pensation issued by the grand master of the not be complete unless it was accompanied state of New York, under the name of St. by an account of the birth and growth of an John's Lodge, their place of meeting being institution that is as closely interwoven with in a chamber over Tiffany's store. The fol- the progress of the past and present of so- lowing were the officers: William Jones, , ciety as its educational or religious institu- worshipful master; Mason W. Southworth, tions. Dating as far back as the oldest, it senior warden: Abram S. Bolton, junior has left its mark on the history of every peo- warden. Among its founders were George ple and state that has made a history that Stranahan, Samuel Selden, William S. has survived to the present time. While it Brown, Ebenezer Farnham, James Ganson does not claim to be a system of education and Elijah Spenser. The first work done or a religion, it embraces within its scope in the lodge, and consequently in the county, what is worthy in both. As an educator was the initiation of James A. Dyer, and teaches what is practical in our common life with him Wright Chittock, father of Dr. and in religion, without sectarianism, it em- Chittock, of Jackson. bodies the morale of all Christianity, and After operating for a few years in Brook- it has practiced its rites at nearly all points lyn, the lodge was moved to the new stone in Jackson county where are now found, in tavern at Napoleon, built by Colonel Bolton, lieu of the forests of years ago, the cluster- where it remained until about 1843 or 1844, ing habitations of men. when A. P. Cook erected his store in Brook- The early history of Masonry in this lyn, and rooms for the accommodation of county is of necessity somewhat obscure, the the Masons were obtained in its second story. primal actors having, it is believed, all The order continued its workings here until passed away. From what we have been able 1845, when the grand lodge of Michigan to gather (and at the outset we find that granted a charter to St. John's Lodge No. statements conflict), the first lodge was or- 3, in Jackson village, and soon after the JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 315 son. Brooklyn lodge disbanded, most of its mem- hundred and sixty-four. The regular meet- bers uniting with the organization at Jack- ings are held on the second and fourth The charter was dated June 5, 1845. Thursdays of each month. St. John's Lodge No. 3 began active op- CONCORD LODGE NO. 30. erations in their hall in the old Merriman block, north side of Main street. In the In 1848 Grand Master E. Smith Lee is- summer of 1847, by vote of the members, sued on petition of the following master Ma- the charter and property was surrendered to sons, Reed B. Loomis, Edwin Perry, Will- the grand lodge. iam S. Collins, Moses Benedict, Henry In this lodge were made many of the Cross, Warner J. Hodge, William 0. Cross , Masons who have since figured prominently and Charles Cross, a dispensation for a new in the order in this county, but in the lodge, to be located in the village of Con- then mixed condition of society it was im- cord, and named Reed B. Loomis as wor- possible to guard against the discordant ele- shipful màster; Edwin Perry, senior war- ments where dissatisfactions finally resulted den, and William S. Collins, junior warden. in the dissolution of the lodge. After a few At the next annual communication of the weeks' quiet a number of the fraternity, grand lodge, January 10, 1849, a charter was whose successful policy had secured the sur- issued to Concord Lodge No. 30, since which render of the original charter, petitioned for time it has made a glorious Masonic record, and obtained of acting Grand Master E. having added to its members over four hun- Smith Lee a dispensation for a new lodge, dred, with a present active membership of with Paul B. Ring as master, Czar Jones as one hundred and twenty-five. In the win- senior warden, and William N. Choate as ter of 1878 this lodge lost by fire its fur- junior warden. At the session of the grand niture, charter, and nearly all its records, , lodge, January 4, 1848, a charter was grant- but it soon recovered and is now more pros- ed to this organization under the title of perous than ever. Its sessions are held Tues- Jackson Lodge No. 17. Meanwhile those day on or before the full moon of each who had been unexpectedly disconnected month. with the order by the surrender of the char- MICHIGAN LODGE NO. 50, JACKSON. ter as stated, were not idle, and in 1849 they obtained a dispensation for a lodge, of which From January, 1849, when Concord Dr. Moses A. McNaughton was named mas- Lodge was chartered, until January, 1852, ter, but the existence of this organization that and Jackson Lodge were the only was of brief duration, as it failed to obtain sources of Masonic light in the county, ex- a charter from the grand lodge. Jacksoncept the short term of St. John's Lodge, U. Lodge No. 17 has at present the following D. At that date, inspired by love of the board of officers, viz. : A. E. Huntley, wor- order and desire for its increase, Fidus Liv- shipful master; Alfred Daines, senior war- ermore, Michael Shoemaker, James C. den; F. A. Traynor, junior warden; A. H. Wood, Leander Chapman, Dr. Ira C. Back- Traver, treasurer; Frank H. Newkirk, sec- us, Frederic M. Foster, Jerome B. Eaton, retary. The present membership is two Henry Foster, Henry O. Bronson, and Reu- 316 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a their quar- The ac- ben S. Cheney applied directly to the grand son, treasurer; (). C. Williams, secretary. lodge for a charter, which was granted Jan- The first meeting of lodge was held on 16th uary 15, 1852, and the first meeting, when of the same month, and the working was the lodge was instituted and the officers in- continued under a dispensation until chart- stalled, was held at the hall of Lodge No. ered by the grand lodge January 13, 1860, 17, in the village of Jackson, February 3, with the following officers: 0. R. Dibble, 1852. During the spring and early sum- worshipful master; W. D. Pease, senior war- mer of 1852 this lodge held its meetings den; Samuel Bunker, junior warden. This in the rooms of No. 17, but this continued lodge first erected its altar in a room over only until they had furnished a lodge-room the furniture store of C. Colley, where they of their own. In 1853, with the other Ma- remained temporarily until they filled up sonic bodies of Jackson, they removed to rooms in the Lord & Fargo block. As soon a new hall on the corner of Main and Jack- as practicable, they built for themselves a son streets. In 1870 they took up hall over the brick store of Curtis, McDon- ters in the Keystone block, at the intersec- ald & Company. The extent of their room tion of Mill and Liberty streets. is eighty feet by twenty-six. The hall proper cretion of members made their hall too small includes a space fifty feet by twenty-six. It is for convenience, and in December, 1877, all beautifully frescoed with Masonic emblems, the Masonic bodies established themselves handsomely furnished and well ventilated. in a commodious suite of rooms in the Ben- A fine reading-room and library is attached, nett block, on the southwest corner of Main | amply provided with newspapers and period- and Jackson streets. Since the organization icals and over one hundred volumes of stand- of the lodge in 1852, it has had fifteen suc- ard Masonic and general reading. The hall cessful masters, about three hundred initia- was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies tions, with more than that number raised by Grand Master Hugh McCurdy, Decem- and admitted by demit. The nights of meet- ber 22, 1873, assisted by members of the fra- ings are the first and third Wednesdays of ternity from Jackson, Clinton and other each month. lodges. After the dedication, the grand mas- ter gave an eloquent address, which was fol- EXCELSIOR LODGE NO. 117, GRASS LAKE. lowed by a banquet in the town hall. This Excelsior Lodge dates its origin from a lodge during its chartered life has been pros- dispensation granted by Grand Master Will- perous to a marked degree, and very har- iam M. Fenton, November 12, 1858, on pe- monious in work, dispensing charity in large tition of the following: Dr. O. L. Rider, measure to the unfortunate, both in and out- John M. Allen, O. R. Dibble, Oscar F. Pease, side of the brotherhood. The lodge sessions William D. Pease, Samuel Jaynes, John occur on Friday on or before the full moon Mark, James B. Watson, O. C. Williams, E. in each month. F. Gay, James E. Thomas, and named the BROOKLYN LODGE NO. 169, BROOKLYN. following as first officers: 0. L. Ryder, wor- shipful master; O. R. Dibble, senior warden; On the 13th of January, 1865, the grand W. D. Pease, junior warden ; James B. Wat- lodge of the state granted a charter to Brook- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 31 7 lyn Lodge No. 169, to the following broth- lodge was the initiation of Jonathan Scott; ers: John M. Stowe, worshipful master; he was the first master Mason made in the William S. Culver, senior warden ; Chaun- lodge, and the senior in years among the cey S. Webster, junior warden; A. S. Pal- members. Regular meetings are held Sat- mer, George W. Green, Thomas Murray, urdays of each month on or preceding the V. F. Randall, L. Gardner, H. S. Palmer, full moon. L. M. Jones, George P. Cook and Rufus PLEASANT LAKE LODGE NO. 185. Dubois. The lodge was instituted January 16, 1865. The following is the list of some This lodge received its charter direct of the masters : John M. Stowe, 1865; from the grand lodge without first working William S. Culver, 1866-67-68-72-73-74-77- under a dispensation from the grand mas- 78; W. S. Palmer, 1869-70-71; E. N. Pal- ter. Its charter is dated January 11, 1866, mer, 1875-76-80-81; J. A. Porter, 1879. on which day it was instituted. The officers This lodge has had since its organization were installed February 8, following, by two hundred and eighty-six members; its Past Masters Porter and Mitchell as proxies present active membership is ninety-six. The for the grand master and deputy. The fol- lodges at Liberty and Napoleon owe their lowing were the charter members and offi- existence chiefly to the members of this cers: Henry B. Hawley, worshipful mas- lodge. Regular meetings are held on Mon- ter; Branch M. Clark, senior warden; John day of each month, on or before the full P. Hawley, junior warden ; Leroy J. Layton, moon. treasurer; William S. Pixley, secretary; Elias B. Brown, senior deacon; Francis PARMA LODGE NO. 183, AT PARMA, Gregory, junior deacon; William Pickett, was chartered by the grand lodge January tyler; Nathaniel Earl, George W. Colston 11, 1866, with the following brothers : John and Daniel Kellogg. This lodge is pleasant- J. Hinchey, Alson Landon, S. H. Bristol, ly located about ten miles northeast of Jack- Amasa M. Buckman, Reynolds Landon, W. son and near the banks of “Pleasant Lake," W. Landon, Decatur F. Moe and William from which the lodge takes its name. The M. Conant. The lodge was instituted Jan- regular meetings of the lodge are on Tues- uary 26, 1866, by Past Master Joseph B. day on or before the full moon of each Tomlinson, acting as the representative of month. the grand master, and the following officers LIBERTY LODGE NO. 209. were installed: John J. Hinchey, worship- ful master; Alson Landon, senior warden; A dispensation to form and open a lodge Smith H. Bristol, junior warden; Amasa at Liberty was issued by Grand Master Sala- M. Buckman, treasurer; Reynolds Landon, thiel C. Coffenburg November 27, 1866, to secretary; William W. Landon, senior dea- the following brothers : H. C. Kimball, con; Charles Ferguson, junior deacon; E. worshipful master; E. Tompkins, senior A. Miller, tyler; George W. Chapel and warden; D. W. Alverson, junior warden ; Samuel Chapel, stewards; George A. Arm- B. Tuthill, secretary; W. H. Foot, treasurer; strong, chaplain. The first work done in the A. W. Freeman, senior deacon; Noah Tut- 318 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. hill, junior deacon; H. Tuthill and A. W. ler; Edwin K. Danahy, Jefferson H. Marsh, stewards; P. P. Bele, tyler. The Cook, Barnabas C. Hatch, Jr., Leon- , lodge was chartered by the grand lodge Jan- ard Rogers and Thomas Stevens. The uary 10, 1867, and was constituted and its first meeting of the lodge was held officers installed March 19 of the same year March 30, 1871, when it was instituted, and by Mr. Benj. Porter, acting for the grand its officers installed by Alfred Paddock, act- master, and the same officers were continued | ing for the grand master. The first work as under the dispensation. The regular . of the lodge was done June 26, following, meetings are held on Tuesday in each month, and James Fleweling was the candidate ini- on or before the full moon. tiated. Fifty-two master Masons have been made in the lodge, and its present member- SPRINGPORT LODGE NO. 284. ship is sixty-eight. The regular meetings A dispensation was granted to this lodge of the lodge are held on Monday, on or be- June 6, 1870, by Grand Master A. T. Met- fore the full moon in each month. calf, with the following charter members : NAPOLEON LODGE NO. 301. George E. Harris, worshipful master; Fay H. Ludlow, senior warden; Edward Sax- This lodge was organized under a dis- ton, junior warden; Lewis E. Scoby, treas- pensation granted May 3, 1871, to the fol- urer; Oscar F. Smith, secretary; William secretary; William | lowing officers and charter members: John Bullen, senior deacon; Theron D. Fellows, C. Covert, worshipful master; C. C. Dewey, tyler, and the first work done was on the senior warden; J. H. Stark, junior warden; 23d day of June. At the next session of the Willard C. Weeks, treasurer; C. D. Fitch, grand lodge, a charter was granted January secretary; George Benton, senior deacon; R. 12, 1871, with Fay H. Ludlow, worshipful D. Hildreth, junior deacon; James Davis, master; Benjamin P. Burgess, senior war- tyler; O. A. Green and James Bolton. The den; Edward Saxton, junior warden; grand lodge directed a charter to be issued George Burgess, treasurer; Oscar F. Smith, to this lodge at its annual communication secretary. The regular meetings are held January 10, 1872. · Since the organization on the third Saturday in each month. the lodge has built and furnished a fine hall, and is in prosperous condition. The HANOVER LODGE NO. 293, regular meetings of the lodge are held on located at Baldwin's, in the town of Han- the last Friday in each month. over, was chartered by the grand lodge Jan- TOMPKINS LODGE NO. 326. uary 12, 1871, with the following charter members as first officers : Henry M. Eddy, A dispensation to open a lodge at Tomp- worshipful master; Wallace J. Weeks, sen- kins was directed to be issued by the grand ior warden ; Albert G. Ayres, junior warden; | lodge at its session, January 28, 1874, which Royal W. Frazier, treasurer; Joseph W. was done immediately by the grand master, Weeks, secretary; Lewis L. Fowler, senior Hugh McCurdy, and on the 2d of February deacon; Noahdiah P. Gildersleeve, jun- following the first regular meeting was held, ior deacon; Harrison B. Tripp, ty- | with the following charter members and offi- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 319 a MASONS. cers: Joseph C. Wood, worshipful master; Bascom and James A. Dyer were the candi- J. Henry Townley, senior warden; George dates; on the same evening Benjamin Por- G. Gould, junior warden; Henry Haynes, ter, Jr., James Billings and Jeptha H. Wade treasurer; John C. Southworth, secretary; were exalted to the Royal Arch degree. At Joel D. Boardman, senior deacon; Thomas the triennial session of the general grand Kirkley, junior deacon; Edward W. Ford, chapter, held September 10, 1847, at Co- tyler, and · Teter Blair and William Boss. lumbus, Ohio, a charter was granted to Jack- On the 27th of January the grand lodge or- son Chapter No. 3. Soon after the three dered a charter to be issued to this lodge. chapters of the state—No. I at Detroit, No. , During the period of its incipiency it re- 2 at Niles and No. 3—united to form the ceived the determined opposition of Win- grand chapter of Michigan, which act was field Lodge No. 197, at Onondaga, and it consummated in January, 1848. The first was only after a hard struggle that the char- officers under the charter were the same as ter was obtained, but the lodge, the youngest under the dispensation. January 12, 1874, in the county, prospered from the beginning Benjamin Porter being grand high priest and continues to thrive. The regular meet- of the grand Royal Arch chapter of Mich- ings of this lodge are held Monday on or igan, a new chapter was given to Jackson before the full moon in each month. Chapter. Its regular meetings occur on the first and third Thursdays in each month. JACKSON CHAPTER NO. 3, ROYAL ARCH BROOKLYN CHAPTER NO. 90, R. A. M. On the 20th day of February, 1847, on On the petition of a constitutional num- petition of Czar Jones, Paul B. Ring, Benja- ber of companions at Brooklyn, recommend- min Porter, Samuel Selden, Peter Brown, ed by Meridian Chapter No. 48, at Man- J. D. Davis, James Videto, David G. Mc- chester, Most Eminent Grand High Priest Clure and William Jones, a dispensation was John W. Finch, on the 8th of May, 1873, granted by Deputy General Grand High issued a dispensation for opening a chapter Priest Joseph K. Stapleton, of Baltimore, and named therein Companions William S. Maryland, to the above named companions, Culver, high priest; Hiel Woodward, king; to form and open a chapter of Royal Arch and John R. Ladd, scribe. The first meeting Masons in the town of Jackson, and the three of the chapter was held on the roth of June first named were the first three officers of following; charter members in addition to the chapter. The first meeting of the chap- the above named were E. N. Palmer, J. B. ter was held at Odd Fellows Hall, in Jack- Martin, A. C. Ennis, A. S. Palmer, J. M. son, March 31, 1847, and the first work done Stowe, D. C. Hait, L. M. Jones, H. C. was conferring the mark master's degree on Clark, R. W. French. At the next session the following brothers: George F. Gard- of the grand chapter, January 24, 1874, a ner, Lewis Bascom, James A. Dyer, Will- charter was granted and numbered go on iam N. Choate, Benjamin Porter, Jr., and the role of the grand chapter, with the offi- James Billings. The first exaltation was cers named. The chapter numbers eighty- June 17, 1847, when G. F. Gardner, Lewis one members. The regular meetings are 320 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. held on or before the full moon of each A. Dyer, John J. Drier. A charter was month. granted by the grand council January 11, 1871, since which time the council has been GRASS LAKE CHAPTER NO. 98, R. A. M. in a very prosperous condition. The regu- That they might enlarge their sphere lar night of meeting is on the second Friday of usefuiness the companions at Grass Lake, of each month. . in January, 1876, petitioned the grand chap- JACKSON COMMANDERY NO. 9, K. T. ter for a charter, which was granted January 19, 1876, with the following officers : Sam- Some forty or more years ago a number uel Bunker, high priest; Michael Dwelle, of Masons of Jackson, imbued with a desire king; Horatio F. Smith, scribe; M. H. Ray- to extend the benefits and enjoy the pleasures mond, captain of the host; Jere. B. Wat- of the higher degrees of the order, sought son, principal sojourner; Charles Yarring- to establish a commandery of Knights Tem- ton, royal arch captain; Oscar F. Peare, plar. Only a few had received the orders third veil; F. W. Scofield, second veil ; James and the nearest commandery was at Hills- B. Watson, first veil. The chapter was con- dale. Thither they went, and among them stituted and its officers installed February was companion Benjamin Porter, Jr., who 7, 1876, by Grand High Priest William was the first knighted in Eureka Command- Brown, assisted by Past Grand High Priest ery No. 3, at Hillsdale, in 1855 or 1856. G. H. Mitchell, and the other companions With him was Henry Foot, Dr. Fred. M. from Jackson. After the ceremonies at the Foster and Charles A. Weismore, who as hall had been concluded, the companions, early as 1856 received their orders at Eure- with their wives, participated in an ample ka Commandery. James A. Dyer was banquet at Lake House. The chapter has an knighted at Detroit. Subsequently they active membership of sixty-five. The reg- united with them Sirs Stillman Blanchard, ular meetings are held Monday on or before S. S. Walker, Sol. V. Green and Rev. S. S. the full moon in each month. Brown to fill the constitutional number to petition for a new commandery. A dis- JACKSON COUNCIL NO. 32, R. & S. M. pensation was finally granted to them, Feb- The first, and at present the only, coun- ruary 13, 1860, by Grand Commander Na- cil of Royal and Select Masters in the county thaniel P. Jacobs. The first assembly of the was instituted under a dispensation granted new commandery was held on the 15th of September 24, 1870, by the Hon. Oliver February, when the first work done was con- L. Spaulding, thrice illustrious grand puis-ferring the order of the Red Cross on Com- sant, to the following officers and charter panions William Wheat, James L. Holmes members: John L. Mitchell, thrice illus- and Oscar H. McConnell. On the 17th the trious master; Ira H. Smith, deputy thrice order was conferred on Companions Will- illustrious master; Thomas J. Wilder, prin- iam Norris and Jonathan Hastings, and on cipal conductor of the work; Benjamin Por- the 22d on Companions Douglas Gibson, ter, Michael Shoemaker, James C. Wood, William B. Merriman and Michael Shoe- Fidus Livermore, James L. Holmes, James maker. On the 28th of February, 1860, , JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 321 Sirs Holmes, Norris, Shoemaker, Hastings pose two members were imported for the and Wheat received the orders of the Tem- occasion from Detroit. A dispensation was ple and Malta. The officers of the com- asked for and granted by the grand sire, and mandery were Benjamin Porter, eminent Porter, eminent Jackson Lodge No. 4 was instituted August commander; James A. Dyer, generalissimo; 17, 1844, by District Deputy Grand Sire Harvey Foote, captain general; Charles A. S. York Atlee. The charter members were Weismore, prelate. On June 6, 1868, a char- William N. Choate, Czar Jones, Charles W. ter was granted by the grand commandery. Penny, of Jackson, and B. G. Stimson and Sir Benjamin Porter, the commander, James Mullett, of Detroit. Of these Mr. was re-elected every year until 1869, when, Choate and Mr. Penny are at this writing declining re-election, Sir John E. Mitchell still living in the city of Jackson. The first was elected, and served two years. Hollis officers were: W. N. Choate, noble grand; F. Knapp, George W. Baker, Homer Fisher, Czar Jones, vice grand; Charles W. Penny, Daniel V. Bunnell and Thomas H. Williams secretary, and Peter E. DeMille, treasurer. have each served two years. This was in the same year, but before the organization of the grand lodge of Michi- A GOLDEN JUBILEE. gan, which was organized in Detroit in No- On the 15th of January, 1902, Michigan vember, 1844. Lodge No. 50 celebrated its golden jubilee, Jackson Lodge No. 4 has continued to or the fiftieth anniversary of its installation. grow and prosper, and to dispense its bless- The court was largely attended. A ban- ings, both pecuniary and fraternal, to the quet was laid, and speeches, toasts, songs present time. It has placed nearly six hun- and congratulations were in order. The dred members on its rolls, and now has about secretary of the lodge, Charles E. Ulrich- one hundred and fifty active members. son, read a history of the lodge, which was Wildey Encampment No. 5 is one of the full of interest. oldest and most influential encampments of the higher branch of the order in the state. ODD FELLOWSHIP. It was instituted February 4, 1847, by Most The history of Odd Fellowship in Jack- Worthy Grand Patriarch James Winder. son would be most interesting if written by Martha Lodge No. 2, Daughters of Rebek- one competent to perform the task, this be- ah, is one of the oldest of the branch of the ing one of the first places in the state in which order devoted to the ladies, and was institut- a lodge of the Independent Order of Odd ed in 1860, but received the charter from Fellows was formed, and that while the vil- Grand Master James Servoss, February 22, lage was yet in its infancy. 1879, under the new law reorganizing the When the necessity of fraternal commun- Daughters of Rebekah as a distinct branch ion was found to exist between the few broth- of the order. This lodge is one which has ers of the three links who had their lot cast in done more for suffering humanity at home Jacksonburgh, it was ascertained that there and abroad than any other in the country. were but three or four who had attained the These all occupy the hall of Jackson Lodge scarlet degree; and to accomplish their pur- No. 4. The meeting night of No. 4 is Mon- 21 322 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. day of each week; that of Central City No. cursion proved a great success both numeri- 162, Friday of each week; Wildey Encamp- cally and financially. John E. Tyrrell, ment No. 5, the second and fourth Tuesdays Jerome T. Harrington, E. L. Lee and Powell of each month, and Martha Lodge No. 2, McRoberts, the committee in charge, had the first and third Tuesdays of each month. the pleasure of seeing their guests, to the number of five hundred, well taken care of, KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. and transported via Great Western railway The Knights of Pythias society is repre- and Lehigh Valley in a special train of sented in this city by one lodge named Ro- eleven Pullman coaches. wena Lodge No. 29, instituted February 7, In November, 1878, the Endowment 1876, by Hon. Chas. D. Little as grand chan- Rank, an insurance feature of the order, cellor of Michigan. The first officers of the was added to the lodge; this rank is now new lodge were: John E. Tyrrell, chancel- flourishing with a good membership, having lor commander; Edward L. Lee, vice chan- lost but one member, E. H. Cobb, since its cellor; Lyman J. Baskin, past chancellor; establishment in this city. It is divided into Jerome T. Harrington, master of exchequer; two classes, one an insurance of two thou- James M. Sutton, keeper of records and seal; sand dollars, and the other one thousand dol- number of charter members, twenty-five. lars, and confined strictly to Knights of Major H. S. Sanford, also a charter Pythias in good standing. The first officers member, assisted by John E. Tyrrell, are en- of the new rank were: President, John E. titled to the credit of its original organiza- Tyrrell; vice-president, John B. Morris ; secretary and treasurer, Daniel Milspaugh. From a modest beginning the new lodge The Uniform Rank, the military branch rapidly gained in membership and bid fair of the order, was instituted in January, 1879, in a short time to claim equal footing and by Major H. S. Sanford, with the following perhaps outrank the older societies in the officers: Sirknight commander, John city. It first surprised the uninitiated by E. Tyrrell; lieutenant commander, Dr. Philip making an attractive public parade on the Porter; herald, James S. Gorman; recorder, occasion of the celebration of Decoration Cyrus W. Higby; treasurer, J. C. Fuller; Day, May 30th, within three months after guard, Powell McRoberts; sentinel, O. Moe. its organization. The very neat and showy uniform of the new As a society, its next enterprise was a rank attracted public notice and flattering popular excursion to the Centennial Exposi- compliments from the local press. tion in the following August. At that time The latest enterprise of this excellent and the luxury of cheap excursion rates to the wide-awake society was the undertaking of Centennial could only be obtained in Detroit a public celebration of the 4th of July, 1880, and larger competing points, but in spite of under the auspices of the society. A great determined opposition of railroads west of amount of labor and expense necessarily at- Detroit, and the fact that the society was tended the project, but the word “fail” was obliged at the last moinent to pay full fare entirely erased from their vocabulary, and both ways from Jackson to Detroit, the ex- the result was, the citizens enjoyed the finest , tion. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 323 a celebration, procession and amusements that L. J. Brooks, recorder; Fred A. Kies, C. of had ever been given in the city. G.; John A. Russell, C. of C.; F. H. New- Before closing this sketch, it would be kirk, steward; C. F. Beeman, sentinel. unfair to pass by the latest and perhaps most Jackson Commandery No. 9, Knights popular enterprise, that is the organization Templar. Regular meetings second and of the Knights of Pythias Cornet Band of fourth Wednesdays. B. C. Hill, E. C.; C. fifteen pieces, under the leadership of Prof. E. Markham, generalissimo; H. L. Hunt, Louis F. Boos, the eminent cornet soloist. C. G.; A. H. Traver, prelate; P. W. Haef- Rather than have Prof. Boos leave the city ner, S. W.; W. P. Hannaford, J. W.; P. B. for proffered engagements, the Knights in- Loomis, Jr., treasurer; A. D. Lathrop, re- dividually pledged him a salary of six hun- corder. dred dollars per annum, with full freedom Fern Leaf Chapter No. 66, Order to earn all he could in the public service. The Eastern Star. Regular meetings first and . band was immediately put on good footing, third Tuesdays of each month, at Masonic and a fine uniform costing eight hundred dol- Hall. Mrs. Ida Schlenker, W. M.; James lars procured for them. Boos' band is still H. Adams, W. P.; Mrs. Maud Ulrickson, the most prominent musical organization A. M.; Mrs. Jessie Northrup, secretary; in Jackson. Mrs. Sarah Peppett, treasurer. The following is a complete directory St. Nicholas Lodge No. 12 (colored), of all the societies and associations in the Free and Accepted Masons. Meets first city of Jackson, as shown by the last edition Monday of each month at 104 West Main. of Polk's City Directory: H. G. Gough, W. M.; John Wesley, S. W.; Michigan Lodge No. 50, Free and Ac- Allen Tillis, J. W.; Wm. A. Peterson, sec- cepted Masons. Regular meeings first and retary; Oliver Hall, treasurer. third Wednesdays of each month. Edward Division No. 1, Jackson County, Ancient R. Stinson, W. M.; Ellsworth E. Russell, Order of Hibernians. Meets every Friday S. W.; John R. Bailey, J. W.; T. H. Will- at 8 P. M. in A. O. H. Hall. Patrick Casey, iams, treasurer; C. E. Ulrickson, secretary. C. P.; John McGraw, president; John Jackson Chapter No. 3, Royal Arch Ma- Burke, F. S.; John O'Neill, R. S.; H. Casey, sons. Regular meetings first and third Thurs- days of each month. Robert Hunt, H. P.; Eventide Lodge No. 4, Degree of Honor. Charles H. Patterson, K.; Sanford Hunt, Meets first and third Friday afternoons of scribe; George T. Brown, C. of H.; Robert each month, Bennett Block. Mrs. Ellen Tur- A. Smith, P. S.; John Helmer, R. A. C.; ner, P. C. of H.; Mrs. Ida Schlenker, C. of George B. Caldwell, secretary; A. H. Tra- H.; Mrs. Anna Croul, L. of H.; Mrs. Lu- ver, treasurer. cena Champlin, C. of C.; Mrs. Minnie Carr, Jackson Council No. 32, Royal and Se- recorder; Mrs. Hattie E. Southworth, finan- lect Masons. Regular assembly second Fri- cier. day each month. John V. Lindermer, T. I. Friendship Lodge No. 13, Degree of M.; George T. Brown, D. M.; H. H. Cor- Honor. Meets first and third Friday even- win, P. C. W.; Robert H. Hunt, treasurer ; | ings of each month in K. of P. Hall, Library treasurer. 324 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Block. Mrs. Florence S. Loomis, P. C. of American War Veterans. Meets in G. A. R. H.; Mrs. Minnie Mayhew, C. of H.; Mrs. Hall first and third Tuesdays of each month. Carrie Maxwell, L. of H.; Mrs. Emma C. Sanford Hunt, Com. ; E. A. Finney, S. V. Cole, recorder; Helen A. Freeman, financier. C.; Samuel J. King, J. V. C.; Samuel B. Jackson Lodge No. 72, Ancient Order Davis, chaplain ; L. J. Collins, Q.; Percy B. of United Workmen. Meets every Friday Moore, Adjt. ; C. L. Stearns, O. of D.; H. evening, K. of P. Hall. F. H. Skinner, P. W. Johnson, O. of the G. M. W.; I. B. Rich, M. W.; O. W. Pierce, Woman's Relief Corps, Auxiliary to Ed- foreman; S. B. Davis, overseer; Frank H. ward Pomeroy Post No. 48, G. A. R. Meets Hodges, recorder; L. J. Brooks, financier; second and fourth Tuesdays of each month Frank McLean, receiver. in G. A. R. Hall, Court House. Elizabeth Schiller Lodge No. 43, Ancient Order Kaywood, Pres.; Matilda Zuber, S. V. P.; of United Workmen. Meets second and Dora Morris, J. V. P.; Emma K. Haskin, fourth Thursdays of each month, Foresters' secretary; Mary A. Gifford, treasurer. Hall. W. F. Lubahn, P. M. W.; C. J. Reh- C. B. Griffith Command No. 24, Union fuss, M. W.; John Kirchberg, F.; August Veterans' Union. Meets first and third Sat- Kessler, G.; Dr. C. R. Wendt, recorder; urdays of each month in Webb Block. C. George J. Schlenker, financier; Jacob Simon, H. Brown, Col.; P. Reattoir, L. C.; W. K. treasurer. Brown, major; O. B. Discoll, treasurer; Twilight Lodge No. 5, Ancient Order of Michael Cross, adjutant. United Workmen. Meets every Friday even- Jackson City Lodge No. 256, Indepen- ing in Bennett Block. George Tilbury, M. dent Order of B’Nai B’Rith. Meets first W.; Milburn Fietcher, F.; O. G. Hazen, Sunday of each month at Sauer's Hall. Mar- G.; W. A. Sutton, recorder; H. C. Eddy, vin Heuman, Pres. ; J. L. Loeb, Vice-Pres.; financier; Chris Van Horn, receiver. David Heuman, secretary and treasurer. Benevolent and Protective Order of Court Gibraltar No. 1489, Independent Elks No. 113. Regular meetings every Order of Foresters. Meets second and fourth Monday evening at Elks' Temple. E. J. Tuesdays in hall, Webb Block. Thomas Murphy, E. R.; F. P. Van Horn, E. L. K.; L. Rogers, C. R.; G. J. Genebach, P. C. R.; C. L. Aird, E. L. K.; J. F. Helmer, E. L. K.; Robert F. Meek, V. C. R.; Claude Green, F. A. Palmer, secretary; Charles Rutson, Rec. Sec.; James M. Adams, Fin. Sec. ; C. treasurer. R. Cummings, treasurer. Edward Pomeroy Post No. 48, Grand Court Van No. 3524, Independent Or- Army of the Republic. Meets second and der of Foresters. Meets first and third fourth Tuesdays of each month in Court Thursdays of each month at K. of P. Hall, House. Orrin F. Kaywood, C.; S. B. Davis, 1410 E. Main. Charles A. Elliott, C. R.; First V. C.; John S. Sample, J. V. C.; O. D. George W. Popp, V. C. R.; C. J. Barnes, Welling, Q. M.; M. J. De Bar, chaplain; A. R. S.; Frederick Hamlin, F. S. W. Martin, O of D.; H. Mellencamp, O. Jackson Council, Knights of Columbus. of G. Meets every Wednesday in A. O. H. Hall. Homer D. Nash Camp No. 203, Spanish Edward J. Murphy, G. K.; A. G. Meade, JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 325 D. J. K.; James J. Noon, chancellor; James knight second lieutenant; Charles N. Wilt, B. Crowley, Rec. Sec.; Wm. J. Riley, Fin- sir knight recorder. Sec. ; L. J. Harrington, treasurer; J. J. Kee- Utopian Temple No. 14, Rathbone Sis- ley, lecturer; M. J. Smith, advocate; Wm. ters. Meets first and third Mondays of each H. Maloney, warden; Rev. John F. Need- month in Castle Hall. Mrs. F. A. Galla- ham, chaplain. gher, E. C.; Mrs. J. Driscoll, E. S.; Mrs. Central City Tent No. 139, Knights of Emma Weed, E. J.; Mrs. W. B. Cochrane, the Modern Maccabees. Meets every Mon- manager; Mrs. Wagner, M. of R. C.; Mrs. day at K. 0. T. M. Hall. John F. Heni- G. W. Van Vleek, M. of F.; Mrs. Sarah gan, C.; A. W. Ellsworth, L. C.; F. W. Cole, P. of T.; Mrs. Emma Wright, O. G. Travis, R. K.; Edward M. King, F. K. Maple Leaf Camp No. 2569, Modern Jackson Tent No. 366, Knights of the Woodmen of America. Meets Thursday Modern Maccabees. Meets every Wednes- evening at Castle Hall. F. P. McQuillan, V. day at K. 0. T. M. Hall. J. M. Thomas, C.: J. D. Osborn, W. A.; Wm. H. Shaimet, C.; J. E. Rings, L. C.; A. D. Smith, R. K.; B.; John Stark, clerk. F. A. Bradley, F. K. Woodbine Camp No. 317, Royal Neigh- Social Hive No. 356, Ladies of the Mod- bors of Anierica. Meets alternate Wed- ern Maccabees. Meets third Thursday of nesdays at Castle Hall. Mrs. L. Still- each month at A. O. U. W. Hall. Ida M. well, O.; Mrs. Anna Gould, V. 0.; Mrs. Doane, L. C.; Amelia Gaebelein, L. L. C.; Mary Drake, receiver; Mrs. Rose Dunlap, Ida Schlenker, L. R. K.; Hattie E. South- recorder. worth, L. F. K. Globe Council No. 190, National Union. Progress Lodge No. 191, Knights of Meets first and third Mondays of each month Pythias. Meets every Thursday in K. of at Reliance Hall, Union Bank Block. J. P. Hall, 1410 E. Main. A. J. Murphy, C. C. Richardson, president; E. L. Smith, sen- C.; Steve Springett, V. C.; E. J. Aiken, M. ate deputy; R. P. Comstock, secretary; F. of W.; George Contrell, K. of R. and S. ; L. Henderson, financial secretary; E. W. A. Rothrock, M. of E.; Joseph Schuler, Chapin, treasurer; R. B. Balcom, chaplain. M. of F. Jackson Lodge No. 4, Independent Or- Rowena Lodge No. 29, Knights of Pyth- der of Odd Fellows. Meets every Monday ias. Regular convention every Tuesday in Hall, 138 W. Cortland. O. A. Gale, N. evening at Castle Hall, corner Mechanic and G.; B. Steele, V. G.; A. M. Greggs, R. S.; Washington. George Fifield, C. C.; George W. F. Johnson, F. S.; J. W. Hoyt, treasurer. W. Hazen, V. C.; F. V. Smalley, M. of Wildey Encampment No. 5, Patriarchs W.; Dr. W. Waite, K. of R. and S.; John Militant. Meets second and fourth Tues- Holton, M. of E.; J. T. Troman, M. of F. days in each month in I. O. O. F. Hall. A. Rowena Company No. 1, Uniform M. Barber, H. P.; Conrad Pfetzing, C. P.; Rank. Meets weekly at Castle Hall, corner J. P. Voelker, S. W.; W. F. Johnson, scribe; Mechanic and Washington. A. M. Wigent, J. W. Hoyt, treasurer; J. C. Cotton, J. W. sir knight captain; Robert Allen, sir knight Martha Lodge No. 2, Daughters of Re- first lieutenant: Frank Knickerbocker, sir bekah. Meets first and third Tuesdays of . . 326 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. each month in I. O. O. F. Hall. Mrs. Emily and third Fridays in Hall, Sauer Block. Mrs. Abbey, N. G.; Mrs. Susie Gould, V. G.; Mary Chapman, C.; Wm. H. Suthers, L. Mrs. Ida Hitchcock, R. S.; Bertha Brain-C.; Mrs. Mary Collum, P.; Mrs. Emma ard, F. S.; Mrs. A. M. Johnson, treasurer. Suthers, recorder; Jacob Parsons, financier ; Jackson Home Commandery No. 18, 18, Harry Nichols, treasurer; Dr. W. H. Chiv- Order of the Red Cross. Meets second and ers, medical examiner. fourth Fridays of each month in I. O. O. F. Amity Council, Royal Arcanum. Meets Hall. Mrs. Kate Avery, P. C.; Mrs. Flor- first and third Thursday evenings of each ence Dewey, C. ; Mrs. Clara Harmon, scribe; month, I. 0. O. F. Hall. Ben Lane, R.; Mrs. Mary Gifford, financier; Mrs. T. E. E. G. De Bar, V. R.; E. J. Murphy, P. R.; Harris, treasurer. R. F. Alien, collector; George L. Crippin, Victor Commandery No. 24, Order of treasurer ; Ernest Clark, chaplain. the Red Cross. Meets alternate Fridays in Ilderim Court No. 9, Tribe of Ben Hur, Red Cross Hall. R. W. Murphy, C.; George Meets I. 0. O. F. Hall second and fourth White, scribe; James Boland, financier; Al- Thursdays. Clarence Dilley, C.; Carl Trum- , bert Frank, treasurer. ble, scribe; Leonard Sutton, K. of O. G.; Victor Commandery No. 14, Indepen- W. Smith, K. of I. G. dent Order of the Red Cross. Meets first CHAPTER XXII. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME EARLY PIONEERS. THE BLACKMAN FAMILY. ing exhausted, he became a farmer. In 1798 he married Miss Eunice Keith, at Berk- Lemuel Blackman was born near Wind- shire, Tioga county, and to them were born sor, Connecticut, in the year 1772, the ten children, nine of whom grew up to man- youngest of a family of ten children. His hood and womanhood, and eight of whom father was a farmer of English descent and emigrated to Michigan in 1830 and settled good parentage, who at the outbreak of the in Jackson. The story of how they came to Revolutionary war joined the Continental make Michigan their home has already been army and served until nearly the close of the told in these pages. war, with two or three of his oldest sons. Mr. Blackman was a man of strong Soon after the close of the war he moved to build and of an energetic and rather im- central New York, and settled in Tioga perious temperament. He was a great work- county. Lemuel Blackman became a lumber- er and his experience as a . lumberman had man and followed that business for fifteen inured him to hardships and cultivated years, when, the timber from their land be- his strenuous disposition so that he knew JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 327 a woman. proper order. no such word as fail, which peculiarly with the pioneer settlement of Jackson, we fitted him for the life and adventures of a make the following brief record: pioneer. His wife was of Scotch descent Russell Blackman was born in 1800, and was a hardy, equally energetic person, He spent his boyhood at home with his well educated and a devout Christian father in lumbering and farming, and was Their family, as I knew them, thirty years old when he came to Michigan, consisted of five sons and four daughters, He figured quite conspicuously in the early who will be separately mentioned in their history of the county. After the death of his father he assumed control of the old Lemuel Blackman was fifty-eight years Blackman tavern and when it burned, in , old when he came to Jackson and his wife the winter of 1837, he erected a large was six years younger. Both were the three-story frame building on the site, picture of health and full of energy and which was called the American House, hope. They had just begun to realize their afterward the Marion House. The erec- hope of comfort in their pioneer home, tion of this building embarrassed him when, in August, 1834, Mr. Blackman was greatly, and after struggling for two years stricken with malarial fever. After an ill- against hard times and poor health, he sold ness of several weeks he seemed to have the property to David F. Dwight and in revived and resumed his active work, but 1845 joined the Mormon settlement at during a trip to Detroit, in October, he Nauvoo, Illinois. He died at Joliet, was caught out in a heavy rain, and suf- Illinois, in the spring of 1850, in the fered an attack of acute pneumonia, which fiftieth year of his age. He left a wife but a caused his death, October 26, 1834, at the no children. The wife survived him only a age of sixty-two years. few years. The following obituary notice : The death of Mr. Blackman was a se- was published in the Jackson paper : vere blow to his family and to the whole settlement, as it removed "the patriarch of Died, at Joliet, Illinois, on the 18th ultimo, Mr. the flock," as well as the most energetic and Russell Blackman, aged fifty-one years. Mr. Black- resourceful leader in the work of progress man was on his return to this village from Nauvoo, where he had been residing for some three or four and improvement. Sadly and sorrowfully years past, but being in a very low state of health, he was buried in the new Blackman ceme- he was only enabled to reach that place, when his earthly probation was terminated. try, on the west side of Blackstone street, His remains were brought to this place for interment. Mr. in the block north of Pearl street, the first Blackman was for many years a resident of this vil- one to occupy the ground he had reserved lage and one of the earliest settlers of Jackson for burial purposes. county, and essentially aided as a generous and Subsequently this faithful pioneer in its first settlement and improve- cemetery was vacated and the remains re- ment. Being a large proprietor of the village plat, moved to their present resting place in he was for a number of years actively engaged in Mount Evergreen. building up the place, and will long remain identi- fied with some of its best improvements. From a Of the children of Mr. Blackman, all state of affluence, however, Mr. Blackman became but one of whom were closely identified comparatively poor, and by means of a great de- 328 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. He was preciation in the value of village property, he was route from Ann Arbor to this place was upon an forced to yield to the stern decree of fortune. How- Indian trail. The land upon which this beautiful ever, he ultimately found a more enduring inherit- village is located was mostly covered with heavy oak ance than earthly riches or prosperity can bestow, an timber. A thick tamarack swamp, commencing near interest in the Redeemer of inankind, and after a where the Methodist church now stands, extended painful and protracted illness, which he endured some distance to the southwest. In this the new with Christian fortitude and resignation, he died in settler often heard the music of wolves and night- the full hope of a glorious immortality. birds. A little east of Mechanic street commenced the timbered bottoms of the Grand river, extending Horace Blackman was born in Tioga to near where the Temperance Hotel now stands. In this there were often seen deer and other large county in 1802, and, like his elder brother, game. The deceased and his friends encountered was a farmer and lumberman. many hardships, and yet were very happy in such a married in 1829 to Mary Putnam, of Wor- sympathy as pioneering engenders. cester, Massachusetts, and it was this wed- N:imerous recollections are suggestive to the minds of those early few, as we assist in bearing ding trip that was the inception of the idea one away to the grave, to whom we had become of the removal of the family to Michigan. so endeared by his amiable characteristics. Horace Blackman devoted himself mostly Mr. Blackman, possessing a kind and obliging disposition, shared largely the esteem and confidence to farming after coming to Jackson, the of the early settlers of the county, and was honored first six years in and around Jackson, but with their suffrages in several important offices, in 1836 he located a new farm in Rives among which the office of Sheriff, the duties of township, about two miles west of Pleasant which were discharged by him to the satisfaction of the entire community. Lake, which he improved and occupied un- Having penetrated the forest by that spirit of til his death, in the fall of 1850, in the enterprise which usually distinguishes a descendant forty-eighth year of his age. His family of New England, he lived to see the dark and shad- consisted of two sons and three daughters: owy path of the red man along which he pressed his way become the great thoroughfare of man-of Frank, Lyman, Eliza, Celia and Martha, of wealth and business; the ponderous cars, laden with whom the three first named are dead, the the vast imports and exports of the country, majes- two latter still living in Jackson, the only tically rolling along its line; while the more im- two of the Blackman family still living: electric speed. He lived to see the spot where he portant telegraphic dispatch flies to and fro with Mrs. Mary Blackman survived her husband first rested his foot become a large and flourishing nearly twenty years. village, and the plains and meadows over which the Indian pursued his game in all the freedom of un- Died, in the town of Henrietta, on Tuesday, the disturbed and unquestionable right converted into 25th day of June last, Mr. Horace Blackman, aged the rich and cultivated domain of the white settler. forty-nine years. Mr. Blackman was born in Berk- This was a great source of satisfaction to him to re- shire, Tioga county, New York. He came to this flect that he had in some degree contributed to the state in 1829 and made the first location in this grand march of improvement by aiding and assisting county, there being no inhabitants nearer than Mill in the advancement of the emigrants and settlers creek on the east and Prairie Ronde on the west. who had just then commenced journeying into Himself and three other men appropriately cele- Michigan. By his upright and friendly intercourse brated the 4th of July upon the bank of Grand with the Indians, who were then numerous in this river near where the Indians had a burying ground, part of the territory, he gained their respect and and where Mrs. Reed now resides. After putting up confidence, which was ever reciprocated on their a log house, Mr. Blackman returned to the state of part by friendly acts and relations. He died as he New York, and in the spring of 1830 came back, lived-honored and respected by all who knew him. bringing with him the partner who now mourns his An aged mother with seven children in the loss, accompanied by his father's family. Their spirit world and seven yet upon the earth has one JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 329 less ligament binding her here; a companion is to the Civil war, and the other, the late R. meet the undivided toils and anxieties of a parent; B. Miller, died in 1898 in Chicago. Dr. children are to try this rugged world and be dis- ciplined for the great future without a father's Miller died in 1836, and his wife the next guardianship. Brothers and sisters are to identify year, at the age of ninety-three years. a brother's name only with past remembrances; Silence D. Blackman was born in 1806. early companions who first met them as strangers to She was a school teacher, but came to Jack- learn the entwining sympathies of a forest life are to be admonished that we are all strangers and son in 1830, and three years later was mar- sojourners upon the earth and that we should seek ried to John T. Durand. She died in 1889, a city which hath foundations whose builder and maker is God. at the age of eighty-three years. She left . two children, Mrs. Mary Green, who re- Francis Blackman, the next son, was sides in California, and Charles R. Durand, born in 1811, and he also came to Jackson a well-known citizen of Jackson. with his parents at the age of nineteen, and Lucy Blackman was born in 1809, and died in 1839, the next in the family to also came to Jackson in 1830. In 1833 succeed his father. she married James Acker, of Concord, who George Blackman was born in 1815, and died two years later. She afterwards mar- was only fifteen years old on his arrival ried Robert L. Spear. She died in 1862, in Jackson. George spent most of his time in the fifty-third year of her age, and left , assisting his brother Russell about the two children, a son and daughter. Mr. tavern until 1849, when he went to Cali- Spear removed to Wisconsin in 1855 and , fornia, where he remained about two years. died there a few years later. He died in 1858, at the age of thirty-three Julia Blackman was born in 1812. years. She was married to E. B. Chapman in the Levi was the youngest son and was spring of 1830, and her wedding trip was born in 1818, and was twelve years old their emigration to Jackson. She was the when the family came to Jackson. After After mother of the first white child born in the his father's death he spent his time with his settlement and had a family of four girls brother Horace, in farming and died at the and two boys, of whom only two are living. home farm in Henrietta in 1852, at the age She died in 1895, at the age of eighty-two of thirty-four years. years, the last of the original Blackman It will be seen that the male members family. Her husband died in 1892, at the of the Blackman family all died compara- | age of eighty-eight. Mr. and Mrs. Chap- tively young: Only Horace left any family. man left eight grandchildren, all of whom The girls, on the contrary, lived to a good are married and live in Jackson, and two age, and all left families, more or less of who live in Illinois. The oldest son died whom are still living. last February in California. Mary, the oldest daughter, was born in Mrs. Eunice Blackman died in 1853, 1804, and married Dr. Miller, of Watkins, at the age of seventy-five years. She New York, at the age of twenty-four. They lived to see all her sons pass away before had three sons and one daughter, all of her, and all but one of her daughters sur- , whom are dead. Two sons were killed in vived her. She was a noble woman, full 330 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. . THE DURAND FAMILY. of good works, a sincere Christian, who of the war. We next find him in the army well fulfilled her part in life, and left a of General Gates, at Saratoga, where he par- blessed memory in the hearts of all who ticipated in the battles leading up to the sur- knew her. render of General Burgoyne and his army. Thus has passed away the Blackman In the battle of Saratoga, the captain of his family, the one above all others whose mem- company was killed, and young Durand was ory is most inseparably linked with the promoted to fill the vacancy. He was soon history of our city and county. after attached to the army of General An- thony Wayne, and was in the column that drove the British out of their stronghold John Durand was born in Westfield, at Stony Point, and restored free use of Connecticut, in June, 1760. His father was the Hudson river and communication be- Sir John Arthur Durand, an English tween the New England states and the west. esquire, who emigrated to America in 1750, He was afterwards attached to Washing- and purchased a large landed estate in the ton's army and continued in the service to colony of Connecticut. His family consisted the end of the Revolutionary war. of two sons and several daughters. John, After peace was declared he returned the youngest son, was educated at the to Connecticut to find that the property of schools in New Haven, and was intended his father had been confiscated and he had for the profession of medicine. At the out- been banished as a Tory, and he returned to break of the Revolutionary trouble, the England, where he died. The general as- elder Durand was intensely loyal to the sembly of Connecticut voted to restore the crown, but the son John was a sympathizer homestead to Captain Durand for his patri- with the patriots or revolutionists. While otic services, and he soon found a way to at school and soon after the battle of Bun- restore it in part to two sisters, who were ker Hill, John joined the "minute men” of poor. In 1810 he went to Washington New Haven. This act called down on him county, New York, and a few years later the ire and enmity of the rest of the family, he removed to the Western Reserve, in and they cut him off from all further associ-Ohio, where he located a farm on a Revo- ation and support. When Washington in- lutionary land warrant. lutionary land warrant. His son, John T. vested New York city, the “minute men” Durand, became a school teacher and sur- were called out and sent to Long Island, veyor, and was employed in 1829 and 1830 where they occupied the Brooklyn Heights. on the government surveys in Michigan. Young Durand participated in the military He came to Jackson in the latter year, and movements around the city of New York, concluded to settle here. He purchased a which terminated in the battle of White farm on section 4, west of the village, and Plains, after which the Americans retired built a log house, and the next spring his across the Delaware river. Here young parents came here to reside with him, Durand's company became incorporated in where he remained until his death in 1852, the “Connecticut line” as regular Conti- at the age of ninety-two years. His wife nental troops, and so continued to the end died in 1838, in her sixty-sixth year. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 331 Captain Durand's family consisted of two for more than four hundred years. They sons, John T. and Roswell, and one daugh- were natives of the province of Du Norde, ter, Mercy Ann. in France, and had a long record before John T. Durand married Miss Black- coming to America. There were many of man and continued to reside in Jackson un- them soldiers, not only in France, but in til his death in 1882. Mr. Durand played other countries. The name was originally an important part in the development of de Iannes, and one of Napoleon's most cele- Jackson, from his first arrival until his brated field marshals was a direct descend- death, as shown in different parts of our ant of the old family. narrative. The branch of the family that came to Roswell Durand was always a farmer, America were Protestants, or French Hugue- He purchased a farm in Eaton county in nots, who were compelled to leave their na- 1842, and died there a few years later. tive country on account of religious perse- The daughter married Joel D. Brown, a car- cution. Some went to the British Isles and penter, and both remained in Jackson until some to Holland. Jean Carlos de Lannes their demise. and his brother Paul emigrated to Ameri- Captain John Durand was a man of ca from Holland in 1636, landing in Ports- strong frame and mind, and mind, and a sincere mouth, New Hampshire. In 1649, they Christian. He was a Federalist in early 1 went to Newbury, in Massachusetts, where life and later a Whig, earnest and sincere our ancestor, Paul, married Jane Atkinson, in his political convictions as in his relig- a Scotch woman, in 1650, as shown by the ious, and in his business relations with his town records, and the name is entered on fellowmen. He took great pride in his mil- the records as DeLand. Paul had three itary record, and joined enthusiastically in sons, Charles, Paul and Benjamin. These celebrating American independence. After sons all left Salem when grown up. Charles he became unable to work he was always settled in New Hampshire. Paul settled in carried to the celebrations and given a North Brookfield, Massachusetts, in 1694, place on the platform and pronounced the where he married Patience Green, daughter benediction. He never tired of reciting to of a noted Indian fighter and lieutenant of the young the scenes and experiences of the famed Captain Lovell, who finally the Revolution, and of educating the youth succeeded in defeating the Pequoit Indi- in the spirit of true patriotism and love of ans at the end of the ten-year war. Ben- liberty. He was the last Revolutionary pa- jamin settled in Beverly, Massachusetts, and triot to die in Jackson, and his funeral was the town records show that he assumed the the occasion of a popular outpouring of re- name of DaLand. The DaLand family are spect from the people of the entire city and still quite numerous in New England. county. When Paul DeLand settled in North Brookfield it was a little hamlet of about a dozen houses. Captain Green had built a William Rufus DeLand, who was one house of hewed hemlock logs, forty feet of the pioneers of Jackson, traced his family | square, two stories high, on what was 1 THE DELAND FAMILY. 332 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. known as “Slate Hill.” The doors were of Four of the five DeLands served in the hewn plank, and the windows had similar Revolutionary army. My grandfather and protection, and the roof was made of thin three brothers enrolled in Colonel Cutler's slate rocks taken from the ledges of the Worcester county regiment immediately hill, The house was “loop-holed” above after the battle of Lexington and served and below, so the inmates could use their during the entire war, from Bunker Hill to fire arms in case of an attack from Indians. Yorktown, save that George was killed at In the historic Indian massacre at North the battle of White Plains, and Joseph Brookfield, by the Pequoit Indians, this was killed at Princeton. After the sur- house was the only one that was not burned, render of Cornwallis at Yorktown, Charles and its inmates the only people of the set- went to South Carolina and became a tlement that escaped the cruel tomahawk planter. Daniel settled in Windsor county, and the bloody scalping knife. It contained Vermont, and Jedediah retired to Brookfield, about twenty people, eleven men and the where he married Persis Gregory, and rest were women and children. My father's My father's reared a family of four boys and one girl. great-grandfather was one of the inmates, Earlier in this work we have told the story - then a suckling babe of six months old. of my father's life up to the time he came For eight days they were besieged. They to Michigan, and but little remains that will had provisions, but very little water, and not be found on other pages of this work. that was caught in the rain troughs. The The following sketch is copied from "rangers” had been drawn away by a feint Thomas's Gazetteer published in 1867: by a part of the Indians towards New Hampshire, and did not get any word of We have before alluded to Judge William R. DeLand, the pioneer and the village patriarch, the the massacre for several days. It was the magnate of the Arcadean age of our primitive his- slate roof that saved the Green house tory—as indeed we could not avoid doing, as his from being burned, as every other one in name is so closely associated with all our begin- nings. A more detailed account of Mr. DeLand, the settlement was burned, by the Indians however, is necessary to make up our record. Will- shooting burning arrows upon the roofs. iani R. DeLand is a native of Massachusetts, and The massacre at North Brookfield was born July 20, 1794, at North Brookfield, Wor- cester county, sixth son of Jedediah DeLand, a aroused the Pilgrim fathers that from soldier of the Revolution and a respectable citizen thence on they waged a continuous warfare of that town; was brought up in the rural pursuits until the Pequoits were exterminated. of husbandry; received a good common school Paul DeLand left five sons, of which education, of which he became a "high graduate.” Taught school for five or six years—from his twen- our line came from the eldest, Daniel. He tieth to his' twenty-sixth year, in Massachusetts, in turn, had three sons, one of whom, Paul, New York and Pennsylvania. Was married Febru- the third, was next in line and he was suc- ary 25, 1823, to Miss Mary G. Keith, at Caroline, Tompkins county, New York. Returned to his na- ceeded by Jedediah and four others. Will- tive town in 1824. Emigrated to Michigan in the iam R. was the youngest son of Jedediah spring of 1830, leaving North Brookfield April 14 DeLand, and the writer succeeded as the and arriving on the spot on which Jackson now stands May 27, a period of forty days and a distance fifth generation of the family born in the old of about eight hundred miles, whereas the children Green house in North Brookfield. of Israel were forty years performing a journey of SO JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 333 as a less distance. On arrival found as "goodly a D., who resides in Leoni township. She land” as those migratory Israelites, “a land flowing died in 1854. with milk and wild honey," and plenty of "venison" The younger daughter, into the bargain. One of “the first settlers ;” took Lucy, married Dewitt C. Smith and left one an active part in all its improvements; in the in- son, who died in Portland, Oregon, four cipient planting of the standard of civilization in this years ago. Mr. Smith died in 1858. wilderness. Was appointed the first justice of the William R. DeLand died November peace, the only magistrate till the organization of the county in 1833. On the organization of the cir- 26, 1876, aged eighty-four. Mrs. DeLand cuit court, was appointed associate judge of said died two years later, November 28, 1878, court for the county of Jackson for four years. aged seventy-eight years. Both died on Was elected justice of the peace in 1837, county clerk in 1838, for two years, by virtue of which Thanksgiving day and were buried on the office he was the clerk of the board of supervisors, first day of December in each year. Both and issued orders on the treasury for all claims lived long and useful lives, and were greatly audited and allowed. In 1840 was elected judge of probate. mourned. They had long been foremost Mr. DeLand has shared largely in the esteem in the promotion of all good works, and confidence of his fellow-citizens, having held citizens and Christians, and laid down the many offices of honor and profit in their gift and conferred by their kind and generous patronage, burdens of life with no duties unfulfilled, and for the bestowment of which he will ever feel and little to regret. grateful. In the discharge of all these public duties One thing that may be noticed is that he has been regarded as a prompt, faithful and of all the old pioneers, who did little efficient officer. Judge DeLand has also laid his fellow-citizens or much to promote the growth and wel- under obligations for the valuable contributions he fare of the city, their name does not ap- has made to our local history. Without his efforts pear upon any street or place in the city and his care in preserving the records, the light of other days would have, in a great measure, if not they worked so faithfully to build up from wholly, faded away. He has lived to see the little a primitive wilderness. But it will live in hamlet of four or five houses expand into a great history, for no account of the founding and city, and has himself been one of the contributors to that result. May he be spared yet many years, progress of Jackson can possibly be made and live to see Jackson double its present size and up if their name and work is omitted. prosperity. His sons are Colonel C. V. DeLand, now editor of the Saginaw Republican, residing in THE BEEBE FAMILY. East Saginaw, and Captain James S. DeLand, a citi- zen of Jackson. They were both in the service dur- Joseph E. Beebe came to Jackson in the ing the late war, and both severely wounded. These spring of 1842, from Whitesboro, New two sons are all the family remaining. Captain De- York, and commenced the manufacture of Land was severely wounded in the last attack on Petersburg, and has lost the use of his left arm. wagons in the Michigan state prison, con- tracting for the labor of eighty convicts at Mr. Deland's family consisted, in ad-fifty cents per day. He was soon joined by dition to the two sons above mentioned, of his two brothers, and in the fall of that two other sons, who died in youth, and two year they had their plant perfected and be- daughters. The eldest, Semantha, married gan the manufacture of the celebrated Benjamin W. Rockwell, and left one “Jackson Wagon.” They were all practical daughter, now Mrs. F. A. Palmer, and two men and added to this the sterling qualities sons, Edward W., of this city, and Thomas of honor and business methods, great en- 334 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ergy and a rare spirit of public enterprise. girlhood. They were a family of pleasant Joseph E. Beebe was the general manager, memory and their resting place is one of the Thomas Beebe the purchaser of supplies and most revered spots in Mount Evergreen. Calvin T. Beebe, superintendent of the Thomas Beebe was the oldest of the practical work. They conducted the busi- three brothers. He was a very able busi- ness for ten years and built up a splendid ness man, quiet and sedate, but practical trade and reputation. The first year they and thorough, and a devoted Christian. In built and sold six hundred wagons, and in politics he was a stanch abolitionist, an 1852 the output was upwards of six thous- admirer of Garrison, Phillips, Prof. Green , and wagons. In 1852 the business passed and Gerritt Smith. It is useless to say that into the hands of Davis, Austin & Tomlin- in later life he was an ardent Republican son, and later became the Austin, Tomlin- and when President Lincoln issued his son & Webster Manufacturing Company, in Emancipation Proclamation he illuminated which form it is still continued, partly with his house in honor of the event. But convict and partly with free labor. Thomas Beebe never dabbled in politics as Joseph E. Beebe soon became an active an office seeker or holder. He was too participant in local affairs. He became radical and plain spoken for a successful identified with the Congregational church, politician. But he was a good citizen and and it was to his activity and generosity, always aimed to be on the side of justice more than any one man, that the society that the society and right. His last years were made sad owes its present splendid and commodious by the death of his children, who passed church edifice. He was an active Whig and away early in life and whom he idolized. soon became identified with politics. Upon Upon He and his estimable wife were finally the organization of the Republican party, callled away, nearly together, but left be- he was one of its most active promoters, and hind the memory of inflexible integrity, was chosen to represent this city in the lower earnest Christianity and a long list of good house of the legislature in 1854-6, and in deeds to their fellows, both of love and the senate in 1857-8. In 1860 he was charity. elected judge of probate and filled that Calvin T. Beebe was the youngest of office four years with ability and credit. the brothers. He was a big stalwart speci- His wife, Mrs. Hetty Beebe, was one of of manhood, blunt sometimes to God's noble women, who nobly seconded roughness, but with a heart as big as his her husband in his philanthropic work, and frame, and tender as a child. He was dif- was noted for her charity and Christian ferent from his brothers, in that he was virtues and works. Their family consisted sporty and an especial favorite of “the of a son and three daughters. The former boys." boys.” But “Cal.” was all business, and is a government clerk in Washington; the as he moved through the shops, with his eldest daughter is the wife of Gen. W. H. coat off and begrimed with dirt and soot, Withington, the second married the late the work moved with a hum. “Cal.” could Ezra M. Aldrich, and both still reside in set up a wheel, turn a tire, handle a draw this city. The youngest daughter died in shave, or a sledgehammer with equal men JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 335 a facility, and prided himself that he never nearly gone. But he determined to move allowed a poor job to get out of the shops. westward, and as Mr. Daniels was coming He was a member of the city fire depart- through to Jackson with household goods, ment, and for years foreman of “No 3," Thompson decided to "walk the trail” with ” the crack company in the days of hand him. They were two days on the road, and engines, played in the band, led the church it was a cold Saturday in November, 1830, choir, belonged to all the clubs and secret when young Thompson,weary and foot-sore, orders and was for years the most all-round arrived in Jackson and sought a lodging handy man in all departments of social life. in my father's log house on Blackstone Few men have ever lived in Jackson who street. He was accommodated and during were so well known and widely esteemed the evening it developed that he was a shoe- by all classes as “old Cal. Beebe.” His maker, and as the settlement had no "foot- family consisted of two sons and a daugh- wear artist” he was persuaded to stay. The ter. The latter married W. S. Moore, and Blackman boys were to start Monday for died young, leaving one son. She was a Detroit, and it was arranged that they beautiful lady and her death cast a shadow should bring some leather and supplies. My over many hearts besides those of her de- mother gave up one chimney corner for a voted parents. His oldest son was a rail- shop, and during the week the teams made road engineer and was killed in a railroad the trip, Mr. Thompson constructed wreck, caused by a washout on the Illinois bench, and split and dried his shoe pegs , Central Railroad. Calvin Beebe outlived and got ready for business. He had plenty both of his brothers and died in 1900 at the of work all the winter: I can remember age of seventy-eight years. His memory most distinctly the feeling of pride over the is still green in the hearts of many of our first pair of boots that I ever wore, the prod- citizens. lict of Mr. Thompson's skill. In the spring of 1831, Mr. Thompson built a small shop on the south side of William Dolville Thompson was born Main street, just east of Thompson's tavern, February 24, 1815, on a farm in Chenango where he carried on business for several county, New York. The family removed years. In the spring of 1832 Mr. Thomp- to the village of LeRoy in Genesee county son, while hunting, became poisoned with when William was quite young. He at- wild shumac, and it settled in his eyes tended school in LeRoy, and also learned and for several months he was almost the shoemaker's trade. When the stream of totally blind and it fell to my lot to lead emigration began to set for the west in 1828- him about. An old squaw finally com- 9 and '30, it caught in its tide, among others, pounded an ointment out of bark and roots young Thompson. Some friends had gone that cured his eyes and restored his sight, from LeRoy to Michigan and settled near which the doctors failed to do. This poi- Marshall. To that point he directed his soning is what gave the somewhat peculiar steps. His means were scanty, and when appearance to his eyes that remained in after he reached Ann Arbor he found his money life. Mr. Thompson was elected county WILLIAM D. THOMPSON. 336 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. clerk at the first election in the county and derstood and appreciated that he, in a made my father his deputy during his term. marked degree, retained the confidence of He was also school director and town the managers of the Michigan Central Rail- clerk in 1837-8. In the fall of 1838 he road Company, and his influence was many sold his shoe store to Mr. Walter Fish and times of decided advantage to Jackson, became associated with George B. Cooper when questions of importance to the in- in mercantile trade. terest of the city were under consideration When the Michigan Central Railroad by the officers of that company. As a mem- reached Jackson, in December, 1841, Mr. ber of the firms of Cooper & Thompson, & Thompson was appointed as the freight Cooper, Thompson & Company, and of the and passenger agent and remained such un- Jackson City Bank, he was the leading til the road was sold by the state. The banker of Jackson. Of the Jackson City late William Norris was his assistant. He Bank, of which he was so long the head, he continued in the employ of the railroad for was always proud and it was always used about ten years. When the road was com- for the benefit of Jackson and its business pleted to Niles in 1850, he was purchasing men, quite as much as for himself. Many agent for the timber, ties and wood, and a young business man has has given Mr. stationed at that point. Every avenue of Thompson credit for his success, through travel towards Chicago and Wisconsin was his kindness, assistance and advice. crowded with passengers and freight, and Mr. Thompson married, in 1856, Miss Mr. Thompson conceived the idea of utiliz- Alma M. Mann, of Madison, Wisconsin. ing the St. Joseph river to convey them to This family consist of a daughter and a the lake. He built a number of flat boats, son, the latter of whom is still connected and a small steamer to run on the river, and with the City Bank. for two years, and until the line was com- Mr. Thompson was connected with a pleted to New Buffalo, “Commodore Thomp- number of local enterprises, most of which son's line of boats" did a thriving business, were successful. He was one of the prin- between Niles and St. Jo. During the same cipal promoters of the railroad from Jack- time he was busy building the railroad son to the straits of Mackinaw, most of bridge at Niles, which took about eighteen which he financed with the late H. A. Hay- months. He, while at Niles, accumulated den, and out of the land grant reaped a a capital which enabled him, on the com- large profit. pletion of the railroad to Chicago, to re- While always noted for his correct and turn to Jackson, after closing out his stock comprehensive business views, Mr. Thomp- on the river, and, in connection with George son was a prudent and honest man. In all B. Cooper, to establish the banking house his long and active life there never was laid of Cooper & Thompson. The integrity, to his charge any act of wrong doing or strict attention to duty, and business ability oppression. He made a fortune legiti- displayed by Mr. Thompson in the several mately and without defrauding, overreach- places at which he was stationed and in the ing or oppressing any fellow man. positions which he filled, were so well un- example of integrity, strict business meth- , As an JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 337 HIRAM H. SMITH. ods, wise liberality and public spirit, his took his pay in potatoes and pumpkins, record stands among the best. Jackson which he lived on during the winter. never had a better citizen or one whose During the severe winter his oxen both memory is more highly respected and cher- perished, and he skinned them, used the hide ished. for shoes for himself and wife and picked the bones of meat to keep from starving: After two years he sold out to Dr. Peck, a Among the men who sought homes in wealthy emigrant from New Hampshire, the early days in Michigan, few suffered as and with the proceeds of the sale bought a much, and in the end accomplished more section of land in Vevay, Ingham county, for the county and themselves than the sub- and removed there when there were but ject of this sketch. Mr. Smith was born three houses in Mason. When the county in Malone, Franklin county, New York, in was first organized he was elected the first December, 1809. His father, Oliver H. . county treasurer; served two terms and was Smith, of Northfield, Massachusetts, mar- immediately after elected county clerk. In ried Miss Anna Horton, daughter of Judge 1842 he was elected to the legislature, tak- Horton, of Malone, and they were the par-ing his seat January 1, 1843. In the sum- ents of seven children that grew to adult mer of 1844 he engaged in merchandising; age. The subject's parents moved to Ver- moved to Lansing in 1847, continuing in mont when he was five years old, and he the same business; built an important piece chiefly lived with his Grandfather Horton of plank road from Lansing to Howell; from ten to fifteen years of age, where he retired from active merchandising in 1852; enjoyed excellent school privileges. His dealt in real estate, erected extensive mills, grandfather died at that time and he became etc. He has been actively identified with self-dependent. He went into a mercantile and was one of the originators of the Jack- house in Castleton, Vermont, at sixty-six son, Lansing & Saginaw Railroad; was , dollars a year and his clothes, for three years. made vice-president, and had supervision as He then started in merchandising in Gran- the chief executive man in building the ville, New York, not meeting with success. road; managed its construction, etc. He left He married, at the age of twenty-three, Miss that organization in the of Frances Dean Dennison, of Woodstock, Ver- 1868, to build the Jackson & Ft. Wayne mont. In April, 1835, he came to Michi- Railroad, and he, in company with P. B. gan, and after a few months, settled in the Loomis, were the principal movers and town of Summit, Jackson county, and builders. Mr. Smith, being president of the farmed for two years. Mr. Smith's experi- company, held the position until "January, ence on his farm was a hard one. It was 1871, having completed the road in the fall during one of the hardest of winters. Mr. of 1870. In January, 1871, he became Smith broke up some land and put it in president of the Detroit, Lansing & North- wheat, and spent his last dollar for the seed ern Railroad, having offices in Detroit; wheat. He husked corn and dug potatoes | built that road and then built the Detroit for Isaac Hutchins at fifty cents a day and & Bay City road. In 1872-73, as superin- summer 22 338 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. tendent of construction, he built several in Blackman township, and made a bargain lines, in all about seven hundred miles of with Alex. Laverty and Enos G. Critchett railroad. Since the fall of 1873 he engaged to build and enclose a frame house on his in no active business except to look after his place, which was the first frame dwelling estate. His family consisted of four sons built in the county outside the city. He and one daughter. then returned to New York and stayed Dwight S. Smith, son of H. H. Smith, through the winter, returning in the spring was born in Ingham county, in 1845, and of 1831, with his family. From Detroit was educated in the public schools of Lan- they came through with an ox team. Mr. sing and the State University. He was en- Wood was a fine specimen of manhood, a gaged in business with his father until his typical New Englander, well educated, in- , removal to Jackson, in 1876. Soon after telligent and forceful. He was soon rec- coming here he engaged in several enter- ognized as a valuable man, and held many prises of his own, and soon became one of public positions in the town, including that the leading manufacturers of the place. of supervisor. He was a strong Whig and The firm of Smith Brothers & Collins en- had a large influence in the councils of his tered into the manufacture of road carts and party. He had a large family of boys, who, vehicles, built and managed one of the like himself, were stalwart specimens of true most extensive plants in the state and did manhood. Lincoln Wood, the eldest, is a an iminense business. Mr. Smith was the resident of Jackson. Charles, Jotham, Jo- projector of the street railway system, and seph and George all became farmers in constructed and operated it for fifteen years, Tompkins township and many of their de- until it was sold to the present company. scendants still reside there. They were all He was an intelligent and enterprising good and exemplary citizens in all respects. citizen, always foremost in pushing Jack- THE TOWNLEY FAMILY. son's interests during his life time. He died at the early age of forty-three, and Jack- One of the best known families of Jack- son lost one of its best and most energetic son county was that of the late Nicholas citizens. Townley. He was a native of Tompkins county, in New York, received a good com- JOTHAM WOOD FAMILY. mon school education and learned the trade Jotham Wood was a native of Franklin of a tanner. He carried on that business county, Vermont, where he was born in for a number of years near Ithaca, New 1792. He married and moved to Otsego York. He came to Michigan in 1832, and , county, New York, in 1819, where he owned first settled in Calhoun county, near Homer. and operated a woolen and carding mill for In 1835 he sold out and removed to Jack- a number of years. He sold the mill in son, locating in the town of Tompkins, the the spring of 1830, and immediately came first actual white settler in the town. On the to Michigan, arriving in Jackson in Septem- organization of the township, in 1838, Mr. ber of that year. He located one hundred Townley was chosen its first supervisor. and sixty acres of land on section 31, now When, in 1840, the board of supervisors a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 539 ZIMRI M. BARBER. was abolished, Mr. Townley was chosen one elder Densmore belonged to the society of of the board of county commissioners, Friends and most of the children are which position he held for ten years, until Methodists. The sons were John W., the supervisors were again restored. He Uriah H., Josiah F., Joshua D., Charles K. had a family of five sons, all of whom were and Moses F. They are all upright and energetic and capable men. honorable men and are universally respected Anson Townley succeeded his father as for honesty and integrity. They are of ex- supervisor and was subsequently county emplary habits, using neither liquor nor treasurer for four years, and was register tobacco. Mrs. Densmore at her death was of deeds for twelve years. Richard Town- mourned by nine of her own children, fifty- ley held several local offices, was supervisor one grandchildren and thirty-three great- for eleven years, and was also county was also county grandchildren-ninety-three descendants in treasurer for four years. He was also all. president of the Jackson County Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company for fifteen years, and now resides in the city of Jack- Among the early pioneers of Jackson son, a hale old man, respected by all. The county, who deserve an honorable mention, other Townley boys held many positions is the one whose name appears above. Mr. of trust in the town, and have been among Barber was born in 1816, in Niagara coun- its most valuable and respected citizens. ty, New York. He labored on a farm until iy All but two of the original family of eleven he was eighteen, with very limited advant- , have been gathered to their fathers, but the ages for education, but he then learned the family record is one of the brightest and carpenter's trade. He came to Michigan in cleanest in Jackson county. 1831, and settled in Leoni. He had no cap- ital but his hands and energy, which he put to good use. For three winters he attended One of the most remarkable families in school in Grass Lake, taught by the late Jackson county is that of the sons of Abiel Henry H. Bingham. In 1841 he purchased Densmore, living in the town of Hanover. a farm from J. H. Otis adjoining Leoni vil- Abiel Densmore was born in the town of lage, which he afterwards made his home. Sydney, Maine, in February, 1787. The He embarked in produce buying before there mother, Abigail Densmore, was born on was any railroad, and drew the grain to De- Cape Cod, Massachusetts, in April, 1794. troit, Ann Arbor and Dexter with oxen. They were married in 1814, and settled in In 1846 he entered into the mercantile busi- Sydney, Maine. To them were born a ness with Peter C. Lawrence. In 1850 lae family of ten children, five sons and five went to California, where he worked in the daughters. In 1839 the family removed to mines for five years with fair success. Re- Michigan and settled in the town of Hano- turning home in 1850 he paid up the losses ver. The parents are deceased, but the five of this mercantile venture, which amounted sons and three daughters all live in the same to over two thousand dollars, and began neighborhood and own fine farms. The business anew. He was largely instrumental THE DENSMORE FAMILY. , 340 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. THE SWAIN FAMILY. THE LANDON FAMILY. in the building of the college at Leoni, and his district in the legislature, but died during contributed to every effort to aid the town. the session. The Landons were originally Mr. Barber was a strong Whig and later Whigs and, became stanch supporters of the a Republican, and was honored by his fel- Republican party. They were strong Meth- low citizens with many trusts. In Califor- odists and did much for that denomination. nia he was an ardent advocate of its being They were also stanch temperance men and made a free state, and was elected as a dele- gave their influence for sobriety and good gate to the legislature on that issue. His morals. They held many local offices, and wile was a Miss Hannah Tinker, born in were highly esteemed as honest men and ex- Pennsylvania. They had five children. Mrs. cellent citizens. Their descendants still em- Barber died in 1878. During all his life brace some of the best people of the town. Mr. Barber was known as a public-spirited and most honorable man. There were two families of Swains set- tled in Jackson in the early days. which are Among the earliest settlers in the town worthy of remembrance. of Springport were E. A. and George Lan- We shall first treat of the family of don. The family were of Connecticut an- Aaron Swain, which came in 1831, and set- cestry, and were active participants in the tled on Grand river, three miles directly Revolutionary struggle, but removed later south on the line of Fourth street. to central New York. Both Ezekiel and Aaron Swain was originally from New George Landon were born and brought up Hampshire, but was reared in Onondaga in Cayuga county, whence they emigrated county, New York. He was a soldier in to Michigan in 1837. They were men of the last war, serving on the frontier, and considerable means, and located quite large was wounded at the battle of Queenston farms near where the village of Springport Heights. He was nearly sixty years old when now stands. But they were energetic and he came to Michigan, and had a family of thrifty and readily acquired a competence. grown-up children. The two oldest, Rus- Both the elder Landons took an active part sell and Betsy, were deaf and dumb, but in local and county affairs, and soon became smart and intelligent people. The youngest well known to all the older settlers of the was Isaac N. Swain, who became one of county. Both reared families, and lived to the wealthiest and foremost business men a good old age. When Ezekiel Landon died . of Michigan. he was one of the largest land owners in the Aaron Swain located four hundred acres county, his estate covering about twelve hun- of land on sections 15, 21 and 22 in Sum- dred acres of good farming lands, while mit township, lying along Grand river, George Landon died the owner of nearly and which was later known as the Pulver six hundred acres of equally good farm and Burchard farms. He built his house lands. John Landon, son of George, was an on the hill east of the river, which was exceptionally bright young man, and at the crossed at the Indian ford, and began his im- age of twenty-eight was chosen to represent provements. Russell, though deaf and JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 341 next year, dumb, was a great worker, and soon the office Swainsville. Mr. Swain located at that Swain place was known as one of the best point because there was a water power, and improved in the county. Russell was very he shrewdly guessed the country would need fond of horses, and he owned a large span mills in time, so he prepared at once to erect of creams, silver manes and tails, that he one, a saw-mill. This was completed the kept fat, sleek and shiny as if varnished. It , the machinery being brought from was a wonder to see him handle this team. Detroit. A. M. Quigley was imported from They knew his tones and were as obedient as Monroe to build the mill. The next thing kittens, but not another man could control was to induce his brother, Consider Swain, them for a moment. Betsy was his con- and a blacksmith by the name of French, to stant companion, and was a large and beau- join the settlement. But the tide of emigra- tiful woman. Isaac N. did not like the loca- tion soon set in strong, and within three tion and so he went to Spring Arbor and years he was surrounded with neighbors. purchased the old Indian council ground, Mr. Swain was a shrewd speculator, as well laid out a village, and started in to rival as a fair preacher, and between selling town Jackson. He built a log house and roofed lots, supplying the settlers with lumber and it with marsh hay, and used to head his let- preaching the gospel to them, became quite ters, “Swain's Hay Castle, city of Spring forehanded. The death of Sardis B. Swain, Arbor, Michigan.” In 1840 he removed to the son of Calvin H. Swain, in the city of Watervliet, on the Paw Paw river, in Ber-Jackson, called out the following obituary rien county, amassed a fortune in the lum- notice in the Jackson Patriot of April 19, ber business, moved to Detroit, erected a 1903: great castle on Fort street, where he died in The death of Sardius B. Swain, which occurred 1887. in this city on last Wednesday, calls to mind the Aaron Swain and wife both died about earliest settler and settlement in the town of Colum- bia, Jackson county. Peter Webber, of this city, two years after they came to Jackson, and himself a pioneer of that town, says that Rev. Calvin were buried under a big shag-bark hickory H. Swain, the father of Sardius B. Swain, was the on the hill north of the river. Their graves first settler in Columbia in the year 1831; but Hon. were protected for a while by a rude fence, Anson H. DeLamater, in a paper prepared for the Jackson County Pioneer Society more than twenty but after a while both fence and tree dis- years ago, says that in June, 1832, the first settle- appeared, and from thence on the plow- ment was made in the town by Mr. Swain, who share has obliterated all trace of their graves. located forty acres of land, on which, in connec- After their death the farm was sold. Rus- tion with his son, Consider H. Swain, he immedi- ately commenced improvements. Mr. DeLamater sell died at Watervliet, and Betsy at De- was a pioneer of 1834, and on the farm he then lo- troit. cated, just south of Eagle Point at Clark's Lake, he CALVIN H. SWAIN lived until his death seven years ago. We will have to accept June, 1832, as the beginning of civilization in the village of Brooklyn and town of Columbia, was the first settler in the old town and vil- nearly seventy-one years ago, and there is no doubt lage of Brooklyn. He located there in 1832, that Rev. Calvin H. Swain was the pioneer of its pioneers. and, being a minister, named the little rivulet Mr. Swain selected the land he purchased of the the Brook Kedron, and the village and post- government for the purpose of improving the water- 342 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. power afforded by the River Raisin, and immediately nent business man of Chicago, and is the after building a shanty on the north bank of the only one now living. All the old settlers will river he commenced building a sawmill on the site of what is now known as the Brooklyn water- take great pleasure in recalling the memory power, with the grit of a true pioneer. “The erec- of this splendid family. tion of the mill and dam," wrote Mr. DeLamater, David Porter, who was called "Big “ "occupied the time to January 29, 1833, when the Dave” to distinguish him, came here from flutter wheel splashed its first note of civilization to the surrounding forest.” A post office was estab- Buffalo, New York, in 1836, to work on the lished in 1834, called Swainsville, and C. H. Swain prison as a mason. He was a good work- was postmaster. The mail was carried on horse- man and a good citizen. In 1842 he took back once a week to and from Springville, where it connected with the mail stage from Detroit to Chi- a contract to do some building in Spring- cago via Clinton and Tecumseh. The beautiful port, and located one hundred and sixty village of Brooklyn was first named Swainsville. acres of land near the center of the town, which he made his home till his death. He THE PORTER FAMILIES. had two sons, one of whom, Frank Porter, Among the early settlers of the city were became major in the Twentieth Michigan four families named Porter, who at least Infantry. He still resides in Detroit, with deserve a passing mention. Benjamin Por- his son, Doctor Porter, and is past eighty- ter has been mentioned liberally in the pre- nine years of age. Orson H. Porter resided vious pages, so but little remains to be said on the farm in Springport until his death, of him and his family. two years ago. David Porter came to Michigan from Daniel Porter came to Jackson in 1832, Westboro, Massachusetts, in 1832, and to but removed to Hanover township in 1835, Jackson in 1835. He was a mason by trade, and located a farm. He was the first super- and was employed as a foreman in building visor of the town and held the office for ten the west wing of the state prison. He and years. his wife were members of the Congregation- THE JONES FAMILY. al church, and active in promoting its wel- fare. He had a family of seven daughters, There was a number of Jones families all splendid Christian women, who had a among the pioneers of Jackson county, but large and satisfactory influence on the grow- the one we shall treat of particularly is that ing community. Two were wives of Francis of William Jones, who settled in Brooklyn. Woodbury, and of their children two served The Jones family came at different times. their country during the Civil war. The First, Day and his two sisters, then Czar and other son became a minister. One daughter wife, the latter being a most devoted Chris- married Rev. John Monteith, and the other tian woman. Also Don Jones, and then a prominent business man in Toledo. An- William Jones and wife, the parents, and other daughter married Ichabod Cole, and the youngest son, Loss. The boys had been their only child is Mrs. John M. Root, of educated at the forge by their father and all this city. Another daughter married Mr. were first class mechanics. They found Charles Johnson, but they had no children. plenty of employment making the axes, grub- Another married H. J. Hollister, a promi- | hoes, beetles and wedges, making and sharp- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 343 THE COMSTOCK FAMILY. ening the shears and coulters of the great under it and the speech was made. In the breaking-up plows, and in shoeing the oxen. campaign of 1892 I was again invited to The plows required from four to six yoke speak at Springport, and found a pleasant a of oxen to do efficient work and the other village, a commodious opera house, and be- implements mentioned were all of important tween four and five hundred people present. use to the pioneer farmers. Charles J. Comstock, the son of E. W. Com- William, Czar, Day and Loss were active stock, was the chairman of the meeting, and politicians in those days. William was at in introducing me recited the circumstances one time postmaster, Czar was elected county of the meeting forty years before, as the first clerk of Jackson county, Day was for many political meeting in the town and the first years justice of the peace and had a large political speech he ever heard, he being then practice for those days as a lawyer, and Loss only a small boy. The result of the last became a member of the bar and was sent meeting was very satisfactory to me, whether to the legislature in 1846. Don was satis- it was to the audience or not. fied with the reputation of being the best The elder Comstocks have all passed mechanic in the county. These muscular away, but the second generation have kept and strong willed men have all been laid up the good reputation of the fathers, and away in their last sleep, their work well done. are still among the leading and influential residents of the township, as well as the county. Among the early settlers in Springport BENJAMIN F. TAYLOR. 1 was the Comstocks, two brothers, who locat- ed farms which they improved and spent the But few perhaps will recall the fact that remainder of their lives upon. They were Benjamin F. Taylor, quite a celebrated lit- men of energy and character, and always erateur, poet, and newspaper editor, was once held a leading place in the esteem of their a resident of Jackson county. He was a neighbors, and filled many of the principal young man, just out of an eastern seminary, public offices of the town. I remember an when he came to Michigan in 1836, and incident connected with the Comstocks that formed some strong attractions in the woods is interesting at least to me. In 1852 the and lakes of this region and in the intelligent Whigs of Springport were to raise a pole and sturdy emigrants who were upbuilding at Oyer's Corners, now Springport village. their homes. He taught school in Brooklyn They wrote to Jackson for a speaker, and for five or six years, and was very popular. the county committee persuaded me to go. He contributed several original poems to the It was a long ride, twenty-two miles, and the columns of the old Jackson Sentinel. He weather damp and chilly, in September. I wrote a novel that was published by a New got to the “corners” and found about fifty York house, entitled “Woodland Mysteries, people there. The “corners” consisted of a a Tale of Michigan,” founded upon his ex- blacksmith shop, a small store and four or periences here, but most of the characters five dwellings. The pole was up, and Eben were founded on imagination rather than Comstock's lumber wagon was hauled up upon actual facts. But his teachings in his a 344 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. school gave a polished tone to the intellectual or station on the “underground railway.' development of his scholars that was felt His family consisted of George Lewis, Ja- by all and left a lasting impression on his cob V., William J., Sylvanus and Isaac New- pupils. In later years, from 1850 to the ton, and ten daughters, only one of whom is breaking out of the Civil war, he was em- now living ployed as one of the editors of the Chicago George L. Smalley remained in Con- Journal. He went south as its war corres- cord until 1854, when he removed to Jack- pondent, and many of his letters were choice son and engaged in merchandising. He was specimens of literary and patriotic composi- chosen sheriff in 1858, and again in 1860. tion. His description of Grant's campaign He subsequently went to Chicago, where he against Vicksburg, the battle on Lookout was in business ten years and returned to Mountain, Sherman's march to Atlanta, and Jackson. He left a wife but no children. the battle of Nashville were among the most Jacob V. Smalley came to Jackson with his thrilling contributions to the literature of the brother in 1854, and still resides here. He war. Many of Mr. Taylor's literary efforts was also sheriff of the county, elected in and poems were published in book form, 1872. Another brother, Sylvanus, was en- and were popular works in their day. gaged in trade in Jackson several years, but returned to the farm, where he died. He THE SMALLEY FAMILY. married Miss Harriet Whelock, and left a David Smalley was a native of Vermont, family of four sons, all well-known business but removed to Hampton, Saratoga county, William J. resides in Jackson and New York, in 1816. He married there, and I. N. lives in Albion. The Smalleys have had a large family of children. He caught always been among our very best citizens, the fever to "go west" in the early days and and been engaged in many public enterprises came to Michigan in 1833. He located a of great benefit to the city and county. farm in Concord township and returned to New York, but brought on his family in the spring of 1834. There were then but five was born in the province of Hesse-Cassell, houses in the town, and the family stayed in Germany, in 1810. He emigrated to with Thomas McGee until a log house was America in 1837 and soon afterwards set- raised, when they moved in and chinked it, tled in the town of Waterloo. He was the laid floors and put in doors and windows and means of bringing a large number of Ger- built a chimney later on. Mrs. Smalley man emigrants to the township, all of whom cooked and baked out of doors for several became good and thrifty citizens. Mr. weeks; the family slept on the ground. Mr. Knauff was always a leading person in the Smalley was a typical pioneer, full of hope town. He was a justice of the peace for and energy, and with his family of boys | twenty-four years and was known as the soon had a clearing and a comfortable home. “Dutch Judge.” He was three times mar- He was a strong anti-slavery and temper- ried and was the father of twenty-four chil- ance man, and a member of the Baptist dren, eighteen surviving their sire. Two of church. His house was at one time a refuge his daughters graduated at the University men. PETER KNAUFF a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 345 a of Michigan as doctors of medicine and be- a large influence with his party. He was came noted as practitioners. He was a a justice of the peace and was supervisor strong Democrat and it was his pride to several years. He was also elected an ac- keep Waterloo the banner Democratic town sociate judge of the county and in 1848 was of the county. elected to the legislature. He was a very forceful man and active in many associa- HENRY A. FRANCISCO tions and enterprises. He reared a large was born and reared in Tompkins county, family of boys, who have been and still are New York, and came to Michigan in 1835 prominent and respected citizens of the coun- and located in the township of Grass Lake. ty. The Hatch family are well known and He was elected an associate judge of the highly esteemed citizens of Hanover and county in 1840 and held the office four Spring Arbor, where most of them reside, years. He was an intelligent farmer. His . though several are well-known residents of wife was a Miss Babbitt, whose family Jackson city. were also early pioneers of Grass Lake. She REV. MARCUS HARRISON. used to tell many incidents of pioneer life, one of which was of a hungry bear attack- Among the men who had a large in- ing a neighboring family. They took refuge fluence in the early settlement of Jackson in the second story and pulled up the ladder. county was county was Rev. Marcus Harrison. He Their cries brought help and the bear on was a native of Connecticut, of Pilgrim an- trying to escape from the house fell a victim cestry, and was graduated at Yale Univer- to her father's unerring rifle. When the sity and Andover Theological Seminary. Michigan Central Railroad was built a He filled several pulpits in New England, station was erected on Mr. Francisco's farm and came west in 1830, on account of that still bears his name. He died in 1858. his health failing. He purchased a tract of land in Springport township, to which he THE HATCH FAMILY. moved in 1832, when there were only two Barnabas C. Hatch was a native of Penn- other settlers in the township. He improved sylvania but was reared in Steuben county, his farm, and erected a saw-mill on Otter New York, from whence he came to Michi- creek. He preached to the new settlers, and gan in 1834, and settled in the town of in 1836 he moved to Jackson. He was a Hanover. It is related that the family were man of strong convictions, and intensely very poor and young Hatch had very limited orthodox in his religious belief. A ready advantages in his youth; in fact most of his off-hand preacher and disputant, he was a education was obtained from his wife, after formidable antagonist in argument and an their marriage, she being a very bright and earnest and impassioned preacher. He was enterprising woman. Mr. Hatch was a radical temperance man, and was more large, robust and fine-appearing man, full than fearless in denouncing the use of energy and thrift, and soon acquired a liquors, so unusual in that period. The his- commanding influence among his towns- tory of his church building in Jackson is men. He was a strong Democrat and had given in other pages. At the close of his a use of 346 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Sons. war. work in Jackson he moved to Van Buren The Daniels family came originally county and settled in Decatur, where he died, from Connecticut and were quite noted as in 1874, of consumption, at the age of seven- active participants in the Revolutionary ty-nine years. Mr. Harrison as preacher and John Daniels emigrated early to teacher was a valuable man, and did a grand western New York and settled in Genesee work in favor of temperance and religion in county. He was a soldier in the war of his day. His greatest fault was his tenacity 1812. He came to Michigan in 1829 on and combativeness, and he often failed in a prospecting tour and penetrated as far as his purposes because he would yield nothing Grand river. He was accompanied by David of his individual convictions. Sterling and William H. Pease, but all re- turned east that fall. In 1830 all three re- THE DWELLE FAMILY. turned and located farms, Pease and Ster- Among the solid men of Grass Lake ling in Grass Lake and Daniels two miles were the three brothers, James, Lemuel north of Grand river. He brought with and Michael Dwelle, who came from Con- him his oldest son, Abel W. Daniels, two necticut and settled in Michigan in 1840. yoke of cattle, two loads of farming tools They all began life as farmers and by their and household goods and all things neces- energy and enterprise soon ranked among sary to start a pioneer farm. After select- the most forehanded men in the township. ing a site and building a log house, he re- James Dwelle engaged in merchandising turned east in the fall and left his son to and was for years one of the principal mer- continue the work of improvement on the chants of the place. He was supervisor farm. He shipped west from Rochester for several terms and once an unsuccessful three hundred fruit trees, apples, pears and candidate for the legislature. Lemuel cherries, and Abel set out six acres of or- Dwelle was a farmer, but held several of the chard and the old Daniels orchard is a land township offices. Michael Dwelle was also mark to this day. John Daniels and his . a farmer, but finally became connected with wife returned in 1832, and continued to and was president of the Exchange Bank of reside there until their deaths at advanced Grass Lake. The Dwelles were originally ages. John Daniels was a model man and Democrats, but all joined the Republican citizen and was foremost in everything to party at its organization and continued promote the public welfare. His wife was stanch supporters of its principles and pol- a model Christian woman, whom the writer icy so long as they lived. Several of their remembers with feelings of love and grati- sons still live in Grass Lake and are influ- tude for her uniform kindness to the youth. ential men. Two have been supervisors, and Abel W. Daniels returned to New York one, A. W. Dwelle, is now sheriff of the in 1840 and remained two years, when he , county. returned, having married Miss Emily L, THE DANIELS FAMILY. Thomas. They continued to reside on the homestead until they died, she in 1852, and Frequent mention is made in the early he in 1868. They left four children, three pages of this work of John Daniels and his daughters and one son, one of whom, Mrs. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 347 Maynard, lives in Blackman. She and her the colony sought her out and they became two sons still own and carry on the old quite intimate as early as 1835-6. I can re- homestead farm. member when a boy of riding to Parma after Henry H. Daniels, the youngest son, an ox team to visit our Quaker friends. The grew to manhood in Jackson, and settled on Quakers were all strong anti-slavery people, a farm of three hundred acres in Blackman and it was through the influence of those township, on the Clinton road, near the Friends that father's house, on the old Clin- county poor farm. He improved it, and ton road, in Blackman township, became a made it one of the best in the county. He regular relay station on the "underground married Miss Clarisa Denton, and they had railroad” of those days. The negroes used two children, the son now remaining. Mr. to come in installments of one to half a Daniels died in 1880, and his remains, with dozen, always in the night, and were those of his wife, repose in Mt. Evergreen, secreted during the day and the next and are marked by one of the most beautiful night forwarded to the next station. From monuments on the ground. Jefferson J. Dan- our house they were taken sometimes to iels, the only son, lives on the homestead and Grass Lake, and sometimes to Stockbridge. is a prosperous farmer, who takes a lively in- | Many Many a weary night's ride fell to my lot, terest in all public matters and enterprises. along the new and rough roads, across Maria Daniels, the only daughter of John Leoni and Waterloo, to aid these poor fugi- Daniels, was a remarkably beautiful and tive slaves on their way to freedom. cultured woman, educated in Rochester, The Motts left Parma about 1844, and New York. She married N. K. Fritts, who went to join a Quaker colony in Wisconsin. owned a large farin adjoining the Daniels The Hoag's remained and the family is still farm on the south. Mr. and Mrs. Fritts numerous in Parma. George Hoag was the were prominent members of the Episcopal supervisor of the town for twenty years. church for years and contributed liberally | The Uptons lived and died mostly on their to its financial support. They are both de- farms, only one remaining. Daniel Upton ceased, leaving to their two children a com- was several times supervisor, ten years petence of this world's goods. county clerk, and also a representative in the state legislature. Edmund Upton served THE QUAKER COLONY. eight years as supervisor, and still resides on Among the early settlers in the west part his farm. of the county, mostly in the town of Parma, were several families of Quakers or Friends. These comprised the families of Isaac and One of the families that deserves particu- Uriah Mott, George and William Hoag, and lar mention is that of the Kennedys, Fred- Samuel and Edward Upton. They built a erick A. and George W., early pioneers in church in the north part of Parma, which is Hanover township. They were English still standing: My mother was of Quaker people, who emigrated to this country in stock on the mother's side, þeing of the old 1830, and came to Michigan in 1835. Fred- Hooker stock, and, by some strange instinct erick A. came first, and located one mile west THE KENNEDY FAMILY. 348 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. poor. He of where Hanover village now stands. He cares and devote his time to more congenial made a good farm and soon became a prom- matters. His chief interest centered in re- inent citizen of the county. He held the ligious duties and activities. He was a offices of justice of the peace, and supervisor church deacon, and for many years , the pa- of the township and was also a member of triarch of his church. He had a son, Charles the legislature. He moved into Jackson . D. Turner, who was educated at Yale and city in 1874, and was for ten years one of Andover, and became a minister. He was the board of superintendents of the an exceptionally bright man and an effective died in 1892, having lived a long, useful and and popular preacher, but death cut short honorable life. He had a family of five sons his career at the early age of thirty-five and one daughter. The latter married Wil- years. The oldest daughter, Mary, married lard Lewis, for many years connected with Dr. Moses A. McNaughton, who filled a the People's National Bank, and is still a large space in religious circles for many resident of the city. The oldest son, J. years. She left two children, Ralph T. Mc- Benton Kennedy, enlisted in the First Michi- Naughton and Mrs. J. W. Blakely, both gan Infantry, at the beginning of the Civil well-known and highly respected residents of war, rose to the rank of captain and was the city. Another daughter, Eliza, married killed at the second battle of Bull Run. An- Hugh McNaughton, who turned out to be a other son, Frederick, was a lieutenant in a worthless fellow, but she was soon left a company of sharpshooters. Two sons still widow. She was a generous Christian live in Hanover, able and honorable busi- woman, with a heart and hand full of charity ness men. and spent much of her time caring for the George W. Kennedy was for a number sick and distressed. Another daughter, Cor- of years a farmer of Hanover, where he nelia, married George H. Lathrop, who was held numerous local offices, including super- a well-known business man, for many years visor, but removed to Jackson about 1876. a manufacturer and later a real estate dealer, He is eighty-three years old, a smart and who built the Union block and made many active business man, popular and respected other improvements. The panic of 1873 by all who know him. A paper from his put him hors de combat, financially, and he pen on the pioneer history of Hanover ap- closed out his interest in Jackson and re- pears in another part of this work. moved to Grand Traverse, where he died about ten years ago. Arthur D. Lathrop DEACON BELA TURNER and Dr. W. W. Lathrop, his sons, are was born and reared in Hartford, Connect- still residents of this city. icut, and came to Jackson in 1845. He was THE HARRINGTON FAMILY. a man of the old-school, New England type, earnest, honest and dignified. He was an Among those who settled in Jackson in exemplary church member and belonged to 1831 was Chester Harrington and his four the Congregational denomination. While sons, Charles, Chester, Stephen, Morris, and not a very wealthy man, he had an income his daughter, Mrs. Stephen Rowan. They that enabled him to avoid work and business came from New York and located farms JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 349 west of the city in Summit and Spring Ar- well started on the road to prosperity. They bor. They were enterprising and successful were all Baptists and aided to form the first men and always fulfilled their duties well. Baptist church in the county. The father Charles Harrington was several times elected and sons continued to own and reside on supervisor and his son, Porter S., has been their farm until their death, except Will- sheriff of the county. A son of Stephen A son of Stephen iam, who moved to the city. They held , has been supervisor of Henrietta. They many positions of trust, as have some of were all well-to-do, and their descendants their sons. Frances G. Fifield was super- are among our very best citizens. visor for six years, and sheriff of the coun- ty for four years, and was for ten years chief , THE MORRILL FAMILY. deputy warden at the state prison. He re- Nathaniel Morrill and two brothers turned to his farm again within the past came from Maine to Michigan in 1831, and year. George W. Fifield is a prominent un- settled on the river road a few miles north dertaker in the city and one of the leading of the city. They located and improved men in the First Methodist church; Jackson some of the finest farms in the county, and has no better or more popular citizen than for many years the Morrill settlement was this family. a synonym for progress and prosperity. Mr. THE BEAN FAMILY. Morrill erected a saw-mill on a small creek on his farm, and continued to manufacture Moses Bean and two brothers were lumber in the fall and spring for many among the pioneers who came from York years. They held many local offices and did state to Michigan in 1831. They settled in much to advance the public prosperity as Spring Arbor township, among the heavy well as their own. A goodly number of timber bottoms that lined the Sandstone their descendants still reside on the old creek. The brothers were Ambrose and St. homesteads and are still reckoned among Clair Bean. They were sturdy, honest and the best people in the county. ambitious inen, and wrought out good homes and farms in one of the best sections of the THE FIFIELD FAMILY. county. Moses Bean had a large family and Enoch Fifield was a native of Massachu- it was related of him that one time when a setts, but resided for a number of years in traveler was struggling with the mud of the Salisbury, New Hampshire. He came to creek bottom he stopped in front of Moses' Michigan in 1830 and located a section of house and began to upbraid him for the bad land three miles north of Jackson. He came condition of the roads. Among other things with his family of three sons and a daughter, he asked Moses what in the world induced in 1831, in company with the Morrill family him to settle in such a country for. “What which they came in contact with on the Erie can you raise in the mud” he asked. Moses Canal. Enoch and his sons, George, Will- drawled out that he had found it “a good iam and Stephen, built a double log house place to raise Beans.” and began improvements, and in a few years Ambrose Bean, Jr., was the first white had secured comfortable homes, and were male child born in Jackson county, in the 350 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. SAMUEL 0. KNAPP spring of 1832. He still resides in the town- made was a boulder of pure native copper ship of Summit. George W. Bean was quite weighing three thousand pounds, which they a noted preacher and revivalist of the Free managed to convey by means of a rude sled Methodist sect. Another son, L. J. Bean, Another son, L. J. Bean, and a pine-log canoe to navigable waters, was a prominent lawyer in Adrian, who died some twenty-two miles, then shipped it to some two years ago. Henry F. Bean is a New York that same season. Mr. Knapp well-known civil engineer and other mem- was employed by a party of New York mer- bers of the family are equally prominent citi- chants to superintend a gang of men, and zens. John N. Bean, the oldest son of Moses open a new mine for them, and after spend- and a wealthy farmer, died in 1900 at the ing the winter in the East, he fitted out for age of eighty years. His last days were not the work in Detroit, and in the spring of his best, and his will was unsatisfactory to 1847 returned to the mines in Ontonagon his family and was contested. “The Bean county with twenty men, which was in- , will case” has been a sensation in the circuit creased until in four years the miners and court for the last two years, but a jury at their families numbered three hundred. the last term declared it invalid. Outside During those four years Mr. Knapp made this family quarrel the Bean family enjoy many important discoveries of antique stone- a good reputation and are regarded as good mining implements and open mines involv- citizens ing great labor of the pre-historic miners. Their rude stone mining tools were found in such quantities that they were used to wall was born in Royalton, Vermont, in 1816. up a large spring whose water supplied their At the age of ten years he was apprenticed modern successors. . Mr. Knapp's opera- to Governor Charles Paine to learn woolen tions proved very successful, large quanti- manufacturing. Two years later he was put ties of ore were taken out, a smelting works , in charge of the carding department, and was was erected on the Detroit river to reduce it, made superintendent of both carding and and was operated the last two years of his spinning when eighteen years old. Eighteen connection with the business. Mr. Knapp years of close confinement in the factory in- sold his interest in the developed mines, and jured Mr. Knapp's health, and through the returned to Jackson in 1851. After settling advice of Mr. Paine he took charge of a hotel down in Jackson he devoted considerable at- in Northfield for a year and a half; came to tention to nursery business and fruit grow- Jackson, Michigan, to set up and start some ing for some years, and operated quite heav- machinery just purchased for woolen manu- ily in real estate. The present beautiful facture in the Michigan state prison. Mr. summer resort, Bay View, on the borders of Knapp superintended the factory about a Little Traverse bay, owes its origin and at- year and a half in 1845 and 1846, then went tractions chiefly to Mr. Knapp's judgment on a prospecting tour up into the Lake Su- in selecting the site and his energy and taste perior copper mining region, being accom- in developing it. Mr. Knapp married Sarah panied by several others. He spent the sea- A. Balch, of Royalton, Vermont. They had son exploring, and among the discoveries no children. Both were Methodists, and a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 351 were “pillars of the church” during their life time. Levant, who lives in California, the rest of the family reside in Jackson county. Mar- cuis died in 1898 in Leoni. THE MARKHAM FAMILY. MRS. ELECTA M. SHELDON. David Markham was born in Avon, On- tario county, New York, June 1, 1804, was Electa M. Bronson was born in the woods reared on a farm and received a common- near Plymouth, Wayne county, Michigan, in school education and remained with his par-1814. Her father was a native of Connecti- ents until he was twenty-three years old. In cut whọ had emigrated to Ohio and who 1826 he married Miss Clarissa Noble, of came to Detroit in 1812, as a volunteer sol- Vermont. She was born in 1807, and died dier. He located a farm in Wayne county March 12, 1847, 12, 1847, leaving eight children, and moved onto it at the close of the last William D., Marcus, Levant, Frank, Milo, war. They had three children, two daugh- Norman, Ransom and Ada; Luther is de- ters and a son. Electa was the oldest and ceased. Mr. Markham afterward married was a very bright and intelligent child, as Miss Anna A. Birch, who was born in Sen- well as woman. She was educated in select eca county, New York, in 1818, and there schools in Detroit and Ann Arbor and early were by this marriage nine children, Dar- developed an aptitude for literary work. She win F., Charles C., Wayne, Clarence E., married, at the age of twenty, Berthier Emma (dead), Ellen, Ida and Gertie, and M. Sheldon, an educated young man who one that died in infancy. In 1832 Mr. was a school teacher in Ypsilanti. Ypsilanti. Soon Markham came to Jackson to see the coun- after their marriage Mr. Sheldon had the try. His father, who was with him, was misfortune to lose an arm by having it not favorably impressed, and returned to crushed and broken while assisting to raise New York. In 1835 Mr. Markham moved a log house. They both taught school for to Jackson, and located on section 21, where several years, till Mr. Sheldon secured a , he built a house and commenced to make a position as bookkeeper in Detroit. Mrs. farm. At that time there were but six frame Sheldon devoted a large part of her time to buildings in Jackson. For their milling they literary work and was fortunate enough to went to Dexter and Adrian. They came enjoy the personal friendship of Gen. Lewis with an ox team, as did several others, and Cass and the late John L. Schoolcraft. The were fifteen days in making the rip. In an result of their friendship was the publica- early day he was a leading man in the coun- tion of “Sheldon's History of Michigan,” ty, taking a lively interest in all the affairs which was in early days used as a school a a of the county pertaining to its elevation. text-book. In 1844 Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon He held the office of supervisor, and sev- moved to Jackson, where both passed the eral local offices of trust, and was a mem- remainder of their lives. Mr. Sheldon held ber of the Masonic fraternity for over sev- several positions of trust, was tax collector enty years. Mr. Markham died in 1895. and a justice of the peace and school in- With the exception of a son, William D., spector and director. He died in 1857. who lives at Hart, Michigan, and another, Mrs. Sheldon was of a strong religious 352 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. turn and became a member of the church soon became leading citizens. Stephen H. at an early age. Much of her literary work was elected to several township offices, but was of a religious character. She was the did not run much to politics though he was author of several tracts published by the a strong Whig. He became a sheep raiser American Tract Society, and of several and a very successful farmer. His sons are books and tales that were published by the still among the most respected farmers of American Sunday School Union. She was the town. Luther H. Ludlow, in addition very active in Sunday school work, and in- to being a successful farmer, developed in- troduced the feature of Sunday school to a most successful politician. He was a . concerts. After her husband's death she justice of the peace for twelve years and learned telegraphy and was the first opera- supervisor for seven years. He was elected tor after the line reached Jackson. In 1863 register of deeds in 1860-64, was county she married John Stewart, a builder and treasurer in 1868 and 1870. He repre- prominent church member. In 1875 they sented the third district in the legislature moved on to a small farm at Michigan in 1877-8. He was two terms county clerk, Center. She was for years postmistress at and was again elected county treasurer in the Center, until her extreme age caused 1880 and 1882. Like his brother, he was her to relinquish her duties. Mrs. Stewart an enthusiastic Whig and Republican. He died in Jackson in 1902. She was a Chris- retired from his last office in 1884, and took tain and a womanly woman. Her services up his residence in the village of Parma, to the Congregational church were of great where he died in 1889. He had two sons, value, as they were also to the whole com- both of whom are dead. Jackson county munity. She was too charitable to acquire has had but few better citizens than the property, and her whole aim in life was to Ludlow family. do good to others. The world has alto- DEACON JOHN M'CONNELL. gether too few such persons and appreci- ates them too little. Among the sturdy pioneers of Jackson county, none deserve a better mention than John McConnell. He was of Scotch an+ The Ludlow family were originally cestry, but was born and reared in Niagara , from New England, but Thomas Ludlow county, New York. His family were farm- moved' to Tompkins county, New York, ers and his father was a soldier and fought and settled in what afterwards was known the British regulars at Fort Niagara, as the village of Ludlowville. They were Queenston and Lundy's Lane. John Mc- originally tanners and workers in leather. Conell was of heroic mold, stood six feet Two of the Ludlow boys, Stephen H. and tall and his weight was about one hundred Luther H. Ludlow, came to Michigan in and eighty pounds. The family were strong 1838 and located in the town of Springport. Baptists and he allied himself to the first They had been harnessmakers in the east, Baptist organization in the county and was but became farmers in Michigan. Both for forty years one of the church deacons. were intelligent and ambitious men and He came to Jackson in June, 1830, when THE LUDLOW FAMILY. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1 353 there were but two log houses in the place. intolerably hot. Soon after sunrise, Good- He located one hundred and sixty acres of rich, with ten cradles and the necessary land north of town, and helped my father helpers, attacked McConnell's wheat field. cut the logs and raise his house on Black- The Deacon saw the onslaught from the stone street, the third house built in the house and he promptly notified Goodrich city, and father did the same for him when to quit work on Sunday, as he would not he erected the log house on his farm. He pay for work done that day. “Never mind, was a fearless man. When the wolves were Deacon,” said Goodrich, "you jist go to thick and troublesome he would walk from church and pray for us and we will cut your the village to his farm and back in the dark, wheat.” The Deacon did go to church and morning and night, with his axe as his only he took the whole family with him. It was means of defense. One time when a band nine o'clock at night when we finished the a of drunken Sac Indians, whe were return- field (for I was one who swung a cradle ing from Malden, robbed his wagon, he at- that day) and left it nicely shocked and tacked the chief with a black snake whip capped. It stood in the field a whole month and made him return the property while the before it was stacked. When Deacon Mc- rest of the gang looked on, not daring to Connell thrashed he had one thousand six interfere. He returned to Niagara county hundred bushels of splendid wheat, which in the winter of 1830, making most of the he sold for two dollars a bushel to neigh- journey on foot, where he married Mrs. bors whose wheat was grown and spoiled. Celina Turner, and came back in the spring And the Deacon paid for the harvesting. . of 1831. The farm located by Mr. Mc- The McConnells raised five children, three Connell proved to be very stony, full of sons and two daughters. The oldest son, small cobble stones, and in order to get rid Turner, is a farmer and resides on the of a part of them he determined to build a gravel road. One son, Scott, lives on part cobble-stone house, which he did in 1838, of the old homestead, and Oscar H. Mc- and which still stands on the old place. His Connell has been for years a well known land was excellent wheat land and he raised business man of the city. Mr. and Mrs. as much as forty to forty-five bushels to the McConnell lived on the farm for over forty In the year 1847 the harvest was years, both dying in the 'seventies. They rained out. It rained nearly every day for left a good property and blameless repu- sixty days. Deacon McConnell had forty tation to their children, who have not acres of splendid wheat. He contracted sacrificed either, as they are persons of good with a Mr. Goodrich to cradle, rake and reputation and honorable standing in the bind it and put it in the shock, for two dol- community where they were all born and lars an acre. Goodrich was a weather-wise have spent useful lives. old coon and he “kalkerlated" the Sunday after the 4th of July would be a fair day, and he engaged all the men in the neighbor- was born in Charlotte, Chittenden coun-- hood he could get to cut McConnell's wheat. ty, Vermont, July 20, 1809. The family Sure enough it was clear and sunny, but was of Scotch descent. When the subject acre. LEONARD G. PERRY 23 354 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. . was a lad, the family moved to Troy, New He died July 20, 1895, of Bright's disease, York. His father met a tragic fate in 1814, on the day he was seventy-six years old. having been burned to death in a lumber THE ELLISON FAMILY. camp in Essex county. Young Perry learned the cabinetmaker's trade, and started for the The Ellison family were among the west when twenty years old. He came to early settlers in eastern New York. The Jackson in 1831, and was the first cabinet- father of Owen Ellison was a Revolutionary maker. Many of the tables, bureaus and soldier and after the war settled in Orange bedsteads of the early settlers were of his county. Owen Ellison was born in 1809 handicraft. In 1838 he purchased one hun- and lived at home until his father died in dred and sixty acres of land on section 21, 1816. Owen volunteered in the war of in Summit, and built a log house and be- 1812, and was in the battle of Plattsburg: gan to improve it. He built the third frame His mother was born in 1780 and died in barn erected in the town, in 1835, which is Michigan in 1848. Mr. Ellison married still standing. He afterwards purchased in 1830, and removed to Michigan in 1834, forty acres more land on section 16. He settling in Summit township in 1835. Mr. was married in April, 1837, to Sarah M. Ellison was always known as a hustler, and Hodgkins, eldest daughter of Capt. Cyrus by his energy acquired a farm of six hun- Hodgkins, from Niagara county, New dred acres of land. They had a large York. She was born October 19, 1817, family, of whom four sons are yet living, and died July 15, 1879. In 1849-50 Mr. George W., who is a farmer in Summit; Perry erected the first brick dwelling house Frances M., who resides on the old home- built in Sunimit, making the brick himself. stead; Owen, Jr., who was assistant sur- The lumber for it he drew in the winter on geon of the Thirty-first Infantry, resides at sleighs from Chesaning, in Saginaw county, Ironton, Ohio, and Benjamin is a druggist , and the cedar shingles from Carson City, at Alma, Michigan. Owen Ellison was a Montcalm county. Mr. Perry's family con- member of the Wesleyan Methodist church, sisted of two daughters, Mary Elizabeth, and was for years a preacher in that de- born in 1838, and Phylicta M., in 1840. nomination. in 1840. nomination. He was a strong anti-slavery - The eldest married Col. C. V. DeLand in and temperance man, and the family are all 1859. She was the mother of seven chil- reliable Republicans. Owen Ellison and his dren, five of whom are now living. The wife both died at a good old age, and sleep oldest son is now county treasurer of Jack- side by side in the beautiful rural cemetery son county. She is the owner of the old at South Jackson. homestead. Her sister married Dr. J. C. Johnston, who was killed by a railroad ac- cident in 1896. Mr. Perry and his wife The subject of this sketch descended were both members of the Congregational through a long line of English ancestors. church. He was a quiet, unassuming man, They were of that element among the people but highly esteemed for his integrity and who regarded righteousness as of more im- solid character as a citizen and business man. portance than high church ceremonies, be- FREDERICK WILLIAM KIRTLAND. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 355 ing ready to advance with the growing was the place where many of the next gen- civilization. eration founded homes. From Saybrook The founder of the family in England they moved farther into the interior,—it is , was Gamel, Lord of Kirtland, who came said to keep the sons from going to sea. over from Normandy with William the Frederick W. Kirtland was born in the Conqueror in 1066. His first estate was little village of Durham, that nestles among at Eastbourne, not far from the high plateau the Catskill mountains, on the 16th of July, where the battle of Hastings was fought. 1806. His boyhood days were spent on his One estate was in the county of Derby, an- father's farnı. He did not like the idea of other in Lancaster county. As the family being a farmer, as his health was quite frail, grew it spread all over England. In the but chose to be a merchant, entering a store thirteenth century one Peter de Kirteland to acquaint himself with the business. His signed his name to a legal document in Es- first independent venture in the mercantile sex county; some lived in the city of Lon- business was at New London, Connecticut. don. Many of the family made their home For a number of years,—about six,—he in the south of England, in Cumberland carried on a first-class store. It used to be county; some went as far as Scotland and said that “if anyone wanted the very best, Ireland; hence arose the idea that the family they were sure to find it at Kirtland's.” originated in Scotland. Like many other young men, he became in- In the year 1616 John Kirtland, Gentle- fatuated with the idea of going into the man, of Tickford, county Berks, made his new west. In the fall of 1842 he closed up will, in which he gave property to his daugh- his business in New London, and came to ters Abigail, Susanna and Mary, as well as Detroit, Michigan. Here he opened a dry- to his sons, John, Francis and Joseph, and goods store in November, employing C. H. godson, John Kirtland, son of his brother Haskell as clerk. Not finding his business Phillip. His wife was generously provided at Detroit what it was represented to be, he for and made executrix. One Phylip Kyrt- sold out and came on to the end of the rail- land was one of the witnesses to the will. road, to what was then Jacksonburg. July When the good ship “Hopewell,” of Lon- 3, 1843, he opened what he was pleased to don, sailed for New England, in April, call the “New York Store,” on the south ” 1635, there were two young men aboard, side of Main street, about half way between named Kyrtland-Phylip, aged twenty-one, Jackson and Mechanic streets. and Nathaniel, aged nineteen, from Thering- years he was an active, pushing business ton, in Buckinghamshire, England. The first home of the family in America was at Ever since his conversion Mr. Kirtland Lynn, Massachusetts. Then with many took an active part in the work of the church others they went to Southhold, Long Island. and Sabbath school. On coming to Jack- Evidently their expectations were not real- son he aided in every way the promoting ized. Hope was not fruition, for at least one and building up of the First Congregational of the brothers returned to Massachusetts, church. Next to his family the church held settling at Salem. Saybrook, Connecticut, the warmest place in his affections. He was For many man. 356 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. clerk of the church for many years and was York. There were four brothers who came one of its deacons for nearly a third of a to Jackson at an early day and settled on century. He helped to organize its Sab- farmers. Ambrose Crouch settled in the bath school in 1843, was its first superin- town of Liberty. He was a man of character tendent, and continued an active worker in and probity and acquired a good property, the school for over twenty-five years. In which he left to his family. Two of his sons politics he was a Republican, always ready are still living, who inherit the good name to meet all the duties and responsibilities and virtues of their father. The Crouch fam- of citizenship, though never seeking office. ily have never been politicians, though they During the Civil war he was a stanch up- have taken a lively interest in local affairs. holder of the Union, being of true and ef- Of his sons, Ambrose is a farmer in Liberty, ficient help to Governor Blair. Andrew is a resident of Leoni, and Richard Mr. Kirtland was married to Eliza resides in the city of Jackson. Crump Cleaveland, daughter of Judge Will- Andrew J. Crouch settled on section 33 iam Cleaveland, of New London, Connecti- in the town of Summit. He was a thrifty cut, who died in 1839. In 1843 he married farmer and accumulated a competence. He Betsey S. Cross, daughter of Thomas and had a family of several girls, who married Laura (Sandford) Cross, of Portland, nearby settlers. Among them were Mrs. Maine. He was the father of eight chil- Every, deceased, and Mrs. Charles A. Web- dren, one son and seven daughters, all of ster, who still resides in Summit township. whom lived to grow up. Near his house is a huge spring at the foot Mr. Kirtland died at his home in Jack- of the “big hills” from which runs a large son, at the twilight hour on the 7th of April, brook called Spring Brook, its course lead- 1891, aged eighty-four years, eight months ing to Grand river. . This spring never and twenty-two days. From an obituary varies in size or temperature, or in volume, notice in the Citizen we quote, “He was of and is well stocked with trout. a kindly, generous nature, remarkable in its Joseph Crouch was another of the family quiet strength and equitable distribution. that settled in Summit and was a prosper- He was the friend of all good causes, and ous farmer. He died in 1880, and left a his life has made the world better for the wife and one daughter. Mrs. Freelove Ham- living. By his sterling qualities of head and mond, who resides on the old homestead. heart he won the confidence and esteem of Jacob Crouch came to Jackson county all who knew him. A deep regret was felt in 1833 and located on a farm in Spring by all his friends over the end of his long Arbor. He was an energetic, close-fisted and useful life.” and thrifty farmer who acquired about five hundred acres of choice wheat-raising land THE CROUCH FAMILIES. and a fortune of nearly one hundred thousand Probably no family in the county or dollars. He had a family of three sons and state has acquired a wider notoriety than two daughters. The two oldest sons were the Crouch family. They were originally in the Union army, in the cavalry, and after from New England and later from New the war settled in Texas. They were all a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 357 wild and reckless from boyhood. One of Charlotte Bonfoy, of West Haddam, who the girls married D. S. Holcomb, and the was aged twenty. She was a woman of other married Henry White. The mother good education and an estimable family. having died, White and his wife lived with The fruit of this marriage was thirteen chil- the father, the youngest son, Judd D., liv- dren, all of whom grew to manhood and ing with the Holcomb family. It was womanhood, married and reared families known for several years that the family re- of from one to eight children each. In lations were not pleasant, but this was at- 1808 the family moved to Schoharie county, tributed to the fact that the boys were very New York. Mr. Bradford volunteered in extravagant. On the 22d of November, the last war in 1812, and carried a musket in community was startled with the infor- the recapture of Detroit and at the battle of mation that Jacob Crouch, his daughter the Thames. After the war, in 1815, he , Eunice, his son-in-law, Henry White, and settled in Steuben county, and engaged in , a visitor named Polley, from Pennsylvania, lumbering. From this place he came to had all been murdered in their own house. Michigan in 1832, and from Detroit came It was the greatest wholesale slaughter that to Jackson county in 1835 and settled in the had ever occurred in the state. All kinds town of Spring Arbor. He died in 1837, of reasons and suspicions were aroused, two and his wife in 1839. He was a church deaths and several assaults grew out of it member and was a man foremost in every in quick succession, and the county was good cause, a strong anti-slavery man, a terribly scared and excited. No clue to the strenuous advocate of temperance, and edu- murderer was obtained for months, and cated his children to the same beliefs and finally the trial of the son-in-law, Holcomb, practices. Of his family of boys eight have resulted in an acquittal. The details of this been school teachers, two ministers, two extraordinary happening will be given in supervisors, three justices of the peace, two another chapter. Suffice it to say that "the school inspectors and one postmaster of the “ murder of the Crouch family” is still an town where they lived. Martin Bradford unsolved mystery. carried the first United States mail between Jackson and Grand Rapids, in 1836. The route was by Eastern Rapids, Vermontville, William Bradford was born June 17, Portland and on south of the river to the 1779, at East Haddam, Connecticut. He | Rapids. Beyond Vermontville there was was a lineal descendant of Gov. William no road, only a "blazed” trail, and only two Eradford, of Plymouth colony, who came settlers between Portland and Grand Rapids. over in the “Mayflower." His father and Paul B. Ring was contractor and cheated several brothers were prominent in the Bradford out of a large part of his pay, and Revolutionary army, and served under the latter composed and had printed a long General Washington. William taught poem that caused great amusement among school in Connecticut at the age of sixteen the early settlers. Robert Bradford had and for ten years after. At the age of an interesting pioneer history that would twenty-one, in 1880, he was married to fill pages. Quite a number of the Brad- THE BRADFORD FAMILY. 358 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ford family still live in Jackson county, and five daughters. As examples of thrift and they are widely scattered in the western good citizenship, the Crego family are states and on the Pacific slope. among the highest and best people of the county. THE CREGO FAMILY. THE DE LAMATER FAMILY. Richard Crego was a native of Herki- mer county, New York, but had removed Probably there is not another family in to Erie county prior to coming to Michigan. Jackson county that has been more closely He was a veteran of the war of 1812, and identified with the early history, growth and a man of intelligence and integrity. He development of this, one of the most pro- emigrated to Michigan in the spring of 1835 lific counties in - the Peninsular state, than and located on section II, township of Anson H. DeLamater and his brothers. Columbia His family consisted of eight Having come to Jackson county at a time sons and one daughter. He cleared a fine when the prairies and forests were in their farm and left a fair competence to his chil- primeval state, he had an experience that dren. Of his sons, four settled in Jackson justly earned him the venerable title of county and became well known citizens. pioneer. Richard J. Crego settled in Liberty The genealogy of the DeLamater family township, and was not only a successful is traceable as far back as the year 1656, to farmer but a prominent political figure. one Captain Isaac DeLamater, who be- The family were all Whigs and Republicans longed to the Huguenot sect and emigrated and had a large influence in the party. from Holland to America about that ime, Richard J. Crego was supervisor of Liberty and settled in Ulster county, New York. for many years, and later a representative Further down the line of descendants, his- and state senator. He was widely known tcry tells of one John DeLamater, who was and greatly respected. Fred B. Crego, his one of the fourth generation from Captain son, has long been a prominent business Isaac DeLamater, and he married Miss man in Jackson city. William C. Crego Maria Kipp, she being of the fifth generation was long one of the best known farmers in of the descendants of the historical Anneke Liberty and held several local offices in the Jans, who was a conspicuous character in township. He left a family of four boys the days of the early settlement of New and several daughters, all reputable and York city. Anson DeLamater was born well-known citizens. Chauncy M. Crego April 13, 1811, in the town of Pompey, - , was a resident of the town of Columbia, Onondaga county, New York. His father, where he had a fine farm under a good state John DeLamater, was formerly a resident of improvement. He was influential in of Dutchess county, but moved from there town and county politics, and though he to Pompey about the year 1800, where he seldom held office, was always prominent married Miss Zoa Eaton November 13, , in his party councils. He was killed by be- 1803. It was here that Anson received his ing kicked by a horse in his barn, in March, orse in his barn, in March, early schooling and afterward finished at 1893. He left a family of two sons and Cazenovia Seminary. He was at this time JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 359 sixteen years age, and being possessed He was the first supervisor of his township, of an independent and enterprising spirit, and filled that position for several succes- sought his own support and engaged alter- sive years; and as a proper recognition of nately in teaching and farming in Madison his valuable services as a public official, a county, New York, until the spring of 1834, citizen and a pioneer, he was elected presi- when he, with a cousin, Edward De dent of the Pioneer Society of Jackson Lamater, and their lamented friend and boy- County in 1880, and reelected in 1881. Mr. hood companion, Samuel T. Marsh, set out DeLamater was twice married, his first to seek their fame and fortunes in the then union being with Miss Anna Alida Adams, almost unbroken wilderness of the territory of Lansingburg, New York, in 1831; nine of Michigan, the first objective point being years later she died. In 1842 he married Detroit. From there they wended their Miss Lydia A. Parmater, of Steuben coun- way into the interior on foot, Indian file, ty, New York. following most of the time such tow-paths In personal appearance Mr. DeLamater or Indian trails as seemed to lead to the was a little above the medium height, and fountain of perpetual youth and fortune, stood erect. His genial countenance be- until they brought up on the north bank of spoke the force of character and the warm Clark's lake. Following around to the op- and passionate heart that made him a friend posite shore, they drove their stakes and to the friendless, a father to the fatherless, the wisdom of their choice is verified by and a ready helper to the poor and needy. the fact that these three farms, located side He died on the farm he had made and sleeps by side, are not only first in history, but are as one of the best remembered of our pioneer among the finest in point of location and citizens. quality of soil in the county. Having ac- His brothers, Edward, Abraham and quired at Cazenovia something of the the- Isaac DeLamater, were not so prominent ory of engineering and surveying, his politically, but were all respectable men and knowledge proved of practical use to him- good citizens. Washington DeLamater self and others in locating boundaries to was a veteran of the Civil war. The sons their property, and in 1837 he was elected of these pioneers are among the best known the first surveyor of Jackson county, which of the citizens of Jackson today, holding responsible position he held for twelve suc- prominent positions in manufacturing, bank- cessive years. The duties of this office in ing and other business, and ranking socially . those days were arduous and attended with among the best people of the city and much responsibility, and the accuracy and county. dispatch with which this work was done is due to the ability, energy and public zeal of Mr. Del amater. His popularity as a citi- The family of Chester Bennett were zen and official was demonstrated in 1842, among the early pioneers of New England, when he was chosen to represent his district having come from England in 1654 and in the Michigan legislature, which he did settled in Connecticut. From thence he with much satisfaction to his constituency. drifted into New York, and Chester Ben- DECAON CHESTER BENNETT. 360 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. THE HODGKINS FAMILY. nett was born in Ontario county in 1792. anti-slavery man. He was blunt, enthusi- He was educated in the public schools and astic ‘and energetic, frank in his denunci- learned the trade of a tanner and shoemaker. ation of all wrong, and a powerful factor in He came to Michigan in 1829, and lived supporting all that was good and moral. for a few years in Detroit. In 1832 he He was free hearted and charitable, and it , came to Jackson and located a large tract of was his purpose and practice to do all the land around Bennett's lake, now known as good possible in the world. He was suc- Vandercook's. He dug a race over a mile cessful in business and no citizen of Jackson long to secure a water power and erected was more respected or beloved. He was an a saw-mill on the highway, three miles south abolitionist and Republican in politics, and at the point where the Lake mills was after- though he did not seek office, he was an wards erected. This property he afterward ardent supporter of his party and princi- sold to Henry H. Vandercook, and came to ples. He was one of that type of men alto- . Jackson and engaged in tanning leather and gether too few in this world, who live to manufacturing boots and shoes. The tan- benefit his fellow men rather than himself. nery was located between the river and Mechanic street, and comprised the brick block lately occupied by M. F. Goodrich as Cyrus Hodgkins was a native of New a carriage factory. He also erected the Hampshire, and came came from England in three-story building corner of Mechanic and early colonial times. His father, Nathan- Pearl streets, occupying it as a boot and shoe iel Hodgkins, was a Revolutionary veteran, factory. who was under Gen. Ethan Allen at the Deacon Bennett was a very religious taking of Fort Ticonderoga,, and under man and for years a prominent member of General Gates at Saratoga and the capture the Congregational church. He contrib- of Burgoyne. When Cyrus was twenty uted liberally toward the erection of the years old he emigrated to western New first wooden church building and to both York and located in Niagara county, near the brick churches built by this society. He Lockport. He was twenty-four years old had a family of four boys and two girls, all when the war of 1812 came on, and immedi- of whom are deceased except the youngest, ately volunteered to defend the frontier. He . Mrs. Ayres, who resides in California. His was chosen lieutenant of the company and oldest son, George, enlisted for the Mexican was in all the battles along the Niagara war in 1846, and died from fever soon after frontier. His captain was killed in the as- the close of the war. Charles H., Harry sault on Queenston Heights and he was and Loren, the other sons, died in Jackson. chosen captain. He commanded the com- James O'Donnell Bennett, the noted news- pany in the battle of Lundy's Lane, and led paper critic of Chicago, is the son of Charles the charges that broke the British line, cap- , Bennett. William W. Bennett was tured the British artillery and turned the nephew. tide of battle in favor of the Americans. Chester Bennett was an earnest and con- After the war he returned to his farm, un- sistent Christian, a strong temperance and til the Erie Canal was built, and took a con- a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 361 acres. tract for quarrying stone for the locks at eral Harrison. His wife died in Monroe Lockport. After the canal was finished he in 1834. Jerry Marvin, as he was always ran a canal boat for several seasons between called, came to Jackson in 1832. He Buffalo and Rochester. He came to Mich- brought three yoke of oxen to do breaking igan in 1832 and located on section 17, in for the new settlers. He bought a half in- Summit township. He was married in Ni- terest in the old Bennett & Thompson mill agara county to Miss Darling, who died in property and engaged in lumbering. He Summit in 1842. They had three sons and supplied the saw-mill with logs, oak, white- two daughters. Sylvester died in 1850 on wood, basswood and black walnut, and de- the plains en route for California. Daniel livered the lumber to the settlers as they became a well-known business man in Jack- needed it. In 1833 he purchased eighty son, and died in St. Louis, Missouri, in Jan- acres of land and began the making of a uary last. Joshua went to Lake Superior, farm. He added to it until he became the in 1847 to work for the Jackson Iron Com- most extensive farmer in the county, own- pany and still resides at Marquette. The ing at one time one thousand five hundred oldest daughter married L. G. Perry and He was a good business man and died in Summit. The second daughter mar-, held a high place in public esteem. He was ried William M. Youngs and died in Mont- an athlete and many stories are told of his calm county one year ago. Amasa Darling, prowess in lifting, jumping and wrestling. a brother of Mrs. Hodgkins, settled in Con- One time he had a fractious steer he was cord in 1835. His sons and grandsons now trying to yoke. The steer dodged the yoke reside in Tompkins. Mr. Hodgkins mar- and made for the woods. Jerry took after ried a second time, in 1848, to Arvilla Dib- him and ran him down, caught him by the ble, by whom he had two sons, Lewis and horn and nose, led him back and yoked Charles, both deceased, and a daughter, him to his mate. One time when Marvin . Mrs. Powell, who still lives on the old home- was looking for timber in the Portage stead. Mrs. Hodgkins died in February, woods, north of town, he was confronted 1903, aged ninety-seven years and three by a huge she bear. He had only a small months. She was the last pensioner of the hatchet, but he cut a small ironwood tree war of 1812 in the county. Mr. Hodgkins and made a club about six feet long and was blind for several years before his death, killed the bear with it. Mr. Marvin mar- . which was in 1888, aged eighty-five. ried Emily French, of Monroe, in 1839. He built a nice residence on the Clinton road, JEREMIAH MARVIN. north of the village, and for thirty years Mr. Marvin was born in Genesee coun- the Marvin residence was an attraction to ty, New York, in 1805. His father, Na- their friends. They belonged to the Epis- than Marvin, was a native of Granville, copal church. Mrs. Marvin died in 1869, Hampden county, Massachusetts, and came leaving no children. In 1876 he married a to Monroe county, Michigan, in 1820, Miss Savage, by whom he had a daughter. where he died in 1832. He was a captain It was the usual outcome of an old man and in the war of 1812, and served under Gen- a young and giddy wife. Rumor had it a 362 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. that his later domestic relations were not al- THE JACKSON FAMILY. together pleasant. While Mr. Marvin was always an aggressive and progressive busi- Major Anson William Jackson was born ness man, he was not a politician and al- in New Hampshire, October 3, 1773; his ways avoided public office and position. wife, Hannah, nee Brooks, was born in Mr. Marvin died in 1879. Westmoreland, Herkimer county, New , York, February 1, 1780. His father was a THE HENDEE FAMILY. soldier in the Revolutionary war, and the family lived in Great Barrington, Massa- The Hendee family hailed from Ver- chusetts. At the close of the war he lived mont, having settled at Pittsford in an early in Montgomery county, New York, then day. The elder Hendee was a Revolution moved to Onondaga county, in the same ary soldier, having served under General state, in 1796. A. W. Jackson, in 1836, Stark in the battle at Bennington, and in the moved to Jacksonburgh, Jackson county, capture of Burgoyne's army at Saratoga. Michigan, locating on sections 4 and 5 in 5 His son, David Hendee, emigrated to Ni- what is now Blackman. In the war of 1812 agara county, New York, in 1811. He was he was captain of a company of minute men, an ensign in the American army and en- and went to Oswego, New York; was a gaged in the campaign along the frontier in military officer till he resigned as major. the war of 1812. He became an ordained In 1833 there was a postoffice named Wy- minister of the Baptist church, and came to oming, six miles from Jackson, on the Clin- Michigan as a missionary in 1828. He came ton road, and Robert Jackson, second son to Jackson in 1838, and organized the first of A. W. Jackson, was postmaster, which Baptist church in 1838. He and his wife He and his wife office he held until he left the state in 1847. both died in Hillsdale county. His wife It was discontinued a few years afterward. a died in 1861, and he died in June, 1869. He went to Ilinois, where he still resides. One of his sons, Royal D. Hendee, settled Col. Jer. Jackson, the father of A. W. Jack- on a farm in Blackman, and was for fifty son, was a native of Rhode Island, born Au- years a resident of that township. Jona- gust 13, 1739; his mother was Phebe Mur- than H. Hendee lived on a farm in Rives ray, of Connecticut, of the same age, a rela- township. John D. Hendee was a farmer tive of Brig.-Gen. Murray, of Nova Scotia, in Blackman. He served for three years in who fought under Wolfe at the battle of Company K, Eighth Michigan Infantry, Quebec in Canada. He enlisted as a ser- during the Civil war. There is a large num- geant at Fort Cumberland, Nova Scotia, in ber of the descendants still living in Mich- the English army; was at the taking of Que- igan, all reputable people. Three of the bec; served his time and was discharged; daughters are wives of prominent Baptist came to the states; enlisted in the Conti- ministers. The sons are scattered about the nental ariny with his three eldest sons- state, and most of them are prosperous John, aged eighteen, Jeremiah, aged six- business men. teen, and Matthew Murray, aged fourteen; JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 363 - continued with the army till the close of the was the son of Jared and Levina (Butter- war, and was with Washington at Valley field) Richardson, who were farmers. They Forge. His discharge from the English came to Michigan in 1834, remaining until army and his commission in the Continental death. The subject of this sketch was the army are still in possession of the family. oldest of the children, and started in life for He moved to Montgomery county, lived himself at the age of twenty-one years. He there some years, then went to Onondaga went to his native town, Leroy, and worked county, New York, where he died in 1809, on a farm at twelve dollars per month for and was buried on his farm, with military seven months, then worked five months for honors. His wife survived him but a few ten dollars per month. He saved ninety years, and was buried by his side. He owned dollars of his earnings, and April 20, 1834, the first grist and saw-mill in Onondaga started for the west, with the family of , county, known as the Jackson mills. Of a Sherman Eastman; they came to Buffalo in family of nine children, five are still living wagons; arrived at Detroit April 28; re- -Robert and George Jackson live in Illi- mained there over Sunday; left Monday nois; three daughters in Michigan; Marion morning with two yoke of oxen and a wagon Jackson, now Mrs. Perrin, lives in Hamlin, loaded with household goods; found very Eaton county; Phebe Jackson, now the bad, muddy roads; arrived in Sandstone, Widow Godfrey, lives in Blackman on a this county, Saturday evening and remained part of the homestead; Diadama Jackson, over night at the Barry Hotel, kept by Fred- now Mrs. Beebe, owns forty acres of the erick Booth. At that time the mail was same, a gift from her father. A. W. Jack- carried from Jackson to Chicago in a lum- son died June 20, 1857, in the eighty-third ber wagon drawn by two horses; this was year of his age. His wife died January 4, also the only mode of conveyance for pas- 1842, aged sixty-two years. Sophia Jack- sengers. Mr. Richardson worked for Mr. son (Mrs. Wilson) died in 1842; Eudora Eastman seven months, at twelve dollars per Jackson (Mrs. Reed), in 1842, in New York month; in the fall of 1834 he went to Mon- , state; Hannah Jackson died in Jackson, roe city to the land office, a distance of Michigan, in 1845, and Anson Jackson died about ninety miles, on foot and alone; pur- in Mason, Ingham county, Michigan, in chased eighty acres of government land at 1853. Mrs. Skinner, of this city, is a daugh- one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre; ter of the last named. went to work again, at thirteen dollars per month, and the next spring sent to Monroe THE RICHARDSON FAMILY. and purchased forty acres more; he then The Richardsons were residents of New bought a yoke of oxen, paying eighty dol- York. Very little is known of their ante- lars, and commenced breaking up his cedents, until we come to Jared S. Richard- ground. December 2, 1837, he married , son, the pioneer in Michigan, and we will Harriet M. Bush; built a small log cabin let him tell his story in his own words. and moved into it. In 1853 he purchased Jared S. Richardson was born in Leroy, eighty acres of land of F. E. Bush, for Genesee county. New York, in 1812, and which he paid thirteen dollars and twenty- 364 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. five cents per acre; fifty-five acres were im- his brother, Edward W., and they engaged proved. This land he deeded to his eldest in buying produce. They had several teams son, Henry Clay, when the latter was twen- and carried on a freighting business to To- ty-one years old. In 1857 Mr. Richardson ledo, where they shipped on their father's built his fine brick residence, which cost over vessels to Cleveland. They brought in three thousand dollars. They have four liv- | pork, beef, cheese and butter from Ohio ing children, all married. The youngest and large quantities of general freight. son, Albert S., and his wife, work the farm. The firm of Rockwell & King was burned Mr. Richardson was a Whig and an enthusi- out in 1844 and they had one of their ves- astic Republican. He held several township sels on Lake Erie wrecked in a storm. They offices, including that of supervisor, for sev- closed out business and the elder Rockwell eral years. Henry Clay Richardson is prom- joined his sons in Jackson. In 1849 Ed- inent in the party and community and is one ward Rockwell crossed the plains to Cali- of the best and most forehanded citizens of fornia. His wife died in 1852, and he never the township of Sandstone. returned. He was a member of the state convention that adopted the free-state con- THE ROCKWELL FAMILY. stitution, and died at Shasta City in 1859. Benjamin W. Rockwell married, in Jackson, The Rockwell family date back to the in 1844, Miss Semantha DeLand, eldest earliest settlement of New York city. daughter of Judge W. R. DeLand, who was Thomas Rockwell, of the third generation, born in Massachusetts in 1824, and came to was born there in 1782, and was married to Michigan with her parents in 1830. She Sarah Tyler in 1804, and was engaged in died in 1852, leaving three children. trade until 1818, when he removed to Thomas Rockwell was from early life Onondaga county and purchased a farm and a church member, as was his wife. He was remained there until 1827, when he removed a member of the Congregational church and to Cleveland, Ohio, and established a whole- his wife was a Baptist. It was a com- a sale store in connection with Aaron King. mon sight to see Mr. Rockwell gallantly es- They owned two schooners on Lake Erie cort his wife to the door of the Baptist and a line of canal boats on the Ohio canal. church, bid her good bye and return to his They had two sons, Edward and Benjamin, own. They lived together fifty-four years, both born in New York, who were in the when he was called away in 1859, his wife employ of their father. His son Benjamin surviving him ten years. Thomas Rockwell came to Michigan in 1832, and, liking the was a deacon in the church for thirty years country, concluded to enter business here. and was known as “the good old deacon." He brought a stock of goods to Jackson He was a man of exemplary habits, great and opened a store. After two years he sold business capacity and integrity. After re- to Daniel Ford. Later he brought on a tiring from business, Benjamin Rockwell stock of crockery and stoneware and opened bought a farm in the south part of the city, trade again and gradually added dry goods where they lived until his death. The old and groceries. In 1838 he was joined by residence is now occupied by his daughter, JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 365 Mrs. Palmer. His two sons both own farms being as early as 1833. They remained in in Leoni township. Ohio a short time and the same year went to Indianapolis, Indiana, when the state was THE RICE FAMILY. one vast wilderness. In her own words, she Ethan H. Rice was born in Bridgeport, said she “had some experience in pioneer Addison county, Vermont, April 22, 1812, life riding in double wagons through mud where he was reared on a farm and received and timber, fording rivers and sleeping in an elementary education; remained on the log cabins.” In 1838 she came to Jackson, farm until he was twenty-two years old, Michigan, where she engaged in teaching un- taught school one winter and the following til she married. A niece of Mrs. Rice, Miss year engaged as clerk for Edward R. Ma- Frank Newbury, married Hon. John J. son, and remained with him two years. In | Bagley, a governor of Bagley, a governor of Michigan, and a 1838 he came to Michigan, and to Jackson nephew, John N. Newbury, was major of the year that the grounds of the prison were the Eighteenth Regular United States In- laid out. Soon after his arrival in Jackson fantry, and was killed in battle near the he engaged to Dyer & Derby as clerk, and south side railroad, before Petersburgh, Vir- remained with them one year. At that time ginia, in 1864. Mrs. Rice died in 1880, and a party of men, thinking Michigan Center Mr. Rice in 1885. would be the principal town in the county, George F. Rice was a younger brother, formed themselves into a corporation, bought also born in Vermont, who came to Jackson lumber and went there for the purpose of in 1842, and after clerking for several years, building up the town. Mr. Rice was em- engaged in the hardware business with his ployed as general superintendent and re- brother. Subsequently he was attached to mained in that capacity three years; then the firms of Rice & Gibson, Rice & McCon- came to Jackson, where he was employed nell and Rice, Pratt & Company. He was by Roots & Berry as clerk. In 1854 he en- engaged in the hardware trade over thirty gaged in the hardware trade, which business years. He was connected with the Congre- he followed twenty-four years. At the time gational church and took a leading part in of going out of business he was the oldest church work. He married Miss Jenny Wil- hardware merchant in the city. Mr. Rice cox, daughter of Deacon Lonson Wilcox. was a consistent Christian, and respected by They had no children. In his later years all. He held the office of alderman six Mr. Rice was afflicted with brain disease and was a staunch Republican. He mar- and for ten years was incapacitated for busi- ried Miss Gennett Sergeant, daughter of Dr. He died in 1901. Erastus Sergeant, a native of Massachusetts ; she was born August 16, 1822. There were three children-George, Emma and Will- Hon. Anos Root, farmer, capitalist, and iam. When Mrs. Rice was eleven years old president of the Grand River Railroad, was her father died and she came to Ohio to live the third son and one of a family of five sons with a sister, the wife of Rev. Samuel New- and two daughters of John and Roxana bury; they came the whole way in a buggy, (Worden) Root, and was born April 8, years, ness. HON. AMOS ROOT. 366 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1816, at Fort Ann, Washington County, once perceived that railroads were rapidly New York. John Root was for nearly half superseding the slower methods of trans- a century a blacksmith and manufacturer of portation by land and water, and were very edge tools in Fort Ann. His wife was a soon to become the great thoroughfares of woman of rare excellence of character. traffic and travel, and logically concluded Amos Root enjoyed such educational facili- that no considerable inland city could be ties as his native village schools could fur-created or exist without several of these nish and his feeble health would permit up life-giving arteries and veins of commerce. to the age of sixteen years, when he left Jackson then had but one line of railroad- home to enter the employ of his two elder the Michigan Central. The Palmyra & brothers, engaged in the mercantile busi- Jacksonburgh Railroad Company had been ness and manufacturing in Mohawk, Her- incorporated in 1836, and by the help of vol- kimer county, New York. During the sixuntary subscriptions at Jackson and other years of his connection with the firm of points, and one hundred thousand dollars Root Brothers, Amos received a physical from the state, thirteen miles of the road, and mental discipline which have contrib- from Palmyra to Tecumseh, had been built, uted much toward his usefulness and suc- and was forfeited to the state. In 1846 the cess in later life. In the fall of 1838 he, in charter for the construction of the Michi- company with Henry Orendorff, a fellow gan Southern Railroad was granted, upon clerk, immigrated to Michigan and engaged the implied condition that the company in merchandising in the then promising vil- should complete the Palmyra & Jackson lage of Michigan Center, Jackson county. road as a branch. In 1851, the Southern Fate having decreed that Jackson should be- road being finished, the provisions of the come the inland commercial city of this por- charter rendered it morally obligatory that tion of the state, the young firm removed the branch should be built. The company here in 1841. After having pursued a suc- was disposed to defer it till some future cessful mercantile life sixteen years longer, time, but Mr. Root assumed the responsi. during which he had invested quite heavily bility of urging its immediate construction, in real estate, Mr. Root sold out his inter- and, being a member of the legislature at ests in the store and devoted exclusive at- that time, so influenced the action of that tention to operating in lands and city prop- | body that lobbyists in behalf of the Southern erty, soon becoming recognized authority in road could only secure the measure sought matters pertaining to real estate. Believing by giving the personal bonds of the directors that flourishing cities are the result of judi- that the branch should be speedily built. cious enterprise of their inhabitants, rather Mr. Root was a prominent actor from the than advantageous locations, Mr. Root had inception of the enterprise, in procuring the a hope and confidence in the future of the personal guarantee of the directors, in get- city of his adoption which amounted to en- ting the books opened and securing local thusiasm, and every laudable public im- subscriptions to aid in its construction, and provement received his hearty endorsement in obtaining a pledge from the contractor and co-operation. His acute intellect at that the road should be finished by a speci- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 367 fied date, and at a time when the stock of county in the legislature in 1854; served as the company was depressed to six cents on a member of the council a number of years the dollar. Mr. Root's sagacity and prompt before Jackson became a city, and as an action also thwarted an effort of the Mich- alderman after; was elected the fourth may- igan Central Company to hinder the con- or of the city in 1860; was appointed post- nection of the Southern branch with the master by President Lincoln in 1861, and town. Before the completion of this line acceptably filled the office until the close of Mr. Root and others took steps to organize the Civil war. For five years he was a mem- the Grand River Valley Railroad Company, ber of the board of public works of Jackson, with a view of forming a railroad connec- two years its president; served nine years tion with Lansing and the Saginaw region as one of the inspectors of Michigan state and Grand Rapids. In 1853 and 1854 he In 1853 and 1854 he prison, several of them as presiding officer and Moses A. McNaughton and Joseph E. of the board. In early manhood Mr. Root Beebe expended several thousand dollars in was a Henry Clay Whig, until the nomina- preliminary surveys. From this time Mr. tion of Mr. Taylor in 1848, upon a pro- Root became the central motive power slavery platform, when he became a Free among those whose efforts culminated in Soiler ; and upon the organization of the Re- giving Jackson the Grand River Valley publican party became a zealous advocate road. He was made president of the com- of its principles. He was an ardent sup- pany, and through long years of watchful porter of the measures for prosecuting the interest and incessant and persistent labor While Mr. Root believes Christianity he pushed forward his cherished enterprise, is fruitful of much good to society, and has making speeches to the people along the been conspicuously liberal in the support of line, convincing them by his logic, and in- churches, he is not a member of any, but is spiring confidence by his candor and earnest- an adherent to the doctrines of Swedenborg, ness in the cause he advocated; the necessary and holds religion to be only valuable as it funds were subscribed, the work of construc- affects human life and action. Mr. Root has tion was begun in 1862, and the last rail never married, and argues that he has been laid January 1, 1869. Mr. Root felt a sat- able to accomplish more good to society by isfaction in the fact that no person was ren- not being encumbered with a family. dered poorer through his railroad enter- Mr. Root purchased some one thousand prises, but individuals, as well as communi- five hundred acres of what was known as ties, have been greatly benefited. The public the Portage marshes in 1858, and by a sys- spirit and liberality of the man has been tematic placing of drainages converted what manifested in many other ways in behalf of was supposed to be a worthless morass into Jackson's progress—in assisting manufac- one of the finest dairy farms in the county. turing institutions, in supporting churches His death, in 1889, was regarded almost in and favoring general city improvements. the light of a public calamity. Mr. Root has never been an aspirant for John M. Root, president of the People's office, but has accepted and filled a number National Bank, was born in Fort Ann, with approval. He represented Jackson Washington county, New York, in April, war. 368 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1824. John Root, his father, was an edge- erected a log house and returned to New tool maker, of Fort Ann, and married Rox- York, bringing his family on the next year. ana Worden, a brilliant and cultured wo- He had two sons and three daughters. man, who became the mother of five sons Mrs. Taylor was a splendid woman and the and two daughters. Young John graduated family all being members of the Presbyte- at the State Normal School, in Albany, in rian church, she became a ready and influ- the class of 1846, and engaged in teaching ential worker in religious circles. When El- school a number of years. He came to Jack- ihu Taylor began to plow his land he found son in June, 1848; taught in the city schools it contained many Indian skeletons, and it , about two years; was elected register of was supposed to have been an old Indian deeds for Jackson county, and served from battlefield, as it was full also of arrow heads, 1856 to 1860; also filled the position of dep-spears and a few old muskets. It was a uty postmaster six years; represented the grewsome sight to see the bones and skulls second ward two years in the city council. as they were plowed and dragged out of the In June, 1865, Mr. Root was chosen cashier soil. The Indians always buried their dead of the People's National Bank, at its open- in mounds, so there is little doubt these scat- ing, and five years after became its presi- tered skeletons were those of braves slain dent serving as such until his death. The in battle. The bones were so badly decom- career of the bank, under his administration, posed that many crumbled to pieces as soon has been one of exceptional and continuous as exposed to the air. Deacon Taylor built prosperity. Mr. Root was united in mar- the frame house now occupied by W. F. riage with Miss Eliza P. Cole, of Jackson, Cowham, and he had a great time getting it April 25, 1855. Their family consists of raised. It was the universal custom to fur- three daughters—Minnie L., now Mrs. Ben- nish whisky at raisings. Deacon Taylor was ham, of Detroit; Ruth, wife of John George, a strong temperance man and when the of Jackson, and Bertha, at home. Mr. Root crowd came to the raising they refused to died suddenly, of heart failure, in 1901. handle the heavy timbers until the big Though not so active a business man as his brown jug was passed around, and the brother, he was a man who stood high in crowd dispersed without raising the frame. the community as an exemplary citizen and Two more attempts were like failures. a safe and honorable business man. Finally the church people set a day and all came to Mr. Taylor's relief and the house THE TAYLOR FAMILY. was raised. Deacon Taylor died in 1841. His son Elihu Taylor first came to Jackson in the John removed to St. Joseph county and fall of 1830. He was a native of Connecti- | bought a farm near Constantine. George cut, who had emigrated to central New Taylor was for years a well-known farmer, York and spent some years in Uromia, but he too moved to the same county and Tompkins county. He located one hundred died there. One of the daughters married a and sixty acres of land south of the city ad- Mr. Clement, of Leoni, and the other mar- joining what is now Griswold street. He ried Tunis Vrooman and lives in Summit. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 369 THOMAS WILLMORE. was was son he concluded to see Yankee land, as the states were then known; first settled in Bur- The history of Thomas Willmore is a lington, Vermont, three years, employed by story of hardship and privation, and of in- different parties, among whom were Hon. domitable pluck, which resulted in an hon-George P. Marsh and Judge Smalley. It orable character and a competence in this was here he became an advocate of the Whig world's goods. Few men who ever lived in party in the year 1842, when G. P. Marsh Jackson could tell a more interesting story first became a congressman. From Burling- . Thomas Willmore born in ton he went to Boston, Massachusetts, and Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, England, worked for John D. Williams, living with March 31, 1809; he the the family. While there he became ac- of William and Zillah Willmore, also Zillah Willmore, also quainted with Miss Ellen Butler, a relative natives of England. William Will- of General Ben. Butler, whom he married more died in 1812, leaving his widow in 1845. They removed to Philadelphia, with six small children to care for. Thomas thence to Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, commenced daily labor at the age of seven. . in the coal region, at a village called Llew- He worked for William Britain for four ellyn; he was here engaged as foreman in cents per day, and boarded himself. He re- a coal mine, by Johanan Chockle & Sons, sided with his mother until his sixteenth encountering all kinds of hardships. While year, then left home to seek his fortune, here he became acquainted with Mammon roaming about a few years, seeking and find- Duke Hurst, formerly a missionary at Dex- ing employment. In his twenty-sixth year ter, Michigan, who induced him to buy land he removed to London, where he remained of him without having seen it; came here until May 23, 1838, then went to Chatham the following fall and found it was not what and set sail for Canada. The voyage was it was represented; exchanged for another long and tedious, taking thirteen weeks to piece of land with no house upon it; moved cross the ocean. They were nearly ship- in with Joseph Hawley, who still resides on wrecked, being met by one of those tre- the same farm, in Waterloo, Jackson coun- mendous gales which are prevalent on the ty. As soon as the house was raised, he, sea. He says that for several nights in suc- with his wife and two children, moved in, cession he fervently prayed that the ship without a chink being in. Many hardships might go down, so great were his sufferings. met him and his family before the next har- After the storm had passed an attempt was vest; at one time they were seven days made by some of the passengers to mutiny, without bread. There were no roads in that but the parties being discovered they were part of the country, and Mr. Willmore and whipped by a cat-and-nine-tails, one man re- Joseph Hawley cleared and prepared a road ceiving fifty lashes, another one hundred, on to Stockbridge, a little village two miles and the bare back. The attempt was made on a half from their home. About the year account of a great lack of provisions. He 1855 Mr. Willmore sent to England for his landed at Quebec on the 16th of August. aged mother; she came with her daughter He remained in Canada until -1840, when Ann and family, and her son Richard, both , 1 a 21 370 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. of whom have since died. Mrs. Zillah Will- influence. He had a family of eight chil- more was a very remarkable woman. When dren, three born in New York and five in she was seventy-seven years of age she Michigan, and nearly all are still living. J. walked to Jackson, a distance of twenty D. Woodworth is the oldest practicing physi- miles, starting at about six o'clock in the cian in Leslie, and George in Onondaga, morning and arriving at her journey's end Michigan. LaRue is a farmer and resides at noon. She lived on the farm with her on the old homestead. George was many son until his removal to Jackson in 1875, years a keeper at the state prison. The rest and at that time seemed in perfect health; of the family reside in Jackson. The Wood- sewed and read easily without glasses. In worths are all highly esteemed. J. D. has the spring of 1876 she was taken to her last been a member of the legislature, and La- peaceful home, at the age of one hundred Rue represented his town on the board of years and ten months. She is supposed to supervisors, and they have held many other be the oldest person buried in Mount Ever- places of trust. green cemetery. To Thomas and Ellen GEORGE C. LORD. Willmore were born seven children, all of whom are living, three being married. Mr. Mr. Lord was born in Cayuga county, Willmore always took a deep interest in re- New York, but his ancestors were from ligion, and was a member of the Episcopal Connecticut. He was favored with good church. He died in 1900, leaving a compe- school advantages in his early years. His tence for his family, and a good name be- parents came to Michigan in 1825, and set- hind him. tled in Ann Arbor. Here George attended the academy, graduating at the age of twen- THE WOODWORTH FAMILY. ty. He clerked in a country store two years The Woodworth family were originally and then purchased a farm in the town of from Massachusetts, though George W. Sylvan. Later he sold out and went to Woodworth, a pioneer of Jackson, was Cass county and became a merchant. In born and reared in Genesee county, New 1850 he moved to Grass Lake and opened a York. Mr. Woodworth came to Jackson small store. His business increasing, he in 1831 and located three miles north of the joined with Mr. Fargo, and for many years village on what is now the river road. He the firm of Lord & Fargo was one of the and the other pioneers north of Jackson, best known in central Michigan, being very Messrs. Morrill, Davis, Fifield and others, extensively engaged in purchasing wheat, opened and worked the road six miles, the wool, pork, grass seed and all kinds of first in the county. While building their farm produce. After the death of Mr. Far- houses they subsisted on berries and wild go, Mr. Lord continued the business, always game purchased from Indians and on fish being a popular and successful merchant. a taken from Grand river. Mr. Woodworth Mr. Lord was a strong Democrat and al- was an enterprising man and soon had a ways took a keen interest in political affairs, comfortable house started. He was sheriff but never held office except as a member of of the county in an early day and a man of the school board, on which he served for JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 37 1 LEONARD S. WALDO. sixteen years. He was a jovial man and children still reside in Sandstone. Another much of his success in life was due to his married Mr. Church, and one of her sons, admirable social qualities. He was mar- Julius Church, is a prominent farmer and ried in 18.47 to Delia E. Osborn, a native of citizen of the town of Blackman. Few men New York and a most estimable woman. ever lived in Jackson county who were more They had eight children. Mr. Lord was useful citizens or exercised a larger influence killed in 1902, while riding with a friend in for the generial good than Rev. Jason Parks. a buggy. The horse was frightened by a trolley car, the rig was overturned and he re- ceived injuries from which he died. He was Leonard S. Waldo was born April 15, the oldest merchant in Jackson county, hav- 1817, in New Hampshire. He was the son ing been in business continuously for fifty- of Justus and Samantha (Buskirk) Waldo, three years. He was a member of the Con- of Vermont. His people removed to New gregational church and was a trustee for York state, and in 1833 came to Michigan, over thirty years. locating in Leoni, on the territorial road, in 1834. He purchased a farm in 1841, and REV. JASON PARKS. resided there until the time of his death, aged Mr. Parks was a native of Massachu- eighty-six years. He married Miss B. W. setts, his family dating from early colonial St. John in 1860, who died in 1862. In 1869 times. He was of good old Revolutionary he was married to Caroline Miller, who died stock, and was their worthy descendant. May 9, 1902. He is survived by two chil- He became an ordained minister in the dren, Franklin and Mrs. Arthur Laverty. Presbyterian church at the age of twenty- Mr. Waldo resided in Jackson county sixty- five, and, after preaching in his native state, eight years, and was one of the pioneers who worked his way west as a missionary and developed this part of Michigan. He was a came to Michigan in 1828. In 1831 he good citizen, and a kind neighbor, whose life *came to Jackson county and settled at the was useful to the community where he re- newly laid-out village of Barry, which then sided. Mr. Waldo was always a Republican, promised to become a rival of Jackson. and was one of the organizers of the Repub- There were then only the families of Chester lican party under the oaks at Jackson. Wall, James Volentine, J. D. Olcott and a few others, but they were nearly all church members and he began at once to preach to was born in Salem, Botetourt county, Vir- them and soon organized a church. A meet- ginia, January 11, 1811. He removed to ing house, built in 1832, was the first in the Ohio when a boy with his parents, on account , county. Mr. Parks continued to preach, and of his father's opposition to human slavery. to carry on his farm for many years, and He entered the ministry in the Methodist was one of the most respected and beloved | Episcopal church when seventeen years of citizens of the county. He had a family of age; came to Michigan in 1832 and labored several daughters, who married and reared on the Ann Arbor circuit that year, and was families. One married Mr. Gavett, and her assigned to the Mt. Clemens circuit in 1833, a REV. WILLIAM M. SULLIVAN 372 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. to the Sandusky circuit in 1834, to the Dex- His family was of Quaker stock and they ter circuit in 1835 and to the Clinton circuit were not in sympathy with slavery. Young in 1836. He was married in 1834 to Miss Pilcher was educated in the select schools Harriet Bennett, of Lima, Washtenaw coun- of his county and at an early age came to ty, Michigan. He removed to Jackson in Ohio. There he joined the Methodist church 1837 and assisted his brother, Nicholas Sul- and fitted himself for the ministry. He came . livan, in publishing the Jackson Sentinel, , to Michigan as a missionary among the the first paper published in Jackson county. Indians and was for a time stationed at He attempted to lecture in Jackson in 1838 Ann Arbor. There he made the acquaint- on American slavery, but public sentiment ance of and married Caroline M. Packard, was such at that time that he was unable to a daughter of Dr. B. H. Packard, one of finish his lecture on account of a Jackson the early proprietors of Jackson. Learning mob. He commenced the publication of the of the settlement on Grand river he visited American Freeman in 1839, the first anti- it in January, 1831, and preached to the slavery paper published in Jackson county, people and made it a station on his circuit and probably in the state. He was a member to be visited monthly. He was joined in of the Utica convention in 1840, which was June by Rev. Henry Colclazer and the two the initial movement in the secession from alternated every two weeks. A church was the Methodist Episcopal church, and the organized and was regularly added to the formation of the the Wesleyan Methodist Ann Arbor circuit. Mr. Pilcher was regu- church, on account of the radical difference larly settled in this county for several years of opinion in the Methodist Episcopal as presiding elder. In fact for all his life church in regard to American slavery. He he was regarded as a Jackson citizen. He labored in the Wesleyan Methodist church was active in promoting schools and many in Waterloo, Jackson county, North Adams, other matters of interest to this city and its Hillsdale county, and Wolf Creek, Lenawee people. He was one of the founders of Al- county, until 1845, when he removed to bion College and probably did more to pro- Leoni and was appointed an agent to assist mote the growth of Methodism in central in organizing the Michigan Union College. Michigan than almost any other man in the This was a flourishing educational institu- | vineyard. Mr. Pilcher was one of the most tion in Leoni (under the auspices of the liberal and companionable of men, genial, Wesleyan Methodist church), until its re- sympathetic and pleasant; he was a sunbeam moval to Adrian. He resided in Leoni, en- to all, and carried respect and conviction to gaged in the mercantile business, and sub- all whom he was associated with, whether sequently in farming, until his death in 1871, they were church people or not. Few men at the age of sixty. lived nobler or more unselfish lives, and none died more sincerely regretted and mourned. REV. ELIJAH PILCHER. THE HUTCHINS FAMILY. Elijah Pilcher was born in the state of Virginia, of English parentage, whose an- cestors were among the old colonial settlers. mong the earliest settlers of Jackson county, in 1833, were the brothers Jacob JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 373 a and Isaac Hutchins. They were originally JOSHUA CLEMENT, from Pennsylvania, but came to Mich- igan from New York. They located who was a well-known and popular farmer farm south of Jackson, in Hanover and stock raiser in Leoni township, was born and Summit townships, and were soon in Orange county, New York, in 1818. He known among the most thrifty and ener- was of English parentage, the parents on getic citizens. They both had large families both sides having served their country in and their descendants are among the best the last war with Great Britain. Young citizens of Jackson county. The two sons Clement, though brought up on a farm, re- of Isaac Hutchins are both dead, but Col. ceived quite a liberal education, and taught a William Hutchins was a prosperous farmer, school several years and also clerked in a , miller and merchant in Hanover township. large retail store in Ithaca, New York. He The sons of Jacob Hutchins were all came to Jackson county in the fall of 1843 farmers. Alonzo and John are dead, George and took up his residence in the town of Hutchins lives on the old homestead in Sum-Summit. In March, 1845, he was married mit and is one of the most prominent and to Elizabeth Taylor, a daughter of Deacon successful citizens of the township. Of the Elihu Taylor, an old settler. Mr. Clement four daughters of Jacob Hutchins, the old-assisted his father-in-law in carrying on his - est, Mrs. Cranmore, has but recently farm (now included in the city of Jackson) died; the others, Mrs. Drake, Mrs. Parli- until 1848 when he purchased a farm of two man and Mrs. Blinn, are still living. hundred acres near the vilage of Leoni. . He held many minor offices of the township, THE WATKINS FAMILY. was supervisor for ten years, school direc- tor for over twenty years, and in the fall of The brothers, Ira L. and George W. 1870 was chosen a member of the state Watkins were born in Ontario county, legislature. Mr. Clement was a liberal and New York. They were farmers, but both | public-spirited man, and deservedly popu- were well educated in the common schools lar with all who knew him. His widow and of their native county. Ira L. Watkins one son survive him, and on the beautiful married Martha (Blackman) Tracey in lake that borders their farm have erected a 1827. After the Blackman family removed pleasant and popular summer resort that is to Michigan, the Watkins decided to follow known as “the Cove” and which is largely them, which they did in 1835, and settled patronized by the best people of the city. in Grass Lake, a short distance south of REV. GUSTAVUS L. FOSTER. the village. They were both good farmers and good citizens. George Watkins died Among the men of honored memory at an early age, but Ira lived until 1866. who have resided in Jackson, none stood Both had large families, and several of their higher or made a more enduring mark than sons are well known business men in Grass Rev. G. L. Foster. He was a son of Lemuel Lake and Jackson. Foster, who was born in Connecticut, but 374 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. who emigrated to Genesee county, New went to Herkimer county, New York. Dur- York, in 1810. Gustavus was the oldest ing seven years of this time he was engaged son, and was born in 1816. His mother's 1816. His mother's in farming--from 1828 to 1835; he was name was Abbie Fern, a native of Vermont. constable and sheriff, and did collecting. Lemuel Foster was a carpenter, but a man of During the years 1835-6-7 he was captain education and piety. The son was liberally of a boat on the Erie canal. Thinking there educated, and, under the influence of the were greater inducements being held out to mother, was induced to study for the min- young men in the west, he came to the state istry. He graduated from Union College in of Michigan, in the year 1837, and located New York, and Andover Theological School on section 20 in Rives township. Previous in Massachusetts. The elder Foster came to coming to Jackson county he sent a draft to Michigan in 1836 and settled at Ann for one thousand four hundred dollars by Arbor. Soon after he was ordained in the Allen Bennett to purchase land in Jackson ministry the son also came west. He county. Mr. Bennett was to have half of the preached in several places and soon began to profits, or fourteen per cent of the entire attract attention as an earnest and forceful investment; the former was given. In 1834 pulpit orator. In 1846 the Congregational he married Miss Mary B. Sargeant, native of church in Jackson extended him a call, which the state of New York. Upon arriving in was accepted, and he was installed as its Jackson, he left his family in the city, and pastor in December, 1845. Mr. Foster con- hired their board for about one month, when tinued the pastor of the church for nine he became tired of the prosy life of Jackson- years. During that time he gained a wide burg, and rented a log house until he could reputation as a bold, fearless and eloquent build. In the fall of 1837 he built a log preacher, and delivered many notable ser- house eighteen by twenty-six feet, and mons. His sermon on the fugitive slave law, moved into it. He remained on this place and his fearless denunciation of slavery and for about ten years, when, in 1847, he was the efforts of the South to plant the sin and selected as deputy at the state prison by the curse upon free territory, called upon him agent, and confirmed by the state board of the fierce denunciation of the old-line De- inspection; there he remained for four years; mocracy, but it did not intimidate him or at the expiration of his time, not fancying change his anti-slavery opinion or spirit. In the work which he had to perform, he con- September, 1852, he resigned to accept a cluded to retire from active life. For a few charge at Ypsilanti, where he continued his years he lived in the city of Jackson, and did good work. He died in 1867, with a bril- nothing but look after the interests of his liant future yet before him. farms; but being a man unaccustomed to so taine and moderate a life, again engaged in business. In the year 1870 he bought a half was born in New York, April 17, 1804, interest in the carriage factory at Jackson. and remained with his parents until 1821, But owing to the hard times and manipula- after which time he remained in the same tions of unscrupulous men, he sunk nearly county until the spring of 1833, when he fifty thousand dollars in less than seven MARVIN DORRELL JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 375 years. Being thus pilfered of a large for- withdraw and give up possession, he con- tune, he returned to his farm in Rives, where cluded that as they had not lived up to their he resided until he died. While engaged in part of the contract he was under no obliga- the carriage business he purchased one-third tions to them and would continue to take toll interest in the gravel road, and expended until he had secured the money outlaid in two thousand dollars in repairing. The pub-graveling Public feeling now ran high, lic becoming incensed, tried to get a bill and a band of masked men took the gate- passed annulling the power of the corpora- keeper and bound him to a tree, and set fire tion, but not succeeding in this they at last to the buildings; after they had consummat- compromised, and Mr. Dorrell agreed to ed their diabolical scheme they loosed him; give up the road by a certain time if they immediately he informed Mr. Dorrell, but would use their influence in obtaining travel, the perpetrators of the outrage were never that he might recover the money expended punished, and rather than have any more in putting the road in repairs; they did not trouble the road was abandoned to the use do this, and when the time had arrived to of the public. CHAPTER XXIII. THE LAKES AND PLEASURE RESORTS OF JACKSON COUNTY. Jackson county is well supplied with But it is not alone for the fishing that the beautiful lakes, varying in size from a few lakes of this county are famed. The fash- acres to miles in extent. These lakes are all ionable requirements that almost everybody well stocked with fish, furnishing not only must visit a summer resort, and sojourn in fine sport for those who are the disciples of a cottage during a part, at least, of the heated Izaak Walton, but also much pleasant and term have caused all these resorts to be util- healthful food for the people. The state has ized by the public for camping grounds, and proper laws to regulate the use of these lakes around many of them cottages and hotels and protect the fish from extermination, but, line the shores and nestle amid the beautiful like a great many other laws, they are very groves, while almost countless skiffs, poorly observed and enforced. The state launches and boats of every kind are con- has expended large .sums of money in its stantly floating upon the bosom of the cool state hatcheries to stock the lakes and and sparkling waters. While we lack per- streams, and each year millions of fry are haps the elegance and fame of the greater planted in the rivers and lakes. In Jackson sea-side resorts, we can boast for our lake , county this good work has not been neg- resorts some of the finest scenery and as lected, and by this means our lakes are still much genuine pleasure and comfort as the well stocked with bass, trout, white fish, best of these at a minimum of expense. It carp and other desirable kinds of food fish. is therefore no wonder that the inland lakes 376 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. of Michigan are so popular as summer resi- held by the enchanting power of the rich and varied dences and are yearly growing in popularity scenery until the descending sun silently intimated the nearness of approaching night, that would soon and importance. We shall speak in detail draw its sable mantle over these visible glories. of only the most important and popular of And we left for our homes in fine spirits, with a the pleasure resorts of Jackson county. full determination to visit Wolf Lake again. For years the distance from Jackson WOLF LAKE. -eight miles—was the principal draw- First in importance to the people of back to the enjoyment of the beauties Jackson is the beautiful and picturesque re- of Wolf Lake, yet many citizens had sort known as Wolf Lake. This lies about builded cottages and some even kept eight miles to the east of Jackson, and is horses and carriages there during the about two miles long by one mile wide in its season. Aikens' Landing and Millen's Hotel extreme limits. It is surrounded almost en- had gained a wide reputation and secured tirely by high banks and beautiful wood a large patronage. But the advent of the lands. That the lake has long been known as electric railroad and trolley line, in 1901, a pleasure resort is proven by the following gave it a new life. As soon as the electric which we find in the Citizen of July 22, road was opened in the spring of 1902, the , 1855: possibilities of Wolf Lake at once came to view and the railroad company has been Wolf Lake is becoming somewhat noted among the lovers and admirers of nature and a place of quick to realize them. They erected last resort for excursionists from the region round year a large and beautiful building, sixty by about. Having had an invitation to join an agree- two hundred feet, four stories high, pro- able party who had made arrangements to pay the jecting out into the lake so as to give a fine lake a visit, on a sailing and fishing tour, I could not refrain from going. Captain Tooker's landing view of almost its entire extent from its was the place of our destination. It is about three windows and its roof garden. The lower miles north of Napoleon, and reached by a circuit- story has slips for boats to load and land, ous route, the last half mile being a new road, cut the second has fine dressing rooms, a din- out through the openings for the express purpose of making the landing. When we got there we found ing hall and lunch room. The third story ourselves in a beautiful oaken grove, beside a young is an immense dancing floor and concert house, about two months old, on the west side of hall, while the roof is a beautiful prome- which is a spacious arbor, on an eminence that com- mands the lake through the openings which have nade and flower garden. The grounds been freed from underbrush. The lake is a beau- around the lake are nearly all platted into tiful sheet of water bordered with nature's finest lots and hundreds of sites for cottages have shades of green, unmarred by the hand of man. The monarch of the realm has a fine sail boat that will been sold. No intoxicating or malt liquors bear twenty persons "every whether" on the lake are allowed on the grounds, and every pre- as the master listeth. The company passed the day caution is taken to preserve good order and in sailing, fishing, swinging, feasting and walking to and fro in the grove. morality, respectability and absolute safety. In fishing the ladies seemed to excel in coquet- The trolley cars run every hour to the city, ing the finny tribe from their native home. During the trip requiring only twenty minutes. this time our steeds enjoyed a social interview in Something of the favor in which the resort the grove, casting glances at each other, as though they drank into the spirit of the occasion. We were is held by the people of Jackson may be JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 377 a PLEASANT LAKE. understood when it is ascertained that as GILLETT'S LAKE. high as three thousand passengers have been carried by the cars in a single day. To every Gillett's lake, in Leoni, is another pleas- ·body seeking an hour of genuine pleasure, ant resort that is growing in favor. “The and broad, deep breath of the June atmos- Cove," under the quiet and prudent manage- phere of the country comes the ever welcome ment of Mrs. Clement; has became a favor- suggestion, "Let's go out to Wolf lake,” | ite resort for many campers and their fam- ” and off they go. ilies. It is eight miles from the city, and . lies in the midst of a beautiful farming MICHIGAN CENTER LAKE. country, surrounded by intelligent and cul- tivated people. It is held in high esteem Next and hardly second in importance by those who wish for a resort for rest, free to the people of the city of Jackson is the from the excitement of the larger crowds lake or pond at Michigan Center, four miles that assemble at the more public resorts, and east of the city. This is a larger body of is rapidly gaining in popularity. water than Wolf lake, but the scenery is less beautiful, except on the north side where the timber groves have been preserved and Twelve miles north of Jackson is one of along Duryea pond, where the ground is the most beautiful lakes in Michigan. It high and the most of the cottages are lo- is nearly round and upwards of a mile across cated. With characteristic energy and fore- and lies nestled among hills that are dotted sight, the Jackson Suburban & Traction with woods and covered with the bloom of Company has built a spur about one mile prosperous husbandry. Some seventy years long from their main track to the shore of age this lake was sought by a wealthy New the pond, and have secured and opened a York merchant, who purchased a large tract forty-acre park for the use of excursions, of land, and made a magnificent residence picnics and family parties and gatherings. on its shores. The fame of "Belknap's At a cost of only ten cents, persons can visit Farm” spread all over southern Michigan, , this beautiful park and enjoy its benefits. with its magnificent residence, its barns, its Dozens of nice boat and club houses are fine horses, blooded cattle and sheep and, bet- along the banks and an excursion steamer ter still, the magnificent hospitality of its capable of carrying one hundred passengers hostess, who spent her summers there. We makes a three-mile trip up and down the remember as long ago as 1850 taking lake every hour during the day and evening. Solon Robinson, the farmer writer of , To go to the Center is only a fifteen min- | the New York Tribune, to the Belknap utes ride and never fails to bring a large place and what a glowing account he wrote amount of enjoyment. The cars run every of that “model Michigan farm” for that ” half hour and it is proper to say they never paper. But they are all gone. Belknap. run empty. On the contrary, the usual his proud and beautiful wife, children, stock, problem is to find room. Solon Robinson, all gone but the Tribune 378 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. > and myself,—and the beautiful Pleasant the appetites of the daintiest. If you are lake, that is to remain forever. fond of boating, just get into your skiff and Fewer people visit this beautiful lake take a spin across the lake, down the out- than the others. for the reason of distance, let into Farrell Lake, a mile below, and you and it is on no regular established line of have a five-mile course, “straight away,” on ” public travel, but those who do go there which to ply your manly muscles and de- find it one of genuine beauty and pleasure. velop your physical manhood. If Round It is well stocked with fish, has good boats, lake should ever be reached by the trolley and already a fine line of nice cottages. It we predict for it a popularity second to no has been for years the site of the annual resort in the county. It is only four miles picnic of the farmers of Jackson county, from Hanover station, and all the season where they gather every fall for their har- the hotel is crowded by families of fine peo- vest festival to the number of thousands. ple who delight in its great beauty, its Some day, when the steam or the electric healthy atmosphere and its beautiful sur- railroad shall invade the north part of the roundings. county, Pleasant lake will take its place in CLARK'S LAKE. the forefront of the grand and popular pleasure resorts of central Michigan, and Ever since Major Clark discovered and may we live to see that day, for among the named the beautiful lake, it has been known brightest recollections of the past are the as one of the largest in the county. It is pleasant days of our youth spent on and situated in the township of Columbia, on around beautiful Pleasant lake. the line of railroad from Jackson to Cin- cinnati,, known as the Cincinnati Northern, and has already a reputation reaching to and “Cedar Bank” has long had its place beyond the Ohio river and its favor and among those that are dedicated to pleasure, popularity are constantly increasing. Clark's comfort and health during the hot and lake is three miles long and about one mile sweltering days of summer. It is located wide. Its waters are pure and cold and it in the southwestern part of the county, a is not contaminated with marshes, swamps pretty sheet of water, amid a high rolling or streams that run into it. It is fed by . country, whose solid and wooded banks springs that supply the purest water and of slope down and kiss the crystal waves on all healthful quality. The railroad renders it sides. As its name indicates, it is as round of easy approach and already its banks are as a bowl, and as deep and pure as any lined with hundreds of neat and beautiful nectar deposited in its basin as refreshment cottages. The majority of its patrons come for the Gods. And such beautiful fish, the from interior Ohio, Cincinnati and Louis- wealth of cooling shade, the beautiful walks ville and to the south of those places. It and pleasant drives, --who could not find is fourteen miles from Jackson and in the comfort and pleasure from such a scene season six to eight trains a day speed over and such surroundings. And then the menu the rails between the two places. There are that is put up at Van Schork's! It tempts two large, well-kept public hotels, a score of | ROUND LAKE. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 379 boats that ply its waters, and all the acces- county that afford and offer new attractions sories for comfort and pleasure. The coun- and facilities for summer resorting. It is try around has good roads and is dotted only a question of time when some of these with fine farms and delightful residences will be improved. With the opening of the . The rural mail carriers are abroad in the land electric road to Vandercook lake that will and the telephone wires are strung among become a place of resort for picnics and the trees. The daily papers from Cincinnati pleasure as prominent as some of the others, and Louisville are regular visitors during and so it will be all over the country. While the season. Clark lake is metropolitan in its some will leave the city for more remote conveniences and cosmopolitan in its popu- resorts, the great mass of the people will lation. While the summer settlement at patronize the local resorts where they can Clark lake is large, there is still room for relieve for a few hours or a day or two more. In the next two decades we shall the “tired feeling of the busy city.” The see the trolley car humming along its shores world is full of bright spots and pleasure and when these come it will offer superior places and it is our own fault if we do not attractions to all. hunt them out and enjoy them while we There are a score more of lakes in the may. CHAPTER XXIV. JACKSON COUNTY'S MILITARY RECORD. There is always something in a just war force is observed, conversation is checked, which ennobles the patriot soldier, bids him and the only voices heard are those of offi- suffer for his country, and teaches him to cers giving orders, or the exclamation of endure trials with a magnificent patience. | the troops—“See their guns! They're lead- “ Amid the soldiers' trials, and they are many, ing the attack !” Now is the most terrible is found an hour for pleasantry. The camp suspense; man holds his breath; in a second oftentimes is roused by peals of merry laugh- a thousand thoughts flit through his mind; ter, rising wave upon wave; the soldiers' another, and all memories of the past are simple revelry is, perhaps, at its height, forgotten, fears for the forgotten, fears for the future dispelled. when, at the moment all seems secure, the One dream alone possesses the true soldier, call to arms summons men to duty, to the and that is to do or die. and that is to do or die. The battle begins; battle-field. Orders are given, the move- a shower of leaden hail sweeps through the ment is entered on, which may lead them to ranks; it meets a ready response; the atmos- the prison or to the grave, to victory and phere is filled with smoke, the sun itself to fame. The lines of the enemy stand out is hidden, the death yells of the fallen and in bold relief, the movement of the opposing the groans of the wounded rise above the 330 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. NAME. AGE. STATE. TOWN. din of battle; yet, amidst the awful confu- buried in Jackson county, so far as we can sion, the soldier observes his orders with a learn, is Capt. John Durand, whose biog- peculiar promptness, actually forgets the fact raphy is given in this work. that the bullet, of which he is to be the vic- VETERANS OF 1812. tim, is speeding on its way, and dies with The veterans of the war of 1812, who the rifle in his grasp; or he who survives to take part in the retreat or advance, is are buried in Jackson county, as far as re- imbued with an energy almost superhuman, membered, are as follows: which surmounts all obstacles, and fits him William R. DeLand, 82 Mass. Vols., Jackson. for a repetition of the doings of that day. Cyrus Hodgkins, 80 N. Y. Vols., Jackson. The reader of the following sketches will, George Hagar, 72 M'd. Vols., Jackson. doubtless, be informed more fully in regard Marvin A. Sage, 76 Vt. Inf. Vols., Rives. Thomas J. Black, 80 Pa. Inf. Vols., Jackson. to the trials and emotions of soldiers who James McKee, 83 N. Y. Vols., Jackson. do battle for their country. Amos Jackson, 90 N. Y. Vols., Rives., Abram Wing, 89 Maine, Blackman. OUR ANCESTORS IN THE REVOLUTION. J. C. Eaton, 81 N. Y. Vols., Jackson. Benoni Prixley, 80 N. Y. Vols., Henrietta. All that may be called chivalry was cen- Alvin Clark, 78 N. Y. Vols., Grass Lake. tered in the soldiers and sympathizers of John Van Fossen, 84 N. Y. Vols., Concord. the Revolution of 1775, and the signers and S. D. Griswold, 77 N. Y. Vols., Parma. admirers of the immortal declaration. Since Chester Armstrong, 79 N. Y. Vols., Parma. Daniel Avery, Vt. Artillery, Tompkins. that time patriotism has been on the decline, Stephen Case, 101 N. Y. Inf., Liberty. until now we may find hundreds of thous- Alanson Cogswell, 76 N. Y. Inf., Napoleon. ands who would sell their birthright for a Eben Farnham, 73 Vt. Inf., Jackson City. , . small largess. Fortunately the majority, Joseph R. Goldsmith, 88 N. Y. Vols., South Jackson. Joseph Black, 90 Pa. Vols., South Jackson. the great majority, claim a higher ambi- Carlton Bryant, 78 N, Y. Inf., Spring Arbor Parker Hooker, 78 N. Y. Vols., Grass Lake. tion; and among them are men who would James Carroll, 82 N. Y. Inf., Liberty. willingly sacrifice life itself for the republic. Nathl. S. Brothby, 77 Mass. Inf. Napoleon. In no county, perhaps, in the Union, is this Apollas Lincoln, 74 N. Y. Vols. Tompkins. conciliating fact more evident than in Jack- Isaac De Lamater, 80 N. Y. Vols., Columbia. Guy Griswold, 89 Collin's Brig., Jackson. son. Here may be found hundreds of men William Town, 78 Vt. Vols., Spring Arbor. whose ancestors fought and bled for liberty James Brown, 77 N. Y. Vols., Jackson. -ready to follow in their footsteps, and James Martin, 94 N. Y. Militia, Jackson. 74 N. Y. Vols., Henrietta. maintain all those magnificent privileges John Krofft, Joshua V. Price, 77 Pa. Militia, Grass Lake. (which their fathers bequeathed them. The Joseph B. Lockwood, 73 N. Y. Vols., Leoni. task of naming the descendants of heroes Ben. Shaw, 74 N. H. Militia, Jackson. inhabiting this county would prove too vast; Stephen W. Palmer, 77 N. Y. Militia, Norvell. John Hunt, 77 N. Y. Militia, Jackson. but in naming the battles of the Revolution, John Gee, 82 N. Y. Vols., Jackson. memories will be awakened of friends Joseph Gardner, 80 N. J. Vols., Grass Lake. whose stories of the great war made the William H. Hall, 74 Vt. Vols., Jackson. Fisk Hibbard, 79 N. Y. Militia, Jackson. household happy. John Easlick, 81 Pa. Vols., Leslie. The only Revolutionary soldier who is J. L. Cowden, 79 N. Y. Vols., Jackson. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 381 THE SAC WAR. up the history of that impolitic affair here, particularly as it is noted in the pages de- The first organization of the pioneers voted to the state; but here the fidelity of of Jackson county for military purposes may Jackson to the state may be reviewed. . be said to have occurred in 1832. The Scarcely had the state troops of Ohio been panic-stricken citizens of Berrien county, pushed forward by the rash and hasty Lucas and more particularly of the village of Niles, toward the Michigan boundary, than the spread the alarm of war, and soon their cry tocsin was sounded in the village of Jack- of fear urged the people to arms. Every sonburgh and throughout the county. In hamlet, every log-cabin, was filled with anx- response, the manhood of the district ap- ious settlers to learn the worst and prepare peared and volunteered for any military du- for it. The news of the building of the ties the state might impose upon them. A forts of northern Indiana reached the equally | large number assembled, but owing to the new settlements of Jackson county, and as caution of the territorial government, only a such a proceeding did not tend to allay few men were enrolled in the county volun- excitement, but on the contrary to increase teers. The thirty soldiers who were chosen it, it is not a matter for surprise to learn that elected Osgood H. Fifield as captain, the people of Jacksonburgh and outlying polished up their arms, screwed their cour- settlements banded themselves together to age to the point which indicates death or repel an attack from Black Hawk's warri- victory, and anxiously awaited orders from ors, and to be ready to advance toward the the front. Thanks to the timely presence of aid of any neighboring people who should the United States troops, a sanguinary strug- be threatened. The only good resulting gle was averted, fraternal blood was un- from the excitement of the period was the spilled, and the first organized volunteer consciousness of power to meet the Indian company of Jackson county was permitted on his own battle-grounds and the beautiful to disband, without even having seen the sympathy with one another displayed by the wild followers of a wild governor. pioneers. The evils resulting were mani- fold. Agriculture was partially neglected, JACKSON LIGHT INFANTRY. the primitive enterprises of the time were forgotten and the minds of the old settlers This company was organized in 1842 slept to anything but the prospect of battle under Capt. Abram V. Barry, and recog- with the red man. nized as a company of the Twenty-fourth Michigan Infantry. The muster roll of the JACKSON AND THE TOLEDO WAR. company comprised sixty names, with a full list of officers, all well equipped and com- The troubles arising from the “six-mile paratively well drilled. The following letter strip" between the states of Michigan and seems to point out that this was the first mili- Ohio have been grouped in one name, the tary company duly received into the service “ “Toledo war.” It is unnecessary to follow of the state from Jackson county: 382 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, ings, and those of the private soldiers a light DETROIT, June 20, 1842. The organization of the "Jackson Light Infantry” is gray, 'with dark blue facings. The company approved on condition that the same be perfected with- was well horsed, armed and equipped. Gov- out being supplied with arms by the State; but under ernor Barry's commission to Captain Fitch the express understanding that they be furnished with the requisite arms and accoutrements from the first, bears date September 5, 1843, the signature which shall be drawn from the general Government. of Gov. John S. Barry, and shows the com- By order of the Commander in Chief. mand to be duly attached to the Thirty-fifth E. J. ROBERTS, Adj't Gen'l. Regiment and Eighteenth Brigade. Gov. John J. Barry issued a commission to Abram V. Barry, June 20, 1842, appoint- JACKSON LIGHT INFANTRY. ing him captain of the Jackson Light Infan- try, and attaching his command to the This little battery of one twelve-pounder Twenty-fourth Michigan Infantry. Captain brass cannon was organized under Capt. Barry took the constitutional oath before Reuel C. Baker, a short time after the Light Fidus Livermore, justice of the peace, July Infantry was mustered into the service of 12, 1842. He was commissioned colonel of the state. The only important service in the Twenty-fourth Michigan Infantry by which this battery was engaged was the rati- Gov. John S. Barry, March 10, 1843. In fication of President Polk's nomination. The 1847 Col. Barry was promoted to a major- gunners and swabbers were not experienced generalship by Gov. William L. Greenly. artillerymen, so that the effect of air and During the progress of the Civil war an act heat on a charge was forgotten or unknown. was passed annulling the old commissions Consequently the gunners, after firing their and authorizing the issue of new ones. By brass cannon many times, and forgetting it this act Maj. Gen. Barry (with the other was overheated, entered on placing the veteran officers) was discharged from the charge, when it exploded, taking half the military service of the state, having served hands off Messrs. Frank Porter and Clark his country for long periods between 1829, Cole. This calamity brought the demon- when he was commissioned captain of the stration to a close. One Hundred and Fifty-seventh New York THE MEXICAN WAR. Infantry, to the war era, when his advanced years alone prevented his appearance on The war with Mexico in 1846 created Southern battle-fields. much interest in Jackson county, as it did throughout the Union. Volunteers were THE BARRY HORSE GUARDS. ready to muster into the service; but the This squadron of cavalry was organized magnificent victories of the United States in 1848, under Capt. Abel F. Fitch, with troops, and their steady advance toward the Harry Holcomb as first lieutenant and An- Mexican capital, obviated the raising of new son H. DeLamater, second lieutenant. The regiments, and so prevented the representa- . command comprised about fifty horse, with tion of many counties of Michigan in that regulation strappings. The uniforms of the campaign. The action of the general gov- officers were of bright blue, with gold fac- ernment in proclaiming war against Mexico JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 383 was almost unanimously ratified by the peo- We left Fairfax and reached Centerville on ple of Jackson. While volunteers were Thursday, the 18th inst., a few miles distant from the place where the first engagement transpired be- called for a squad went from Jackson and tween our forces and the enemy. We heard the joined the volunteers. They were Harvey cannonading and hastened our march, but the bat- Bennett, Reuben R. Tingley, James teries had ceased before we reached that point. We James H. remained encamped at Centerville until one o'clock Wells, James G. Bunt, David Bush, Reuel Sunday morning, when we were aroused and began C. Baker, Samuel Chadwick, E. D. God- our march toward Bull Run. We were detained frey, Buel Crowl, John Layton and George until seven o'clock, after we had proceeded a half McCann. They served in Colonel Stockton's quick pace. We took the long route, and reached mile, and at that time the march was resumed at a . regiment and were under General Scott in the vicinity of the battlefield about noon, at which his campaign from Vera Cruz to Mexico time the fight was progressing. Our regiment was City. Of these men, Bunt was killed at the detailed as the support of a battery, and we followed at a run up hill about a mile, when we reached the taking of the City of Mexico, and Layton battleground. At that time our men were nearly and Crowl died of disease. The rest re- all ready to sink down from exhaustion, but, like turned home, but Bennett died soon after his men, they stood up. We started for the right of the entrenchments of the enemy, and it seemed while return. crossing the field as though they had leveled all their guns at us, as the air sounded thick with cannon THE OLD JACKSON GRAYS balls, but we crossed over in safety. When we were at the foot of the hill the zouaves were engaging the was in existence prior to the breaking out enemy. We charged up the hill and retired in good of hostilities between the Federal and Con- order. The second charge was then made, and with federate states. The company was regularly deadly effect to the enemy. . Those nearest to us organized, equipped and officered, under left their guns, and if the First Michigan Infantry had received sufficient support then the day would Capt. W. M. Bennett, in 1856. Brig.-Gen. have been ours. The regiment was forced to fall Withington was first lieutenant; D. Walsh, back with some loss. A masked battery then opened second, and Benjamin Newkirk, third. Thus upon us, the fire of which was terrible. We suc- ceeded in getting out of range of the big guns and was military organization fostered in the musketry. The regiment charged three times upon county in time of peace, and so prepared the the enemy with good effect, but it was of no avail way for Jackson to win a share of the honors without support. In the midst of the battle the field was terrible which fell to Michigan during the time of to look at; here and there lay those brave men who. war. had fallen, the earth wet with their gore. Once I thought I saw one of our boys lying dead—his neck THE JACKSON GRAYS AT BULL RUN. was torn open by a ball; a closer look, however, proved it was none of our men. By him lay horses James O'Donnell, editor of the Jackson and riders dead and dying. The groans of the Citizen, who served with the First Regiment wounded and their piteous cries for water were at Bull Run, in defense of the Union, wrote awful to hear, but we could not give them aid. I have no desire to describe the scene. Battery after from Washington under date July 25, 1861. battery opened upon our troops, and when one was silenced it was only to find another opening upon When last I wrote you we were at Fairfax You have probably seen the description of the Station, whence over five thousand rebels were re- fight in the New York papers, but according to their treating before us. Then our army was marching accounts scarcely any but their state regiments did onward, with the tools of secession flying before it; anything. Toward evening the retreat began in but now, alas ! how different! great confusion. This retreat was unfortunate, but us. 384 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. perhaps for the best. During the retreat the enemy saying: “While we are citizens of the state opened fire, but with little damage. One poor fel- low immediately in front of me was struck on the of Michigan, and as such deeply devoted to ankle by a rified cannon ball; one or two others her interests and honor, we have a still were hit, which was about the only damage done us prouder title. We are also citizens of the that I saw. We reached our camp-ground at night, United States of America. By this title we and rested nearly three hours, when the line of re- treat was again taken up. Our boys reached the old are known among the nations of the earth. camp-ground near Alexandria about seven o'clock, In remote quarters of the globe, where the while some of them went on to Washington. Part names of the states are unknown, the flag of us remained in Alexandria one day and reached this place on Tuesday night. Our regiment had a of the great republic, the banner of the stars march from one o'clock Sunday morning until and stripes, honors and protects her citizens. seven the next, of nearly fifty miles, participated in In whatever concern the honor, the pros- the fight, and during that time my fare consisted of perity and the perpetuity of this great gov- two hard crackers and what muddy water we could find to drink. When on the field we had a terrible ernment, we are deeply interested. The peo- thirst, and water, thick with mud, was greedily ple of Michigan are loyal to that government , , drank. -faithful to its constitution and its laws. Our loss is not yet fully ascertained, but it is not half what it was supposed to be. The enemy's Under it they have had peace and prosperity; loss is counted at double that of ours. They found and under it they mean to abide to the end. that the Northerners were ready, though it seemed Feeling a just pride in the glorious history so hopeless. The next battle will doubtless be of the past, they will not renounce the equally fought when everything is ready, and then you will have a different report. Our company has five pri- glorious hopes of the future. But whether vates among the missing, and our gallant captain, in peace or war, they will rally around the W. H. Withington. When last seen he had received standards of the nation and defend its in- a wound while nobly battling for the flag of his country. The names of the missing are: William tegrity and its constitution with fidelity.” L. Reynolds, Frank D. Pease, C. S. Chapman, L. J. The final paragraph being : Briggs and J. Badgley. There were only thirty-two “I recommend you at an early day to of our company on the field, as many were too sick make manifest to the gentlemen who repre- to march. They all wished to go, and many had to be ordered back, and then obeyed reluctantly. When sent this state in the two houses of congress, you hear from me next it will be in person. I have and to the country, that Michigan is loyal to written my last letter from the seat of war—for the the Union, the constitution and the laws, and present at least. will defend them to the uttermost; and to THE GREAT REBELLION. proffer to the President of the United States Very early in 1861 the coming struggle the whole military power of the state for that cast its shadow over the state. Governor purpose. Oh, for the firm, steady hand of a Blair, in his message to the legislature in Washington, or a Jackson, to guide the ship January of that year, dwelt very forcibly on of state in this perilous storm! Let us hope the sad prospect of civil war, and as forcibly that we shall find him on the 4th of March. pledged the state to support the principles of Meantime, let us abide in the faith of our the republic. After a general review of the fathers—Liberty and Union, one and insep- ‘, condition of the state, he passed on to a con- arable, now and forever.'” sideration of the relations between the free How this stirring appeal was responded and slave-holding sections of the Republic, to by the people of Michigan will be seen by JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 385 the following figures, furnished during the war: Call April 15, 1861, 3 months. Call May 3, 1861, 3 years... Cali July 2, 1862, 3 years... Call October 17, 1863, 3 years. Call March 14, 1864, 3 years. Call July 18, 1864, 3 years... Call December 19, 1864, 3 years. 781 23,546 17,656 18,403 7,374 12,509 7,842 while by the repeated successes of the rebels, the people of a few counties lapsed into leth- argy, so that when the President's call for six hundred thousand troops was made Gov- ernor Blair issued the following proclama- tion: Total 88,111 The three-months men were out of ser- vice before the men of May 3, 1861, went into it, and the 27,725 men of the last three calls were not in the service until after the expiration of the term of the 41,202 three years' men of 1861-2, and a number of these appear twice by re-enlistments in the last calls. But the total credits of the state, not including men who enlisted in the volunteer corps of other states, may be actually com- puted at 90,747. Of this large number of . volunteers, Jackson county furnished no less than 3,232 men, with a corps of officers, whose unexcelled heroism won honor for the state and county on many well-fought fields. It has been truly said, that the quality of the men, physically, mentally and morally, who formed the material of these regiments, has never been and never can be excelled in the armies of any state or nation on earth, and it may well be questioned if it was ever equaled outside of the limits of the Union. The infantry regiments went into the field thoroughly armed and equipped, the arms furnished them having been Spring- field, Enfield and Austrian rifled muskets. The cavalry were equally well equipped, but a portion of the arms of some of them re- mained to be furnished after reaching the seat of war. The first effort of Michigan was real, earnest, patriotic. Stunned for a To the People of Michigan: It is essential to the maintenance of the honor of the state, by meet- ing its obligations to the federal government, that the quota of the troops required of Michigan under the call for six hundred thousand men should be speedily furnished. I have felt great confidence that. this might be done without resort to a draft, but it will be impossible at the rate enlistments have been making for the last month and more. The number required of each town and ward in the state has: been assigned upon the principle of giving credit for all recruits furnished since the first of July last.. Substantial justice in this respect has been done toward all. To be exact was impossible, and to go back of the first of July was impracticable, both be- cause the order of the secretary of war did not authorize it and because there was no reliable record by which such credit could be made up with any chance of fairness. It is, therefore, indispensable that the several towns and wards of cities should furnish the num- ber of recruits assigned to them, and I take this occasion to assure the people that unless the men are furnished by voluntary enlistment, they will be taken by the draft. For the purpose of still giving abundant opportunity to fill the quota of the state by voluntary enlistment, recruiting will be continued as follows: 1. Recruits will be received for new regiments now forming in the state and for all the old regi- ments now in the field, until and including the 29th day of December next. These must be enlisted for the term of three years or during the war. From the ist to the 16th day of December next, volunteer recruits will be received for old regiments only, to serve for nine months, in pur- suance of the act of congress. . 3. On the 30th day of December next, the draft will commence and proceed until the requisite number is obtained in all those towns and wards which shall then be found delinquent. Less than four thousand men are now required to fill the entire quota of the state, and I earnestly hope that they will be found to come forward cheer- fully and enlist for the war, as all our troops thus 2. 25 386 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. far have done. And I desire this, not so much be- riman, J. E. Beebe, Harwood, Seaton, Stet- cause there is anything discreditable in a draft, as son, L. J. Burr, Whitmore, Connable, B. G. because it is exceedingly desirable that all the troops from Michigan should stand on the same footing in Mosher and many other ladies. How well the army. Let the people of Michigan make one the labors of an aid society were performed more loyal and vigorous effort and the entire num- by the directors, assisted by hundreds of ber required can be obtained, and the high reputa- tion of the state for patriotism and promptness will ladies throughout the county, is best known be maintained. AUSTIN BLAIR. to the soldiery who received that aid. Their Dated Jackson, November 29, 1862. work was that of magnificent and true The state must have slept when the vet- charity. . eran war governor deemed it necessary to be THEIR RECORD. so emphatic. This will be evident from the fact that even Jackson county alone, which It is not necessary that we shall go into was always among the foremost in its sup- a detailed history of each Michigan regi- port of the Republic, sent into the field, with- ment in detail. This has been done by the in a few months after Sumter, one thousand, State, and a copy of the “History of Mich- two hundred and thirty men. igan in the War” has been generously do- nated by the state to every one of its soldiers THE LADIES' AID SOCIETY or their families. We shall therefore only was organized so early in the progress of give a brief history of each regiment. the war that we must mention it here. It FIRST INFANTRY.The First Infantry played its noble part well. Their daily was raised in 1861 and went into the ser- rounds were made with military regularity, vice June 26th under Colonel Robinson, a in the neighborhood of their homes; and regular army officer. It was assigned to each round drew toward them the thanks. the First Corps of the Army of the Potomac of a thousand sufferers, who fell in defense and took an active part in all the operations , of all those sacred principles which were and battles of that army during the whole born and nurtured to be the birthright of It was a splendid regiment and bore the millions who will come after us. The on its flags the names of forty-three en- ladies, uninured to battle, fought nobly gagements in which it took an active part. throughout their country, and sent to the Two companies, or over two hundred and tented field all those useful articles intended fifty men, of the regiment enlisted from to heal the wounded, cure the sick, clothe Jackson county. the way-worn soldier, and spread joy SECOND INFANTRY.—This regiment was throughout the camp. raised at the same time as the First and The society was organized November 4, entered the service July 8, 1861. It was as- 1861, with Mrs. A. P. Avery as president, signed to the First Army Corps, Army of Mrs. F. Livermore, vice-president, and Mrs. the Potomac, and continued with it until L. Kassick, secretary. The directory com- March, 1863, when it was transferred to pleted its organization a few days later, and the Ninth Corps. It was one of the best comprised Mesdames McNaughton, A. 0. regiments in the field and had on its banners Bliss, Sherwood, G. Thurber, Dwight Mer- the names of thirty-six engagements. It had war. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 387 . but few men from Jackson and the record service in October, 1861. Company K was , K shows but two casualties. recruited in Jackson. It was first sent to THIRD INFANTRY.—The Third Infantry South Carolina and was incorporated into was organized at Grand Rapids and entered the Ninth, or General Burnside's Corps. It the service in July, 1861. There were but soon won for itself a splendid name on battle few citizens of Jackson in this regiment, fields in South Carolina, Georgia, Mary- and we find but one casualty recorded, that land, Mississippi, Tennessee and Virginia. of S. D. Woodward, who fell at Mine Run NINTH INFANTRY.—This regiment was in Virginia, November 30, 1863. organized in October, 1861, and immedi- FOURTH Fourth INFANTRY.—The Fourth In- ately left for service in Kentucky. It was in fantry was raised at Adrian and entered the General Thomas' corps, Army of the Cum- service July 28, 1861. 28, 1861. It was attached to berland. It did a good deal of service, al- the Second Corps, Army of the Potomac, though it did not participate in as many bat- , and participated in over thirty engagements. tles as most Michigan regiments. Company FIFTH INFANTRY.—This regiment was C was recruited in Jackson and went out raised in the Saginaw valley and went into under C. V. DeLand, as its captain. service in July, 1861. It was in the Army TENTH INFANTRY. - This command of the Potomac and participated in all the took a most distinguished part in the follow- principal engagements of that army. It was ing battles: Farmington, Mississippi, May known as the “Fighting Fifth” and had a 9, 1862; Corinth, May 10 to 31, 1862; very large casualty, list, of which but three Stone River, Tennessee, December 29 to 31, , are credited to Jackson county. 1862, and January 2 and 3, 1863, together Sixth INFANTRY.—This regiment ren- with Mission Ridge, Buzzard's Roost, At- dezvoused at Kalamazoo and went into ser- | lanta, Jonesboro, and through the campaign vice in August, 1861. It was first sent to down to Bentonville, North Carolina, March South Carolina and later to New Orleans, 19 and 20, 1865. where it was changed to heavy artillery. It ELEVENTH INFANTRY.—This regiment contained one full company recruited at entered the service in November, 1861. It Concord, in this county. The casualty list served in the Army of the Cumberland and is quite large, mainly from disease, though finished its active duties at the battle of the reginient did a large amount of fighting Nashville. It had a number from Jackson in Louisiana. on its roster. SEVENTH INFANTRY.—This regiment TWELFTH INFANTRY. - This regiment was raised in Monroe and vicinity and en- rendezvoused at Niles and left the state April tered service in July, 1861. It was attached 2, 1862. . It was engaged in the battle of to the Army of the Potomac and partici- Shiloh, April 6, 1862, and suffered severe pated in all its campaigns and battles. Part | losses. It was attached to the Army of the of one of its companies was recruited in Tennessee and did brilliant service. A com- Napoleon and Brooklyn, in this county. pany from Jackson was commanded by Cap- EIGHTH INFANTRY. This regiment tain N. H. Clafflin. was raised at Detroit and was mustered into THIRTEENTH INFANTRY raised - was 388 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. was at Kalamazoo, Michigan, and left for the Maryland, Virginia, Tennessee and Missis- front in March, 1862, under the command sippi, and is proudly spoken of as “one of of Col. M. Shoemaker. It was assigned Michigan's best.” U. S. Senator J. C. Bur- to the Army of the Tennessee and won a roughs was a captain in the Seventeenth. good name on southern battle fields, among THE TWENTIETH REGIMENT them Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga Chickamauga raised in the fall of 1862 in the four coun- and Atlanta. One company of the regiment of the regiment ties of Calhoun, ties of Calhoun, Ingham, Jackson and was recruited in Jackson. Washtenaw and of course had a large num- FOURTEENTH INFANTRY was organized ber of men from Jackson, nearly three hun- in the winter of 1861-2 and joined the Army dred in all. It began its service at the bat- of the Cumberland in March, 1862. It fol- tle of Antietam, as a part of the Ninth Corps lowed the fortunes of that army from the and continued with General Burnside to the battle at Farmington, in May, 1862, to Ben- end of the war. It participated in many se- tonville, North Carolina, in March, 1865. vere engagements, including the battles of FIFTEENTH INFANTRY was organized at Antietam, Fredericksburgh, Champion Hills Monroe and shared the companionship of in Mississippi, Campbell's Station and the Fourteenth in same brigade, corps and Knoxville in East Tennessee and in Grant's army. campaign from the Rapidan to Petersburg. SIXTEENTH INFANTRY. This regiment It was a noble regiment and brought great was raised in Oakland and Macomb coun- credit to itself and the state. ties in May, 1861. The governor did not ac- TWENTY-SIXTH INFANTRY cept it, as the quota of the state was full, dezvoused in Jackson and contained a con- and it went to Washington on its own hook siderable number of its citizens. The reg- and was mustered into service as “Stock-iment was attached to the Fifth Corps, ton's independent regiment.” Under a sub- | Army of the Potomac. . sequent call it became the Sixteenth. It TWENTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY. This served in the Army of the Potomac and was organized in the fall of 1862 and was made a notable record. It had but few men attached to the Ninth Corps, then in East from this county. Tennessee. It did splendid service in the SEVENTEENTH INFANTRY was raised in campaign under General Grant, and was one Jackson and adjoining counties in August, of the best in the corps. 1862, under the call for six hundred thou- TWENTY-EIGIITH INFANTRY. This sand men issued following the second battle regiment went into service in August, 1864, of Bull Run. It contained three companies and joined the army at Nashville, where it from this county and was commanded by served under General Thomas, being in the Col. W. H. Withington. It first engaged It first engaged battles at Decatur, Franklin and Nash- in the battle at South Mountain, when by ville. reason of a brilliant charge it gained the FIRST MICHIGAN SHARPSHOOTERS.- — name of the “Stone-Wall Regiment.” It This regiment was organized and recruited was attached to the Ninth Corps and par- | by Col. Charles V. DeLand in the winter ticipated in upwards of thirty battles in and spring of 1863. It was called into was ren- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 389 - war. camp January 6th and mustered into the II to 21, 1864; Bentonville, North Caro- United States service July 12th. Its first lina, March 19, 1865. service was in driving the celebrated Mor- MICHIGAN CAVALRY.—Michigan sent gan raiders out of Indiana, after which it twelve regiments of cavalry into the field, was stationed for several months at Camp and they nearly all contained men from this Douglas in Chicago. In March, 1864, it county. was attached to the Ninth Corps and joined ARTILLERY SERVICE.-Michigan sent — the Army of the Potomac on the Rapidan, fourteen batteries to the field during the and participated in the campaign of Gen- eral Grant against Richmond. It partici- The part taken by Michigan in the war pated in the great battles of the Wilderness, for the Union is one that will never be for- Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor and the siege of gotten or regretted. When the integrity of Petersburg, and was the first regiment to the nation was threatened Michigan was enter that city April 3, 1865, and received among the foremost to come to the rescue. its surrender from the mayor, after the rebel The fact that the state furnished over nine- forces had been driven out. It has the dis- ty thousand defenders of the constitution tinction of losing more men in battle in and government is one that will always eleven months than any other in the army, stand to its credit in history as a lesson of and more than many lost during the entire patriotism and fidelity. Jackson county fur- war. The records show that it had one hun- nished its full quota, and the record shows dred and nine privates and seventeen offi- that they freely gave many precious lives to cers killed in battle and nearly six hundred the honor of the country. To the living no men hit with bullets in that campaign, near- less than the dead belong honor and credit. ly two-thirds of its entire enrollment. It All would have died rather than allow the had fifty-six men from Jackson county and nation to be dismembered and its flag dis- the casualities numbered twenty-eight. honored. Treason and rebellion are the ENGINEERS MECHANICS.—This greatest of crimes, and especially against a . regiment was not entered as a fighting regi- free government, where the people rule ment, but was one of the most useful in the themselves. The great Rebellion will go Army of the West, where it was engaged as down into history as the most wicked and bridge builders, engineers and mechanics in causeless in the world. That it was put all departments. But it did not escape an down will stand the greatest monument to occasional “baptism of fire,” for it did some the intelligence, patriotism and honor of the good fighting at Mill Springs, Kentucky, American people. The price was large, but , January 19, 1862; Farmington, Mississippi, the benefits are lasting and great. Never May 9, 1862; Corinth, Mississippi, May 10 again will the verdict of public opinion be to 31, 1862; Perryville, Kentucky, October challenged by local interest or disappointed 8, 1862; Lavergne, Tennessee, January 1, politicians. The American people have writ- 1863; Chattanooga, Tennessee, October 6, ten this fiat that the popular will is the 1863; Atlanta, Georgia, July 22 to Septem- highest law and the constitution must and ber 2, 1864; Savannah, Georgia, December shall be respected and preserved. AND 390 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. MEMORIAL DAY. the increasing age of many of the veterans, is to decrease interest and attendance, but There is nothing more poetic and beau- the post is still an active and efficient organ- tiful than the custom of decorating the ization and has a large and useful influence graves of patriots. It is not a new one, for in the community. It holds its regular meet- it dates far back in the history of the Greeks ings the second and fourth Tuesday in every and Romans. It was introduced soon after month and finds constantly some work of the close of the Civil war and is now a rec- love and charity to interest its members. It ognized holiday in this country. No where has as an auxiliary a number of other posts is it more honored than in Jackson. Since in the county, at Brookyn, Hanover, Con- 1870 the people have united in the ceremony cord, Parma, Springport and Grass Lake, in the true spirit of Christian citizenship. all of which are efficient, and which keep up It is in fact the true "holy day” of the year the fraternal feeling, attend to the services and is celebrated in a devout spirit by all the on Memorial Day and are a source of pa- people. The grave of every dead soldier is triotic education and enthusiasm among the covered with the beautiful flowers of spring, people. . and is marked with a tiny flag as a memento THE WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS of his services, and the military, civic and secret societies and the mass of the people is a valuable auxiliary to the Grand Army join in the procession in honor of the he- of the Republic posts. It is composed of the roes who are dead. It is an education on mothers, wives and daughters of the old patriotism and patriotic duty that will keep veterans, and they are as diligent and faith- the love of liberty and free government for- ful workers in the field of benevolence and ever alive in the hearts of the people. No charity, as were the women in the darkest where is it more honored and preserved days of the Civil war. In fact they do more than by the people of Jackson. to relieve poverty, sickness and distress than the men. God only knows the real good THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. they accomplish looking after the comfort The veterans of Jackson were among of widows, orphans and those in distress. the earliest to organize a post of the fra- It is a most hopeful sign of the Christianity ternal and brotherly organization of sur- that follows in the wake of dreadful war, vivors of the Civil war known as the Grand that such agencies are developed and made Army of the Republic. Edward Pomeroy so useful and lasting. Post No. 48 was formed in 1870, with Maj. SOLDIERS' MONUMENT. W. W. Van Antwerp as its commander and a full corps of officers. This post has been While almost every county and city of maintained and is still in good running any size in the state has long ago erected a order. At one time it numbered over three monument as a testimonial to the valor and hundred members, but at present has only devotion of its citizen soldiery, it is to the two hundred and fifty active members. The discredit of Jackson that no such memorial tendency of those who have grown rich, and has been erected here. It seems its citizens JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 391 have been dead to the almost universal pub- These companies left for the regimental lic sentiment that has inspired the people of rendezvous at Island Lake, April 26, 1898, other localities, and the business men have and this event was of prime importance. been too intent upon becoming rich, while More than five thousand people assembled capital has been too greedy in looking after on the streets of Jackson to bid the soldiers its six per cent. to devote anything to so Godspeed and good-bye. The event recalled proven worthy an object. But, fortunately some of similar events during the Civil war. for the city, this object lesson is soon to be Jackson was never more gaily decorated and supplied. The credit will belong to our fel- never more enthusiastic as the volunteers low citizen and comrade, Gen. William H. marched with elastic step over her pave- , Withington, who has made arrangements ments to the trains ready to convey them to to donate a suitable soldiers' monument to camp. the people of the city and county. The in- The Thirty-first Regiment was promptly tention was to have it dedicated on Memorial organized and went to the front. It was Day the current year, but unfortunately it first camped at Chickamauga and from could not be completed in time, so we shall there was sent to Savannah, Georgia, and not be able to include the account of the cer- from there to Cuba. It remained in Cuba emonies in this work. But it is some satis- about three months, when it returned to Sa- faction to announce the facts and congratu- vannah and thence was sent to Knoxville, late our readers that Jackson is to be hon- Tennessee, where it was mustered out and ored with such a monument, the generous returned home, having been in the service gift of Comrade Withington. about one year. The regiment did not succeed in getting to the front in time to do any fighting, the abrupt termination of the war preventing When the war with Spain was inaugu- the opportunity to test its valor on the field, rated and President McKinley called for but in the discharge of the other duties as- two hundred thousand volunteers to free signed it bore a good name for its efficiency Cuba, Michigan was called upon for four and discipline. The fact that it won no vic- regiments of infantry. tories on the battle field was its misfortune Jackson responded with two companies, and not its choice, for it was made up of the , of one hundred and six men each, which most splendid material and would have were attached to the Thirty-first Regiment. proven worthy of the state that it repre- The Jackson contingent was officered as fol- sented. lows: Major, Henry L. Hunt; Company : Only two citizens of Jackson died in the D, Captain Cyrus H. Smith; First Lieu- service. Homer C. Nash, first lieutenant of tenant Charles S. Ismon; Second Lieu- | Company H, and regimental adjutant, died ant L. I. Collins. Company H, Captain B. at Knoxville of Cuban fever, and one pri- 0. Newell; First Lieutenant Homer D. vate. The death of Adjutant Nash resulted Nash; Second Lieutenant Thomas H. Phil- in the promotion of Second Lieutenant Phil- lips. lips to first lieutenant, and the promotion of SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR. 392 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 66 Sergeant Albert McGee to second lieuten- near Petersburg, Virginia, June 18, 1864; ant. made captain August 22, 1864; brevetted The harrowing tales of suffering that major March II, 1865; honorably dis- filled the "yellow journals” during the Cu- charged and mustered out as captain May ban war did not seem to have reached the 30, 1865. Jackson boys in this campaign, for they John Anderson, Parma, served in Uni- came home looking fresh and robust, and ted States regulars in Mexican war; entered showed no effect of the starvation or dis- services as captain in Twentieth Michigan, sipations that seemed to have afflicted many July 29, 1862; resigned January 9, 1863, of the troops—in the newspapers. The evil and honorably discharged for physical dis- effects of the “canned beef,” that created so ability much havoc among the general of the army Edwin P. Anderson, Jackson, entered and some of his high associates, had no ap- as private in First Michigan Sharpshooters, parent effect upon the rank and file that January 10, 1863; promoted to sergeant , returned to Jackson. June 15, 1863; commissioned first lieutenant The military spirit still flourishes in in Sixty-fourth Massachusetts Infantry Jackson. It has two fine companies of state May 6, 1864; wounded at Petersburgh, Vir- troops and two independent companies, the ginia, July 30, 1864; mustered out as cap- whole known as the "Jackson Battalion," tain September 4, 1864, for permanent dis- whose parades always attract attention and ability. whose drill shows the highest state of mili- Benj. B. Baker, Jackson, entered serv- tary perfection, and no city in the state is ice June 17, 1862, as second lieutenant in prouder of its military representation. Seventeenth Michigan Infantry; wounded in action at Antietam September 17, 1862; SKETCHES OF JACKSON COUNTY OFFICERS made first lieutenant December 30, 1862; wounded at Fredericksburg, Virginia, Feb- Jackson county furnished its full quota ruary, 1863; resigned July 13, 1863, and of brave and deserving officers during the honorably discharged for physical disability. Civil war, and it is due to them and their Henry B. Baker, Jackson, entered serv- friends that they be grouped together in the ice August 9, 1862, as hospital steward of history of the county. This is no slight or Twentieth Michigan Infantry; made assist- easy task, and it may possibly be that a few ant surgeon November 17, 1863; mustered may be omitted who served in regiments of out and honorably discharged May 30, 1865. other states, but we have tried to include all T. A. Baldwin, Jackson, entered serv- such. as well as those of record as from ice October 9, 1862, as sergeant Company Michigan. E, Eighth Michigan. Infantry; made second Edward M. Adams, Grass Lake, entered lieutenant December 16, 1863; first lieuten- service as sergeant of Company F, Twenti- ant April 25, 1865; mustered out and hon- eth Infantry, July 22, 1862; promoted to orably discharged July 30, 1865. second lieutenant November 2, 1863; first John Bedford, Jackson, entered service lieutenant May 24, 1864; wounded in action as sergeant First Michigan Infantry Sep- IN THE CIVIL WAR. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 393 tember 16, 1861; made second lieutenant ville; exchanged November 18, and pro- September 23, 1862; wounded at Fredericks- moted to first lieutenant; mustered out Au- burg, Virginia, 13, 1862; trans- gust 20, 1865. ferred to Veteran Reserve Corps as captain Smith H. Bristoll, Parma, entered serv- October 29, 1863; honorably discharged ice as assistant surgeon of the Thirteenth , August 24, 1865. Michigan Infantry September 1, 1862; re- Charles E. Beebe, Jackson, entered serv- signed December 16, 1863, and honorably ice as first lieutenant and quartermaster discharged. Seventeenth Michigan Infantry December Caleb E. Brown, Jackson, entered serv- 18, 1862; resigned July 19, 1863, and hon- ice as lieutenant of Third Michigan Cavalry orably discharged. September 7, 1861; resigned May 16, 1862, Henry D. Benham, Jackson, entered and honorably discharged for disability. service as first lieutenant of First Michigan, William J. Burgess, Parma, entered or Tenth United States Colored Infantry, service August 20, 1861, as sergeant Com- March 7, 1863; died of disease at Beaufort, pany I, Sixth Michigan Infantry; promoted South Carolina, July 3, 1864. to second lieutenant August 12, .1864; mus- Harrison Bennett, Jackson, entered serv- tered out February 16, 1866, and honorably ice May I, 1861, as private in First Michi- discharged. gan, three months ; mustered out August 7, John Jay Caulkins, Leslie, entered serv- 1861; re-enlisted August 25, 1861, and ice as second lieutenant Battery C, First made hospital steward; promoted to first Michigan Light Artillery, January 21, 1863; lieutenant July 7, 1864; honorably dis- made first lieutenant December 18, 1864; charged July 9, 1865. mustered out June 21, 1865, and honorably William W. Bennett, Jackson, entered discharged. service as private First Michigan Infantry James Campbell, Parma, entered service August 20, 1861; sergeant September 1, December 19, 1862, as sergeant Company 1862; captain Eleventh Regiment United K, Twenty-seventh Michigan Infantry; sec- States Colored Troops August 10, 1863; ond lieutenant November 1, 1865; second colonel One Hundred and Second United lieutenant March 21, 1865; wounded States Colored Infantry, April 14, 1864; in action at Spottsylvania May 12, 1864; honorably discharged May 25, 1865. mustered out July 26, 1865, and honorably James T. Berry entered service as cor- discharged. poral Sixth Illinois Cavalry October 5, Monroe G. Carlton, Grass Lake, entered 1861; made lieutenant September 12, 1862; service as second lieutenant of Third Michi- captain May 1, 1864; mustered out and hon- gan Cavalry September 7, 1861; made cap- orably discharged August, 1865. tain May 12, 1862; resigned June 18, 1862, H. Dorr Blakeman, Jackson, entered and honorably discharged. service as sergeant Company E, First Reg- Loren Chadwick, Jackson, entered serv- iment Michigan Sharpshooters, June 6, ice as captain in Thirteenth Michigan In- 1863; captured June 17, 1864, before Pe- | fantry October 3, 1861; resigned June 19, tersburg, Virginia, and sent to Anderson-1863, and honorably discharged. 394 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Samuel Chadwick, Jackson, entered ice August 12, 1862, as private Company service as first lieutenant Company E, First F, Twentieth Michigan Infantry; made sec- Michigan Volunteers, Mexican war, June ond lieutenant April 1, 1864; wounded in 30, 1847; discharged October 30, 1848; action before Petersburg, Virginia, June 18, made first lieutenant and adjutant Eleventh 1864; first lieutenant July 30, 1864; captain Michigan Infantry August 24, 1861; re- October 7, 1864; mustered out and honor- signed February 13, 1863; captain Twenty-ably discharged July 28, 1865. eighth Michigan Infantry August 15, 1864; Freeman R. Crosby, Napoleon, entered mustered out May 17, 1865, and honorably service as assistant surgeon Seventeenth In- discharged. fantry November 7, 1862; resigned April 30, Alpheus Chase, Jackson, entered service 1864, and honorably discharged. September 2, 1861, as first sergeant Com- Archibald B. Darragh, Jackson, entered pany C, Ninth Michigan Infantry; made sec- service as sergeant Company D, Ninth Cav- ond lieutenant April 4, 1862; killed in action alry, March 13, 1863; made second lieuten- July 12, 1862, at Murfreesboro, Tennessee. ant March 26, 1863; first lieutenant Feb- Reuben S. Cheney, Jackson, entered ruary 12, 1864; captain June 9, 1864; mus- service as first lieutenant of Company K, tered out and honorably discharged July 21, Eighth Michigan Infantry, September 24, 1865. 1861; resigned April 13, 1862, and honor- Charles V. DeLand, Jackson, entered ably discharged. service September 1, 1861; mustered as cap- J. P. C. Church, Jackson, entered serv- tain Company C, Ninth Michigan Infantry, ice as first lieutenant in Seventeenth Michi- October 12, 1861; taken prisoner at Mur- gan Infantry June 17, 1862; resigned July | freesboro, Tennessee, July 13, 1862; ex- 26, 1862, and honorably discharged. changed December 26, 1862; promoted col- Nelson H. Clafflin, Jackson, enlisted as onel First Regiment Michigan Sharpshoot- private Company B, First Michigan, three ers January 1, 1863; was wounded in action months; re-enlisted as sergeant in Company at Spottsylvania, Virginia, May 12, 1864; D, Twelfth Michigan Infantry, October 19, wounded in action in the assault on Peters- ) 1861; wounded in action at Shiloh April 6, action at Shiloh April 6, burg, Virginia, July 30, 1864; wounded and 1862; made second lieutenant June 2, 1862; taken prisoner in action at Popular Springs captain October 8, 1862; mustered out and Church, Virginia, September 30, 1864; ex- honorably discharged July 25, 1865. changed February 1, 1865; mustered out on Thomas J. Conely, Jackson, entered the account of disability from wounds received service as first lieutenant of Company K, in action; made brevet brigadier general Ninth Michigan Infantry, October 12, 1861; United States Volunteers March 14, 1865, captured at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, July "for gallant and meritorious service.” 13, 1862; exchanged December 3, 1862; James S. Deland, Jackson, entered promoted to captain December 8, 1862; re- service October 23, 1863, as sergeant ma- signed September 20, 1864, and honorably jor First Michigan Sharpshooters; made , discharged. first lieutenant June 30, 1864; wounded in George Cook, Grass Lake, entered serv- action July 11, 1864; captain November 20, : JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 395 1864; wounded while leading the regiment quartermaster January 1, 1865; mustered in capture of Petersburg April 3, 1865; out and honorably discharged July 21, 1865. made brevet major of United States Volun- Milo E. Dyer, Jackson, entered service teers, "for gallant and meritorious service December 24, 1862, as sergeant Company in the assault upon Petersburg;" mustered E, First Regiment Michigan Sharpshoot- out and honorably discharged June 24, ers; made first lieutenant and quartermaster 1865. August 15, 1864; mustered out July 28, Hooker A. DeLand, Jackson, entered 1865, and honorably discharged. service as private in First Michigan Infan- Owen Ellison, Jr., Jackson, appointed try August 26, 1861; made first sergeant first assistant surgeon of the Thirteenth In- July 39, 1862; promoted to captain First fantry December 31, 1864: mustered out Michigan Sharpshooters April 25, 1863; June 30, 1865, and honorably discharged. dismissed from the service for disobedience George R. Elms, Rives, entered as pri- of orders June 24, 1864. vate Company E, Ninth Michigan Infantry, Carlton M. DeLand, Jackson, entered August 14, 1861; promoted to orderly ser- the service May, 1861, three months; en- geant and sergeant major of the regi- listed as first sergeant in Ninth Massachu- ment; second lieutenant July 31, 1865; hon- setts Infantry August 20, 1861; wounded at orably discharged September 15, 1865. Ball's Bluff; made first lieutenant for bra- Ira L. Evans, Jackson, entered as pri- very at Gaines Mills, June, 1862; captain vate Company B, Second Michigan Infan- November 20, 1862; wounded at Gettys- try, at Niles, May 16, 1861; promoted to burgh July 2, 1863; discharged on account sergeant July 20, 1862; first lieutenant First of wounds October 1, 1863. Regiment Michigan Sharpshooters April 16, Julian G. Dickinson, Jackson, entered 1863; captain June 19, 1864; brevet major service July 11, 1862, as sergeant major of of United States Volunteers April 3, 1865, the Fourth Michigan Cavalry; promoted to for gallant and meritorious services in the first lieutenant and adjutant July 15, 1864; | final assault on Petersburg; on division staff made brevet captain United States Volun- at muster out of regiment. teers May 10, 1865, “for meritorious serv- Charles S. Fassett, Sandstone, entered ices in the capture of Jeff Davis;" honorably service as second lieutenant Sixth Michigan discharged August 15, 1865. Infantry August 19, 1861; wounded in act- Dennis Donnahue, Concord, entered ion at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, August 5, service as private Company C, Ninth Michi- | 1862; first lieutenant July 1, 1863; captain , gan Infantry, September 6, 1861; first ser- July 21, 1864; mustered out August 20, geant October 3, 1863; lieutenant June 12, 1865, and honorably discharged. 1864; mustered out and honorably dis- Frank A. Fassett, Parma, entered sery- charged July 24, 1865. ice July 30, 1862, as sergeant Company E, Milton Dwyer, Jackson, entered serv- Twentieth Michigan Infantry; made sec- ice December 19, 1862; as sergeant Com- ond lieutenant May 17, 1865; mustered out pany A, Ninth Cavalry; promoted to first and honorably discharged May 30, 1865. lieutenant November 30, 1864; regimental Hartman S. Felt, Grass Lake, entered 396 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. service August 12, 1861, as sergeant Com- George B. Fuller, Jackson, entered serv- pany B, Seventh Michigan Infantry; made ice as second lieutenant Eighth Michigan In- second lieutenant July 3, 1863; wounded in fantry January 8, 1862; made first lieuten- action at Strawberry Plain, Virginia, Au- ant April 13, 1862; captain September 16, gust 14, 1864, died of wounds August 24, 1862; mustered out June 8, 1865, and hon- 1864. orably discharged. Nelson Fillio, Jackson, enlisted Febru- Thomas H. Gaffney, Parma, enlisted ary 9, 1863, as private in Battery F, First August 12, 1861, at Niles, in Company B, , Michigan Light Artillery; promoted to first Ninth Michigan Infantry; first sergeant Oc- lieutenant in Eleventh Michigan Infantry tober 16, 1861; second lieutenant March 25, March 1, 1865; resigned July 19, 1865, and 1862; wounded at Murfreesboro, Tennes- honorably discharged. see, July 13, 1862; promoted to be captain Charles H. Foote, Jackson, entered serv- Company G, First Michigan Sharpshooters, ice as first lieutenant Company B, Second August 8, 1863; wounded in action before United States (Berdan’s) Sharpshooters, Petersburg, Virginia, June 17, 1864, and October 14, 1862; mustered out October 8, died of wounds in Washington, D. C., June 1864, and honorably discharged. 20, 1864. Charles Ford, Jackson, entered service Horace M. Gallup, Grass Lake, entered June 14, 1862, as first lieutenant and quar- service January 15, 1863, as chaplain Sev- termaster Seventeenth Michigan Infantry; enteenth Michigan Infantry; resigned Jan- resigned December 18, 1862; appointed cap- uary 12, 1864, on account of disability and tain and commissary of subsistance of honorably discharged. United States Volunteers February 19, William A. Gavett, Sandstone, entered 1863; resigned October 19, 1864, and hon-service as private in Eighteenth Michigan orably discharged. Infantry, in June, 1862; made commissary Charles W. Ford, Leoni, entered serv- sergeant July, 1863; captain United States ice as second lieutenant of Company I, First Colored Troops August 1, 1864; mustered Regiment of United States (Berdan's) out and honorably discharged as assistant Sharpshooters, November 23, 1861; re- provost marshal at Nashville, Tennessee, signed and honorably discharged November September 20, 1865. 20, 1864. John Goldsmith, Jackson, entered serv- Harmon Ford, Hanover, entered service ice as captain in the Seventeenth Michigan September 24, 1861, as private Company Infantry June 17, 1862; wounded in action K, Third Michigan Cavalry; first sergeant at South Mountain, Maryland, September July 1, 1862; made first lieutenant in Twen- 14, 1862; resigned January 24, 1863, and ty-eighth Michigan Infantry August 15, honorably discharged. , 1864; honorably discharged May 15, 1865. James B. Goold, Parma, entered service Smith W. Fowler, Jackson, entered serv- July 21, 1862, as sergeant of Company E, ice as captain in Sixth Regiment Michigan Twentieth Michigan Infantry; made second Infantry August 19, 1861; resigned June lieutenant January 9, 1863, and first lieu- 20, 1862, and honorably discharged. tenant November 1, 1863; wounded in ac- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 397 tion at Spottsylvania, Virginia, May 12, September 1, 1862; first lieutenant January 1864; captured, and died in Libby Prison in I, 1863; captain June 3, 1864; resigned July Richmond in June, 1864. 25, 1864, and honorably discharged. Charles Grandy, Leoni, enlisted in En- Eben B. Griffith, Jackson, entered sery- gineers and Mechanics September 10, 1861; ice May 1, 1861, as first lieutenant Com- sergeant Company A, December 1, 1861; pany B, First (three months) Michigan In- second lieutenant January 1, 1864; mustered fantry; mustered out August 7, 1861; re-en- out and honorably discharged October 26, tered service as captain Company D, First 1864. Michigan Infantry, August 17, 1861; re- Horace D. Grant, Jackson, entered serv- signed July 17, 1862, and was honorably ice as captain in Fourth Regiment Cavalry discharged. August 13, 1862; wounded and captured at Daniel Griffith, Jackson, enlisted in , Kingston, Georgia, May 18, 1864; promoted Company D, First Michigan Infantry, Au- to major February 23, 1864; resigned De- gust 20, 1861; sergeant April I, 1862; cember 11, 1864, and honorably discharged. wounded, shot through the body, at the bat- , Herman W. Grant, Spring Arbor, en- tle of Seven Pines, Virginia, June, 1862; tered service August 4, 1862, as sergeant promoted to second lieutenant August 10, Company I, Fourth Regiment Michigan 1862, but honorably discharged for disa- Cavalry; promoted second lieutenant Marchbility, before muster as an officer. 28, 1864; first lieutenant November 25, Samuel D. Haight, Jackson, entered 1864; mustered out July 1, 1865, and hon- service January 10, 1864, as sergeant Com- orably discharged pany A, Ninth Michigan Cavalry; made sec- Marcus M. Grant, Jackson, entered serv- ond lieutenant August 27, 1864; first lieu- ice May I as corporal Company B, First tenant January 4, 1865; mustered out July (three months) Infantry; mustered out Au- 21, 1865, and honorably discharged. gust 7, 1861; re-enlisted, captain First Reg- Newton Haight, Jackson, entered serv- iment Engineers and Mechanics September | ice May 1, 1861, as sergeant Company B, 12, 1861; made major August 7, 1864; mus- First (three months) Infantry; mustered tered out September 22, 1865, and honor- out August 7, 1861; re-entered as captain ably discharged. Twenty-eighth Infantry August 15, 1864; Solon E. Grant, Jackson, entered service mustered out and honorably discharged as private Company B, First (three months) June 5, 1866. B Regiment Infantry, May 1, 1861 ; mustered Josiah T. Hammond, Jackson, entered out August 7, 1861; re-enlisted in First En- service as second lieutenant of Twentieth gineers and Mechanics September 12, 1861; | Michigan Infantry July 29, 1862; promoted made first lieutenant January 21, 1862; re- to first lieutenant June 26, 1863; resigned signed July 17, 1863, and honorably dis- and honorably discharged March 16, 1864. charged. William H. Hanna, Jackson, entered Austin W. Green, Jackson, entered serv- service as hospital steward Tenth Michigan ice August 15, 1861, as sergeant in Eighth Infantry February 3, 1862; first lieutenant , Michigan Infantry; made second lieutenant and assistant surgeon May 8, 1865; mus- 398 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. tered out and honorably discharged July shooters, December 27, 1862; sergeant 19, 1865. June 1, 1863; first lieutenant March 7, Charles Heinie, Jackson, entered serv- 1865; mustered out July 28, 1865, and hon- ice as second lieutenant Sixth Michigan In- orably discharged. fantry August 19, 1861; first lieutenant Oc- William B. Hurd, Jackson, entered serv- tober 9, 1861; promoted to be captain of ice May 1, 1861, as private in Company B, Fourteenth Battery of Light Artillery Sep- First (three months) Infantry; mustered tember 19, 1863; mustered out and honor- out August 7, 1861; re-entered service June ably discharged July 30, 1865. 4, 1862, as sergeant Company K, Seven- Oscar P. Hendee, entered service Sep- teenth Infantry; second lieutenant February tember 14, 1861, as private Eighth Michi- 25, 1863; taken prisoner May 12, 1864, at gan Infantry, first sergeant April 20, 1862; Spottsylvania, Virginia; released March 1, second lieutenant May 6, 1863; wounded in 1865; captain May 17, 1865; mustered out action on Weldon Road, Virginia, August June 12, 1865, and honorably discharged. 19, 1864; first lieutenant April 25, 1865; David' P. Ingraham, Brooklyn, entered mustered out July 30, 1865, and honorably the service November 9, 1862, as second lieu- discharged. tenant of Seventh Michigan Cavalry; first Sylvester R. Holden, Jackson, entered lieutenant December 1, 1862; captain Sep- service as second lieutenant Twenty-eighth tember 15, 1864; mustered out July 31, Regiment Infantry August 15, 1864; re- 1865, and honorably discharged. signed January 5, 1865, and honorably dis- Joseph H. Iott, Concord, entered the chared. service as private Company B, First (three Enos Hopkins, Jackson, entered serv- months) Infantry, May 1, 1861; mustered ice as major of First Regiment Engineers out August 7, 1861; re-entered September and Mechanics September 12, 1861; re- 4, 1861, as first lieutenant Company C, signed May 28, 1863, and honorably dis- Ninth Michigan Infantry; died of disease charged. at Elizabethtown, Kentucky, February 15, Abraham Horton, Summit, entered 1862. service as second lieutenant in Seventeenth Franklin Johnson, Jackson, entered the Regiment Infantry June 17, 1862; wounded service as a captain in the Twenty-sixth at South Mountain September 14, 1862; re- Michigan Infantry September 1, 1862; was signed December 4, 1862, and honorably wounded in action at Spottsylvania, Vir- discharged. ginia, May 12, 1864; honorably discharged Henry S. Horton, Summit, entered serv- for disability from wounds November 30, ice as private Company B, First Michigan | 1864. Cavalry, July 17, 1861; made sergeant Au- Henry Johnson, Jackson, entered the gust 10, 1863 ; second lieutenant December service as assistant surgeon of the Sixth ; 4, 1864; mustered out and honorably dis- Michigan Cavalry March 10, 1864; mus- charged November 7, 1865. tered out November 7, 1865, and honorably Henry H. Hulin, Jackson, entered as discharged. private Company E, First Michigan Sharp- Thomas D. Jones, Columbia, entered JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 399 service June 20, 1861, as sergeant Company | August 18, 1861; second lieutenant August B, Fourth Michigan Infantry; made second 16, 1862; first lieutenant September 23, lieutenant January 13, 1862; killed in action 1862; captain November 1, 1862; wounded at Gaines Mills, Virginia, June 27, 1862. in action May 23, 1864; brevet major United J. Benton Kenneday, Hanover, entered States Volunteers July 6, 1864; major Oc- service as corporal Company B, First (three tober 3, 1864; lieutenant colonel January 7, months) Infantry, May 1, 1861; mustered 1865; wounded at Hatchers Run February out August 7, 1861; re-enlisted as second 6, 1865; made colonel May 30, 1865; mus- lieutenant First Michigan Infantry, August tered out July 9, 1865, and honorably dis- 1, 1861; first lieutenant January 16, 1862; charged. captain July 14, 1862; died of wounds re- George W. Lumbard, Jackson, entered ceived in action at Fredericksburg, Virginia, service May 16, 1861, as captain in Fourth December 13, 1862. Michigan Infantry; lieutenant-colonel July Peter B. Kilmer, Napoleon, entered serv- I, 1862; colonel July 3, 1863; died May 6, ice August 15, 1864, as first lieutenant 1864, of wounds received in battle of the Twenty-eighth Infantry; mustered out June Wilderness May 5, 1864. 6, 1866, and honorably discharged. G. Collins Lyon, Jackson, entered ser- Nathan G. King, Brooklyn, entered the vice May 1, 1861, as second lieutenant Com- service as captain and commissary of sub- pany B, First (three months) Infantry; sistance of United States Volunteers April mustered out August 7, 1861; re-entered as 14, 1862; made major and paymaster of vol- captain Company G, First (three years) unteers, Ninth Corps, February 25, 1864; Infantry, August 17, 1861; resigned April , mustered out November 15, 1865, and hon- 22, 1862; appointed major of Seventeenth orably discharged. Infantry, August 8, 1862; was wounded in Carnett C. Lathrop, Jackson, entered action at Antietam, Maryland, September service as hospital steward of Ninth Mich- 17, 1862; resigned October 13, 1864, and igan Cavalry, June 5, 1863; second lieuten- honorably discharged. ant February 18, 1864; assistant surgeon Theodore S. Mahan, Jackson, entered .July 15, 1864; honorably discharged May service as first lieutenant Sixteenth Michigan 15, 1865. Infantry, August 9, 1861; captain August Mulford M. Latimer, Summit, entered 22, 1862; wounded in action at Fredericks- the service September 7, 1861, as captain in burg, Virginia, February 13, 1862; resigned Third Michigan Cavalry; wounded in action April 17, 1863, and honorably discharged. at Iuka, Mississippi, September 19, 1862; Joseph McCloy, Henrietta, entered the mustered out October 24, 1864, and honor- service as first lieutenant Twelfth Michigan ably discharged. Infantry, October 10, 1861; promoted to George Lockley, Jackson, entered ser- captain September 1, 1862; resigned Febru- , vice May 1, 1861, as private in Company B, ary 24, 1864, and honorably discharged. First (three months) Infantry; mustered Henry E. Miller, Napoleon, entered ser- out August 7, 1861; re-entered as sergeant vice as sergeant Company G, Seventeenth In- Company G, First (three years) Infantry, fantry, August 5, 1862; second lieutenant 400 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. September 14, 1864; mustered out and hon- fantry, August 17, 1861; promoted to cap- orably discharged July 20, 1865. tain January 16, 1862; was killed at the sec- John R. Owens, Jackson, entered service ond Bull Run, Virginia, August 30, 1862. as private Company B, First (three months) Ransom F. Pool, Jackson, entered ser- Infantry, May 1, 1861; mustered out Aug. vice August 1, 1861, as quartermaster ser- 7, 1861; re-entered as sergeant Company C, geant, First Michigan Infantry; made quar- Ninth Michigan Infantry, September 6, termaster October 1, 1864; resigned June 1861; second lieutenant April 9, 1863;, first 30, 1865, and honorably discharged. lieutenant August 22, 1864; resigned Jan- Francis Porter, Springport, entered the uary 8, 1865, and honorably discharged. service as second lieutenant in Twentieth D. Gibbs Palmer, Jackson, entered the Michigan Infantry, July 29, 1862; made service January 1, 1863, as first lieutenant captain January 9, 1863; wounded in action and quartermaster of the First Regiment, near Knoxville, Tennessee, November 21, Michigan Sharpshooters; assistant quarter-1863, and in assault on Petersburg, Vir- master United States Volunteers July 1, ginia, July 30, 1864; made major December 1864; resigned January 16, 1865, and hon- 20, 1864; lieutenant-colonel March II, orably discharged. 1865; mustered out May 30, 1865, and hon- Frank A. Palmer, Jackson, entered the orably discharged (died in Detroit, May 18, service as sergeant Company C, Ninth Mich- 1903, aged seventy-nine years). igan Infantry, September 6, 1861; sergeant George Proudfit, Jackson, entered the major January 24, 1863; second lieutenant service September 24, 1861, as captain Com- November 14, 1864; first lieutenant, Febru- pany K, Eighth Michigan Infantry; resigned ary 15, 1865; mustered out September 15, December 3, 1862, and honorably dis- 1865, and honorably discharged. charged. Hiram B. Pierson, Jackson, entered the Andrew Pulver, Summit, entered ser- service as sergeant in Tenth Michigan In- vice August 23, 1861, as sergeant Company fantry, June 18, 1861; made second lieu- | B, First Michigan Cavalry, second lieuten- tenant October 1, 1861; resigned October 1, ant, May 18, 1863; captain June 1, 1864; 1862, and honorably discharged. killed in action at Trevallion Station near John Piper, Jackson, entered service June Richmond, Virginia, June 12, 1864. 9, 1861, as captain of the Western Sharp- J. Curtiss Purdy, Jackson, entered ser- shooters, attached to Forty-fourth Illinois vice as second lieutenant Company C, Ninth Infantry; promoted to be major of First Michigan Infantry, September 12, 1861; Regiment Michigan Sharpshooters, Jan. I, made first lieutenant March 25, 1862; cap- 1863 ; killed at Spottsylvania, Virginia, May tured at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, July 13, 12, 1864. 1862; released November 27, 1862; captain Edmond Pomeroy, Jackson, entered the May 14, 1863; resigned November 23, 1864, service May 1, 1861, as private in Company and honorably discharged. B, First (three months) Infantry; mustered John L. Ransom, Jackson, entered the out August 7, 1861; re-entered as first lieu- service November 26, 1862, as sergeant tenant, Company G, First (three years) In- Company A, Ninth Cavalry; made second . JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 401 lieutenant August 9, 1863; discharged for action near Petersburg, Virginia, June 17, disability July 5, 1865. 1864. Christian Rath, Jackson, entered the ser- John W. Richardson, Jackson, entered vice June 17, 1862, as second lieutenant in service as private in First (three months) Seventeenth Michigan Infantry; was wound- Infantry May 1, 1861; mustered out August ed in action at Antietam, Maryland, Sep-7, 1861; re-entered as assistant surgeon tember 17, 1862; made first lieutenant De- Twenty-first Infantry, April 11, 1863; mus- cember 6, 1862; captain August 6, 1863; tered out April 11, 1865, and honorably dis- taken prisoner at Spottsylvania, Virginia, charged. May 12, 1864; but escaped same night; de- Edward H. Ring, Jackson, entered ser-- tailed on division staff as provost marshal; vice as first lieutenant and adjutant of the was brevetted major and lieutenant-colonel First Michigan Infantry August 17, 1861; of United States Volunteers for special and resigned June 24, 1862, and honorably dis- efficient services during "the trial, confine charged. ment and execution of the the conspira- William F. Robinson, Jackson, entered tors against President Lincoln;" honorably service June 20, 1861, as sergeant Company discharged July 19, 1865. H, Fourth Michigan Infantry; second lieu- Dr. M. H. Raymond, Grass Lake, en- tenant December 12, 1861; first lieutenant tered the service as assistant surgeon July 18, 1862; captain January 22, 1863; Twenty-sixth Infantry, September 6, 1862; wounded in action at Gettysburg, Pennsyl- promoted to be surgeon, April 20, 1863; vania, July 2, 1863; resigned May 1, 1864, , mustered out and honorably discharged June and honorably discharged. 4: 1865. Rev. James J. Scarrett, Jackson, entered David H. Reeves, Jackson, entered ser- the service as major of the Tenth Infantry, vice May 1, 1861, as private in Company November 20, 1861; died of disease at B, First (three months) Infantry; mustered Nashville, Tennessee, November 15, 1863. out August 12, 1861; re-entered as first lieu- Michael Shoemaker, Jackson, entered tenant in Twelfth Michigan Infantry, Octo- service as colonel Thirteenth Michigan In- ber 10, 1861; was made captain November fantry, January 28, 1862; taken prisoner at II, 1863; resigned August 26, 1865, and Tyree Springs, Tennessee, September 7, , , honorably discharged. 1862: exchanged September 27, 1862; re- James P. Ruxford, Napoleon, entered the signed Máy 26, 1863 and honorably dis- the service as second lieutenant Fourth charged. Michigan Cavalry August 13, 1862; first David A. Shumway, Jackson, entered lieutenant June 27, 1863; captain Eighth September 30, 1861, in engineer and me- Cavalry, April 25, 1864; mustered out Sep-chanics; surgeon Company H, October 10, tember 25, 1865, and honorably discharged. 1861; second lieutenant May 31, 1863; first Levant C. Rhines, Spring Arbor, entered lieutenant November 3, 1864; mustered out the service as captain Company A, First September 26, 1865, and honorably dis- Regiment, Michigan Sharpshooters, Jan-charged. uary 1, 1863; major June 12, 1864; killed in Joshua Slayton, Leoni, entered service 26 402 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ness. October 3, 1861, as first lieutenant, Thir- igan Infantry September 1, 1862; resigned teenth Michigan Infantry; captain Novem- July 31, 1863, and honorably discharged. ber 12, 1862; discharged February 2, 1863, Henry A. Stettson, Jackson, entered ser- on account of physical disability from sick- vice at first lieutenant in Fourth Regiment Michigan Cavalry, August 13, 1862; re- James R. Slayton, Leoni, entered ser- signed January 13, 1863, and honorably dis- vice as sergeant Company C, Ninth Infantry charged. September 6, 1861; promoted to second Byron Stoddard, Concord, entered the lieutenant Thirteenth Infantry October 3, service August 20, 1861, as sergeant Com- 1861; first lieutenant November 12, 1862; pany I, Sixth Michigan Infantry; second captain February 3, 1863; wounded at lieutenant July 1, 1863; died of disease at Chickamauga, Tennessee, September 19, Port Hudson, Louisiana, July 17, 1863. 1863; mustered out August 26, 1864, and Rowan Summers, Jackson, entered ser- honorably discharged. vice as first lieutenant Seventeenth Infantry, Cyrus Smith, Jackson, entered service June 17, 1862; wounded in action at South First (three months) Infantry May 1, 1861; Mountain, Maryland, September 14, 1862; mustered out August 7, 1861; re-entered as resigned March 14, 1803, and honorably assistant surgeon, Ninth Infantry, October discharged. 12, 1861; appointed surgeon of the Ninth Joseph Tunnicliff, Jr., Jackson, entered Infantry October 10, 1862; mustered out the service as surgeon of the Fourth In- and honorably discharged October 18, 1864. fantry May 26, 1861; was transferred to the , DeWitt G. Smith, Jackson, entered the First Infantry August 17, 1861; resigned service as first lieutenant Company B, Third December 10, 1862, and was appointed spe- Cavalry, September 7, 1861; captain in cial agent to look after Michigan troops in Ninth Cavalry November 3, 1863; honor- Washington hospitals. ably discharged for physical disability Octo- William W. Van Antwerp, Jackson, en- ber 17, 1864. tered the service as second lieutenant of the Alvin G. Smith, Leoni, entered service Fourth Cavalry, August 13, 1862; made March 17, 1864, as private in Company B, first lieutenant December 18, 1862; captain , Seventeenth Michigan Infantry; promoted June 27, 1863; was made brevet major for special gallantry at Spottsylvania, Vir- United States volunteers for gallant and ginia, to first lieutenant July 10, 1864; hon- meritorious services in the campaign in Ten- orably discharged February 27, 1865, on ac- nessee, Alabama and Georgia, including the count of wounds received in action before capture of Jefferson Davis; mustered out Petersburg, Virginia. July 2, 1865, and honorably discharged. Willard B. Smith, Jackson, appointed Myron C. Wade, Jefferson, entered serv- assistant surgeon to Michigan Mechanics ice as a private in Company C, Ninth Michi- and Engineers December 1, 1862; resigned gan Infantry, September 6, 1861; sergeant, 6 May 29, 1863, and honorably discharged. March 29, 1863; second lieutenant January Frank Standish, Blackman; entered ser- 8, 1864; resigned August 10, 1865, and hon- vice as first lieutenant Twenty-sixth Mich- orably discharged. I JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 403 Silas P. Warner, Grass Lake, entered the cember 28, 1862; captain September 14, service as a captain in the Twentieth Mich- 1863; resigned December 24, 1863, on ac- igan Infantry, July 29, 1862; resigned on count of sickness and was honorably dis- account of disability, December 31, 1863, charged. and was honorably discharged. William H. Withington, Jackson, en- Dewitt Clinton Welling, Jackson, en- tered the service May 1, 1861, as captain tered service May 1, 1861, as corporal of Company B, First (three months) In- Company B, First (three months) Infantry; fantry; taken prisoner at Bull Run July 21, mustered out August 7, 1861; re-entered 1861; released January 20, 1862; made November 4, 1861, as sergeant Company G. colonel Seventeenth Michigan Infantry Au- Tenth Infantry; second lieutenant Novem- gust II, 1862; resigned March 21, 1863, ber 10, 1862; first lieutenant May 13, 1863; and was honorably discharged; brevetted wounded in action at Peach Tree Creek, brigadier general United States Volunteers Georgia, July 20, 1864; honorably dis- March 25, 1865, for conspicuous gallantry charged for disability February 22, 1865. at the action at South Mountain, Maryland, Charles P. Wemple, Grass Lake, en- September 14, 1862. tered service August 17, 1862, as sergeant Charles B. Wood, Jackson, entered in Company F, Seventeenth Infantry; made service as first lieutenant and quartermaster, second lieutenant May 26, 1865; mustered new Fourth Infantry, March 6, 1865; mus- out June 23, 1865, and honorably dis- tered out May 26, 1866, and honorably dis- charged. charged. John Williams, Jackson, entered the Charles B. Wood, Jackson, entered service December 19, 1863, as quartermas- service August II, 1862, as sergeant of ter sergeant of Eighth Infantry; second lieu- Company K, Seventeenth Infantry; made tenant June 6, 1865; mustered out July 30, second lieutenant May 26, 1865; mustered ; 1865, and honorably discharged. out and honorably discharged June 3, 1865. William Winnegar, Grass Lake, en- John E. Woodruff, Jackson, entered tered the service as second lieutenant of the service October 3, 1861, as second lieu- 3 Company F, Seventeenth Michigan Infan- tenant Thirteenth Infantry; resigned Decem- try, August 17, 1862; first lieutenant De- ber 8, 1862, and honorably discharged. CHAPTER XXV. A FEW HISTORICAL EVENTS. a One of the historic events that excited | published a pamphlet purporting to be a his- unusual interest at the time and for some tory of the abducted boy. Many people, , subsequent years was the mysterious dis- including the writer, flocked to see him, but appearance of the five-year-old son of Ami nobody was fully convinced of his identity. Filley. Mr. Filley and his family came to The connection of his father and his uncle, Jackson from Connecticut in June, 1833, Capt. A. F. Fitch, with the great railroad and located a farm about six miles south company trial, in 1851, gave added interest of the village. In August, 1827, his son to this strange case. William, then five years old, was allowed to The discovery and opening of the coal go to a large nuckleberry swamp about a mine in 1857 was an event of marked im- mile from the home, with two girls named portance of Jackson. For several years Mary and Jane Mount, to gather berries. subsequently, the coal industry was a very After picking berries for a time the boy grew prominent one, and attracted a large tired and wanted to go home. The girls amount of capital and labor, but the mines conducted him to the edge of the swamp began to fail about 1880, and though a few and put him on the trail and showed him are still worked, the coal mining industry the way to the home, which was in sight, has been gradually declining, as the best and not doubting he would go there. But the most productive properties have been ex- boy was never seen afterwards. It was sup- hausted. posed he had been abducted by Indians, who The establishment of manufacturing in- were quite plentiful around the swamps. An dustries at the state prison in 1844 to 1850, alarm was sounded and the settlers turned gave a great impetus to Jackson, and for out and searched the country for weeks, many years the manufacture of cloth, boots but no trace of the lost boy was ever found. and shoes, wagons, furniture, and farm tools The loss was advertised in the newspapers was a great and successful feature of the all over the county, and large rewards of- business of the place. But agitation against fered by Mr. Filly and his relatives in Con- | “prison-made goods” and other conditions necticut, but without avail. The sensation have operated to bring convict labor into was revived in 1867, when a half savage ill-repute, and these industries have largely straggler was discovered who claimed his died out. In fact the state prison is today name was William Willey, and J. Z. Ballard, rather a detriment instead of a benefit to the a whose wife was a sister of William Filley, city. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 405 an The great railroad strike of 1877 was the town of Blackman, and struck him a event of considerable importance to blow that caused his death. Harrington Jackson. It was not of long duration, but was arrested and tried twice, the jury finally it was at the time fraught with serious con- acquitting him. sequences. The prompt action of the citi- In August, 1870, Lucas Westbrook was zens and the city and state authorities pre- arrested for the murder of one Kennedy, in vented bloodshed and destruction of prop- Grass Lake, but upon trial he was acquitted.. erty, but the danger was a lesson to all that In 1872 Howard Gridly and John Will- such disturbances had best be avoided, and iams got into an altercation over politics in it is to the credit of all that no such attempt Jackson. Williams called Gridly a liar, at coercion has since been attempted at this when the latter struck Williams a blow with point. his fist that caused the latter's death. He Jackson county has had its full quota of was tried and found guilty of manslaughter, criminal excitements and it may seem singu- Judge Higby fined Gridly two hundred dol- lar that so few have received the punishment lars, which was paid. usual in such cases. In 1871, Warren Northrop was killed by The first suicide in the county was that his sister with a shot gun. The verdict was of a man named Mason, in Tompkins, in that it was done in self defense. June, 1846. Mason was arrested for abus- In 1877 Daniel Lincoln and his son-in- ing his wife and family. He was taken be- law, Martin Eckert, got into a fight while on fore Justice David Adams and the exami- a drunk, and Eckert was killed. The case nation being adjourned, he returned home, was tried twice and the jury disagreed and loaded his gun and shot himself through the Lincoln was discharged. body, causing almost instant death. In January 1888, an aged widow by the In 1847 John Barker, of Leoni township, name of Deborah Greene was found mur- was killed by his son, William Barker, with dered in her home near Liberty. Subse- a blow from an axe, while chopping to- quently the crime was laid to E. B. Wal- gether in the woods. The son fled the coun- worth, a neighbor. He was arrested and try and was never apprehended and pun- tried three times, the jury each time dis- ished. agreeing. The case was then dismissed. In 1878 Marion Dodge parted with his In 1879, William Rumsey was shot by wife, and, meeting her in the road one day, Charles Dornell, in Tompkins. The out- demanded she should return home with him. come of the trial was that it was done in self- On her refusal he shot her several times defense. with a pistol. He then turned the weapon The most tragic incident in the history upon himself and inflicted a fatal wound. of Jackson county, was the murder of the The wife was found and taken to her home, Crouch family, November 22, 1883. Four where she was placed under the care of Dr. members of the family, Jacob Crouch, his Chittock and ultimately recovered. daughter Eunice, and her husband, Henry In June, 1870, Pulaski Harrington got White, and a visitor named William Polly into an altercation with William Mallory in ! being the victims. They were all shot to 406 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. death in their beds. Suspicion fell upon a twenty-seven terribly mutilated. Although son-in-law named Holcomb and two sons only two of the victims were Jackson citi- as the instigators. A short time afterwards zens, the terrible accident cast a gloom over Mrs. Holcomb, who was Jacob Crouch's the city for several weeks, as the deaths daughter, committed suicide, a detective followed one after another. named Brown was fired at on the road in The second collision took place at the the night and a man named Foy, who union depot in September, 1893, and was worked for Holcomb, was killed at the caused by an excursion train for the World's Crouch home. The outcome of the tragedy Fair dashing into the rear of a passenger was six deaths and several attempts at mur- train in waiting at the depot. By this ac- der. D. H. Holcomb, a son-in-law, and cident thirteen men were killed and thirty Judd D. Crouch, a son, were finally arrested wounded. The engineer of the extra train and Holcomb was brought to trial. The supposed the track was clear and did not trial lasted several weeks and caused un- have his train under control, and this neg- paralleled excitement. Holcomb was finally lect was the cause of the terrible disaster. acquitted and the other the other case dropped. Outside these two horrors, 'the people of Twenty years have nearly passed and the Jackson have not been called to witness any Crouch tragedy is as far from solution as serious railroad accidents. when first perpetrated. In the line of fire calamities the city has The celebrated Lattimer murder is so been singularly free from large conflagra- recent and the facts so well known they need tions. The only fires of much importance . not be repeated. In this case the culprit have been the burning of the old Bascomb was convicted and is still in state prison. tavern, in 1858, the Marion House, in 1870, Since 1890 there have been several and the destruction of the Union block, in cases for murder trial in our courts and but 1881. Several manufacturing plants have one conviction. It seems the consciences of been burned at different times, but there Jackson county farmers are quite too tender have been no disastrous fires in the history to punish the crime of murder. The mur- of the city. One reason of this is in the derers' tendency to plead insanity in crim- fact that Jackson has and has always main- inal cases, and the ease with which “expert” | tained an excellent fire department, second testimony can be produced, has almost made in efficiency and equipment to no other city murderers immune from punishment. In of its size in the country. fact it has become almost the only crime SOME FIRST EVENTS IN JACKSON CITY. that can be committed with impunity. Two terrible railroad accidents First white visitors, Horace Blackman among the historical events of the city. The and Alexander Laverty, July 3, 1829. first occurred on October 10, 1879, at the First building, Blackman's log cabin. Junction, when a west bound express col- First celebration, Fourth of July, 1829. lided with a freight train that was just pull- First road, surveyed by J. F. Stratton. ing out on the main track. The result of First plat made, Blackman's, March, this collision was fifteen killed outright and 1830. are JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 407 First sale of lots, in April, 1830. First county surveyor, John T. Durand. First patentee, Horace Blackman. First judge of circuit court (pro tem.), First physicians, Doctors Samson Stod- Dr. Russ, 1832. , dard and O. Russ. First regular circuit judge, W. A. First trader, Jesse Baird. Fletcher, 1833. First merchant, Daniel Hogan. First associate judges, W. R. DeLand First justice, William R. DeLand. and H. Thompson. First constable, Horace Blackman. First criminal, William Savacool, 1833. First orchard, set out by A. W. Daniels, First male child born in county, Am- 1830-1. brose Bean, in Spring Arbor in 1831. First white women, Mrs. Gillett and First plaintiff in civil action, Abel Mell- Mrs. Case. ington, 1833. First mechanics, Josephus Case and John First banks, the bank of Jackson county, Wickham. and the bank of Sandstone, 1837. First bridge, a pole bridge over the river First senator from Jackson county, Geo. at Trail street, 1830. B. Cooper, 1836. First cases of ague, Hiram Thompson First representative, Rosevelt Davis. and George B. Cooper, 1830. First church, Baptist, built in 1838. First postmaster, Isaiah W. Bennett. First court-house, built in 1837-8. First regular mail carrier, George Mayo. First shoe store, Wm. D. Thompson's, First stage line was run by Messrs. 1831. Stone, Ring and Hibbard, 1833. First houses erected east of village, the First shoemaker, W. D. Thompson. Russ Tavern and Jenkins' log cabin. First sawmill, Thompson & Bennett's, First newspaper, Jacksonburgh Sentinel, 1830. 1837. First tannery, Mills and Prussia's, 1830. First abduction, Wm. Filley, stolen by First sermon, preached by Rev. J. D. the Indians, 1837. , Pierce, October, 1830. First railroad train entered Jackson in First regular preachers, Messrs. Colc-1841. lazer and Pilcher. First insurance company, the Jackson First white child born, Sarah Chapman, County Mutual, 1840. 1830. First musical organization, the Jackson First death, a child 12 years old named band, under Albert Foster, 1841. W. D. Thompson, 1831. First sidewalk built, 1841. First accident, the limb of a tree fell. up- First agricultural society formed, 1841. on young Thompson, 1831. First attempt at incendiarism, 1841. First supervisor, Ralph Updike, 1831. First town clock placed in position, First school teacher, Miss Silence D. 1852. Blackman. First cases of small pox, 1852. First military company, Capt. 0. H. First organization of Republican party, , Fifield's, 1832. 1854. 408 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. First shaft for coal mining made in 1857. man, 1836; William R. De Land, 1840; First pottery kiln erected in 1863. Samuel Higby, 1844; Orson W. Bennett, First trip over the Michigan Southern 1848; Jonathan L. Videto, 1852; Thomas Branch R. R., 1857. McGee, 1856; Joseph E. Beebe, 1860; Mel- First gas company, organized under P. ville McGee, 1864; Louis M. Powell, B. Loomis, 1857 1876; James M. Gould, 1880; Lewis M. First pavement laid down in county, Powell, 1884; Josiah T. Hammond, 1888; 1858. Judge Hammond is serving his fourth term. First fire at state prison, 1852; loss, PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS. $8,000. First suicide, Mason, of Tompkins. Olney Hawkins, 1832; William J. The first jury comprised : Edward Mor- Moody, 1834; Leander Chapman, 1838; rill, Jeremiah Marvin, Orrin Gregory, San- Phenias Farand, 1840; David Johnson, ford Marsh, Wm. Worth, Geo. Woodworth, 1844; G. T. Gridbuy, 1846; Fidus Liver- David Rielly, Aaron Eamon, Major D. more, 1848; Samuel Higby, 1850; Austin Mills, Martin Flint, Moses Bayn and Isaac Blair, 1852; Fidus Livermore, 1854; Eugene Carrier. Pringle, 1856; William K. Gibson, 1860; First sheriff, David Keyes, 1832. Orson W. Bennett, 1862; Victor M. Bost- First prison agent, Benjamin Porter, wick, 1864; William K. Gibson, 1866; 1839. Thomas A. Wilson, 1870; James Gould, First Episcopal church completed, 1840. 1872; Lewis M. Powell, 1874; James A. , First Congregational society organized, Parkinson, 1876; Robert Haire, 1878; 1841. John C. Sharp, 1880; Frank Hulett, 1882; First Methodist church completed, 1850. Austin Blair, 1884; James A. Parkinson, , First Catholic church completed, 1857. 1886; Elmer Kirkby, 1890; Charles H. First Christian church completed, 1867. Smith, 1886; Forrest C. Badgley, 1898. First Universalist church completed, 1869. First water-works completed, 1870. Samson Stoddard, 1832; William D. First Pioneer Society organized, 1874. Thompson, 1836; Wiliam R. De Land, 1838; Fairchild Farrand, 1840; Czar Jones, 1842; James A. Dyer, 1846; Walter Bud- The following is a list of the principal dington, 1848; Horace G. Bliss, 1852; De- officers of Jackson county from its organi- Witt C. Smith, 1854; Alexander G, Bell, ; , zation to the present time, and the year 1856; Daniel Upton, 1858; Robert D. in which they were elected. Judges of pro- Knowles, 1866; Almirin M. Tinker, 1872; bate hold for a term of of four years, all Luther H. Ludlow, 1874; William D. Tay- others for two years. lor, 1878; William H. Van Horn, 1880; Charles E. Snow, 1884; H. D. Blakeman, PROBATE JUDGES. 1890: W. D. Tefft, 1892; Gifford Patch, James Valentine, 1832; Leander Chap- 1896; W. A. Cunningham, 1898. COUNTY CLERKS. COUNTY OFFICERS. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 409 COUNTY TREASURERS. REGISTERS OF DEEDS. iam R. Brown, 1874; Chauncey S. Web- ster, 1876; Norton M. Terry, 1878; David Hiram Thompson, 1832; Joseph C. H. Lockwood, 1880; Eugene D. Winney, Bailey, 1836; William E. Perrine, 1840; 1884; John Boyle, 1888; Isaac N. Smally, Hiram Thompson, 1842; Peter E. De Mill, 1890; John Boyle, 1892; Archibald J. , 1846; Gardner H. Shaw, 1848; Levi P. Peck, 1894; Porter S. Harrington, 1898; Gregg, 1852; John W. Root, 1856; Luther Adelbut W. Dwelle, 1900. . H. Ludlow, 1860; Abram Van de Bogait, 1862; Harvey Bush, 1864; De Witt C. Smith, 1868; Anson Townley, 1870; Har- Norman Allen, 1832; Oliver Russ, 1834; vey Bush, 1872; Anson Townley, 1876; Samson Stoddard, 1836; Norman Allen, A. G. Townley, 1882; Charles E. Town- 1838; John W. Dwight, 1840; Leander send, 1884; Wesley Sears, 1896. Chapman, 1842; James C. Wood, 1846; Reynold Landon, 1850; Amos Pickett 1854; COUNTY SHERIFFS. Anson Townley, 1856; Luther F. Grundy, David Keyes, 1832; George Woodworth, 1860; Anson Townley, 1862; Luther F. 1834; Amasa B. Gibson, 1836; James A. Grundy, 1864; Reynolds Landon, 1868; Dyer, 1838; Jonathan L. Videtto, 1840; Mark S. Ray, 1870; David Trumbull, 1874; , Henry Tisdale, 1842; Lewis D. Welling, Dwight F. Gillett, 1876; Richard Townley, 1846; Lewis F. Pickett, 1850; William Wy- 1878; Luther H. Ludlow, 1880; Richard coff, 1854; George L. Smalley, 1858; Jacob Townley, 1884; George S. Winhold, 1888; K. Smalley, 1860; David H. Lockwood, Joseph Winhold, 1892; H. D. Blakeman, 1864; George Jennings, 1866; Daniel W. 1896; Anthony Patch, 1898; William L. Shaw, 1870; Ogden A. Green, 1872; Will- De Land, 1902. CHAPTER XXVI. THE LITERARY CLUBS OF JACKSON. BY JULIA H. KIRTLAND. The question is often asked, “Whence vate our mind and heart; we must keep pace came the spirit of club organization to the with this new spirit of advancement?” brainy women of the land?” Was it be- What if there are fewer herring-bone quilts cause of so many bright young daughters which constitute weeks in the making! The returning from college with well trained delicately flowered quilts, simply tied, con- brains and bodies? Did the mothers rise up tain much more of “comfort!” Instead of in self defence, saying, “We, too, will culti- spending so much precious time eternally 416 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. doing household work, with such unneces- latures to enact laws for their protection. sary elaborateness, women are adding more Endeavor is made to cultivate a love of the grey matter to their brains, and the forth- many beauties of nature, in the heart of the coming generation will receive the benefit. children; to teach them how to make their From whatever source this “spirit of homes more attractive and enhance the the times” comes, the bright women of town beauty of them, within and without. and country are quick to improve their op- The senior club of the city was organ- portunity; there are over ten thousand ized in the summer of 1879. Sixteen ladies women in Michigan alone, belonging to these met at the home of Mrs. Latham Kassick organizations. The literary club movement and formed themselves into a literary class, among women is a great, a masterful force, with Miss Trevette as leader, the object be- seeking expression. Whatever the ultimate ing to take up a systematic study of history result may be, no impartial judge can say and literature. The charter members are that the present outcome is evil, but emphati- Mesdames E. R. Warner, J. M. Root, Henry cally good. Many a timid, retiring woman Kellogg, C. H. Bennett, H. O. Bedell, J. has discovered an unknown power lying H. Pilcher, C. C. Pratt, James De Puy, L. dormant within her own nature, that when D. Grosvenor, R. H. Emerson, E. A. cultivated endows her with an almost un- Sumner, C. C. Reed, B. L. Carlton, M. J. limited influence; and influence, we remem- Morrell, Latham Kassick and Miss Dencie ber, is greater than power and more lasting. Field. Miss Emma L. Trevette continued One of the happy features of club life as the efficient leader for two years. During is that woman make the happy discovery of the winter of 1881-2 Miss Ella Fish was each other; many true and lasting friend- the leader; the study was of Greek and ships are established, which the passing Roman history. The following year the years bind more closely together. Talents work for each afternoon was assigned to which have been quiescent are brought into individual ladies. Finally a constitution activity, bringing enjoyment to many and was adopted and the name Tuesday Club adding to the graces of life. The fact is chosen. The first president elected under emphasized that each is a link in a strong the new regime was Mrs. Henry Kellogg. chain that cements humanity into one Membership was limited to forty active harmonious whole. It is worth while to be members. The main object was, and is, a one of the units of such “a great potential serious study to gain knowledge and self force for service to others." culture, yet many social functions are en- After a few years of study and self joyed by the ladies in mid-winter festivals, cultivation; after we as individuals, and as colonial parties, symposiums where song, clubs, learn somewhat of our ability to do poetry and witty toasts are characteristic and to dare, then the heart warms and thrills features of the occasion. At the fourth to do for others. We hear the cry of the symposium, held at the home of Mrs. W. . children on the streets and gather them into H. Withington, the gentlemen were invited the kindergarden; in the mining towns and guests. Many and hearty were the expres- in the factories, and petition the state legis- sions of praise for the creditable manner in JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 411 which the ladies gave and responded to the nies of the club that year. On Presidents' toasts. Day, following a banquet, the gentlemen re- The Colonial Tea-party, celebrated at the sponded to the toasts, “Our Opportunity," home of Mrs. C. C. Bloomfield, will never “Home Rule," "Reciprocity,” “The Single be forgotten by those who were present. Standard.” " The drama, the “Masque of The ladies and gentlemen, dressed in the Culture,” was then presented by the club beautiful style of the olden time, made a ladies before an invited audience. charming sight. For a number of years the members of During the presidency of Mrs. P. B. the Tuesday Club have been interested in Loomis, while studying American history, studying books and essays, doing away with a Michigan Day took place at the home of all written papers. Mrs. R. H. Emerson. The ladies, dressed The study of the past year, 1902-3, was in the style of 1837, toasted the several states of the Creation, under the subdivisions of from which they came. Mrs. Lucinda the "Old Genesis Story,” “Sacrifice of the Stone, the “Mother of Michigan Clubs,” | Lower Life for the Higher,” “Worlds was the honored guest of the club on that Rounded and Rolling.” Current events and day. The work of this year concluded with a few essays have furnished a very pleasing a breakfast at “Homewild," the home of and instructive program. They have re- ” Mrs. Loomis. Entertainment and fun were duced the membership to thirty, preferring afforded by a play, “The Dumb Doctor." | the smaller club. . An Apple Blossom fete at the home of Mrs. The work of the year just passed termi- L. H. Field marked the happy closing of nated in a beautifully arranged luncheon at the year of Mrs. C. C. Bloomfield's presi- | the home of the retiring president, Mrs. J. dency. The memory of its sweet fragrance T. Hammond. Succeeding the bountiful | lingers yet in the minds of the participants. repast, Mrs. Corbit, of Detroit, spoke on During the year of 1891-2 the study the work of the pre-historic women, having embraced the men and events of the Vic- many baskets of their workmanship to show. torian age, one afternoon in each month All of the ladies present were very much being given to current topics. From the pleased with the address, and voted it a de- study of history and the subjects which lightful afternoon. naturally cluster around it, the Tuesday Club took a great stride forward, when entering upon the more difficult study of "The distant mountains that uprear Their solid bastions to the skies, sociology, in 1892-3. Are crossed by pathways that appear Accumulating much knowledge and en- As we to higher levels rise.” thusiasm from the work of these years, , courage was given to take up the subject of The Mosaic Club was established in the Man in the different phases of his activity, winter of 1886, by the earnest endeavor of under the general head of political economy, enthusiastic friends, Mrs. J. O. during the winter of 1894-5. Mrs. E. R. Gunnison and Mrs. J. B. Carter. Other la- Warner presided gracefully over the desti- dies partook of the same spirit of quiet en- THE MOSAIC CLUB. two 412 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. THE TOURIST CLUB. thusiasm, until twenty-nine were enrolled as body of the Mosaic Club, with one musical charter members. Mrs. J. B. Carter, the and several visiting members. The present first president of the Mosaic Club, possessed year's work closed with an entertaining ad- those traits of character which keep one in dress on “A Winter's Tale,” by Rev. R. a serene equipoise. She carried the club E. McDuff, at the Church house, with many through the first perilous year of its exis- invited guests present to enjoy it. tence with grace and dignity. The first year's work, covering but twelve sessions, was devoted to the study of Greek history At a preliminary meeting, a committee and art. No complete program was ar- of four ladies was chosen to outline a ranged, the work being simply planned from plan of study, draft a proper constitution one week to another. A variety of subjects and select a name for a third literary club seeming desirable for study and research, in Jackson. Mrs. Slenou, Miss L. D. Lewis, the name Mosaic represented the most at- Mrs. H. D. Armstrong and Miss Green com- tractions and was chosen as the club name. posed the committee who reported the fol- A fine program was arranged for the lowing week at an adjourned meeting held second year on the history, literature and at the home of Mrs. W. R. Reynolds. This art of the Romans. Maintaining the su- was in the summer of 1888, in the month premacy of these three subjects, history, of August. The report of the committee literature and art, several countries of Eu- proved to be for a course of study in the rope afforded themes for research and the nature of travels, not in reality, but in delightful acquisition of valuable knowl- imagination; traveling through the coun- edge. During the two years that the in- tries of Europe, studying their forms of terest of the club centered on Germany, the ernment, literature, art, religions, politics, work was further developed by the intro- social customs and topography. The report duction of a discussion on “Topics of the of the committee on the outline of study, Times” at the end of each session. Music and the several articles of the constitution and the German composers filled a promi- were adopted by the twenty-two ladies pres- nent place in the study of these years, being ent. Quite naturally the name Tourist Club enhanced by the interpretation of music and was selected for this new child of woman's song by the cultivated quartette of ladies ambition. Miss Lucy D. Lewis was en- belonging to the club; they were Mrs. Al- thusiastically elected the first president. onzo Bennett, Mrs. Dr. Z. W. Waldron, Ireland, Scotland and Iceland were the Mrs. J. W. Blakely and Mrs. Dwight Smith. countries studied during the first year, which , For a number of years the charming closed with a banquet and symposium at women of the Mosaic Club have been deeply the home of Mrs. Green on West Main absorbed in the intricate study of Shakes- street. The second year, with Mrs. T. M. pear's plays. Much enjoyment is derived Smith as president, the tour of merrie Eng- from this course of study and knowledge of land was accomplished. Presidents' Day human nature is enlarged and strengthened. was made interesting by the rendering Twenty-five active members constitute the of a scene from the drama, “Lady of Ly- gov- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 413 toasts. ons.” The annual symposium was held at a saying of Mr. Lincoln's, or something the pleasant home of Mrs. Henry Smith. about him; an address on the boyhood of For entertainment the Shakespearian bur- Lincoln was given by Julia H. Kirtland; lesque, “The Ladies Speak at Last," was Miss Harrington read a paper on his politi- given with much vim and brilliancy. cal life; Miss Price on Lincoln as a law- The Tourist Club continued to study the yer; Charles A. Blair read a fine summary different countries and their chief charac- of Mr. Lincoln's great personality. Music teristics until 1895-6, when they undertook and refreshments brought a most delightful a year's work on a variety of scientific sub- evening to a fitting close. jects with a marked degree of success. The Fine afternoons were enjoyed on the year closed with a fine banquet at Castle subjects of “George Bancroft,” America's Hall, the gentlemen as well as the ladies early historian and founder of the naval taking part in giving and responding to academy; “Philip H. Sheridan,” our great One pleasing function of the year cavalry leader; symposium of “Naval He- 1897 was the acting of a dialogue, “The roes,” Farragut, Dewey, Sampson, Schley, Fadville Sewing Circle," written by Mrs. Watson and Hobson ; “Bayard Taylor," the T. A. Dailey. It was given at the home of great American tourist; “The Theme of Mrs. Dailey simply for the pleasure of the Faust," "his redemption through love of the club ladies. Mrs. Leigh Lynch with her beautiful." cornet, Mrs. Blair with her violin, and Mrs. This last afternoon was made very beau- Cole at the piano, delighted all present with | tiful by Mrs. F. A. Bradley, who wrote a charming music. Later the same ladies treatise on the theme and read it while acted the “Sewing Circle” at a public en- tableaux were presented of the most thrill- tertainment for the benefit of the Woman's ing scenes. This grew into a public enter- Building Fund. Two years were profitably tainment, where the Tourist ladies took spent on the interesting subject of the his- in about sixty dollars, which they gave to tory of our own country. The study of the Free Kindergarden. Another evening books is also a part of the year's work. One worthy of mention was celebrated at the noticeable feature of the second year on home founded by our war governor, Aus- American history was original sentiments tin Blair, now occupied by his son, Charles , written by the members of the club and A. Blair. Miss Kirtland was the leader of printed at the foot of each page of the year the evening. The battle of Gettysburg was book. This was during the year of the war described and explained in a very vivid way with Spain to free Cuba, when history was by one who participated in the three days' an engaging and attractive study. An engagement, Dr. A. E. Bulson. Mrs. J. evening on the study of the character of J. Calkins read a fine paper on Robert E. a Abraham Lincoln was one long to be re- Lee. A unique review of “The Honorable membered. The club ladies, their hus- Peter Sterling” was given by Mrs. W. M. bands, and friends, gathered at the home Palmer; Mrs. E. R. Hague sang “The Star of Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Palmer. In an- Spangled Banner” and “Columbia, the Gem swer to roll call each one responded with of the Ocean;" Dr. and Mrs. Fred Pratt, 414 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. triotic songs. Mrs. Hague and J. B. Ford sang other pa- Church House before the club ladies and Refreshments and a social their invited guests. Mrs. Bradley and all hour added to the pleasure of a most enjoy- taking part acted the characters assigned able occasion. them in a creditable manner, especially Miss Later in the season the Tourist ladies Lina Bradley, who took the part of Joan and their gentlemen friends met to listen de Arc. to an address by Lieut. W. W. Bennett on For several years the Tourist Club has the “Siege and Capture of Vicksburg." observed the Christmas festival by a musi- One must be acquainted with Mr. Bennett's cal, to which the gentlemen are invited. original and witty style to appreciate what Mrs. C. A. Blair, assisted by Miss Mary was enjoyed from his paper that evening. Bascom, arranged and executed a program Peace and joy to his brave, gentle heart! which was replete with a high grade of The year book of 1899-1900, consisted of music. Some of the art afternoons were a miscellaneous program. Many of the af- on Nicholas Poussin, Claude Lorrain and ternoons clustered around and in the city Charles LeBrun; the “Carnival of the of Paris in anticipation of the exhibition to Eighteenth Century," wherein we studied be held there the coming summer. of Watteau, Boucher, Fragonard, Greuze, The women of the Jackson city clubs en- Elizabeth LeBrun and Pierre Prud'hon. The tertained the Michigan State Federation of effect of the French Revolution on art was Women's Clubs at their annual meeting in also considered; David and the Classicists October, 1899. Many women of the Tour- were interesting characters; under the head ist club have a deep and abiding love for of “The Revolt,” we learned of Dela- and appreciation of art. It was voted to croix, Ary Scheffer, Delaroche and Des- spend the year 1900-1 in the study of art camps; among the landscape painters, and books. Italian art was selected, as that Corot, Rousseau, Diaz de la Pena, Jules is the most widely known and attractive Dupre, C. F. Daubigney and Troyon were to the greatest number. Following the studied. Jean Leon Gerome and the Orient- pursual of the glorious art of Italy, the art of alists, Regnault and Benjamin Constant; ; the French was taken up, filling out a very Sevres porcelain was studied in the work attractive and instructive course. The of Jean Louis Hamon; genre painting was "Beginning of French Art,” “Romanesque found to be an interesting topic through the and Gothic Architecture," the “Painters of work of Bougureau, Meissonier, Dagnan the Renaissance," were subjects of the first Bouveret and Carolus Duran. The imag- afternoon. A unique feature of this year's inative and decorative arts have been work was an evening with the “Maid of brought to a high grade of artistic excel- Orleans.” Mrs. F. A. Bradley, as leader, lence by Purvis de Chavannes; the work gave an exposition of this tragedy as it of the great sculptor, Barye, was the sub- is dramatized by Schiller. Different mem- ject of an instructive paper. An open after- bers of the club, dressed in appropriate cos- noon was filled by an enjoyable talk on art tumes, represented the principal characters by one of Jackson's portrait painters, and and acted the play on the stage of the the reading of a paper on our native birds. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 415 at- The study of art closed the year by a fine School,” fine papers were read on “Frank afternoon spent on the peasant painters, Hals," "Saskai, and the women of Holland," , “ Jean Francois Millet, Jules Bastien-LePage, and the great “Rembraudt van Ryn," Marie Bashkirtseff, Jules .Breton and the Nicolas Maes, Gerard Terburg and Adriaan Bonheur family, this proved a very delight- van Ostades; “Life on the Canal Boats" ful afternoon. was an original story. The several topics, Germanic art and books formed the “The Highlands of Holland,” “Jacob van topics of study for the year 1902-3. “A Ruysdael," "Meyndest Hobbema” and “Al- Map Talk” on the territorial changes in the bert Cuyp,” brought us in touch with the German states; “The Art of Illumination landscape painters. The “Fight with Nep- “. and Miniature Painting”; the Van Eyck’s, tune' and an imaginary trip through the founders of the "Flemish School;" music | beautiful Ryks museum gave us glimpses and current comment engaged our of things peculiar to Holland. Mrs. W. K. tention for the first meeting. “The Old Sagendorph dramatized “Mrs. Wiggs of the Town of Bruges," "Hans Memling,” | Cabbage Patch” and drilled a number of "Quintin Massy," "Causes of the Decline the Tourist ladies to present it. The play . of Art,” “Schools of Northern Artists," was given at the Church Home before sev- “Albert Durer,” of the Franconian school, eral hundred ladies, all of those taking part “Hans Holbein,” the younger of the Swa- rendering their part in a manner which bian school, were subjects considered on two brought forth much applause. Especially afternoons. good was the work of Mrs. Sagendorph, Dr. and Mrs. Bulson opened their hos- who took the principal character of Mrs. pitable home to the Tourist Club and their Wiggs, Mrs. Dr. Robinson as Nancy and friends for an evening devoted to reminis- | Miss Harrington as Miss Alcot. cences of pioneer times in Michigan. An- A few weeks later it was put upon the ecdotes of the novel and trying experiences boards at the Athenaeum before a crowded of the pioneers were related in response house, netting nearly a hundred dollars to roll call. The most telling feature of each to the Charity Union and the Tourist the evening was an address given by Col- Club. onel DeLand, who was one of the pioneers. On one of the many enjoyable after- Music had a prominent place in the enter- noons we were told something about the tainment and refreshments and a social hour poet Stephen Philips; some of his poetry were enjoyed. After the singing of "Auld was read and compared with the work of Lang Syne,” every one went home feeling other poets. Through “The Return to the that he had had a good time and learned Classical,” Anton Raphael Mengo and many facts of local history. The "Revival Maria Angelica Kauffmann were studied of the Flemish School,” through the work with profit; also the recitation of Schiller's of Peter Paul Rubens, “Anthony Van poem the “Lay of the Bell.” Music and Dyck” and “David Teniers, the younger," current comment have a place in the regular "Lillian Whiting and her works," came on work of each session. other days. Under the head of the “Dutch The fifteenth year of the work of the 416 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1 Tourist Club closed with a very delightful with oriental hangings, and flowers greeted day at the home of the president, Julia H. one at every turn. The company sat át a Kirtland. The literary feature partook of long table spread the entire length of the a fagot party, each lady present reading an rooms and a very appetizing lunch was par- original story, giving an amusing anec- taken of. Appropriate toasts and happy re- dote, singing a song or telling some unusual sponses filled the hours of the banquet. experience. Instrumental music by Mrs. Fine music and charming tableaux gave Blair and recitations by Mrs. Bradley and entertainment until the close of a very pleas- Miss Lina Bradley were pleasing responses ing day. to burning fagots. Beautiful souvenir books For a year or more the Athena Club dis- were given to Mrs. Bradley, Mrs. Smith and banded. In January, 1891, they reorgan- the president. Very delicious refreshments ized and elected Mrs. General Devlin presi- were partaken of at the close of one of the dent. The ladies of the club again made most enjoyable Presidents' Days in the his- choice of Mrs. Devlin as president for the tory of the club. coming year. The study was of prominent men and events from colonial days down to Just once a year, remember, no mistake, Cry, “Rip Van Winkle, time for you to wake!" the present time. Forty-three active and Watch for the week in April when lilacs blow, one honorary member composed the mem- For then the goblins meet, and we must go. bership; printed programs were gotten The Tourist Club has removed the limit out for this year for the first time. to the number of its membership, having at The women of the Athena Club do meri- the present time eighty members, active, torious work. One pleasing feature of the musical, associate, retired and honorary. years as they pass are the evenings when other ladies are invited to enjoy some special THE ATHENA CLUB. entertainment with them. The rendering of The Athena Club developed from a liter- the “Mistletoe Bough," in the winter of ary class known as Mrs. Robb's Wednesday 1900, was of this nature. At the pleasant Class. It came into existence in the fall of home of Mr. and Mrs. B. J. Glasgow ar- 1885. The study undertaken was of Eng-rangements were made to entertain a house- lish literature. There were no printed pro- ful. A large stage was erected in the west grams, the work being planned from week to room, while seats were provided for the week by the leader. In the winter of 1888-9 audience and every one made comfortable. the members of the class constituted them- Many of the members of the club took part selves into a club, and made choice of the in the play, going through the marriage cere- name, Athena. Mrs. Benjamin J. Glasgow mony, and the dance, from which the bride was elected the first president. Closing the goes and hides in the great chest. Miss work of the year came the first symposium Flannaford sang the beautiful poem. “The of the club. Mrs. W. H. Wilson and Mrs. B. Mistletoe Bough,” in a very pleasing man- J. Glasgow generously opened the doors of their hospitable home to the club and their Refreshments and a box of wedding cake guests. The rooms were tastefully draped were given each one in attendance. > ner. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 417 THE VIOLET CROWN. literary clubs in our city not one makes any- thing like a serious study of the deep things Out of an Emerson Reading Circle has of life as voiced by the poet's song, grown the Violet Crown Club, redolent of The sweet odor and fascinating color. “To keep life young, to keep love warm, And loving dost prolong name was suggested by a line from Pindar's The sense of sunshine with thy song." writings, “O violet crowned Athens, famous in song, divine city.” The ladies of the The organization was perfected by Mrs. club revere the same high ideals of real Julia Knowls in 1891. During the four merit and “sterling attainment,” which ac- years that she presided over the meetings tuated the Athenians in their golden age. they were a Chautauquan circle. At the a Like those who hold a lofty ideal and make commencement of the fifth year a name was strenuous effort, reaching upward, the work selected, and an independent line of work , is very good. was entered upon. Among special afternoons The Violet Crown Club was organized are Bible Day, and Sunshine Day, when at the home of Mrs. Horace Field, on the each lady brings some appropriate article for 6th day of January, 1891, and named the the inmates of the Home for the Friendless. following fall by the son of one of the The active members are thirty, with five members. Six women have the honor of musical and eight honorary, of which two being charter members. In choosing their are gentlemen. Monday afternoon is the first president, Mrs. Horace Field was elected time of meeting to preside over their deliberations. The act- ive membeșship of the club is twenty-two, with five associate members. Sessions con- The study engaging the thought of the vene on Tuesday afternoon, at two o'clock, women of the Mistletoe Club for the from early fall until spring Authors and . 1902-3 was of the early history of America. their writing's furnished subjects of study Quotations from some one American author through several years. Studies of art and are given each afternoon in answer to roll miscellaneous topics filled the year book of call. The last meeting before Christmas all 1891-2 with attractions. American history, the papers were on subjects clustering around the most fascinating of all histories to us, the earthly life of Christ, and the observance and current topics were the themes from of Christmas in different countries. Four which afternoons were arranged for the last open evenings are planned for each year, year's work. when the members of each family represented are guests of the club. A little comedy,“ The Spinsters' Convention," was given four times The Carey Club was named for the two before a public audience, netting one hun- poets, Alice and Phoebe Carey. This fact dred and fifty dollars, which was divided be- would lead one to think that their principal tween the Home for the Friendless, the object would be the study of poetry. Is it Prison library, and the Beulah Home. The not a little singular that of all the twenty Mistletoe Club, which was organized nine MISTLETOE CLUB. 1 year THE CAREY CLUB. 27 418 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. years ago, numbers thirty active and two husbands are present to enjoy the music and · honorary members. The sessions are held other entertaining features which the enter- Thursday evening. prising women of the Phoenix Circle con- ceive of. Refreshments are part of the good THE TWENTIETH CENTURY CLUB. things to enjoy on these occasions. The motto of the Twentieth Century A unique entertainment was given on an Club is "Leisure without culture is death.” open afternoon. Mrs. J. A. Seward trans- Mrs. Josephine Gibbs was one of the pro- formed her dining room into a representa- moters of this club, and continues a valuable tion of the Klondike region. Each one, tak- member. Through her kindly criticism, by ing up a shovelful of ore, abstracted reason of her office of club critic, she renders the nuggets of precious gold found efficient aid without giving offense. The within, much merriment being provoked by club was organized with a membership of the surprises. A very fine program was nine ladies, in October, 1894. The force now gotten up last year on English miscellaneous numbers twenty-five active, six associate and topics. topics. One of the open evenings was a six musical members. Monday is club day Shakespearian exploit. Quotations from for them. Shakespeare were given in answer to roll Russian history and civil government call, while different ones appeared dressed were subjects of study for the first year. . in the costume of the character which they Later the topics of art, literature, science and personated. Each year the president in- current events were given close attention. augurates the work of the year with a re- Sessions of the year just closed were devoted ception. to the delightful study of English and French art; reviews of books was also in- THE HOME CULTURE CLUB. cluded in the curriculum. The enterprising women of the Twentieth Century Club gave In November of the year 1896 the a public musical, and raised twenty-five dol- women of the Home Culture Club first took lars for the Stone Memorial Fund. up club work. Twenty-five active members, five associate, and five musical, compose the THE PHOENIX CIRCLE. membership of the energetic women pledged Twenty-five active and five musical mem- to more and better culture in the home. The bers constitute the membership of the course of study pursued developed along the Phoenix Circle. Eight years ago they were lines of history and literature. For two gathered into a club with Mrs. Dr. O. S. years the work was of American history and Hartson as president. Sessions are held on literature. Following this, three years were Friday afternoon from November to March. wisely spent in the study of England's in- Programs have been arranged with miscel- teresting literature and famous history. The laneous subjects for study, current topics versatile and unique people of France have receiving special attention. Every fourth furnished the various topics for pursual on meeting is turned partly into a social func- the same themes, during three years. Much tion. It is convened in the evening and the interest is manifested in art by these ladies. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 419 THE AMARANTH CLUB. ALPHA LITERARY. a The Amaranth came into being in the Starting as a social circle, who did con- fall of 1897. Miss Nellie Jordan and Mrs. siderable benevolent work, the members of James Falihee are responsible for the organ- this organization reorganized into a literary ization of this interesting body of club club November 9, 1899, electing Mrs. Lee women. The membership is limited to twen- as president. The boys of the Beulah Home ty-five workers. The first studies were of have been helped extensively by these noble, . American history, two years being given to whole-hearted women. Every fourth meet- this unique era of events. Italian history, ing is devoted entirely to sewing for some art, literature and music afforded a very de- charitable object. Each gathering, which is . lightful programme for a year's profitable held on Wednesday afternoon, is opened by and progressive study in 1902-3. the singing of a hymn, and all repeating the Lord's prayer. BUENA VISTA CLUB. THE HISTORICAL READING CIRCLE. Papers are written and selections read. The coming year they will have a printed Twelve sweet matronly ladies constitute programme and regular dues. One honor- the class of the Historical Reading Circle. ary and thirty active members compose Mrs. Judge M. McGee and Mrs. Frank Mc- their membership. Lean Srst entertained the idea and were in- strumental in organizing this cosy little club, the date being February 17, 1899. In Mrs. Watson Smith was elected the first choosing the first president it fell to the lot president of a Bay View circle who adopted of Mrs. McGee, who presided with grace and the Spanish name, Buena Vista. The study dignity throughout the year. Biographical embraces the regular Bay View course. Ses- Studies of Great Men and Famous Women, sions are held Monday afternoon from first a monthly publication, is the work read, and of October to first of June. The member- discussed in the weekly meetings on Tues- ship is limited to twenty-five active and one day afternoons. honorary member. The Buena Vista Club belongs to the State Federation of Women's THE EGLANTINE CLUB. Clubs. THE SHAKESPEARE READING CIRCLE One of the many enterprising Bay View circles has the name expressive of so much constitutes a small class of young lady fragrance, Eglantine. For four years the teachers, who do not have time to devote to study has followed the regular work laid out the preparing of papers. Meeting together in the Bay View magazine. Mrs. Nettie and reading Shakespeare's plays affords rec- Youngs was the first president. The fifteen reation, and a chance for sociability and cul- members meet on the first Tuesday after- ture, which is the key note of all clubs. noon in October and continue until the last Another Shakespeare Circle is composed Tuesday in June. of about fifty people, gentlemen and their 420 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. wives. The circle was organized in the fall lowing the reader with open book. Conver- of 1902 by the pastor of St. Paul's parish, sation and discussion are in order until Rev. R. E. Macduff. The sessions convene luncheon is brought in, after which some once in two weeks on Monday evening. One pleasing story is enjoyed, while the nimble paper is given during the evening and differ- fingers ply the needle. Meetings are held ent persons are appointed to read the play throughout the year. selected for study and discussion. The second Friday Reading Club read and discuss Emerson's writings, and are en- THE THURSDAY CLUB. tertained by writings of a lighter vim, but Twelve kindly-disposed colored women differ from the former in electing a leader meet each Thursday afternoon and sew for each year, limiting the membership to twen- the Home for Aged Colored People in De-ty-five active and two honorary, and ad- troit. The literary programme is taken journing for the months of July and August. from the writings of Booker T. Washington, They were organized eight years ago, on and different poets. Mrs. Thurman started the 1ļth of February. The social half hour this club fifteen years ago. is enjoyed while luncheon is partaken of. An annual meeting is a delightful feature of this club. It is celebrated in the evening with There are two Friday Reading Clubs in the gentlemen and other friends are guests. the city. One was started in February of the As the years pass we are assured that life year 1889. They do not have a president, may contain much more than pulse-beats, but one member is designated as scribe. Mrs. decidedly more than just material existence; J. W. Robb has presided as scribe ever since that it may be replete with earnest and fruit- the organization, fourteen years ago. The ful endeavor, when a number of resourceful membership is limited to thirty ladies. The women act in unison, uniting their strength first half of the afternoon is given to the and effort in a high resolve to advance the reading of Emerson's essays, each lady fol- status of womanhood, and so of humanity. FRIDAY CLUBS. CHAPTER XXVII. TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATIONS. BLACKMAN TOWNSHIP. city of Jackson. The first settler to locate in the territory now included in the town The territory included in this township was Lyman Pease, in June, 1830; on sec- was a part of Jackson until the winter of tion 26. Among others who located farms 1857, when it was created into a separate in 1830 were John Daniels on section 33, township. It is known as town 2 south of Jotham Wood on section 31, William R. range i west, except the part included in the DeLand on section 21, John McConnell, JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 421 Martin Flint, John Stephens, the Morrills, present town five miles north and south, Rosevelt Davis, the Fifields and others whose and eight miles east and west. names have had frequent mention in previ- The first settlement in this town was ous pages. The township was mostly heav- made by Rev. Calvin H. Swain, who, in ily timbered and of a nice sandy loam soil. June, 1832, located forty acres on the west It has not only been a fine farming section, side of section 19, town 4 south of range but has yielded a considerable supply of 2 east, and in connection with his son, Con- minerals,-iron, coal and fire clay,—and sider P. sider P. Swain, immediately commenced large quarries of excellent limestone. Be- improvements. At that time the general ing near the city, it has always enjoyed good government held title to all the land in the market facilities, and its citizens are thrifty town except four lots which were located on and forehanded. A large part of its people speculation. Soon afterward said land was are engaged in gardening and dairying, both brought into market by John Gilbert, it be- of which are very profitable. Grand river ing the Jefferson water power on the west runs through the town in a northerly direc- branch of Raisin river. Mr. Swain made tion, and along its course there are some low the location to improve the water-power; and waste lands, but these are mostly drained therefore he brought with him all the iron so as to produce good pasturage and hay. gearing necessary for a saw-mill, and a large As an agricultural town, it stands high, and store of solid provisions and groceries; that, is justly ranked as one of the most valuable with venison and fish, easily obtained at the and prosperous in the county. time, enabled him to sustain his large force in the wilderness comfortably. Immediately after building a shanty on the north side of the river, he commenced building a saw-mill. The historical incidents in the settlement The erection of the mill and dam occupied of the present territory of the town of Co- | the time to January 29, 1833, when the flut- lumbia took place mostly when it was in- ter wheel splashed its first notes of civiliza- cluded in the town of Napoleon. At that tion to the surrounding forest. The first time Napoleon contained four surveyed wheat raised in this township was on the townships, viz: Townships 3 and 4 south of northeast quarter of the southeast quarter ranges i and 2 east. In the winter of 1838-9 section 24, about six acres, cultivated in the Columbia was set apart from Napoleon, con- fall of 1833 by Mr. Swain. taining the two south tiers of sections of A postoffice was established in 1834, township 3 south of range i east, excepting called Swainsville, and C. H. Swain was ap- one-fourth mile on east side of said territory, pointed postmaster. The mail was carried and since then the boundaries of Columbia on horseback once a week to and from a have been changed, so that its present terri- | Springville, where it met the mail stage tory comprises town 4 south of range i east, from Deroit to Chicago via Clinton and Te- except one mile off the north side of said cumseh. In the spring of 1833 Mr. Asahel township, and extending two miles east into | Knight came from Lodi Plains with his fam- township 4 south, range 2 east, making the ily, consisting of his wife and five sons, COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP. 422 . JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. town. Alexis, Allen, Hamblin, Monroe and La- Robert and William Quigley settled in the fayette, and located on sections 18 and 19, northwest part of the town the same sum- and commenced improvements, building a mer, and commenced improvements, but soon house and breaking up land for wheat, etc. sold their land to other settlers. In the fall Stoel Knight, with his family, also located Jacob Every and James Swartout came on section 19, and lived there a short time. from the eastern part of New York state In the fall of 1833 Mr. George S. Stranahan with their families and located farms on sec- and his son George located a large tract of tion 32; these were the last settlements of ; land. over four hundred acres, on the north 1834. In the year 1835 there was a great , side and west end of Clark's lake. They rush of hardy pioneers, and most of the re- . commenced improvements by putting up the maining government land in this town was body of a log house and broke up land suf- located for permanent homes. Early in the ficient to plant an orchard, the first in the spring Rufus Tiffany established his mer- cantile business at Swainsville. In a few Clark's lake was named by Mr. Clark, of years he spread out in a great establishment Monroe, the surveyor employed by the Uni- in every branch of trade. William Randall ted States to survey the land in this part and Alden Hewitt, with their families, Jos- of the territory. While he was meandering eph Randall, with his sons Gideon, Flavius the lake, he was so pleased with its sur- J. and C. A. Crary, located the remaining roundings, noble banks and transparent land south of Clark's lake, and commenced water, that he gave it his own name, and improvements. John, Harvy and Richard there is his monument forever. This fact Crego, Gardner J. Gallup and William Gal- shows that of all lakes he saw in his prac- lup located farms and settled with their fam- tice, this one was the most beautiful. In ilies, and commenced to make homes; Rich- 1834 very important additions were made to ard Crego, with his family, occupied his the resident population, Anson H. DeLa- land in 1836; Joseph, John, Reuben, Uriah mater, Edward DeLamater and Samuel T. and George Every, Mr. Kelley, the father Marsh coming from Onondaga county, New of Alanson, Nelson, William and O. Kelley, York Joseph and Hiram King and Elijah located farms in 1835, with their families, Webber, with their families, located early in for their future homes, in the south part of , the spring, on sections 24 and 25, west of the town; James Conley and Isaac Swartout, , the village, and commenced improvements with their families, located homes in the as soon as they could build log houses. Cal- southwest part of the town. Joseph Town- vin Love and family, and his son, W. C., ar- send, Josiah A. White, Nathan Roberts, rived soon after, and located their farms and Horace Phelps and John Antisdele located home on section 13, one mile north of the farms in the east part of the town. Arch- village, and commenced improvements. Day ibald Clark and James Parish settled on the and Ransom Jones came during the summer north side of Clark's lake. Daniel Peterson of 1834, and established a blacksmith shop located a large tract of land on the east end in the village of Swainsville, a much needed of Clark's lake. Dr. J. W. Titus, Walter establishment at that time. Isaac, John, | A. White, Albert M. Harmon, Edward Boy- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 423 CONCORD TOWNSHIP. ers, C. C. Carpenter, Derastus Jones, Ferd- cheerful and ready to help each other, and , inand French and Leonard Sparks were succeeded, through many hardships and dis- added to the population of Swainsville about couragements, in making valuable and pleas- this time, and a part of them located farms ant homes, which are yet mostly owned by in said town. In 1835 John H. and the first settlers and their descendants. They Broadhead Du Bois located at what is now became attached to each other as relatives, known as Jefferson, and purchased three and this tended to overbalance the hardships hundred and twenty acres at that place, on endured. the west branch of River Raisin, to improve The township of Columbia was mostly the water-power. They commenced build- oak openings, the land is a sandy loam, but ing a dam and saw-mill, also a grist-mill, is productive. The village of Brooklyn is and succeeded in getting the saw-mill in op- one of the finest and pleasantest in the state eration early in 1836. The proprietors and enjoys a splendid trade. It is situated caused a village to be surveyed and platted on the railroad between Manchester and in 1836. J. H. Du Bois also located three Hillsdale and has fine schools, churches and or four hundred acres of land northeast of residences, including a lively and progres- Jefferson, and subsequently improved it. sive weekly newspaper. Broadhead Du Bois located a large tract east of the village. The postoffice of Columbia was estab- The early history of Concord township lished at Jefferson, and D. C. DeLamater is fully given in the paper contributed by was appointed postmaster, and Sophia Pick- Judge McGee. The village of Concord is , et, deputy. The town of Columbia was or- situated on section 27, and is also one of the ganized in the winter of 1838-9, and the pleasant and progressive centers of the first town meeting was held at William Ful- county. It has fine schools, several churches, ler's store, April 16, 1839. The first school a fine line of stores and business houses, a was taught by Miss Salina Henrys, in a weekly newspaper, flouring mills, two banks, shanty at the head of Clark's lake, on George a creamery and other sources of business S. Stranahan's land, in the summer of 1836; prosperity. It is finely situated for resi- the second school was taught by Miss Al- dences, and these all show thrift, good taste mira Charles, in the summer of 1837, on sec- and enterprising spirit. The soil of the tion 19, on the farm of Asahel Knight. The township is strong and rich, being originally first school house was built in the fall of oak openings and burr oak plains, and the 1837, on section 17, at the head of Clark's town has long been noted as one of the best lake, and the school was taught by D. Dud- wheat producing sections of the county. ley, the ensuing winter. Most of the afore- said settlers were men in the prime of life, of small means, but energetic and deter- Originally this township composed the mined to make themselves a home in the wil- whole of the county east of the meridian, but derness. They expected to be deprived of was gradually shorn of territory to its pres- many of the necessaries of life; were always ent limits. The first pioneers to Jackson all GRASS LAKE TOWNSHIP. 424 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. came through Grass Lake, and this has giv- and they now have elegant and stately edi- en rise to the claim that it was the earliest fices. In 1841 the Central Railroad was settled town in the county. John Daniels built through to Jackson, and through the hired David Sterling to accompany him to political influence of Mr. Pease the depot Grand river in October, 1829, but they only was located where the present village now got to Grass Lake and turned back. In the stands. This was a death blow to “the Cen- spring of 1830 Sterling returned and ter," though Dr. Bingham and the firm of “squatted” on land on section 5, south of Hale & Smith, who had succeeded Whitman, the present village. During the summer of struggled for several years to maintain its 1830 George C. Pease and Daniel Thayer lo- prestige. cated a mile east of Sterling's. John Ritchie, The present village of Grass Lake is one Ralph Updike and a Mr. Raymond settled of the largest in the county and is a noted in the town the same summer. I can re- business center. It has more than a dozen member my father telling of going to Grass fine stores, some fine brick blocks, splendid Lake to assist these settlers to raise their school, a good newspaper and shows every log houses. Daniel Walker settled at Grass evidence of prosperity. The Central Rail- Lake Center and was appointed the first road and two electric lines furnish ample, postmaster. He came from Burlington, Ver- cheap and quick communication with sur- mont, and opened the first school. Ralph rounding towns and have added much to its Upkike built the first saw-mill and he was thrift and prosperity. the first supervisor for Jackson, then at- tached to Washtenaw. His opponent was David Sterling, who opened the first tavern. The town of Hanover is designated on In 1833 Ralph Updike built a store at "the the original surveys as 4 south range 2 Center," and S. W. Whitman brought in a west. It is composed of high rolling land, small stock of goods. In 1834 James Faulk- a heavy loamy soil, and is a fine agricultural ner, George Watkins and Joab Page settled part of the county. It was set off from in the town, and the settlement grew rap- Spring Arbor and created into a separate idly. Among the new comers were George township in 1836. The first settler in the Denmark, Elias Keyes, Job Rice, Stephen township was Abiel Tripp, who came from Watkins, Zera Boynton, James Fish, Sam- Rutland, Vermont, in the spring of 1832 uel Updike and others. A log school house and settled on section 3, where he died in was built near Sterling's tavern in 1833, but 1861, aged eighty years. Salmon Hale, his in 1835 a frame building was built two miles step-son, came with him and plowed the east, and called “the academy." Dr. Bing- first land broken in the town. Charles Stone ham was the first physician. A Methodist was an early settler in 1833. Horace Will- church was organized in 1832 by Elder Pil- iams, Daniel Porter, Frederick A. Kenne- cher. A Baptist church was formed in 1835 day, Edward Dodd, William Clapp, Jef- by Elder Limbocker, and the Congrega- ferson Drake, Paul Spink, John Cobb, Aaron tional church in 1836 by Rev. Henry M. Thompson and John S. Rowe were among Root. All these churches have prospered the eariy settlers in Hanover. The first saw- HANOVER TOWNSHIP. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 425 mill in the town was erected by Alvin Rams- tions. The town is noted for its enterpris- dale, on section 36. The power was fur- | ing and prosperous farmers and has fur- nished by a large spring that discharged its nished its full quota of public officials and water into Fawn lake. In 1842 George A. prominent men. Baldwin began the improvement of Kala- HENRIETTA TOWNSHIP, mazoo river and erected a flour mill at the village of Baldwin, now called Horton. The known as town I south, I east, is one of the first postoffice was established in 1836, with finest townships in the county. It was quite John Crittenden as postmaster, it being lo- heavily timbered, is generally level and the cated on section 21. George 0. Bibbins soil is a rich, sandy loam. It is well watered was an early settler and he laid out the vil- and contains some fine lakes, among them lage of Hanover when the railroad was built Pleasant lake, one of the largest, most beau- through the town. The oldest village in the tiful and noted in the county. This town- town is Horton. It was laid out in 1844. It ship is noted as having been the earliest has four or five good stores, a hotel and a trading place in central Michigan, John good flour mill. It has a graded school that Baptist Barboreau, a half-breed Frenchman, cost over three thousand dollars, and two having settled here in 1816 and was a resi- a churches. It was originally called the vil- dent when Jackson was first settled. He lage of Baldwin, but the Fort Wayne, Sag- had a large log store, in which he kept a inaw & Jackson Railroad Company changed large stock of goods to swap with the In- the name to Horton. The village of Han- dians for furs. He also had a small farm over was founded in 1870, when the Fort where he raised wheat, corn and vegetables. Wayne railroad was built. For a number of The town was invaded by land speculators years it had a phenomenal growth. Brick Brick in 1831. A man named Belknap bought a blocks and fine dwellings sprung up as by large tract and John Western, a wealthy magic and it was the center of a large trade. Englishman, located one thousand eight hun- It was ambitious for another railroad and dred acres, which he divided into small secured the so-called Cincinnati & Macki- farms, and put tenants on them to clear them naw. Instead of a benefit, the new road in- up, in 1835 and 1836. The first settler was jured the town. It established trading points Mr. Tanner in 1835, and he was followed east and west that soon absorbed much of its by Samuel Prescott, R. R. White, W. J. trade. A fire in 1884 destroyed about half Cowing, Alfred Hall, Thomas Tanner, Row- the village and it has never recovered from land James, Henry and Atwater Hurd and the disaster. It has a school building that Willard Reed. A road was opened across cost eight thousand dollars, and three good the Portage river in 1835, and the town churches and several fine residences. A settled rapidly. Gilbert Cole opened the first weekly newspaper, two grain elevators, and store in 1848 and L. J. Layton in 1855. The about a dozen stores make up its present at- township was organized in 1837, with four- tractions. Hanover has a large Grange, a teen voters, and Samuel Prescott was the Grand Army Post, a Masonic lodge and the first supervisor. The town has no villages, Farmers' Club as among its social attrac- though Pleasant lake is a resort center of 426 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a LEONI TOWNSHIP. some importance, but has been prosperous way to Jackson and preached in Mr. Otis' as an agricultural community. house several times in 1832. Elder John Limbocker, Baptist missionary, also preached occasionally in the neighborhood. Ira J. Kellogg began building a flour-mill This township was organized in 1836, in 1832, and in 1834 he had it completed, having previously been a part of the town the first grist-mill in the county. It had of Napoleon. It is the largest township in only one run of stones, but it saved the set- the county, containing almost thirty thou- tlers from going to Ann Arbor or Monroe sand acres of land. It is generally level and to mill. In 1835 John M. Whiterode began of sandy loam, and was originally what was selling goods in Leoni. A schooi was known as black oak openings, but it was in- opened in 1833 and Allen Knight was the tersected with lakes and numerous tamarack first teacher. Among the other early set- swamps. One of the earliest settlers was tlers of Leoni were: Richard Scott, Josiah Joseph H. Otis, who came from Vermont in Scott, Josiah Mills, John Quick, D. H. Mills, 1830 with his two step-sons, Zimri and Isaac E. G. Mills, M. W. Coolbaugh, Julius Se- Barber. Otis located land on sections I and keil, L. P. Penfield, C. D. Coyendall, Jesse 2, where the village of Leoni now stands. Rosier, Algernon Cooper, John Palmer, A. Mr. Barber in his reminiscences says: “Aft- S. Palmer, Gilbert M. Walldorff, Jesse B. er locating their lands and preparing for Walldorff, Orlin Walldorff, Jonathan their future homes, they all returned east Smith, George A. Smith, Charles H. Smith, and brought back their families the same Andrew J. Murray, Aaron Murray, Tru- fall.” Mr. Barber also writes that “we at T. Lawrence, Solomon Showers, that time found that a Mister David Stirling Abram Showers, Edward M. Barnes, Ho- had ‘squatted on the southeast quarter of mer Barnes, Lorenzo B. Bagley, Isaac Bag- section 2, which is about 80 rods south ley, Joseph B. Lockwood, David H. Lock- of the village of Leoni.” This conflicts with wood, Isaac Sekeil, Calvin Cooper, Joseph Stirling's claim to having settled near Grass Price, E. J. Price, Richard Price, Theodore Lake. In 1831 Mr. Joab Page came from Updike, Tyler Main, Ezekiel Ladu. Vermont and lived in Otis' home until In the year 1834 Martin Schumacker, spring. In 1831 Mr. Page built the old Abel F. Fitch and John Allendorf began the saw-mill, a mile and a half southwest of the settlement at Michigan Center. They erected village. Among the early settlers that year mills, opened a hotel and two stores and for were Norman Allen, Jacob Sagendorph, Joel years conducted a commendable business F. Parks, the three brothers, Quick, Bildad and was considered strong competition of Bennett and Jonah Mills. James Jacobs, Jackson. The troubles with the Michigan Ira W. Kellogg and James Lake made loca- | Central Railroad Company in 1851-2 caused tions and built log houses the same year. In the Center to collapse as a business point, 1831 a postoffice was opened in the house and it is now known as a resort, the large of Moses P. Crowell, one mile east of the pond being a favorite place for boating and village. Rev. Elijah Pilcher stopped on his fishing. man JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 427 LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. opened in 1839, by Leonard Watters. A flouring-mill, built in 1848 by Erastus B. The first settler of this township was Fuller on section 26, on Grand river, and Moses Tuthill, who came in June, 1835, lo- is the principal manufactory of the town- cating in the northeastern portion. He built ship at present. The first school in Liberty the first frame barn in the township in 1838, township was taught by Miss Nancy A. , and the first frame house in 1839. About Tuttle, in the spring of 1838, in the house the same time John Neely settled near him, of Mr. Skiff; the first school house, of logs, and John Hess and Ezra Rumery settled in was built in 1841, on section 13, the first the southeastern part of the township, Jesse school in which was taught by Martha Hart; Bivins in the western part, and George Sny- | in district No. 7, a frame school house was der in the northern. In the fall of the same built in 1846, and one of brick in 1874. year John J. Krout, Nathaniel Pettengill | There are now eight school houses in this and J. S. Knight came in. . In the spring of township. The first sermon in this town- 1836 Franklin Pierce, Solomon Skiff and ship was preached by Elder Cornell, in the Palmer Barlow moved into the township, summer of 1837, at the house of George and during the subsequent fall the settle- Snyder. The first church was erected in ment of the township was rapid, among 1865, at Liberty Mills, by the Methodist them Hiram Kennedy and Hiram Tuthill Episcopal society. There are now three and others. church buildings in this community: one March 3, 1837, the citizens met at the Methodist Episcopal, one Baptist, one Uni- house of Solomon Skiff, to organize the versalist. The first postoffice was established township. After much discussion as to a a in 1838, kept by Franklin Pierce, who also name for it, Jesse Bivins proposed the name was mail-carrier, bringing the mail from of Liberty, which was unanimously adopted. Brooklyn on foot, once a week. The first Monday of the next month an elec- In general: The first houses were log tion was held at the same place, when twen- shanties, without doors or windows. Wolves ty-one votes were polled, electing Ezra were plentiful and frequently came up to Rumery, supervisor; Moses Tuthill, treas- the cabins. Deer and wild turkey abounded urer; A. G. Otto, clerk, and Jesse Bivins, in the woods, so that there was no lack of Prosper Lewis, A. G. Otto and Franklin wild meat. There was also a great plenty Pierce, justices of the peace. of fish in the lakes and streams. The most The first white child born in the town- beautiful wild flowers covered the ground, ship was John Neely, Jr., April 19, 1836; making the woods delightful. The Indians the first marriage was that of John Lemons were numerous and very disagreeable some- and Adelia Tuthill, in April, 1837; the first times. Bread was very scarce the first year , death was that of Lorenzo Neely, March 6, of the settlement, and the first grist that was 1837. The first mill in this township was a taken to mill was cut with the shears and saw-mill, built by Mr. Otto in 1837, on sec- threshed with a rolling-pin by Mrs. John C. tion 23, on Grand river. The first store was Cruet, and taken to Brooklyn to be ground. 428 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. NAPOLEON TOWNSHIP. Although the pioneers endured hardships, first merchants in the spring of 1835. The they had many pleasures, visiting each other first sermon preached in Napoleon township frequently, especially in the winter. by a Methodist Episcopal minister was in The schools are well directed, the relig- the evening of November 13, 1833, the night ious organizations replete with zeal, and the of the great “star-fall,” or meteoric shower. industrial establishments, though few, are The preacher was probably Rev. Colclazer, conducted on first-class business principles. whom night had overtaken while traveling No railroad runs through Liberty township. through this section. After this, meetings were held in private houses until 1838. They effected a permanent organization In the winter of 1832-3 the territorial April 1, 1845, under the charge of Rev. council set off the four southeast townships | Hiram Law, Jr., pastor of what was then into a town named Napoleon. The first set- the “Albion circuit,” Michigan conference. tler was William B. Hunt, in what is now There is now in Napoleon a steam grist- Norvell, in June, 1831. A. B. Goodwin set- mill, a grain and bean elevator, owned by tled where now is Napoleon village in May, E. L. Griffin, a town hall, a fine school build- 1832. He brought his wife and adopted ing and several stores. The town embraces aughter with him. His nearest neighbor some of the finest farming lands in the coun- was Charles Blackman. Abram Bolton also ty. The soil is well adapted to wheat, and came in in 1831. During that year Chancey the water facilities are such that the farmers Hawley, Morgan Carr and Horace Dean have a ready market at home, where the settled near Napoleon village, and in 1833 proprietors of the mills are prepared to pur- R. B. Rexford, Henry Hawley, Israel S. chase all that they will sell. Love, John I. Ford, Simon Holland, Ly- man J. Hunt, George Dennison and Dr. B. S. King were added. A school was Harvey Austin was among the first set- taught in 1833 by Miss Louisa M. Swain. tlers of this township. He has lived on the The village is situated on the Jackson same spot ever since he first came into the branch of the Michigan Southern Railroad. county, and yet, by the changes that have It occupies a pleasant position upon a pla- been made in the five township boundaries, teau, surrounded by a rich and highly culti- he has lived in five townships. When he vated agricultural section. Stone lake is first became a resident of the county, the one and a half miles from the depot. A very whole territory was known as Jacksonburgh. fine and substantial school building was The county was then divided into three erected in 1869. It is brick, and two stories. towns-Grass Lake, Jacksonburgh and The village contains two churches, Baptist Spring Arbor, and Mr. Austin became a res- and Methodist Episcopal. The first post-ident of Grass Lake. Again, in 1836-7, a , office was established in 1833, A. F. Bol- new division was made, the four towns, as ton, postmaster. A school house was built they are now, being set off into one called in 1835. The first supervisor was Hiram Napoleon. Still later, a new division was Austin. John and C. C. Dewey were the made, and Napoleon had distinct limits as- NORVELL TOWNSHIP. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 429 runs signed to it in 1839, and the township of the same is hereby set off and organized into Brooklyn was formed, comprising the ter- a separate township, by the name of Parma, ritory in the southeastern part of the county. and the first township meeting therein shall Thus it continued up to 1873, when a new be held at the house of John Graham, in said deal was made, and a part of the territory township.” The first township meeting was of Brooklyn given to Columbia township, held at the house of John Graham, in April, a part to Napoleon, and the rest, comprising 1837, at which John Barnum was elected 32 sections 4 by 8, was constituted into the supervisor. township of Norvell. The township of Parma was compre- The Jackson branch of the Lake Shore hended originally in the district known as & Michigan Southern Railroad Spring Arbor, which included what are now through the township. The D., H. & I. R. designated as the townships of Pulaski, R. intersects the south part of the town. Hanover, Concord, Spring Arbor, Parma, Watkin's Station, on this railroad, is lo- Sandstone, Springport and Tompkins. cated half-way between Manchester and The first land entered in the township Brooklyn. Norvell has a hotel, churches, was located by George Ketchum, better school house, flouring-mill, railroad, and af- known as the Barber place. Here was kept , fords a good market for the surrounding what was known as “Ball's Tavern,” the country. name of the occupant being emblematically The first settler in this part of Jackson made known by a large wooden ball placed county was William Hunt, who located and on the top of a tamarack pole. This land settled in this township in June, 1831. In was located in 1831, but was not settled the following June his son-in-law, Mr. Bick- upon immediately. The first permanent set- ford, came with his wife; a daughter was tler was Elihu M. Goold, who located a added to the family shortly after, and was farm, in the fall of 1832, and came on with the first white child born in the township. his family June 19, 1833. He was soon sur- The name given to this child is worthy of rounded by neighbors, and Parma now took mention, it being Dona Maria Cassender her place among the prosperous and enter- Rider Bickford. prising settlements of Jackson county. Norvell village is neat and prosperous. Henry Nicholson came in 1835 and located possesses a hotel, churches, schools, stores, land, and became a settler in 1837. a railroad depot, the extensive mills, with The first railroad station in this vicinity all the other surroundings of civilization. was opened in 1845, and was known as Gidley's Station, situated on the line of the Michigan Central Railroad, eighty-six miles The organization of this township was west of Detroit, and ten miles west of Jack- effected under an act of the legislative coun- cil, approved March 11, 1837, directing that Outside the village there is an old Quak- “All that portion of the county of Jackson, er church, which, however, is not now occu- designated in the United States survey as pied, the sect having become almost extinct township 2 south, of range 3 west, be and in this section, and the Campbell church near It PARMA TOWNSHIP. son. 430 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. the north line of the town. There are four produce could be exchanged or shipped school districts in the town and six frac- away. Levi Summers erected a blacksmith tional districts. shop in 1849, and Asa Caswell had a shop The surface of the township is generally of the same kind in 1848. of the same kind in 1848. Dr. R. K. Gib- rolling, it is very well watered and has a soil son was the first physician in Gidley's, and unsurpassed in fertility. All crops raised Dr. Brown at Parma. in Michigan are grown here with certainty The Union church was built in 1851, and abundance. and was owned jointly by the Presbyterians On the 25th of January, 1866, a great and Methodists, one society occupying the conflagration visited Parma village and de- house one week and the other the next. stroyed much valuable property. The busi- | They continued to worship in this way until ness portion of the village was entirely de- 1868, when the Methodists sold out their stroyed. Since that time, however, other interest, and erected a very fine brick substantial business blocks have been erected, church. This church is in the township of and the place is rapidly growing in wealth Sandstone, as is also the fine high school and population. building. The Baptists have a very good The plat of Parma village was made by house of worship also. James M. Gould, on April 5, 1848. It was The village is a pretty and lively place, first called Groveland. This was, however, located mainly on the south side of the Cen- changed to the present name in 1849. The tral railroad, which passes through it. It village was not incorporated until December has a population of one thousand people, and 31, 1864. The first election of village officers is well built up with excellent private and took place on the first Tuesday in March, business houses. It contains three churches, 1865. Parna was for years widely known thirteen stores, a lodge of Masons, Odd Fel- as “Cracker Hill," and even now letters for lows, and Good Templars, a Grange, one Parma are so directed. steam flouring-mill, one sash, door and blind The first store in Parma was erected by factory, a weekly newspaper, a splendid William Kassick in 1846. Lyman Warren Union school—which stands among the best — and Lafayette Fisher were associated in the in the state—and the usual number of shops, grocery business, and Walter Ferguson was also engaged in the same kind of trade at an early day. In 1849 R. E. Aldrich moved his store here from Gidley's Station, where The township of Pulaski was organized he had been both postmaster and merchant. in April, 1838, by the election of James J. P. Robbins, Esq., moved his store to Cross, supervisor, Warner I. Hodge, town Parma the same year, and carried on the clerk, with other officers provided by the manufacture of boots and shoes. The first statute. Mr. Cross having resigned his of- warehouse was built by Isaac Cushman, in fice as supervisor, a special election was held 1848, the growth of the county in agri- in October, when Rev. J. B. Burroughs was cultural wealth demanding a place where elected supervisor. At the organization of goods could be stored, and where grain and the town there were some twenty voters. etc. PULASKI TOWNSHIP. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 431 The earliest settlers were John Wilber, and Barnett Dickson, Erastus Wyllis, Lu- Col. Luther L. Ward, John Howard, Mi- ther Miner, Cheney Day, with a large num- chael, Harvey and Harry Nowlin, Warner ber of young Days, and many others; so that I. Hodge, J. M. Chatfield, the Fisher and in 1840 we were able with a little assistance Pennoyer families and a few others. from the surrounding towns, to run two old- The following history of this township fashioned Fourth-of-July celebrations at the was prepared by Ira A. Willis: “Pulaski same time. I would not wish to be under- in its primitive state was what is known as stood that we had become so numerous that an oak opening township of land, and the we could not all be accommodated at one first settler in it was John Howard, who lo- place; but through the influence of hard cated in the southwest part of the town in cider in these days of 'Tippecanoe and Tyler, ‘ 1834, on what was subsequently called How- too,' and 'little Van' a 'used up man,' party ard's Island. Although a man had come spirit ran so high that, I am sorry to say, into the township previous to Mr. Howard we could not unite to celebrate our natal day and built a shanty, he did not make a per- together. manent settlement, and therefore should not “About 18.40 Rev. William Page came have the honor of being named the first set- into town and settled on quite a large farm tler. Soon after other settlers came in. on section 17, and organized the first relig- Among the first were—Cornelius Fisher, | ious society, it being a Presbyterian or Con- Reuben Pennoyer, Reuben Luttenton, Syl- gregational church, which was of short vester Daniels, Stephen Cheesboro, James duration, lasting only about two years. In Cross, Benjamin Stookey, Joel Fiske, 1841 he established a classical school on Charles Guile, Isaac N. Swain, Jesse Bur- the manual-labor plan, attended to his farm, rows, Michael Nowlin, Harry Nowlin, Isaac and preached at Jonesville; but did not suc- P. Wheeler, John Wilbur and Col. L. L. ceed very well in any of his callings, and Ward. The Colonel, being quite a military soon failed in all except, perhaps, his preach- man, gave the name to the town, naming it ing. In 1841 there were established two after the celebrated Polish chieftain, Count Methodist societies, Protestant and Episco- Pulaski. pal, and in the winter of 1842-3, the year "The first birth in the town was that of the world was to come to an end, there were Goodell Wilbur, a son of Mr. and Mrs. L. numerous accessions to each of them; but as Wilbur. This son is now nearly sixty years the world did not come to an end as was ex- of age, and was a prosperous farmer in pected by some, there soon commenced a Iowa. The first death also was in Mr. Wil- strife for the predominance in a religious bur's family,—a son about thirteen years of point of view. The Methodist Episcopals age who was killed by the accidental dis- carried matters, and the Protestants soon charge of a gun. became extinct as a religious organization. “Among the first settlers were Henry “The town was organized into a town- and Eli Woodin, John Thorn, John Chat- ship for civil or legal purposes, with Con- field, Ashur Grover, Cyrus Daniels, Ira Ja- cord and Spring Arbor, in 1837, and into its cobs, Henry Turner, F. D. Turner, Elijah present limits the succeeding year. At the 432 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. first township meeting Jesse Burrows was with their families; also by Stephen Fifield, chosen supervisor. The town was settled The town was settled George Fifield, Wiliam Fifield and John by people from New York, New England Stephens. In June, 1831, Samuel Wing and Pennsylvania, and some from other some from other and family, Edward Morrill and Samuel places, New York furnishing more than all Prescott moved also. In the spring of 1832 other places together. Rosevelt Davis and family settled in the “Physically, Pulaski has a rolling sur- same neighborhood, and early the following face, but no very bad hills, interspersed with year, 1833, Nathaniel Morrill, Stephen a few lakes, Wilbur's and Swain's lakes be- Towne and families also became settlers in ing the largest. Pulaski has some marsh Blackman. About this time Samuel Pres- ground along the Kalamazoo river, which cott sold his place to Mr. Morrill, and , flows through the town in a northwesterly bought a farm on section 34, in Rives. He direction, and the northwest part of the town was the first settler in that town. This was is crossed by two railroads; one the Air in 1834. The same year John Berry and Line, on the northwest corner, and the other Eleazer Clark moved into Rives, and in the the Fort Wayne, on the southwest corner, fall Isaac Kirby and Charles Evans settled having no regular station in the town, ex- on the east side of Grand river, and Joseph cept at Pulaski, on the Air Line, and the Whitney, William Whitney and Pardon T. passenger house for that is in the town of Fisher and families took up land north of Homer. Some might infer that we are not Grand river, on the Grand river road. This well located for markets, but that is not the was the first surveyed road north of Jack- case; for we are so situated that we can go About the same time Milton J. Dra- north, south, east or west, and soon strike per, Alfred Draper and Lyman Draper set- a railroad. We can hear the whistle from tled in the northwest part of Rives. Rob- five different railroads every day.” ert H. Anderson moved in also, in 1835, and Philip Van Horn and family in 1836. RIVES TOWNSHIP. In 1834 Samuel Prescott erected the first Samuel Prescott, one of the first settlers house in the township." of the county, was born at Sanbornton, New The town was organized into its present Hampshire, August 31, 1800, and wrote the township limits in 1837, the first town meet- following interesting reminiscences for Hon. | ing being held at the house of Oliver True, H. H. Bingham, president of the County who lived oh section 27. E. B. Chapman Pioneer Society, in 1879: was elected supervisor. After they had got “The first family that settled north of together, they found that no one had pro- Jackson, down the Grand river, was that of vided paper, pens or ink, and one of the Lyman Pease. He arrived in the summer men had to walk three miles to the nearest of 1830, and the same season broke ten acres house to procure the requisite articles. of ground, which he sowed to wheat. The Samuel Prescott Prescott was was the first post- same fall John McConnel came, and put in master in the town, an office being estab- three acres of wheat, and was followed the lished at his house, and called the West same season by James and Osgood Fifield, Rives postoffice. The present postoffice is son. JACKSON COUNTY, 433 , MICHIGAN. located at Rives Junction, a small settlement for worship in November of the same year. which ha's sprung up in the woods since the The local press noticed the important event Grand Rapids and Lansing roads formed thus: “The new Baptist church at Rives their junction at this place. Sarah Pres- Junction was dedicated on Tuesday, Novem- cott, a daughter of Samuel Prescott, was ber 9, the dedicatory sermon being preached 9 the first child born in the town. by Rev. Theodore Nelson, of East Saginaw. Mr. Chapman, father of the first female | The attendance was large, and the debt of child born in Jackson county, was the first three hundred and fifty dollars on the build- supervisor of Rives, and Alva True, father ing was promptly raised. This is the first of the first twin male children born in the church erected in Rives township.” county, second supervisor. It is thought A farmers' club exists at Rives, which is that these were the first male children born a live institution, resolved to sustain the in- in the county. terests of the farming community with as The Free-Will Baptist church of Rives much zeal and skill as other interests are was organized in October, 1838. The first maintained. members were: Asahel King and wife, Jesse The village of Rives Junction has Cole and wife, H. G. Cole and wife, Jesse grown to be a valuable business center, and Brown and wife, Nancy Merrill and David contains a good public school, two churches, , Brown. The meeting at which this organi- hotel, several industrial establishments and zation was completed was held within the fine large stores. It is a large shipping log house of H. G. Cole, on section 21, point for all kinds of grain and farmi southwest of northeast quarter. The products. weekly meetings were held in the house of H. G. Cole for some years, until the erection of the log building, near the present school comprises the territory known as 2 south, house, in which their meetings were held Most of it was heavy timbered for a period of three years, when the old openings, and it has a heavy loam soil, log house gave place to a more pretentious some parts inclining to clay loam. It is frame building, and in this they assembled well watered, Sandstone creek crossing it weekly for about five years. After this the from south to north with several smaller authorities ordered that school buildings streams. . It took its name from a large de- should be reserved for school purposes only, posit of sandstone rock along the creek, and so the congregation was forced to meet which furnishes some valuable quarries. The in their primitive and original church, re- original settler was Samuel Roberts, who ferred to above as the log building. located near the creek, six miles west of In 1863 a brick school house supplanted Jackson, in May, 1830. Among the other the frame, and in this building their meet- pioneers we have the names of Chester Wall, ings were held until November 9, 1880, M. Freeman, James Valentine, D. Avery, C. when the new church of Rives was dedi- M. Chappel, Samuel Upton, J. S. Richard- cated. The corner-stone of this church was son, D. D. Trumbull, L. Eastman, T. E. laid in May, 1880, and the building opened Gidley, Dr. Akers, and others. The village SANDSTONE TOWNSHIP 2 west. 28 434 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a of Barry was platted in 1832, and it soon townships into four in 1836. The first had two hotels, a church, two stores and supervisor of the town, after its final organi- several other buildings. It was for a time zation, was Dr. Cornell. a sharp rival of Jackson. But the time of A. B. Gibson and Moses Bean settled in "wild cat" speculation soon passed and Spring Arbor township in the spring of Barry receded in growth and importance, 1831. That township then embraced the until it became simply a memory instead of eight townships west of Jacksonburgh. an active fact. James Valentine was the There were three families besides himself first postmaster in 1831. A school was at the time he located there, Isaac N. , opened in 1834, Miss Mary Parks, teacher. Swain's, Mr. Smith's, and Mr. Van Foss- A Congregational church was organized in en's. Among the old settlers who were 1834, by Rev. Jason Parks, and Drusus pioneers of this town are, James Videto, L. Hodges and F. B. Ward were the deacons. W. Douglas, J. D. Crouch and Louis Sny- This church is still in existence. The village der, Jr. of Parma is partly in Sandstone and there This town is quite intimately connected is a mill and postoffice at the north line called with the early history of Jackson county. Minard Mills. It was here that the Pottawatomies had The town was organized at the house of their Indian village. Here also today is to Henry G. Wipple, on the first Monday in be seen the old burying-ground of their May, 1836. John Barnum was at the time young “braves." For a great many years elected supervisor. The township then in- the people of the town kept this burying- cluded Sandstone, Parma, Springport and ground well fenced, but of late years they Tompkins. In April, 1837, at the second have forgotten this humane duty, and the town meeting, Caleb M. Chapel was chosen traces of Indian occupation are daily grow- supervisor. The special meeting for the ing more and more extinct. organization of the present township was The college of Spring Arbor was the held at the house of Frederick Beck, on Alpha of the Hillsdale College, Presidents Wednesday, April 17, 1839, at which time Graham and Fairfield having started their Captain Chester Wall was elected super- school here, and continued it for several visor. years before removing it to Hillsdale. The buildings were erected by a joint-stock com- pany, and the institution was under the special patronage of the Free-Will Baptists. At the spring election in 1833, held in For some years after the removal of the col- Spring Arbor, Mr. Gibson received the full lege to Hillsdale the buildings were unoccu- vote for supervisor, and the entire number pied, but the Free Methodist denomination of votes cast was eleven. The next year he opened a school in them in 1874. was elected to the same office, receiving the The agricultural resources of the town- full vote, which had increased to thirty-one. ship are without a rival; the many oppor- The present township was set off in 1838, tunities which it offers to the manufacturer having also been divided from the first eight seem to pass unnoticed, so that the town- SPRING ARBOR TOWNSHIP. a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 435 ship capital may be said to be comprised in Augustus Gaylord was postmaster in 1838. church, school and postoffice buildings. The next year “Cayuga" office was estab- Since the completion of the Air Line lished, with M. S. Brown postmaster. Railroad, a station has been located, known “Otter Creek” was opened in 1839, with as Snyder's Station in the southern part of Daniel Griffith postmaster. the town, which is developing into a con- Springport village, formerly formerly Oyer's siderable business point. Corner, has grown rapidly since the rail- road came in, and is now the largest village SPRINGPORT TOWNSHIP. in the county. It has three dry goods stores, This is the northwest corner township two drug and three grocery stores, hard- in the county, and has always been the most ware, furniture, boot and shoe, harness and distant and until a few years least neighborly agricultural implements, two mills, a good with the city. There is some dispute as to hotel, opera house, weekly newspaper and the early settlement, but the records seem to all the other elements of a lively and pros- show that the first location in the town was perous trade center. A large Methodist made by Mr. Ebenezer Brown in 1834. He church, in the village, and two other sold out to George Landon the next year. churches near the town line furnish the re- In 1835 the town was invaded by Calvin ligious conveniences. The people take great Dennis, John S. Comstock and Henry Fitz- pride in their success in business and farm- gerald. In 1836 the township settled quite ing, and form one of the most orderly and rapidly. Among them becoming residents prosperous towns in the state. were J. B. Preston, Marcus Harrison, A. V. Hammond, John Oyer, Henry Chase, Ed- ward Ferris and Isaiah Whitman. Mr. Har- This township formed the south half of rison built a sawmill in 1836 on section 26. the old township of Jackson, and was set In 1837, Isaac B. Gates, James M. Jameson, off in 1857, into a separate township when Daniel Griffith, L. H. Ludlow, David Joy the city was incorporated. Its early history and M. S. Brown became residents. The is closely interwoven with that of Jackson, township was organized in 1838. The first as one half of the area of the city is taken town meeting was held at the house of Isaac out of its limits. Among the early settlers Gates, and Jonah Whitman was chosen outside of the city were Messrs. Chester supervisor, and William V. Morrison town Bennett, L. G. Perry, Charles Huntoon, clerk. The first sermon was preached by Jacob Hutchins, Samuel Gates, Thomas , Rev. Marcus Harrison in his log house on Willson, Owen Ellison, Ami Filley, Leander section 26. The first school was taught by McCain, Stephen Rowan and others. The Miss Maria Mallory in the summer of 1838, town is in some respects peculiar. It con- and by Mr. Luther M. Ludlow in the winter. tains the tains the smallest amount of accessible The first child born was a daughter of M. acres of any township in the county, as well Harrison, in 1838, and nearly at the same as the highest elevations. The Grand river time one to John S. Comstock. The first enters it on section 36, runs west past the postoffice was opened at “Oyer's Corner.” center of the town, then turns abruptly east SUMMIT TOWNSHIP. 436 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. WATERLOO TOWNSHIP near the west line of section 21, crosses the Jared Parks, of Sandstone, and Rev. Mar- town line into Leonion section 13, and cus Harrison, of Springport, ministering to returning on section 12, turns northerly to their wants. Two churches were erected on the city of Jackson. Along the course of the the west town line and there are two on the river are no less than ten lakes and not less east side of the town. The postoffice was than two thousand five hundred acres of first opened at the Center in 1836, and J. C. marsh and swamp that is unworkable land Southworth was in charge for many years. as long as the present dams are maintained. There is a good flour mill at the Center, and Otherwise the town is one of the richest several stores. The soil is good and and finest agricultural sections of the coun- Tompkins is one of the best towns in Jack- ty, and under a fine state of cultivation. son county. Outside the city limits it is purely an agricultural town. Its only industries are one blacksmith shop and a small cheese lies in the northeast corner of the coun- factory. Its contiguity to the city furnishes ty, and is six by eight miles in extent. Tra- a ready market for its produce, and it is dition says that Hiram Putnam and his two noted chiefly for stock raising and dairy brothers were the first settlers. Next came products. That its lands are considered | Abram Crossman, J. C. Gorton, Martin and valuable is shown by the fact that its 19,000 Jacob Landis, the Sweet family and Patrick acres have been equalized for years as the Hubbard, Jeremiah Riggs, Andrew Correli highest of any farming lands in the county. and others. The township was first organi- zed as East Portage in 1836, with only four- TOMPKINS TOWNSHIP. voters. Miss Margaret Paddock The first settlers in this town were taught the first school, and Rev. Mr. Hovey Nicholas Townley and his sons, Anson and was the first minister. The town is largely Richard, in September, 1834. They were settled by Germans and is one of the most closely followed by Gardner Gould, David prosperous in Jackson county. It has as Adams, Joseph Wade, George Minard, fine schools, churches, mills and other , Thomas Godfrey and others. The town- utilities as any town in the state and an ship was organized in 1838. It was named intelligent and prosperous people. It has a after Governor Tompkins; of New York, Grange, Farmers' Club, two villages, Munith and many of the early settlers came from and Trist, besides the old village of Water- Tompkins county, in that state. The first loo, and is in every sense a thrifty and pros- town meeting was held at the home of perous town. Joseph Wade and Nicholas Townley was the first supervisor. The first sawmill was ODE ON GRAND RIVER. built by George Minard in 1835, and the Say, tell the bard! hast thou Grand river seen, first school was taught by Miss Mary Where, pouring o'er its bed of living green, Hurlbut, in a log school house near Joseph Its pearly waters lave and fain caress Walls of famed Jackson's palaces ? Wade's place on section 21. The settlers Hath it so chanced thou hast observed its tide early began religious services, the Rev. (Of sewers numberless the hapless bride) teen JACKSON 437 COUNTY, MICHIGAN. COUNTY, Roll slowly on its silvery, sinuous way 'Neath flashing sunshine or the moon's clear ray? If thou hast not this witching sight surveyed, It matters not where thy footsteps have strayed- Whether 'neath Afric's sunny groves of palm; In Orient lands whose winds are drunk with balm, Or o'er the poppied, languid, dreamy plains Where th' Moslem in barbaric splendor reigns- Thou hast not seen this globe's chief joy, for Fate, In sooth, hath snubbed thee, moved by whim or hate. Its chance-art bed--subject of diatribe From jejune pens pretending to describe- Is paved worthy of Venice's St. Mark, With broken cubes of quarried spoil, with chark, And brick red-wrought, crushed tile, gaud shards in mass, With shattered globes and vessels deft of glass, And bright tin argentry, and here and there (Their tuberose savor flattering the air) Finned forms decayed, with the phosphoric shine Of mackerel dead, shored by th’ Atlantic's brine- Serve to mosaic the bed of this famed stream Which moves the soul like some enchanting dream. When red-mailed Mars doth bend his starry bow And earth rejoices in the evening glow, How sweet to walk beside this classic stream And o'er the past or of the future dream, Though at such time its breath is not possessed Of fragrance born of “Araby the Blest.” The muse recalls how, in long years agone, He wandered by this classic stream alone, At time when night's resplendent pageantry Of pennoned star-hosts glorified the sky; But 0, that tide seemed not eau de cologne, As on his tortured sense its breath was blown; He gasped, “Ye gods! These pangs the smell would ease Of asafoetida or Limburger cheese!" What boots it that the Mississippi runs Resistless to the Gulf 'neath southern suns? Its flood the “lazy Scheldt and wandering Po," The Rhone, the ice-gyved Lena cliffed with snow, The castellated Rhine, the Danube blue, Far Cathay's treach'rous stream of saffron hue, The Rio de la Plata, Amazon, The Niger, Nile majestic, eddying Don, Should each for aye hide its diminished head Before the Grand, trenched in its germ-strewn bed, For fame o'er such compeers it wins with ease, As vast it on-sweeps to the saltless seas. L'ENVOI. And where the prison adds its prismy ooze, Which to the fish and frog proves "knock-out booze,” Full gorged nor wonder there the current mopes, Like some poor fool the bland dive-keeper dopes ; While up and down on weeds fermenting lie The "sewer creams” whose smells refuse to die. Hail, mighty river! Bow all streams to thee! Jackson's chief pride! Earth's perfumed artery! MONROE G. CARLETON. COL. CHARLES V. DELAND. PART II-BIOGRAPHICAL. CHARLES VICTOR DELAND. tions. After the election of General Tay- ler, in 1848, young DeLand was induced by Charles Victor DeLand was born in his old friends to return to Jackson, and hav- North Brookfield, Worcester county, Massa- ing purchased the material of two or three chusetts, July 25, 1826. His ancestors on defunct papers (among others that of the the paternal side were French Huguenots old Sentinel), he established the Jackson and came to New England as early as 1636. Citizen, which he owned and controlled until , His mother was a descendant of the cele- October 1, 1861. After the defeat of the brated Dr. Hooker, who came to Boston in Whig party in 1852 by the treachery of the 1633 southern wing in the interests of slavery ex- The early years of Charles V. DeLand tension, Mr. DeLand became an earnest and were devoid of interest to the public, being efficient advocate of “no more slave terri- spent in company with Indians and pioneers. tory” and “no more alliances with slave There were few schools and but little to holders.” This made him an early advo- interest anybody but work, hunting and cate of the affiliation of all the opposition fishing. in September, 1836, a newspaper to the further spread of human slavery and was started in Jackson and, though young the policy of the south. Hence he became and small for the work, “Vick” was duly early and prominently identified with the installed as the “devil” in the office of the new Republican party, and has remained an Jacksonburg Sentinel. From this time, unswerving supporter of its principles, its with the exception of four years spent in policy and its candidates. The party was farming summers and attending school and attending school organized and carried the state in 1854, and winters, Mr. DeLand followed the vocation so prominent had he become that he was of a printer until the fall of 1861, when he elected, without solicitation, the official re- laid aside that occupation to enter the Union porter of the new legislature. He was also , army to aid in suppressing the slave-hold- elected clerk of the house of representatives ers' rebellion. for the sessions of 1857-9, filling the office As early as 1840, young DeLand entered with marked ability and popularity. He also the service of the old Whig party, in the served as an alderman and supervisor sev- campaigns of 1844, '48 and '52 being em- eral years in the city of Jackson and in 1860 ployed in editorial as well as manual posi- was elected to the state senate from the 440 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. twelfth district, Jackson county. The field of battle, spending several months in session of 1861 was a most eventful one. Libby prison and other Rebel prison pens, Senator DeLand was an active and influ- and receiving promotions from his first ential worker. On committees, he was on rank to be colonel of the First Regiment finance (with Ex-Gov. Baldwin and James Michigan Sharpshooters, and of brevet brig- F. Joy of the house) and assisted in the great adier general, “for his faithful and meritori- work of reorganizing the finances of the ous services," being finally discharged in state, then in most unsatisfactory condi- March, 1865, "from disability, resulting tion, and the measures then matured and from wounds received in action." passed carried Michigan through the rebel- After the war, in June, 1865, Colonel lion and founded the policy which has since DeLand removed from Jackson to East entirely extinguished its state and war debt Saginaw, again resuming his vocation of with so little burden to the people. He was printer and editor, and became connected also on the special committee to revise the with and established the first daily paper in militia laws and did as much as any one northern Michigan, The Saginaw Daily En- man in the state to perfect the military sys- terprise. After a year's service, poor health tem and service which carried the state so compelled him to quit newspaper work, and successfully through the war. It was dur- he embarked for several years in private this session that the southern states began business. His marked executive ability to secede. The national peace convention soon became manifest to his new neighbors, convened at Washington, and finally the re- and he was chosen by them successively to bellion commenced. There was great vari- the offices of street commissioner, marshal, ance in opinion even among Republicans as tax collector, city comptroller, supervisor, to the best course to pursue, some favoring chief engineer, and in 1872 he was again compromises, some “peace at any price," elected to the state senate to represent the etc., but Senator DeLand was firm in twenty-fifth district, Saginaw - county. demanding unqualified obedience to the During the sessions of 1871-2 he was also constitution and laws of the nation, and his an active worker, and among the measures efforts and speeches soon made him the which he especially urged were the acts cre- recognized leader of the radical Republicans, ating a state board of health, revising the who defeated every effort to lower the general railroad laws, taxing the lands do- standard of loyalty to the national flag and nated by congress to railway companies, the the newly installed administration of Pres- completion and endowment of the State Uni- ident Lincoln. Soon after the close of the versity, the abrogation of the state swamp session, Senator DeLand set to raising land road policy, the constitutional com- troops, and in September, 1861, went to the mission bill, etc. Soon after the adjourn- front as captain of Company C, Ninth Mich- ment of the special session of 1872 (the igan Infantry. He remained in the service Daily Enterprise having suspended), Col- until the close of the war, participating in onel DeLand again entered the newspaper many noted engagements, being twice field, and started the Saginaw Morning Her- wounded and captured by the rebels on the | ald, which he soon placed upon a solid basis OF DELAND HOMESTEAD, SUMMIT TOWNSHIP, ERECTED 1850. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 441 and made one of the leading newspapers were conducted on a business basis. Many of the state. His labors on the Herald and permanent improvements were made, the as United States collector of internal reve- city debt was reduced and taxes were low- nue for the old sixth district for six years, ered. He used the veto power fearlessly for again undermined his health, and in the the benefit of the taxpayers, and in all his fall of 1882 Colonel DeLand reluctantly re- subsequent public career James O'Donnell signed the management of his favorite has favored strict economy in public affairs, journal, and retired to his old home near in order to lighten the burdens of the people. Jackson, where he now boasts the honorable In 1877 he served a second term as mayor, occupation of a successful and prosperous being re-elected by a very large majority, farmer. although the city was strongly Democratic. From 1877 to 1881 he served on the staff of Governor Croswell, with the rank of JAMES O'DONNELL. colonel, and he then passed a year in trav- eling through Europe. He also served with James O'Donnell is a native of the state the rank of colonel on the staff of General of Connecticut, having been born in the Warner, commander in chief of the Grand town of Norwalk, Fairfield county, on the Army of the Republic, during the latter's 25th of March, 1842, and when he was eight term of office. He has been chairman of the years of age he accompanied his parents on Republican county committee of Jackson their removal to Jackson, Michigan. As a county, a member of the congressional com- boy he learned the printer's art and com- mittee, a member of the state central com- pleted his education in a newspaper office. mittee and a member of the national con- At the breaking out of the Civil war he en- gressional committee, in all of which posi- listed as a private in the First Michigan tions he rendered good service for the party. Volunteer Infantry and went to the front, In 1884 he received a unanimous nomi- taking part in the defense of Washington, nation for congress in the third district, in the first battle of Bull Run and in other composed of Eaton, Calhoun, Barry, engagements in which his regiment partici- Branch and Jackson counties. The cam- pated. paign was one of the fiercest political strug- In 1865 Mr. O'Donnell established the gles ever witnessed in Michigan, and he was Jackson Daily Citizen, which he has ever elected by twelve hundred majority, largely since owned and edited. He was four times leading the ticket. The house contained a elected recorder of the city of Jackson, was large Democratic preponderance. The a presidential elector in 1872, and took an President was Grover Cleveland. It was a active part in the campaign of that year. difficult situation for a new Republican a In the centennial year he was elected mayor member who desired to serve his constitu- of Jackson and his administration of munic- ency and make a creditable record, but Mr. ipal affairs was characterized by vigor and O'Donnell succeeded so admirably that he economy. The city expenditures were cut soon took rank among the leading members down and the affairs of the municipality of the house, and he was re-elected with in- 442 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. creased majorities again and again for eight vecacy of the bill to prohibit aliens from consecutive years and until overwhelmed by owning lands in the United States. He elo- the Democratic gerrymander of 1892, which quently maintained that the lands of this na- placed him in a new district, with twenty- tion must ever be held for citizens of the five hundred Democratic majority. Yet so country—that alien landlordism should great was his popularity that he was beaten never be tolerated in this great republic. by but four hundred plurality. Mr. O'Donnell while in congress deliv- In congress he not only knew what to ered the oration on the acceptance of the do but also how to do it. A mere mention statue of General Lewis Cass. His eulo- of the measures he originated and cham- gies on the death of Congressman Moffatt, pioned for the benefit of the people would Congressman Ford and others were mod- transcend the limits of this sketch. He els of rhetoric and tender, graceful thought. served the people of Michigan ably at Wash- On all great public questions,—the tariff, ington for eight years, and in so doing finance, labor, etc.,—his speeches showed - gained a national reputation. He was a that he was a thorough student of these vigilant friend of the volunteer soldiers and measures. He was the originator and ardent secured more pensions for them than did advocate of the bill extending free mail de- any other man in congress. He advocated livery to every farm house in the country. the soldiers' rights on the floor of the house Doubtless the greatest effort of Mr. O'Don- and in the departments. He secured from nell's public life was his fight to secure the Democratic congress and President ap- cheap sugar for the people. Under the old propriations of one hundred and five thou- tariff it was taxed grievously. During six sand dollars to erect a fine postoffice in years Mr. O'Donnell insistently urged con- Jackson, and this is now the pride of the gress to remove the burdens from the peo- Central City. In the fifty-first congress Mr. . ple, and at last, in the face of intense oppo- O'Donnell was chairman of the committee sition, he succeeded, by adding a clause to on education and there secured the passage the McKinley bill, putting sugar on the free of bills endowing the experimental stations list. That was the greatest triumph of his for farmers and the bill granting perpetually life. It was the largest benefit which the twenty-five thousand dollars each year to people of this country ever received in a the Michigan and other state agricultural | lump from congress, saving them one hun- colleges for the scientific education of farm- dred and twenty million dollars in taxes ers' sons. He labored to secure the for- while it remained a law. feiture of unearned land grants and to re- Mr. O'Donnell also originated and aided store the lands to the people instead of leav- in passing the famous bill requiring auto- ing them in the hands of corporations. His matic couplers on all freight cars, thus sav- report on national aid to education was an ing the slaughter of thousands of daring eloquent plea for universal enlightenment, trainmen. In like manner he championed replete with convincing facts and figures. It | the cause of the traveling men, to secure was widely published in the leading daily them more just and liberal treatment on the papers, as was also his great speech in ad- | part of the railway corporations. In con- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 443 gress he advocated and urged the bill to countries where it was grown. Every petty abolish trusts and punish monopolists as republic, and often provinces and cities, ex- conspirators against the public. He spoke acted a tax before they would permit the and worked unceasingly for the passage of coffee to be shipped. By these export du- a strict law prohibiting foreign criminals ties our people contributed millions of dol- from landing in this country. He originated | lars to support the South and Central Amer- and urged the passage of a bill to protect in- ican governments. Mr. O'Donnell institu- nocent purchasers and users of patent arti- ted measures seeking the abrogation of cles from prosecution under the patent laws. those duties by the governments that levied He was thanked by the National Agricult- them. In his report he gave many valuable ural Society for his valuable aid in the pas- statistics, together with strong arguments sage of the bill providing that oleomarga- on the necessity for heroic measures to ar- rine shall be branded to prevent it from be- rest this imposition on our people, and the ing sold as butter. leading papers of the country, particularly In his eight years in congress Mr. in the great cities, discussed the matter at O'Donnell served on many important com- length, commending Congressman O'Don- mittees and was noted for his diligent meth- nell for his valuable work. ods, accuracy and ability. Early in the Labor has ever found in James O'Don- fifty-first congress he introduced a bill, nell a firm friend. He was many times which finally passed both houses and became publicly thanked by labor unions for effi- a law, removing all tariff duties on jute, cient aid rendered their cause in congress. manila, sisal and binding twine. This In all the years he lias been in business his measure was obviously a great relief to the relations with his numerous employes have western farmers, saving them annually been most pleasant and satisfactory to both many thousands of dollars. In the same sides. Strikes and labor contentions are un- congress he was the persistent champion of known in his printing establishment, and the the pure-food bill, making it unlawful to employes rarely change—the same men be- manufacture, sell, export or import com- ing employed for twenty-six years or more. pound (or adulterated) lard. The reason In December, 1893, the Jackson Typo- , and necessity for this law was the alarming graphical Union tendered Mr. O'Donnell a increase of adulterated lard, which was rap- vote of thanks for his offer to continue pay- idly driving the pure-food product out of ing the same wages as before the panic, and , the market, and had passed completely into there was no reduction in hours or wages, the hands of a few pork-packing monopo- for which generous treatment in a time of lists. universal trouble the members of the union Although coffee was on the free list, joined in a vote of thanks. , the cost to the consumer was constantly in- Mr. O'Donnell is a well known figure creasing, and through investigation of this in Michigan politics and his presence is eag- anomoly Mr. O'Donnell found that the en- erly sought at prominent gatherings of Re- hanced cost was largely due to exhorbitant publicans. Since 1872 regularly at every export duties levied on the berry in the election he has worked with voice and pen 444 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. for the principles of his party and the suc- cess of the Republican ticket, delivering hun- dreds of speeches in the aggregate, often at the rate of three in one day. He is a popu- lar and pleasing orator, famed for his re- markable command of statistics and his in- exhaustible fund of illustrative anecdotes. An audience never wearies in his presence. As an illustration of his popularity with the people it is worthy of note that Mr. O'Don- nell was nominated for city recorder four times by acclamation and for congress five times by acclamation. In every election, in city, county and district, he always ran ahead of his ticket. In 1900 Mr. O'Donnell was an aspirant for the Republican nomination for governor of Michigan and came near to gaining the prize. Not liking the methods in vogue, while gracefully accepting the result, he an- nounced to the convention that he would never appear as a candidate again. In addi- tion to his printing and publishing business Mr. O'Donnell is interested in banking and in several manufacturing enterprises in Jackson. for which his nationality has for centuries been distinguished, he is thoroughly Amer- ican in all his likes and tendencies and throughout a long and not altogether un- eventful life in his adopted country he has ever shown himself loyal to its interests and an ardent admirer of its institutions. Mr. Fleming hails from the beautiful Emerald Isle, the land of story and of song, which has contributed perhaps more than any other country to the material development and gen- eral prosperity of the American republic. He was born August 5, 1826, in county Cork, being the son of John and Julia (Jones) Fleming, whose antecedents lived and acted their parts in Erin. In the spring of 1835, when nineteen years of age, Mr. Fleming sailed with his parents for the new world and, after a some- what protracted voyage, landed in Canada, proceeding direct to the city of Quebec, where the family remained until the latter part of 1836. In the fall of that year the Elder Fleming changed his abode to Buffalo, New York, and from there, the following spring, moved to Michigan, settling in Wash- tenaw county on forty acres of wild land, which, by the combined labor of the father and several stalwart sons, was soon cleared and converted into a comfortable home. There the family lived until 1841, in the spring of which year the land was sold and a larger farm of one hundred and sixty acres purchased in the new and sparseiy settled county of Jackson, Henrietta township. Be- fore moving to the new home in the wilder- ness a habitation had to be prepared, a mat- ter which the son took in hand. In due sea- son they cleared a spot on which the first dwelling, a small log cabin, was erected, but before the family could reach the place the JOHN FLEMING. Energy and native ability, directed and controlled by broad intelligence and sound judgment, have been strikingly displayed in the varied career of the successful farmer and representative citizen whose name ap- pears at the head of this article. Few men in Jackson county are as well known and highly esteemed as John Fleming, of Hen- rietta township. Although of foreign birth and inheriting in a marked degree the many sturdy characteristics and amiable qualities JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 445 father sickened and died, leaving to mourn The brothers worked together, broke their his loss a widow and four children. All of ground with an ox team and for some time the latter contributed to the clearing of the had interests in common. After clearing farm and made comfortable their mother's the greater part of his eighty acres, the sub- remaining years. John Flening, Sr., passed ject decided to go to the far west to seek his away some tinie in 1841. He was a man of fortune, allured thither by the wonderful excellent parts and generous impulses, a stories of unbounded wealth which lay hid- typical representative of his warm-hearted den among the hills of California and which race and all who knew him respected him for only required strong arms and determined his manly worth. He was reared in the purpose to bring it to light. Accordingly, , Catholic church, always remained loyal to in 1853, he started on the long, eventful its claims and, cheered by a living faith, he journey, taking passage at New York city fearlessly entered the valley of shadows, as- on a sailing vessel, crossing the isthmus at sured of the reward that awaited him in the Nicaragua and reshipping on the Pacific great beyond. Mrs. Fleming survived her coast for San Francisco. Thus far the trip, husband about fourteen years, departing this though tedious and tiresome, was without life at the home in Henrietta township in incident worthy of note, but not long after 1855. She was also a devout Catholic and leaving the Central American port the vessel, it is needless in this connection to state that while skirting the Mexican coast, was badly her faith was strong or that her many quali-wrecked, to the imminent danger of every- ties of head and heart were noble and loving. body on board, foundering near a small, , She was a woman of beautiful Christian rocky island on which the party was obliged character, a devoted mother, and her memory to take refuge. Mr. Fleming seized a plank still lingers like a sweet, gentle benediction and succeeded after great difficulty in getting in the hearts of her descendants. The fol- through the surf to the shore, others reaching lowing are the names of the sons constituting land with the aid of broken spars, pieces of the family of John and Julia Fleming, Ed- timber, etc., while possibly one hundred and mund, Owen, Philip, Patrick and John, all fifty lives were lost. The island proved to be except the last named deceased. During his a barren waste, destitute alike of vegetation early boyhood John Fleming attended school and inhabitants, but it served as a tolerable of winter seasons, working on the farm the refuge for the stranded company until they rest of the year, and after his father's death were picked up, three days later, by a whaler, he lived with his older brothers. They pur- which carried them to their destination. chased two hundred and forty acres of wild Reaching San Francisco, Mr. Fleming land in section 16, Henrietta township, and proceeded at once to the interior, where he immediately thereafter the two began clear- devoted all his energies to mining. Unlike ing their respective shares, a task beset with the majority of fortune seekers, his efforts much labor and not a few hardships. The in the main were reasonably successful and country was heavily timbered and a great during his seven years in the west he suc- deal of time was required to remove the eded in amassing considerable wealth. At forest growth and fit the soil for cultivation. the expiration of that time he returned to a 446 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. New York via the isthmus route, and after Mr. Fleming was married May 19, 1867, reaching home he again devoted his energies to Miss Rhoda Knauf, daughter of Peter to the improvement of his farm, his addi- and Margaret D. (Dost) Knauf, natives of tional means enabling him to make substan- Germany and pioneers of Michigan who tial improvements. From that time to the came to Jackson county some time in the present he has followed agriculture with suc- early 'thirties and located in the township of cess and profit, the meanwhile increasing his Waterloo. Peter Knauf cleared a large farm real estate by additional purchases until he and became one of the successful agricult- now owns a fine farm of two hundred and urists and prominent citizens of Waterloo, forty acres, nearly all of which has been serving for over twenty-one years as justice cleared and developed by his own labor. In of the peace, besides filling other public posi- the fall of 1867 he built a commodious frame tions of local importance. He was one of dwelling which is still used by the family, the leading Democrats of his part of the and in 1877 the large and handsome barn county, a devout member of the Catholic was erected. He built an addition to the church and during a long and useful life re- latter in 1883, making it one of the largest tained the confidence and esteem of his and most complete structures of the kind in neighbors and fellow citizens. Mrs. Flem- the county. The area of this building is ing was born January 18, 1846, in Chelsea, forty by one hundred and six feet, with Michigan, grew to womanhood and received height to correspond, the large, twenty-foot her education in the township of Waterloo posts and massive foundations, together with and her married life, characterized by devo- the beautiful architectural design and thor- tion to duty, has been crowned with the suc- ough finish, giving it not only a beautiful but cess and honor becoming to American wife- a very imposing appearance. Hard by are hood and motherhood. The only child of . buildings for the handling and butchering of Mr. and Mrs. Fleming is a son by the name hogs and others for cattle, everything being of Philip, who was born on the 4th day of well arranged with nothing lacking in the October, 1868, and who now assists his fa- way of conveniences. ther in running the farm. He is a young To say that Mr. Fleming is one of the man of strong mentality and liberal culture, largest and most successful farmers of his apt in business and progressive in his ideas, township is to state what everybody familiar filling at this time the office of justice of the with this part of the county concedes and he peace in Henrietta township. In early life is equally successful as a stock raiser, as his he attended the public schools of his neigh- large number of fine Durham cattle, Merino borhood and later pursued his studies in the sheep, Poland China hogs and blooded horses high schools at Williamston and Leslie, the attest. His farm is tilled according to mod- | training thus received being supplemented ern methods, all of his implements and ma- by a course in Union College, Jackson, Mich- chinery being of the latest and most ap- igan. The subject of this review is an ortho- . proved kinds and in all he does he aims to dox Democrat of the old Jacksonian school keep thoroughly abreast the times, a typical and generally votes a straight ticket, but has American agriculturist of the most enter- never sought office nor aspired to public prising class. place. He was born in the Catholic church JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 447 and reared in that faith, as was also his wife, city of Jackson and the present condition of both being earnest and active members of their health indicates that they may be spared St. Cyprian church in Bunker Hill town- to their relatives and friends many years. ship, Ingham county. They are liberal con- Joseph Butler was born in Berkshire, tributors to all religious, benevolent and England, January 6, 1813. His parents charitable enterprises. The home of Mr. were James and Harriett (Holmes) Butler, Fleming has long been noted for hospitality, also natives of that shire. His father was the inmates always putting forth their best the overseer of one of the large estates of the efforts to entertain both friend and stranger, | locality, was a man of considerable prom- dismissing the parting guest with the same inence and commanded a large influence both generous spirit that sweetened his welcome. among the gentry and their tenants. He was It is a popular resort for the young and old the father of five children, the subject of this of the neighborhood and those who have once sketch being the only one of them to leave enjoyed the hospitality reigning therein are his native land. When a youth of less than sure if possible to repeat the cheerful ex- twenty years, in May, 1832, he took shipping perience. for America and landed in Quebec, where Mr. Fleming lives on a rural mail route he remained some time, then moved to the and communicates with his neighbors and state of New York and worked at a calling friends throughout the county by the tele- which he had learned in his native land, that phone, with which his house is furnished. He of a baker. He was employed at different was one of the first to encourage these and times in a number of counties in that state, other modern enterprises and to his credit be among them Monroe and Niagara. it said he has always, both by influence and On July 10, 1836, at Lewiston, New financial support, stood for progress. York, Mr. Butler was united in marriage to Miss Kezia Norris, a native of England, whose father, John Norris, with his family, JOSEPH BUTLER. immigrated to America a few years previous- Blackman township has the distinction of ly. During the first ten years of their wedded having among its residents at present time a life the young people resided in Canada and couple who have probably been wedded the in New York, then in 1846 they moved to longest of any couple in Jackson county. Detroit, Michigan, where they lived one The gentleman is now in his ninetieth year, year. In 1847 they moved to Jackson coun- his wife is only a few years his junior and ty and here they have made their home from they have traveled along life's pathway to- that time to the present. Shortly after com- gether for nearly sixty-seven years. They ing to this county, and in the same year, Mr. are not native Americans, but they have lived Butler decided to embark in business. Ac- in America all their wedded life and a little cordingly, a partnership was entered into, longer. Joseph Butler, the subject of this the firm of Webb & Butler, bakers and con- review, and his venerable faithful wife are fectioners, was established and continued to the couple to whom reference is made. They do a popular and prosperous business for six- reside two and one-half miles west of the teen years. In 1854, when the Republican a 448 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. party was in process of formation, a state his parents as to the best methods of accom- gathering was held at Jackson, probably the plishing certain ends. The orchard, which first gathering of Republicans ever held in is a large one, is well set out to all kinds of the state, and at the place of meeting Webb fruit suitable to this latitude and the product & Butler were accorded the privilege of sup- each year indicates that the place is very ap- plying the refreshments. Soon after the propriately named a fruit farm. It is well war Mr. Butler, having in the meantime sold stocked with domestic animals of various out his bakery and confectionary, bought kinds and supplied with every necessary im- the property which he still owns and on plement that it may be desirable to use on which he now lives, near the city of Jackson the place. Bee keeping was formerly prac- and known as Woodville Fruit Farm. Uponticed on the farm to a considerable extent, this place he has expended considerable time, and proved a profitable industry in those labor and money, it being well improved and days. one of the model farms of the county. March 2, 1871, Joseph T. Butler was In July, 1886, Mr. and Mrs. Butler cele- united in marriage to Miss Josephine Gra- brated the golden anniversary of their wed- ham, a native of Michigan and daughter of ding. It was attended by people not only the late Alonzo Graham, whose death oc- from the town and county of their residence, curred a few years ago. The mother of Mrs. but from Detroit and other cities of the state, Butler died when the latter was yet a child. it being one of the most notable private cele- Mr. and Mrs. Butler are the parents of two brations ever held in the county. They are children, both of whom reside at home. Mr. the parents of six children, viz: Eliza- Butler, Sr., while residing in Jackson was beth, wife of Benjamin Carson, of Oakland, for some years officially connected with the California : Harriet, widow of Frank Per- city government, having held the office of civai, who resides in Chicago; Jennie, wife | alderman for two years. He has also served of Otis Bean, resides in the state of Texas; as justice of the peace since moving to Joseph G. supervises and directs the labor Blackman township, holding that office four 01ì the home farm; Charles H. resides in years. He is a Republican in politics and in Oakland, California, and Frank died in his younger days took an active interest in 1882. The health, strength and vitality of the sứccess of his party, though i'e never two people of the age of this remarkable aspired to public office. He and wife are couple is simply marvelous. both worthy members of the Baptist church, Joseph T. Butler, with whom his aged and are highly respected by all who know parents reside, is a native of Jackson coun- them. ty. where he was born March 17, 1851. He was erlucated in the public schools of Jack- GEN. WILLIAM H. WITHINGTON. son county and all his life has been a most dutiful son. For the past ten years he has The greatness of a state or nation lies taken upon himself the entire management not in its machinery of government, nor of the farm and all business matters relating even in its institutions, but rather in the thereto, although frequently counseling with sterling qualities of its individual citizens, in GEN. W. H. WITHINGTON. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 449 their capacity for definite accomplishment Withington's career has shown that versa- and their devotion to the public good. | tility of talent so characteristic of the true Standing at the head of important industrial American type, and it can not be doubted concerns in the city of Jackson and else- that this versatility was fostered by his where and having other capitalistic inter- early environments. . In the connection we ests of wide scope, General Withington is quote as follows from a sketch of his life distinctively a man of affairs, while he also which appeared in the August number of the holds prestige as one of the distinguished Magazine of Western History in 1886,--an citizens of Michigan and as a veteran of the article to which we shall have further re- greatest civil war known in the annals of course in this context: history, his services in the army having been "He has been a business man, soldier and such as to gain him the precedence implied legislator, and has won a high reputation in the rank of brigadier general, and aside in each of these varied lines of labor. From from these considerations he has also served the office to the field; called again to public in public offices of dignified trust and re- duties of another character, and again re- sponsibility. He is of that public-spirited turning to the care of personal affairs,—he type of men whose ambitions and desires has been a model citizen and modest man are directed in those channels through through it all, seeking no advancement, con- which flows the greatest and most perma- tent to do his duty wherever it was found, nent good to the greatest number, and it is and striving, wherever placed, to make the therefore most consistent with the purpose best use of the powers with which he has and plan of this work that his record be been endowed. General Withington is de- here given among those of other representa- scended from a family that has for years tive citizens of Jackson county, which has held its own for culture and strength of been his home and the scene of his endeav- character, even in New England, where the ors for nearly half a century. personality of a man counts for more than William Herbert Withington is a son it does in the more restive west. of the old Bay state, having been born in cestry is traced to English settlers who were Dorchester, Massachusetts, a suburb of the among the earliest inhabitants of New En- city of Boston, on the 1st of February, gland. The hardy character of the stock is 1835, and being a son of Rev. William and shown by the fact that his father lived to so Elizabeth (Ford) Withington, both of advanced age and by the fact that the lat- whom were likewise born in Massachusetts, ter's brother, Rev. Dr. Leonard Withing- being of English lineage and representatives ton, who died at Newburyport, Massachu- o families early established in New En- setts, in 1885, was ninety-six years of age gland. Rev. William Withington was a at the time of his demise. He was at the clergyman of the Protestant Episcopal time the oldest Congregational clergyman church and a man of high scholarship. He living and also the oldest living graduate died in 1892, at the venerable age of ninety- of Yale College. of Yale College. Both brothers were of the four years, and his wife entered into rest brainy class of men, adding education, cul- in 1891, aged eighty-six years. General ture, high-minded character and long years. His an- 29 450 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. of experience to a wealth of natural endow-given full charge of the details of their ex- ment. The uncle was the author of several tensive business. Some idea of his capac- successful and able works on theology, ity even at this early age may be gained while the father was a scholar of rare from the fact that when but nineteen years breadth and thoroughness, his range of of age we find his employers entrusting him study seeming to cover almost the whole with important missions to New York, Bal- field of human knowledge. As a mathe- timore, Philadelphia and other points at matician Harvard gave him the “big slate" which they had large patronage. While in for foremost standing; as a linguist few this connection the young man came into men of the time equaled him in the number acquaintance with the large agricultural im- of languages mastered. While more gifted plement manufacturing concern of Pinney in acquiring than imparting knowledge, he & Lamson, who had a contract for prison was a preacher of great power and elo- labor at Jackson, Michigan. The death of quence on topics which especially interested Mr. Lamson had left the whole responsi- him. In conversation he was like a cyclo-bility in the hands of Mr. Pinney, who de- pedia, giving only what was sought, but sired Mr. Withington to go to Jackson and giving then the best known on almost any give his services toward the righting of a subject. set of affairs that certainly needed attention. "It was in this scholastic atmosphere that The contract was made, and in 1857, when the early days of General Withington's life but twenty-two years of age, the young man were spent. While the influences about him went to Jackson and assumed graver re- were of the highest and the purest kind they sponsibilities than any he had yet borne. He . did not, as might have been supposed, un- found matters in chaos. The affairs were fit him for the hard and practical side of life, nominally in the hands of a son of Mr. but rather trained him all the better there- | Pinney, but in reality there was no head and for. The retiring and unworldly character no management. The bookkeeper had left of his father threw the home responsibili- some months before, while the office was in ties more and more upon the son—a burden charge of a traveling man. There was full that was naturally increased as it was shown scope for the energy, enterprise and new life that he had the strength and courage for its which had been sent to the rescue, and it was carrying. He early learned the habit of self- not long before the effort was seen and felt reliance, and from his early training doubt- all through the concern. The business was less came that faculty that has ever enabled altogether new to the young bookkeeper him to do a labor beyond his years. He se- from the east, and there was no one on cured his preliminary education in Phillips hand to give him direction or even initiation Academy, at Andover. On leaving school into his duties. The one surviving partner, he turned his attention to the practical re- Mr. Pinney, lived in Columbus, Ohio, and alities of a business life, entering a leather was not in Jackson when Mr. Withington store in Boston, as salesman. He soon be- arrived. His first effort was to bring the came bookkeeper for the North Wayne books up from their arrears and entangle- Scythe Company, and in a short time was ment. The pressure of affairs demanding JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 451 iminediate attention was enormous and such responsible control, as before. The time as might have appalled a man of mature was a dark and difficult one, as no one could years, trained powers and acquired knowl- feel sure of anything for a day. Money was edge of this business. In short, all the of- not even safe, as the western banks were fice work of a manufacturing business em- then at their most dangerous and worse sus- ploying one hundred and twenty-five work- pected point. The executor found the task men and six traveling salesmen dropped at too much for him and resigned. An admin- once on his young and inexperienced shoul- istrator, de bonis non, with the will an- ders. It was the crucial test of the stuff nexed, was appointed. This official was that was in him. It was not simply that from Connecticut, unfamiliar with the busi- there were great responsibilities; the situa- ness, and the chief labor therefore remained tion was full of perplexities and annoyances. where it had previously laid. A year after The average young man would have said, the death of Mr. Pinney the business was "I didn't hire for this; I am not going to offered for sale and was promptly purchased work fourteen hours a day.” Not so with by the firm of Sprague, Withington & Com- this young Puritan of hero mould. He at- pany, composed of men already in the em- tacked the mountainous task before him ploy of the old company. The new life with undaunted courage and unwavering and power of personal application and in- determination and persistency. It was the terest that were thus applied soon became key point to his future. Had he quailed and manifest in results. The company took a a gone back to Boston he would have lived high place in the manufacturing world and well on baked beans and brown bread and has maintained it from that day to this. no doubt gained a respectable business po- The company and its successors have con- sition, but he would have turned his back tinued the business to the present time, en- on opportunity and the fortune that waited larging and extending its resources, until its products are now sold not only in every “The financial panic of 1857 came on in state between Boston and San Francisco, but its full force, and havoc and destruction fell throughout all sections throughout all sections of the civilized upon thousands of business and manufac- world.” turing houses all over the land. Unwilling From a more recent brochure, treating and perhaps unable to stand before the of this great industrial enterprise, it seems storm, Mr. Pinney committed suicide, and consistent to quote at this point, while later the burden that he had refused longer to further data will be utilized from the source bear had to be taken up by another. The of the foregoing excerpt: labors that fell upon Mr. Withington were " "Few persons realize the great scope and greater than ever. It was directed in Mr. extent of the business which the Withington Pinney's will that the business should be & Cooley Company has built up. It is really conducted until the termination of the con- a great achievement to have increased the tracts with the state then in force. The ex- capacity of a large business from that of a ecutor named in the will took charge and good-sized blacksmith shop to the largest the subject of this sketch was continued in manufacturing plant of its kind in the world, upon it. 452 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. and that in a field which was as open to all slow and crude. It is a wonderful and some comers as any could be. This is what the what bewildering thing to watch the suc- men who have led this company have done cessive stages of the creation of such a com- in the fifty-four years of its existence. They mon article as a pitchfork, made according have never deviated from a clearly defined to the modern method of division of labor. policy, and today the letters "W. & C. Co.” By this system about two million of hoes, on any tool are to any dealer in the world rakes, forks, hooks, etc., are made every assurance of the highest grade. The With- year in this great institution, and the meth- ington & Cooley Company is the pioneer of ods of manufacture and the system are such all institutions which now give Jackson so that the goods of the Withington & Cooley distinctive precedence as a manufacturing Company constitute the standard to which center. In the days when labor was a scarce other companies endeavor to attain. commodity in this part of the country the “The real architects of this business were business was conducted with the assistance the late Elihu Cooley and Gen. W. H. With- of prison labor. It has been a popular fable ington. Fifty-four years ago the business that the use of this labor gave the company was launched under the firm name of Pinney, employing it a great advantage over com- Connable & Company. Afterward, for a petitors. There is not a concern in the concern in the time, the late Moses McNaughton and world with a more thorough knowledge of George G. Lathrop conducted it, but for the ins and outs of the prison-contract la- forty years the business was conducted by bor system, and after nearly a half century Mr. Cooley and General Withington, and of trial it came to the conclusion that convict latterly Philip H. Withington has been with labor was the dearest labor. The company his father at the helm. The extent of the then established extensive shops outside the business of the company is well illustrated in prison walls, operating them at the same an experience recounted by a friend of Gen- time and on the same class of work as in the eral Withington, who was, a year or two prison shops, and the result of a fair trial ago, traveling in Korea. In his search for demonstrates that convict labor is the most curiosities to bring from one of the oldest expensive from the standpoint of the labor countries in the world to one of the newest, cost of the product. Accordingly, from that he entered a native Korean store. time on, the company has been steadily in- was attracted by a familiar label on a fa- creasing the capacity of its free shops and miliar article, for there, amid the articles diminishing the output of the prison shops, of commerce which the east demands, were and the result is seen in one of the largest a number of Withington & Cooley forks. It factory plants in the city, the same being seemed, as he stated in a letter to General located on North Mechanic street, south of Withington, like meeting a friend from the prison. If Tubal Cain or the Vulcan of home. About thirty per cent. of the prod- mythology should wander into such a black- ucts of the factory goes to foreign coun- smith shop as that of the Withington & tries. Single orders for ten or twelve thou- Cooley Company he would conclude that sand dozen of the company goods from the methods of the gods in his time were South Africa or France are no novelties. His eye . JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 453 The wants and peculiarities, and perhaps the constant and intelligent study which has prejudices, of the world have to be con- been given to the requirements of every peo- suited in the forms and shapes of the forks ple and every trade has placed the goods which are fashioned by the workmen of the manufactured in the same class with a very Withington & Cooley Company. The tines few articles which are universally recog- of the forks, for instance, range from four nized as the world's standard. The club and one-half inches in length to twenty-two house is a feature of the business worthy of inches. There is a fork made with one tine, mention. Realizing the needs of the em- —a fish fork utilized in handling the fish ployes of the company for a better place to a which have to be turned in the curing pro- eat their noonday meals than the shops af- cess at the Gloucester and other fisheries. forded, the company, in its customary thor- Coke forks, shaped like a scoop, have as ough manner, erected a substantial house many as sixteen tines. Clam hooks and on a lot opposite the factory and there es- rakes are demanded by the diggers of the tablished the club house. Here all the em- seductive bivalves; asphalt rakes are used ployes of the company have access to read- by the makers of the asphalt pavements; ing and assembly rooms, as well as to a and a Swiss fork, fitted with a very long place where their luncheons can be eaten. handle, to reach the otherwise inaccessible Or they can secure a warm midday meal or places of the Swiss mountains, are some of first-class board with room. The club house the special devices which the company put was built for the men and while the com- on the market. A spade is a spade, but there pany makes it self-sustaining it neither ex- are more different shapes and kinds than are pects nor realizes profit from this source, dreamed of by a person unacquainted with and the institution is thoroughly appreciated the business. by the employes." "The great business of the Withington In addition to his identification with this & Cooley Company has of course been built great manufacturing industry, as president up gradually in the course of the years. It and manager of the company, General is a process of evolution which has made Withington's capitalistic and executive possible the production of small agricultural forces have been called into play in divers implements on such a large scale. The needs other directions, which the limitations of of every section have been studied and con- this article will permit nothing more than sidered, and the tools have been changed in brief mention. He is one of the principal accordance with the suggestions developed stockholders and a director of the Iowa by actual experience, until now, after more Farming Tool Company, of Fort Madi- than half a century of business, the accumu- son, Iowa; is president of the Union Bank, lated experience is manifest in the Jackson of Jackson; a director and president of the product and the Jackson concern of which Grand River Valley Railroad Company; the city has reason to be proud. There is no president of the Jackson Vehicle Company; civilize! country on the face of the globe in president of the Withington Handle Com- which the goods of the Withington & pany, of Fort Wayne and Huntington, In- Cooley Company are not in use, and the diana; president of the Geneva Tool Com- 454 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. pany, of Geneva, Ohio; president of the held a prisoner at Libby prison, in Rich- National Snath Company, Erie, Pennsyl- mond, Virginia, and at Columbia, South. vania, and president of the American Fork Carolina, for several months, his ex- & Hoe Company, of Cleveland, Ohio. change being effected in February, 1862, In his youthful days General Withing- after which he rejoined his regiment. Soon ton became a member of an independent afterward he was commissioned colonel of company of cadets in Boston, the organiza- the Seventeenth Michigan Volunteer Infan- tion dating its inception back to the Revo- try, of which he had commanded during the lutionary epoch. From this association was Maryland campaign, taking an active part fostered his definite interest in military af- in the battles of South Mountain and An- fairs, and after coming to Jackson he as- tietam. The Seventeenth Michigan, known sisted in the organization of the Jackson as the “Stonewall” regiment, followed the Greys, of which he was captain at the out- fortunes of the Ninth Corps, of which it break of the war of the Rebellion. On the was a part, and was commanded by Colonel first call for volunteers the Greys tendered Withington until March 21, 1863, when he their services in defense of the integrity of resigned his commission and retired from the Union, being the first organization in the service. On March 13, 1865, he was the state to thus offer their services to Gov- made brevet brigadier general for conspicu- ernor Blair. They were mustered in as ous gallantry at the battle of South Moun- Company B, First Michigan Volunteer In- tain, being but thirty years of age at the fantry, and the regiment was the first from time and one of the youngest men in the the west to reach the city of Washington, Union army upon whom so high an honor while Company B B was specially well was conferred. Quoting from the article in equipped by reason of its former and effec- the Magazine of Western History, we gain tive discipline and tactical training. In the further interesting information: capital city the regiment received many com- “On his return to Jackson General With- pliments for its equipment and soldierly ington turned his attention once more to his appearance. The company was assigned to business and sought in all ways to do his the Army of the Potomac, with which it par- duty in civil life as he had done it on the ticipated in the first battle of Bull Run, and field. He made no effort to advance himself it was the ill fortune of Captain Withing- | in any line of public service, but despite his ton to fall into the hands of the enemy at quiet methods he has more than once been this time, and from July 21st until August called into positions of public trust. He was 8, 1861, no tidings were received concern- elected to the legislature from the Jackson ing him, the general feeling being among district in 1873 and served through that and his comrades and his friends at home that the following year. While in that position the gallant young captain had sacrificed his he performed a service that has given him life, since he had been struck in the breast the unofficial title of "father of the Michi- by a bullet and seen to fall on the field of gan state troops." He framed and finally battle. However, the fortunes of war were secured the passage of a bill that fulfilled more favorable in this case, though he was all the requirements for providing for the JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 455 organization and proper maintenance of the prime mover in the organization of the pub- state militia, and while in the legislature he lic library of Jackson and has ever taken a also gave special attention to measures con- deep concern in its affairs. nected with the state prison and the Uni- In politics General Withington gives an versity of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. The earnest allegiance to the Republican party, militia law provided for the organization of of whose cause he has been an active and two regiments, and when they came into aggressive supporter. He has been urged being Governor Bagley tendered the col- to accept the nomination of his party for onelcy of the First Regiment to General governor of the state, but has invariably re- Withington, in July, 1874. He had never fused the honor. In 1876 he was a dele- . had a thought of a personal connection with gate to the Republican national convention, the service in his efforts for the creation in Cincinnati, and again served in this ca- thereof, and his first impulse was to decline, pacity in the convention of 1892, at Minne- but when it was represented to him that he apolis. Fraternally he is a member of the could give direction and effect to the serv- Grand Army of the Republic and the Ma- ice during its inception and experimental sonic order. He is a communicant of the stage he reconsidered his purpose and gave Protestant Episcopal church, in whose faith the full benefit of his experience and knowl- he was reared, and has long been an influ- edge to the state. When the state troops ential and faithful member of the parish of were organized into a brigade, in 1879, he St. Paul's in Jackson, of which he served was made brigadier general thereof, and re- as vestryman for thirty-nine years. He has mained such until he resigned, in 1883." been for many years a member of the stand- In 1874 General Withington was ap- ing committee of the Episcopal church in pointed a member of the board of trustees the state, and repeatedly a delegate to the of the Michigan Asylum for the Insane, at triennial general conventions of the church. Kalamazoo, but resigned the office within On the 6th of June, 1859, General the same year, feeling that the exigencies of Withington was united in marriage to Miss his private business affairs prevented his Julia C. Beebe, daughter of Hon. Joseph giving the requisite attention to the duties E. Beebe, of Jackson, Michigan, and of this involved. He has filled the position of pres- union were born six children, of whom ident of the Jackson board of trade and his three are living, namely: Kate W.; Philip helpful interest has been shown in manifold H., who is associated with his father in ways in connection with the industrial ac- business; and Winthrop, who is also in like tivities and civic affairs of his home city. manner associated. He was prominently concerned in the or- As has been well said of General With- ganization of the Young Men's Associa- | ington, he is a “self-made man in every a tion, of which he was president for six sense of the term. All that he has gained years. He was a member of the state sen- in wealth has been through the regular ate in 1891, and for several years a member earnings of legitimate business, and none of the board of managers of the State Sol- by speculation.” He is an extensive and diers' Home, at Grand Rapids. He was the appreciative reader of the best literature, is 456 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a man of fine literary taste and appreciation, Catharine Smith, of Scottsburg, New York. and above all is endowed with that sympa- In his native county he followed his chosen thy and broad-minded tolerance which calling until 1867, when, although long past makes him companionable and loyal in all the meridian of life, in order to afford his the relations of life. children much better opportunities than were open to them in the east, he decided to emigrate to Michigan. Conditions in JOHN M. BRAIL. Jackson county seemed quite favorable and he invested in a farm in section 17, Pulaski Most of the successful farmers of the township, where he resided until his death, southwestern part of Jackson county are which occurred January 25, 1895. While descendants of a long line of farmers, who he was in New York he had been for twelve operated in Pennsylvania and New York years assessor of his township, and after previous to, during and after the war of coming to Michigan he served as justice the Revolution. Previous to the admission of the peace and township treasurer. His of Michigan as a state the attention of the wife had preceded him into eternity a little younger generation was attracted to the more than four years, her death occurring wonderful agricultural resources of the January 18, 1891. For thirteen years territory which a few years later became a previous to his death he was almost entirely state. . The grandfather of the subject of blind. Eight children had been born to this review was a successful Pennsylvania them, but two of whom are now living, farmer, who later moved to New York, Emma, who is the wife of Andrew Barnes, where he reared his family and resided un- of Colorado, and John M., the subject. til his death. For more than fifty years When the Brail family moved from previous to the advent of the Brail family New York to Michigan, in 1867, John M. into Michigan, Livingston county, New Brail was twenty-one years of age. He had York, had been their home. received a good education not only in the John M. Brail was born in Livingston common schools, but in the Danville Semi- county, New York, April 10, 1846, the son nary. On coming to Michigan, he located of Robert Brail, a native of Pennsylvania, in Pulaski township and devoted himself born in 1810. Robert was yet a small boy to farming. On the 28th day of April, when the family moved to New York, and 1867, previous to leaving his native state, there he was reared and grew to manhood, he was united in marriage to Miss Ella J. adopting the occupation of his father, that Stilwell, a native of New York. Their of a farmer. He secured a fair common married life extended over a period of four school education, such as was generally ac- years only, she dying November 4, 1871. corded the youth of that time. He was in- On the 2d day of July, 1872, Mr. Brail dustrious and thrifty and soon after attain- was again married, on this occasion his ing his majority felt that his condition and his bride being Miss Elizabeth C. Rowe, circumstances in life justified him in taking a native of London, England, born May a wife. He was married, in 1833, to Miss 1, 1852, and was three years old when she MR. AND MRS. JOHN BRAIL. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 457 came to America. To this union six chil- appealed to him as worthy of his aid, tender-hearted dren have been born, viz: Jessie J., wife as a child in sickness and in sorrow, he was always independent in his actions; he asked nothing and of Gaylord Watson, of Pulaski township: expected little; what he decided to do he accom- Frances E., wife of Fred G. Lincoln, of , plished without fear or favor. He never prided Pulaski township; Lee J., of Lansing, Mich- himself on being a good man. He often said, “Had my early life been spent in a more quiet and re- igan, wedded Miss Lulu Waite; George W., strained manner I would have been a better man.” a graduate of Albion College, is a teacher As time rolled on he passed into his declining years, in Marinette, Wisconsin; Kathleen is a and when at last the ominous cloud of death hovered over him, he met its chill like the massive oak student in Albion College, art and music striving to cope with the raging tempest; meeting its being included in the course she is taking ; powerful adversary with haughty defiance it bows Edward L. resides at home with his par- only its lofty head at first, but when the gale blows ents, and has completed the eighth grade grade stronger and the others around about have fallen, it bends, but bends reluctantly. The storm abates. in school. The only fraternal society to Again the massive oak rights itself, but it stands which Mr. Brail belonged was the Pulaski alone. Once more it Aings a defiant challenge at Tent No. 820, Knights of the Maccabees. the giant storm. Again the hurricane sweeps down upon it in all its fury and again it bends and sways. Although not a partisan in politics and Once more it rights itself; then with a mighty generally abstaining from much activity in thundering noise that seems to resound above the that line, he was, in 1886, elected justice of furious tempest it fails to rise no more. Thus he fell, and thus he died. A patient Christian woman the peace of his township and was after- grieves; she has lost the lover of her youth and ward elected at the expiration of each suc- the husband of her home. Three sons and as many cessive term, serving in that capacity at the daughters are resigned to the hand of destiny, be- time of his death, his last election having lieving death preferable to a life of painful affliction which could not be healed. Four little babes who been in 1902. He possessed the entire cannot realize the unchangeable laws of life and confidence and respect of all of his neigh- death will never again sit on grand father's knee to bors and associates, the family holding a prattle their childish talk and laugh in their child- ish glee. high and enviable place in the estimation Death comes to all but once. Its tread is as of the community. Mr. Brail's death oc- silent as the flitting moonbeams. It has entered a curred on the lith of December, 1902, at home and gone. It has left a vacant chair. The inexorable law of nature's God fulfills its mission the age of fifty-six years, eight months and both in sorrow and in joy. two days, and his funeral was conducted under the auspices of the Maccabees. The following beautiful words relative to Mr. Brail appeared in the Concord Independent, THEODORE A. KING. under date of December 20, 1902. The King family became identified with He was not a religious man in the sense in the annals of Jackson county about two years which the term is generally applied, but he was a man who believed that there was an invisible power before Michigan secured admission to the which holds the stars in the heavens and the earth sisterhood of sovereign commonwealths, and in its sphere—a power which he was accustomed to thus it becomes evident that the subject term nature, yet what others simply called the of this review is a representative of pioneer natural evolution of God's immutable laws. Hos- pitable to every one, generous in every cause which stock, while he has been a resident of the 458 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. county from the time of his infancy and is mother. Of the first marriage were born now numbered among its progressive and in- two sons, Theodore A., of this sketch, and fluential agriculturists. He has for some Lafayette, who died in 1882, at the age of time been living in retirement in the city of thirty-eight years. The father of the sub- Jackson, having moved to that city from ject was summoned to the life immortal in Spring Arbor township, where he owns a 1892, at the age of seventy-one years, and finely improved landed estate. his memory is held in lasting honor by all The old Empire state figures as the place who knew him. of Mr. King's nativity. He was born in Theodore A. King passed his youthful Genesee county, New York, on the 29th of days on the old homestead farm, and after January, 1835, being a son of Fenner and completing the somewhat limited curriculum Eliza J. (Godfrey) King, both of whom of the district schools of the locality and were likewise born in the state of New York, period he supplemented this discipline by a where they were reared, educated and mar- course of study in the seminary at Spring ried. In 1838, when the subject of this Arbor. From the time of leaving school un- sketch was a child of about three years, his til the present he has been consecutively parents emigrated to the territory of Mich- identified with agricultural pursuits, and igan, whither were coming at that time many through this medium, in connection with the sterling pioneers from the Empire State. concomitant industry of stock growing and Shortly after his arrival in Jackson county that of dairying, he has attained a high meas- Fenner King purchased a large tract of land, ure of success. about seven hundred acres in all, the greater In his political adherency Mr. King is part of which was covered with its native arrayed with the Republican party, and he growth of giant forest trees. He at once set has taken an active and helpful interest in at worl: to make a home for himself and public affairs of a local nature. He was family, in which he succeeded, and event- elected to the office of township supervisor ually became one of the extensive agricul- | in 1876 and served in this capacity for two turists of the county. He was a man of dis- years, while for about five years he was in- tinctive influence in the community, and was cumbent of the office of township treasurer, highly respected by all who knew him. In administering the fiscal affairs thus placed politics he was originally an old-line Whig, in his charge with consummate ability and but upon the organization of the Republican discrimination, doing much in both of these party he transferred his allegiance to the offices to further the best interests of the same and thereafter continued a stalwart ad- township. vocate of its principles. He and his wife In 1858 Mr. King was united in mar- held membership in the Free-will Baptist riage to Miss Delia M. Chapel, who was church. His first wife, the mother of the born on the 24th day of July, 1839, being a subject, died in 1839, and he later married daughter of David Chapel, who was a rep- Miss Nancy Perry, and they became the par- resentative farmer of this section. Of this ents of five children, of whom four are liv- union were born three children, namely: ing at the present time, as is also their | Royal Horace, born September 9, 1860; Eva JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 459 Delia, born December 25, 1865, died Febru- tutes one of the most ideal homes in this ary 2, 1882; Ray Theodore, born March 22, favored section of the state. 1872. Mrs. King was summoned into eter- Edrick H. Hague was born in Derby- nal rest on the 8th of August, 1897, having shire, England, on the inth of November, been a woman of gracious character and hav- 1846, being a son of Henry and Mary Ann ing held the friendly regard of all who knew (Morley) Hague, both of whom were like- her. In 1902, Mr. King consummated a wise natives of that county, where the father second marriage, being then united to Mrs. learned the trade of painting and decorat- Eliza J. French, of Jackson. She is a mem- ing. In 1850 he emigrated with his family ber of the Methodist Episcopal church and to America, landing in New York city, where presides with dignity over the pleasant home, he was engaged in the work of his trade until which is a center of refined hospitality. Fra- 1851, when he came to the city of Jackson, ternally Mr. King is identified with the Ma- Michigan, where he followed the same vo- sonic order, in which he is in good standing. cation for more than a quarter of a century, He is a public-spirited, enterprising citizen, becoming one of the well known and honored a perfect gentleman in every respect, and is citizens of the place and having a pleasant highly esteemed by all who know him. home, at the corner of Blackstone and Wash- ington streets, where he resided for forty years and where his death occurred in May, EDRICK H. HAGUE. 1892, at the venerable age of sixty-seven years. His widow still remains in the old One of the most attractive rural estates home, having the companionship of her wid- in Jackson county is that owned by the sub- owed daughter, and to her the place is doubly ject of this review. His farm is situated on endeared through the memories and asso- the shores of Vandercook lake, about three ciations of the past. Henry Hague was a miles south of the city of Jackson, and here man of excellent mentality, taking an active he own's the Hague's Landing and Sandy interest in public affairs and being a promi- Beach, two of the most beautiful and acces- nent worker in the ranks of the Republican sible points on the lake shore, the same be- party. He was a communicant of the Prot- ing a favorite resort for the citizens of Jack- estant Episcopal church, as is also his wife, son, while the same are being improved who holds membership in St. Paul's church. from year to year and will eventually consti- They became the parents of three children, tute one of the most attractive resorts for a namely: Edmond H., who is a talented summer's outing that can be found in this portrait artist, resides in the city of Detroit; section of the state, the lake being now the he married Miss Addie Phillips and they most popular rendezvous of like character in hiave eight children, Minnie, Harry, Maude, the locality, the electric street-car line now May, Hubert, Laura, Nina and Roy, the first being extended from the city to the lake. mentioned of whom died in February, 1903. Mr. Hague also has his farm under most Edrick H., the immediate subject of this re- effective cutlivation, while its permanent im- view, was the next in order of birth. Laura provements are of the best, so that it consti- became the wife of Emmett Evans, who died 460 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. in June, 1892, and she now resides with her ively identified with this line of work in the mother in the old homestead in Jackson. city of Jackson, having his shop during this Edrick H. Hague was but four years of period at 138 West Pearl street and building age at the time of his parents' emigration to up an extensive and prosperous business, do- America, and thus he secured his educational ing all kinds of exterior and interior work discipline in the public schools of New York in the line of painting and decorating In city and Jackson, while he continued to re- May, 1883, Mr. Hague purchased his present side at the parental home until the time of farm, which is located in section 23, Summit his marriage, at the age of twenty-two years, township, and which comprises one hundred save for the time of his service in the United and thirty acres, of which about fifty-five States navy, during the war of the Rebel- acres are under cultivation, the practical lion. In August, 1864, he enlisted in the work of the farm being carried on by men navy as a landsman, and later he served un- employed for the purpose. On the shores of der Admiral Porter on the United States the lake is a fine grove, so that special attrac- steamer "Pequot,” and also on the transport tions are offered to pleasure seekers, whether “Newberne," while he was also on duty for for a day's outing or for camping, and the a time in the Brooklyn navy yard and on the Sandy Beach and Hague's Landing, both of ships “North Carolina" and "Fort Jackson." which are on the property of the subject, do , He served one year under Lieut. D. L. not lack for popular appreciation, the resort Brain, who was later made admiral and as- growing in favor with the people of Jackson signed to command of the “Pequot," and in year after year. Mr. Hague is well known this connection he was on duty during the in the county, where he has passed the major bombardment of Fort Fisher, North Caro- portion of his life, and both as a business lina, the same continuing for three days and man and a citizen he is held in high es- three nights. The vessel then proceeded up He and his wife are communicants Cape Fear river, and in an engagement at of the Protestant Episcopal church, and fra- Fort Anderson, on the 17th of February, ternally he is identified with the Ancient 1865, Mr. Hague was severely wounded, be- Order of United Workmen, holding mem- ing struck by a piece of shell. He was sent bership in Twilight Lodge No. 48, in Jack- with five other wounded men to the naval son. He has never aspired to the honors of hospital in Brooklyn, New York, and was public office, but has ever been arrayed as a there at the time of the assassination of stanch advocate of the principles of the Re- President Lincoln. He remained in the hos- publican party. pital about six weeks and then received his On the 19th of December, 1869, Mr. honorably discharge and was brought home Hague was united in marriage to Miss Jen- by his father, being at the time less than nie Phillips, who was born in the county of twenty years of age. Simcoe, Ontario, being a daughter of Daniel As a youth Mr. Hague served an appren- and Alvira (Woodward) Phillips, the form- ticeship at the painter's and decorator's er of whom was born in Vermont, and the trade under the direction of his father, and latter in the city of Syracuse, New York. for more than twenty-five years he was act- Some time after their marriage they moved teem. . a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 466 to Canada and there resided until 1856, when the part of the people who settle it and also they came to Jackson county, and here Mr. evolve a power for mastering of expedients. Phillips was engaged in the coopering busi- The conditions with which they have to deal ness in the “Central City" for many years, are unlike those of other sections and are his death occurring in 1872, while his widow practically unprovided for by the rules of long survived him, passing away in 1894. conduct growing out of ordinary experience. Of their twelve children the following brief Nowhere in the world has there appeared a record is offered: William is deceased; type of men and women more hardy, more Wesley is a farmer of Summit township; resourceful, more tenacious of purpose or Sarah is also deceased; Phoebe is the wife of more prolific of wonderful achievements James Townley, of Summit township; Nor- than the pioneers of America, from the time man F. resides in the town of Laingsburg, of the landing of the Pilgrim fathers on the Shiawassee county, and is at the present time stern and rock-bound shore of New England postmaster of the place; Henry, who resides up to the time of the conquering of the in Jackson, is employed in the freight office boundless west, as the star of empire pur- of the Michigan Central Railroad; Addie is sued its course toward the setting sun. With the wife of Edmond H. Hague, elder brother undaunted courage they stepped into the of the subject; Alvira and Edgar died in heart of the primal wilderness, and, true childhood; Jennie is the wife of the subject; lords of the heritage as they were, com- Arthur resides in the city of Detroit, and manded the untamed conditions to stand Robert is a resident of the state of Florida. ruled. The subject of this review is a rep- Mr. and Mrs. Hague have two children: resentative of a family whose name became Edith L. is the wife of James Greenwood, connected with the history of Jackson coun- of Leoni township, where he is a successful ty ere Michigan had been admitted as a state, farmer, and they have three children, Em- and this fact implies that he is a member of mett, Leone and Clara M. Clarence M., one of the early pioneer families of this now who accidentally shot himself while clean- favored section of a great commonwealth, ing a revolver on March 31, 1903, dying where he has passed his entire life, being of from the effect of the wound on April 2, the third generation in the county, while he married Miss Augusta Dugo, who bore him is now numbered among the successful and one child, Mary A. He was a successful influential citizens of Blackman township, agriculturist and an expert machinist by where he has a fine farm of one hundred and trade, was a moral, industrious young man, seventy-four acres. It is needless to say that highly respected by all who knew him, and hre is peculiarly worthy of consideration in a the sad event which so untimely caused his publication of this sort. death was mourned by all. Arthur T. Morrill is a native of Black- man township, where he was born on the Sth of October, 1845, being a son of Henry E. , ARTHUR T. MORRILL. and Rachel (Davis) Morrill, the former of The exigencies of life on the frontier of whom was born in the state of New Hamp- a nerv country require and develop unusual shire and the latter in that of New York. ele:nents of physical and moral character on When but ten years of age Henry E. Morrill 462 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. accompanied his parents, Edward and Ra- tive schools of the period, and he inaugurated chel Morrill, on their emigration from the his independent career by engaging in farm- state of New Hampshire to Jackson county, ing on the place just to the south of the old Michigan, this being in the year 1830, and homestead. He cleared the land to a large with them came Enoch Fifield and his fam- extent, erected the building on the place and ily. They took up a large tract of land in also operated the saw-mill and carried on a Blackman township, about fifteen hundred profitable lumbering business. He estab- his wife also died in that state. Of the eleven lished the first steam saw-mill at Puddle- acres in all, which they subsequently divided. ford, and there carried on quite an extensive Mr. Morrill taking the north half and Fi- business for a number of years. He was field the south, the farm now owned by C. S. well known throughout the county and com- Pratt in section 10, being Mr. Morrill's or- manded unequivocal confidence and esteem. iginal homestead. He also established one In politics he gave his support to the Demo- of the first saw-mills in this section of the cratic party, and for a number of years he state, and from the same manufactured a was incumbent of the office of justice of the large amount of lumber, much of which was peace. He and his wife were both zealous utilized for building purposes in the early and prominent members of the Christian days of Jackson. He also supplied the church. They became the parents of five Michigan Central Railroad during its con- children, of whom Arthur T., the subject of struction through this county with ties and this sketch, is the only survivor, the others other timbers and became known as one of having been Lodemia, George Q., Warren the most progressive and able business men E. and Henry E. in the county, in whose early annals he was Arthur T. Morrill secured his prelimi- a prominent figure, though he was never nary educational training in the district active in public affairs and never sought schools of Blackman township and supple- official preferment. He passed the remainder mented the same by attending the public of his life on the homestead. His wife passed schools in the city of Jackson, while he con- the closing years of her life in the village of tinued to reside beneath the parental roof Leslie. Of their children brief record is as until he had attained his legal majority. In follows: Henry E. was the father of the initiating his practical business career he subject; Jefferson, who was a farmer and secured employment in the hardware estab- lumberman, died in Jackson ; Elizabeth mar- lishment of Bridgman & Durand, in Jackson, ried Caleb Briggs, and is now deceased ; Ann and later was engaged as salesman for Gold- became the wife of Ephraim Van Horne, and smith & Durand, successors to the firm first she likewise died in this county, and Obe- mentioned. He was with this concern for diah died in South Dakota, having been a several years and later in the employ of farmer hy vocation. Rice, Pratt & Company, with whom he re- Henry E. Morrill was reared under the mained some time, when he formed partner- conditions and influences of the pioneer ship with Morrill, Fuller Company, dealers epoch in this section, receiving such educa- in carriage supplies. Later he resumed his tional advantages as were offered in primi- identification with the hardware business in JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 463 the “Central City,” and then for several the paternal grandparents of the subject of years was engaged in the real-estate business this sketch. The journey was made by way in Jackson. In 1893 Mr. Morrill purchased of the Erie canal to Buffalo, thence by his present fine homestead farm, in section steamboat on the lakes to Detroit, from 15, Blackman township, known as the Bron- which point the trip was made to Jackson son place. The same comprised seventy-county on foot. Mr. Fifield took up land in seven acres, and in 1895 he purchased a por- Blackman township and here developed a tion of the Fifield farm, adjoining on the good farin, upon which he retained his resi- east, his landed estate now comprising one dence until his death, his wife also dying on hundred and seventy-four acres, all of which the homestead. The father of Mrs. Mortill is maintained under effective cultivation remained on his farm in this township until with the exception of thirty acres. The 1867, when he and his wife removed to the farm is given over to diversified agriculture city of Jackson, where he lived retired until and to the raising of an excellent grade of their deaths. They were the parents of five live stock, and it is one of the valuable and children: Francis G., who is a farmer of well improved places of the county. Within Blackman township; Abbie A., the wife of the time of his residence in Jackson Mr. Mr. Morrill; Maria E., who is the widow Morrill served one term as supervisor of the of William D. Hitchcock, and resides in fourth ward, but he has never been animated Jackson; George W., who is engaged in the by personal ambition in a political way, undertaking business in Jackson, and Emma though he accords a stanch allegiance to the L., who likewise resides in that city. Mr. Democratic party. Fraternally he is identi- and Mrs. Morrill have no children. fied with the time-honored order of Free Masons, being affiliated with Jackson Lodge No. 17, Free and Accepted Masons, in the city of Jackson. He and his wife are mem- JULIUS H. CHURCH. bers of the Freewill Baptist church in that city. It is a fact patent to the most casual ob- On the 17th of October, 1871, Mr. Mor- server that in nearly every community there rill was united in marriage to Miss Abbie A. are men who, by reason of intelligent public A. Fifield, who was born in Blackman town- spirit and sheer personal force, rise above ship, being a daughter of George W. and their fellows and became leaders of thought Lucenia (Lincoln) Fifield, the former of and moulders of opinion. To this class the whom was born in Salisbury, Merrimack gentleman whose name appears above, by county, New Hampshire, and the latter in common consent, belongs. That his life has Burlington, Vermont. Mr. Fifield's parents been one of salutary influence is cheerfully were Enoch and Abigail (Stevens) Fifield, conceded by all who know him and that he both of whom were born in New Hampshire, yields to none of his contemporaries in the of sterling New England ancestry dating attributes of honorable manhood and up- back to the colonial epoch, and in 1830 they right citizenship is also truly admitted. Pa- came to Jackson county in company with ternally Julius H. Church is descended from 464 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a an old New York family and maternally William Church, the father of Chauncy traces his genealogy to equally old and re- Church, was a native of Genesee county, spectable ancestors that figured in the early New York, but in an early day migrated history of New England. His father, westward as far as Ann Arbor, Michigan, Chauncy R. Church, was born in Genesee, at or near which place he spent the remainder New York, and his mother, who bore the of his life. He reared a family of three sons maiden name of Eliza Ann Park, was a na- and one daughter, namely: William, tive of Southbridge, Massachusetts. Rev. Chauncy R., Charles and Almira, all dead Jason Park, father of Mrs. Church, was a except Charles, who now lives in Ann Arbor. man of much more than local repute in the The second son, Chauncy R., was young ecclesiastical circles of this state. About the when the fainily moved to Ann Arbor, and year 1833 he moved to Michigan, going first he lived in that town until 1840, at which to Detroit, from which place he made his time he changed his abode to the county of way by means of an ox team to Jackson Jackson, settling in Sandstone township. In county, settling in Sandstone township about early life he was given the best educational a half mile from the village of the same advantages the times and circumstances af- name. He was one of the first men to pro- forded and for a number of years after com- claim the gospel among the sparse settle- ing to this part of the state he devoted his ments of this part of Michigan and in addi- attention principally to school work, earn- tion to his holy calling also labored as a ing an honorable reputation as a teacher. In tiller of the soii, having purchased land and 1850 he bought the tract of land in Black- cleared a farm in what was at that time one man township which his son, the subject of of the most densely wooded regions of the this review, now owns, and, erecting a small county Rev. Park was a gentleman of log cabin thereon, addressed himself to the scholarship and culture and did nuch for labor of its improvement. Later he pur- the intellectual enlightenment as well as the chased other real estate in section 17, of the mcral and spiritual advancement of the early same township, and in the course of a few settiers of his neighborhood. Through his years had a comfortable home and a respect- instrumentality schools were established and able part of the land in cultivation. Mean- churches organized, to the interests of which while he continued his educational work in he devoted much attention. He died many the public schools, became one of the best years ago on the place which he originally teachers in the county and followed the pro- settled, as did also his good wife, and left fession, of winter seasons, until about 1867, the impress of his strong character deeply devoting the rest of the year to agricultural stamped upon the community of which he pursuits. Mr. Church was a man of strong was one of the founders. To Rev. and Mrs. intellectuality, far in advance of the majority Park were born five children, Mary, Eliza both as to scholarship and general in- Ann. John, Harriett and Julius, all of whom formation, and for many years his influence have passed on to join their parents in that and active endeavors did much to arouse unknown land from which no traveler ever and keep alive an interest in education in this part of the county. of the county. In politics he was retiiris. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 465 a Democrat, but not an active partisan; he pily married to Miss Clara J. Brelsford, of kept himself well informed on public and po- Grant county, Indiana, and from that time to litical questions and the wide knowledge he the present day he has lived in the township possessed gave him considerable prestige of Blackman, where he owns a beautiful and with the local leaders of the party as well as valuable farm under a high state of cultiva- the rank and file. In 1872 Mr. Church went tion. As an agriculturist he takes a de- west and located in Texas, where he spent servedly high rank, being progressive in his the remainder of his days. Mrs. Church re- ideas and enterprising in all he undertakes. sided on the old homestead until her death, He has not been sparing of his means in the which occurred in 1890. The family of this matter of improvements, but by liberal and excellent couple consisted of two children, judicious expenditure has added greatly to the older of whom, Jason P., died Novem- the beauty and attractiveness of his home, ber 30, 1868, on the homestead in Blackman providing a comfortable dwelling with many township, the other being Julius H., whose of the modern conveniences, also barns and birth occurred at the same place on the 24th other buildings, all of which are in fine con- day of August, 1854. dition and up to date. While successful as a Of the early life and youthful experiences general farmer, Mr. Church is especially in- of the subject as a country boy on the farm terested in fruit growing, a branch of hus- little need be said, as they were characterized | bandry which he has found not only profit- by nothing outside the usual routine of labor able financially but exceedingly agreeable as in the summer time and attendance at the a pursuit. He also devotes considerable at- public schools during the inclement seasons tention to live stock and as a raiser of cattle, of the year. Inheriting a studious nature, horses and other domestic animals his suc- he early became a great lover of reading and cess has been encouraging, no little part of when not in school all of his leisure was de- his income being derived from this source. voted to the acquisition of valuable knowl- Mr. Church is a public-spirited man and edge. So diligently did he apply himself as such takes an active interest in the affairs while a student that he soon completed the of his township; he held the office of high- uisual studies of the common school course, way commissioner for one year, served the besides making commendable progress in township as treasurer and supervisor, and in the higher branches of learning, in this way 1885 was elected justice of the peace, the fitting himself for teaching, which work he duties of which position he discharged in an began in the winter of 1876-7. Mr. Church able and satisfactory manner during the eight taught a term of school in district No. 5, years following. Subsequently he was again Blackman township, and made a fine record elected to the latter office and fills the same: as an instructor, but not caring to devote at the present time. Himself an educated his life to the profession, he soon abandoned and remarkably well informed man, he ap- it and turned his attention to the more re- preciates the great value of education to a munerative and more agreeable vocation of community, consequently he is much inter- agriculture, which he has since successfully ested in the success of the local system and followed. Noveniber 13, 1884, he was hap- | in various ways has labored for its efficiency 30 466 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. and advancement. A reader and a thinker, WILLIAM L. SEATON. it is but natural to presume that Mr. Church should manifest more than passing interest Back to stanch Scottish stock does Mr. in the great political questions upon which Seaton trace his lineage, to a line which is men and parties are divided and that he clearly defined in Scotland from the middle should have strong and well founded opin- of the sixteenth century and being one of ions relative to the leading issues of the day. distinguished order. That in the subject Like all intelligent, right-minded citizens, he abide the sterling characteristics which have is a politician, not in the narrow partisan ever marked the true type of Scotchman, is sense of seeking place, or aspiring to public manifest when we consider the more salient distinction, but in the broader sense of seek- points in his history, and it may be well said ing the greatest number by the judicious use that no citizen is better or more highly re- of the ballot. Believing the principles of the spected in Jackson than he, where he served Republican party to be for the best interests as postmaster for a long term of years, as of the people, he espouses them and ever since well as holding other offices of trust. It is attaining his majority has been pronounced eminently fitting that he be accorded tribute in his allegiance thereto. Fraternally he is in a work of the province assigned to this. a member of the Maccabee order, belonging William L. Seaton was born in New to Central City Tent No. 139 at Jackson; re- Hartford, Oneida county, New York, on the ligiously he is identified with the Methodist 19th of August, 1823, being a son of James Episcopal church, as is also his wife. and Agnes (Wilson) Seaton, both of whom Mr. and Mrs. Church have an interesting were born in Scotland. The genealogy goes family of four children, namely: Grace back to George, Lord Seaton, or Seyton, Evelyn, Ernest Arthur, Paul Clarence and 1568, who gallantly rescued the unfortunate Marion Ronald. Mrs. Church was born in Queen Mary from her captivity at Lochle- Jonesboro, Indiana, September 23, 1860, ken castle. The educational discipline of and is the daughter of Thomas and Lydia Mr. Seaton was secured in the common and Ann (Mann) Brelsford, natives of Darke select schools and in the then celebrated Caz- county, Ohio. In an early day these parents enovia Seminary. Mr. Seaton devoted three moved from Greenville, Ohio, to Grant coun- years to the study of law, at Mohawk, New ty, Indiana, where they lived many years, York, but he has never given his attention finally changing their residence from Jones- to the active work of this profession. In boro to the city of Muncie. In 1880 they | 1849 was solemnized his marriage and soon moved to Jackson county, Michigan, and afterward he came to Michigan and located have finished their earthly sojourn, the fa- | in Pontiac, where he engaged in the mer- ther dying December 6, 1898, the mother on cantile business, being associated in the enter- the 17th of September, 1887. The follow- prise with A. Parker. In 1854 the partner- ing are the names of their eight children, Re- ship was dissolved and the business closed. becca, Alice, Eliza A., Mary E., Wilmot, On the ist of January of the following year Horace M., Thomas W., and Clara I., wife Mr. Seaton was appointed deputy warden of of Mr. Church, the Michigan state prison, at Jackson, and JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 467 same. retained this incunbency for a period of two the board. He has also served as supervisor years, at the expiration of which he was ap- and alderman of his ward, the second. Mr. pointed building commissioner of the peni- Seaton has been a member of the board of tentiary, likewise holding this office two trustees of the First Methodist Episcopal years, and was then appointed to the re- church, though he is not a member of the sponsible office of warden, holding the same In politics he has ever been a stanch three terms, of two years each, through suc- adherent of the Republican party, in whose cessive re-appointments. As building com- cause he has been an earnest worker, while missioner, he superintended the construction he has held marked precedence in its local of the east wing of the prison and of two councils. tiers of cells, covering an expenditure of over On the 18th of January, 1849, Mr. Sea- one hundred thousand dollars. The “good to was united in marriage to Miss Roxana time" law, which allowed convicts a reduc- Parker, at McConnellsville, Oneida county, tion of five days each month for good be- New York, her birth having occurred in that havior, thus possibly reducing a sentence county on the ist of June, 1829. She died one-sixth, was secured by Mr. Seaton, and July 2, 1992. She was a woman of noble its application proved so satisfactory that it and gracious character and the home life of has since been adopted by nearly every peni- tl.e family was one of ideal nature. Of this tentiary in the country. In 1843 Mr. Seaton union were born four children, of whom was appointed a captain in the New York William Blair Seaton died at the age of state militia by Gov. William C. Bouck. In seven years and Julia at the age of thirty- 1831 he was appointed by Postmaster-gen- three years. Helen is the widow of Robert eral Holt postmaster of McConnellsville, E. Williams, of Boston, Massachusetts. New York. In 1867 Postmaster-General Walter Scott Seaton is a resident of New Johnson appointed him postmaster of Jack- york city where he is engaged with the son, and he was twice reappointed to the Wells, Fargo Express Company. same position by President Grant, in 1871 and 1875, each time for four years, in 1879 by President Hayes, in 1883 by President Arthur and in 1889 by President Harrison; CHARLES E. TOWNSEND. each term was served in full except when he was removed by President Cleveland for Hon. Charles E. Townsend, congress- partisan reasons, and he thus served for a nian-elect from the second district of Mich- total of nearly twenty-four years in the of- igan, has risen to his present dignified posi- fice, while his administration was most ca- tion through his own abilities and indefati- pable and popular, gaining to him unequivo- gable efforts. Mr. Townsend is a native son cal endorsement. He has been elected a of Jackson county, where practically his en- member of the board of education of the city tire life has been passed, and is a representa- on eight different occasions, each time for a tive of one of its honored pioneer families, term of three years, and has served as presi- so that there are niany salient points in his dent and secretary and is now treasurer of personal and ancestral history which will 468 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. OW- render compatible this tribute in a publication graduated as a inember of the class of 1877. which has to do with the progressive citi- The same year he was matriculated in the zens of Jackson county, both in the past and literary department of the University the present. In the field of educational work of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, but ow- Mr. Townsend gave effective service for a ing to lack of financial resources left the number of years'; he has been incumbent of institution at the end of the first year, his various offices of trust and responsibility plans contemplating the reinforcement of his aside from that of which he is at present in finances by teaching that he might continue tenure, has attained prestige as an able mem- his university course. He taught in district ber of the bar of the state and has been an No. 6, Concord township, but owing to the active factor in the ranks of the Republican death of his only brother, Isaac, at the age party, as will be more specifically noted in a of twenty-seven years, and to his father's later portion of this context. financial condition, he found it necessary to On a farm one mile west of the village of abandon the university work, and he became Concord, Jackson county, Charles E. Town- principal of the graded schools in the village send was born, on the 15th of August, 1856, of Parma, where he remained for nearly being a son of James W. and Eunice S. seven years. At the election of 1886 he was (Parmeter) Townsend, both of whom were chosen register of deeds, as candidate on the born in the old Ernpire state, whence the Republican ticket, entering the office on the former came to Jackson county about 1832, ist of the following January and continuing taking up his abode on the farm where through successive re-elections, until the 31st Charles E. was born and reclaiming the same of December, 1896. Meanwhile he liad read from the wilderness. She who became his law for several years and was admitted to wife came to Concord with her parents in the bar in the summer of 1895. Upon leav- 1833, and there both Mr. and Mrs. Town- | ing office he established himself in practice send passed the residue of their lives, the in Jackson, entering into a professional part- former dying in 1892, and the latter is now nership, on the ist of January, 1897, with living and is an active member of the Baptist Charles A. Blair and Charles H. Smith, this church. Mr. Townsend gave allegiance to alliance continuing until January 1, 1901, the Republican party from its inception until From early manhood Mr. Townsend mani- his demise. He and his wife became the par- fested an insistent and intelligent interest in ents of four children, of whom Charles E. matters political and his efforts in behalf of is the only one living at the present time. the Republican party have been potent and Charles E. Townsend received his pre- widely recognized in party councils. In liminary educational discipline in the district 1888 he was a delegate to the Republican school, the meanwhile contributing to the national convention, and from 1898 until work of the homestead; and after availing 1902 he was a member of the Republican himself of the scholastic advantages thus state central committee. November 4, 1902, offered, he continued his studies in the graded he was elected member of congress from the schools of the village until 1875, when he second district, having made a spirited can- entered Jackson high school, where he was vass and gaining a gratifying popular en- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 469 dorsement at the polls, receiving a plurality nis and Elizabeth (Craig) Vrooman, the of three thousand eight hundred and eight former of whom was a native of Schoharie votes over Fred B. Wood, Democrat, and county, New York, and the latter of Maine. Ebenezer Bragg, Prohibitionist. That his The grandfather of the subject was Barnette course in the great representative body of Vrooman, also a native of New York, as the federal government will add materially were all the progenitors of the family back to his prestige is a foregone conclusion, for to colonial times, when New York was he will bring to bear the same energy, mental known as New Amsterdam and was a colony acumen and mature judgment which have of Holland. The father of Barnette Vroo- already enabled him to gain so distinctive man was a soldier in the war for independ- advancement. Mr. Townsend is well known ence and experienced the vicissitudes and throughout his native county and his hosts bore the privations of that world-renowned of warm personal friends view with pleasure struggle. Several years before the admis- the advancement made and recognition at- sion of Michigan into the Union as a state, tained through native ability and force of David Craig, uncle of Tunis Vrooman, Jr., , character. Fraternally he is a member of the subject of this sketch, came to Michigan the Masonic order, in which he has passed and located in Jackson county. At that time the ancient-craft, capitular and chivalric de- government land subject to entry was grees, while he is also identified with the so- abundant all over Michigan. Finding con- cial auxiliary, the Nobles of the Mystic ditions even at that time very satisfactory in Shrine, as well as with the Benevolent and the state, Mr. Craig was anxious to have his Protective Order of Elks, the Royal Arca- relatives near him. He therefore selected a num, the Ancient Order of United Workmen desirable tract of land and through his rep- and the Knights of the Maccabees. resentations his brother-in-law, Tunis Vroo- In the village of Concord, on the ist of man, was induced to come to Michigan and September, 1880, was solemnized the mar- bring his family. They came to the terri- riage of Mr. Townsend to Miss Rena Pad- tory in 1835, two years before it was admit- dock, who was born and reared in that vil- ted as a state, and settled on the land selected lage, being a daughter of Robert J. and for them. This they cleared, improved and Helen (Dodge) Paddock, the former of cultivated. Here the subject of this review whom died in 1869 and the latter of whom is was born and here both of his parents re- now living at Concord. Mr. and Mrs. sided until their deaths. They were the par- Townsend have no children. ents of the following children: Hannah, widow of Calvin Walworth, resides at Mos- cow, Michigan; Olive, widow of Daniel Brickley, resides in Isabella county; David, a TUNIS VROOMAN. resident of Isabella county; Cornelia, wife of William Goldsmith, of Isabella county; Tunis Vrooman is a native of Michigan, Melinda, wife of Edward Creech, of Gratiot born in Summit township, Jackson county, county, and Tunis, the subject of this re- November 22, 1846. His parents were Tu- view. The advantages for procuring an 470 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. education in Michigan in an early day were wheat being his principal crop, and the fam- somewhat limited and by no means equal to ily home is a good, substantial one, tastefully what they are today, though young Vroo- furnished and bearing, both within and with- man acquired enough knowledge of all the out, every evidence of refined taste and common school branches to fit him well for scrupulous care. The barns, stables and other the battle of life. He was thoughtful and He was thoughtful and buildings upon the place are substantial and studious and when the opportunity offered, commodious and every part of the premises learned rapidly. He valued learning and was indicate that an enlightened and progressive therefore stimulated to profit by the instruc- farmer owns and occupies it. tion he received. When not attending school, his time was occupied on the farm, and the industry he displayed bespoke for him a successful career as an agriculturist. EDWIN H. WAITE. He had scarcely attained his majority be- fore beginning to contemplate the necessity When it is stated that Edwin H. Waite of settling down in life. Being of good has been a resident of Jackson county for habits and domestic tastes, he realized that more than two score years, it becomes evi- to be married was the true, logical and nat- dent that he may be properly classed among ural condition of mankind. Accordingly, on the pioneer citizens of this section of the August 2, 1868, before he had yet attained state. Mr. Waite is a native of the old Em- his twenty-second year, Mr. Vrooman was pire state, having been born on a farm near united in marriage to Miss Miriam Taylor, Cohocton, Steuben county, New York, on a native of Kent county, Michigan, born De- the 22d of April, 1838. He is a son of John cember 8, 1847. Her parents were John and and Betsy (Skidmore) Waite, the former of Annie (Solomon) Taylor, the former a na- whom was born in the Green mountain dis- tive of New Jersey and the latter of New trict of Vermont, on the 9th of April, 1790, York. Mr. and Mrs. Vrooman are the par- while the latter was a native of Saratoga ents of two children, Nettie and Archie. county, New York. John Waite was but a Nettie is the wife of Charles Kipp and resides boy at the time when his father, Reuben in the city of Jackson. Archie, who lives on Waite, removed from Vermont to Peters- the farm, cultivating the old homestead, is burg, Rensselaer county, New York, and married and the father of an interesting fam- there his parents passed the remainder of ily. His wife was Miss Viola Nixon, an es- their lives. After attaining maturity the fa- timable lady and a native of the state. They ther of the subject became the owner of a are the parents of two children, Hazel and farm in Steuben county, that state, and was Arthur. one of the honored and influential men of The farm in Summit township, owned the community. He died on his old home- by Mr. Vrooman and on which he resides stead, on the roth of September, 1878, at comprises one hundred and sixty acres and age of eighty-eight years, and his widow is fertile, well improved and splendidly cul- survived him by about a decade, pas tivated. He is engaged in general farming, away at the home farm, in the winter of JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 471 a 1888, at which time she was eighty years been his home and upon which he has made of age. John Waite was a stanch Democrat the best improvements. His farm is sit- in his political proclivities and his religious uated in sections 17 and 18 and comprises faith was that of the Universalist church, one hundred and eighteen and one-half acres, while his wife held membership in the of which seventy acres are maintained under Methodist Episcopal church. Concerning a high state of cultivation, much discrimina- their twelve children, the following record is tion being used in the alternation of crops, entered: Elmira died in infancy; Daniel proper fertilizing, etc., so that in his diver- died in this county some years ago; Rufus sified agriculture Mr. Waite is able to secure resides on the old homestead in Steuben the maximum returns each season. He county, New York; Lydia became the wife raises Jersey. Red swine, of which he has an . of Marcus Pierce and both are now deceased; excellent grade, and also a considerable num- Oscar still resides in Steuben county, as does ber of cattle each year, so that he finds ample also Reuben; Edwin H. is the immediate demands upon his time and attention in con- subject of this sketch; Merrill, John and nection with the various departments of his George are deceased; Phoebe was first mar- farming enterprise, which is conducted with ried to Henry Vandy and after his death be- excellent judgment and upon strict business came the wife of Beacher Drake, and they principles. Mr. Waite has attained a posi- reside in Steuben county, New York, as does tion of independence and marked prosperity also Gardiner, the youngest of the twelve through his own efforts, and his course dur- children. ing the long years of his residence in the Edwin H. Waite was reared to maturity county has been such as to retain to him at on the homestead farm, in his native county, all times the unequivocal confidence and re- and his early educational advantages were gard of the people of the community. such as were afforded in the public schools Though he takes a public-spirited interest in of the locality and period. He remained at local affairs of a public nature and keeps well home until he had attained his legal major- | informed on the topics and questions of the ity, when he came to Jackson county, Mich- | day, he has never aspired to political office, igan, whither his brother Daniel had pre- being content to exercise his franchise in ceded him by one year. Mr. Waite arrived support of the Democratic party and to give in Jackson on the 25th of April, 1859, and his influence and aid in the furtherance of was thereafter employed in farm work, in all measures and projects tending to con- Liberty township, until 1861, when he turned serve the general welfare. his attention to carpentering, in which vo- On the 14th of November, 1865, Mr. cation he was thereafter engaged until the Waite was united in marriage to Miss Mal- time of his marriage, in 1865, when he lo- vina Dibble, who was born on the old Dib- cated on the old homestead farm of his fa- ble homestead, in Summit township, this ther-in-law, in Summit township, where he county, March 4, 1842, being a daughter of was engaged in farming for a period of four Abraham and Mary (McCain) Dibble, the years, at the expiration of which he located former of whom was born in the state of on his present farm, which has ever since | Vermont and the latter near the city of Lock- 472 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. port, Niagara county, New York. In the is engaged in farming in Gladwin county, year 1836 they started for Michigan, which Michigan. He married Miss Hattie Per- was then considered as being on the frontier kins and they have two children, Arlo and of civilization and as a portion of the “far Dwight. Cora E. was born November 20, west," the major portion of the journey be- 1868, and still remains at the parental home. ing made overland, by means of team and Merrill was born April 25, 1870, and is now wagon. Mr. Dibble came to Jackson county living on the old homestead. He married and bought one hundred and sixty acres of Miss Bertha Hobart and they have one son, land in Summit township, becoming one of Albert. William, who was born on the 23d the first settlers within its borders, and he of July, 1873, is now engaged in the manu- later made additions to his farm until his facturing of confectionery and ice cream in landed estate comprised about two hundred the city of Elkhart, Indiana. Mertie Louise, acres. He was one of the prominent and in- who was born on the 20th of January, 1880, fluential citizens of the township and was is the wife of Bartley Kilgallin, of Summit well known throughout the county. He township, and they have one daughter, served for many years as justice of the peace Marion. Edwin, who was born on the 16th and was also incumbent of other offices of of November, 1885, and Albert, born on the trust and responsibility. After his first 8th of July, 1887, are both at the parental wife's death he married Mrs. Louisa Rider, | home. a widow, who also preceded him to the grave. The children of his first marriage were six in number, namely: Alanson, who WILLIAM A. BAYN. is a resident of the city of Jackson, married Sabra Fields; Charity, who became the wife As a producer of wealth the farmer of George Comstock, of this county, both stands pre-eminently above any other class, being now deceased; Lena, who is the wife and the subject of this review, William A. of Edwin Comstock, of Island County, Bayn, is one of the most progressive farm- Washington; Lucy, who married Isaac ers of Pulaski township, Jackson county, Tharp, both being now deceased; Velina, Michigan. His great-grandfather, grand- who died after reaching mature years, un- father and father were farmers and he and married, and Malvina, the wife of the sub- his brothers have been content to take up ject of this sketch. Mrs. Waite has passed the same vocation, with the result that for her entire life in Jackson county, having upwards of sixty years the family has been completed her education in the city of Jack- | among the chief agriculturists of the south- son and being a lady of gracious presence west portion of Jackson county. Nathaniel and gentle womanhood, while she has proved | Bayn, grandfather of William A., was born a true helpmeet to her husband during the in Maine, of Scotch ancestry. In the old years of their married life. To them have country the name was spelled Bean. When been born seven children, concerning whom Nathaniel was seventeen years of age his specific mention is made as follows: Colby parents moved to Batavia, Genesee coun- D., who was born on the 15th of June, 1866, l ty, New York, where his father became a WILLIAM BAYN. MRS. WILLIAM BAYN AND DAUGHTER, JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 473 farmer, was prosperous and thrifty and soon complete as desirable. There he grew to became possessed of considerable property. manhood, devoting the years of his boyhood A good common school education was ac- to work on his father's farm. When about corded to Nathaniel and at the home of his twenty years old he came to Jackson county father in the state of New York he grew to and devoted himself to agricultural pur- manhood. On coming of age, from his fa- suits. Although caring little for politics, ther's estate he secured eighty acres of land, he was elected and filled a number of local much of it forest, from which he was enabled offices. He was twice married. His first to cut considerable valuable timber. This wife was Miss Cathrine Gillespie and to gave him a start in the lumbering business this union two daughters were born, Fan- and, finding it profitable, he continued in nie, who is now a resident of Coldwater, it a number of years, dealing in timber Michigan, and Martha, the wife of Rev. J. lands, logs and lumber quite extensively. W. White, of Hillsdale county. His sec- Deeming Michigan a better field for the ex- ond wife was Mrs. Phoebe A. Bayn, whose ercise of his knowledge and the operation of maiden name was Phoebe Luce, and who his talents, he moved to that state in 1840. was the widow of Albert Bayn, deceased He purchased four hundred 'and eighty brother of her second husband. To this acres of land in Concord township, Jackson union six children were born, only three of county, secured another tract in Spring Ar- | whom are now living, viz: Charles Erwin, bor township and soon thereafter moved who will be fully referred to in another part his family to Michigan and established a of this article, Eva D., who is the wife of comfortable home in the latter township. | John Schriver, of Ingham county, and Will- A number of years before leaving his na- iam A., Jr., the youngest child of the family tive state he married and was the father of and the immediate subject of this review. an interesting family when he came here. The father of the family died March 1, His wife died soon after coming to Mich- 1887. Mrs. Bayn, who was born in New igan. They were the parents of the follow-York state in 1826, is now a resident of Al- ing children : Nathaniel, Benair, Mary, Will- | bion, Michigan, and is a devout member iam A., Stephen, Jerusha, Albert and Al- of the Methodist Episcopal church at that fred, the last named two sons being twins. place. Of the eight children, but one, Mary, is now Charles Erwin Bayn, the oldest child living, she being the widow of William of William A. and Phoebe Bayn, was born McPherson and residing at Northwood, in Concord township, Jackson county, Jan- Iowa. After coming to Michigan, Nathan- uary 4, 1856. He was reared upon his iel Bayn followed farming for nineteen father's farm, attended the district schools years and died in 1859. and acquired a very thorough knowledge William A. Bayn, third son of Nathan- of all the common branches of learning. iel and father of William A., Jr., was born When twenty-three years of age he moved to in Batavia, Genesee county, New York. Spring Arbor township, where he lived unti! What education he received was in the 1898, when he moved to his present home common schools and was by no means as in Pulaski township. On the 27th day of 474 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. March, 1878, he was united in marriage to FRANKLIN C. DAVISON. Miss Emma E. DeFrate, of Calhoun county, Michigan, and to this marriage two children The successful farmer and public-spirited were born, Vernon A. and Lula May, both citizen whose nanie appears above is a of whom have attended high school. The worthy representative of one of Jackson family occupy a comfortable, well furnished county's old and well-known pioneer fami- home and are amply supplied with all that lies, the history of which dates from the early pleasure or convenience can require. Mr. 'thirties. The Davisons came originally . Bayn belongs to one fraternal society, Pu- from New York, in which state the subject's laski Tent No. 820, Knights of the Macca- grandfather, Robert Davison, was born and bees. reared. By occupation Robert Davison was William A. Bayn, youngest child of Will.. a millwright, in connection with which trade iam A. and Phoebe Bayn, was born near he afterwards carried on farming. He Bath Mills, Concord township, May 20, moved his family to Jackson county, Mich- 1865, and was reared in that township, re- igan, early in the 'thirties and settled on ceiving a good common school education. what is now Henrietta township, where he On reaching manhood he adopted the occu- built one of the first saw-mills in this part pation followed by his ancestors for many of the county. This mill did a flourishing generations, that of farming, and this call- business and was in operation for a number ing he has prosecuted with enviable success of years, first by the original proprietor and since boyhood, the last five years in Pulaski afterwards by other parties. About the year township. July 5, 1886, he was united in 1837 Robert Davison bought eighty acres marriage to Miss Kittie Coykendall, a native of land in section 5, which he partially im- of Jackson county, born November 16, 1868. proved and on which he spent the remainder She is the daughter of Melvin W. and Lib- of his life, dying many years ago at a good bie (Hooper) Coykendall, her father an He was a well-known pioneer, early settler and highly respected citizen of worked hard to support his family and pro- Jackson county. To this union one child, vide them a comfortable home, and is re- Clarissa P., has been born. Mr. Bayn be- membered as a man of sterling character and longs to two fraternal societies, being a an excellent citizen. His wife also died on member of Lodge No. 30, Free and Accept the old home farm, and her remains now rest ed Masons, and Gibbs Tent No. 509, beside his own. Among the immediate de- Knights of the Maccabees, at Concord. His scendants of Robert Davison was a son by standing in the community where he has the name of Clark, who was born in the state lived so long is all that could be desired by of New York and when a young man accom- the most exacting. Blessed with hosts of panied his parents to Jackson county. After friends, kind relatives and an affectionate his father's death he took charge of the farm, family, there is no reason why contentment finished clearing the same and made it his and happiness should not be ever abiding home as long as he lived, departing this life guests at his fireside. He is a stanch Re- | in the year 1853. His wife, whom he mar- publican and cast his first ballot for James ried in this county, was Sarah Brakeman, a A. Garfield. native of New York, her parents having been old age. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 475 among the early settlers of Henrietta town- old he took charge of the home farm and ship. She served her husband about four from that time forward his responsibilities years, dying in 1857. were as great as his labors were strenuous. Clark Davison became one of the leading In his fourteenth year he was strong enough farmers of his section of the county, also en- to do a man's work with a cradle in the har- joying worthy prestige as a citizen and pro- vest field and he shirked no duty, however gressive man of affairs. For a number of arduous, realizing that the success of the years he was an influential local politician of farm depended entirely upon his efforts. the old Whig party, and as such was largely In February, 1872, Mr. Davison sold the consulted by his neighbors of like faith, homestead and purchased an eighty-acre having been a man of wide intelligence, ma- farm in the county of Washtenaw, residing ture judgment and especially well informed on the latter during the ensuing three years. upon the leading issues of the times. Mrs. At the expiration of that period he disposed Davison was a woman of bright mind for of his place and changed his abode to Adams her day, being well educated and cultured county, Wisconsin, where he bought a large far in advance of the great majority of the farm and engaged in agriculture and stock early settlers. She possessed fine literary raising upon quite an extensive scale, in due abilities, was a fluent and graceful writer and time becoming one of the most successful for a number of years contributed regularly men of his community. Mr. Davison lived to various magazines and periodicals, many in Wisconsin for a number of years and of her articles gaining wide publicity. She prospered in all of his undertakings, acquir- was also proficient in music, and her refining ing a sufficiency of material wealth to place influence had much to do in moulding the him in fair circumstances. Deciding to leave character and directing into a proper channel Wisconsin and seek a more favorable loca- the life of her only son, although dying be- tion, he finally disposed of his interests in fore realizing to any great extent the bene- that state and for some time thereafter trav- ficial effects of her teaching. eled over a large part of the south and west, Franklin C. Davidson is a native of Hen- looking for a locality which should combine rietta township, Jackson county, Michigan, the requisite characteristics of a home such born February 14, 1851, on the old home- as he had not as yet enjoyed. After a long stead his grandfather originally improved and unavailing search he returned to his na- and from which both his parents passed into tive state and found in the dear old home- the life beyond. Left an orphan at the early stead which he had left thirty years be- age of six, he was taken into the home of his fore the ideal spot for which he had so maternal grandmother, where he spent his long been looking. Purchasing the place youthful years, attending meanwhile the best in the spring of 1992, he at once moved public schools the country afforded and of his family thereto and since then he summer seasons assisting with the labors of has spared no pains nos excuse in its im- the farm. He was reared to habits of indus- provement, adding much to the beauty try and knew not what it meant to eat the and attractiveness of his home, besides in- bread of idleness. When only thirteen years creasing its area, owning at this time one a 476 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. hundred and fifty-nine acres, nearly all in a hotel on the old Pinery stage road, con- cultivation. The various improvements in- necting the cities of Madison and Grand augurated and being carried forward as rap- Rapids. He was quite a prominent local idly as circumstances will admit have added character in his day, known far and wide by greatly to the value of his farm, which is now the traveling public, and his house was long regarded as one of the excellent places of its a favorite place of entertainment. His death size in the township of Henrietta. He is a occurred November 11, 1856, his widow sur- practical agriculturist, with modern ideas, viving him until the 13th day of November, raises abundantly all the grain, fruit and 1888. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Davi- vegetable crops grown in this part of the son has been blessed with two sons, Clark A. state, and also pays considerable attention to and Frank Arthur, aged eighteen and sixteen live stock, which he relies upon for the larger years respectively and both at home. They part of his income. Mr. Davison displays are now pursuing their studies under favor- great energy in all of his undertakings, while able auspices, also making commendable his mature judgment in matters of business progress in instrumental music, both pos- gives him worthy prestige among his neigh- sessing decided musical talents. In these bors and fellow citizens. He is one of the bright manly youths are centered many fond progressive, wide-awake men of the com- hopes and every advantage obtainable is be- munity, deeply interested in all enterprises ing provided them. They are heartily co- making for the public good and his influence operating with their parents in the matter of is felt in every movement having for its ob- intellectual improvements and the careers ject the moral welfare of the township and upon which they are entering will no doubt county. In politics he supports the Repub- reflect credit upon themselves and bring lican party, but the claims of his farm and honor to the family. business affairs have been such as to prevent him from becoming a partisan and he has no ambition to gratify as an aspirant for official honors. His fraternal relations are BENJAMIN F. GEER. represented by the Odd Fellows order at Leslie, Michigan, with which he has been The youth who, at the tender age of identified for some years and for the success twelve years, is deprived of parental care, of which considerable of his energy and at- direction and control is indeed unfortunate. tention have been devoted. This misfortune is greatly increased and ag- The domestic life of Mr. Davison began gravated when there is added to it a heritage a in 1882, on January 25 of which year he was of poverty that inevitably dooms the child married to Miss Isabelle Washburn, of Wis- to toil, privation and, only too frequently, to consin, daughter of Andrew and Emily (Ol- absolute want. The little chap who bravely sen) Washburn, natives of Vermont and encounters such a condition, takes advan- Norway, respectively. Mr. Washburn tage of the few opportunities that come his moved to Wisconsin in an early day, married way and has the material in his composition in that state and for a number of years kept that enables him to rise above adverse sur- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 477 his own. roundings is indeed worthy of all praise. comfortable homes and each enjoys a grati- The subject of this biography, Benjamin F. fying income. Geer, of Rives township, Jackson county, At the time of his father's death Benja- was a youth of the above description. Or- min F. Geer was only twelve years old. He phaned by the death of his father at the age was taken in charge by an uncle, with whom of twelve years, with no heritage other than he made his home for about eighteen months. a good mind and a fair constitution, he has Then he sought and secured employment on made his own way in the world and ac- a farm, remaining three years in the employ complished far more than thousands of boys of one man, who was sufficiently interested of the time and locality whose early life af- in the future of the boy to send him to forded them every advantage. school. What education he received, and he Benjamin F. Geer is a native of Ohio, | is by no means deficient in this line, he se- born near Toledo, April 12, 1849. His par- cured during that time. When seventeen ents were John and Melvina (Philips) Geer, years old he went to Ionia county, where he who were natives of New York, and by trade secured employment and remained until he his father was a cooper. In 1857 they came attained his majority. Returning to Jack- to Michigan, located at Brooklyn, Jackson son county, he worked at farming until he county, and there Mr. Geer devoted himself felt himself prepared to establish a home of to his calling. Later the family moved to Hudson, Lenawee county, where they re- On the 16th day of November, 1869, mained only a short time when they returned Benjamin F. Geer was united in marriage to to Jackson county and settled in Summit Miss Barbara Drew, a native of New York, township. There they resided until 1863, born near Somerset, Niagara county, on the when the father died, leaving the family in shore of Lake Ontario, October 30, 1854. anything but enviable circumstances. He Her parents were John F. and Elizabeth B. was a man of good habits, provident and (Baker) Drew, he a native of Paisley, Scot-- frugal, imbued with abundance of industry, land, she of New York. The family came but the panic of 1857 and the financial strin- to Michigan in 1867, purchased land in gency of the years succeeding made the lot Rives township and made that locality their of the poor hard indeed. In politics John home until a short time ago, when Mr. Drew Geer was a Democrat. He and his wife were retired from active business and took up his the parents of five children, viz: James is residence in the city of Jackson. There he a veteran of the Civil war, resides in Jackson, still resides, being now in the seventy-fifth is married and is the father of a family of year of his age. Mrs. Drew died April 23, . three children; La Farris died at the age of 1898. To Mr. and Mrs. Geer four children two years: Benjamin F. is the subject of this were born, viz: May died at the age of ten review; Frank is a farmer, and is married years; Nellie married James Taylor, a farm- and resides in Leoni township; Thomas, the er of Henrietta township, and they are the youngest child, died at the age of one and parents of six children: Nellie Jane, Floyd, one-half years. All of the living children | Benjamin G., Bessie M., George W. and have been well educated, are the owners of James C. John died when four years old; 478 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Elizabeth J. resides at home with her par- and his wife are both members of the Bap- ents, and is being instructed in music. tist church at Rives Junction. The only fra- After his marriage Benjamin F. Geer ternal society to which he belongs is that of continued to devote himself to the pursuit the Maccabees, being a charter member of of agriculture. He was employed for a Rives Tent No. 868, while Mrs. Geer belongs number of years on the farm owned and to Tent No. 628, Ladies of the Maccabees. operated by his wife's father, part of the time Many men lay claim to the title of being under lease, receiving a portion of the crops self-made, few are entitled to it and some as his compensation. He was an employe of who are have little cause to be proud of the the state penitentiary at Jackson one year job, but the subject of this review has many and later turned his attention to farming reasons for congratulating himself on the again. Having accumulated some money, obstacles he has surmounted and the credit- he purchased a farm of eighty acres in Mid- able achievements that are his. In his case land county, to which he moved and upon it is shown that adversity has much to do which he remained three years, when he sold with the making of the man. out and again returned to Jackson county. In 1896 he purchased forty acres of land in GEORGE J. GENEBACH. Rives township, a part of section 16, and on that they have established the family home. The bar of Jackson county has has ever He has greatly improved the place, having maintained a high standing and among the erected thereon a nice residence, barns, / able young members of the same is he whose stables and other necessary buildings. He name initiates this paragraph and who is a has cleared and cultivated the great part of native of the county, where he has made his his land. Recently he has added, by pur- home throughout his life. With a natural. . chase, twenty acres to the tract, which makes predilection for the law and endowed with it a farm of fair proportions, very fertile, an analytical mind and ready faculty of as- and from it a very satisfactory annual in- similation, Mr. Genebach was led to adopt come is derived. He carries on general the profession, and he has exemplified in a farming and stock raising, his live stock con- significant way the value of concentration, sisting of cattle, horses and hogs. Of the while the future results of his efforts can not latter the Poland China in his estimation be other than cumulative. He is firmly es- affords best returns. tablished in the practice in Jackson, retain- In politics Mr. Geer is a Republican, but ing a representative clientage and holding has never sought for himself any political the esteem of his professional confreres. preferment whatever. He takes a deep in- George J. Genebach was born in Brook- terest, however, in all political work and is lyn, Jackson county, on the 29th of June, a regular attendant on conventions, gener- | 1874, being a son of Charles F. and Bar- ally in the capacity of delegate. In the af- bara (Stocker) Genebach, both of whom fairs of his township he is especially looked still reside in that village, the father being up to as a leader. The only public position identified with real-estate interests. George he ever held was that of deputy sheriff. He J. received his early training in the public JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 479 schools and thereafter attended Cleary Busi- free from impartiality and meeting approval ness College, Ypsilanti, where he was grad. of superior courts where reviewed. In pol- uated in 1891; he also took a special itics he accords a stanch allegiance to the course in the State Normal School. In 1892 Democratic party, in whose cause he takes he matriculated in the law department of the an active interest. For three years Mr. Gen- University of Michigan, and was graduated ebach was a member of the Michigan Na- in June, 1894, having been previously ad- tional Guard, and he is identified with sev- mitted to the bar. He had early formulated eral fraternal organizations, of which spe- plans and thus all his preliminary training cific note is made as follows, giving in the had tended toward a business and law edu- connection the date upon which he was ini- cation, while it might be noted that he was tiated into each of the organizations: In- the youngest member of a class of two hun- dependent Order of Foresters, January, dred and seventy. Mr. Genebach has taken 1897; Benevolent and Protective Order of interest in athletic sports, and while in col- Elks, July, 1898; Knights of the Macca- lege was a member of the college team. Im- bees, February, 1900, and Jackson Lodge mediately after his graduation Mr. Gene- No. 17, Free and Accepted Masons, Septem- , bach established himself in the practice of ber, 1901. He is also a member of the his profession in Jackson, where his energy Jackson City Club. He held the office of and ability soon gained him recognition. vice chief ranger of the Independent Order January 1, 1895, he entered into a co-part- of Foresters and was later elected chief ran- nership with Elmer Kirkby, who had just ger, which position he held for three years, retired from the office of prosecuting at- while since February, 1901, he has been high torney, though at the expiration of one year counselor of the high court of this order for the partnership was dissolved. In February, the western jurisdiction of Michigan. He is 1898, Mr. Genebach was tendered the posi- | interested in a number of manufacturing tion of deputy county clerk, of which he re- concerns in Jackson, and is regarded as an mained incumbent until the ist of July, 1900, able business man, while he is distinctively when he resigned to enter upon his duties as popular in business, professional and social justice of the peace, having been elected the circles. . preceding spring. His personal popularity On the 18th of November, 1896, in the was clearly indicated in this election, since he city of Jackson, Mr. Genebach was united received a majority of three hundred and in marriage to Miss Ida B. Stevens, who seventy-three votes, while the head of the was born in Titusville, Pennsylvania, being ticket upon which his name appeared was a daughter of Henry C. Stevens, who was defeated by more than four hundred votes. at one time one of the leading oil operators Mr. Genebach entered upon the discharge in that state, while he is now at Jackson. of his official duties on the 4th of July, Mr. and Mrs. Genebach are the parents of 1900, and has since been in tenure of this two children, Carleton Gray, who was born judicial position, and is conceded to have on the 16th of September, 1897, and Lowell shown marked discrimination and ability, Burke, who was born on the 13th of Octo- his rulings being in accord with justice and ber, 1898. 480 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. EDWARD EVERETT GALLUP. an estimable lady, a native of Ohio, and was the first of the family to take up his abode Americans pride themselves on their in Michigan, locating in Jackson county, common sense, the just and reasonable view with his family, in 1850. He purchased they take of every phase of life and the con- two hundred and seventy acres of land, tempt in which they hold all pretense to rank which he proceeded to clear and improve, or title. Nevertheless, there are very few but he never lived to reap much of the in a position to do so who do not occasion- fruits of his labors in Michigan, passing ally plume themselves on the achievements into eternity in 1852. He and his wife were of their ancestors. The subject of this re- the parents of seven children, all of whom view, Edward Everett Gallup, principal of have joined the silent majority. the schools of Hanover, may justly pride Elial Gallup, son of the above and himself upon the worthiness of a line of an- grandfather of the subject, was educated in cestors covering a period of more than a cen- the common schools of the county of his tury. All were noted for their intellectual nativity. He remained at home until he ability, strict morality and unswerving in- reached the age of twenty-four years, when tegrity. he fitted himself out with the necessary Edward Everett Gallup was born on equipment and commenced farming in Erie his father's farm, in section 6, Summit town- county, New York. county, New York. In 1842 he was mar- ship, Jackson county, November 29, 1872. ried to Miss Electa Dolph, a native of that His father was Reuben E. Gallup, born in county, born March 6, 1824. He continued Erie county, New York, July 15, 1844; his to devote himself to agricultural pursuits, grandfather was Elial Gallup, also a native until December 25, 1865, when he came to of Erie county, born March 28, 1821, and Michigan, purchased a farm of eighty-five his great-grandfather was John Gallup, a na- acres, a part of section 2, Napoleon town- tive of Massachusetts, born in 1800. Each ship, Jackson county, to which he imme- , of them became citizens of Michigan, and diately moved his family. He cleared, each passed from Jackson county into improved and cultivated this place and eternity. John Gallup, the great-grandfath- resided thereon until June 16, 1899, when er, was favored with a better education than death called him to his eternal rest. He and was accorded to most youths of the period | his wife were the parents of four children, in which he lived. He took very kindly to Reuben E., Albert H., Harriet E. and Sarah. mathematics, became an accomplished civil Reuben E. Gallup came with his parents engineer, and when the Erie canal was in and other members of the family to Mich- course of construction he was the engineer igan when they moved here from Erie employed in the erection of the locks at county, New York, in 1865. He was edu- Lockport, New York. His father was a cated in the public schools of his native soldier of the war of 1812 and was old county, in Williamsville Academy and in enough during the war of the Revolution Eastman College, Poughkeepsie, New York. to remember many of the notable events of The education he received qualified him as that period. John Gallup took for his wife an instructor and he followed teaching from PROF. E. E. GALLUP. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. . 481 the time he left college until he came to consecutively, practically legislated him out Michigan. Soon after his arrival in this of office, but after an interim he was again county he became principal of the public returned to the position and held it several schools at Napoleon, but this position he terms. In 1880 he was United States cen- . held but one year, relinquishing it to accept sus enumerator for Summit township and, a position as bookkeeper for one of the lead- being a teacher and interested in education, ing lumber firms of Ossineke, this state, he served as school inspector. Religiously where he remained two years. October 25, he was a devout member of the Wesleyan. 1867, Reuben E. Gallup was united in mar- Methodist church. He died April 27, 1900, riage to Miss Eliza Biddlecomb, a native of while his widow is still living, residing with Canada. She was born October 3, 1841, in her son, the subject of this biography, in London, Ontario, of English parents, and the village of Hanover. Mr. and Mrs. lived there until she was about fourteen Gallup were the parents of two children, years old. Death having bereft her of both viz: Katie, born September 10, 1868, died her parents, she, accompanied by her broth- in 1871, at the in 1871, at the age of three years, and Ed- , er, considerably older than herself, came to ward Everett, the immediate subject of this Mount Clemens, Macomb county, Michi- sketch. gan, where she grew to womanhood. Four Edward Everett Gallup was reared upon of her brothers rendered gallant service as his father's farm in Summit township. soldiers in the cause of the Union during While the family lived on section 6, he at- the Civil war, two of them being killed in tended school in district No. 2, and later, battle. William, who held a commission as when the family moved to section 35, he , lieutenant, fell at Fredericksburg and completed the common school course in George died on the field in front of Atlanta, districts Nos. 5 and 7. His attendance upon Georgia. Soon after marriage Mr. and Mrs. the common schools was in the usual man- Gallup moved to Summit township, this ner of boys on the farm, attending school county, locating on land in section 35, only during the winter months, while dur- which they improved, cultivated and lived ing the remainder of the year he was em- upon during the remainder of the lifetime ployed on the farm. In 1888 he entered the of the husband and father. On his return Jackson high school and graduated there- to Jackson county, in 1867, Reuben E. from in 1892, as the orator of the class. Gallup returned to his old vocation of teach- Returning home, he spent another season ing. He taught in school district No. 2, working on the farm, then entered the State Summit township, eleven consecutive years, Agricultural College, at Lansing, where he in district No. 5 one year and in district took the course leading to the degree of No. 8 three years. In the spring of 1870 Bachelor of Science. While taking this he was elected township treasurer on the course he taught, during the winter months, Republican ticket and was re-elected annu. a rural school in Ingham county, in order to - ally thereafter until 1880. A change in the aid in securing means to defray college ex- law, making anyone ineligible for the office penses. In 1896 he was elected principal of township treasurer more than two terms of the public schools at Okemos, Ingham 31 482 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. county, and held this position one year, when state of civilization and with his strong arm, he returned home to Summit county to work clear brain and resourceful purpose contrib- on his father's farm. In 1898 he en- uted his share towards bringing about the tered the State University at Ann Ar- remarkable changes which today are every- bor, where he studied one year, when where apparent. Ninety-four years have he was elected superintendent of the schools dissolved in the mists of the past since this at Hanover. He entered upon the duties aged pioneer first saw the light of day in his of this position in 1899 and has acted in that eastern home, a period fraught with great capacity during the past five years. It is and mighty consequences in that it makes the universal opinion that at no time since it the most important era in the world's his- their establishment have the schools been tory. The playmates of his childhood, the better or more efficiently conducted. Prop- companions of his youth, the associates of ositions have repeatedly come to Mr. Gallup, his more mature years, all are gone and, from other localities, with a view to tempt like the one remaining oak of the once dense him from his present position, but he is so forest, he stands waiting the time when he well pleased with his pupils, his schools and too shall fall and crumble back to the earth their patrons that it would be a difficult from which all things material come. Mr. matter to induce him to take up educational Stevens is a splendid example of the sturdy work in another field. Nature seems to have New England element in our western life. well fitted him for the vocation in which he He was born September 1, 1808, in Salis- is engaged, and his own individual effort bury, New Hampshire, being the son of Mos- has greatly supplemented the gifts which es and Mary (Colby) Stevens, both natives pature has bestowed upon him. of Merrimack county, that state, the history of their respective families dating from an early period in the time of the colonies. By occupation Moses Stevens was a blacksmith, JOHN STEVENS. in connection with which trade he also car- ried on the pursuit of agriculture. He and In the list of Jackson county's pioneers his wife Mary spent all their lives in their who have successfully withstood the wear native state and now, side by side, sleep and tear of their early experiences and vi- quietly in the old burial ground consecrated cissitudes and the infirmities which necessar- | by the dust of so many of their ancestors ily accompany old age, John Stevens, of and kindred. They were strict members of Blackman township, is accorded a worthy the Congregational church and are remem- and honorable place. Born in the early bered as an honorable, upright couple, scru- years of the ninetenth century and coming pulously exact in all their dealings and splen- to Michigan when the greater part of the did types of the strong, inflexible New Eng- state was an unbroken wilderness, he saw land characters of the time in which they the last red man leave his ancestral hunting lived. To Moses and Mary Stevens were ground, witnessed the gradual progress from born seven children, namely: Lydia, John, primitive conditions to the present advanced | Gilbert, Daniel, Francis, Mary and Mehit- , JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 483 ures. able, of whom the second, fifth and sixth during which time he did his own cooking, survive, the subject being the oldest living mending and other household duties, in ad- representative of the family. Like their par- dition to the more strenuous labor of cut- ents, the deceased departed this life in New ting timber, rolling logs, grubbing and the Hampshire, and are buried in the old family various other kinds of hard work attending cemetery near which they were born and the opening of a farm in a new and heavily reared. wooded country. When Mr. Stevens first When a lad John Stevens enjoyed only came to Jackson county the red men still such limited educational advantages as the roamed the forest at will and at times they country schools afforded and until attaining manifested anything but a friendly spirit his majority he remained at home, assisting towards the settlers. More than once they his father on the farm, and at odd times ex- visited Mr. Stevens' cabin to induce him to ercised his skill by working at blacksmith- leave the country, and when he refused, they ing. On reaching the years of manhood he threatened to adopt more effective meas- became dissatisfied with the circumscribed Finding him obdurate and deter- conditions under which he was obliged to mined to hold his ground, they resorted to struggle and being convinced that the west stealing and other petty annoyances, but do presented better opportunities than obtained what they might, he refused to be intimi- in his own state, he decided, after mature dated. Satisfied at length that nothing but deliberation, to go thither. Accordingly he sheer force or murder could effect his re- arranged his plans to this end and in 1830, moval, they finally desisted in their attempts, in company with certain friends and com- convinced that if they resorted to the worst panions, he bid adieu to the old home and some of their number would be given free started on foot for the new and sparsely passes to the happy hunting grounds. After settled county of Jackson, Michigan. In enduring for nine years all the hardships due time he reached Jackson county, but and vicissitudes of a new country, clearing , was in no hurry to decide upon a location a farm and keeping "bachelor's hall,” Mr. and it was not until he had pretty thoroughly Stevens concluded the best thing he could investigated the country and compared the do would be to procure the assistance of a relative advantages of its different parts housekeeper, being convinced by a very un- a that he finally entered eighty acres of finely satisfactory experience that it was not good cultivated land in section 15, Blackman for man to live alone. Accordingly, in township. As soon as he could convenient- 1839, he was united in marriage with Miss ly do so, he built a rude log cabin, which, Nancy Stevens, of New Hampshire, the supplied with a meager outfit of the simplest daughter of David Stevens, whose family kind of hand-made furniture, afforded him, were also among the early settlers of Jack- if not an elegant, at least a fairly comfort- son county. The married life of Mr. Stev- able abiding place. In this humble domicile, ens was prolonged five years in excess of a far removed from neighbors and frequently half century, during which period his wife obliged to do without all but the barest ne- proved a most faithful and devoted com- cessities of life, he spent nine long years, panion, co-operating with him in all his la- 484 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. bors, sharing his burdens in days of adver- and infirmities which necessarily accompany sity, contributing to his success in times of it, he no longer labors with his hands, being prosperity, ministering to his comfort in sick- the possessor of ample means to render the , ness and distress, and in other ways living remainder of his days free from care. His up to the sacred obligations assumed when son, with true filial devotion, ministers to she first leaned upon his strong arm, a young his comfort in every possible way and no and happy bride. On the 18th day of June, pains are spared to make his surroundings 1895, this union was terminated by the death pleasant and agreeable. . Notwithstanding of Mrs. Stevens, since which time the wid- his remarkable age, Mr. Stevens is by no owed husband has been consoled by the means decrepit, retaining the possession of thought that ere long he will be reunited his physical faculties to a marked degree, with his loved and lost, to be separated no especially his powers of hearing and vision, more forever. Of the five children born to both of which are almost as keen as in the Mr. and Mrs. Stevens, Henry F., who man- years of his prime. His memory is also un- ages the home farm and looks after his failing and on the whole his mind is clear aged father's interests, is the oldest. The and alert, especially regarding many inter- second is Charles, who is engaged in the esting facts of the early days. He makes manufacture of artificial stone at Chicago, great pleasure in recounting his own thrill- where he has built up a large and lucrative ing experiences as a pioneer and is no doubt business; the next in order of birth is Mary the best living authority on the early his- Jane, the wife of James T. McConnel, of tory of this section of the state. That he Blackman township, and the youngest of the is the oldest surviving settler of Jackson family living, a son by the name of George county is generally conceded and it is also W., is also a manufacturer of artificial stone, a fact that in point of age and length of res- doing business in Boston, Massachusetts. idence, he is one of the state's oldest pio- Mr. Stevens early took high rank as a neers. Mr. Stevens has always been a close farmer, although he began life a poor boy, observer and still keeps up his interest in with no other capital than a strong physique, current events. In politics he has voted the superb health and an inborn determination Republican ticket ever since the organiza- to succeed. By long continued effort he tion of the party, previous to which time he cleared and otherwise developed his land, was an old-line Whig. He is well informed made many substantial improvements and, upon the issues of the day, and has never aside from raising his children well and giv- lost sight of his duty to the public, discharg- ing each a good start, accumulated a com- ing the same with the intelligence and good fortable competency for his declining years. judgment for which he has always been dis- In business matters he has always been care- tinguished. He is a profound believer in re- ful and systematic and his good judgment, vealed religion and for many years has been scrupulous integrity and earnest desire to a faithful and consistent member of the Free- assist his fellow men whenever practicable Will Baptist church. have given him a standing in the community In closing this brief review of Blackman such as few attain. Owing to advanced age township's venerable and worthy citizen, suf- a . JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 485 fice it to say that he is now resting from a was formerly a Republican, but of recent long, laborious and useful life in a serene years he has been pronounced in his sup- and cheery old age, surrounded by faithful port of the Prohibition party, believing the and devoted friends, who seem to vie with liquor traffic to be the crying curse of the each other in showing him honor and re- age, and, convinced that the only way to spect. His life and the history of Black- curb or eradicate it is by stringent legisla- man township are very much one and the tion, he votes his convictions regardless of same thing. His coming here and its ex- what others may think or say. Mr. Stevens istence were coeval events. For much of its is a single man, with no family ties other growth and prosperity it is indebted to him, than those entailed by the old home which as he has been one of its sturdiest laborers he has never left and of which he is now and wisest counsellors. He has been a west- practically the head. . ern man in the broad sense of the town, and, seeing the wants of the people, he has sup- plied the same generously and unsparingly. Although living far beyond the allotted age MYRON B. RAYMOND. of man, his many friends unite in the wish that he may be spared to round out a full A record concerning the lives of all century's growth, and prove in the years to worthy pioneers should be perpetuated, for come, as he has in the time gone by, a bless- the passing years will otherwise obliterate ing to the world and an honor to his race. data of much historical value. In the early Henry F. Stevens, oldest son of John epoch in the history of the middle west the and Nancy Stevens, was born in Blackman writing was done with the gleaming ax and township, Jackson county, Michigan, June the plowshare, and no opportunity was af- 27. 1848, and is still a resident of the same. forded to tell the story of the efforts put He was reared to agricultural pursuits and forth, the trials endured or the pleasing ex- when a youth helped clear and develop the periences encountered during the process of home farm, and since his father's retirement subduing the wilderness to the uses of civ- he has managed the same with encouraging ilization, but in these later years we find financial success, in addition to which he many who are fortunately able to recall in owns valuable real estate of his own in the a personal way the scenes and incidents of township of his residence. He is a prudent the formative epoch, and to them must we business man, whose judgment is seldom at turn for the desired data, while in entering fault, and his relations with his fellow men on the printed page the record of their ca- have always been characterized by strict in- reers we are discharging a duty to posterity, tegrity and a high sense of honor. As a cit- as are they also in furnishing the required izen he is universally esteemed and, al- information. He of whom this sketch treats though quiet and unostentatious in demean- is a native son of Jackson county, where he or, he is enterprising and public-spirited, was born more than a half century ago, and standing for progress and improvement in as he is a representative of the third genera- ali the terms imply. Politically Mr. Stevens tion of the family in the county it forthwith 486 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. becomes evident that he is a scion of the homestead in Sandstone township, in the stanch old pioneer stock. All that stands year of 1857, so the subject was doubly or- for good citizenship is exemplified in the phaned when but seven years of age. Of . character and career of this well-known and the first marriage were born three children, honored farmer and representative citizen of of whom two are living, Perry, who is a Blackman township, and he is most consist- skilled stone mason in Blackman township, ently accorded recognition in the pages of and Myron B., whose name introduces this this work. sketch. Of the second marriage there was Myron B. Raymond was born on the old no issue. homestead farm in Sandstone township, After the death of his father Myron B. Jackson county, on the 15th of May, 1850, Raymond was taking into the home of his , being a son of Edmund and Harriet (Wells) uncle, Nehemiah Wheeler, who was engaged Raymond, both of whom were born and in farming in Blackman township, and there reared in the state of New York, while the he was reared to maturity, assisting in the mother of the subject passed away only a :vork of the farm and being indebted to the few months after his birth, her death occur- public schools for his early educational dis- ring in July, 1850. Edmund Raymond sub- cipline. Edmund Raymond sub- cipline. He remained with his uncle until sequently married Miss Mina Raymond, a the time of his marriage, at the age of thir- daughter of William Raymond. Abraham | ty years, and thereafter he was engaged in Raymond, the grandfather of the subject, agricultural pursuits on the farm of his fa- , was likewise a native of the old Empire state ther-in-law, in Blackman township, for a and a member of a family which was period of four years, passing the succeeding founded in America in an early day. He two years on the farm which he now owns, came to Jackson county in a very early day, and the following three years on the farm and of his ten children none is living at the of his uncle, Nehemiah Wheeler. In 1890 present time, their names having been as fol- | he returned to his present farm, which com- lows: Abraham, Silas, William, Israel, Ed- prises forty acres of excellent land, while mund. Enos, Benjamin, Arminda, Sallie and he also owns twenty-three acres in section Linda. Edníund Raymond was a young Raymond was a young 16, this township. In addition to general man at the time of the family's removal to farming and the raising of live stock, Mr. this county, and in Tompkins township was Raymond devotes special attention to mar- solemnized his marriage to Miss Harriet ket gardening, being a successful horti- Wells, whose father was likewise a pioneer culturist of this section, while all depart- of the county. The father of the subject ments of his farming enterprise yield good was engaged in the milling business in Sand- returns, owing to the energy and discrimina- stone township for many years, while he was tion which he brings to bear in his opera- also an excellent workman at the trade of tions, which are conducted according to cor- carpenter, to which he devoted more or less rect business principles. Mr. Raymond is attention, while he also became the owner of well known in the county and is well worthy a considerable amount of farming land in of the esteem which is so uniformly ac- His death occurred on the corded him. His political predilections lead a the county. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 487 him to render a stalwart allegiance to the James and Mary (Walsh) White, the father Democrat party, and he has been called upon a native of Suffolkshire, England, and the to serve in various positions of local trust mother of Ireland. In making a trip and responsibility. He served efficiently as through the Emerald Isle James White met township clerk for a period of six years, and the handsome Irish girl and an attachment was for many years a valued member of the sprang up between them which culminated school board of his district, also serving as in their marriage. A number of years pathmaster and justice of the peace. thereafter they immigrated to America and On the 11th of February, 1880, Mr. located in Saratoga, New York. They re- Raymond was united in marriage to Miss mained there but one year, when they came Eunice E. Cole, who was born in Blackman to Jackson county, Michigan, and estab- township, this county, March 23, 1856, be- lished themselves on a tract of land in Con- ing a daughter of Thomas and Martha cord township, where Wilfred B., the fifth (Knapp) Cole, the former of whom was a child of the family, was born. Later they native of Steuben county, New York, and moved to a farm in Summit township. At the latter of Kingfield, Franklin county, his home in England, during his residence Maine. Mr. Cole came to Jackson county in Ireland and all his life in Jackson county, in 1840, as a young man, and was there- James White was a farmer, being thrifty after engaged in farming in Blackman town- and progressive. He and his devoted wife ship until his death, which occurred on the were the parents of six children, viz: Ly- 18th of September, 1884. His wife came dia, wife of George Hutchins, a prosperous to this county with her sister and her fam- farmer of Summit township, a sketch of ily in 1838, and her death occurred on the whose career will be found in another part 18th of November, 1901. Their children of this volume; Henry grew to manhood in were five in number, namely: Louisa and this county, married Miss Eunice Crouch, Eliza, who are deceased; Charles A., who is and in 1883 was one of the victims of one of an engineer in the city of Detroit; Ruel T., the most celebrated murder cases that ever who is a mail carrier in the city of Jackson, startled and shocked the people of the state and Eunice E., the wife of the subject. Mr. of Michigan; George J. is a practicing phy- and Mrs. Raymond are the parents of two sician of the city of Jackson; James J. is a daughters and one son, namely: Burr M., farmer residing in Spring Arbor township; born August 10, 1881; Marbury G., born Wilfred is the subject of this sketch, and December 6, 1884, and Gladys A., born Alice A. is the wife of Eugene Markey, of March 7, 1890. Battle Creek. The father died May 21, 1901, when seventy-two years of age, while the mother died September 26, 1896. WILFRED B. WHITE. In the district schools of the neighbor- hood in which he lived Wilfred B. White Wilfred B. White is a native of Jackson secured his education. He was an apt pu- . county, Michigan, born in Concord tow pil, studious and tractable, but quick of wit ship, September 15, 1860. His parents were and ever ready with a pertinent reply, show- 488 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ing the strain of Hibernian blood that cir- is receiving. The breeding and rearing of culated in his veins. On his father's farm cattle is one of the favorite branches of he was diligent and energetic and took so farming with Mr. White. The shorthorn is kindly to the work of farming that early in his favorite breed and he has a splendid and life he decided to make it his life business. valuable herd on the place. His methods He had plans for his future course in life are in keeping with the progressive spirit of and strictly adhered to them. At the time the twentieth century and his well-improved of the dastardly murder of his brother, property is a monument to his thrift and Henry, he was still at home helping his par- | well-directed efforts. He is a man of broad ents on the old home place. By an arrange- humanitarian principles, of earnest purpose ment decided upon by them the father moved and upright life, and does all in his power to the property of the murdered son, six for the uplifting of his fellow men and the and one-half miles southwest of the city of promotion of the moral welfare of the com- Jackson, and Wilfred remained to take munity. He is well known and by all is es- charge of and cultivate the homestead. This teemed for his genuine worth. arrangement continued for a period of four years, when the father decided to take up his abode in the city of Jackson, where he re- sided until his death. About this time the WILLIAM SULLIVAN. old homestead was sold, and Wilfred took charge of the farm of his deceased brother. The sturdy yeomanry of the middle There he has since resided, being now its western states are the recognized bone and owner and having added largely to its di- sinew of the country. Among the promi- mensions. It now comprises two hundred nent agriculturists of Jackson county, and sixty-five acres, all under cultivation ex- Michigan, William Sullivan, of this review, cept twenty acres of woodland. is a worthy representative. He is a son of On October 5, 1898, Mr. White was the pioneer, Cornelius Sullivan, deceased, united in marriage to Miss Elsie Snow, who whose biography appears on another page was born September 9, 1875, the daughter of this volume. William Sullivan was born of Edgar and Ellen (Stephens) Snow, na- in Hanover township, Jackson county, tives of New York and Michigan, respec- Michigan, November 8, 1851, and from the tively. Mr. and Mrs. White are the par- time of his birth until the present he has been ents of three children, James E., Charles E. a citizen of that locality. He was early and Wilfred B. trained in the art of practical agriculture The family home is a handsome, two- and reared on the farm and received a lim- story residence occupying a fine location, and ited education in the common schools of is tastefully furnished and equipped with the township, being mainly what is termed every desirable convenience. The barns, sta- a self-educated man. As is shown in his bles and other buildings on the place are all life in Hanover township, he has been a suc- that could be desired and the live stock cessful man. He has been twice married. shows evidence of the care and attention it | His first union was with Miss Frances WILLIAM SULLIVAN. MRS. WILLIAM SULLIVAN. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 489 Wiley and two children, both sons, were gentleman and is of that genial, sunshiny born to them, namely: Cornelius, deceased, nature which makes friends. He and his and Charles, who is a farmer living at Alma, estimable wife hold a high place in the social Michigan. The subject's second marriage circles of Hanover township. was with Miss Clara L. Weeks, a native of Branch county, Michigan, born October 20, 1863, and a daughter of James and Hannah (Ward) Weeks. Mrs. Sullivan's father is ANDREW J. WEATHERWAX. dead and her mother is a resident of Chi- cago. Mrs. Sullivan had three sisters and In connection with one of the important one brother, viz: Eva, the widow of Frank industrial enterprises of Jackson the sub- Garrison, of Toledo, Ohio; Nineta, wife of ject of this review has achieved a high de- William Hazelhurst, of Chicago; Elma, a gree of success through well. directed and resident of Scranton, Iowa, and one sister discriminating effort, and is now numbered deceased. Mrs. Sullivan is a lady of more among the representative and honored citi- than ordinary talent and ability as an artist zens of the community, while recognition of in oils, pastels and crayons, her beautiful his abilities and character has not been de- home being adorned by her handiwork. nied, for he has been called upon to serve in She is worthy matron of the Eastern Star various positions of public trust and respon- Chapter No. 135, and an honored member sibility,—notably as mayor of the city, of , of Hive No. 273, Ladies of the Macca- which office he was incumbent two terms, bees, and also a Rebekah. The union of Mr. giving a most careful and satisfactory ad- and Mrs. Sullivan has been blessed by the ministration and accomplishing much for the birth of two sons, who are students in the general good of the community in the way Hanover graded schools. They are Grover of well advised municipal improvements. C., born July 20, 1886, and Michael Will-Mr. Weatherwax has attained success by iam, born July 8, 1890. definite effort and not by chance or accident. Mr. Sullivan is a popular citizen and has Andrew J. Weatherwax is the junior been selected by his fellow citizens as an member of the firm of Holton & Weather- official of the township. In 1901 he was wax, who conduct one of the best equipped elected highway commissioner and re-elected foundries and machine shops, and also han- in 1902 and 1903, successively, which indi- díe a general line of mill supplies, an enter- cates that his judgment and discretion as prise that had modest inception in 1874 and an official are not "weighed in the balance that has reached to its present dimensions and found wanting.” In a fraternal sense he through energy, discernment and correct is a member of Lodge No. 293, Free and business methods. Mr. Weatherwax is a na- Accepted Masons, Lodge No. 176, Inde- tive of Michigan, born at Saline, Washte- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, Tent No. naw county, on the 5th of October, 1845, a 355, Knights of the Maccabees, and an hon- son of Andrew and Abigail S. (Lewis) orary member of Camp No. 5087, Modern Weatherwax, who were born, reared and Woodmen of America. He is a popular | married in New York. From Orleans coun- a 490 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. est. ty they came to Saline, Michigan, as pio- dred and thirty feet and two stories in neers of the year 1835, the father engaging height, is utilized for the office, stor- in farming in that locality until 1861, hav- age rooms, age rooms, blacksmith shop, japanning ing reclaimed his land from the virgin for- department, etc. To the above there has re- He then came to Jackson county, lo- cently been added the old Vandercook cating in Leoni township, where he operated Foundry plant, which allows for the neces- a farm until 1865, when he removed to sary expansion of the growing business. Jackson, where he died in 1875, at the age The enterprise demands an investment of of sixty-eight years. His wife died in 1883, about twenty-five thousand dollars, and em- at the age of sixty-seven years. ployment is afforded to a corps of eighty- In the public schools Andrew J. received five skilled workmen, while the weekly pay his early discipline and grew to manhood un- roll is about nine hundred dollars. The der the sturdy training of the farm, to whose firm manufacture all kinds of castings and work he contributed from boyhood. He ac- conduct a general foundry business, while companied his parents to Jackson county, since 1898 they have made a specialty of and here attended the city schools of Jack- mill supplies, handling all lines and enjoying son for two years, thus preparing himself an expanding trade. for the practical duties of later years. He Mr. Weatherwax has great executive was married in the spring of 1867, and ability, and with his able coadjutor, farmed in Leoni township until 1870, when Mr. Holton, has bent his energies to the he returned to Jackson, where he secured building up of this important enterprise, employment in the foundry of Vandercook while he has been recognized as a progres- Brothers & Lusk, and learned the trade of sive, loyal and public-spirited citizen, ever moulder. In 1874 he purchased a third in- ready to aid in the furtherance of all legiti- terest in the business, a reorganization of mate measures for the general good. He the firm taking place, the principals being accords allegiance to the Republican party, Thomas E. Lusk, George H. Holton and in whose ranks he has long been an active Mr. Weatherwax, under the firm name of worker, as delegate to various conventions Lusk & Company. In 1883 Mr. Lusk died in the state and county. In 1884 he was and the surviving partners acquired entire elected alderman from the sixth ward, a control of the business, the present firm Democratic stronghold, a decided mark of name being adopted. In 1892 they pur- In 1892 they pur- personal popularity. In 1888 he was chosen chased the old Aetna mill property of Hay- a member of the school board of district den & Reynolds, and on this the present No. 17, and for six years was president of plant of the concern was erected, the build- the board, while he put forth strenuous ef- ings being large and substantial and the forts to effect the consolidation of the two equipment being modern and of the best. districts, this integration being accomplished The foundry is a two-story building, two within his term. In the spring of 1891 still hundred and fifty by fortyfeet, while further honors were conferred upon him, he another building, thirty-five by one hun- being elected mayor, as the candidate on the JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 491 Republican ticket, and was the first Repub- Holton & Weatherwax; Roy C. is shipping lican mayor elected within a decade. He clerk in the office of the firm, and Clyde E. served one year, giving a conservative ad- is a competent machinist. ministration and yet adopting a progressive policy through which many public improve- ments were secured, the first street paving in the city being done during his regime. In CHARLES S. ANDERSON. 1895 he was again elected by a gratifying majority. His second administration re- The northern portion of Jackson county ceived the same favorable endorsement, and was comparatively well settled before the the records perpetuate his faithful services commonwealth of Michigan became a state. as chief executive. Mr. and Mrs. Weather- A few of the old settlers still remain, but the wax are valued members of the Haven Meth- greater part of the present inhabitants are odist Episcopal church, in whose work they their descendants, some of them even unto take an active and zealous part, he having the sixth generation. Among the very old- been since its organization a member of its est families of Rives and Tompkins town- board of trustees. He is president of the sips is the Anderson family, one of whom Sunday-school Union of the city, and is also is Charles S. Anderson, the subject of a member of the official board of the Young this biography. His grandfather, Robert Men's Christian Association, ever taking a Anderson, was the first settler of the family live interest in religious effort and striving to become a resident of the county. He was to promote all objects which make for the a native of Ireland, came to America in the moral, educational and material wellbeing of early part of the last century and along in the community. Mr. Weatherwax is affili- the 'thirties located in Jackson county, where ated with Jackson Lodge No. 17, Free and he purchased a tract of government land, Accepted Masons; Jackson Chapter No. 3, cleared it, improved it and made it the fam- Royal Arch Masons; Jackson Council No. | ily home. He and his wife were the parents 32, Royal and Select Masters; and Jackson of seven children and on the death of the Commandery No. 9, Knights Templar. He parents one of the sons, Charles S. Ander- 9 served four years as master of his lodge and son, father of the subject, purchased the in- two years as high priest of the chapter. He terest of the other heirs and became the is also identified with Moslem Temple and is owner of the place. a Maccabee and a member of the Royal Ar- Charles S. Anderson is a native of the state of Michigan. He was born in Rives On the 16th of April, 1867, the subject township, Jackson county, April 21, 1876, married Miss Mary Louise Maxson, who was the son of Charles S. and Vestelina (Fields) born in Leoni township, a daughter of John Anderson, who were also natives of Jackson J. Maxson, a pioneer of that section. They county, where they were reared and edu- have three sons and one daughter: Grace cated. He was a farmer and devoted his E. remains at the parental home; Andrew J., time and attention to that pursuit all his Jr., is a traveling salesman for the firm of life. Becoming possessed of the old fam- canum. 492 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ily homestead after the death of his father, mastering the branches usually taught in the he moved his family thereto and there re- common schools long before he obtained his mained during the remaining years of his majority. On arriving at the age of twen- life. For eighteen years previous to his ty-one years he entered his father's employ death he was superintendent of the county on the farm at a stated salary. At the age poor. In politics he was an active and zeal- of twenty-two years he was desirous of see- ous Democrat and a liberal contributor to ing a little more of the world than he had the necessary expenses of the party. He was yet beheld. Accordingly he took a tour of a man well and favorably known through- | the west, traveling through many states and out the northern part of the county where observing conditions and people, but being he had lived all his life. He died October particularly interested in agriculture, as pur- 25, 1897, while his worthy wife is still liv- sued in the various localities. When he re- ing on the old home place. To this worthy turned home and his journey was at an end couple nine children were born, viz: Claudia he was in a far better frame of mind than is the wife of Arthur J. Palmer, a farmer of when he went away. He felt that Michigan, Rives township, and they are the parents of his native state and the native state of his three children; Mary married William Rob- parents, was good enough for him. bins, a farmer of Rives township, and they April 17, 1900, Mr. Anderson was uni- are the parents of four children; Floyd, who ted in marriage to Miss Anna Smith, a na- is a farmer in Rives township, married Miss tive of Jackson county, born April 14, 1883. Myrtie Levengood, and they are the parents Her parents are Charles L. and Estella (Gib- of three children; Blanche is the wife of bons) Smith, natives of New York and of Charles Blood, a farmer of Rives township, Michigan, respectively. He is one of the and two children have been born to them; successful farmers of Blackman township. Arvilla married William Jones, a farmer of The Smith family is of German ancestry, , Rives township, and they are the parents of Mrs. Anderson's great-grandfather having one child; Charles S. is the subject of this been a native of the fatherland. To Mr. and . . memoir; Leon married Grace Smith and re- Mrs. Smith four children have been born, sides in the city of Jackson; Edna is the wife viz: Grace is the wife of Leon Anderson, of Homer E. Wilbur, a farmer of Rives brother of the subject of this memoir; Anna township; Nellie wedded Burr Jones, a res- is the wife of the subject; Roy and Allen ident of Rives township. All of them are R. are still at home with their parents. musically inclined, and each is comfortably Each of the children has received a good ed- settled in life. ucation and the girls are skilled musicians. On the old family homestead Charles S. One child, Bertine, has been born to Mr. Anderson grew to manhood. He early be- and Mrs. Anderson, the date of her birth be- came accustomed to the usual hard working, February 13, 1901. necessary to be done in tilling the soil and About the time of his marriage Charles gathering the crops. His education, how- S. Anderson purchased forty acres of land ever, was by no means neglected, as he at- in Rives township and this the family has tended school and profited by the instruction, ( since made their home. It, with forty acres JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN493 . . of the old homestead which he rents from ship. The father of the subject continued to his mother, furnishes him all the land he de- reside in Ohio until his death, which oc- sires to cultivate. He breeds and feeds Dur- curred in 1893, at which time he was seven- ham and Jersey cattle, Ohio Improved Ches- ty-five years of age. His first wife died in ter hogs and some horses. In politics he is 1853, at the age of twenty-seven years, and a Democrat and both he and his wife are he subsequently married Miss Caroline An- members of the Maccabees, belonging re- derson, of Coldwater, Branch county, Mich- spectively to Tent No. 868 and Hive No. igan, who survives him and who now resides 628. Mr. Anderson is a young man pos- in the beautiful city of Los Angeles, Cali- sessed of considerable ability, good judgment fornia. The father of the subject was a and many sterling qualities that are destined farmer throughout life and became one of to win for him most gratifying success. the representative and influential citizens of Portage county, where he was called upon to serve in numerous offices of local trust. GENERAL W. DAVIS. He was a prominent and zealous member of the Disciple church and in his political pro- Among the progressive and enterprising clivities was a stanch Republican. Of the citizens who have successfully directed their union of Zophar A. and Betsy (Sears) attention and labors to the noble work of Davis were born five children, namely: Gen- husbandry in Jackson county and whose eral W., the immediate subject of this prosperity has come as the result of personal sketch; Arthur C., who is a successful effort, is Mr. Davis, who is one of the rep- rancher and stock grower of Day county, resentative agriculturists of Summit town- South Dakota, served four years and four ship. He also has the distinction of having months as a member of Company I, Nine- rendered noble service as a valiant soldier, teenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the during the war of the Rebellion. Civil war, while for eighteen months of this , General W. Davis owes his nativity to period he was held in captivity in the famous the Buckeye state, having been born on a Andersonville prison; Cassius M., who met farm the vicinity of Ravenna, Portage his death by an accident in falling between county, Ohio, on the 9th of October, 1841. cars at Dearborn, Michigan, while on an ex- His father, Zophar A. Davis, was born in cursion; he likewise was a soldier in the war the state of New York, and his mother, of the Rebellion, having served one year in whose naiden name was Betsy Sears, was Company I, One Hundred and Eighty- born in Portage county, Ohio. Zophar A. fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Celestia is Davis was but a boy at the time of the re- the wife of Albert Stambaugh of Cleveland, moval of his father, Henry Davis, from Ohio, and Darwin resides on the old home- New York state to Portage county, Ohio, stead farm in Portage county, Ohio. Em- and two brothers of the latter were numbered mett, the only child of the second marriage, among the pioneer settlers in Jackson coun- died at the age of eleven years. ty, Michigan, one locating in Sandstone General W. Davis was reared to the township and the other in Blackman town- sturdy discipline of the farm, and his early 494 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. were educational advantages somewhat eral contracting for a quarter of a century, limited in scope, implying a somewhat ir- residing for several years in the village of regular attendance in the district schools. Leslie, Ingham county. In February, 1899, He remained on the home farm until he had he returned to Jackson county and purchased attained the age of nineteen years, when his his present fine farm, in Summit township, loyality and patriotism led him to respond the same being known as the William Hall to the call for defenders of the national flag: place and comprising one hundred and forty . In May, 1861, Mr. Davis enlisted as a pri- acres, in sections 5 and 8. Within the same vate in Company I, Seventh Ohio Volun- year in which he purchased this farm Mr. teer Infantry, with which he remained at Davis erected his present modern residence, Camp Dennison, Ohio, until the expiration at a cost of three thousand dollars, while he of his three months' term of enlistment,' also remodeled the old house on the farm. when he again enlisted, at this time becoming His residence has the most modern accessor- a member of Company I, Nineteenth Ohio | ies and conveniences, being heated by fur- Volunteer Infantry, with which he proceeded nace and lighted by acetylene gas. The en- to the front and remained in active service tire farm is maintained in the finest condi- for two years, within which time he partici- tion, the improvements throughout being of pated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, the best, while on every hand are the evi- Stone river, Perryville, Chickamauga and dences of thrift and prosperity. Mr. Davis Missionary Ridge, besides many skirmishes. carries on diversified agriculture and also de- On the ist of January, 1864, Mr. Davis vet- votes considerable attention to the raising of eranized, re-enlisting in the same regiment, high-grade live stock. He is thoroughly pub- and thereafter he was in service in Tennes-lic spirited and progressive, and all measures see and Georgia, having taken part in the for the conservation of the best interests of Atlanta campaign, and from May 5th until the community receive his earnest co-opera- September 2, 1864, his command was con- tion and support. In politics he is a stanch stantly under fire with the exception of three advocate of the principles and policies of the days. He was exceptionally fortunate dur- Republican party, with which he has been ing his military career, in that he was never arrayed from the time of attaining his ma- confined to the hospital by illness, was never jority, and while a resident of Leslie, Ingham wounded and never taken prisoner. Mr. county, he was incumbent of various local Davis received his honorable discharge, at offices, signifying the high degree of popu- San Antonio, on the 25th of November, lar confidence and esteem accorded him. 1865, having practically been in active ser- Fraternally he retains a lively interest in his vice during the entire period of the war. old conrades of the Civil war and is a valued After the close of the war Mr. Davis re- member of the Grand Army of the Republic, turned to his home in Ohio, and on the 12th being identified with Dewey Post No. 60, of February, 1866, he came to Jackson coun- in the village of Leslie, while his wife is a ty, where he was engaged in farming, in member of the Baptist church. Blackman township, about five years, while On the 24th of September, 1868, Mr. thereafter he devoted his attention to gen- Davis was united in marriage to Miss Eliza a a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 495 is Merrill, who was born in Blackman town- township, Lyman B. Ray purchased a farm ship, this county, being a daughter of Na- and devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. thaniel and Nancy Merrill, both of whom He was eminently successful and added to were born in New Hampshire, whence they his real estate until he was possessed of a came to Jackson county in an early day, be- farm of two hundred acres. Before coming coming pioneers of Blackman township, to Michigan he had served one year in the where they passed the remainder of their army, during the Civil war, being first ser- lives. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have four chil- geant in Wadsworth's Guards, One Hun- dren, namely: Arlena E., Wesley A. and B. dred and Fourth New York Volunteer In- Nancy Q. and Nathaniel M., who are twins. fantry. He was wounded in one of the bat- The children have all received excellent edu- tles in which he participated, but completed cational advantages, the elder daughter hav- his term of enlistnient and received an ing been graduated in the high school at honorable discharge. Politically he was a Leslie and being now a successful and popu- Republican and in religion he was a Uni- lar teacher in the public schools of Summit versalist. He died May 28, 1879, in the township. Wesley, who married Miss Hall, fortieth year of his age, while his widow is associated with his father in the operation now the wife of William Chapple, of the home farm. of Concord township. The old homesteadi is cultivated and cared for by her son, Ly- man V. Ray. RALPH L. RAY. Reared to revere the dignity of honest While the arduous labor on the farm is labor on the farm, Ralph L. Ray early be- distasteful to many youths of the present gan to learn the lessons of industry, nowhere generation, the certainty of ample remuner- | taught so well as on the farm. He attended ation makes such a life far more desirable the public schools, then the Parma high than many other pursuits where the returns school and later took a course in Albion Col- are more doubtful. The subject of this bi- lege. So well did he profit by his instruction ography, one of the young, enterprising and that by the time he was old enough he was progressive farmers of Jackson county, is in charge of a school as teacher. He de- Ralph L. Ray, of Parma township. He was voted himself to this calling in his native born in the adjoining township of Concord, county for three years and then spent some September 25, 1874, his parents being Ly- time in Wyoming and Colorado. The man B. and Lurana N. (Short) Ray, na- knowledge of sheep he acquired during his tives of the state of New York, who, in sojourn in these states has been of much 1864, came to Michigan and located in Con- benefit to him since his return. He has en- cord township, Jackson county. They were gaged quite extensively in breeding and rais- attracted to this locality through the late ing Shropshire sheep on | his farm of Mark H. Ray, uncle of the subject, who had. one hundred and thirty acres in Parma town- lived here many years and attained much ship, although general farming has been his prominence as a successful politician and chief occupation. county official. On coming to Concord March 17, 1897, Ralph L. Ray was 496 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Shepard, Ray is a Republican, firmly established in a native of Parma township, born June 18, his convictions on public questions, but he 1876. Her parents were Harlan and Mary has never sought any political preferment (Farnham) Shepard, natives of Batavia, whatever, his own private business concerns Genesee county, New York. They came to having given him plenty of employment. Michigan in January, 1876, and located in Possessed of a competency, blessed with Parma township, where Mr. Shepard pur- most felicitous domestic surroundings, witli chased a farm of eighty acres, part of that good health and a host of friends, what more a which is now owned and occupied by the could be desired this side of the pearly subject. He and his wife were the parents gates? Mr. Ray is a member of Cracker of one child, a daughter, who is now the Hill Tent No. 549, Knights of the Mac- wife of Ralph L. Ray. Harlan Shepard cabees, at Parma. a thorough farmer and experienced stock raiser, his industry being proverbial. By his own labor he cleared and prepared HIRAM WATSON. for the plow most of the land now under cultivation on the farm. He was in politics There are many persons, wel! along in a Republican and held a number of local of life, who have spent all their years in Jack- fices in Parma township. He and his wife son county and it would be interesting to attend the Methodist Episcopal church, in know who really is entitled to the honor of which he served in the capacity of librarian being the oldest inhabitant. The subject of and chorister a number of years and she this biography, Hiram Watson, of Pulaski was the organist of the church at Parma for township, is not a native of Jackson coun- some time. She and her daughter, Mrs. ty, but he has lived far longer in the county Ray, are now members of the Universalist than most of the present inhabitants, as is church at Concord. Harlan Shepard de evidenced from the fact that since early in : parted this life January 16, 1893, having 1835 Jackson county has been his home. nobly performed his part in the battle of He is now in his seventieth year, having life. His faithful wife is still living at the been but two years old when he located here age of fifty-four years, residing on the old with his parents. He was born homestead, in the family of her daughter. Toronto, Canada, April 17, 1833, his par- Two children have come to bless and ents being William and Anna (Runnels) cheer the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ray, named Watson, the father a native of Massa- Harlan Lyman and Helen Irene. They are chusetts and the mother of Ireland. He strong physically, brilliant mentally and are grew to manhood and was educated in his loved by all, particularly by their devoted | native state. Farming was his chosen oc- grandmother. Mr. Ray is a stockholder in cupation, and, thinking that the Queen's , the Parma Butter Company, which owns one dominions in America might furnish a bet- of the best and most successfully managed ter field for the prosecution of his labors creameries in southern Michigan, it being than his native state, when a young man he patronized by the farmers all through that went into Canada and engaged in agri- section of Jackson county. In politics Mr. cultural pursuits for a number of years. near HIRAM WATSON. MRS. HIRAM WATSON. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 497 While there he met Miss Anna Runnels, who resides in Peoria, Illinois, engaged in a happy marriage being the result of their handling agricultural implements, and has meeting. They lived there several years, been very prosperous in most of his under- a number of children being born to them, takings. They have one son, Percy Eugene. and in 1835 the family moved to Jackson Mr. Watson is a man of the highest integ- county, locating on a tract of land in Con- rity and possesses good business qualifica- cord township. There they resided seven tions, and by his industry, well directed years, when they sold out and moved to energy and the application of correct busi- Pulaski township, locating on another tract ness principles has gained a comfortable of land which they proceeded to improve competency. He and his wife well deserve and transform from a wilderness into a the long and prosperous life that has been farm. The family of William and Anna granted them and the physicial and mental Watson consisted of eight children, viz: strength they still retain indicates that many Silas, of California; Eli, deceased; William, more years of active usefulness are before of Pulaski township; Hiram, the subject of them. this biography; Alonzo, of Hanover town- Mrs. Watson's parents were George ship; Lucinda, deceased; Emily, deceased; and Margaret (Levins) Cleveland, both Mary Ann, deceased. William Watson natives of New York. Her father was a departed this life in 1870, while his wife farmer and was a soldier in the war of survived him some six years, expiring in 1812. His father was a soldier in the 1876. Revolutionary war, which entitles Mr. and Hiram was the fourth son of William Mrs. Watson and their daughter to mem- Watson and he was two years old when he | bership in the Sons and Daughters of the came to Michigan. Here he was reared, Revolution. Mrs. Watson was educated in educated and grew to manhood, and from New York state. Mr. and Mrs. Watson are that time until the present Jackson county adherents of the Universalist church. For has been his home. He has been exceed- thirty-five years have Mr. and Mrs. Watson | ingly successful in his business, has a valu- been residents of Pulaski township. They able, well improved, fertile farm, from are kind and benevolent people and their which he receives annually a very comfort- many friends, as well as strangers, find a able income. cordial welcome in their cosy home. On the 6th day of May, 1861, Hiram Watson was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Cleveland, a native of Oneida coun- ty, New York, born May 23, 1831, and a EUGENE PRINGLE. lady of good ability and many accomplish- Their only child, a daughter, Among the pioneers now living in Jack- whom they named Nellie, was reared and son county there is none to whom can be educated with much more than usual care more properly accorded a tribute of respect given to children brought up in the country. | and honor than to Hon. Eugene Pringle, Nellie is now the wife of George L. Smith, who has held distinguished official prefer- ments. 32 498 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ment, who has gained high prestige in one to a venerable age and her reminiscences of the most exacting of all professions, and concerning the days when the war for inde- who has largely contributed to the advance- pendence was in progress were interesting ment of the best interests of the county and in the extreme, as the locality in which she state. had her home at the time was under alter- Eugene Pringle is a native of the old nate control of the patriot and British Einpire state, having been born in Richfield, armies. Homer Pringle was a stanch Dem- Otsego county, New York, on the ist of De- ocrat in his political adherency and Eugene cember, 1826. His father, Homer Pringle, early became an insistent advocate of the was likewise born in Otsego county, and same basic principles, but while a student in the latter's father, Esbon Pringle, was born his academic course he appeared in various in Dutchess county, that state. The fam- academic debates in which he vigorously ily comes of Scotch lineage, the original an- opposed the annexation of Texas and the cestor in America having taking up his extension of slavery, and favored the impos- residence in New London, Connecticut, in ing of a tariff to protect the then infant in- 1689. About 1730 certain of his descend- dustries, his skill in dialectics being thus ants removed to Dutchess county, New early brought into evidence. York, the name being thereafter prominent- Eugene Pringle passed the major por- ly identified with the annals of that com- tion of his early youth in Chautauqua coun- monwealth. In 1791 Esbon Pringle re- ty, New York, and after receiving such ad- moved to Otsego county, becoming a pio- vantages as were afforded in the district neer of Richfield, where he passed the resi- schools he continued his studies in Mayville due of his life, his death occurring in 1812. Academy and later in a classical school at His son Homer removed to Chautauqua Batavia, Genesee county. At the age of county in 1828 and became a prominent and eighteen he began to read law, and in Janu- prosperous farmer of Harmony township, ary, 1849, was admitted to the bar at Ba- , where he continued to make his home until tavia. He began the active practice of his his death, in 1878, at the venerable age of profession in that city, but in the following , eighty years. He was a man of fine intel- year came to Jackson, where he formed a lectual powers and commanded unequivocal partnership with the late Samuel H. Kim- confidence and esteem. His wife, whose ball and soon became recognized as one of maiden name was Harriet Hatch, was reared the earnest, versatile and able young advo- and educated in Cooperstown, Otsego coun- cates of the state, while he was soon called ty, New York, and her death occurred in the upon to initiate what became a long and year 1871. Eunice (Hatch) Pringle, the distinguished service in public office. In mother of Homer Pringle, was born in 1852 he was elected circuit-court commis- Dutchess county, her father having been sioner, in which capacity he served two captain of a company of Continental sol- years, while in 1853 he became recorder of diers during the war of the Revolution, in the village of Jackson, which then had a which one of his sons also served, holding population of about four thousand, remain- the office of lieutenant. Mrs. Pringle lived ing in tenure of this office for three years. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 499 In 1856 he was elected prosecuting attorney, erations of such associations and setting dis- and two years later was chosen as his own tinct limitations as to the class of companies successor, while during the years 1858-9 he permitted to operate in the state, the result was also city attorney. In 1860 he was being that many outside companies were elected to the state legislature, and from forced to discontinue business in Michigan, 1862 until the close of the gubernatorial and of the original two hundred and forty- term he was military secretary to Governor five home companies only about six were Austin Blair, the war governor of Michi- able to continue. The interests of the peo- . gan and a distinguished and honored citi- ple were protected through his zeal and zen of Jackson until the time of his death. activity in this direction and though many In the capacity noted Mr. Pringle, in 1863, threats were made to carry the matter to the accompanied General Robertson to Virginia supreme court only one complaint was filed in order to impart to the soldiers in the field and this was withdrawn before it came up the knowledge of the extra inducements to for consideration. In 1885 Mr. Pringle was be offered for enlistments. Few civilians elected mayor of the city of Jackson and were then permitted in the Federal armies, gave one of the most thorough and business- and Mr. Pringle was among the troops in like administrations of the municipal gov- the Old Dominion state just as they were ernment that the city has ever had, his pol- initiating the movements on Mine Run. icy being a progressive one but ever dic- In 1866 Mr. Pringle was elected to the tated by wise economy and the proper utili- state senate, while in the following year he zation of the resources at hand. Through was chosen register in bankruptcy, in which his insistency the council was held to the capacity he continued to serve until the re- use of funds actually available, and thus peal of the law creating the office. In that prodigal expenditures and unjustified appro- year, 1867, he was also a member of the priations were avoided. In this connection state constitutional convention. So many it may be noted that he did not fear to use and important have been his official incum- the prerogatives of his office, and that he bencies that they can be but slightly men- vetoed several bills, flattery being inadequate tioned here, in chronological order so far to cajole him into compromise or power to as possible. In 1882 he was the candidate awe him into silence. of the Democratic party for lieutenant gov- In 1880 and again in 1888 Mr. Pringle ernor, but met the defeat which attended the was the Democratic candidate for congress party throughout the state. In 1883 Gov- from the third district, but he realized, ow- ernor Begole appointed him commissioner | ing to normal political exigencies, that his of insurance. When he assumed this office was a forlorn hope from the start, though two hundred and forty-five co-operative in- he made a vigorous canvass in each in- surance companies were doing business in stance. In 1884 ex-Governor Blair was the state, while the greater portion were ex- elected prosecuting attorney of the county, ercising illegal functions. Mr. Pringle se- the choice being a popular expression of a cured effective legislation regulating the op- desire to secure a good, clean and experi- 500 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ern, enced man to insure efficient work, and the line, in connection with the Canada South- same popular attitude led to the election of Mr. Pringle was invited to the city Mr. Pringle to this office in 1886. of Toronto to place the matter before the From 1863 until 1871 Mr. Pringle was railroad committee of the Canadian parlia- largely occupied in a professional way with ment, and the debate led to secret negotia- railroad affairs. In 1863 he secured an en- tions and false reports of a manager, which abling act to allow the local municipalities threw the Air Line project west of Jackson to vote bonds for the Grand River Valley and into the hands of the Michigan Central Railroad, of which he was made secretary Railroad Company, the result being disas- in the following year, from which time for- trous to the undertaking, the details of the ward he constantly engaged in furthering arrangements becoming known to the di- the advancement of railroad enterprises in- rectorate only when it late uring to the benefit of Jackson. He wrote for remedy. Later the Michigan Cen- editorials, made addresses and attended tral Company bought up the old stock many railroad meetings in this and other and debts at ten per cent. of their face value, states to encourage the extension of rail- which involved a loss to Mr. Pringle of sev- way lines. Many elaborate projects were eral years' salary as attorney for the Air advanced by several eastern cities looking Line Company. His advice was sought at to the connection of Michigan roads with Northville relative to the most expedient those from the east in order to form great method of bonding a section of the pro- trunk lines. Mr. Pringle was frequently posed road between that place and Wayne sent to hold conferences with officials of such for the purpose of ironing the same, which roads and to address public meetings in the was already graded. He advised the sub- interests of such enterprises. He was of- scription for mortage bonds along that sec- fered tempting inducements to become as- tion, and about one-half of the required one sociated with other lines, but continued to hundred thousand dollars was thus sub- put forth his efforts in connection with fail- scribed. He also advised the local subscrib- road undertakings more particularly pro- ers to confer with Capt. Eber Ward, a di jected in connection with the development of rector of the company, as to the purchase of Michigan interests. In addition to being rails, and the result predicted by him was secretary of the Grand River Valley Rail- accomplished, in that the section of the road road Company, he also held a similar in- was finally constructed without resort to the cumbency in the Fort Wayne, Jackson & subscription method. Saginaw Railroad Company, while he was The Jackson Iron Company, organized also the attorney and a member of the di- in 1846 or 1847, and owning properties at rectorate of the Air Line Railroad Com- Negaunee, in the upper peninsula of Mich- pany, which contemplated crossing the state. igan, figures in history as the oldest of the Fifteen miles of this last mentioned road Lake Superior iron developing concerns and were completed in Macomb county and with was projected as a Jackson enterprise. Mr. the construction of an additional eighteen Pringle was made secretary of the company miles the road could have been made a trunk in 1851, and the work of developing the was too JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 501 properties was successfully carried forward, the Democracy made a vigorous stand while in the connection were accomplished against amendments to the federal constitu- many important improvements in the facili- tion, and during the campaign of that year ties of that section of the state, not the least Mr. Pringle exerted every power of his having been the construction of a plank road forceful personality in the cause of the Re- from Negaunee to Marquette, twelve miles publican party, notwithstanding his personal distant, from which latter point, on the acquaintanceship with and friendly appre- shores of Lake Superior, adequate transpor- ciation of Governor Seymour, of New York, tation facilities were afforded. Mr. Pringle the presidential candidate of the Democracy. was led to identify himself with the com- In 1870 the leading representatives of the pany through the overtures made by his Democratic party accepted the amendments former partner, Mr. Kimball, who was one to the constitution, and as Mr. Pringle re- of the principal stockholders. About 1868 alized the incorrect policy of the Republican or 1869 George H. Lathrop initiated a com- party in the south and its bad faith in main- pany for the installation of a water-works taining the war tariff, in 1872, as a liberal system in Jackson, and Mr. Pringle became Republican, he acted with the Democratic a stockholder of the company, as well as its party, stumping the state in its behalf in the attorney. He drew an ordinance covering campaign of that year, since which time he the city's use of the system and during the has denominated himself a Democrat. He discussion of the project it transpired that is a clear, forcible and convincing public public opinion was distinctly in favor of the speaker, and his efforts in behalf of the city's owning the system. Legislation was causes which he has championed and pro- accordingly secured enabling the municipal moted through his services in this line have corporation to subscribe for stock, of which ever been attended with definite results, it thus secured ninety-nine thousand seven while his integrity of purpose in all the re- hundred and fifty dollars' worth of the one lations of life has ever been beyond cavil. hundred thousand dollars of the stock issued, He has performed all duties, public and pri- and came into virtual control of the enter- vate, with a high sense of honor and in a prise. This was the first instance of munic- manner alike commendable and upright. A ipal ownership of public utilities, and Mr. man of so distinctive individuality could not Pringle remains a stanch advocate of this but encounter personal antagonisms, but his policy, particularly as applying to water bitterest opponents have not ventured to as- works. sail the honesty and sincerity of the man at In politics Mr. Pringle was aligned with any point in his active and signally useful the Democratic party until the further ex- In 1896 Mr. Pringle arrayed him- tension of slavery became the paramount self with the gold Democrats, but in 1900 issue, and he then identified himself with he supported Bryan, considering the silver those whose policies were in harmony with issue non-important, despite the Kansas his views on this subject. In 1866-7 he be- City platform, and believing that other is- came convinced that the Republican party sues were paramount and the only ones had accomplished its mission, but in 1868 | really involved in the contest. career. 502 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. While a member of the legislature Mr. candidacy was endorsed by the Democratic Pringle was an anti-Chandler Republican, party. He has always held distinctive pop- - and by reason of his attitude he was at first ularity among his professional confreres, denied membership on the more important and an exemplification of this estimate was committees, though he was assigned to the given in April, 1903, when a dinner was committee on insurance. As a member of tendered to him in commemoration of the the state senate, among whose thirty-two fifty-second anniversary of his admission to members was to be found but one Democrat the bar of Jackson county, the occasion call- during the session of 1867, Mr. Pringle was ing together a notable assemblage of repre- not given a place on the railroad commit-sentative members of the county bar and a tee, though his knowledge in regard to mat- large number of leading members of the bar ters coming up for consideration in the con- from other sections of the state. nection was undoubtedly more intimate and In 1848, in the lyceum at Batavia, New comprehensive than that of any other mem- York, where he was a student, it was sug- ber of the body. Consequently he became a gested that Mr. Pringle deliver an address free lance and exerted his best efforts as on the French Revolution of that year. To such. Different sections of the state were prepare himself with the requisite data he asking for power to bond themselves in sup- visited Rochester and Buffalo for the pur- port of railroad construction, and it was a pose of looking over the files of the daily well known fact that Mr. Pringle was the papers, but was unable to secure the desired one man who could effectually puncture all information from these sources. He, how- ill-advised bills of this. nature in the senate. ever, found a three-months file of a tri- He introduced the bill for the Air Line Rail-weekly French paper published in Louisiana road, but the provision included the definite and filled with French news concerning the stipulation that eight thousand dollars per revolution. His experience in reading these mile must be raised before local aid could files familiarized him with the French lan- be voted. His bill was reported by the com- guage to such an extent that he has ever mittee without recommendation and he per- since enjoyed the perusal of French litera- sonally took charge of the same and had it ture, having read many of the leading assigned, as a special order on a designated French authors in the original. He deliv- day, the result being the passing of the bill ered his lecture in regard to the revolution after a thorough debate. Other bills were mentioned and found upon the subsequent then changed to conform to this initiative publication of authentic works on the sub- enactment. While in the house Mr. Pringle ject that he had made no mistakes of an was chairman of the committee on banks historic character. He has marked facility and corporations and also a member of the as a writer and speaker, controlling a fine judiciary committee. In 1881 he was a literary English, so that his diction is always candidate of the bar of Jackson county for chaste and elegant. Mr. Pringle is now liv- circuit judge, receiving forty-three of the ing in his pleasant home in the city of Jack- forty-six votes cast, but he was defeated in son, being honored as one of the distin- the ensuing popular election, though his guished citizens and sterling pioneers of the JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 503 state which he has served so well and to the same being covered with the native tim- which he has ever been loyal. ber and entirely without improvements at In the city of Marshall, Michigan, on the time when he secured it from the gov- the 6th of September, 1855, Mr. Pringle ernment. He made a clearing on the place was united in marriage to Miss Frances A. and erected a primitive log house of the Becker, who was born in Cayuga county, true pioneer type, and here he continued his New York, being a daughter of Abraham herculean labors for a period of three years, and Martha (Rice) Becker, who became making ready a home for his prospective pioneers of Washtenaw county, Michigan, bride. At the expiration of this interval he where the father resided until death. Mr. returned to Steuben county, New York, and Mrs. Pringle have two daughters, Jes- where was solemnized his marriage to Miss sie, who is the widow of Milford Harmon; | Caroline Woodard, and shortly afterward, and Fannie. The family has long been on the 2d of May, 1834, in company with prominent in the best social life of the city, his bride, he started on the return trip to and the attractive home is a center of gra- his farm in the wilds of Jackson county. cious hospitality. The journey was made by team to Buffalo, thence by boat on the Great Lakes to the city of Detroit, from which point the young couple again had recourse to a team and WELLINGTON D. MOULTON. wagon in coming on to their final destination. They took up their abode in the log cabin Wellington D. Moulton, who is one of which Mr. Moulton had erected, and he the representative and honored citizens of continued the work of reclaiming his land, Summit township, and whose is the dis- eventually clearing one hundred acres. He tinction of having been one of the brave disposed of the property in 1844 and then "boys in blue” who went forth from Jack- | moved to the southwestern part of the same son county to render valiant service in de township, and purchasing eighty acres, in fense of the Union during the war of the section 6, a portion of the tract having been Rebellion, was born on the parental farm- cleared. Here he continued to make his stead, in Napoleon township, this county, home until 1871, having in the meanwhile on the 22d of October, 1839, being the son developed and materially improved the prop- of Warren and Caroline (Woodard) Moul- erty, and he then disposed of the same and ton, both of whom were natives of Steuben purchased the place now owned and occu- county, New York, and representatives of pied by his son, Wellington D., the sub- families long identified with the nation's ject of this sketch, this homestead being lo- history. In his native county the father of cated in section 36, and the original estate the subject was reared and educated and having comprised two hundred and eighty there he was engaged in farming until 1831, acres, the greater portion of which had been when he came to the territory of Michigan cleared at the time when Mr. Moulton as- for the purpose of securing land. He took sumed possession of the same. Here he up a quarter section in Napoleon township, passed the residue of his life, passing away 504 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. on the 2d of December, 1892, at the ven- months, so that he became inured to hard erable age of eighty years, while no man work while yet a mere lad. He remained in the community was held in higher es- on the home farm with his parents until teen, for his entire life was guided by lofty they were called from the scene of life's principle and he was endowed with superior labors, and in their declining years it was intellectuality and marked force of char- his privilege to extend to them the care and acter. His wife preceded him into eternal filial solicitude which were so justly their rest by about one year, her demise having due. For a period of four years he and his occurred on the roth of November, 1891, at wife resided in the city of Jackson, where which time she was in her seventy-ninth they conducted a boarding house. year. Mr. Moulton was originally an old- When the integrity of the Union was line Whig in his political proclivities, but menaced by armed rebellion and the tocsin from the time of the organization of the of war was sounded, Mr. Moulton was Republican party until his death he was a among the first of the yeomanry of Jackson stanch advocate of its principles. county to manifest his patriotism and loy- A brief record concerning the nine chil- alty in a practical way. On the 6th of Sep- dren of Warren and Caroline (Woodard) tember, 1861, in the city of Jackson, he en- Moulton is consistently entered at this junc- listed as a private in Company C, Ninth ture: Colamore R. is a farmer of Gratiot Michigan Volunteer Infantry, which was county, Michigan; Wellington D. is the sub-commanded by Colonel W. W. Duffield, ject of this sketch; Lorenzo, who is a re- who later became a general, while the cap- tired farmer, now resides in the city of tain of Company C was Charles V. DeLand, Jackson; Spencer W. is a representative both of these names being well known in farmer of Columbia township, this county; connection with the civic history of the and the other five children are deceased, county as well as honored in military annals their names having been as follows: of the Civil war. Mr. Moulton proceeded Theadore, Frances, Scott, Cassious and to the front with his regiment, which was at- James M. tached to the Army of the Cumberland, and Wellington D. Moulton grew to ma- he continued in service for three years and turity under the influences and conditions one month, having participated in many of of the pioneer epoch in his native county, the most memorable engagements of the and here his rudimentary education was re- greatest civil war known to history. On ceived in the log school house of the early the 13th of July, 1862, at Murfreesboro, he days, the same having the usual equipment was taken prisoner, but was held in captivity of slab benches and puncheon floors, while for only a brief interval, while during his en- as a boy he trudged back and forth to the tire term of service he was signally favored school house, which was about two and one- in never having received a wound of more half miles distant from his home and which thian nominal order. After securing his free- he attended during the winter terms, his dom Mr. Moulton went to Columbus, Ohio, services being required in connection with and later went to Detroit, Michigan, where the work of the farm during the summer he was transferred to Company F, Eleventh JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 505 United States Infantry, with which he pro- and the subject has been very successful in ceeded into Virginia, the command being his efforts and is recognized as one of the assigned to the Second Division of the Sec- progressive farmers and representative citi- ond Brigade of the Fifth Army Corps. He zens of the county, being well known in this participated in the battles of Fredericksburg section and commanding the uniform re- and Chancellorsville and in innumerable gard of the people of the community. He is skirmishes and later went with his regiment a man of broad intelligence, keeping well in- to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, taking part formed on the topics of the day, while his in the fierce conflict at that place and later memory is such that his reminiscences of the in the battles of the Wilderness, Spotsyl- | pioneer life in the county are not only inter- vania, Cold Harbor, North Anna river and esting but also of definite historic value. Pamunkey. He was with his command in On the 7th of April, 1869, Mr. Moulton front of Petersburg, and assisted in the tear- was married to Miss Emma Towers, who ing up of the line of the Welden Railroad. was born in England, being a daughter of He received his honorable discharge at Yel- James and Alice (Jinkinson) Towers, who low House, Virginia, on the 28th of Sep- emigrated to America in 1851 and came to tember, 1864, and then returned to his home Jackson county, where Mr. Towers was en- in Jackson county, where he has ever since gaged in farming, in Columbia township, resided, while his military career is one until his death, in 1868, his wife passing which will ever stand to his credit as a pa- away in 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Moulton have triot and a faithful soldier. He has ever one child, Arthur T., who was born on the retained a deep interest in his old comrades 20th of June, 1870, and who is associated in arms and gives evidence of the same by with his father in the operation of the old retaining membership in that noble organ- homestead farm. ization, the Grand Army of the Republic, being affiliated with Pumroy Post, in the city of Jackson. In politics, while advocat- ing the basic principles of the Republican ORLIN S. DEAN. party, to which he gives his support in state and national affairs, Mr. Moulton is not in- In every period of American history the sistently partisan in local affairs, giving his native New Englander has been, perhaps, support to the men and measures approved more devoted to religion and education than by his judgment. His wife is a member of the inhabitants of other sections of the the Baptist church, being identified with the country. Whether this is attributable to the church of this denomination at Clark's Lake. austerity of the early Puritans, who made Mr. Moulton's farm comprises one hundred their influence felt all through New England, and twenty acres and is under a high state or not, it is nevertheless recognized as a fact. of cultivation, being devoted to diversified Most of the early teachers of the west were agriculture, while he also raises considerable natives of some one of the New England live stock. The farm is equipped with good states. In the early days in Michigan every buildings, including the pleasant residence, settlement whose residents were natives of 506 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. come. the northeastern section of the United and one-half miles north, to build a shanty States, had a church and generally a well- and make a yard for the cows. After this managed school house. Orlin S. Dean, the was done they moved the family and goods subject of this biography, is not a New Eng- down and began keeping house. They en- lander, having been born in Michigan, tertained landlookers from the eastern states, though his parents were natives of Vermont. often being obliged to set what little furni- . Orlin S. Dean was born in Sandstone ture they had out of doors to make room for township, Jackson county, on his father's the beds on the floor. These were rude ac- farm, July 7, 1838. His parents were Na- commodations, but always free and wel- than and Tryphena (Smith) Dean, both na- The cooking was done in the open tives of Pittsford, Rutland county, Vermont, air, a pile of logs supplying the fire. The the father born in 1799, his wife in 1802. bread was baked in a large, round-bottomed They were married in their native place and kettle with a tight fitting cover, which was moved to St. Lawrence county, New York, buried in the hot ashes and coals, and the and resided there until 1835, when they bread was said to be splendid. The Indians moved to Michigan, and located in Sand- made frequent calls for something to eat, stone and Parma townships, Jackson coun- and sometimes made the not-too-well-filled ty, where they became possessed of six hun- | larder look rather slim, but the hard-work- dred and forty acres of land, including east ing family of seven managed to get all they one-half of section 12, Parma, and west one- wanted to eat of plain food. Those days half of section 7, Sandstone. On this they were full of excitement. There were the erected a modest home and proceeded to clear new settlers coming in on the lookout for and improve the land, in time converting land, and settling here and there, and as the the greater part of it into a fine, fertile farm. Deans were the first settlers in the locality, Later they sold half of the tract, but the others came to them for favors and advice. title to most of the original claim is still in All were as one family, looking after one the Dean family. At the time they came to another's interests in every way, and all Michigan it was an almost unbroken wilder- looking forward to the time when they ness. Coming as far as Detroit by water, could have homes, their expectations often from there they journeyed with horses and counterbalancing their privations. lumber wagon, the latter loaded with their Beginning life in poverty, Nathan Dean, goods, Mrs. Dean riding on top of a load by industry and thrift, became possessed of and holding in her lap a bouncing boy four- | much property, both real and personal, dur- teen months old. The other members of the ing his lifetime. His first employment was family traveled on foot most of the way and by the month, working on the St. Lawrence helped to drive the four cows. After arriv- river. He was a moral and pious man, ing at the place where Parma now stands, greatly devoted to learning and religion, they procured lodging with a Mr. James and through his instrumentality many Gould. Mr. Dean and the oldest son, Will- churches were built. He was a member of iam, and an adopted boy by the name of the Methodist Episcopal church, and one of Samuel Gordon, went to the farm, three | the most liberal contributors toward the JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 507 erection of the church building of that de- and her hand was ever ready to assist them. nomination in Parma. In politics he was She enjoyed telling her experiences in pio- first a Whig and later a Republican. He neer life, and spoke of once getting lost in served as supervisor of Sandstone township, the woods while hunting cows. Late at besides having held a number of other local night she came in sight of her shanty home, offices. He was an active and powerful but supposed it to be an encampment of In- man, and many are the accounts of his won- dians. She concluded to go bravely up and derful strength. Once when he was stoning enquire where Chemokeman (white man) uip a well, just as the great bucket of stone lived, not recognizing the place or the chil- was disappearing below the plank covering dren playing about the burning pile of logs. of the well, he saw one strand of the big | Finally it dawned upon her that it was her rope parting: He called out to William own children, and that she was at home, safe Jeffery, the man at the bottom of the well, from the wolves and Indians. that the rope was breaking. The latter The vicinity of Dean's Corners was one sprang into a corner and looked up, expect- uncommonly blessed, the soil being rich and ing to be dashed to pieces. Mr. Dean spoke productive, and the first settlers were young to Sam Gordon, a sturdy boy of ten or twelve men and women from the best families of years, to take hold of the sticks in the wind- the eastern states, Connecticut, Vermont and lass used in lowering the bucket of stone, New York, the latter furnishing the major- and see if he could hold it. The boy said ity. When attention is called to the char- he could, and Mr. Dean then stooped down acter of such people as the Strongs, Chapels, and, putting one foot on each side of the Uptons, Berrians, Browns, Andersons, hole, reached down, took hold of the bail Campbells, Landons and many more who of the bucket and picked it up and set it could be mentioned, it is no wonder that to one side, a feat which probably no other there is found in this locality today such man in the county could have performed. a good class of people and fine school houses Mr. Dean was not only physically strong, and churches. There has never been a law- but was equally strong in character. suit between neighbors in all this section, not Tryphena (Smith) Dean possessed a even a dispute in regard to boundary lines genial spirit, and enjoyed her life work. or line fences. The present generation are Coming into the wilderness and passing married and inter-married to such an extent through all the hardships of a frontier life, that they are as one great family, and are and living to see her ninety-second year, universally living up to the honorable prin- during which period she witnessed this ciples and character of their parents. country changed from a forest to farms of Nathan and Tryphena Dean were the highly cultivated fields, she never lost any parents of five children, namely: Cyntha, of her vim, and was active of body and deceased, was the wife of Philander Will- mind till her last sickness. She took an iamson; Elvira was the wife of Dr. Edward active interest in church matters, and was McGee; William W. is a resident of Parma; liberal contributor. She took a lively in- | George N. is deceased, and Orlin S. is the terest in young people just starting in life subject proper of this sketch. Nathan Dean 508 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a died in 1883, while his widow survived him spirit sustaining her to the end. She passed a number of years, passing away in 1894. into the silent land on the 19th of April, Coming into the world only a little more 1899. Three children were born to Mr. and than a year after his native state came into Mrs. Orlin S. Dean. The oldest son, Na- the Union, Orlin S. Dean has remained an than G., is a graduate of the Parma high inhabitant of the commonwealth ever since.school, took a business course at Albion Col- The love which his parents bore to learning lege, and married Miss Irene Cranson. He inspired him with a desire to possess a good is one of the most enterprising merchants education and although he never attended of Springport, is a Royal Arch Mason and any higher institution of learning than the Knight Templar. The subject's second child district schools, he is an educated and well- is Susie E., also a graduate of the Parma informed man. From early boyhood he has high school and of Albion College. She been accustomed to the labor of the farm, married Leon S. Hubbell, of Chagrin Falls, and since engaging in the business on his Ohio, and they are the parents of one child, own behalf has been very successful. He Margaret Mariam. The youngest son, John owns a farm of two hundred acres in Sand- G., received his education at the same insti- stone township. It is well improved, sup- tutions of learning as did the other children, plied with good buildings and equipped with but took a special course in chemistry and all necessary appliances for use in its opera- was an assistant in that branch one year in tion. He conducts general farming and Albion College, in connection with Profes- the breeding, feeding and care of fine live şor Delos Fall. He then secured a position stock, but makes a specialty of fine regis- as head chemist for the Peninsular Port- tered Shropshire sheep, the improvement of land Cement Company, at Cement City, this latter species of stock having occupied Michigan, and remained with this concern much of his attention for many years. three years, one year of this time having On the 6th day of December, 1865, Or- entire charge of the laboratory. Later he lin S. Dean was united in marriage to Miss became partner in an engineering company Jennie M. Godfrey, a native of Parma town- which has secured the contract and is now ship, born September 20, 1844. Her par- engaged in the construction of a Portland ents were John K. and Susan (Randall) cement mill, in Ottawa, Canada. When Godfrey, natives of New York, who have completed the structure will have cost seven been residents of the state of Michigan for hundred thousand dollars. His wife was many years. Mrs. Dean was a remarkable Miss Zoe Corwin, a native of Grass Lake, woman in respect to her strength of charac- Jackson county, and a graduate of Albion ter and native ability. She was well edu- | College. He is a chapter Mason and a mem- cated, possessed an attractive personality ber of the Elks. and was a devoted wife and mother. For In politics Orlin S. Dean is a Republican sixteen years she was an invalid and for and has held a number of local offices in the twelve years a helpless sufferer, but through township of his residence. For thirty-five it all no word of complaint fell from her years he has been a member of the Masonic lips, her patiencé, hope and sweetness of fraternity. He belongs to Parma Lodge No. a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 509 183, to the chapter at Springport, and also Marshall he removed to Union City, Branch belongs to the Ancient Order of United county, which at that time had no railroad, Workmen. There are few families now re- and there he was engaged in the manufac- siding in Jackson county who have done turing of carriages and other vehicles until more for the advancement of the county and 1869, when he came to Jackson, where he the betterment of its inhabitants than have resided for many years. His health finally the Dean family, of which the subject of became seriously impaired, and in 1883 he this review is a most worthy representative. and his wife returned to the state of New York, and he died at Buffalo in 1891, at the venerable age of eighty-three. His widow later moved to Paterson, New Jersey, where WILLIAM E. BREWER. she died in 1899, at the age of seventy-one years. While a resident of New York in As one of the distinctively representa- his younger days, he was captain of state tive business men and public-spirited citi- militia. zens of the city of Jackson, where he has William E. Brewer received his prelim- long maintained his home and where he com- inary education in the public schools of mands unqualified confidence and regard, Michigan and thereafter, from 1866 to 1869, Mr. Brewer is well deserving of considera- continued his studies in Hillsdale College, tion. He was long in the service of the and in a commercial college in Hillsdale. In Michigan Central Railroad Company, in the 1871 he secured a position with the Michi- capacity of locomotive engineer, and among gan Central Railroad. After serving as fire- the large number of railroad men who have man for four years, he was promoted to the made their homes in Jackson there is none more responsible position of engineer, and who has attained a greater popularity than continued in that capacity for fourteen years, the honored subject of this sketch, who is ever being faithful and discriminating and now a member of the firm of Terry & Brew- becoming one of the able and trusted em- er, wholesale and retail coal dealers. ployes of the great road. . He ran trains on Mr. Brewer is a native of the Empire | all divisions of the road centering in Jack- state, having been born in Cattaraugus son, and for three years was a passenger county, New York, on the 16th of February, engineer. While he was involved in sev- 1857, and being a son of Banks M. and Eliz- eral serious wrecks, none were charged to abeth M. (Wing) Brewer, both of whom negligence on his part. were also born in New York, where they In 1889 Mr. Brewer resigned his posi- were reared, educated and married. He tion with the Michigan Central and asso- there followed the trade of carriagemaking, ciated himself with N. M. Terry in the wood being an expert workman. In 1862 they re- and coal business, and they have built up one moved to Marshall, Michigan, where Mr. of the most important and successful enter- Brewer engaged in his trade and also was prises in the line in the city and which de- employed as a millwright, while he devoted mands an investment of about twenty-five his attention to farming for a time. From thousand dollars. They also operate a feed 510 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a mill, which is one of the conveniences of member. In addition to the enterprises Jackson. Mr. Brewer is also interested in noted, Mr. Brewer has many other inter- the oil industry in Louisiana, being presi- ests in Jackson, and is universally recog- dent of the Central City Oil & Development nized as a broad-minded, energetic business Company, a Jackson corporation. The com- man and loyal citizen. pany owns and leases valuable oil lands in On the 7th of October, 1880, was sol- Calcasieu parish, Louisiana, and a number emnized the marriage of Mr. Brewer to Miss of wells are in effective operation, while the | Carrie Powers, who was born in Kent coun- work of development is proceeding in a most ty, this state, where she was reared and edu- satisfactory manner. cated, being a daughter of Ebenezer K. Mr. Brewer is a stalwart Republican and Powers, one of the pioneers of that county. has taken an active part in the work of the Mrs. Brewer was graduated in the high party, having been delegate to various state, school at Grand Rapids and also received congressional and county conventions. For excellent musical advantages, being a fine four years he represented the fourth ward pianist and having a well cultivated mezzo- in the council, and was then appointed a soprano voice. She is a woman of gracious member of the board of public works. Aft- refinement and is prominent in the social cir- er a service of five years he was named for a a cles of Jackson, being a member of various second term, and has now filled the position literary and social clubs and also of the seven consecutive years. The board is com- Charity Union, a noble eleemosynary organ- prised of five members, he being chairman ization which exercises most beneficent and of the water committee, taking a decided in- | kindly functions among the poor and afflict- terest in the improvement of the water- ed of the city. Mr. and Mrs. Brewer have works system, which has attained high ef- one daughter, Kathryn E. ficiency, being among the best in the state. Mr. Brewer is progressive in his attitude and has advocated the policy of improving every feature of municipal service as rapidly as de- CHARLES A. WEBSTER. manded and justified by financial conditions, while he also believes that in the line of per- The subject of this sketch, who is one of manent improvements, whose value will be the representative farmers of Summit town- cumulative, it is but right that the credit of ship, is a scion of one of the sterling pioneer the city be extended to compass these, since families of the Wolverine state, with whose the future is to gain from the provisions annals the name has been identified for near- thus made and should assume a due quota ly three score years and ten. of the responsibility. Fraternally Mr. Charles A. Webster was born on a farm Brewer is identified with the Masonic order in Reading township, Hillsdale county, and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engi- Michigan, on the 3d of August, 1843, be- neers, while he and his wife are both val- | ing a son of Horace and Harriet (Riley) ued members of the First Presbyterian Webster, the former of whom was born and church, of whose board of trustees he is a reared in the state of Vermont, being a rep- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 511 - resentative of an old family of New England, other improvements made, and Mr. Web- and in the Green Mountain state he was iden- ster in time developed the place into one of tified with agricultural pursuits until 1836, the most valuable farms in the township, when he accompanied his father and other equipping it with excellent improvements members of the family on their emigration of a permanent nature and being indefati- to the state of Michigan, which was not ad- gable in his efforts, which were ever directed mitted to the Union until the following year, with intelligence and marked discrimination. so that it will be understood that it was prac- Here he continued to reside until he was tically considered in the east as being on the called upon to answer the inexorable sum- very frontier of civilization. He purchased mons of death, passing away on the 23d of a tract of government land in Concord town- October, 1881, in the fulness of years and ship, Jackson county, where he purchased well-earned honors. In politics he was orig- eight acres of land, the same being covered inally arrayed with the Whig party, but with a heavy growth of native timber,-fine upon the organization of the Republican beech and maple,—while the timber in that party he transferred his allegiance to the immediate section was the heaviest to be same and ever afterward continued a stal- found in the entire county. Wild game was wart supporter of its cause. He and his plentiful and proved of marked value in sup- wife both held membership in the Baptist plementing the family larder. In the midst church. The latter was born in New York of the forest Mr. Webster erected his primi- in 1821, and her death occurred on the 18th tive log cabin, which was equipped with pun- of April, 1903. They became the parents of cheon floor and the customary fireplace of three children, namely: Henry, who is a huge dimensions. while the door had its resident of Williamston, Ingham county, latch-string, which it may be said was always married Miss Mary E. Peterson, and they out, being another instance in justification have five children; Charles A. is the imme- of the hospitality which is to this day ex- diate subject of this sketch; and Addie, who pressed in this significant phrase. The is the wife of John A. Ferguson, a success- mother of the subject knit and spun the wool ful farmer of Summit township, became the and flax and made all of the clothing utilized mother of six children, all of whom are liv- by the family. Mr. Webster reclaimed the ing except one. The children of Horace major portion of his land and there contin- Webster were all accorded the best educa- ued to reside until 1846, when he returned tional advantages to be obtained in the lo- to Concord township, Jackson county, where cality and period and all have done well in he continued farming for about a decade, temporal affairs and are established in good after which he was similarly engaged in homes. Pulaski township for an equal period. He Charles A. Webster accompanied his then disposed of his property in that section parents on their several removals in Hills- of the county and purchased two hundred dale and Jackson counties, and as a youth acres of land in sections Summit pursued his studies in the common schools township, this being in the year 1861. This of the several localities in which the family tract had been partially cleared and certain resided, while he remained beneath the pa- 32 and 33, 512 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ever rental roof and assisted in the work of the The lady of Mr. Webster's choice for a farm until he had attained the age of twenty- helpmate through life was Miss Mary E. two years, after which he rented his father- | Crouch, who was born in Steuben county, in-law's farm, in Summit township, having New York, October 17, 1849, a daughter of been married November 27, 1868. He con- Jackson and Lucy (Raymond) Crouch, the tinued to farm rented land in this township former of whom was born in Connecticut for a period of four years, at the expiration and the latter in the state of New York, in of which, in 1872, he effected the purchase which state their marriage was solemnized. of eighty acres of his present homestead They came to Michigan in 1856 and Mr. farm, in section 32, to which he subsequent-Crouch became one of the successful and in- ly added a contiguous tract of forty acres, fluential farmers of Summit township, this so that his landed estate now comprises one county, while he also had the distinction of hundred and twenty acres. In I 1884 he | being the first to introduce brook trout into erected his present commodious and attrac- this section of the state, establishing an ex- tive farm residence, which is one of the pleas- | cellent preserve on his farm. He died at the ant homes of the county, while the other home of his daughter, Mrs. Peterson, in modern and well equipped buildings on the May, 1887, his wife having passed away in place were also erected by him. He has not August, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Webster have permitted himself to follow a certain routine three children, namely: Hattie, who is the in his farming operations, but has wife of William Granger, a successful farm- aimed to avail himself of scientific methods er of Concord township; William N., who and has shown a progressive attitude at all has charge of the homestead farm, married times, so that his returns from his efforts Miss Mabel Parmeter and both are popular have been held at the maximum, and he is and prominent in the social life of the com- known as one of the wide awake and dis-munity; Eva is the wife of Floyd Dancer, a criminating farmers of the county, having prosperous farmer of Hanover township. brought his land under a high state of cul- | They are the parents of five children, Cor- tivation and devoting his attention to diver- nelius C., Matie E., Marion H., Iola M. and sified farming and to the raising of a high | Lloyd A. grade of live stock, including Percheron horses. The general interests of the com- munity have in Mr. Webster a stanch sup- JOHN E. CREECH. porter and he is always found lending his influence in support of all measures tending Pleasure is taken here in reviewing the to advance the progress and prosperity of life history of one of the honored pioneer the township and county. In politics he citizens of Jackson county, where he has gives his allegiance to the Republican party | lived from his boyhood days and where he in state and national affairs, but in local commands uniform confidence and esteem in matters votes for men and measures rather the community in which he has so long than being guided by strict partisan dic- lived and labored, residing on the old home- stead farm, in Summit township, in whose tates. MR. AND MRS. JOHN CREECH. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 513 Eleven years reclamation from the forest wilds he has family, but his health became so impaired sisted in his youthful days, while in all the that he remained only three months, being intervening years he has been known as an seriously affected with disease of the lungs, exemplary citizen, contributing his quota and he returned to New York city, where to the development and progress of the he died shortly afterward. county and retaining a deep interest in all later his widow became the wife of Alfred that touches the welfare of the community. Calhoun, who was born in the state of New Such are the men who are peculiarly York, and in 1847 they came with their eligible for representation in a publication family to Jackson county, where they took of this nature. possession of three hundred and twenty acres John Creech comes of stanch old Irish of government land which the father of the stock and is a native of the city of New subject had purchased at the time of his York, where he was born on the 28th of coming to the county, the same being lo- December, 1835, being a son of John and cated in Summit township, while the pres- Mary (Burchell) Creech, both of whom ent homestead of Mr. Creech is a portion were born in the city of Bandon, county of this land originally entered from the Cork, Ireland. John Creech was a son of government. At the time the family took Edward and Nancy (Morris) Creech, who up their abode here only a small clearing emigrated with their family to America had been made on the tract, which was about 1821, taking up their abode in Jersey covered with a dense growth of native tim- City, New Jersey, the grandfather of the ber, while about the only improvement on subject having been a linen weaver by trade the place was a primitive log cabin, in which and vocation. He came to Michigan in they took up their residence, the same hav- 1842, and thereafter lived retired until his ing been erected by John Creech in 1837, death, which occurred in Summit township, at which time he had expected to take up Jackson county, and his remains are interred his permanent residence here. After about in Mt. Evergreen cemetery, in the city of eight years had elapsed a frame house was Jackson, as are also those of his wife, who built on the place, and this continued to be died in Jersey City. They became the par- the home of Mr. and Mrs. Calhoun until ents of seven children, namely: John, the the time of their deaths, the former passing father of the subject; Thomas, Richard away in 1885, while the mother of the and James, who are deceased; Edward, subject was summoned into eternal rest on who is still a resident of Jersey City, New the 24th of April, 1898. John and Mary Jersey; David, who is a resident of Jack- (Burchell) Creech had but the one child, | son, and one who died in infancy. The father John, of this sketch, while by her marriage of the subject was reared and educated in to Mr. Calhoun the mother had three chil- New York city, where he learned the trade dren, namely: Alfred, who died at the age of machinist, becoming an expert artisan of twenty-seven years; Nathaniel, who is a and devoting his attention to the manu- successful farmer of Summit township, and facture of saw blades and files. In 1837 he Mary, who is the wife of William Glass, to Jackson in company with his of this township. came 33 514 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. John Creech, whose name introduces the work of his trade, that of tailor. Here this article, was reared on the old home- his death occurred in 1865, and his widow stead where he now maintains his resi- survived him many years, passing away in dence, while he grew up under the con- the year 1899. Of her first marriage two ditions and influences of the pioneer epoch, children were born, William, who now re- his early educational training being secured sides in Bellevue, Eaton county, and Lydia, in the primitive log school house, so that wife of the subject. One child was born his advantages were necessarily limited, of the second marriage, Sarah, who is the owing to the exigencies of time and place. wife of William Heiney, of Milton Junction, Thus he attended school only during the Wisconsin, where he is station agent and short winter terms, while during the balance telegraph operator. Mr. and Mrs. Creech of the year his services were required in con- have four children, concerning whom we nection with the reclaiming and cultivation incorporate the following brief brief record : of the farm. That was a strenuous epoch David Edward, who was born on the 2d in very truth, and even as a boy his days of March, 1862, is a machinist and resides were filled with “ceaseless toil and en- in the city of Jackson. He married Miss deavor," not the least of his duties being Mamie Gillespie and they have two children, in connection with the cutting of cord- Winifred and Erma L. William D., who wood. He remained at home until he had was born on the ist of September, 1863, attained the age of twenty-five years and is a conductor on the Michigan Central shortly afterward, on the 27th of March, Railroad and for a number of years had 1861, he was united in marriage to Miss his headquarters in Chicago, but since 1887 Lydia Dexter, who was born in the city of he has had a run out of Jackson, where Calais, France, being a daughter of John he now has his home. He married Miss and Eliza (Hardy) Dexter, both of whom Harriet Lyons and they had three children, were born in Nottingham, England, where Clyde, who died when eleven years of age, their marriage was solemnized. Mr. Dex- and Floyd and Lloyd, who are twins. ter was an expert mechanic and was en- Frank, who was born the 8th of gaged in the manufacture of lace machines, November, 1865, is an officer of the Jack- being superintendent of a large factory, son police department. He married Miss and he continued to devote his attention to Margaret O'Donnell and they have one son, this line of work until his death, at the John 0. C. Mary Eveline, who was born early age of twenty-six years. His widow on the 9th of January, 1869, is the wife of later became the wife of Andrew Calhoun, Edwin Lyons, a farmer of Napoleon town- who was born in Rochester, New York. / ship, and they have two children, Ruth and Mrs. Dexter had come with her two chil- Leah. dren to America in 1846, landing in New After his marriage, Mr. Creech contin- York city, where she was married to Mr. ued to reside on the old homestead and Calhoun in 1848, in which year they came continued to follow agricultural pursuits, to Jackson, Michigan, where he engaged in and eventually, by dint of hard work and on JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 515 now good management, he came into possession EPHRAIM REED. of that portion of the same which consti- tutes his present fine farm. In 1862 he Considered in comparison with the aver- erected his present comfortable residence, age length of human life, one hundred years while the excellent barns and other farm seems an almost interminable length of time. buildings on the place were also erected by Looking into the past, the era of the Revolu- him, the improvements of a permanent sort tionary war and of the foundation of the being of substantial order, while everything government seems very remote. How close- about the farm is maintained in good repair, ly we are linked with that period, however, indicating the care and attention bestowed presents itself to us very forcibly when we by a progressive and appreciative owner. inquire into ancestry and important events His devoted wife has proved an able help- in the life of some of the present residents of meet and coadjutor and has done her part Jackson county, Michigan. Ephraim Reed, in gaining the position of independence and the subject of this biography, a resident of prosperity which they now enjoy. The Parma township, who is now in the eighty- homestead comprises eighty-seven sixth year of his age, is the son of Ephraim acres, of which sixty-five are under effect- Reed, who was born in 1778, while the war ive cultivation, while the farm is devoted of the Revolution was in progress, and who to diversified agriculture and to the raising was a soldier in the war of 1812. His par- of an excellent grade of live stock, includ- ents were James and Martha (Smith) Reed ing horses. The fine orchard on the place and Noah Smith, his wife's father, rendered was set out many years ago by Mr. Creech, valiant service in the patriot army and won and he secures large yields of apples and expressions of warmest approbation, not also raises a variety of small fruits. only from his comrades, but from his supe- Mr. Creech has ever shown himself true rior officers. When James Reed died, leav- to all the duties of citizenship and has given ing his widow with two children, she went to his aid and influence in support of all live with her father, the Revolutionary war measures for the general good of the sec- veteran, and at his death moved to Platts- tion in which he has lived from his boy- burg, Clinton county, New York, where she hood and which he has seen develop from married Wright Spaulding. There she re- a virgin forest into one of the opulent and sided until his death, when she came to Jack- beautiful farming districts of a great state. son county, Michigan, where the last years of In politics he gives his allegiance to the her life were spent. There are still many Democratic party, but has never sought residents of the county who remember her office, though he served a number of terms and have heard her recite many interesting as pathmaster, while for three years he was reminiscences of the Revolution, which she director of his school district. He and his well remembered. She was ninety-four wife have the friendship of the entire com- years of age at the time of her death. . munity and are numbered among the sterl- Ephraim Reed, the subject of this re- ing pioneer citizens of the county. view, is a native of the state of New York, 516 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. having been born in Plattsburg, Clinton September 2, 1827. Her parents were Dan- county, November 28, 1817, the son of iel and Jeanette (Patterson) Peabody, both Ephraim and Sarah (Hays) Reed. Ephraim being of New England parentage and who, Reed was a native of Kent, Litchfield coun- soon after their marriage, located in New ty, Connecticut, and his wife of Plattsburg, York. In 1841 they came to Eckford town- Clinton county, New York, and it was while ship, Calhoun county, Michigan, where the on a visit to the Empire state that the father mother died January 23, 1861 ; her husband's , met and married the lady of his choice. death occurred at Batavia, Jefferson county, After marriage they resided in New York Iowa, in August, 1868, where he was spend- until 1838, when they came to Calhoun coun- ing some time among relatives. They were ty, Michigan, and purchased eighty acres of the parents of five children, only two of land in Sheridan township, where they re- whom are now living. To the subject of this sided during the remaining years of their review eleven children were born, viz: lives. They were the parents of eleven chil- Olive, Casper, Rebecca, Esther, Helen, An- dren and of them all, Ephraim is the only drew, Satirah, Alvah, Briecia, Nelson and one now living. The mother of the family Clyde, the first named and the last three of died in 1846, at the age of sixty-two years, whom are dead. Casper, who has always while her husband survived until 1873, when resided at home with his parents and is a he died, at the age of ninety-five years. In farmer, married Saloma Elliott, a native of politics he was first a Whig and later a Re- Ohio, but who was a resident of Calhoun publican. Ile and his wife were both mem- county, Michigan, at the time of her mar- bers of the Christian church. riage. Rebecca is the wife of Miles Pear- From boyhood Ephraim Reed was de- son and they are the parents of one voted to the labors of the farm and as oppor- named Wallace. Mrs. Pearson was a teach- tunity offered, attended the district school. er thirteen years. Alvah married Rozella He was studious and diligent in all that he Howell and they are the parents of one son, undertook, and when the time came for him Howell Ephraim. Satirah is a graduate of to engage in labor on his own behalf he did the Albion high school. it with a zest and earnestness characteristic The present home of the family of of the man. The result was that within a Ephraim Reed is on the farm where they short time he was the owner of some two have lived for fifty-six years. It is comfort- hundred acres of the best land in Jackson able and well furnished, nicely situated and county. Recently he has disposed of fifteen is generally known for the hospitality of its acres at a good figure. On this farm he has occupants. In politics Ephraim Reed was lived since soon after his marriage, in 1847, originally a Democrat, but for some time until the present time. He is a thorough, past has voted the Prohibition ticket. The progressive, modern farmer, devoting him- only public positions he ever occupied were self to general agricultural pursuits. those of constable and member of the school May 6, 1847, Ephraim Reed was united board. He might have been elected to and in marriage to Miss Lydia A. Peabody, a have filled more responsible and exalted po- native of Ontario county, New York, born sitions had he felt disposed to aspire to them, son JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 517 but politics is one of the games at which he useful career. He has lived during all the did not care to play. His standing and that years of the occurrences above outlined and of his family in the community where they now, in his eightieth year, he is enjoying have resided so long is all that could be de- fair health at his comfortable home in Pu- sired. They are among the best and most laski township, Jackson county, Michigan. intelligent residents of Jackson county. Eugene Burdett was born in the state of Vermont, June 20, 1824. The first seven years of his life only were spent in his na- tive state, as in 1831 his parents moved to EUGENE BURDETT. Monroe county, New York, where they es- tablished their home and where they contin- Many notable historical events have ued to reside during the remainder of their transpired since 1824, in which year there lives. A common school education was all were four candidates for the Presidency of that was accorded him, but while his lessons the United States, Andrew Jackson, Henry were few, they were all the better learned on Clay, John Quincy Adams and William H. that account and have been well remem- Crawford. Neither of the candidates re- bered. On reaching manhood he applied ceived a majority in the electoral college, al- himself to the trade of a carpenter and join- though the vote for Jackson was greater than er with such zest that before very long he that of the others. The election was there- was recognized as a skilled workman and fore thrown into the house of representatives during all of the years of his residence in for the second time in the history of the the state of New York he worked at that country and by a coalition between the sup- business very profitably. By the time he porters of Clay and Adams, the latter be- had reached the meridian of life he had ac- came president. Clay became secretary of cumulated a comfortable estate and was re- state, which forever blighted every chance garded by his neighbors among the "well- he may have had of reaching the Presi- to-do" people of the locality in which he dential chair. Since then there have been lived. twenty-one Presidents of the United States, On the 12th day of March, 1845, Eu- three of whom were assassinated; three wars gene Burdett was united in marriage to have been fought, one of them the most san- Miss Cordelia Stone, a native of Massa- quinary that ever stained the pages of his- chusetts, born August 18, 1824. Mrs. Bur- tory; the last one of that noble band who dett resided in her native state until twelve signed the Declaration of Independence died ; years old, when she removed to New York many new stars have been added to the flag state, and received her education in both and the blot of slavery has been wiped from states. Her grandfather Craig was a sol- the face of the land. In the state of Ver- dier in the war of the Revolution. Mr. and mont, the home of Ethan Allen, a babe was Mrs. Burdett established themselves in a born in that year 1824, which was named comfortable home in Monroe county, New Eugene Burdett, and it is the purpose to York, where they continued to reside dur- give here a brief review of his modest but | ing the next thirty-two years. Here nine 518 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. years. children were born to them, six of whom life and feel that the fragment of time in- are living, all of whom, with one exception, cluded in them has, so far as he is con- are residents of the state of Michigan. The cerned, been almost wholly devoted to that three who are dead are George, who died which is good, worthy and serviceable. after reaching manhood; Eva died in girl- hood, and Nellie died at the age of twenty Those living are, Mary, who re- sides at home with parents; Frances Eu- GEORGE B. KING. genie also resides with her parents ; Ada- laid is the wife of George E. Emerson, of It is now very generally conceded that va- Lockport, New York; Della Maria is the riety in agriculture is as necessary to success wife of George M. Shaw, of Calhoun coun- as it is in any other calling. Not only must ty, Michigan; William lives in the village there be variety in the crops raised, but in the of Hanover; Caroline is the wife of George live stock bred, and success is far better as- W. Lown, of Pulaski township. sured if care and attention is given to all of Though past middle life, in 1877, when the special lines of farming, including dairy- fifty-three years old, Eugene Burdett de- ing, live stock raising and crop growing. It cided that there was more promise for the is that kind of farming that has made future of his children in the west than where George B. King, the subject of this biogra- he then resided in New York. Accordingly phy, the eminently successful farmer that he closed out his affairs as speedily as possi- he is. His worldly possessions when he ble, converted his property largely into came to Michigan, some thirty-six years cash and he and the other members of the ago, did not amount to a great deal. Now family turned their faces toward the set- he is the owner of nearly half a section of ting sun. Arriving in Michigan, they de- land, well improved, finely equipped and cided to locate in Jackson county and ac- most completely stocked with all the vari- cordingly purchased a tract of land in Pu- ous species of live stock to be found on any laski township, a part of sections 9 and 10, 9 well regulated farm. here established their home and here they George B. King is a native of the state have since resided. Since coming to Mich- of New York, born in Middleport, Niagara igan farming has been the principal occupa- county, May 18, 1848. His parents were tion of Mr. Burdett and in this calling he Benjamin F. and Paulina (Robertson) has been gratifyingly successful. The life King, natives of Dryden, Hopkins coun- of Eugene Burdett has been an active, use- ty, New York, born August 8, 1819, and ful and prosperous one. He has reared, ed- July 29, 1816, respectively. They came to ucated and provided for his children, and Michigan in 1867, and here both resided has lived to see them all comfortably sit- until their deaths, he dying in 1891 and she uated, leading lives of industry and useful in the year prior. They were the parents ness. Now, when the sun of life is descend- of four children, two of whom are still liv- ing in the west, he can well afford to look ing: Benjamin King was engaged in vari- back over the nearly eighty years of his ous avocations during his lifetime, having , JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 519 ness. been a tanner, a miller, a boot and shoe the place of his birth. In 1853 the family dealer and a hardware merchant. After moved to Nunda, Livingston county, New coming to Michigan he invested in two hun- York, where the father engaged in the mer- dred and forty acres of land, which he later cantile business, and there they continued to sold and purchased the farm of one hundred reside until 1867, when they came to Jack- and sixty acres of land upon which he con- son county, Michigan. In Nunda George tinued to reside until his death. In politics B. King attended school and was quite pro- he was a Whig, later a Republican and inficient in his studies. ficient in his studies. While still attending 1870 served as supervisor of Parma town- school, he stood during his leisure hours be- ship. He was a member of the Masonic fra- hind the counter of his father's hardware ternity at Albion, Michigan, while in re- store, waiting on customers, and after com- ligion he and his wife were both members of pleting his studies was employed by his fa- the Universalist church. The paternal ther as clerk. On coming to Michigan he grandparents of the subject were John S. turned his attention to farming and devoted and Hannah (Cook) King, both natives of himself so assiduously and so successfully to New York. The latter died at Nunda, Liv- the calling that within a few years he was ingston county, New York, where she re- the possessor of a nice farm of his own. sided with her son, Benjamin F. King, who On the 4th of January, 1870, George was engaged there in the mercantile busi- B. King was united in marriage to Miss Her husband, John S. King, moved Clemma J. Vickery, a native of Livingston with his children to Michigan in 1867 and county, New York, born October 2, 1846. continued to reside with them until his Her parents were David C. and Mary Ann death, which occurred about 1874. The (Lines) Vickery, both natives of New subject's maternal grandparents York, he born in August, 1819. There they George and Mary (Smith) Robertson, were reared and educated, and in 1843 they early pioneers of Tompkins county, New were married and about 1850 followed their York, the former born August 12, 1769, parents to Michigan. They were the par- and the latter February 20, 1775. They ents of nine children, Mrs. King being the were the parents of thirteen children, nine second child born to them. . In 1859 Mrs. sons and four daughters, and their oldest Vickery died and some time thereafter Da- child, Thomas, was the first white child born vid C. Vickery married Mrs. Eunice Jenks, in Tompkins county. In that county they of Jackson county. He is still living, a res- continued to reside until their deaths, his de- ident of Parma township, in the eighty- mise occurring in 1844 and hers some years fourth year of his age. Mr. and Mrs. previously thereto. Their youngest son, George B. King are the parents of three Matt J., born in 1822, continued to reside children, viz: "Ida, educated in Parma, is upon and operate the old homestead in the wife of Jerry Needham and they are the Tompkins county, New York, until 1901, parents of two children, Arza and Eleanor ; when he, too, passed to the silent majority. | Eva L. attended school at Parma, graduated Until he attained his fifth year George from the Albion high school and also took E. King continued to reside at Middleport, a course at Albion College; Bertha attended were 520 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. school at Parma, graduated from Albion thrift and prosperity. The owner is ac- high school, also from the State Normal in counted one of the most practical and pro- the class of 1900, and is now teaching at gressive agriculturists of the community. Gaylord. He utilizes the most improved machinery The farm which George B. King op- in the development of his farm, studies the erates is located in Parma township, Jack- best methods of producing the various prod- son county, and comprises two hundred and ucts adapted to the soil and climate, spares sixty acres. It is a good tract of land, no pains in the securing of the best grades splendidly improved and very productive. of live stock, and above all brings to his He follows general farming, but gives work that unflagging industry which is ever special attention to live stock, breeding and the conservator of definite success. In the raising pure-bred Wilkes horses. He has connection it may well be noted that Mr. raised some of the best specimens of the Burk is distinctively the author of his own equine species in Jackson county, and is now prosperity, which has been brought about the owner of a mare, one of whose colts by this same indefatigable application sold for fifteen thousand dollars. He also coupled with good judgment and inflexi- breeds registered shorthorn cattle and ble integrity, so that success to him is well Shropshire sheep. For more than four years deserved and justifies the old aphorism, past he has resided in the village of Parma, “Palman qui meruit ferat,” which being of which he has been for six years the post- translated means, “Let him who has won it master. in politics he is a Republican and is bear the palm,” referring to the emblem of always interested in the success of his party. victory in the days of chivalric knighthood. He is a member of Parma Lodge No. 183, Aside from his success in temporal affairs Free and Accepted Masons, also of Cracker the subject has also won that better bene- Hill Tent No. 549, Knights of the Macca- fice, the confidence and good will of his bees, and of the Ancient Order of United fellow men, and from the object source Workmen at Parma. Religiously he is a springs no such animus unless merited. Universalist. Mr. Burk is a native of the old Key- stone state of the Union, having been born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, on WILLIAM H. BURK. the 14th of December, 1848, and being a son of Noah D. and Elmira (Vail) Burk, One of the fine farms of Jackson coun- the former of whom was likewise born in ty is that owned and occupied by Mr. Burk. Pennsylvania, while the latter is a native of The same is eligibly located in sections 31 the state of Vermont, whence she removed and 36, Concord and Spring Arbor town- | with her parents to Pennsylvania when a ships, and comprises three hundred and child. Noah D. Burk was born in Greene thirty-two acres, the land being rich and county, Pennsylvania, and was reared and arable, while the well tilled fields, pleasant educated in his native state, where also he , residence, commodious barns and substantial learned the trade of blacksmith, to which buildings otherwise demanded, all bespeak | he there devoted his attention until 1865, ఆవక MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM BURK. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 521 when, with his family, he emigrated to early beginning to assume the practical re- Michigan and located in Hillsdale county. sponsibilities of life. In May, 1871, at the There he continued in the work of his trade age of twenty-two years, he came to Jack- and also in farming pursuits for many son county, where he worked on various years, his death occurring in the year 1890, farms by the month for a number of years, at which time he was eighty-two years of scrupulously saving his earnings and ever age. He was a man of utmost probity of having in view the definite object of estab- character and good intellectuality, and was lishing himself in a position of independ- honored by all, while for a number of years ence, which is the aim of every sane and he served as a member of the school board well balanced mind. For a time he farmed of his district. In politics he was a stanch rented land, and finally was enabled to Democrat of the old school, while his re- purchase a farm of his own, the same being ligious faith was confined to no particular a portion of his present estate. a As con- creed, though his widow has long been a ditions justified he continued to add to the devoted adherent of the Presbyterian original nucleus • until he now has a fine church. She has now passed the age of property, three hundred and thirty-two four score years and maintains her home acres, as has already been noted, while he in Frontier, Michigan, with her daughter, has made the best of improvements on the Mrs. Mary Smith. Noah D. and Elmira place and at every stage in his career has Burk became the parents of four daugh- manifested that self-reliance, indomitable ters and one son, all of whom are still living, energy and maturity of judgment which the subject of this sketch being the one son, have won him a place among the substantial while a brief record concerning his sisters and representative farmers of the county. In is here entered: Lucetta F. is the widow addition to raising the varied products com- of Joseph England and resides in northern mon to this section, he also devoted no lit- Indiana; Carrie is the wife of Stephen | tle attention to the breeding and raising of Getter, of Hillsdale county, Michigan; | live stock, having on his place an average Agnes is the wife of Christopher Black, of of fifty head of excellent cattle and about Hillsdale county, Michigan; and Mary mar- one hundred head of sheep, Shropshire ried Leroy Smith, and they reside in sheep, Poland China hogs and Durham or Frontier, Hillsdale county. shorthorn cattle being his favorite breeds. William Henry Burk, the immediate A man of so progressive spirit as touching subject of this review, received his rudi- his individual business affairs mentary scholastic instruction in the schools naturally be expected to have a marked in- of Washington county, Pennsylvania, be- terest in public affairs of a local nature, and ing a lad of fourteen years at the time of this is signally true in the case of Mr. Burk, the family removal to Hillsdale county, whose co-operation is ever extended in the Michigan, where he continued his studies support of worthy measures for the gen- in the public schools as opportunity afford- eral good. Being a strenuous opponent of ed, remaining at the parental home until he the liquor traffic and realizing the menace had attained the age of nineteen years and of the same, he shows the courage of his would 522 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. convictions in the exercising of his right marked progress has been made and to take of franchise, and is found arrayed as a cognizance of those whose industry and stanch advocate and supporter of the princi- leadership in the work of advancement have ples of the Prohibition party. For the past rendered possible the present prosperity of twenty years he has consecutively been a the locality under consideration. Edward member of the school board of his district, Holling, of this review, is one of the strong, while he has also served as school assessor. sturdy spirits who has contributed largely to Fraternally he is a member of Gibbs Tent the material welfare of the township in No. 504, Knights of the Maccabees, and which he resides, being a farmer and stock his religious faith is that of the Methodist raiser, and as a citizen, public spirited and a Episcopal church, of which he has long been progressive in all the terms imply. For a an active and valued member. His wife was number of years he has been actively identi- equally devoted in the work of the church fied with the agricultural interests of the until she was called forward to the land of county and as an important factor in pro- the leal, having been one of those noble moting its progress along social, intellectual women whose influence was ever cast in the and moral lines, his name well deserves a right side of the balance, hers having been place in the record of its representative, self- the faith that makes faithful in all things. made men. On the 19th of April, 1872, Mr. Burk The Holling family is of English origin was united in marriage to Miss Laura J. and was first represented in the United Wolcott, who was born in Spring Arbor States by the subject's father, William township, this county, being a daughter of Holling, who came to this country about the Solomon F. and Harriet F. (Stone) Wol- year 1800, and settled at Geneva, New York. cott, who came from New York state to He was a native of Yorkshire, England, and this county in an early day and became for a number of years before leaving his na- numbered among the sterling pioneers of tive land he was employed by an English the township mentioned. More detailed ref- colonel to attend to the large number of erence is made to them in the sketch of their fine horses the latter owned. Mr. Holling son, A. S. Wolcott, appearing on other pages was an experienced horseman and his skill of this work. Mrs. Burke was summoned and efficiency in managing these animals into eternal rest on the 28th of March, caused his services to be in great demand, 1902, and is survived by two of her three especially among the wealthy classes, who children, Bertha E. and Harry C., who re- employed none but the most thorough and main at the old homestead. Elsie A. died accomplished farriers to look after their at the age of thirteen years. blooded stock. When a young man of twen- ty-five, Mr. Holling came to America and, as before stated, located in New York, where EDWARD HOLLING. he subsequently married Miss Sarah Clark, It is interesting to observe from the be- who was born in New York city and reared ginning the growth and development of a in the town of Geneva. Some years later, community, to note the lines along which about 1810, he moved to Wayne county, in a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 523 the same state, where he purchased one hun- to Dupage county, Illinois, a country at that dred and twenty-five acres of wild land, time new and sparsely settled, and for some which he cleared and otherwise improved time thereafter he assisted Mr. Granger in and on which he lived until his death, some developing the three hundred and twenty time in the early 'sixties. Mr. Holling was acres of land which that gentleman pur- a man of considerable local prominence and chased from the government. There he ex- became not only one of the leading farmers perienced the usual vicissitudes incident to of his communtiy, but also one of the rep- life in a new region, the meanwhile, by resentative, public-spirited citizens of the healthful outdoor exercise, laying the foun- county of Wayne. He possessed strong dation of the sturdy physical growth which mentality, discriminating judgment and in later years enabled him to discharge suc- wide general information and his high ideals cessfully the duties of an active career as of manhood won the universal esteem of the an agriculturist and business man. At the people with whom he mingled. Religiously age of twenty-one Mr. Holling returned to he was a Methodist, as was also his wife, his native state and during the ten years and his family of six children were reared following plied the lakes as mate on a pas- according to the rather strict precepts and senger steamer running between Lewistown practices which characterized that church in and Ogdensburg. While engaged in this an early day. The following are the names capacity he met and formed the acquaint- of the children born to William and Sarah ance of a young lady by the name of Caro- Holling: James, William, Andrew, Sarah, line A. Allen, whom he wedded on the 2nd Mary and Edward, all deceased but Mary, day of January, 1851. Mrs. Holling is the who is now a widow residing in New York, daughter of George and Pauline (Pearsall) and Edward, whose name furnishes the cap- Allen, both natives of Dutchess county, New tion of this review. These sons and daugh- York, and the father of Scotch descent. ters grew to mature years, became heads of These parents, in 1853, moved to Michigan families and achieved marked success in their and located in the town of Brooklyn (now various lines of endeavor. Wherever the Norville), near which place Mr. Allen pur- name is known it is the synonym of honor- chased land and engaged in agricultural pur- able manhood and womanhood and the in- suits. He was a careful as well as a suc- fluence of those bearing it has ever made for cessful farmer, became favorably known as correct conduct and upright citizenship. an intelligent, broad-minded citizen and his Edward Holling was born in Wayne wife was an earnest and devout member of county, New York, on the 28th day of April, the Methodist church, exercised a whole- 1823. When a mere infant he was deprived some influence in the community. His death by death of that best and most devoted of occurred on the above farm February 11, earthly friends, his mother, after which he 1892, and his wife also died there October was taken into the family of one Joseph 31, 1874, both being held in grateful re- Granger. a farmer of the above county, with membrance by the people of the locality. whom he lived until attaining his majority. The year following his marriage Mr. In 1839 he accompanied his foster parents Holling also moved to Michigan, locating 524 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. in Norvell township, Jackson county, where good judgment and understanding the value he bought a quarter section of land, only a of economy, his labors have redounded small part of which was improved. There greatly to his financial advantage, as his he labored hard to clear and develop his present independent condition proves. His farm, made many improvements in the way good wife was also reared to habits of in- of buildings, etc., and his financial success dustry and thrift and until recent years was commensurate with the industry and knew not by practical experience the mean- energy displayed in his undertaking. After ing of an inactive life. When quite young living on the above place until 1860, he sold she was taught the many homely industries it and purchased the same number of acres for which the households of long ago were in section 6, Henrietta township, the greater noted, being especially skillful with the portion wild, the only improvement being knitting needles and spinning wheels, turn- a common frame structure which in due ing her efficiency in these arts to good use time was replaced by a more comfortable in providing the family with stockings, mit- and commodious frame structure of modern tens and cloth for wearing apparel. Her design. Mr. Holling addressed himself to married life has been one of filial duty faith- the task of clearing and developing his land fully and uncomplainingly performed, hav- and his labors in this direction were finally ing been her husband's true helpmeet and rewarded, as the present finely tilled farm faithful supporter, co-operating with him and attractive home abundantly attest. His when all his efforts were being put forth to improvements are excellent and as a farmer procure a home and provide comfortably for he is familiar with all the methods and de- his children, encouraging him in his favors, tails of modern agricultural science, he ministering to him in sickness, and now in easily ranking with the successful tillers of life's decline, with a sufficiency of this the scil in the county of his adoption. In the world's goods to suply their every want, this year 1862 Mr. Holling erected a good barn, estimable couple, rich in each other's love which, with additional improvements, is and confidence and honored by a large cir- still in use, and in 1877 he rebuilt and cle of friends, are quietly passing toward greatly enlarged his residence, making it the twilight, blessed with the assurance that an attractive and fit dwelling place for a the future contains nothing they need fear. family of intelligence and culture. Nearly Mr. Holling has always been a progres- all his land is well cultivated and he is now si:e man and a believer in modern improve- the possessor of sufficient means to enable ments. To this end he has encouraged all him to spend his time in rest and content public enterprises and makes use of the same with no disquieting anxiety as to the fu- to his own great comfort and advantage. ture. His home is connected by telephone with Mr. Holling is essentially a self-made those of many of his neighbors, and being man and as such is entitled to great credit on a rural mail route, he not only talks fa- for the rich rewards which attended his ef- miliarly with people at a distance, but re- forts during the active period of his career. ceives every day at his own door letters He has worked hard, but being a man of from his friends and news of the great busy . JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 525 world at large. In religion Mr. Holling is Leslie high school, both daughters being a Methodist, having been identified with that teachers in Ingham county and being church for many years, during which his especially proficient in music. The different life has reflected the spirit of the Master. members of the family are well settled in Mrs. Holling is also an earnest, sincere life and highly esteemed in their respective Christian and, like her husband, a great communities. They reflect great credit church worker. She is interested in char- upon their parents and no doubt will ever itable and benevolent endeavors and has uphold the honor of the family name, which done much to mitigate the poverty and al- thus far has not been dimmed by the com- leviate the suffering of the deserving poor in mission of a single unworthy act. her own and other neighborhoods. Politi- cally Mr. Holling favors the Prohibition party, having always been a believer in tem- perance and an uncompromising enemy of WILLIAM D. MARTIN. the liquor traffic. His fraternal relations are represented by the Masonic and Odd For more than three score and ten years Fellows orders, in both of which he is a a citizen of Michigan, the worthy subject zealous worker, endeavoring always to ex- of this review has seen his adopted state re- emplify in his conduct the sublime precepts deemed from a wilderness to take a proud and beautiful principles upon which these position among its sister commonwealths of organizations are founded. the union. Nor has he been a mere witness The family of Mr. and Mrs. Holling of the many remarkable changes effected consists of three children, the oldest of since his arrival in 1831, but, with strong whom is Arthur, a successful farmer and arm, clear brain and laudable purpose, he stock raiser of Henrietta township; he mar- has contributed his share towards bringing ried Miss Laura Vicary, of this county, about the magnificent results that are today and with her moves in the best social everywhere apparent. William D. Martin circles of the neighborhood; Lillian, represents the best elements of a sturdy New the second in order of birth, is the England ancestry and possesses in a marked wife of Delevan Finch, who manages the degree the characteristics that for more than father's farm, her marriage being blessed two centuries have distinguished the people with two sons, Clarence and Ray; Minnie, of that historic section of the United States. the youngest of the number, married W. F. His father, John Martin, was born and Prescott, of Leslie, and is the mother of reared in New York and about the year 1816 three children, Eddie, Lyle and Gayle. married Margaret Dixon, whose antecedents Mr. Holling is a friend of education and were also among the old families of New spared neither pains nor expense in provid- | England. England. In an early day John Martin ing his children with the best advantages moved to New York, thence, in 1831, to in this direction obtainable. Arthur and Michigan, making the journey to this state Lillian secured their intellectual discipline via canal to Buffalo, from that place to De- in Albion College and Minnie attended the troit on a lake steamer and from the latter 526 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. city to Oakland county by means of a wagon Michigan. Fearless in the expression of his drawn by two horses. Entering one hun- opinions, he denounced slavery with all the dred and sixty acres of land in Troy town- ardor at his command and at times his fear- ship of the above county, he set to work to less advocacy of abolition principles aroused clear a farm, a task beset with many hard- the antagonism of the more conservative of ships as the country was new and densely his own party. He became widely known wooded, neighbors few and far between and and, as a sincere Christian, a firm and un- all but the bare necessities of life absent yielding politician and withal a kind neigh- . For some years the family lived in a small bor and excellent citizen, his name became log cabin, which served as a fairly comfort- a tower of strength in the community which able shelter and the subject remembers how he helped establish: Nine children were born at night the wolves came into the door yard to John and Margaret Martin, the oldest be- and made the surrounding woods resound ing Louisa, deceased, and the second, Ed- with their howling. Other wild animals win R., a successful farmer with a family : were plentiful and the choicest of game was of nine children, now living in Eaton coun- easily procured, as it required little skill with ty, this state. Samuel, Mariah, Elizabeth the rifle to supply the table with venison and and John are not living, the last named be- other meats which afforded a pleasing varie- ing killed in Mexico in 1881 after an event- ty to the daily bill of fare. In due time Mr. ful career as a business man and an official Martin had his land cleared and reduced to in various parts of the world. He went to cultivation and he continued to live thereon California in 1855, thence to British Co- until 1870, when he sold the place and re- lumbia, where he remained several years tired to the town of Ovid. There he spent varicusly employed, finally making his way the remainder of his days in quiet rest from to Valparaiso, Chili. From South America his many years of arduous toil, dying in he went to Texas, locating on the Rio 1887 at the ripe old age of ninety years, his Grande, where he achieved marked success companion departing this life one year later, in business, also became a prominent citi- aged eighty-eight. John Martin was a typ- zen, having been elected to several official ical pioneer of the early day and figured positions, including those of county judge quite prominently in the growth and devel- and sheriff. While serving in the latter ca- opment of Oakland county. He was a local pacity he incurred the ill will of a number minister of the Baptist church, preached for of Mexican law breakers and rough char- a number of years among the early settlers acters, who for some offence, real or fan- and was instrumental in establishing several cied, basely murdered him, as stated above. congregations which he looked after with He was a man of remarkable energy, fear- a fatherly care and which have maintained less in the discharge of his duty and as sher- an unbroken existence to the present time. iff his name became a terror to evil doers in He was also a local politician of considerable the territory over which he exercised jur- note, a supporter of the old Whig party and isdiction; he left a widow and two children. his name is inseparably connected with the Cordelia, the seventh of the family, married earliest abolition movements in the state of Joseph Barton and resides in St. Louis, JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 527 Michigan, her husband being in business in two hundred and twenty acres of land in sec- the state of Washington. Mrs. Belle Har- tion 30, of the above township, only twen- ris, a widow living in Chicago, is the young-ty-five of which were tillable, and with an est of the children. ox team, a meager outfit of household goods Recurring to the personal history of and a few rude agricultural implements, ad- William D. Martin, it is learned that he was dressed himself to the formidable undertak- born in Cayuga county, New York, Febru- | ing of reducing his land to cultivation. Af- ary I, 1824, and that when a lad of seven ter clearing and otherwise improving the years he accompanied his parents on the greater part of his farm, he bought other long journey by canal, lake and overland to land in the vicinity, increasing his holdings Oakland county, Michigan. Like the ma- by the addition of one hundred and thirty jority of boys raised on a farm, his early acres in section 19, which, with his other life was uneventful, being spent at work in place, steadily advanced in value as the the woods and fields in the summer time and country became more thickly populated. In in such indifferent subscription schools as 1864 he built a comfortable dwelling, which, the new country afforded during a few with various improvements and remodel- months of the winter seasons. His experi- | ings from time to time, is still in use and in ence while felling trees, cutting wood, pil- excellent condition, the meanwhile erecting ing logs and brush, grubbing, driving a yoke barns and outbuildings and by a series of of oxen when only ten years old, tending improvements making his place one of the the crops, harvesting the same and doing most beautiful and desirable homes in the much other hard work required on a new township, also one of the most valuable. farm, strengthened his muscles and taught Mr. Martin, on April 16, 1851, was him not only the dignity of toil, but the united in marriage with Miss Sarah Wilder, equally valuable lesson of self reliance, with- of Plymouth, this state, daughter of Joseph out which no man's life can be successful. Wilder, a native of New York, who moved Until his twenty-second year Mr. Martin to Michigan as early as 1835 and became a remained at home, assisting with the varied successful farmer and representative citizen duties of the farm, but on reaching that age of Wayne county. This union has resulted he left the parental roof to become the arch- in the birth of four children, of whom Net- itect of his own fortune, going first to Bea- tie, widow of the late J. C. Fuller, of Hen- ver Island, near Mackinaw, where he was rietta township, is the first born; she has a engaged in fishing during the seven years family of three children, and lives at Hen- following, spending his winters in the city. rietta, being an estimable lady and quite pop- At the expiration of that time he was ular in the community. Jessie, the second crowded off the island by a party of Mor- of the family, died in 1893 and Charles in mons who took possession in 1848, after 1896; the latter was for a number of years which he came to Jackson county, Michi- a farmer and stock raiser of Henrietta, also gan, his arrival in Henrietta township, a married man and the father of two off- a where he decided to locate, dating from No-spring. Joseph, born in 1859, is a cultured vember of 1852. Mr. Martin purchased musician of wide reputation, being one of 528 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. the most accomplished violinists in the city agement of which sound judgment and wise of New Orleans, where he is now engaged foresight are displayed. He has achieved with a large opera company. In addition to enviable repute as a raiser of fine live stock, the above, Mr. and Mrs. Martin raised from to which he feeds the greater part of his infancy two adopted daughters whom they grain crops, selling every year quite a num- cared for with the love and interest bestowed ber of cattle, sheep, horses and hogs, from upon their own offspring. These children which he realizes a liberal income. Person- grew to young womanhood with their foster ally Mr. Martin is highly respected, the es- parents and are now married and doing teem in which he is held showing him the well, Josephine, the older, being the wife of possessor of those admirable qualities that Bert Early, of Deroit, while Bessie is now win the confidence of a community. Primar- Mrs. J. Maine, with her home at Henri- | ily interested in his own affairs, he does not etta Corners. neglect the duties which every good citizen In the year of 1896 Mr. Martin suffered owes the public, consequently his life has the keenest sorrow and greatest bereavement been along the broader way leading to the of his life in the death of his faithful and greatest good to the greatest number. His loving companion and helpmeet. As a moth- political views are in accord with the Re- er Mrs. Martin was the embodiment of kind- publican party and while earnest in uphold- ness and devotion, having lived for her fam- ing his principles and active in his efforts to ily and made numerous sacrifices for those promote the success of his ticket, he is not dependent upon her. As a neighbor she was a partisan nor has he ever been a candidate the soul of goodness and helpfulness and as for office. The term self-made man has a sincere Christian she exercised an influ- been won by Mr. Martin and he is eminently ence in the community that made smooth entitled to the honor of wearing it. His the rough places in the pathway of many rise in the world from a place of obscurity on life's journey. She was a member of the to a commanding position among his fellow Episcopal church, the beautiful teachings of men in due to his own efforts, and he can which found eloquent expression as she point to every dollar of the ample fortune daily attended to her domestic duties or in his possession with the consciousness that went in and out among her neighbors and it has been fairly and honorably earned. For friends. a man of nearly four score years, Mr. Mar- At the present time Mr. Martin does not tin is remarkably strong physically and his labor as in former years, having by indus- mental powers are almost as keen and alert try and successful management placed him- as in the years of his prime. He has lived self in a pecuniary situation which renders well, never having undermined his health further strenuous effort unnecessary. His by intemperance or any kind of excess nor business and financial dealings have resulted sapped the strength of his manhood by in- greatly to his advantage and he is now dulgence in vicious habits or hurtful prac- blessed with a competence for his declining tices. His has been a clean as well as a long a years, notwithstanding which he still gives and useful life, and its history contains few personal attention to the farm, in the man- blemished pages. It may be read with profit PJ. DEWEY. q MRS. P. J. DEWEY AND DAUGHTER. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 529 by the young man with name and destiny contributed in a material way to the sturdy yet to achieve and should abound in many march of progress. valuable lessons to those of advanced years James A. Dewey, who was at the time and enlarged experience whose conduct has of his death one of the leading farmers of not always coincides with the high stand- Spring Arbor township, was a native of the ard of rectitude and manly deportment. He old Empire state, from which the early is a typical gentleman of the old school, an pioneer element in Jackson county was honored representative of a class whose largely recruited, and he was born in ranks are being rapidly depleted, but his Steuben county, New York, on the 21st of strong character has been so deeply stamped January, 1824, being a son of Timothy and upon the minds and hearts of his fellows Sallie (Flint) Dewey, both of whom were that his name is destined to live long after likewise born in that state, being represent- his body passes to the silence of dreamless atives of families founded in America with- rest whither the friends of his childhood and in the colonial epoch. In 1836 they emi- the companions of his youth and early man- grated to Michigan, and here Mr. Dewey hood have preceded him. entered claim to a tract of government land in Spring Arbor township, the same being unreclaimed from the primal forest, while it is now represented in the valuable farm JAMES A. DEWEY. estate owned by his son, Erwin H. Dewey. Timothy Dewey attained notable longevity, A brief memoir is now entered of one having been one hundred years and fifty of the sterling pioneer citizens of Jackson days of age at the time of his demise. He . county, where practically his entire life was developed his farm and became a man of passed and where he ever commanded un- influence in the community, being endowed equivocal confidence and esteem, the name with superior mentality and marked busi- which he bore having been identified in a ness acumen. His wife passed away at the prominent way with the annals of the coun- age of seventy-nine years and one month, ty ever since the early days when the work while of their thirteen children five are liv- ' of reclaiming the sylvan wilds of this sec- ing at the time of this writing. Both tion of the state was inaugurated, while in parents were devout members of the Meth- fact the family residence in the county odist Episcopal church and their home was dates back to the period prior to the ad- a place of entertainment for the circuit- mission of Michigan to the sisterhood of riders and itinerant clergy in the pioneer The lives and labors of the repre- days. Mr. Dewey held various official sentatives of this worthy family have been positions in the church and having been such as to confer honor and dignity upon very active in the work as long as his the civic history of Jackson county, and in physical condition rendered it possible, his the various generations they have taken a retirement from such devoted service prominent part in the industrial and pro- coming only when the infirmities of very ductive activities of the section and have advanced age rendered him ineligible for states. 34 530 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. the duties which he has so long and so ably On the 24th of October, 1849, James performed. In politics he was a stanch ad- A. Dewey was united in marriage to Miss vocate of the principles of the Democratic Amanda Gary, who was born in the state party. His death occurred June 23, 1899. of Vermont, coming of stanch old New and his name will be long remembered and England stock and being a daughter of honored as one of the noble pioneers and John and Sallie (Rice) Gary, who were patriarchal citizens of Jackson county. likewise natives of the old Green Mountain James A. Dewey, the subject of this state, whence they came to Michigan in the memoir, was about twelve years of age at pioneer days. They located in Hillsdale | the time of the family removal to Jackson county, where Mr. Gary was engaged in county, and his rudimentary educational farming until his death, in 1880, at the discipline had been received in his native venerable age of eighty-four years, his wife county in the state of New York, while having passed away in 1876, at the age later he attended the primitive log-cabin of seventy-five years. Amanda (Gary) school in Jackson county and completed his Dewey was born on the 15th of October, training by a course of study in the Albion 1830, and she died on the old homestead, Seminary, in the city of Albion, which was in Spring Arbor township, in 1896, at the then a mere village. He contributed his age of sixty-six years, while her husband, quota to the work of reclaiming and de- the subject of this memorial tribute, sur- veloping the homestead farm, his father vived her about three years, being sum- having been the owner of three hundred moned into eternal rest on the 23d of June, acres of land, so that there was abundant 1899, at the age of seventy-five years. scope for the labor of each of the sons. They became the parents of three sons, He continued to be consecutively engaged namely: The eldest, who was born in in agricultural pursuits throughout life, and 1851, died in 1857. Phineas J., who was at the time of his demise his homestead farm born on the 3d of January, 1854, was edu- comprised seventy-two acres, while he cated in the public schools of Jackson coun- gained prestige as one of the able and pro- ty and was reared under the sturdy disci- gressive farmers of the county and attained pline of the old homestead farm, while he a full measure of success through his well has never faltered in his allegiance to the directed efforts. He was a man of strong great basic art of agriculture, being now individuality and sterling rectitude of one of the representative farmers and character and thus naturally wielded a benef- honored citizens of his native township, icent influence in the community, being where he owns one hundred and seven public-spirited and ever true to the duties acres of land, which is maintained under a of citizenship, while in politics he clung high state of cultivation. The permanent to the faith in which he was reared, render- | improvements on the place are of the best ing a stanch allegiance to the Democratic order, the farm being located in section 30, party. He and his wife were prominent Spring Arbor township, and being devoted and valued members of the Methodist to diversified agriculture and to the raising Episcopal church in Concord. of high-grade live stock. He is a stanch ad- a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 531 er. vocate of the principles of the Republican in that state is traceable to the colonial peri- party, though he has never sought official od. His grandfather, Abraham Boyce, was . preferment, and he takes a deep interest in a Revolutionary soldier and for over thirty- all that concerns the progress and well being two years served as sheriff of Washington of the county in which his life has been county. Charles Boyce, son of Abraham, was passed. Fraternally he is identified with born in the county of Washington and when Concord Lodge No. 30, Free and Accepted a a young man followed agricultural pur- Masons. On the 5th of January, 1875, Mr. suits, later becoming a carpenter and build- Dewey led to the hymeneal altar Miss Julia He married Miss Betsey Miller, whose F. Wolcott, a daughter of Solomon F. Wol- father, Moses Miller, was also a hero of the cott, who is a prominent farmer of Spring war for independence and a representative Arbor township and a son of the late Solo- of one of the old and most highly respected mon Wolcott, who was one of the early and families of the above county. Charles Boyce honored pioneers of the county. Mr. and farmed in his native state until 1838, when Mrs. Dewey have had no children, but they he moved west, making the first part of the have reared an adopted daughter, Nellie A. journey by water to Toledo, Ohio, thence Dewey. Wilbur J. Dewey, the youngest of by team through a wild country to Adrian, the three sons of the subject, was born on Michigan, where he stopped one winter and the old homestead, on the ioth of March, taught school. For his services he received 1856, received a common-school education, forty dollars per month, a very liberal com- and is now a successful farmer and stock pensation for that time, but he earned his grower of Spring Arbor township, where wages, as he had eighty-five pupils in he is the owner of sixty-nine acres, in sec- charge, many of them almost grown and tion 30. He is a Democrat in his political difficult to manage. In the spring of 1839 proclivities and his religious faith is that Mr. Boyce proceeded by wagon to Jackson of the Methodist Episcopal church. In county, where he decided to locate, and 1882 he was married to Luva Wells, of shortly after his arrival he exchanged his Jonesville, Hillsdale county, and they have team and wagon for eighty acres of land in three children, Kittie M., Harry M. and section 5, now Blackman township. This James P. land was wild and remote from settlements and for some time after the family took pos- session neighbors were few and far between. CARMI E. BOYCE. The first dwelling was a little frame build- ing, sixteen by twenty-four feet in dimen- The subject of this sketch springs from sions, one story high and of the simplest good old Revolutionary stock and is en- style of architecture. During the two years titled to worthy mention as a brave soldier, he lived on this place and for some time aft- successful farmer and progressive citizen. erwards Mr. Boyce devoted the greater part Carmi E. Boyce is a native of Genesee coun- of his attention to carpentry and achieved ty, New York, and a descendant of an old quite a reputation as a skilled workman. and prominent family, the history of which He was employed as foreman on the Jack- 532 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. son prison and when the building was com- in marriage with Miss Mary L. Lewis, a na- pleted, in 1841, moved his family to the town tive of Jackson county and daughter of and accepted the position of guard under Samuel F. and Susanna (Valentine) Lewis, P. Ward Titus, the regularly appointed jailor. both of whom came to Jackson county in After serving in that capacity four years, he an early day, the latter as early as 1829 and resigned the place and, purchasing eighty the former in 1835, from their native state acres of land in section 16, Blackman town- of New York. Mr. Lewis was an early set- ship, again turned his attention to agricult- tler of Sandstone township, where he lived •ural pursuits, which he followed there until for some time, then changed his abode to the 1846. Charles Boyce was a man of excel- township of Springport, thence in 1840 lent parts, honest, industrious and enterpris- moved to the township of Blackman, where ing, and he succeeded well both as a farmer he purchased one hundred and forty acres and mechanic. In politics he was a pro- of wild land, from which he in due time de- nounced Democrat, in religion a Methodist veloped a fine farm. After his death, which and he ever manifested a lively interest in occurred on the 13th of March, 1852, Mrs. the public welfare and moral advancement Lewis became the wife of George Giles, a of the different places of his residence. He native of England, who departed this life lived an active and useful life, the end of February 1, 1900, she preceding him to the which came in 1856, his wife dying in the grave, dying June 16, 1897. To Mr. and city of Jackson about the year 1880. Charles Mrs. Lewis were born three children, viz: and Betsey Boyce were the parents of chil- Mrs. Mary L. Boyce, who was born July 9, dren as follows: Abraham, deceased; Mary | 1840; Marvin S., born January 7, 1846, married John Currier and died April 5, died September 14, of the same year, and I90O; Charles P. died on the home farm in Dr. Joseph M., late physician and surgeon the fall of 1860; Carmi E., of this review; of Jackson, born November 30, 1847, died Elizabeth, widow of the late Charles Brun- March 31, 1883. son, of Jackson; William, a resident of After his marriage Mr. Boyce engaged Canon City, Colorado, and Henry, who de- in the pursuit of agriculture about two miles parted this life some years ago in the state north of the county seat, where he spent one of Missouri. year, at the expiration of which time he re- Carmi E. Boyce was born November 14, sponded to the call for volunteers to put 1836, and when about two years old was down the Rebellion, enlisting August 12, brought by his parents to Jackson county, 1862, in Company G, Seventeenth Michi- Michigan, with the history of which part of gan Infantry, under Capt. John Goldsmith. the state his life has since been closely iden- Shortly after entering the service Mr. Boyce tified. In the public schools he received a accompanied his command to Detroit, thence fair intellectual discipline and until the age to Camp Wilcox and from that point the of twenty-four remained with his parents, regiment, with others, proceeded to the assisting to run the farm and contributing front, receiving on September 17, 1862, its his share to the support of the family. On first baptism of fire in the battle of South the 3d day of October, 1860, he was united Mountain. This proved the subject's only en- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 533 a gagement, as he received a severe and pain- his political views he is a Democrat, but not ful wound in the hip from a fragment of a partisan nor has he ever had any aspira- a shell, which incapacitated him for further tions for office or desire for leadership. He service. After the battle he was removed to is a member of Fairchild Post, Grand Army Alexandria, Virginia, for hospital treatment of the Republic, at Grass Lake and in mat- and when sufficiently recovered he was sent ters religious subscribes to the Methodist home, receiving an honorable discharge in creed, he and his wife being earnest and con- December of the above year. His injury sistent Christians, who exemplify their faith proved a very serious one and for over four by their daily walk and conversation. Mr. years caused him an immense amount of suf- Boyce possesses in a marked degree those fering, during the greater part of which he estimable qualities which render a man pop- was closely confined to his home. ular as a neighbor and citizen and no man in In 1863 Mr. Boyce moved to Rives his community enjoys a larger share of pub- township and after spending about two lic confidence. His integrity has never been years there, recovering from his wound, questioned, his private character is stainless changed his residence to the city of Jackson, and wherever known his name has all the where he took up the carpenter's trade. To weight and sanctity of a written obligation. that calling he devoted about three and a half In the material advancement of the commu- years, with fair financial results, at the end nity he has long been an influential agent, of which time he bought of his brother-in- i believing in progress and improvement and law, Dr. Joseph M. Lewis, a farm of one using all means at his command to promote hundred and twenty acres, in Blackman and encourage worthy enterprises. township, to which he moved and has made The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Boyce this his home ever since. Mr. Boyce's pres- has been blessed with three children, name- ent farm of one hundred and ten acres is one ly: Charles E., born November 3, 1863, died of the most desirable places in Blackman at the age of eighteen; Homer M., born township, being well situated for agriculture April 26, 1867, married Miss Emma King, and stock raising and exceedingly attractive and is now in the United States mail sery- as a home. The improvements are first ice in the city of Jackson; Arden G., born class and up to date, the fields bear every ev- May 20, 1869, is an employe on the Michi- idence of successful tillage, and the premises gan Central Railroad; he married Miss Stel- as a whole bespeak the presence of a modern la Brewer, of this county, and is the father husbandman of broad progressive ideas. of two sons, Merle A. and Lawrence C. Until 1900 Mr. Boyce farmed his own land, besides renting other ground in the neigh- borhood, but since that time he has been liv- SALMON Z. CRAWFORD. ing a life of honorable retirement, having by industry, thrift and successful manage- The career of the lamented subject of ment accumulated a sufficiency of this this review was very closely identified with world's goods to keep him in independent the growth and development of Blackman circumstances the remainder of his days. In | township, and a history of this part of Jack- a 534 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. son county would be incomplete without due ferent times was honored with public posi- reference to his life and achievements. His tion, although never an aspirant for office. recent death removed one of the few links In politics he was a Republican and as such connecting the present with a time long past, wielded a strong influence for his party, con- and as one of the representatives of the pio- tributing much to its success in local affairs. neer period it is peculiarly appropriate that He was a man of well defined purposes, and he be referred to as one of the influential in a business way was successful, having factors in the onward march of progress provided comfortably for his family and at that made our present advanced state of civ- his death left a large estate to his children. ilization possible. Mr. Crawford was a na- He died June 24, 1876, in the city of Jack- tive of Steuben county, New York, and the son, having moved there several years pre- son of Zebah and Asenath (Crouch) Craw- viously, and is remembered as one of the ford, both parents born and reared in the strong, virile pioneers of a period which de- Empire state. In the fall of 1837 Zebah veloped and tested the very best elements of Crawford disposed of his interests in New manhood. Mrs. Crawford bore her hus- York and with his family moved to Jackson band seven children and survived him sev- county, Michigan, settling on a tract of wild eral years. The following are the names of land in Sandstone township, which he had the sons and daughters of this excellent previously purchased. Until moving to this couple: Minerva J., wife of David Lane; place he had not seen his land and a more Electa Ann married Chester Taylor, but dreary prospect than the new home in the both are deceased; Mary Elizabeth, widow wilderness presented on the family's arrival of the late Manly B. Richardson, the latter would be difficult to imagine. There were a native of Chautauqua county, New York; then no roads through this part of the coun- Mr. Richardson came to Jackson county try and in order to reach his destination with his parents when a mere lad, grew up Mr. Crawford was obliged to cut a way and married here and subsequently moved through the woods in places, a task of no lit- to San Francisco, California, where, for a tle trouble and labor. He first erected a period of twenty-five years, he followed con- small cabin for the reception of his family, tracting and building, dying in that city Au- after which he addressed himself manfully gust 9, 1900. Mrs. Richardson afterwards to clearing the forests, which in due time returned to Jackson county and at the pres- gradually fell before the sturdy strokes of ent time makes her home with Mrs. Cath- Mr. Crawford's original purchase erine Crawford. The fourth in order of consisted of one hundred and sixty acres birth was Salmon Z., whose name intro- of land, the greater part of which he re- duces this review, after whom comes Nich- duced to cultivation and in the course of a olas, a farmer and stock raiser of Sandstone few years he became not only one of the township; Marcus, the youngest of the fam- successful farmers of his township, but also | ily, also resides in Sandstone township, and held high rank as an enterprising and pro- Caroline Adelia, the next to the youngest gressive citizen. For many years he was of the family, is the wife of Mason Rich- quite prominent in local affairs and at dif- mond, and lives in Clinton, Michigan. his ax. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 535 Salmon Z. Crawford was born in the years of his activity. In addition to agri- town of Cohocton, Steuben county, New cultural pursuits he devoted considerable at- York, October 26, 1834. When about two tention to raising live stock, and he also years old he was brought to Jackson county, dealt quite extensively in cattle, buying and , Michigan, and here he grew to maturity, shipping to the leading markets of the coun- the meanwhile becoming familiar with the try, in this way realizing a large part of his varied duties of farm life. He early learned income. to appreciate the honor and dignity of hon- Though primarily interested in his own est toil and, as his father's able assistant, affairs, Mr. Crawford was not unmindful helped run the home place until old enough of the duties he owed the public. He en- to begin life for himself, receiving a fair couraged all enterprises having for their educational training in the common schools object the material advancement of his which he attended of winter seasons from township and county, took an active part in youth to young manhood. On February politics and was an earnest advocate and 27, 1856, Mr. Crawford was united in mar- liberal patron of all movements for the so- riage to Miss Catherine Jackson, a native cial and moral improvement of the com- of New York, born in Erie county, May 21, munity. He supported the Republican par- 1839. After Mr. Crawford's marriage, he ty, but never had any political aspirations, began farming for himself in Blackman having always been a great lover of home, township, purchasing eighty acres in section with domestic ties paramount to every other ig, on which little improvement worthy of interest. In his relations with his fellow note had previously been made. Like the men he was the soul of honor and fair majority of young men just starting in life, dealing, scorning whatever was narrow or he began under rather modest circumstances, low and upholding what he considered the his first dwelling being a small log cabin, right under all circumstances, regardless , which, though humble, answered all the pur- of consequences. He possessed the happy poses of home until something better could facility of winning and retaining warm per- be procured. After living on this place for sonal friendships, his popularity extended to some years, Mr. Crawford sold it and pur- the limits of his acquaintance, and it is not chased the present farm, which by a series putting it too strongly to state that few of improvements soon became one of the men of his township were as widely known most attractive and desirable homes in the or as highly esteemed. Mr. Crawford lived township of Blackman. He subsequently a successful life and at its close left his added to his possessions until his real strong individuality deeply impressed upon estate amounted to four hundred and five the community for the material advance- acres, the greater part of which he cleared ment of which he labored so long and so and otherwise improved. As a farmer he As a farmer he earnestly. He filled out the measure of stood in the front rank and he also enjoyed his days a well developed man of resource- worthy prestige as a careful and systematic ful character, with integrity above reproach, business man, as is attested by the comfort- and a name the synonym of all that is honor- able fortune he accumulated during the able and upright in citizenship. His ideals 536 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. were high and by strenuous effort he en- miles north of the county seat, where he deavored to realize the same in his own per- spent the remainder of his days. Mr. Jack- sonality and conduct. The death of this was twice married, the first time to good man and estimable citizen occurred on Miss Anna Mead, by whom he had four the 17th day of March, 1900. children, viz: Mrs. Catherine Crawford; Since her husband's death, Mrs. Craw- Robert Robert J., of San Francisco, of San Francisco, California ; ford has resided on the home farm, in the Eunice A., who married Charles Allen, after management of which she displays business whose death she became the wife of Theo- ability of high order. She is a lady of much dore Bercaw, and Elizabeth, who has also more than ordinary mental endowments and had two husbands, N. G. Davis and W. W. intellectual culture and is noted for her Skinner. Some time after the death of the beautiful moral character, her kindness of mother of these children, Mr. Jackson en- heart endearing her to a large and apprecia- tered the marriage relation with Alma Fer- tive circle of friends. As a member of the guson, who bore him two daughters and Methodist Episcopal church, she has been one son, the oldest being Ellen, now Mrs. quite active in religious work and her influ- Ira Champlin, of this county; Emeline, the ence has always been on the right side of second daughter, married Oscar Frain, and every moral issue, general or local. the son, H. D., who lives in the city of The family of Mr. and Mrs. Crawford Jackson, married Nellie Dizendorf, and they consists of two sons, the older of whom is have one child, Claud. Wayne, a traveling salesman, representing a wholesale house in the city of Jackson. He married Miss Minnie B. Raymond and GEORGE W. ACKLEY. is the father of two children, Beatrice Viv- ian and Harry Lotz. The second son, Burr The Hebrew command, “Honor thy fa- J., a farmer and stock raiser of Blackman ther and thy mother," must certainly have township, is also a married man, his wife been well obeyed by the subject of this bi- having formerly been Miss Pearl Baringer, ography, George W. Ackley, and his worthy and they have one child, Dorothy Catherine, wife, Almira (Yale) Ackley, of Pulaski , born February 24, 1903. township, Jackson county. He is at pres- Mrs. Crawford's parents, R. D. and ent in his eighty-fourth year, while she is Anna (Mead) Jackson, were natives of Erie only a few years younger. They have been county, New York, where for a number of married fifty-seven years, and if longevity is vears the father was engaged in mercantile the reward of honor bestowed upon parents, pursuits. They moved to Jackson county, their progenitors were certainly unusually Michigan, in 1852, settling on one hundred honored. and sixty acres of land in Blackman town- George W. Ackley is a native of New ship, which in due season Mr. Jackson con- York, having been born in Seneca county, verted from a wilderness into a productive November 11, 1819. In his native county farm. After some years he purchased a he grew to manhood, receiving a fair com- home on the old Clinton road, about three mon school education and in early life se- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 537 a lecting agriculture as his vocation. In 1846 Pulaski township, Jackson county, Decem- he was united in marriage to Miss Almira ber 5, 1858. There he was reared and edu- Yale, a native of Seneca county and a de- cated, acquiring a very thorough knowledge scendant of Governor Yale, of Connecti- of all of the common school branches. He cut, one of the early patrons of Yale Col- was discreet and sensible and early made up lege, New Haven, and the man after whom his mind that his father's calling was good the college was named. For a number of enough for him. He took it up with a zeal years after his marriage Mr. Ackley prose- and energy that bespoke success from the cuted his labors on the farm and so success- beginning, with the result that there are fully that he amassed enough means to jus- few farmers of the township any more com- tify him in coming west and investing in fortably situated, financially and otherwise, some of the fertile acres of Jackson county, than he is. Michigan. It was during the early 'fifties November 10, 1880, Newton J. Ackley that he arrived in Jackson county and he was united in marriage to Miss Amy I. immediately invested in one hundred and Wiggins, a native of Michigan, born in sixty acres of good land in Pulaski town- Jackson county on the 24th day of Janu- ship, a part of section 21. Here he and his ary, 1856. Her parents are Alexander N. wife have resided for upwards of half a cent- and Amelia (Harris) Wiggins, who were ury, prosecuting their farm work until the among the very early settlers of Pulaski weight of years admonished them to desist. township. For eleven years Mr. and Mrs. From their very modest beginning they have Ackley have lived most happily together, one added to their earthly stores, year after daughter, whom they named Pearl, being year, until at the present time they are very born to them, and who is now a teacher in comfortably situated financially and can well the public schools of Pulaski township. afford to accord to themselves that quiet Mrs. Ackley died April 1, 1901, universally peace and comfort which should be the in- loved and respected throughout the section variable reward of a well spent life. of the county in which she had lived all her Eight children, of whom six are yet liv- life. Mr. Ackley takes little part in poli- ing, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ackley, viz: tics, professes no religion and belongs to but Mary C., deceased; Cordelia M., wife of one fraternal society, that of the Maccabees, James A. Taylor, of Colorado; Underhill J., holding membership in Tent No. 820 at Pu- of Antrim county, Michigan; Philander G., laski. Officially Mr. Ackley was township of Litchfield, Michigan; Hiram C., de- clerk eleven years, supervisor for eight years, ceased ; Newton J., a brief account of whose and served as chairman of the board of su- career is given below: Clara A., widow of pervisors for two years. A. S. Drake, of Ortonville, Minnesota ; Jen- nie, wife of Schuyler Whittaker, of Litch- GEORGE W. SINCLAIR. field, Michigan. Newton J. Ackley, the youngest son of The early settlers of the western part George W. and Almira (Yale) Ackley, is a of Jackson county, whose descendants com- native of Michigan, having been born in prise the greater part of the present popula- 5 38 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. years of tion of that region, were mostly natives of ress of the battle, the shot cutting his body New York. The subject of this biography, in twain. George W. Sinclair, of Sandstone township, John D. Sinclair, though more than fifty is himself a native of the Wolverine state, age at the breaking out of the war but his progenitors for many generations of the Rebellion, in 1861, enlisted in Com- were natives of New York. His father was pany E, Fourteenth Regiment Michigan the first of the family to come to Michigan, Volunteer Infantry, and after his first term he, with his family, locating in Clinton of enlistment expired, re-enlisted in the county in 1848. The various members of Tenth Regiment Michigan Volunteer Cav- the household changed from one location alry. He served until the close of the war, to another a number of times, and in 1880 when the regiment was discharged in the George W., the subject, came to Jackson summer of 1865. During all of the time of county, and has remained a resident of the his service he was with his command, partic- county from that time until the present. ipated in many battles, was never captured In Clinton county, Michigan, on July 4, and escaped without a wound. He died in 1851, George W. Sinclair was born, his par- Shiawassee county, Michigan, in 1877, while ents being John D. and Mary (Helmer) his faithful wife survived him twenty years, Sinclair, the father a native of the city of being called to her reward in 1897. "She was New York and his wife of Kingston, Cana- a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal da. They first met in the Dominion and church and died in the faith and fellowship their marriage took place in Holderman of that religion. They were the parents of county. Both were past the meridian of eight children, five of whom are still living, life when, in 1848, they came to Michigan viz: George W., the subject proper ; Mary and located in Clinton county. The pater- is the wife of Ira W. Kellogg, a mechanic nal grandfather of the subject was John D. residing at Bancroft, Michigan, and they , Sinclair, of Scotch ancestry and parentage, are the parents of four children; Sarah, and the last years of his life were spent at who is the widow of Washington Taylor, a the Sinclair home in Clinton county, where soldier during the war of the Rebellion, is he died in the eighty-fifth year of his age, the mother of three children; Clark, a physi- while his wife preceded him into eternity cian and surgeon, who graduated at the Oak- some years previous while residing in Can- land Medical College and is now practicing ada. The subject's maternal grandfather his profession at Bridgeport, California, was Adam Helmer, who had sailed the great married Caroline Calkins and they have two lakes a number of years during the early children; Charles, who is a farmer and the part of the last century, traded with the In- father of six children, is a resident of the far dians and at the breaking out of the second west. war with England enlisted in the United The education of George W. Sinclair, States navy, was with Perry in the historic necessarily rather meager, was secured in his battle of Lake Erie and met his death by a native state. From boyhood he had been chain shot from the enemy during the prog- accustomed to the labor of the farm and on JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 539 leaving school readily turned his attention to 32, Sandstone township. To this he betook agricultural pursuits. Later he engaged in himself and family and from that time to the livery business, in which he continued the present day they have resided there, be- until 1880, when he entered the employ of ing engaged in farming, stock raising and the Michigan Central Railway Company and dairying. In politics he is a Republican, was devoted to the interests of that corpora- but never was an aspirant for office, the only tion for nineteen years. He began as brake- official position he ever filled being as a mem- man and was conductor for seventeen years, ber of the school board. He is a man of being a practical railroad man from start to much public enterprise, and, although now finish. well along in life, his counsel, advice and March 22, 1873, George W. Sinclair was zeal in forwarding any movement for the united in marriage to Miss Charlotte Glover, public good will prove very beneficial to that a native of Ontario, Canada, born Septem- section of the county in which he has lo- ber 3, 1856. Her parents were Francis and cated. Fraternally he and his wife are mem- Eliza (Whittaker) Glover, natives of Can- bers of Eastern Star Chapter, No. 270, at ada and New York, respectively, who came Parma, and Mr. Sinclair is a member of to Michigan in 1863 and located in Middle- Lodge No. 183, Free and Accepted Masons. bury township, Shiawassee county, where they resided until their deaths, which oc- curred many years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Sin- clair are the parents of one son, Gates M., GEORGE D. EGGLESTON. born December 17, 1875. He was reared and educated in Jackson county and soon The climate, soil and general conditions after attaining his majority went to Colon, prevalent in southern and central Michigan St. Joseph county, and married Miss Blanche are well adapted to the purpose of dairying. Sharer, and they are the parents of one son. Jackson county is especially favored in this They reside at present in the city of Jackson line, although heretofore it has not com- where he is in the employ of the Michigan manded the attention it deserved. Those Central Railway Company. who engaged in the industry, even on a While engaged in railroad work George small scale, found it quite remunerative and W. Sinclair dealt considerably in land, most soon perceived that it was to their interest of his holdings in this line proving quite to go into it much more extensively. One profitable. At one time he was the owner of of those who have fully satisfied themselves one or two farms, holding them, however, that it is a line that is both pleasant and only long enough to enable him to turn them profitable is George D. Eggleston, of Sand- at a reasonable advance in price. When he stone township, the subject of this biog- severed his connection with the railroad, he raphy. He is a farmer and the owner of a was the owner of a nice farm of one hundred nice tract of land near the village of Parma, and twenty acres in Spring Arbor township, which is cultivated in the highest style and productive and well improved, but he finally the stock which he rears on the farm is al- located on a seventy-six-acre tract in section ways of the very best. For several years 540 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a past he has been specially interested in dairy- farmer, and at the time of his death, besides ing. He is a stockholder in the Parma But- being possessed of considerable personal ter Company, having been treasurer the property, he was the owner of two hundred first year of its organization, and is at pres- and forty acres of land, all of it fertile and ent its secretary and treasurer. The Parma much of it under cultivation. In politics he Butter Company's creamery is one of the was a Republican, with very pronounced best in the state of Michigan. prohibition proclivities. He was a member George D. Eggleston is a native of of the Methodist Episcopal church, as is Michigan, having been born in Litchfield, his good wife, who is still living at the home Hillsdale county, June 3, 1864, the son of in Concord, aged sixty-eight years. They James L. and Nancy M. (Spaulding) Eg- were the parents of five children, all of whom gleston. Both parents were natives of the are living state of New York and came to Michigan George D. Eggleston was reared to the with their parents in early childhood. The age of twelve years in Mason, Ingham paternal grandparents of George D. Eggles-county. He attended the public schools, was ton were Harvey and Polly (White) Eggles- ambitious, diligent in his studies and had ton, natives of the state of New York, the made such advancement that when the fam- former of whom died in Hillsdale county in ily moved to Sandstone township, Jackson 1871. The maternal grandparents of the county, he had little difficulty in completing subject were Truman and Almeda Spauld- the regular course at the Parma high school. ing, who were also natives of the state of For some time after leaving school he was New York, where the greater part of their undecided as to the calling to which he would lives were spent. They moved to Calhoun devote his life, though meanwhile he had county, Michigan, where they resided a passed the examination, was regularly li- number of years and where both died, her censed to teach and followed the vocation death occurring in 1874, his in 1876. for some time. James C. Eggleston was only eighteen July 13, 1890, George D. Eggleston was months old when, about 1832, his parents united in marriage to Miss Edith E. Lan- bought him to Michigan. They located in don, a native of Parma township, where she Litchfield, Hillsdale county, where Harvey was born January 1, 1864, the daughter of Eggleston engaged in the Indian trade. Ezekial and Cordelia (Ludlow) Landon, na- James L. was educated and grew to man- tives of New York, who came to Michigan hood in Litchfield. He married, established in early day. Mrs. Eggleston is a woman for himself and family a home there and of much refinement, good education and made it his residence until 1866, when he many accomplishments. She graduated at moved to Mason, Ingham county, where he the Conservatory of Music, Albion College, lived for the next ten years. In 1876 he and also took a course in art at that institu- moved to Concord, Jackson county, and tion. The union has proven a happy and there died, August 4, 1897. His life had congenial one and their home has been been an active one, marred by more pros- blessed by the birth of two intelligent and perity than usually falls to the lot of a handsome daughters, Jean M. and Olive, of JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 541 whom the eldest is attending the Parma high secured passage across the Atlantic and with- school and winning the good opinion of her in a few weeks found himself sheltered by teachers by the rapid advancement she is the stars and stripes instead of the union making jack. He located in Vermont, secured em- The farm owned by the Egglestons and ployment and was not there long until he upon which they reside, comprising one hun- fell a victim to the charms of a comely Yan- dred and twenty-three acres, has been their kee girl, Miss Eliza Meaker, whom he later property since 1890, soon after their mar- married and who still later became the riage. A smooth, rich, well-watered tract of mother of John Frazier, the subject of this land, it is splendidly adapted to the purpose article. for which it is chiefly used, that of farming. Soon after their marriage they moved to In connection with the management of his Genesee county, New York, and in 1847 farm, Mr. Eggleston is the business manager they came to Michigan and located in Jack- of the Parma Butter Company and the suc- son county. Here the husband and father cess of that enterprising concern is largely devoted himself to the labors of the farm, due to the vigilance and prudence of his in which calling he prospered most gratify- management. The pastoral life that he is ingly. At the breaking out of the Civil war leading is most agreeable to his tastes and he found it impossible to suppress the mar- his nature and this, coupled with the happi- tial spirit in his composition. Finding that ness and contentment of his home life, ren- his old friend, Hon. Charles V. DeLand, ders existence for him truly delightful. In was engaged in raising a regiment for ser- politics he is a Republican. vice, he was one of the first to become en- rolled as a volunteer. The regiment was designated the First Michigan Regiment Sharpshooters, of which Mr. DeLand be- JOHN FRAZIER. came the colonel. It was equipped, drilled and soon forwarded to the front, where it John Frazier is a native of the state of did valiant service for the Union cause. Mr. New York, born in Genesee county, January | Frazier, however, only remained with it one 7. 1836, the son of Alexander and Eliza year, as he was stricken with typhoid fever , (Meaker) Frazier, his father a native of and died within a short time. That he was, Scotland and his mother of Vermont. Alex- as a soldier, all that he should be was fully ander Frazier was reared to maturity in his attested by all of his comrades. Colonel De- native land and in early manhood became a Land always spoke of him in the highest soldier in the British army. Long before terms of praise as a man and a soldier. He his term of enlistment expired he became was the father of eight children, four of very weary of his scarlet-coated uniform and whom are still living. During the first years the dull monotony of the kind of military of his life in America, John Frazier was a life he was obliged to lead. The more he Whig, but on the organization of the Re- considered it, the more burdensome it be- publican party he readily espoused its cause. came, and finally, an opportunity offering, he He was an ardent supporter of Lincoln and 542 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. was warmly attached to the new and aggres- principles of each of the great parties which sive political organization. cominend themselves to him, but, from his Only nine years of age when he came observation and experience, he has decided with his parents to Michigan, John Frazier that far more depends on the man than on devoted the next ten years of his life to ac- the platform. It has often been demon- quiring an education and assisting in the strated that party pledges have never yet work of the farm. After finishing the been fabricated out of indestructible ma- course in the common schools, he attended terial and sensible people know that more re- for some time the Jackson Union school and liance can always be placed upon the word became proficient in all the common-school and work of a truly honest man than upon branches. Never having been afflicted with the most sacred pledge of the best political egotism, he estimated his abilities less highly party that was ever organized. Hence the than did most of his friends and was quite man and not the party should be the first content to take up agriculture as his life consideration of the voter. That the sub- work, in which he has met with merited suc- ject is a man of much originality of thought cess. He is the owner of a desirable, highly is clearly evidenced by the position he takes improved and well cultivated farm of seven- in politics. ty acres in Sandstone township, upon which he resides in a comfortable home, neatly JACK. HARRINGTON, furnished and supplied with all the requisite conveniences of modern farm life. The two most strongly marked char- On the 31st day of December, 1867, John acteristics of both the east and the west Frazier was united in marriage to Miss are combined in the residents of the sec- Susanna Raymond, a native of Jackson tion of country which this volume treats. county, born September 27, 1846. Her par- The enthusiastic enterprise which overlaps ents are William and Olive (Stevens) Ray- all obstacles and makes possible almost mond, natives of New York, who came to any undertaking in the comparatively Michigan in an early day. They located in and vigorous western states is Jackson county on land part of which now here tempered by the stable and more constitutes the farm where the subject and conservative policy that have in- his family resides. To Mr. and Mrs. Fra- herited through the strain of eastern blood zier four children have been born, viz: in our veins, and the combination is one of , Alida L. is the wife of William Thorn, of peculiar force and power. It has been the Hanover township, and they are the parents means of placing this section of the coun- of one son, Burr; Lucy is the wife of Clyde try on a par with the older east, at the same Milligan, of Sandstone township, and they time producing a reliability and certainty are the parents of one daughter, Nora, and in business affairs which is frequently lack- an infant son; George, deceased; Homer re- ing in the west. This happy combination of sides with his parents. characteristics is possessed by the subject In politics John Frazier is strictly inde- of this brief review, Jack Harrington, of pendent. There are many features in the Henrietta township, Jackson county. new we JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 543 some use. Jack Harrington is a native of Michi- in building a kiln and putting the stone to gan, born in Summit township, Jackson The quality of lime turned out county, January 15, 1844. His parents were by him was so good that his neighbors, who Stephen and Lovina (McCain) Harrington. were building, took it off his hands as fast In another part of this volume, under the as it was burned and it was not long until heading of Volney M. Harrington, will be he was the owner of quite an amount of real found a complete review of the family his- estate in the locality. He and his wife are tory of Jack and Volney Harrington, who both members of the Episcopal church. were children of the same family, sons of It was at Puddleford, in Jackson county, the above named parents. On the farm in that the subject and his bride first established Summit township whereon he was born, the themselves at housekeeping, but they re- early life of Jack Harrington was employed. mained there only about three months, when He drove the patient ox and ministered to they moved to the old home place in Hen- his wants when a boy of ten years, and as rietta township. The first seven years of he grew older his duties on the farm became their married life their home was within the more arduous. He was little more than a walls and beneath the clapboard roof of a boy when he was required to make a full log cabin, and each admits they were by no hand in the harvest field, binding grain and means years of unhappiness. Year by year, swinging a cradle. When seventeen years as his financial condition permitted and the of age, in 1861, he and his brother Volney occasion required, Mr. Harrington has undertook the management of the old home added to the improvement of his farm. In place, one hundred and eighty-seven acres, 1880 the barn was remodeled, enlarged and and so well did they operate it for a series of a large stone basement was put under it. years that they were able to increase its In 1883 a splendid residence was erected size until it comprised five hundred and on the place, which has been richly fur- twenty-seven acres. nished and lately supplied with telephone December 14, 1876, Jack Harrington and rural free delivery. In 1898 Mr. Har- was united in marriage to Miss Emily R. rington built two more barns on the place Ridge, a native of Jackson county, born and made many other improvements on the February 4, 1856, a daughter of Robert and buildings upon the premises. There are few , Mary (Reed) Ridge. He was a native of farms in the county that are better supplied England who at the age of fourteen years with all necessary buildings than is the Har- had come to the United States and located | rington place. The cultivated land on the in New York, where he grew to manhood premises comprises one hundred and sixty and was married. In 1840 he moved to acres. Mixed farming is the kind of agri- Michigan, bringing with him his family, culture engaged in by Mr. Harrington, and located in Henrietta township, where while most of the crops raised on the place he purchased a tract of land upon which are fed to his live stock. While not engag- some clearing had been done. A splendid ing very extensively in raising horses, he quality of limestone underlaid a part of the generally has a few nice drivers, which are place purchased by him, and he was not long for sale. His hogs are a cross between the . 544 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. The en- some one me- Poland China and the Victor, which he con- Reed sold it to Robert Ridge, father of siders better than the pure bred of either Mrs. Harrington. The date of the trans- species. His cattle are Durhams and he al- fer to Mr. Ridge is June 4, 1852. Comfort- ways has a herd of good size, in which may ably situated in life, possessed of abundance be found many valuable animals. But it is to supply every want, though long past the to his sheep that he devotes special atten- meridian of life, the subject of this biogra- tion. His flock is seldom less than two hun- phy and his worthy wife may pass their de- dred pure bred, registered Merinos. One clining years in ease and comfort, blessings ram, Goldfinder, which was raised and reg- they have won by their devotion to duty in istered in Pennsylvania and which is now their younger days. owned by the subject, took first premium in 1902, at the state fairs of Michigan, Ohio, Virginia, Missouri and Illinois. tire flock is eligible to registration. One SAMUEL H. HUNSICKER. ram has sheared thirty-six and one-half pounds and another thirty-six pounds. One Knowledge of the right kind is always of them weighs two hundred and fifteen useful and profitable. Every boy, from the pounds and is very generally conceded to son of the President to the son of the hod- be the best ram in the state. carrier, should be required by law to Mr. and Mrs. Harrington are regular learn of the useful attendants upon the services of the Epis- chanical arts. Many a man who is now copal church, of which the latter is a mem- either the recipient of charity or ber. Both are members of Chapter No. 157, burden to his friends and relatives might Eastern Star, and he belongs to Lodge No. not only be self supporting, but be a useful 185, Free and Accepted Masons, both so- citizen, had he been compelled in early life cieties being at Henrietta. In politics he is to learn a trade. Conditions are so un- a Democrat and, although he has never certain that the millionaire of toauy may be sought public place, he has served a number the pauper of tomorrow, and many a man of terms as deputy sheriff, one term as town- has been able to shake his fist in the face of ship treasurer and has been constable a num- misfortune and defy it, because he was a ber of years. Mrs. Harrington is the owner skilled mechanic. The subject of this biog- in her own right of one hundred and sixty- raphy, Samuel H. Hunsicker, of Sprin eight acres of land in Henrietta township, Arbor township, realized in early life th given to her by her father, who was the advantage of being a skilled mechanic. H third person from the government in whom became a carpenter and builder and ha the title rested. The old patent from the never seen a time when he was not able to government to Thomas Tanner, dated April secure remunerative employment. IO, 1837, and signed by Martin Van Buren, Samuel H. Hunsicker is a native o President of the United States, is now in Ohio, having been born in Seneca county possession of Mrs. Harrington. Mr. Tan- | January 7, 1843, the son of Jonathan an ner deeded the land to Prescott Reed and Catharine (Snyder) Hunsicker. Th: a SAMUEL HUNSICKER GROUP. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 545 vance. father was a native of New York and the the political issues of the times, though he mother of Pennsylvania, though they met never sought or held any public position. and were married in Ohio. They came to The immediate subject of this review, Jackson county, Michigan, in 1852, and lo- Samuel H. Hunsicker, was reared in the cated in Grass Lake township, where they place of his birth, Seneca county, Ohio, un- purchased a farm. They improved and til he was nine years of age. He was in his cultivated their land, established a comfort- tenth year when the family moved to Jack- able home thereon and for thirteen years it son county and here upon his father's farm was the family residence. The years from he grew to manhood. To the public schools 1852 to 1865 were not particularly noted of Grass Lake township he is under obliga- for prosperity. Of course considerable tion for his education. It was by no means money was realized from farm products be- all that he desired, but was as good as is cause of the high prices prevalent during usually afforded in the common schools. the years of the Civil war, but few were After leaving school he applied himself to greatly benefited by this, as expenses did the calling of a carpenter and builder and not suffer receipts to remain greatly in ad- soon mastered the art to the satisfaction of The panic of 1857 is also included all who gave him employment. This call- between the years specified. Nevertheless, ing he followed for twenty years, during during each and all these years, the Hun- which time he built many of the substantial sicker family prospered and added yearly to structures of the county. With the money their possessions in Jackson county. In he was enabled to save from his earnings March, 1865, they moved to Spring Arbor he purchased land in Spring Arbor town- township, where they had purchased an- ship, on which he established his home, and other farm, which they improved and many years ago, when he gave up his busi- greatly enhanced in value. They resided ness of mechanic, he turned his entire at- there until their deaths, Mrs. Hunsicker ex- tention to the cultivation of his land. The piring March 4, 1887, while her husband's family owns three hundred and twenty death occurred December 17, 1898. They of the fertile acres of Jackson county, most were the parents of six children, only two of it well improved and under cultivation. of whom are living. During the years of July 13, 1887, Mr. Hunsicker was his activity, Jonathan Hunsicker was one united in marriage to Miss Martha French, of the most successful farmers of the coun- a native of Jackson county, born July 3, ty, and at the time of his death he was 1845, the daughter of John and Almira possessed two hundred acres of fertile, (Spratt) French. Her father was a native well improved land, besides considerable of Ontario county, New York, and her personal property. One tract of one hun- mother was born in Hampton, Saratoga dred and sixty acres was located in Leoni county, New York. They located in Jack- township and the other, of forty acres, in son county in 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Hun- Spring Arbor township. In politics he sicker are the parents of one child, a daugh- was a Republican and well informed on all ter, Clara, who was born May 31, 1888, 35 546 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. and is in the ninth and tenth grades in signed by President Andrew Jackson. This school. In politics Mr. Hunsicker is a old instrument, time stained and bearing the Democrat, but never aspired to or held any date of 1835, is still in possession of the sub- public office. His wife is a member of the ject, by whom it is highly prized as a relic of Free Methodist church at Spring Arbor. the early days. As soon as he could arrange The family is popular throughout the his affairs Mr. Hankerd moved to his new section of the county in which they reside home in the woods, meanwhile having taken and well respected by all their neighbors. to himself a wife in the person of Miss Mar- garet Jones, who was also a native of the Emerald Isle, their marriage occurring in Washtenaw county. In common with other HON. PATRICK HANKERD. pioneers of Michigan, the lot of the family during the first few years in the wilderness One of the most conspicuous figures in was beset with many vicissitudes and not a the history of Jackson county is the success- few hardships. The first dwelling was a ful farmer, prominent politician and repre-round-log cabin with a large fire place and a sentative citizen whose name introduces this stick-and-clay chimney, the few articles of article. Few men in this section of the state rude hand-made furniture being in keeping are as well known and certainly none stand with the building, yet within this humble higher in public esteem than he. During the domicile reigned a spirit of content which in many years that have elapsed since his lo- the main made the early experience not al- cation here he has had deeply at heart the together disagreeable. Mr. Hankerd well-being and improvement of the county, worked hard while clearing his land, broke using his influence whenever possible for the the ground with a yoke of oxen, and in lieu promotion of enterprises calculated to be of of a wagon used a two-wheeled cart for such lasting benefit to his fellow men, besides tak- | hauling as he had to do. He made a good ing a leading part in all movements for the farm and lived on the same until 1850, in advancement of the community along social, February of which year he disposed of his intellectual and moral lines. interests in Washtenaw and moved to the Michael Hankerd, the subject's father, county of Jackson, investing his means in was a native of Ireland, born in the year eighty acres of partially improved land in 1812, and in 1832 became a resident of the section 17, Henrietta township. He im- United States. After remaining a couple of proved the latter place and added to its area years in New York he came to Michigan and from time to time until his real estate for some time thereafter was engaged on the amounted to three hundred and twenty-five construction of the section of the Michigan acres, the greater part of which he cleared Central Railroad between Detroit and Chel- and reduced to cultivation, becoming one of sea, subsequently severing his connection the leading farmers and representative citi- with the company and purchasing sixty acres zens of his county. Among his improve- of government land in Washtenaw county, ments was a large brick residence, erected in in due time receiving a patent for the same 1857, the second building of its kind in the JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 547 a township, in addition to which he made painstaking student. Meanwhile of summer other substantial improvements, thus adding seasons he assisted with the farm work, materially to the value and attractiveness of growing to mature years with a due appre- his place. Mr. Hankerd was a man of gen- ciation of the dignity of labor and contribut- erous impulses, kindly and hospitable, and his ing his full share to the support of the fam- door was always open to the passer-by de- ily. At the age of ten he plowed with an siring entertainment. He possessed the ox team and long before reaching the years faculty of winning and retaining warm per- of manhood he was able to make a full hand sonal friendships and his popularity was only at all kinds of farm labor. . While thus limited by the bounds beyond which he was working, young Hankerd did not neglect his unknown. In politics he was a representa- mental training, but spent all his leisure in tive Democrat of the old school and in relig- reading and study, so that in due time he ion a Catholic, himself and wife having been was the possessor of a fund of valuable born and reared in that faith, and they al- knowledge that made him one of the most ways remained loyal to the mother church. widely informed young men in the commun- Michael Hankerd died in 1861, deeply la- ity. mented by his many neighbors and friends, At the age of twenty-three Mr. Hankerd his widow surviving him until the year 1886, entered upon the career of teaching and dur- when she too was called to the other life. | ing the ensuing seven years spent the winter They reared a family of four children, the season in educational work, earning an hon- oldest being William, who married Eliza- orable reputation as an efficient and popular beth McMahan, since deceased, and is now instructor. At the expiration of that time he in business in the city of Chicago. Owen, a was elected township clerk and one year farmer of Henrietta township, married later, in 1870, was honored with the office Sarah Maloney and is the father of six chil- of supervisor, the duties of which he dis- dren, three sons and three daughters; Pat- charged in an able and satisfactory manner rick, the subject of this sketch, is the third during the sixteen years following. Mean- in order of birth, the youngest being a while he devoted the greater part of his at- daughter by the name of Mary, who married tention to agricultural pursuits, which he Robert Haley, a union blessed with one decided to make his life work, and this he child; Mrs. Haley died some years ago. has since followed with a large measure of Patrick Hankerd was born March 21, success, being at this time one of the largest 1845, in Dexter township, Washtenaw coun- and most enterprising farmers and stock ty, Michigan, and there spent the years of raisers in the township of Henrietta. While . his childhood and youth pretty much as do still a mere lad Mr. Hankerd became inter- the majority of lads reared in close touch ested in political subjects and spared no with nature on the farm. After attending pains. to keep himself well posted on the the country schools until completing the pre- | leading questions and issues of the day. As scribed course, he entered the Jackson high he grew older he entered the arena of prac- school, where he pursued his studies for a tical politics and it was not long until he be- short time with a creditable record as a close, came a leader of the local Democracy and an a 548 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. able and discreet adviser in the councils of his congressional contest brought Mr. Hankerd party throughout the county. The people to the favorable notice of party leaders were not slow in recognizing his abilities, as throughout the state and since that time he is attested by his nomination in 1877 for the has been as widely and favorably known as state legislature, to which position he was any other Democrat in Michigan, still retain- elected that year after a spirited contest, de- ing all of his former prestige in Jackson feating a strong and popular competitor. county, but refusing longer to be an aspirant Mr. Hankerd's career in the general assem- for oflicial honors. His services are much bly fully justified his constituency in the in demand in campaign times and his in- wisdom of their choice, as he became one of fluence is always eagerly sought by the can- the most active and valuable members of the didates for nomination of his own party, as body. He not only served on a number of he has long been a power in convention as important committees, where his services well as in general political work. were greatly appreciated, but took an active Mr. Hankerd was married, October 7, part in the general discussions on the floor of 1872, to Miss Sarah Ann Birney, daughter the house, proving an able debater and win- of James and Bridget Birney, early settlers ning recognition as a leader of the Demo- and prominent residents of Bunker Hill, Ing- cratic side. So satisfactory was his course ham county. Mr. Birney was a successful that he was re-elected in 1883 and again in farmer and for many years a leading Demo- 1885, his long period of service continually cratic politician of the above county, also an adding to his reputation as an able and judi- office holder. He and his wife died some cious lawmaker. During his incumbency years ago, leaving a family of four children, he introduced a number of important bills two sons and two daughters, namely: Mrs. that became laws, assisted in bringing about Jane Cavanaugh, James, Mrs. Sarah Han- other legislation beneficial to the state kerd and Timothy, all but James living, and at the expiration of his last term he re- Eight children have blessed the marriage of tired from the office with the good will of Mr. and Mrs. Hankerd, to-wit: Mary, a his constituency irrespective of party or po- member of the Catholic sisterhood in the litical ties. convent of St. Joseph, Kalamazoo; Jane, a Mr. Hankerd's creditable record as a leg- teacher in the public schools of Jackson islator and party worker made him the logi- county, still at home; Agnes died at the age cal candidate for congress in the third dis- of thirteen while attending school in the city trict, although from the beginning he enter- of Monroe; Charles is a member of the home tained but slight hope, if any, of election, the circle; Ellen is also at home and one of the district being Republican by an overwhelm- county's successful teachers; Vincent is at- ing majority. He entered the contest deter- tending college in Detroit ; Loretto is a stu- mined if possible to reduce the strength of dent of St. John's school, Jackson, and Ber- the opposition, which he did after an able nadette is pursuing her studies in the public and gallant struggle, but the majority being schools of Henrietta township. Mr. and too formidable to be overcome he went down Mrs. Hankerd are proud of their children in the general defeat of the above year. His and have every reason to be so. They are JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 549 all exceptionally intelligent, with characters gatherings. The average attendance as above reproach, and thus far their lives have these popular assemblages will reach as high been a credit to the good name for which the as twenty-five thousand people and every family has always been distinguished. The governor of the state since the picnics were oldest daughter is a graduate of a first-class inaugurated has been present at least once educational institution, possesses fine literary during his administration and addressed the abilities, and is especially proficient in music vast crowds here congregated. Appreciat- and art. Jane and Ellen, also graduates, are ing the great value of a popular resort, where young ladies of refinement and varied cul- tired people may rest for awhile and recuper- ture, successful teachers and popular in so- ate their worn-out energies and jaded minds, cial circles wherever known. The younger Mr. Hankerd has spent a great deal of members of the family are prosecuting their money beautifying the grounds and adding studies under favorable auspices and for each to their attractiveness. To accommodate a bright and promising future seems as- transient visitors, he put up a fine hotel and sured. supplied it with all modern conveniences and Reference has already been made to Mr. for those who desire to remain longer or Hankerd's standing and success as an agri- spend the entire heated term in this most de- culturist and it only remains to speak briefly lightful spot,fifty cottages have been erected, of a few other facts connected with his ca- all of which are readily rented every season. reer. He has long enjoyed distinctive prece- In addition to these he has added a number dence as a stock raiser, which branch of of features for the amusement and recreation farming he has followed with most encour- of visitors, including a full line of boats, also aging financial results, realizing handsome a coasting apparatus known as “shooting the returns each year from his Durham cattle, chutes," besides many other attractions and blooded horses, fine-wooled sheep and supe- diversions which add greatly to the popu- rior breed of hogs, all of which command the larity of the place. As now arranged, six highest market prices. He pays especial at- hundred people can be accommodated at one tention to the breeding and proper care of time without any material discomfort and his live stock, and the income derived there- frequently there are many in excess of that from has added greatly to the ample fortune number present, the transients alone often now in his possession. numbering a thousand or more. Mr. Hank- Mr. Hankerd's home is admirably situ- erd has displayed a commendable public a ated, bordering on the eastern shore of Pleas- spirit in providing such a pleasant means of ant Lake, one of the finest and most attac- diversion for the people and they in turn tive bodies of water in the central part of the fully appreciate the enterprise and render This lake has long been a favorite him due credit for his efforts in their behalf. pleasure resort during the summer seasons Exercising a close personal supervision over and ever since 1880 the farmers of Jackson the grounds, he sees that nothing objection- and adjacent counties have held their annual able is permitted to interfere with legitimate picnics on beautiful grounds set apart by pleasure, everything being conducted on a Mr. Hankerd for these and other public | moral plane to which the most exacting can state. 550 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. find no objection. He is the life as well as Hankerd also subscribes to the Catholic the controlling spirit of these gatherings, creed, having been born and reared within looks carefully after the comfort of every- the pale of the church and proving himself body and makes the humble as well as the under all circumstances a true and loyal son wealthy and socially prominent individual of the same. His influence has always been feel free and perfectly at ease. Such a man on the right side of every great moral issue, as he is a valuable addition to any community and he ever tries to realize his highest ideals and that he is recognized and appreciated in of manhood and citizenship in his own life his own is abundantly attested by the high and conduct. He stands today among the esteem and universal regard in which he is foremost of his compeers, having so im- held by his fellow citizens, not only in his pressed his individuality upon the public immediate neighborhood but throughout mind as to win the distinction of being one every part of Jackson county. of the notable men of his day and generation Mr. Hankerd is a representative Amer- in Jackson county: ican, of the most intelligent and enterprising class, a man of the people who maintains a lively interest in whatever tends to benefit J. STEWART PEEK. the public, materially, morally, intellectually or along any other line of activity. Of It is generally conceded that the proper strong mentality and vigorous physique, he and natural sphere of woman is in the home, is a natural leader, notwithstanding which as mistress of the household. While she his modesty is becoming and he makes no generally acquits herself of the duties de- ostentatious display of his ability. He dis- volving upon her in that position in a man- plays excellent judgment and keen fore- ner that wins admiration, when compelled, thought and never engages in an undertak- through bereavement or misfortune, to un- ing without carefully considering the conse- dertake duties outside of her natural sphere quences, but once inaugurated he seldom and to adapt herself to new conditions, it is hesitates until carrying it to successful con- then that approbation is heightened almost clusion. Mrs. Hankerd is a fit companion to the adoration. The subject of this biog- for such an enterprising and energetic hus- raphy, J. Stewart Peek, in his lifetime was band, co-operating with him in all of his en- an honored resident of Henrietta township, deavors and contributing not a little to the Jackson county. At the time of his death success which has characterized his career. he had been married a little more than ten She is a lady of exceptional mental capacity, years and when the grave closed upon his re- cultured and refined, and enjoys worthy mains a widow and a little son were left to prestige in the best social circles of her own mourn his loss. Farming had been his occu- and other communities. A Catholic in re- pation, and when he was gone his widow ligion, she is active in all lines of church took up the work where he laid it down and work, being also free with her charities, in ever since has not only cared for her house- both of which respects she has endeared her- hold but managed the affairs of the farm self to those with whom she associates. Mr. most successfully, mastering all of the de- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 550 tails of the various business transactions re- has a neat and commodious residence, it be- lating thereto and disclosing a tact and sa- ing called “Grove Vale," after Mrs. Wing's gacity of which few even of her nearest ancestral home in England. The family of friends supposed she possessed. each had located in Michigan at a very early J. Stewart Peek was born at Vail Mills, period and it was in this state that they were Fulton county, New York, August 15, married. About the time of his marriage 18:19. There he secured a good common- George V. Wing assumed charge of the fa- school education and grew to manhood. His ther's estate in Blackman township, erected parents were James and Isabel (Stewart) a house upon it and devoted himself assidu- Peek, both natives of New York. His ously to the clearing and cultivation of the mother was of Scotch ancestry, the progeni- land. There the family still resides, being tor of the family in America having settled recognized as among the best and most in the Empire state many generations ago. worthy of the township. One child was born The father was by occupation a blacksmith, to Mr. and Mrs. Peek: Archibald H., an in- which calling he followed many years in his tellectual, manly little fellow now in his sixth native state. The family moved to Michigan year, being born July 13, 1897. He has when the subject was a young man and in been attending school since he was four years 1883 they located on a farm in Henrietta of age. township, which remained the family home In 1890, being the same year in which until the death of the parents. his marriage occurred, J. Stewart Peek pur- March 18, 1890, J. Stewart Peek was chased ninety acres of land in Henrietta united in marriage to Miss Nellie Wing, a township adjoining his father's homestead native of Blackman township, Jackson coun- of one hundred and ten acres. He not only ty, born October 21, 1864, the daughter of managed his own place, but also saw to the George V. and Mary (Gildart) (Gildart) Wing cultivation of the homestead and at the death George V. Wing was born in Maine, March of his father he took entire charge of both 25. 1833, and came to Blackman township, farms. Under his care and supervision , Jackson county, when he was but five years they were very successfully and profitably old. Mrs. Wing is a native of England, managed for a number of years. born October 3, 1840. Mr. Wing was edu- June 3, 1901, J. Stewart Peek departed cated in the public schools and has always this life, being at the time in the fifty-second followed the pursuit of agriculture. He is a year of his age. His funeral took place Democrat and filled a number of township under the auspices of the Masonic fraternity, offices. Mrs. Wing has resided on one farm of which he was a prominent and honored in Blackman township for sixty years. They member. He had been master of his lodge are the parents of three children, namely: and had also been its secretary a number Nellie is the wife of the subject; Mariette is of years. He and his wife were both mem- at home with her parents; Nelmon, who re- bers of the Eastern Star, Pleasant Lake siles in Grass Lake, is a telephone-line con- Chapter No. 157, while Mr. Peek was also structor and owns several lines in the county. a member of Tent No. 926, Knights of the Mr. Wing, who is a successful fruit grower, Maccabees, and Mrs. Peek of Hive No. 872, 552 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Ladies of the Maccabees. In politics Mr. the last ten years he, together with his wife, who survives him, had resided on the place in Henrietta Peek was a Republican and, although never township known as the Southwell farm. Mr. Peek aspiring to the title of politician, what work had long been one of the best citizens of Rives and he did in a political line was very success- was well known for his strong convictions, good ful. He served as a member of the county sense and excellent judgment. He had always been a strong, vigorous man, and the decline which ended board of supervisors, the only man of his in his death came suddenly and was of short dura- political faith ever elected to that position tion. from Henrietta township. He was a man of Isabell Peek died at the home of her son, J. the strictest integrity, blessed with splendid Stewart Peek, of Henrietta, May 21, 1900, aged sev- discernment and sagacity and prudence that enty-five years and twenty-three days. Isabell Stew- often caused his friends and acquaintances art was born at Vails Mills, Fulton co:ity, New to seek his counsel and advice. Since his York, April 28, 1825. She was of Scotch descent, her father, James Stewart, coming with his parents death his worthy widow has taken upon her- to America in 1801. Her mother, Margaret Mac- self all the cares and responsibilities inci- Farlan, was born at Vails Mills, of Scotch parents. dent to the management of the large, well- Mrs. Peek was united in marriage with James Peek, stocked farm. of Vails Mills, January 6, 1846. They came with At first it seemed a task for their two children, J. Steu art Peek and Archiba'd which she was illy fitted, her entire business J. Peek, to Michigan and settled in Rives township experience having been confined to five years March 18, 1867. March 18, 1882, they moved to which she spent in the school room as a Henrietta, where she resided up to the time of her death; both sons survive her. Her funeral was held teacher, but, like many another brave wo- at the home of J. Stewart Peck and was largely at- man obliged to face a trying situation, she tended by sorrowing friends and neighbors. She was buried in Oakland cemetery at Jackson. grandly rose to the occasion, and those who know best assert that there are few farms in the county more capably managed than that which is now under the control of Mrs. JOHN E. BROWN. Nellie Peek. The following obituary notices relative In section 31, Concord Concord township, is to the parents of the subject will undoubt- found the fine homestead farm of Mr. edly prove of interest to the readers : Brown, who is one of the prominent and successful agriculturists of Jackson coun- James Peek, father of Sheriff A. J. Peek and ty, where he has passed his entire life and T. Stewart Peek, of Roots, died at his home in where he has attained prosperity through Rives, at the age of seventy-one. Deceased was born in Fulton county, New York, in 1825. He his energetic and well directed efforts, be- learned the trade of blacksmith, which he followed ing thus especially entitled to consideration many years. He was married in New York and in a compilation of this nature. both sons have their birthplace there. In 1862 he Mr. Brown was born on a farm in Con- enlisted in the Eighth New York Cavalry and served three years in the war of the Rebellion. In 1868 he cord township, this county, on the 3d of moved with his family to Jackson county, Michigan, March, 1863, being a son of Aetna and and has been a resident since. Although he has de- Phoebe (Pheasler) Brown, both of whom voted most of his time to farming, the trade of the were natives of the state of New York, smith has been followed, and he at one time was proprietor of a blacksmith shop in this city. For whence they came to Michigan in the com- J. E. BROWN RESIDENCE. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 553 paratively pioneer epoch and took up their make for definite success and prosperity. abode in Jackson county. The father of He has grown up in the county and is a the subject cleared several farms, and be- young man who has ever commanded uni- came the owner of one hundred acres in form confidence and esteem, so that none section 6, Pulaski township, and another can but view with pleasure the rewards place of twenty acres in the same township. which have attended his endeavors. . Mr. He was an industrious, hard-working man Brown is a stalwart Republican in his po- and was successful in his endeavors. He litical allegiance and fraternally he is identi- and his wife were consistent members of fied with the Concord Camp, Modern the Methodist Episcopal church, while he Woodmen of America, while Mrs. Brown was a Republican in his political proclivities. belongs to the Royal Neighbors. Of their seven children five are living at On the 9th of December, 1883, Mr. the time of this writing, while by a previous Brown was united in marriage to Miss marriage to Miss Eunice Fezeler, Mr. Mertie Davis, who was born in Tuscola Brown had one daughter, who is still living county, Michigan, being a daughter of . a Mr. Brown died August 15, 1889, at the age David Davis, who was one of the prominent of seventy-one years, and Mrs. Brown No- | farmers of this locality for many years and vember 17, 1886, at the age of fifty-five who is now living retired in the city of years. Albion. He was born in New Jersey, and John E. Brown was reared to the sturdy his wife, whose maiden name was Mary discipline of the homestead farm and dur- Goodwin, is a daughter of Warren Good- ing all the succeeding years of his life he win, who was a native of Vermont and an has not wavered in his allegiance to the early settler in Jackson county. Mr. and great basic art of agriculture. To the pub- Mrs. Brown have two children, Hazel M. lic schools he is indebted for the early edu- and Ruby L. cational privileges that were afforded him, and he duly availed himself of the same, while he has effectually broadened his GEORGE W. WELSH. knowledge through active association with men and affairs in practical business life. Comparatively few of the present resi- He has become the owner of a fine farm of dents of the state of Michigan resided in the two hundred and fifteen acres in Concord territory seventy-five years ago. . The township and also owns twenty-three acres county of Jackson has a large number of in Pulaski township, the two tracts being patriarchal pioneers, but not many of them contiguous. He has made excellent im- who can trace their residence in the com- provements of a permanent nature, having monwealth into the dim past as far as can a commodious and comfortable residence the subject of this biography, George W. and other good farm buildings, while he Welsh, a retired farmer and stock raiser devotes his attention to diversified agri- who, now in the seventy-ninth year of his culture with the discrimination, energy and age, is enjoying life in his comfortabe home watchfulness which inevitably in the village of Parma, his hours of re- constant 554 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. tirement being rendered pleasant and agree- owner of a a valuable three-hundred-acre able by the companionship of the faithful farm in Spring Arbor, well stocked with and devoted wife of his youth who has jour- horses, cattle and sheep, together with the neyed life's pathway with him for upwards necessary equipment of farm machinery for of half a century. His parents brought him conducting the affairs of the place in accord- to Michigan in 1825, when he was only ance with the most approved modern ideas. one year old, and here he has resided from January 1, 1849, George W. Welsh was that time to the present, seventy-eight years. united in marriage to Miss Prudence E. George W. Welsh is a native of New Jones, a native of Oakland county, Michi- York, born near Royalton, Niagara county, gan, born in the township of Lyon, May 9, October 3, 1824. His parents were James 1833. Her parents were Thomas and Mary and Keziah (Barrett) Welsh, natives of A. (Bird) Jones, natives of New York, who New York, who removed with their family were among the early pioneers of Oakland to Michigan in 1825 and located in Wash- county, but both of whom are now dead, tenaw county, where they resided ten years. having passed to their eternal reward many In 1835 they moved to Grass Lake, Jackson years ago. To their union seven children county, where they resided until 1843, when were born, four of whom, James M., Will- they moved to Oakland county. In 1849 iam K., George W. and Ardelia, have joined they returned to Jackson county, and estab- their parents in the world beyond. Athelia lished their home in Spring Arbor township, is the wife of Thomas Powers and they are where both died, the wife surviving her hus- the parents of four children, Welsh, Nellie, band a number of years. They were the Murray and Bessie. Caroline is the wife of parents of eleven children, the subject of this Samuel Barsdale and two children have been review being the youngest of the family. born to them, Ethel E. and Jessie Fern. At The father followed farming all his life. the time of her marriage to her present hus- In politics he was a Whig and in religion band, Mrs. Barsdale was the widow of Ed- both he and his wife were members of the ward Hume and the mother of two children, Presbyterian church. Edward and Edna. Bessie Adelle is the wife From early youth George W. Welsh has of Edward Emerson, of Cleveland, Ohio. been devoted to agricultural pursuits. He Her first husband was Fayette Gillett, by received a good common school education, whom she became the mother of three chil- being diligent and methodical in his pur- dren, Fayette, George and Prudence. The suit of knowledge. The years of his early two former are married and have families manhood were characterized by industry of their own. George Gillett is the father and thrift and his early accumulations of of Alpha, Hilda and Helen. The children means enabled him to take advantage of of Fayette Gillett are Ronald and Howard. many opportunities for gain denied to others The oldest son born to Mr. and Mrs. George less provident. Year by year he accumu- W. Welsh, James M., grew to manhood, lated property, real and personal, until at married Eliza Clark and at the time of his the present time he finds his financial condi- death was the father of one child, Maudie tion all that could be desired. He is the Welsh, who is still living. The subject and JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 555 his wife have three children, twelve grand-resented in Jackson county since the early children and five great-grandchildren, but of 'thirties, when his grandfather, Andrew them all no son or grandson has been spared Fuller, a native of New York, come to to them to perpetuate the name. this part of Michigan and took up land in In the spring of 1902 Mr. and Mrs. what is now the township of Sandstone. Welsh moved to a comfortable home in the Joseph C. Fuller, a son of Andrew, was village of Parma, where they have since re- born in Sandstone township July 19, 1849, sided and where they propose spending the and until the age of sixteen remained with years that remain to them in the great en- his parents assisting with the work of the joyment of that peace and comfort which farm and at intervals attending the public the labors of a long and busy life have schools. Before reaching the age of seven- earned for them. Mr. Welsh has always teen he began earning his own living and taken a deep and active interest in politics, when a youth of about nineteen took the conscientiously feeling that to be remiss in road as salesman for a wholesale house, in this is to be negligent of a most important which capacity he soon demonstrated sound duty. He is a Republican and has been since judgment and business abilities of a high the organization of that party. During the order. When a young man he married fifty-three years that he has resided in Jack- in Jackson county Miss Nettie Martin and son county, no election has escaped without for five years thereafter the two traveled witnessing a ballot dropped in the box from together, selling goods over a large part of him. Office holding, however, was never to Michigan and other states and meeting with his taste, one term as justice of the peace encouraging success in the undertaking. constituting his entire experience as a public For about one year Mr. Fuller retired from official. the road and lived in Jackson, but at the ex- piration of that time went to North Dakota where he bought a large farm and engaged JOHN FULLER. in agricultural pursuits and stock raising. Disposing of his interests in the west at the Prominent among the enterprising busi- end of eight years, he returned to Jackson ness men and representative citizens of and a little later again engaged with a whole- Jackson county is the rising young mer- sale house, leaving his wife in that city while chant whose name heads this brief tribute to he represented his firm on the road. Joseph his worth. Measured by age alone, his life C. Fuller was an accomplished business has been comparatively brief, but consid- man and in time became one of the best ered in the light of experience and the influ- known and most popular traveling salesmen ence he has exerted in the community, his in the Northwest. He enjoyed the confi- career has been much longer than many dence of his employes and patrons, built up whose natal days antedate his own by as an extensive trade wherever he was sent and many more years as there are in his his- | in his home city stood high in public es- tory. John Fuller, of Henrietta, is the scion teem, winning the confidence of all with of an old pioneer family that has been rep- whom he had business or social relations. 556 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. . men. The soul of honor in his dealings, his char- suits, which decision he has since carried acter was unassailable and his integrity out with most gratifying results. In the above reproach. He was an active worker year 1897 young Fuller entered into a co- in the Republican party, but never had any partnership with George Brotherton in gen- political aspirations and for a number of eral merchandising at Henrietta, but one years was prominently identified with the year later purchased his associate's interest Masonic, Odd Fellows and Pythian fraterni- in the store and became sole proprietor. ties. At the time of his death he was trav- Subsequently the firm of Fuller & Coulston eling in the interest of the Fuller Buggy was formed, but, like the former partner- Company of Jackson and he stood at the ship, this was not of long duration, lasting head of that concern's list of efficient sales- only one year, at the end of which time Mr. He departed this life May 10, 1895, Fuller again became head of the concern and in the city of Jackson, leaving to mourn his as such continued until buying the Cowing loss a widow and three children, viz: John, Brothers' store in 1902, when his sisters whose name introduces this review ; Bertha, were admitted to the firm. Since October the subject's partner and assistant in the of the above year the business, under the firm mercantile business, and Eula, a student of name of J. M. Fuller & Company, has stead- the schools of Monroe, Michigan. Mr. ily grown in magnitude and importance un- Fuller took great pains in educating his chil- til the store is now one of the largest gen- dren, supplying them with every possible eral mercantile establishments in the coun- advantage in this direction. Miss Bertha, ty outside of the cities and larger towns. after completing the common school course, Mr. Fuller carries full lines of groceries, entered St. Mary's Academy at Monroe, dry goods, hardware, notions, in fact every from which she was graduated in due time, article of merchandise demanded by the also becoming quite proficient in music. trade and the patronage is steadily increas- Eula is a young lady of bright mind and ing, as a comparison of the present volume studious nature and has before her a prom- of business with that of a year ago abund- a ising future. Like her sister, she too pos- antly attests. In the management of this sesses fine musical talent which is being cul- large and growing enterprise Mr. Fuller dis- tivated under the direction of competent plays mature judgment and fine tact, both instructors, the indications pointing to su- being manifest in buying as well as in the perior accomplishment in this art as well as more immediate dealing with the public. creditable in her other Genial and companionable, he has won the studies. good will of his patrons and not a little of John Fuller was born September 17, his success may be attributed to his knowl- 1880, in Jackson county, Michigan, and edge of human nature as well as to his dis- spent his childhood and youth in Jackson, position to deal fairly and honorably with receiving a good educational training in the customers. city schools. He seems to have inherited an In addition to his private interests Mr. unusual capacity for business and early de- Fuller is identified with various enterprises cided to devote his life to mercantile pur- of a public nature, among which is the to a career JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 557 his own. Farmers' Telephone Company of Jackson, George Hood, was the first of the family being the second largest stockholder in that to arrive in America. He located in Canada, concern, also its secretary. He has been near Guelph, in 1820, upon a farm, and de- quite active in promoting the efficiency of the voted the remainder of his life to agriculture company and putting it upon a solid financial and stock raising. The father of the family basis and in its management his judgment died at his home near Guelph in 1867. and fine business training have been especial- Thomas Hood was fifteen years of age when ly valuable. The postoffice at Henrietta is he arrived in America, having secured his looked after by Mr. Fuller, who was ap- educational training in his native land. In pointed postmaster October 1, 1902, his ad- 1860, when he was twenty-three years old, ministration of the same meeting with the he left the parental home in Canada and approval of the people. He is a careful ob- came to Michigan, locating in the city of server as well as a capable and popular of- Jackson, where he accepted a position in a ficial, displaying his characteristic courtesy meat market, and after two years' experi- and genial manners in waiting upon the ence was sufficiently familiar with the busi- public and doing all within his power to ness to engage in the conduct of a market of prove worthy of the high esteem in which He soon included with his busi- he is held. As stated in a preceding para- ness the buying and shipping of cattle and graph, Mr. Fuller is one of the rising young for twelve years prospered in this line of men of the county and the advancement he business. has already made and the admirable results On December 27, 1864, Mr. Hood was accomplished indicate a future career of con- united in marriage to Miss Marie Pond, tinued usefulness and honor. His course a native of Pennsylvania, born November is being watched with much concern by his IO, 1847, the daughter of Constant C. and many friends who make bold to bespeak for Esther (Alger) Pond. This lady died in him a commanding position among his fel- May, 1886, having borne him six children, low men at no distant day, his correct, man- George, Etta Belle, James, William, Nettie ly conduct fully justifying them for indulg- G. and Jessie, the first four named being de- ing such pleasing prophecy. Mr. Fuller ceased. lives with his mother and sisters in a fine Along about 1874 the man with money, and attractive home which is a favorite re- business tact and an eye that could peer a sort for the best social circles of Henrietta few years into the future had an opportuni- and vicinity. ty presented to him for making money by investing in the timber lands of northern Michigan. The Scotch miller, Canadian THOMAS HOOD. farmer and Jackson city butcher was one of the fortunate few who combined all three Thomas Hood was born in Peebles, qualities, money, perception and business Scotland, July 20, 1837. His parents tact. He went into Mecosta county, lo- were James and Isabel (Rutherford) Hood, cated at Big Rapids, where he soon organ- natives of Scotland, and his grandfather, ) ized the firm of Hood, Gill & Company. . 558 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. They were possessed of ample capital and the course of Mr. Hood's busy career, he has purchased large tracts of timber land, into found little time to take part in the social which they put a force of men and began di- side of life, hence he belongs to but one fra- vesting it of all timber suitable for the man- ternal order, that of the Independent Order ufacture of lumber. This they prepared and of Odd Fellows. He is, nevertheless, a so- shipped, realizing a handsome profit. In cial, genial gentleman, and is highly re- , many instances the price realized on the logs spected by all who know him. alone more than paid all expenses, includ- ing the original price of the land. During the years 1879, 1880 and 1881 they shipped upwards of thirty-five million feet per year, ARTHUR WOODWARD. every foot of which was taken from the stump off their own land by their own em- He to whom this brief sketch is dedi- ployes. In 1886 the firm was dissolved by cated and who is one of the energetic and mutual consent, after having run a most progressive young farmers of Rives town- successful business career of twelve years. ship, is a representative of the third gener- Mr. Hood then moved to Tug Hill, New ation of his family in Jackson county, with York, where he established a veneer fac- whose annals the name has been identified tory and successfully operated it for three from the time when Michigan first attained years. A fire which destroyed the establish- | the dignity of statehood, and thus it is that ment caused the removal of the plant to he may be consistently referred to as a scion Warren, Pennsylvania, where it was op- of stanch pioneer stock. erated during the next five years. Despite Mr. Woodward was born on the pa- the fact that they were visited by two bad rental farmstead, in Waterloo township, this fires, the business shows a nice profit dur- county, on the 14th of April, 1873, being a ing the period. Selling out his interest in son of Nathaniel and Mary (Garred) the business at Warren to his partners, Mr. Woodward, the former of whom was born Hood returned to Big Rapids, organized the in Simcoe, Canada, and the latter in En- firm of Hood & Wright, veneer manufac- gland, whence she accompanied her parents turers, and invested in a good plant, which to America in her childhood days. The pa- they still operate very successfully. ternal grandfather of the subject was Dan- In 1893 the Pond property, located three iel O. Woodward, who was a cooper by miles west of Jackson, was purchased by Mr. trade and who followed this as a vocation Hood. This tract comprises one hundred in the state of New York until the late 'thir- and sixty acres, splendidly cultivated and ties, when he came with his family to Mich- elegantly improved, and here he engages in igan, purchasing a tract of land near Grass breeding and rearing the Wilkes and Elec- Lake, this county, where he reclaimed a tioneer thoroughbred horses. Only the farm from the wilderness and there passed very best pedigreed stock is handled, and the remainder of his life, being one of the quite a number of those which he now has sterling pioneers of the county. Nathaniel on the place are superb animals. During Woodward was a mere boy at the time of JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 559 his parents' removal to the Wolverine state, of age at the time of his parents' removal and he grew to manhood on the pioneer to Petoskey, and he thereafter accompanied farm, assisting in the work of clearing the them on their several removals, in the mean- land and placing it under cultivation, while while pursuing his studies in the public his educational advantages were such as schools. He was but nine years of age at were afforded in the primitive log school the time when the family came again to house of the locality and period. He finally Jackson county and took up their residence took charge of the homestead, of which he on the present homestead, and here he was acquired the ownership after the death of his reared to maturity and has been consecutive- father, and in 1877 he disposed of the prop- ly identified with the operation of the farm, erty and removed to Petoskey, this state, of which he assumed the active management where he resided one year, after which he at the time of his father's death. He has made several changes of location prior to shown distinctive executive ability and has the year 1882. In May of that year he re- so directed his efforts as to secure the max- turned to Jackson county and purchased one imum returns therefrom, devoting his atten- hundred and twenty acres of land in sec- tion to diversified agriculture and to the tion 25, Rives township, and here contin- raising of excellent grades of live stock, ued to be successfully engaged in farming while the farm is improved with good build- until his death, on the 22d of June, 1900, at ings and is one of the attractive and valua- the age of sixty-three years. He was a man ble places of the township. In politics Mr. of inflexible integrity of purpose, industri- Woodward has given his allegiance to the ous and progressive, and he held the un- Republican party from the time of attain- qualified esteem of all who knew him. In ing his legal majority, having cast his first politics he gave his support to the Repub-presidential vote for McKinley. Fraternal- lican party. His widow survives him and ly he is identified with the Knights of the still resides on the homestead farm, which Maccabees, being a member of Henrietta , is now in charge of her elder son, whose Tent No. 926, at Henrietta. Mr. Wood- name initiates this article. They became the ward remains a bachelor. parents of seven children, of whom three died in infancy, the others being as follows: Bert, who died at the age of about two years; Arthur, the subject of this sketch; L. C. HOYT. Emma, who is the wife of John Jones, a farmer of Blackman township; and Clar- Jackson county is characterized by her ence, who also remains on the old home- full share of the honored pioneer element stead, having been born on the 12th of Feb- who have done so much for the development ruary, 1881. The children received the ad- of the county, and the establishment of the vantages of the public schools and all are institutions of civilization in this fertile and proving worthy representatives of this hon- well-favored section. The biographical ored pioneer family. sketches of this volume are largely of this Arthur Woodward was about four years class of useful citizens and it is eminently 560 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. proper to record in print the principal items ma and Lillie. Each of them received a in the lives of these hard-working and hon- good education and had been employed as est people, giving honor to whom honor is teachers in the public schools. The father due. They will soon be gone and the past of the family inherited the passion of his can have no better history or memento than father for hunting, though not to the neglect these records. of the necessary affairs of life. In his op- L. C. Hoyt is a native of New York, erations on the farm he was quite successful, born September 21, 1844. His parents were not a little of which was contributed to by his Jonathan L. and Samantha (Clark) Hoyt, good wife, who was accomplished in the use- both natives of New York, in which state ful arts of those early days, spinning, weav- they were married and resided some years ing, knitting, making and mending. Few thereafter. The grandfather of the sub- of the garments worn in those times were ject was Lewis Hoyt, who was also a native the creations of others than the skillful, in- of New York, but came out to Michigan in dustrious mothers of the pioneer homes. 1836, located in Jackson county and bought Both parents were members of the Episco- a farm of eighty acres in Blackman town- pal church and in politics the father was a ship. The land was wild, as little improve- Democrat. ment had been made in the county, game Little more than an infant when the was plentiful and it afforded Lewis Hoyt family came out from New York to Michi- a fine opportunity for indulging in hunting, gan, the boyhood of L. C. Hoyt was di- a species of pastime and exercise that had vided between his studies in the school room been a passion with him all his life. Here and his labors on the farm. While he was he continued to reside many years and until too small to do much of anything else he his death, when his son, Jonathan, father of was given charge of a yoke of patient oxen, subject, with his family, came out from with which much of the hauling on the farm New York and took charge of his affairs. was done. He inherited the Hoyt passion He cleared and improved the land and for hunting and spent many days in the erected a comfortable residence, with nec- woods and in the fields with his gun. But essary farm buildings, and this place re- the opportunity of acquiring an education mained the home of the family until the was not neglected. He was studious and death of the parents. The mother died ambitious and his ready intelligence soon March 24, 1880, her husband surviving un- made him proficient in all of the common til December 31, 1888, when he too passed school branches. He remained at home, aid- into eternity. To Jonathan and Samantha ing his father in the operations of the farm (Clark) Hoyt six children were born, all of until long after he had attained his majority. whom grew to maturity, married and reared On the 28th day of December, 1870, families. Of the six children, however, L. C. Hoyt was united in marriage to L. C., the subject of this review, is the Miss Helen M. Mayo, a native of Jackson sole survivor, he being the second child of county, Michigan, born in Blackman town- the family and the only son. The others ship, November 16, 1851. Her parents were were Theodora, Flora, Manilla, Anna, Em- William and Sarah (Plant) Mayo, both na-- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 561 a tives of England, who had come to America On this place of one hundred and seventy in an early day and located in Jackson coun- acres they have erected three good barns, ty, Michigan, in 1832. He worked in the made many minor improvements and the saw-mills of those early times for a num- farm is in a fine state of cultivation. ber of years, then bought land in Blackman To Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Hoyt four township, which he proceeded to convert children have been born, viz: Maude mar- into a farm. It was a wild region then, but ried Frank Ottney, a farmer of Blackman here a residence was erected, the greater part township, and they are the parents of two of the land was cleared and this was main- children, Leo L. and Daniel P.; Bertha is tained as the family home for nearly twen- the wife of William Ottney, a farmer of ty years. Having sold this place, another Blackman township, and they are the par- tract in the same township was purchased ents of two children, Hazel L. and Clarence and occupied as the family home until 1870, W.; Edna, wife of Date Schofield, resides when a small place near the city was pur- in the village of Leona, and Amy is still at chased, but it had not long been occupied, home with parents. They are all well edu- when they decided to retire and moved to the cated and are skilled musicians, while Ber- city of Jackson. Their years of retirement tha devoted some time to teaching school. were few. Both died at their home in the The family home of the Hoyts is a com- city of Jackson, the mother on July 5, 1874, fortable, commodious, well-furnished resi- and the father February 12, 1874. In pol-dence. It is connected with the outside world itics the latter was a Democrat and inter- | by telephone and enjoys the modern privi- ested himself considerably in political affairs | lege of rural free delivery. Its owner occu- on behalf of that party. He was a man pies his time with what is termed mixed whose life was characterized by energy and farming, raises all manner of crops and live industry and these excellent qualities, cou- stock, besides giving some attention to dairy- pled with good judgment, made him a use- ing. In politics he is a Democrat and an ful and successful citizen. He and his wife active worker in the interest of the party, were the parents of fourteen children, of but has never sought office for himself. He whom Mrs. Hoyt was the eleventh. began life with little, worked hard, reared a About the time of his marriage L. noble family and has accomplished much be- C. Hoyt became the owner of a little tract sides. He is a man who is loved and re- of fifteen acres of land five miles from the spected for his many good qualities wher- city of Jackson. In 1872 this was sold and ever he is known. a tract of seventy acres, a part of section 30, Rives township, was purchased. To this the family moved and they immediately set ALVA C. HENRY. about its improvement and cultivation. Good fortune and better management fav- Among the representative farmers and ored them so that five years later they were stock growers of Jackson county, of which able to increase the size of their little farm he is a native son, is the subject of this re- by the addition of one hundred acres more. view, who is the owner of a fine landed es- 36 562 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. cess. a tate of one hundred and seventy acres in gained for him the affectionate regard of the Rives township and who is carrying on the carly settlers, while the labors which thus various departments of his enterprise with devolved upon him were of the most stren- that discretion and energy which are sure uous order, since he was called to remote to find their natural sequel in definite suc- and almost inaccessible parts of the newly In such men as Mr. Henry there is opened country, few roads having been es- particular satisfaction as offering in their tablished and these few being at times al- life histories justification for the compila- most impassable, while, in summer's heat tions of works of this nature,—not that their and winter's chill and snow, he made his lives have been such as to gain them wide way to the bedside of those afflicted and reputation or the admiring plaudits of men, ministered with devoted care and fidelity to but that they have been true to the trusts those in need of his services. No sinecure reposed in them, have shown such attrib- was that of the pioneer physician, and those utes of character as entitle them to the re- who thus labored with devotion and true hu- gard of all and have been useful in their re- manitarian spirit under the conditions then spective sphere of action. Mr. Henry is a obtaining, demand and merit a tribute of re- son of one of the able pioneer physicians and spect and honor for all time. Within a short . honored citizens of the county, has here lived time after his arrival in the county Dr. and labored most effectively during his en- Henry purchased two hundred and forty- tire mature life and was one of the loyal four acres of land in Rives township, the sons of the republic who tendered their serv- same being situate in sections 28, 29, 32 and ices in defense of the Union when its integ- 33, the entire tract being then covered with rity was jeopardized through armed re- the native timber, of heavy growth, while bellion, and thus there is no lack of inter- no improvements had been made. He esting detail accessible in the preparation of caused this land to be reclaimed to cultiva- this brief review of his career. tion, personally lending his individual ef- Alva C. Henry was born on the old forts when the work of his profession per- homestead farm, in Rives township, this mitted, and here he continued to make his county, on the 7th of August, 1847, being home until he was called from the scene of a son of Dr. Alanson and Lavinia (Trout) life's activities, his death occurring on the Henry, the former of whom was born in 26th of February, 1867, at which time he New York, and the latter in Pennsylvania. was sixty-three years of age. He was a Dr. Henry was reared and educated in his man of high intellectual and professional at- native state, where he first engaged in the tainments, gracious and kindly in all the re- practice of his profession, and subsequently | lations of life, and his memory is revered by he came west to the state of Ohio, where he all who remain to recall his earnest and de- continued his professional endeavors until voted life. In politics the Doctor was orig- 1837, when he came to Michigan, which was inally an adherent of the Whig party, but admitted to statehood in that year. He took the organic principles of the Republican par- up his abode in Jackson county, and his no- ty called forth his endorsement at the time ble and unstinted services as a physician of its inception, and he thereafter was a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 563 stanch advocate of its cause. He was prom- in order of birth and the youngest of the inent in local affairs of a public nature and children. wielded a beneficent influence in the com- On the old homestead farm where he was munity. Though never an aspirant for of- born Alva C. Henry was reared amid the fice, he served for a number of years as scenes and conditions of the pioneer epoch, justice of the peace, his services in this ca- and from his boyhood days he assumed his pacity being such as to justify the title, for share of the work of the farm, while his edu- his aim was to promote peace and discour- cational advantages were such as were af- age dissensions and litigation among his forded in the public schools of the locality neighbors. His loved and devoted wife was and period. He was thus employed in farm summoned into eternal rest on the 5th of work at the time when the dark cloud of March, 1891, at the age of eighty-four years, civil war cast its gruesome pall over the na- her gentle and gracious womanhood having tional horizon, and with the intrinsic loyalty endeared her to all with whom she came in and patriotism of his nature, he responded to contact. They became the parents of five the call for volunteers when seventeen years children, relative to whom brief record is of age, his desire to earlier tender his serv- entered at this juncture: John B., who died ices having been discouraged by his parents, in Texas, as the result of the bite of a taran- and on April 11, 1865, he enrolled himself tula, removed to that state years ago and as a private in Company G, Fifteenth Mich- was there engaged in ranching until the igan Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned time of his death; he married Miss Jane Bo- to the Western Army and which was sent gardus, who survives him, as do also four into Arkansas and neighboring states, where of their children. Thomas K., who was for it remained in service until victory crowned a number of years a successful teacher in the Union arms. Mr. Henry was mustered the public schools, is now a representative out, at Little Rock, Arkansas, on September farmer of Eaton county, this state. He mar- 13, 1865, while he received his honorable ried Miss Laura B. Hayes and they have discharge, at Detroit, the following Octo- one child. Mary C. is the wife of Abel Mc- ber. Cloy, who is engaged in grain business and At the expiration of his military service farming in the village of Munith, Jackson Mr. Henry returned home and shortly after- county. Louisa S. married Col. Peter Van ward entered upon an apprenticeship at the Arsdale, who was an officer in the Thir- trade of mason, become a skilled artisan in teenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry during the line and continuing to follow this voca- the Rebellion, and who later became deputy tion for a period of twenty years, becoming warden of the Michigan state prison, in the one of the successful contractors of the coun- city of Jackson, where he died. Three chil- ty and retaining his residence in Jackson dren were born of this union and two are county during the major portion of this in- living. Mrs. Van Arsdale later became the teryal. In 1887 he effected the purchase of wife of George R. Elms, a representative a farm of one hundred and twelve acres, the farmer of Rives township. Alva C., the im- same being an integral portion of the old mediate subject of this review, was the next homestead, while he had inherited fifty-seven 564 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1 additional acres, his place being located in Ethel May, who is at the time of this writ- sections 28 and 29, Rives township. Here | ing employed as bookkeeper in the furniture he has since been successfully engaged in di- establishment of Gallop & Lewis, in the city versified farming, having one hundred acres of Jackson. Mr. and Mrs. Henry became of his land under effective cultivation, while the parents of three children, namely: he also raises live stock of high grade, in- | Mary J. is the wife of Charles R. Price, who cluding horses, cattle, sheep and swine, while is engaged in the grain business in the vil- in the line of cattle he gives special attention lage of Leslie, Ingham county, where he has to the breeding of the Durham type. His a large elevator, and they have one son, farm is well improved throughout and Paul. Robert Quincy and Bessie still re- everything is kept in first-class order. The main beneath the parental roof. All of the place has a modern and adequate system of children received excellent educational ad- drainage, is equipped with good fences, and vantages, and the daughters are talented the buildings are substantial and well musicians. On the 28th of November, adapted to the various uses to which they | 1887, Mr. Henry was united in marriage to are applied. Mr. Henry is broad-minded, Miss Mary Styles, who was born in the liberal, progressive and public spirited, and province of Ontario, Canada, being a daugh- is well known and highly esteemed in the ter of the late Richard Styles, who came to county which has been his home from the Jackson county about 1873 and became one time of his birth. In politics he exercises his of the prominent and influential farmers of franchise in support of men and measures Rives township. No children have been born which meet his approval, and he is not a par- of the second marriage. țisan in any sense. He is in sympathy, how- ever, with the general principles of the Pro- hibition party and lends his influence in its support at such times as he feels that such LINCOLN WOOD. action will result in definite accomplishment of the desired object. He and his wife are Those of the younger generation who both zealous and valued members of the wish to gain a definite idea of the gigantic Evangelical church. Fraternally he is iden- | and rapid strides which civilization has made tified with Rives Tent No. 868, Knights of in southern Michigan within the last half the Maccabees. century need but refer to the honored pio- Mr. Henry has been twice married. In neers who yet remain with us and who have 1876 was solemnized his marriage to Mrs. been witnesses of the wonderful transforma- Delaphine Demorest, who was born in Liv- tion wrought, for through their memories we ingston county, Michigan, being a daughter can, in a figurative sense, turn the accom- of Gilbert Demorest, a representative pio- plishment of years into an hour glass. There neer and successful farmer of that county, today remain in Jackson county not a few where he died. Mrs. Henry was summoned pioneers who came hither at a time when the to the “land of the leal” April 3, 1887. She section was represented by the primeval for- had one daughter by her first marriage, est, the only practical thoroughfares being JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 565 the Indian trails, the native denizens of the tinction in the Continental line during the forest being seen on every side, while the war of the Revolution, having been a mem- red men still roamed unmolested through the ber of a Massachusetts regiment, in which dim fastnesses of the virgin wilds. Many of he held the office of captain. The parents these pioneers came hither endowed with the of the subject removed to New York state indomitable energy and adventurous spirit in an early day, and there Jotham Wood of youth, many others came with their fam- was engaged in farming, in Otsego county, ilies to grapple with the fundamental condi- while he also operated a carding machine. tions and establish homes and win prosperity In 1830 he came to the territory of Michi- through ceaseless toil and endeavor, while gan and secured a tract of government land many have remained to witness and be iden- in Sandstone township, Jackson county, but tified with the march of progress, aiding in retained possession of this but a short time, bringing about the wonderful transforma-selling the claim in 1831 and forthwith buy- tion which has made this one of the most ing a large tract in Blackman township, the opulent and attractive sections of a sover- same being entirely unreclaimed and without eign commonwealth. One of the honored sign of improvement. Taking up his resi- pioneers of the county who has attained dence on this place in the same year, he was success through his own well-directed efforts joined by his family, consisting of his wife and who was identified with the strenuous and their six sons and one daughter, the life of the early days and the great indus- e!dest son having been at the time but six- trial activities of later years is Mr. Wood, teen years of age. What is now the attrac- who is now living practically retired in his tive village of Parma was then known as attractive home in the city of Jackson, but Slab City and was represented by a few slab who still retains possession and the general cabins, while there was but one settler in supervision of his fine landed estate in Sandstone township, and the future metrop- Blackman township, his farm being one of olis of the county, the now opulent and im- the best to be found in this section. Such portant city of Jackson, had its site marked . are the men who justify the compilation of by four or five primitive log cabins. At the this work, and few are better known and time when Mr. Wood and his family took none more highly esteemed in the county up their abode on their embryonic farm, than he whose name introduces this article. their nearest neighbor was a settler in Sand- Lincoln Wood is a native of the old Em- stone township, two and one-half miles dis- pire state, having been born on a farm near tant, while Slab City was removed by a dis- Richfield Springs, Otsego county, New tance of eight miles. Mr. Wood had fol- York, on the 17th of April, 1823, a son of lowed the Indian trails through this section, a Jotham and Anna (Lincoln) Wood, both and his final choice of land was made prin- of whom were born in the state of Vermont, cipally on account of his having discovered being representatives of families established on the same a fine spring of pure, cold water, in New England in the early colonial epoch. affording a convenience not to be held in The mother of the subject was a daughter | light value at that time. He erected in the of Abiather Lincoln, who served with dis- | clearing, which he was compelled to make a 566 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. in a preliminary way, a little frame shanty, and esteem in the community where he so twelve feet square, a small saw-mill being in long lived and labored. operation in Jackson, so that he was able to Totham and Anna (Lincoln) Wood be- secure the requisite lumber for his rude came the parents of seven children, concern- lodge in the midst of the forest, and he had | ing whom brief record is entered at this begun the erection of a more pretentious juncture: Semira remained at the parental frame dwelling before his family arrived, the home and was a spinster at the time of her residence being three and one-half miles dis- death, when sixty years of age. Jonathan tant from what is now the city of Jackson. became a prosperous farmer of Bunker Hill Mr. Wood set to himself the herculean task township, Ingham county, where he had of reclaiming his farm and placing it under been given land by his father, as had also cultivation, and his labors were attended his brother Charles, and both developed good with a due measure of success, since he farms, but after the death of his father Jon- cleared three hundred acres and developed athan returned to Jackson county. Charles one of the best farms in the county, contin- resided in Ingham county, but returned to uing to give to the same his active super- Blackman township, where both himself, vision until the time of his death, in 1862, wife and two children died. Jotham, the at which time he was seventy-five years of next youngest to Charles, improved a age, his devoted wife having been summoned farm in Tompkins township given him by into life eternal in 1855, both having been his father, and there resided till his death consistent believers of the Universalist faith. in 1889, leaving a son, now residing in Ari- In politics Mr. Wood was originally aligned zonia, and a daughter, who married and is with the Whig party, later supporting the also deceased. Lincoln is the immediate sub- cause of the Free-soil party and finally iden-ject of this review. George became a suc- tifying himself with the Republican party at cessful farmer of Tompkins township, Ing- the time of its conception, having been a del- ham county, and later returned to Blackman egate to the first Republican convention, township, where he now owns a valuable which was held in Jackson, in the year 1854. farm, adjoining the old homestead, being It was his privilege to cast his ballot in sup- sup- | seventy-eight years of age at the time of this port of Abraham Lincoln at the time of his writing (1903). Joseph Curtis was num- first nomination for the presidency, but he bered among the influential farmers of did not live to see the glorious denoument of Tompkins township, where he died at about the great war of the Rebellion, though fifty years of age. Each of the sons became he had been implacably opposed to the insti- prominent in connection with the agricult- tution of human slavery and had been active ural development of the county, each gave in the anti-slavery movement. He was one support to the Republican party at the time of the first voters in Blackman township, and of its organization, and through each has was one of the first there elected to the of- come additional prestige to the honored fice of supervisor, having been a man of high name, though none have been prominent in intelligence and sterling integrity and hav- public affairs. At the time of the discovery ing ever commanded unqualified confidence 1 of gold in California, in 1849, the father of JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 567 1 the subject, in company with his sons Jon- down under its enthusiastic load, so that athan and Joseph Curtis (commonly known they were compelled to abandon their “po- as Curtis), made the long and perilous jour- litical chariot,” though by no means their po- ney across the isthmus to the new Eldorado, litical principles and enthusiasm. but returned within two years. About 1845 Lincoln Wood, the immediate subject of the Lake Superior Iron Mining Company this review, was a lad of eight years at the began operations in the upper peninsula of time when the family took up their residence the state, and the father of the subject sug- in the wilds of Jackson county, and thus his gested to him and his brother George that youthful days were passed amid the scenes they might be able to secure employment and influences of the pioneer epoch, con- with this company and thus establish them- | cerning which period his reminiscences are selves in a good business eventually. They interesting in the extreme and should be re- decided to act on this suggestion and pro- corded in a permanent form, as a valuable ceeded as far as Sault Ste. Marie, where contribution to the generic history of the they found it impossible to secure passage county. His educational advantages were to the mining district, no boat being in service such as were afforded by the primitive at the time, and they consequently returned schools which the early settlers provided by to Jackson county and had charge of the subscriptions and other means, and the sub- homestead farm during the absence of their ject early began to contribute to the work father and brothers in California. At this of clearing and cultivating the homestead point may be consistently entered a remin- farm. For one year he was engaged in iscent bit of information offered by the hon- farming in Bunker Hill township, Ingham ored subject, and well typifying the political county, being at the time twenty-three years - enthusiasm manifested in the early days. At of age, and he then returned to the old home- the time of the county convention of the stead, at the behest of his father, during Whig party in 1840, in Jackson, the young whose absence in California he was asso- men of Blackman township who paid alle- ciated with his brother George in the man- giance to this organization rigged up a agement of the farm, as has been previously unique conveyance, made up of two ox carts, noted in this connection. Thereafter his fa- which were connected by long pieces of tim- ther insisted that he should continue to ber, and upon this about fifty of them started maintain the supervision of the homestead, forth to attend the convention, proceeding which he did until his father was summoned on their way and singing the “Tippecanoe" to that "undiscovered country from whose songs so popular in the campaign of that bourne no traveler returns." ' He then be- year. The stately equipage was drawn by came associated with his eldest brother, Jon- sixty-two yoke of oxen and a leader, which athan, in purchasing the interests of the was crowned with the national flag. They | other heirs, the latter securing the portion practically reached their destination in Jack- of the farm on which was situated the dwell- son, but disaster overtook them at the sanding house erected so many years previously, hill near the present central school building, while the subject came into possession of one the axletree of one of the carts breaking | hundred and twenty-seven acres. He erected 568 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. vote. a good house and made other substantial of practical politics. Though he has never improvements, and in 1852 he purchased an been an aspirant for office, he was called adjoining tract of eighty acres, while he upon to represent his ward, the third, in the made the farm one of the best in this section city council, serving in the same for two of the state. There Mr. Wood continued to years. He was candidate for supervisor be actively engaged in general farming and from his ward, and being unable to put in stock growing until 1870, when he removed his appearance at the polls and attend to the to the city of Jackson, in order to afford his personal importunities then so commonly children the advantages of its excellent made to the voters, he employed a man to be schools, his intention at the time being to re- present and thus work in his behalf, but the turn to the farm at the expiration of about opposing candidate also retained this ambi- three years. He erected his present spacious tious and versatile individual to advocate . and attractive residence, at 310 Second his cause, and while he made the attempt to street, after his removal to the city, and he “serve two masters” the result was that the finally determined to permanently continue subject's opponent was elected by a single his residence in Jackson, having thus con- Mr. Wood has been identified with tinued to rent his farm for the long period the Masonic fraternity since 1862, and is of thirty-three years, though he still retains most appreciative of its noble objects and a personal supervision of its operation. teachings, having been continuously affil- Soon after taking up his residence in the iated in Jackson Lodge No. 17, Free and city Mr. Wood became associated with John Accepted Masons, in which he was initiated Barry in the buying and shipping of wool as entered apprentice. His religious views and other farm products, and to this line of are in harmony with the tenets of the Uni- enterprise he thereafter devoted his attention versalist church. for the long interval of nineteen years. On the 28th of December, 1852, was sol- within which the firm handled an average of emnized the marriage of Mr. Wood to Miss one hundred thousand pounds of wool each Lydia Ann Bryant, who was born in Ot- season, while they also were extensive buy- sego county, New York, being a daughter ers of apples, potatoes, beans, etc. Mr. of Guy Carlton and Lydia (Cass) Bryant, Wood's farm lies in the coal belt of the who were numbered among the sterling pio- county, and a mine was operated on the same neers of Spring Arbor township, this coun- by a Detroit company, for twenty years, the ty, whither they emigrated from the old vein of coal varying from three to four feet Empire state, and here both he and his wife in thickness. For six years Mr. Wood and passed the remainder of their lives. After a his brother Jonathan gave their personal at- happy and ideal married life of nearly half tention to the development of the property. a century the gracious ties which bound the In politics Mr. Wood has ever accorded subject and his loved and devoted wife to- a stanch allegiance to the Republican party, gether in closest sympathy and helpfulness, with which he became identified at the time were severed by the relentless hand of death, of its organization, and he has taken an act- and the immortal gained a new glory when ive interest in its cause and knows somewhat | death thus placed its seal upon her mortal JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 569 lips. Mrs. Wood passed away on the 20th ment scarcely more than inaugurated. The of September, 1899, at the age of seventy- strenuous life of the pioneer has been the one years, and her memory rests upon all theme of many a writer, and yet never can who knew her even as the gracious benedic- too much be written concerning those who tion that “follows after prayer." Of this have blazed the way for progress and pros- union were born two children, Caroline perity in the various sovereign states of our Pattridge and Adeline Pattridge, twins. great republic and have been the founders of Caroline is the wife of Henry. G. Berger, our enlightened commonwealths. who was one of the renowned Berger family William Edgar Lee was born on the of Swiss bell ringers, the eldest daughter, parental homestead, in Summit township, Louise, becoming the wife of Sol Smith this county, on the 21st of February, 1860, Russell. He was later associated with the being a son of Abram and Sarah (Joslin) Theodore Thomas Orchestra and the Na- Lee. Abram I.ee was born in Roxbury, tional Opera Company, finally becoming Delaware county, New York, on the 13th manager of a theatre at Richmond, Virginia, of October, 1821, and died at his home in , for several years. Mrs. Berger now lives Summit township, Jackson county, Mich- with her father in the pleasant home in igan, on the 3th of February, 1895. He Jackson, as do also her two children, Henry was a son of Daniel O. Lee, who was like- Wood, who is a chemist in the cement works wise a native of Roxbury, where he was born at Cement City, near Jackson, and Charles on the 27th of October, 1800, and who died Pratt, who is attending the public schools. in the city of Jackson on the 16th of October, Adeline P. is the wife of Charles H. Pratt, 1849, the family having been established in of Boston, who was the proprietor and man- America in the early colonial epoch. Mrs. ager of the Emma Abbott Opera Company Sally H. Lee, the paternal grandmother of until the death of the popular prima donna the subject, was born in Greene county, New whose name gave title to the company. Mr. York, on the 6th of September, 1801, and and Mrs. Pratt have no children. died in Jackson, on the 21st of January, 1868, having met her death as the result of an accident, being thrown from a vehicle by WILLIAM E. LEE. a run-away team. Daniel O. Lee came with his family to Michigan as a pioneer of the The Lee family has been identified with year 1842, the journey having been made the history of Jackson county for many with overland conveyances, utilizing one years, the subject of this sketch being one of team of horses and two yoke of oxen. The the successful farmers and stock growers of father of the subject had just attained his Summit township. Mr. Lee has passed his legal majority at the time of this emigration entire life in this county, commanding the to the new state, and with the remainder of same degree of confidence and esteem as did the family he came to Jackson county. He his honored father, who located in this town- purchased eighty acres of land in the midst ship at a time when the virgin forest was of the forest of Summit county, the same be- still in evidence and the march of develop- | ing in section 26, and here he erected a log 570 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. cabin of the primitive pioneer type and then breeding high grades in each of these lines set to himself the task of clearing and de- and transacting a prosperous business in veloping his farm. Wild game was plenti- this department of his farming enterprise. ful in this section at that time, and the larder. He is a progressive and public-spirited citi- of the household was amply replenished from zen and is held in the highest esteem in the this source. Later on Mr. Lee purchased an community in which his entire life has been additional one hundred and twenty acres of passed. He is appreciative of modern ideas wild land, and his entire farm was event- and improvements, one being telephonie con- ually reclaimed to cultivation through his nection with the city of Jackson and other efforts, and was made one of the valuable points, while the rural free mail-delivery farms of this section of the county. He system enables him to enjoy facilities in this identified himself with the Republican party line practically equal to those of the city. His at the time of its organization, and both he home is one of the attractive ones of the and the mother of the subject were consist- township, and in the same are the evidences ent and worthy members of the Christian of refined taste and culture, while his chil- church. Abram Lee was thrice married, dren are being afforded the best possible ad- having first been united to Miss Charlotte | vantages, including the study of music, for Manchester, who died on the rith of March, which purpose he has provided his home 1852, having borne to him three sons, John, with a fine piano. While it has not been his Abram and Chester, all of whom died in privilege to figure as a pioneer and to essay childhood. On the 14th of July, 1852, he the herculean work of felling the forest trees married Miss Hannah E. Freeman, and she and clearing land, he states, with somewhat died on the oth of September, 1857, no chil- | facetious appreciation, that it has been his dren having been born of this marriage. lot to move forty-seven stone piles, averag- Subsequently Mr. Lee married Miss Sarah ing one hundred tons to the pile, and thus he Joslin, a native of Vermont, and the subject feels that his labors have not lacked the of this review was the only child of this strenuous element. In politics he accords a. union. stanch allegiance to the Republican party, William E. Lee received excellent educa- and he and his wife attend the Christian tional advantages in the public schools of Science church in the city of Jackson. his native county, and at the age of twenty On the 31st of December, 1883, Mr. Lee years he assumed charge of the old home- was united in marriage to Miss Lucy J. stead farm, in the operation of which he had | Lyons, who was born in Summit township, been identified from his boyhood days, and this county, being a daughter of Allen and upon the death of his father he inherited the Lucy J. (Ingalls) Lyons, both of whom place, which is now one of the attractive and were born in Monroe county, Michigan, well improved farms of the county, atten- whither their respective parents removed tion being given to diversified agriculture, from the state of New York in an early day. while Mr. Lee has also been very successful Mr. Lyons is a successful farmer and horse in the raising of Durham cattle and Poland dealer of Summit township, where he has China swine, as well as Percheron horses, resided for many years, being one of the JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 571 representative citizens of this locality. Mr. subsequently exchanged for a quarter sec- and Mrs. Lee are the parents of two children, tion in another part of the same county. Mr. Ralph A., who was born on the 19th of Sep- Mills converted the latter place into a good a tember, 1889, and Bernice Elizabeth, who farm, inaugurated and carried to completion was born January 10, 1896, both being stu- a series of substantial improvements and dents in the public schools. made it his home during the remainder of his life. He labored and supported his fam- ily comfortably and by thrift and economy became quite a prosperous and well-to-do JAMES MILLS. man, also earning the reputation of an enter- prising, public-spirited citizen. For a num- The gentleman whose brief life story is ber of years he was a leader of the old Whig outlined in the following paragraph enjoys party in his community and subsequently worthy prestige as an agriculturist and citi- supported with equal zeal the Republican zen, in addition to which he has an honor- party, assisting in organizing the latter and able record as a soldier for the Union during at all times active in his efforts to promote the dark and troublous years of the great its interests. Ralph and Charlotte Mills had Civil war. James Mills is a native of Mich- a family of eight children, namely: Ange- igan, but traces his family history to New line; Mary, deceased; Oliver, who died when Jersey, in which state both lines of his an- twenty-two years old ; Gabriel departed this cestry have been represented since colonial life at the age of eleven; James, John, Ma- times. His father, Ralph Mills, was born in tilda and Mariah; those living are well set- New Jersey and in early life followed the tled, with families of their own and highly sea, sailing for a number of years before the respected in their communities. mast and later following for a while oyster On December 8, 1835, James Mills was dredging along the coast of his own and born in Lenawee county, Michigan, having other eastern states. The maiden name of first seen the light of day in what is now the Mrs. Ralph Mills, the mother of the subject, township of Macon. His early years on the was Charlotte Birdsell, her people, as al. farm were replete with honest toil in the sum- ready stated, being among the old families mer time and of winter seasons he attended of New Jersey. In 1834, the year preceding the public school in the neighborhood of his the birth of the subject of this review, his home. Mr. Mills states that while still a parents disposed of their interests in the east mere lad he was set to work driving three for the purpose of securing cheaper lands and some times four yoke of oxen, while his and establishing a home where they could father or an older brother held the plow by better provide for the material welfare of which the rough, stumpy ground themselves and their children. With these broken. When a little older he managed the a objects in view, they immigrated to Lenawee plow himself and as he grew in years and county, Michigan, at that time a new and stature much other hard labor fell to him, sparsely settled country, and located on a such as clearing land, splitting rails, build- tract of wild land near Tecumseh, which was ing fences, cradling wheat, etc., in all of was 572 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a which he developed strength and efficiency, equally as difficult and onerous and fre- being able to do a man's part at all kinds of quently more so. He was mustered out at farm work long before reaching the years of Detroit on the 2d of July, 1865, and imme- maturity. diately thereafter returned home where he On attaining his majority Mr. Mills once more took up the peaceful pursuits of bought land of his own in Lenawee county, civil life. Not long after leaving the army but after retaining it a short time, he traded he bought forty acres of land in section 6, it for other real estate in the same locality, Rives township, Jackson county, and here which in turn was disposed of at a good he has since lived and prospered, clearing figure and the proceeds invested in a forty- and improving his farm the meanwhile and acre farm in the county of Branch. Shortly adding to its area until now, in addition to a after making the last deal and before he fine home, he has a sufficiency of this world's could begin improving his land his plans goods to make him practically independent. were very materially disarranged by the He easily ranks with the most thorough and Civil war, the serious nature of which was successful farmers of his township, raises just beginning to dawn upon the public excellent breeds of horses for general pur- mind. In this struggle he made common poses and for a number of years past has cause with thousands of other loyal young realized handsome returns from his fine- men in his own state and throughout the en- wooled sheep, Durham cattle and Poland tire north, enlisting August 4, 1862, in Com- China hogs, his reputation in the matter of pany M, Fifth Michigan Cavalry, with live stock being second to that of none of his which he served until the fortunes of the re- neighbors similarly engaged. Mr. Mills bellion went down in defeat with the sur- feeds the greater part of his grain crops, hav- render of Lee at Appomattox. Mr. Mills ing long since realized the superiority of was three years at the front, during which stock farming over any branch of agriculture time he took part in many of the most noted as a reliable source of income. He is a care- campaigns of the war, participating in a ful business man, conducts all of his enter- number of hard-fought battles and experi- prises according to the most approved encing in full all the vicissitudes and hard- methods and everything on his place, from ships which make up the career of the brave the neat, comfortable dwelling and attrac- and faithful soldier who freely devote his tive surroundings to the excellent condition services and the best years of his manhood, of his other buildings, fences and cultivated also his life if need be, to his country's good, fields, bearing unmistakable evidence of well- While realizing much of the awful realities planned and thoroughly systematized effort. of war on the march, in camp, on sentry duty Mr. Mills is a creditable representative of and in the midst of the smoke and din of that large, industrious, reliable and success- conflict, Mr. Mills was not always with his ful class known in our western country as command in readiness for battle, having self-made men. In his youth he preferred to spent considerable time in the ambulance de- rely upon his own powers rather than to wait partment, when his services, though not as for fortune to cast some favor in his path- dangerous as in other situations, were way and he has always possessed the faculty JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 573 of making the most of his opportunities, be- to all with whom she has mingled. She has sides being enabled to adjust himself to cir- borne her husband four children, the oldest cumstances favorable or otherwise. His of whom, Leroy, died at the early age of neighbors and friends speak of him in pleas- three years. James also died when quite ing terms; his integrity is recognized by all young, the third being Jesse, a farmer and and the high character which he has ever stock raiser who since his father's recent re- manifested has won him the confidence and tirement from active life, has managed the esteem of his fellow citizens, regardless of home place; he married Miss Lydia Worden class or condition. Mr. Mills prefers to be and has an interesting family of three chil- known as an independent in politics, never dren, Hazel, Clyde and Marie. Charity, the having relished the idea of supporting men youngest of the subject's children, is the wife and measures at the behest of party and of “Delbert” Blackmore, a farmer of Leslie leaders. Other things being equal, the can- township, Ingham county, and has a daugh- didate with the best mental and moral quali- ter by the name of Claire. fications is sure to receive the benefit of his ballot and influence, the mere matter of po- litical affiliation having no weight with him where the public welfare is concerned. He GIDEON G. DUNHAM. stands for good government and believes that none but able men of pure motives, ster- Everywhere throughout our great coun- ling moral worth and true patriotism, should try and especially in the northwestern states be chosen as lawmakers, consequently he are found men of brawn and brain, who, exercises good judgment and sound discre- with firm resolves and well defined purposes, tion when legislators are to be elected, in have worked their way from lowly and hum- this, as in affairs purely local, eliminating en- ble beginings to places of prominence and tirely all party claims. commanding influence in their respective Mr. Mills was married December 25, communities. They have not been fortune's 1857, to Miss Rachel Lyon, daughter of favorites, but have gradually forged to the Jesse and Nancy Lyon, natives of New Jer- front, overcoming every obstacle calculated sey, who came to Michigan in the early 'thir- to hinder or impede their progress by the ties and settled in Saline township, Wash- sheer power of personal force, backed by a a tenaw county, where the family became laudable ambition to succeed. It is one of widely and favorably known. Mrs. Mills the glories of our land that here all may was born in the county of Washtenaw and meet on a common level, with equal oppor- has practically spent all her life in her native tunities, the law of the survival of the fittest state; she is a lady of fine character and ex- determining who shall be the victors in the cellent repute, much respected by her friends | great race of life. This condition should be and neighbors and popular in the community, a strong incentive to every ambitious youth, being a model wife and a loving and devoted for upon such in a large measure depend the mother, whose life has been fruitful of great future welfare of the republic, the stability good, not only to her immediate family but of its institutions and the development of its 574 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1 complex nationality into a great, prosperous daring fighter. His reputation as a law- and invincible body republic. Every county, maker was an honorable one, reflecting credit township and community can boast among, upon himself and the county he represented, its populace natural leaders of men, leaders his name being connected with a great deal in the common work and everyday affairs of legislation that had an important bearing of life, as well as in the domain of thought. on the subsequent history of the state. By Such a one is found in the subject of this re- occupation Shubael Dunham was a tiller of view, who, though well advanced in age, is the soil and he also kept a hotel for many still a man of physical and mental vigor, years on his farm in Batavia township, Gen- almost as capable of bearing his part in the esee county, where he spent the greater part concerns of his neighborhood as he was in of his life. He was twice married, his first former days before time began undermining union being with Miss Fannie Wolcott, who his natural forces. became the mother of eight children, namely: Gideon G. Dunham, a worthy and sub- Annie, Sallie, Harry, Andrew J., Har- stantial citizen of Rives township, is descend- rison, Franklin, Charlotte and George. ed from good old patriotic stock and is well Mrs. Dunham died January 30, 1831, and on entitled to specific notice with the representa- | March 6, 1832, Mr. Dunham married Miss tive men of Jackson county. His ancestors Frances Goodrich, a member of one of the were among the earliest English settlers of old families of Genesee county, and to this New York and his grandfather, Gideon union was born one child, the subject of this , Dunham, a native of that colony, served sketch, who is the only survivor of the fam- with distinction in the war for independence. ily. Mr. Dunham was one of the leading Among the immediate descendants of Gid- Whig politicians in his part of New York, eon was a son by the name of Shubael, who and as such achieved much more than loca! became prominent in the civil and military renown, his name becoming widely known annals of his state, representing Genesee throughout the state. He was a man of county for several years in the general as- strong religious convictions and a member sembly and holding a colonel's commission of the Episcopal church, to which body his in the American army during the war of wife also belonged and in which his children 1812. He made a distinguished record as were reared. He died at his home in Gen- a soldier, proved a gallant and fearless lead- esee county, September 1, 1848, his widow er in a number of batles, in one of which he surviving him until in 1874, on August 4 was captured by the Indians, who held him of which year she closed her eyes to earthly prisoner for six months, at the expiration of that period turning him over to the Brit- Gideon G., the youngest child of Shubael ish, by whom he was kept about the same and Frances Dunham, was born in Genesee length of time. After being exchanged he county, New York, May 29, 1833. He re- , rejoined his command and remained with mained at the old home until his father's his army until the cessation of hostilities, death and the following year accompanied meanwhile as opportunities offered adding his mother to Eaton county, Michigan, to his reputation as an efficient officer and whither his two brothers, Harry and Har- scenes. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 575 rison, had preceded him. Mrs. Dunhamopment and prosperity. Alive to all that in- bought forty acres of land in that county, terests and benefits the public or makes for which the sons cleared and improved, and the good of his fellow men, his efforts have the family lived there during the ensuing been strenuous and fruitful of happy results, years, meanwhile purchasing other real es- having long been a leader along the line tate and becoming fairly well situated in of material advancement as well as an in- life. In 1865 the place was sold and some fluential factor in promoting the moral wel- time that year Gideon bought one hundred fare of the community. He is highly es- . and twenty acres of land in Rives township, teemed by his neighbors and fellow citizens Jackson county, where he has since lived and as he has always shown a disposition to as- prospered, developing a fine farm and tak- sist in every laudable undertaking, frequent- , ing high rank as an enterprising agricultur- ly losing sight of self interest in his desire ist and public-spirited citizen. Mr. Dun- to lighten the burden and make happy the lot ham cleared the greater part of his land by of others. Mr. Dunham reads much and is his own labor and has added greatly to its well posted on the leading questions of the value by making improvements from time day; he is much interested in politics, but to time. He has good buildings, keeps pace not as a partisan, supporting men and meas- with the times in all matters relating to ag- ures which in his judgment will best con- ricultural science and by industry and ju- serve the public good, regardless of party. dicious management has acquired a compe- In a word, he is an independent and takes tency for old age. Ninety acres of his farm pride in being such, refusing to sacrifice his . are in cultivation, the remainder being large principles or lower the dignity of his man- ly devoted to pasturage, as he pays a great hood by blindly following where others may deal of attention to live stock, his fine breeds lead. In religion he subscribes to the creed of of cattle, sheep, hogs and horses comparing the Seventh Day Adventists, the teachings favorably with the best domestic animals of which he fully endorses and the precepts in this part of the state. Mr. Dunham's of which are exemplified in his daily life and career has been a creditable one and demon- conduct. strates what industry, energy and thrift can Mr. Dunham was married October 16, accomplish in the face of adverse circum- 1856, to Miss Hannah Van Gorden, daugh- , stances. He began life at the very bottoni ter of Abraham Van Gorden, the father a of the ladder, with no influence to assist him native of New York and an early settler of in the ascent, but by patient continuance he Eaton county, Michigan, where he became gradually surmounted the many obstacles in a successful farmer and prominent citizen. his way until he reached the goal of success Mr. and Mrs. Dunham have four children, in the comfortable fortune and respectable the oldest being Arthur, a farmer and stock , social position which he now commands. He raiser of Ingham county, this state; he mar- has spent the greater part of a long and use- ried Miss Nora Haynes, the union resulting ful life in the community where he now re- in two offspring; Julia, the second of the sides, literally growing up with the country family, is a widow of the late James Leach, and contributing in many ways to its devel- since whose death she has lived with her par- 576 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ents; Catherine, the youngest of the living and Henrietta (Wing) Wilson, the former children, is still at home, the last born, a of whom was born in Scotland and the lat- son by the name of Chester, dying in in- ter in the state of New York. In June, 1836, fancy. about two months after the birth of Thom- as, they came as pioneers to Michigan, and located on a tract of wild land in Spring THOMAS A. WILSON. Arbor township, Jackson county, where the father reclaimed a farm in the midst of the “No man ever made an ill figure," said primeval forest. primeval forest. Here he continued to re- Dean Swift, "who understood his talents, side until his death, in 1876, at the age of , or a good one who did not." Not all men a seventy-two. His wife passed away eight order their lives to their liking, nor yet are all years later, being the same age. Both had men true to their ideals and intrinsic po- been members of the Methodist Episcopal tentiality, and thus it is always interesting church, while in politics Mr. Wilson was a and profitable indulgence to take under re- Democrat. view the career of one who has held himself Thomas A. Wilson was reared to man- well in hand and has essentially attained that hood on the pioneer farm, to whose arduous degree of success to which his abilities and labors he early became inured, while his powers entitle him. He of whom this brief early educational discipline was such as sketch is given is recognized as one of the could be attained in the common schools of representative members of the bar of Jack- the locality and period,-a training that he son county, and he has dignified the same effectively supplemented by personal study by his efforts and services, while he has ever and application while yet a youth, while it been known as a loyal and public-spirited may be said that the habits thus formed citizen and during the long years of his res- have been dominating characteristics of the idence in the "Central City" has not failed man, for he has never abated his love for to exert a timely and helpful influence in study and for the reading of the best class public and civic affairs, while to him has of literature, in addition to that more spe- ever been accorded that objective confidence cifically applicable to his profession. He de- and esteem which are given only when mer- voted his attention to the work of the farm ited. He has been successfully engaged until he had attained the age of twenty-eight, in the practice of his chosen profession in when he began his legal studies in the office Jackson for more than thirty years, has of John D. Connelly, of Jackson, and in gained distinctive prestige in connection | 1865-6 attended the Chicago Law School. with important and widely varied litigated In April, 1866, he was admitted to the bar interests and retains today a clientage of rep- of the state of Illinois, upon examination resentative order. before the supreme court. Soon afterwards Mr. Wilson is a native of the Empire he returned to Michigan and located in Sag- state of the Union, having been born in inaw, where he was engaged in practice Hamilton county, New York, on the 22d about one year, and returned to Jackson in of April, 1836, and being a son of Thomas 1867, where he has since devoted his atten- - THOMAS A. WILSON. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 577 tion to his profession. In 1869 he was quick to condemn evils, his scathing ar- elected to the office of city recorder, in which raignment of them being regardless of who he served two years, while in 1870 he was may be effected, thus often rebuking the elected prosecuting attorney of the county, local powers in his own party. Whether giving a most able and satisfactory admin- pleading at the bar, discussing questions of istration of the affairs of this important of public policy with tongue or pen, or in fice, but being defeated for re-election at the private conversation, he believes in calling expiration of his first term, as the result of a spade a spade, his denunciations having a normal political exigencies. In 1874 Mayor potent force and being dreaded by all who Hayden appointed him city attorney, retain- come within scope of his sarcasm. ing this position for two years. In 1880 he In 1896 he abandoned Bryanism and was elected school trustee for three years, was one of the committee that called the since when he has repeatedly, for twenty- Indianapolis convention, to which he was one years, been chosen to a place on this the also a delegate, and in 1900 he supported most important board in the city, his worth McKinley, though his Democratic princi- having been generally recognized, and not ples have not been shaken. He has been a little of the present unexcelled school sys- connected with the Union Bank, either tem of Jackson is attributed to his judgment as stockholder, director or attorney, ever and advice. He also served about twelve since its organization, and he is also vice- years as a trustee of the city hospital. Mr. president of the Patriot Newspaper Com- Wilson has ever accorded support to the pany. principles and policies of the Democratic In 1860 was solemnized the marriage of party, and has been a prominent figure in Mr. Wilson to Miss Harriet Hutchins, connection with its local affairs, having been daughter of the late I. L. Hutchins, one of chairman of the county central committee the sterling pioneers of Jackson county. from 1868 to 1870, while he was again | Mrs. Wilson was summoned into the life chosen as the executive head of the county eternal in 1864, and is survived by one organization in 1876 and served for a fur- daughter, Hattie. In October, 1866, Mr. ther interval of twelve years, having shown Wilson consummated a second marriage, be- much discrimination and judgment in the ing then united to Miss Matilda Hutchins, marshalling of the party forces and in pro- a sister of his first wife, and they have three moting its cause through all legitimate children, Kittie, who died at twenty-two;; means. Aligned with the Democratic party Walter S., an attorney, and Winifred. through principle and recognized as influ- ential in the party in Jackson county, Mr. Wilson lacks many elements of a successful present-day politician, in that his honesty MERRITT PECKHAM. of purpose and undoubted integrity of char- acter will not allow the truckling to local While general farming is the most pop- bosses or the questionable transactions now ular style of agriculture in Michigan, its var- so common in practical politics. He is ious special branches find followers in dif- 37 578 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ferent localities. One devotes himself al- lican party, with which he continued to af- most wholly to the tillage of the soil, making filiate for years, then becoming a strong Pro- the other branches secondary, another car- hibitionist. He was always a prohibitionist ries on dairying, incidently engaging in the in sentiment and hoped to see his party rid raising of crops, while still another makes the land of intemperance as effectually as the rearing of live stock the chief feature it had wiped out slavery. To all secret so- of his occupancy of the farm. So well cieties he was bitterly opposed, but those adapted is the state to all classes of agri- that are recognized as oath-bound were a culture that whether a person devotes him- special abomination to him. He served a self to all the different branches or to any number of years as supervisor of his town- one particular line, he finds that in each in- ship, being first elected in 1846 and closing stance his success is fully commensurate with his last term in 1857. His good wife is the effort he puts forth. The Peckham fam- still living, enjoying fair health, in the ily, of Parma township, Jackson county, of eightieth year of her age. They were the which Merritt Peckham is a representative, parents of four children, three of whom are have, during the nearly seventy years of their still living. The ancestry of the Peckham residence in Michigan, been deeply interested family in Rensselaer county, New York, is in live stock. They came to the state in 1837, traced back to early colonial times. The the year the state was admitted into the un- family have ben prominent and are connected jon, and have resided here since. closely with several noted families, such as Merritt Peckham is a native of Michigan, the Davenports, the Lambs and the Cush- born on his father's farm, a part of section 9, Even at the present day the Peck- Parma township, February II, 1841. His hams wield an important influence in the parents were Benjamin and Amy E. (Cush- politics of the state of New York. man) Peckham, both natives of Renss- Merritt Peckham, the subject of this ar- elaer county, New York, where they were ticle, spent his boyhood on his father's farm, reared and educated. There they were mar- performing the customary services thereon, ried March 25, 1840, and some time there and attending school during the winter after came to Michigan and located on a months. When the family moved to Al- farm in Parina township, where they resided bion, in 1858, he entered the seminary at nineteen years. In 1858, they moved to Al- that place and took the regular course. He bion, where they resided five years, then is, therefore, by no means deficient in edu- returned to the farm in 1864 and in 1866 cation and, blessed with abundant natural took up their residence in the city of Jack- talents, he was fortunate in setting out on son, then a village. In 1871 they again re- life's journey far better equipped than most turned to the farm, on which they resided youths of the time and the locality. In until February 13, 1892, when Mr. Peck- choosing a calling he did not long hesitate. ham's death occurred, he being then in the The monotony of life on the farm is by no seventy-seventh year of his age. In poli- means alluring to young men who are pos- tics he was a Whig while that political or- sessed of ambition and a fair supply of im- ganization existed, then joined the Repub- | agination; but in the case of Merritt Peck- a mans. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 579 ham the glitter of professional life or life was united in marriage to Miss Edith L. in some metropolis was not sufficient to wean Knowles, of Concord township, and they him from his desire to be in close touch with are the parents of two interesting children, nature and the pleasures of a rural home. Margaret and Gail. Mrs. Merritt Peckham August 4, 1862, Mr. Peckham enlisted is a devout member of the Presbyterian in Company E, Twentieth Regiment Mich- church. igan Volunteer Infantry, and served faith- After being discharged from the army, fully until the close of the war, nearly three May 30, 1865, the subject of this review years. He was absent from his command devoted three years to travel. He displayed only a few weeks, on account of sickness, better judgment than most persons who in- , and participated in all the battles and en- dulge a passion for travel, in this that he gagements in which the regiment took a confined all his rambles to the United States. part. Although having seen more service He desired to see and know his own coun- than the average soldier of the time, he was soldier of the time, he was try before foreign lands. try before foreign lands. The knowledge fortunate in never having received a wound he acquired in those travels proved very val- and always escaping capture. uable to him and did more to convince him October 28, 1868, Merritt Peckham was of the superiority of agricultural conditions united in marriage to Miss Helen M. Wil- in Michigan over those of other localities cox, a native of New York, born in Lan- than he could possibly acquire in any other singburg, Rensselaer county, December 25, way. It made him contented with life and 1848. Her parents were Charles C. and opportunities in his native state, and con- Margaret (Wood) Wilcox, both natives of tentment is always a prerequisite with hap- New York, born, reared and married in piness. Rensselaer county, where they resided until From their first settlement in Michigan, 1893, when they moved to Michigan. They the Peckhams have always interested them- located in Jackson county and here Mrs. selves in live stock and the improvement of Wilcox died December 28, 1894, in the sixty- the species of the various domestic ani- eighth year of her age. Mr. Wilcox sur- mals. Benjamin Peckham, father of the vived her a little less than four years, expir- subject, was the first person to introduce ing August 7, 1898, aged seventy-six years. fine-wool sheep into Jackson county, Merritt They were the parents of four children, two Peckham was the first person to bring to of whom are still living. To Mr. and Mrs. the county cattle of the shorthorn species, Peckham two children were born, viz: Ben- and he and his son, Benjamin F., have en- jamin F. and J. Merritt, the latter dying in gaged in the breeding and rearing of cattle infancy. Benjamin F. was born May 9, of that kind up to the present time. They 1870, and was educated in the district schools are wide-awake, thrifty, progressive agri- and in the Parma high school. Farming is culturalists, who have added much to the the calling to which he has devoted himself material wealth of Jackson county as well and he has been very successful, especially as to their own. In politics they are Repub- as a breeder of fine live stock. He resides licans, with very pronounced proclivities to- upon the old homestead. May 10, 1893, he ward prohibition. The farm of the father 580 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. comprises two hundred and forty acres and of civilization. There she made a home for is located in sections 23 and 26, Parma her family and lived long to receive the bless- township. Along with his cattle interests ings of her children and her children's chil- he keeps on the farm a large flock of Shrop- dren. shire sheep. He is a member of Simon A. Charles E. Howe is a native of New Downer Post No. 374, and of the Grange, York, having been born in Dutchess county, and displays much interest in each. December 4, 1829, the son of Robert and Amy (Hoshner) Howe, the former a native of Putnam county, while Dutchess was the county of his wife's nativity. The subject's CHARLES E. HOWE. grandfather was Labeas Howe, a soldier of the war of the Revolution. Robert Howe Were the women of seventy years ago was a Whig in politics and a Universalist more heroic, more daring, more enterprising in religion, while farming was the labor to than are the women of today? It would which he devoted his life. He died when . be ungallant and perhaps unjust to admit only a little past middle life, leaving to his that they were. Yet when one reads what wife the care of their nine surviving chil- women—weak, modest, timid women-did dren. Soon after, in 1833, she came with in the development of this country nearly a her children and located in Jackson county, century ago, and then inquires how many where she lived for thirty-four years, the women of the present would be equal to such latter part of her life being spent in ease and an emergency, we must be pardoned for en comfort, surrounded by her children and tertaining some skepticism as to the capa- grandchildren, happy in the consciousness bilities of any of them to successfully en- of having decided wisely and acted well her counter so strenuous a strain. The mother part by those whom the God of nature had of the subject of this biography was certainly committed to her care. a remarkable woman. In 1833 she resided When the journey from New York to in Dutchess county, New York, where she Michigan was made by his intrepid mother had been born, reared and married and where and other members of the family, Charles ten children had been born to her and her E. Howe was twenty-three year old, husband. Nine of the ten children were liv- and he contributed his full share toward ing at the time of their father's death, upon keeping and supplying the home and making which event the responsibility of the family life pleasant for the various members of the fell largely upon the shoulders of Charles. household. He attended the The noble woman wasted little time in use- schools, but the education he received was less mourning or unwise repining, but with by no means as complete as he could desire. a dauntless spirit and a courage bordering on In those days schools were few in number, the heroic, she gathered her little ones about brief in length of term and rather inferior her and began her slow and tedious journey in instruction and what he learned in school into the new country of Michigan—a country was useful chiefly in placing him in a posi- then a wilderness and as yet but an outpost tion where he could become self instructed. common JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 581 The good precepts and noble example of his Company, which owns and operates one of mother inspired in him an ambition to be of the best creameries in the state. He also use in the world, and he was, therefore, patronizes the creamery to the extent of zealously industrious, prudent in all the re- supplying it with all the cream produced on lations of his life and provident with the his place. Although serving for eight years earnings he received from his labor. Не as justice of the peace, he never took very easily accumulated property and was not at kindly to politics. Originally he was a Re- a work for himself very long until he was the publican and assisted in the founding of owner of a comfortable, well stocked farm. that party. On the greenback issue, as he On the 26th day of May, 1868, Charles claims, the party drifted away from him and E. Howe was united in marriage to Miss since the demise of that political faith he has Sarah J. Valentine, a native of Lockport, affiliated with the Prohibitionists. He is a a New York, born November 24, 1844. Her man of ardent nature, scrupulously consci- parents were William and Jane (Johnson) entious in all that he says and does and al- Valentine, the father a native of New York ways deeply imbued with the courage of his and the mother of Canada. To Mr. and convictions. Mrs. Howe eight children were born, viz: Dewitt C., Frank C., Florence M., A. J., Al- fred C., Louis A., Edith B., and Mabel I. ERASTUS CLARK WILCOX. After years of devotion as a faithful wife and loving mother, Mrs. Howe died Jan- People who make the greatest success in uary 7, 1894, and on the 19th day of Feb- life, are those who adhere most tenaciously ruary, 1895, Mr. Howe was again united in to their vocation. Many people pursue one marriage, his second wife being Mrs. Lizzie particular occupation all their lives but are (Valentine) Miller, sister of his former not successful because they fritter away their wife. The marriage has proven a very fe- substance and their energies in changing licitious and congenial one. In relig- from one locality to another, hoping to bet- ious belief Mr. Howe and wife ter their condition by each change. With the members of the Wesleyan Methodist church farmer, more so perhaps than the worker at Rives Junction, as was his first wife also. in any other field of labor, contentment is During the course of his long, useful and a prerequisite to success. The farmer who prudent life Charles E. Howe has accumu- has traveled through a half dozen states, lated considerable property. He is the own- raising a few crops in each, very rarely, er of a farm of three hundred and fifty acres, when the evening of his life comes, has much well improved, well stocked and equipped to show for the strenuous efforts that he has with every specious of implement nec- put forth. The adage “A rolling stone gath- essary for use on the farm. He breeds, ers no moss” is most true, literally and figur- feeds and raises considerable live stock, atively, and it applies to objects animate ` but devotes special attention to Del- as well as inanimate. The subject of this aine sheep and shorthorn cattle. He review, Erastus Clark Wilcox, of Sandstone is a stockholder in the Parma Butter | township, has never been a rover, as is are a 582 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. evidenced by the fact that on the farm which All the years of his life, a home on the he now owns and on which he lives he has farm has been the abiding place of Erastus resided for upwards of forty-three years. C. Wilcox, his first fourteen years being He is now in the sixty-sixth year of his age spent in his native county in New York. and his financial condition is abundant tes- The common schools of Adams township, timony as to the advantage the constant and Hillsdale county, Michigan, furnished him steadfast resident has over his roving broth- | the greater and most important part of his er engaged in the same calling. education. As soon as his physical develop- Erastus Clark Wilcox was born in Or- ment permitted he was put to work on the leans county, New York, January 2, 1838. farm and he was not long in deciding that His parents were Arial and Mary (Fisher) that was a calling to which he was well ad- Wilcox, natives of Lima, Livingston coun- apted. While at times he may have yearned ty, New York, who came with their family for the allurements of professional life to Michigan in October, 1852, and located or for a vocation generally recognized as in Hillsdale county, where they resided eight more genteel, his better judgment always years. In 1860 they moved to Jackson determined in favor of agriculture as the county and settled on the farm in Sand- pursuit of his life. During the latter years stone township now owned and occupied by of his father's life the care and management the subject of this biography. In 1862 Mrs. of the farm entirely devolved upon him and Mary Wilcox died at the family home on at his father's death, partly by inheritance this farm and thirteen years later, in Feb- and partly by purchase, he became the own- ruary, 1875, her husband passed away. They er of the place, which comprises one hundred were the parents of two children, Erastus and five acres of fertile, productive and high- Clark and Frances Adaline, the former of ly improved land. May 14, 1902, the old whom is the subject of this article. The lat- home, the house wherein his father and ter became the wife of James Brooks, who mother had lived and in which for the last after marriage took up their abode in Gen- time they closed their eyes on earth, was esee county, Michigan, where she died in rebuilt and later it was totally destroyed by August, 1867. The entire life of Arial Wil- fire, its place being supplied within a few cox, the father, had been devoted to farm- months by a larger, handsomer and more , ing and his success in his chosen vocation substantial one. It is a delightful home and was very marked. In politics he was a Re- far more in keeping with its surroundings publican and tenaciously adhered to that po- than was its predecessor, although to the old litical faith from the organization of that edifice were linked many pleasant recollec- party. In religion he was a devout and con- tions. sistent member of the Christian church. October 13, 1861, Erastus C. Wilcox His wife belonged to the Baptist church, but was united in marriage to Miss Mira E. their difference in religious belief was never Kempton, a native of North Adams, Hills- permitted to interfere with the harmony and dale county, Michigan, born on the 4th day concord which prevailed in all their domestic of October, 1841. Her parents were David relations. B. and Ann (Reed) Kempton, natives of JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 583 Maine. The union proved most happy and Nazarene. He is now pastor of the church congenial, but was most rudely sundered of this denomination in the city of Jackson, , July 24, 1896, by the death of the faithful where his labors have been attended with and loving wife and mother. She left home grateful results, while he commands the high possessed of life and health, and within a regard of all classes of citizens and elicits few hours was brought back cold in death. the affectionate co-operation of the flock over The team of horses behind which she rode which he has pastoral charge. took fright, ran away and in the accident Gustave E. Spiegel was born in Fort that followed she lost her life. She was the Wayne, Indiana, on the 22d day of Jan- mother of one child, a son, Mark A., born uary, 1852, and comes of stanch German , April 23, 1867. Mrs. Wilcox was a devout | lineage, lineage, his parents, Gustave and Mary member of the Methodist Episcopal church Spiegel, having been born in Saxony and and her husband has for many years also Bavaria respectively, where they were reared belonged to that denomination. Before to maturity, though married in New York death separated them they were regular at- city. In 1847 they emigrated to America . tendants of the services of that denomination and located in the city of New York, where at the church at Parma, and since her death they continued to maintain their home until he has been as constant in his attendance. 1850, when they removed to Fort Wayne, In politics he is a Republican and has filled | Indiana, where they have since resided, the many of the local offices of the township, father having been there engaged in the among them clerk, treasurer and school in- shoe business since the year 1868 and hold- spector, holding the latter position for nine ing the esteem of all with whom he has years. As may readily be inferred from come in contact in the various relations of what has been said, he is a man of much life. force of character, whose good judgment Gustave E. Spiegel was reared in his and keen decernment seldom directs him native city, and after having availed himself otherwise than in the right course. When of the advantages of the public schools was once he espouses a cause, he rarely modi- matriculated, in 1866, in Concordia College. fies his ardor until the object sought is at- at Fort Wayne, having definitely formulated tained. his plans for preparing himself for the min- istry of the church in whose service he has so effectively labored. In this institution REV. GUSTAVE E. SPIEGEL. he completed the classical course, and was To the consecrated work of the Evangel- graduated in June, 1872, and soon afterward ical Lutheran church the subject of this he entered Concordia Seminary, the church sketch has brought the forceful energy of an divinity school at St. Louis, Missouri, and essentially strong individuality, an unwaver- was graduated with the class of 1875. He ing devotion and tenacity of religious con- gave inception to his labors in the vineyard viction, and exemplifies in his daily walk of the divine Master by accepting a call to and conversation his zeal in behalf of his a congregation at Fairbanks, Iowa, where fellow men and in the cause of the lowly he continued in pastoral charge until 1878, 584 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. when he went to Preble, Adams county, In- MARK MERRIMAN. diana, remaining until 1884, when he came to Jackson in response to an urgent call ac- There are inherent qualities in some men corded by his present congregation. Under that insure success in almost any undertak- his guidance the church here has materially ing, and this genius of adaptability has not prospered and its work in all departments lacked demonstration in the representative vitilized. Aside from purely pastoral duties young business man of the city of Jackson devolving upon him, Mr. Spiegel is known to whose record reference is now made and as a forceful and convincing pulpit orator, who is manager of the Imperial Wheel Com- his greatest strength, perhaps, lying in the pany, an important industrial enterprise sincerity of all his utterances, which bear the which has largely contributed to the com- mark of absolute conviction and earnest- mercial prestige of Michigan's “Central ness. Mr. Spiegel is prominent in the coun- City.” cils of his church and his ability and un- Mr. Merriman is a native son of the flagging devotion gained distinctive recog- Wolverine state, having been born in the nition in 1891, when he was appointed presi- | beautiful city of Kalamazoo, on the inth of dent of the Michigan district of the Missouri | July, 1874, being a son of William B. and synod, under whose jurisdiction the work of Mary (Smedley) Merriman, the former of the church in Michigan is carried forward. whom was born in Onondaga county, New He has been twice re-elected to this office, York, and the latter in Erie county, that of which he remains incumbent at the pres- state, while their marriage was solemnized ent time, and thus has important executive at Jackson. The father came to Michigan duties to perform in addition to the general in the early 'fifties and located in Jackson, work of his own pastorate. Mr. Spiegel where he became associated with his broth- is a man of recondite knowledge and gra- er, Levi G., in general merchandise, under cious personality and he has proven a power the firm of Merriman Brothers. The old . for good in his chosen vocation, ever striv- firm of Merriman Brothers was one of the ing to attain the “mark of the high calling.” | leading mercantile firms of Jackson, being In the city of Fort Wayne, Indiana, on in existence for nearly twenty years. Their the 14th of June, 1877, was solemnized the double store stood on the site of the present marriage of Mr. Spiegel to Miss Caroline Dwight block, that location being then the Franke, of that city, where she was reared center of the business district. Besides sell- and educated. Of this union have been born ing all lines of goods, they handled much . four children, concerning whom the follow- of the produce business of the city and ac- ing brief record is entered: Carl W. was quired a wide reputation as able merchants.. born in Preble, Adams county, Indiana, on The subject's father continued to be here so the roth of October, 1878; Adolph G. was engaged until about 1870, when he removed born in the same place, on the 22d of No- to Kalamazoo, where he and his wife have vember, 1880; Clara A. was born in Preble, since maintained their home. Titus Merri- on the 7th of July, 1884, and Meta E. was man, the grandfather of the subject, was a born in Jackson, on the 9th of June, 1889. I prominent physician and surgeon of El- TUN 用 ​SBS عدد ה שושן ST merup Lue Innum BE ME www. . O . ALL 1/11/21/22/12/2017 DENINSULAR_ENG. CO. DETROIT IMPERIAL WHEEL COMPANY PLANT. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 585 bridge, Onondaga county, New York, where sand men, to whom fourteen thousand dol- he remained in the practice of his profession lars a month would be dispersed; that two until within a short time prior to his death. factories would be turning out a million Mark Merriman was reared in his native wheels a year, and that they would be the city of Kalamazoo, in whose public schools greatest wheel-makers in the world. he received his early education. He was in This statement is, however, a very plain mercantile business in Kalamazoo until No- statement of the truth. The business has vember, 1898, when he came to Jackson as increased from nothing to a million wheels cashier in the office of the Imperial Wheel or two hundred and fifty thousand sets a Company, and in November, 1901, he was year, and this result has been accomplished, advanced to his present position as manager, not by the absorption of other plants or the in which capacity he has given most timely crowding of rival concerns out of the mar- and effective service, showing that marked ket, but by simply putting on the market a administrative ability so essential in the wheel just one grade better than the other proper handling of the multifarious details fellow's and dealing with old-fashioned hon- of an important commercial and manufac- esty. turing enterprise. In politics Mr. Merri- The Imperial Wheel Company completes man gives his allegiance to the Republican the wheels which it puts on the market from party. the place where nature leaves off. In other The following facts relating to the Im- words, it chops the hickory trees for the perial Wheel Company are culled mainly spokes, the rock elm for the hubs; it cuts from an article in the Jackson Patriot : them into lengths in its own saw-mills in the Four years ago the Imperial Wheel | timber tracts of Tennessee and Kentucky, Company came into existence. There had from whence the raw material, after it has been a small wheel manufactory—the Jack- been air-seasoned for a time, is shipped to son Wheel Company—which had been do- the factories at Jackson and Flint. The ing business in a corner of the mammoth company either owns or has an option on a building which George T. Smith had erected trifle of fifty thousand acres of hickory for the largest mill machinery manufactory woodland, and its mills are located at Dyers- in the world. The broad-gauge policy which burg, Tennessee, and Livermore, Kentucky. has always actuated the management of the Hickory is used for the rims and spokes and Durant-Dort Carriage Company at that time rock elm for the hubs. Each of the latter appreciated the desirability of making its consists of a section of a second growth own wheels, and accepted the chance which rock elm tree, so that the grain of the wood was then presented to begin their manufac- follows the circumference of the hub. The ture. Messrs. Durant and Dort took up the life of the carriage is in the wheel, and the lease and plant of the Jackson Wheel Com- life of the wheel is primarily in the material pany and launched a new business. of which it is made. By controlling its own It would have been an inspired prophet sources of supply of raw material, the com- who would then have predicted that within pany has a great advantage over the con- four years the employment of a half-thou- cern which must buy its timber. 586 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. After the stuff of which the future wheel make the repairs inseparable from the run- is to be formed has been put through the ning of such large number of machines at sawmill, and experienced a spell of air-sea- the highest practicable rate of speed. This soning, as stated, the next process in its shop is fully equipped with lathes, planers evolution is another spell of air-seasoning and shapers, and every implement found in the yard, finally ending with an experience in any general machine shop. The . company in the dry kilns. One of the secrets of the also keeps a force of blacksmiths, and to uniform high grade of the company's prod- keep the big plant in tip-top shape at all uct is that the kiln capacity available is suf- times and to make the necessary patterns a ficiently large to allow of all the material to force of carpenters is employed. be seasoned as much as it ought to be, and The big buildings, which were designed it is never necessary to crowd the stock. and built for the George T. Smith Company, From the kilns the material goes to the are peculiarly well adapted to the business wheelmakers. A sight of the interior of such of wheel-making. In fact, it is stated that a factory as that of the Imperial Company if the buildings were to be designed over is enough to make the eyes of the wheel- again for wheel manufacturing few changes maker who used to build the wheel spoke by would be made from the present structure. spoke, one process at a time, start from his The two long wings which extend from the head. It is the personification of the divi- main building, with open yard in the center, sion and classification of industry that one makes it possible to bring freight right to sees here. Every man does one thing the doors of the workrooms, as well as fur- at a time--and he does it with incon- nish unlimited light and air to the men. The ceivable certainty and rapidity. There is building is steam-heated and electrically probably not in the institution lighted throughout. It has its own private who could make an entire wheel, and system of fire protection, consisting of fire man would have a chance to do plugs every fifty feet throughout the build- it if he could. The work is divided up ing, at each of which is a supply of hose. into hundreds of different tasks. The rough There is also a hose cart with six hundred wood is first fashioned into hubs and spokes, feet of hose and within a few blocks is the and then these are assembled, and the rim house of the city's No. 4 crew, with a mod- put on. The "sarven," or "compressed," ern fire engine and full equipment. In case or "shell" bands are put on the hubs, and of fire the building could be flooded with the blacksmith work is done, the wheel is water almost instantly. turned, polished, tested, inspected, and ready A person must be blind who drives for shipment with wonderful rapidity. Each through the western part of the city and one of the three hundred and fifty men puts does not observe the evidences of progress a hand to it. and prosperity which are traceable to the Combined with the plant is a complete | Imperial Wheel Company and the other in- and fully equipped machine shop, and a dustries which have grown up with it. force of machinists is kept steadily em- The prosperity which has come to the city ployed. This has been found desirable to with the success of this enterprise has been a man no JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 587 steady and uninterrupted. Shutdowns for published in a local paper, and we can not, lack of orders have been unknown, and not perhaps, do better than to incorporate the only has the business flowed on without in- same in this sketch, that the estimate of his terruption, but the volume has been steadily life and services may be perpetuated. augmented day by day and year by year. "In its present chief of police, Jackson The whole community has shared the has a noted character among the thief-catch- prosperity enjoyed by the company. And ers of the whole country. There is hardly never has a conspicuous and noteworthy suc- a city of the importance of Jackson in the cess been achieved with less blowing of middle west whose chief officer has not heard trumpets. of the admirable personality and the abil- The officers of the institution are: J. D. ity as a detective of the Jackson chief of po- Dort, president; C. B. Hayes, vice-president lice, John Boyle. The Pinkerton detectives ; and general manager; W. C. Durant, treas- and the notorious outlaws of the country urer; Mark Merriman, manager of the Jack- know him as ‘Jack’ Boyle, and many a male- ' son plant. factor has paid him a high compliment in Every resident of the city recognizes the advising his pals to “side-step Jackson, for Imperial Wheel Company as a standard in- that is where Jack Boyle hangs out.' dustry of the city. It is of the kind that “The present generation of Jackson makes the community in which it settles county does not remember a time when prosperous. John Boyle was not engaged in the business of capturing law breakers and in preserving the peace of the community. To be sure JOHN BOYLE. that was a time when other duties and re- sponsibilities claimed his attention, for not To how great an extent the welfare and only was he successfully engaged in private public safety depend upon the maintenance business for a number of years, but was also , of an able constabulary in every populous one of the best soldiers that went to the community is not, perhaps, appreciated to front for the preservation of the Union any practical degree by the average citizen, when its integrity was placed in jeopardy and yet the difference would be at once mani- through armed rebellion. Chief Boyle was fest to all were the support of the able "min- born in county Armagh, Ireland, on the 5th ions of the law" withdrawn but for a day, of September, 1839, being a son of John and , or were efficiency relaxed. The police de- Elizabeth (Curry) Boyle. The former died partment of the city of Jackson is fortunate when John was five years old and he came in having at its head that intrepid, well-bal- to America in his boyhood with his mother anced and honorable official whose name in- when eleven years old, taking up their res- troduces this review, and who has served as idence in Rochester, New York, and later chief of police for the past decade, making removing to Illinois. The opening of the a record which places him among the most Rebellion found him a resident of Chicago able police officers in the Union. An appre- where he had been engaged in coopering. ciative review of his career was recently l On the 19th of April, 1861, he enlisted as a 588 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. to was private in the Twelfth Illinois Volunteer In- force was re-organized in 1885 his ex- fantry, from which he was later transferred cellent service rendered him in line for to the One Hundred and Twenty-seventh consideration for promotion, and he was Illinois Infantry, and his command was at- selected captain. . In 1890 he was elected tached the Army of the Tennes- sheriff of the county, and gave a most able see, and as a part of the same it partici- administration of the duties of this import- pated in many of the hotly contested battles ant office. He was appointed by the board of the great conflict through which the of police commissioners to his present office Union perpetuated, including the as chief of police in 1893, and being in the Vicksburg and Atlanta campaigns, in fact city in which the state prison is located and in all in which the Fifteenth Army Corps in which many convicts remain after libera- bore a part. The subject was quite severely tion, his duties have been manifold, but he wounded in the battle of Chickasaw Bayou, has conducted the affairs of his office withi near Vicksburg, in December, 1862, but re- distinctive credit to himself and to the city, joined his regiment the following March while he has not only maintained effective and was promoted for meritorious conduct discipline in his department but has gained in that battle, being made second lieutenant and held the utmost loyalty on the part of of Company A, of which he was a member, his subordinates, all of whom accord to him and of which in 1864 he was made first lieu- the fullest measure of confidence and esteem, tenant. During part of the Atlanta cam- as does also the public at large. Chief Boyle paign he was aide-de-camp on the staff of the has a wide acquaintance among police offi- commander of the First Brigade, Second Di-. cers throughout the state and his advice and vision, Fifteenth Corps. During the famous council are frequently sought in regard to march with Sherman, he was in command ways and means.” of his company. He took part in the grand The Jackson police force consists of review and was mustered out at Washing-twenty-two men, comprising the chief, cap- ton, June 5, 1865. Besides himself, four oftain, lieutenant, sergeant, two constables his brothers also served through the war, and the patrolmen. The present police head- two in New York regiments and two from quarters was erected in 1897 at a cost of Illinois. eight thousand dollars, the cells costing two “After the close of the war Mr. Boyle thousand dollars additional. The appropri- came to Michigan and for several years ation for 1903 amounts to twenty-two thous- maintained his home in the village of Quin- and five hundred and eighty-five dollars, cy, Branch county, where he was engaged which includes a reduction in the debt on the in the cooperage trade. In 1875 he took up building and the cost of installation of the his residence in the city of Jackson, where Gamewell police signal system. This sys- he devoted his attention to cooperage until tem is now being installed and will put Jack- 1879, in which year he was appointed son on a par with any city of its size in the to a position on the local police force, country. by Mayor Joseph Mabley. Mabley. When the Mr. Boyle received his early educational JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 589 discipline in the public schools of the state HENRY B. CONNER. of New York, and was early thrown on his own resources. The alert mentality, self- If the rebellions in Ireland have not been reliance and self-control which are so char- as numerous during the past two hundred acteristic of the man proved adequate re- years as have been rebellions in South Am- inforcement for the battle of life, which he erica, they have had the merit at least of has ever faced with courage and determina- being in a worthier cause. From Irish re- tion, and in all relations he has been found bellions one good has invariably resulted, of fertile in expedients and ready for every which the United States has been the chief emergency,--powers which have done much beneficiary. Every uprising against the gov- to conserve his success as an officer. In poli- ernment in the Emerald isle has seen thous- tics the Chief has ever accorded a stanch ands of patriotic, liberty-loving natives of allegiance to the Democratic party, and the Ireland taking up their residence in this same has received the benefit of his influence country, aiding in the development and add- and active efforts. Fraternally he is identi- ing to the greatness of the land of their . fied with the Grand Army of the Republic, adoption. Had it not been for the Irish retaining membership in Edmond Pomeroy rebellion of 1848 the subject of this review, Post, in Jackson, and ever showing a kindly Henry B. Conner, and his eight brothers and interest and concern in his old comrades in sisters might have never set foot on Ameri- arms. He is also an Elk and member of the can soil. William A. Conner, father of Ancient Order of United Workmen and the the subject, was one of the prominent par- Red Cross. He also belongs to the Chief ticipants in what is known as the “White of Police and Sheriffs' Association of the Boy Insurrection” of 1848, and, pressed too state, of which he has served as president. closely by the government, was obliged to He was married May 31, 1869, at Quincy, take refuge in France. He was a man of Michigan, to Miss Lizzie Coon, and they position and wealth in his native land, but have one son, Robert E., and three daugh- Britain has seldom been lacking for an ex- ters, Belle, Dell and Marian. Belle is the cuse to confiscate the property of those she wife of W. J. Kinney, of Angola, Indiana, chooses to call rebels, hence little time was and Dell is the wife of P. J. Croxton, of lost in transferring the Conner estate to the the same town. Mrs. Boyle was born in possession of the crown. An exile and Quincy, Michigan, and is the grand-daugh- financially impoverished, William A. Con- ter of J. G. Corbett, a pioneer, who built ner, with his family, located on the island the first frame house in his locality, kept the of Jersey, on the coast of France, where he first tavern, and served in an early day as remained a number of years. Like the Em- county treasurer. Chief Boyle enjoys mets and many others who gave their all, marked popularity among all classes of cit- some even their lives, in the cause of Irish izens and it is certain that so long as he liberty, William A. Conner was a Protest- consents to occupy his present office popu- ant. He was twice married, and to the first lar sentiment will keep him there. union nine children were born, viz: Will- 590 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. iam A., Herbert, Joseph, Richard, Sophia, united in marriage to Miss Antoinette Rein- Elizabeth, Albert, Fanny and Henry B. holds, a native of Denmark, born August Some time after the death of his first wife 29, 1839, and a member of the same family he was married to Anna Grusha and two in which the subject found a home eleven children were born to this union, Charles years previously when a friendless orphan and George. Later the family moved to boy. Her parents were Louis and Katharine Granville, France, where, in December, (Broderson) Reinholds, the father a native 1864, Mr. Conner died. The widow mar- of Prussia, who located in Michigan in ried again, accompanied her husband to 1863. He was by occupation a landscape Wales and there her death occurred. Her gardener and there not being much use for two children, George and Charles, remained that vocation in this section of Michigan at in France, being cared for by relatives. that time, he devoted himself to farming. Henry B. Conner, the subject of this Later he built a greenhouse in the city of , biography, was born on the isle of Jersey, Jackson and conducted it quite successfully , June 27, 1850. He was the youngest child a number of years. He died at the home of of a family of nine, all of whom received his daughter, Mrs. Conner, in 1884, his good elementary educations. Previous to good wife, Katharine, having also passed the death of their parents the three children away, her death occurring in New York city. had been sent to the United States. When To Mr. and Mrs. Conner two children the remains of their father was laid away were born, only one of whom, however, is in a foreign land, the other six orphans were living. He is now twenty-five years of age, sent to Cork, Ireland, where they met their married Mary Crocker and they reside in uncle, with whom they took shipping to the Hudson, Michigan, where he is interested in United States. When they landed in New the manufacture of cheese. He has been York the subject was fourteen years old, and favored with a good, liberal education, hav- he has a very vivid recollection of the voyage ing taken the course in the Michigan State and interesting incidents on the way. The Agricultural College at Lansing. The purpose was that the uncle was to care for second child was a little daughter, Ruth, the children until they were able to care for who died when less than one year old. themselves, but his wife dying soon after In 1878, soon after his marriage, Henry their arrival in America this plan was frus- | B. Conner purchased forty acres of land, a trated, hence each found a home in such part of section 33, Henrietta township, which families as were willing to take them. In was little improved and only partly cleared. September, 1866, the subject became a mem- He was not long in finishing the clearing and ber of the family of Louis Reinholds, in otherwise improving the place, then added Jackson county, Michigan. Two years later forty more acres to the tract, just across the he hired out as a farm hand, working by the line in section 34. line in section 34. In 1902 he erected a month, and this he continued for eight years, large and handsome residence, which is con- meanwhile exercising prudence and economy nected with the outside world by telephone. in the matter of his earnings. He carries on what is termed mixed farming March 12, 1877, Henry B. Conner was and feeds most of the produce of the place JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 591 to his live stock, which consists chiefly of maturity on the farm in Blackman town- graded cattle, Poland China hogs and he ship which his father purchased from the nearly always has for sale a few horses, of government. He had the following brothers his own raising, that are good roadsters. and sisters: James, Thomas, Charles and Mrs. Conner is a member of the Congrega- Mary, who like himself became widely and tional church at Jackson, a regular attend- favorably known in this part of the country ant upon its service and interested in re- in an early day. When a young man he was ligious and charitable work. In politics Mr. married in Blackman township to Mrs. Conner is a Democrat, but never allows Margaret Ann Crandall, widow of Giles party zeal to interfere with his business af- Crandall and daughter of Philip and Mar- fairs. The story of his life proves that true garet (Peek) Van Horn, by whom he had success depends upon personal effort and three children, namely: Perry, whose name consecutive industry. It also demonstrates introduces this review; Arvilla, wife of that the road to prosperity is open to all, no George Steller, of this county, and Fred, matter how lowly their lot may be in the who died at the age of six years. By her beginning. Alone in the world at the age previous marriage Mrs. Cole had one son, of fourteen and without a roof to shelter John Crandall, whose death occurred some him, the subject won his way to a position years ago. In his younger days Mr. Cole of prominence among the leading agri- learned stone and brick masonry, and worked culturists of Jackson county. at the same the greater part of his life, in connection therewith devoting considerable time to the pursuit of agriculture. He purchased land in Blackman township, from PERRY COLE. which he cleared and developed a good farm, and when not thus engaged did a great deal The subject of this sketch is an enter- of masonry work throughout the county, his prising farmer and representative citizen of efficiency as a stone and brick layer giving Blackman township where he has practically him a wide reputation. He was noted for spent his life, being closely associated with his great industry and excellent judgment its material welfare. A thorough agri- | in business matters, and in the two-fold culturist, and a successful man of business, capacity of farmer and mason became quite he has been the architect of his own fortune successful, accumulating a handsome estate and his career happily illustrates what in- and a comfortable competence for his de- dustry can accomplish when properly ap- clining years. In politics he was a Re- plied and intelligently directed. Perry Cole publican but took no part in public affairs is a native of Jackson county, Michigan, and further than voting his principles and de- the son of Josiah and Margaret (Van Horn) | fending the soundness of his opinions. An Cole, both of whom were natives of New honorable man and worthy citizen, he was York. Josiah Cole came to this county | respected by a large circle of acquaintances with his parents, James B. and Dianna ts, James B. and Dianna and his death, in April, 1898, was sincerely (Bennett) Cole, when a youth and grew to mourned by all who knew him. Mrs. Cole 592 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. is still living and at the present time makes munity which is honored by his citizenship. her home with her children. Mr. Cole is a Republican in politics and his On the 23d day of November, 1850, services to his party has had much to do Perry Cole was born on the homestead in with its success in the county of Jackson. Blackman township and his early life, amid | He reads much, keeps in close touch with the the wholesome influences of the farm, had trend of current political thought, and has much to do in forming a sturdy character strong convictions and decided opinions and teaching him the valuable lesson of self on all the leading public questions of the reliance. At intervals during his minority day. The Baptist church represents his re- he attended the public schools and on reach-ligious belief, and as a sincere member of ing the years of manhood turned his atten- that body his influence has been potent for tion to agriculture, which noble and inde- good among the people with whom he pendent pursuit he has since followed with associates. success and financial profit. Mr. Cole be- The domestic life of Mr. Cole dates from gan his life work on a part of the home place March 27, 1878, at which time he was united and later became its possessor, owning at in marriage with Miss Ida M. Ingraham, the time a fine farm of one hundred and who was born in Hillsdale county, Michi- forty acres, all but twenty acres of which gan, June 16, 1860. This union resulted in , are in cultivation and highly improved. He the birth of the following named children: is certainly an enterprising and progressive Lena Mary, deceased; Arthur, a farmer husbandman, as the splendid condition of living in Santa Cruz county, California ; his farm attests, and he also enjoys marked Lulu May; Bessie, deceased, and Harold prestige in the matter of stock raising. He V. Mrs. Cole is the daughter of Dwight is a careful business man, a close calculator and Lucy Ann (Mosher) Ingraham, the and foresees with remarkable clearness the father born September 8, 1822, in Orleans probable outcome of his financial trans- county, New York, and the mother in actions. His judgment is clear and ac- Nassau county, the same state, on the 18th curate, his integrity manifest in every re- day of June, 1828. These parents on com- lation of life and the good sound sense with | ing to Michigan settled near the present site which he is plentifully endowed gives weight of Mosherville, Hillsdale county, where Mr. to his opinions and makes him an influentia! Ingraham farmed for some years, also factor among his neighbors and fellow citi- worked at different times as a sawyer in the Personally Mr. Cole is a gentleman lumber mills of that section of the state. In of pleasing presence and his sterling worth 1868 he changed his abode to the county has won for him a high place in the esteem of Somerset, thence subsequently to the of the public. True to every obligation, his town of Manchester, where he remained un- name has long been synonymous with cor- til about 1876, when he moved to Jackson rect conduct and fair dealing and his up-county, and in 1879 purchased a farm in right life, as well as his success in material Sandstone township, but since the death of things, mark him as one of the staunch, him as one of the staunch, his wife he has lived with his children, of thrifty and eminently useful men of the com- whom the following record is entered : zens. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 593 Amelia married Albert French and died in honest men and women of noble attributes 1871; Walter J. is a farmer of Sandstone of character, so that he has reason to feel township; George Arthur is a resident of pride in his genealogy. Manchester, Michigan; Ida May is the wife John Fellows was born in the town of of Perry Cole, of this review; Clara Belle, Salisbury, Merrimack county, New Hamp- the widow of Charles Morrill, is now living shire, on the 8th of September, 1830, being a in Albion, Michigan, and Benjamin G. re- son of Reuben and Hannah (Heath) Fel- sides in Charleston, this state. lows, both of whom were likewise natives of that place, where they were reared to ma- turity and where their marriage was solem- nized. There Reuben Fellows was engaged JOHN FELLOWS. in brickmaking in his early manhood, and from his native state he went forth to do The unostentatious routine of private yeoman service as a soldier in the war of life, although of vast importance to the wel- 1812. The original progenitor of the fam- fare of the community, has not figured to any ily in America was Samuel Fellows, who great extent in history. But the names of was born in England, in 1619, and who emi- those men who have distinguished them- grated to the American colonies when a selves through the possession of those quali- young man, taking up his residence in ties which mainly contribute to the success Massachusetts, where he passed the remain- of private life and to the public stability and der of his life, dying March 16, 1697 or '8. who have enjoyed the respect and confidence Of his two sons the elder was Samuel, from of those about them, should not be permitted whom the line is traced to the subject of this to perish. Their examples are most valuable review. Samuel, Jr., was born in Salisbury, and their lives well worthy of consideration. Essex county, Massachusetts, on the 13th of Such are the thoughts that involuntarily January, 1647, and was married and became , come to mind when consideration is taken of the father of seven children. His son Eben- the career of such an honored pioneer as the ezer was born on the Ioth of November, gentleman whose name initiates this para- 1692, and in Massachusetts he was united in graph. He is a representative of a family marriage to Miss Elizabeth Brooks, eight that settled in Blackman township, this coun- children being born of this union. Their son ty, in the early pioneer epoch, and his mind John, who was born on the 27th of April, links the formative era with that of latter- 1720, married Elizabeth Blaisdell, who bore day progress and magnificent prosperity. In him nine children, and after her death he addition to this it is pleasing to note the fact married Mrs. Mary (Tucker) Kenniston, of that he is also a representative of stanch old whose five children Daniel, who was born in New England stock, the original ancestors New Hampshire, on the 12th of February, in the agnatic line having taken up their 1769, was the grandfather of the subject of abode in New England at an early period in this sketch. On the 28th of November, its colonization, while in the several genera- 1789, he was united in marriage to Susan- tions following have been found strong and nah Stevens, who was born on the 28th of 38 594 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Noyember, 1769, so that her marriage was home of his brother Daniel about eighteen solemnized on her twentieth birthday anni- months, and then he erected on his home versary. Daniel Fellows died in New place a small house, a portion of the same Hampshire, on the 17th of May, 1863, and being a frame structure, while the remainder his wife also died in that state. Of the eleven was of hewed logs, this part of the dwelling children of Daniel and Susannah Fellows being eight by ten feet in dimensions, and record is entered as follows: Mehetable, the logs were thus utilized in order that the who was born on the 20th of April, 1790; family might have protection from the In- Reuben, the father of the subject, was born dians, whose bullets would not penetrate the on the 4th of May, 1792; Lydia was born thick walls. Mr. Fellows forthwith faced on the 6th of July, 1794, and died in New the problems and herculean labors of the , Hampshire; Stephen was born September pioneer, and succeeded in reclaiming thirty 28, 1796; John, February 13, 1799; Rich- acres of his land before his death, which ard, July 16, 1801, died April 15, 1804; occurred on the old homestead, on the 20th Sargent, September 29, 1803; Richard, of January, 1850, his wife surviving him , April 6, 1805; Susan, March 31, 1809; Dan- by more than a quarter of a century, and iel, November 29, 1811; and Elephelet, Jan- being summoned into eternal rest in June, , uary 8, 1815. 1879. Mr. Fellows was a man of impregna- Reuben Fellows, father of the subject, ble integrity and labored assiduously and was reared and educated in New Hamp- devotedly to provide a home for his wife and shire, where he was engaged in various vo- children. He was one of the sterling pio- cations up to the year 1839, when, in com- neers of the county, honored by all who pany with his family, he started for Mich- knew him, and his name well merits a place igan, proceeding by canal to Buffalo, New in a work of this nature. In politics he gave York, and thence by the steamer “Daniel his support to the Democratic party. They Webster," the first steamboat on Lake Erie, became the parents of nine children, con- to the city of Detroit, from which point he cerning whom a brief record is as follows: made the journey overland to Jackson coun- Catherine became the wife of Louis Nichols, ty. His brother Daniel had located in the and both are now deceased; Franklin died county in 1834, and to him Reuben had sent at the age of seventy-eight years; Alice be- money with which to purchase land, and he came the wife of Amos Parkhurst; Susan, secured eighty acres of government land in who became the wife of David Cady, died in Blackman township, the tract being covered Jackson county, Michigan; Sarah J. became with its heavy growth of native timber, the wife of Horace Garfield and both died while the section was a primitive wilderness, in Jackson county, Michigan; Serilla is the a no roads having been constructed and the widow of Spaulding Welsh and resides in settlers being few and far between. The the city of Jackson; John is the immediate Indians were still in distinctive evidence and subject of this sketch; Ada A., who became at times troublesome, while wild game of all the wife of Louis Garfield, died in Jackson sorts was to be found in abundance. Reu-county; and Clark, who was the third in , ben Fellows and his family resided in the order of birth, died in childhood. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 595 John Fellows was reared under the con- since made this his home, being the owner of ditions and influences of the pioneer days, a finely improved farm of eighty acres, and and as a boy he began to contribute his quota the land being specially fertile and produc- to the strenuous work of the farm, assisting tive. The place is devoted to general farm- in clearing the land, in chopping wood and ing and since 1897 his son Richard has had in the various other duties which marked the the active supervision of the same, proving initiation of civilization in this section. Ow- a worthy successor of his father and grand- ing to the exigencies of time and place his father, each of whom contributed materially early educational advantages were very lim- to the development and substantial progress ited in scope, being confined to an irregular of the county through the medium of well- attendance in the little log school house, with directed effort. In politics he has ever been its primitive accessories and scarcely less a stanch supporter of the principles of the primitive methods of instruction. As a boy Democratic party, and he has been called he was an adept in hunting and trapping and upon to serve in various offices of local trust greatly enjoyed the sport thus afforded. He and responsibility, including that of town- began to sally forth in quest of game before ship treasurer. He is a devoted and hon- he was large enough to shoulder a shot gun, ored member of the Baptist church at Rives being compelled to secure a support for the Junction, as was also his faithful wife. same in bringing down his game. At the On the 4th of July, 1854, Mr. Fellows age of twelve years he killed his first deer, was united in marriage to Miss Sardenia E. which he shot at a point about two rods east Van Horne, who was born in Cuyahoga of the site of his present residence. From county, New York, on the 28th of Septem- that time forward he kept the family larder ber, 1832, being a daughter of Christopher well supplied with all kinds of wild game, and Maria (Cline) Van Horne, who were manufacturing his own cartridges and find- numbered among the honored pioneers of ing the sports of the forest his main source Jackson county and of whom more specific of recreation. He reverts with pleasure to mention is made in the sketch of their son, this period of his life, and his reminiscences W. Henry Van Horne, appearing on an- of the pioneer days are interesting in the ex- other page of this work. To Mr. and Mrs. treme and should be perpetuated in a spe- Fellows have been born six children: Irving cific publication. In 1852, at the height of H., who married Miss Elizabeth Welsh, is the gold excitement in California, Mr. Fel- a prosperous farmer of Henrietta township; lows joined the throng of argonauts mak- Ella Matilda is the wife of Edgar J. Keeler, ing their way to the Pacific coast, going of Brown county, South Dakota; Wilford through by the Panama route and proceed- R., who is a successful farmer of Rives ing to Nevada county, where he was en- township, was first married to Miss Jennie gaged in placer mining for two years, at the Curtis, who died in May, 1896, and he later expiration of which he returned to Jackson married Miss Clara Belle Taylor; Alice is county. He thereafter remained on the old the wife of William D. Soper, of Blackman homestead with his parents until both had township; Mary A. is the wife of Henry M. been called to the life eternal, and he has True, of Rives township, and Richard J. has 596 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. charge of the old homestead farm. Richard ty, while his energy and progressive meth- J. Fellows was born on the old farm, on the ods have made him one of the successful 12th of March, 1871, and was reared and members of the farming community. educated in this county, receiving the ad- Lewis E. Landon was born on the old vantages of the excellent public schools and homestead, in this township, on the 5th of growing up under the sturdy discipline of December, 1877, being a son of Ezekiel A. , the farm. On the 30th of March, 1898, was and Ambra (Bancroft) Landon, the former solemnized his marriage to Miss Lydia J. of whom was born in Cayuga county, New McCrum, daughter of George and Mary York, on the 5th of August, 1833, while (Dunwoody) McCrum, her father being a the latter was born in Cattaraugus county, prominent farmer of Tompkins township. that state, on the 26th of May, 1852. In To Mr. and Mrs. Fellows have been born 1837 the paternal grandparents of the sub- two children: An infant son, born May 10, ject, Luther and Clarissa (Tracy) Landoni, 1899, died when three days old, and Julian, removed from New York to Jackson county, who was born on the 9th of November, taking up a tract of land in Springport 1900. township, and here continuing to reside dur- ing the balance of their lives, his death oc- curring in 1855, while she passed away in LEWIS E. LANDON. 1878, at a venerable age. Ezekiel A. Lan- don was a child of about three years at the The subject of this sketch is a representa- time when his parents took up their abode tive of the third generation of the family in in this township, being numbered among Jackson county and this fact implies that its sterling pioneers, and here he was reared he is of pioneer stock. It may further be to maturity, receiving such educational ad- said that his father was one of the promi- vantages as were afforded in the common nent and honored farmers of the county, schools of the locality and period. He con- where he conducted operations upon an ex- tinued to be actively identified with agri- tensive scale, having been at one time the cultural pursuits until the close of his life, owner of about two thousand acres of land, also doing a profitable business as stock a considerable portion of which he had raiser, while his prosperity was to a large disposed prior to his demise. The subject, extent the result of his own efforts. During who was the only child, is numbered among the later years of his life he resided in the the successful young farmers and stock- village of Springport, and he ever took a growers of Springport township, devoting vital interest in all that concerned the town special attention to the breeding of Hol- and county, while he served in various lo- stein cattle, while he also feeds cattle upon cal offices of trust and responsibility, ever a quite extensive scale, having a well im- commanding the unequivocal confidence and proved and attractive farm home. The esteem of the community in which practically present estate comprises nine hundred his entire life was passed. He was sum- and sixty-nine acres, mostly in Springport moned into eternal rest on the 30th of Jan- township, forty acres lying in Calhoun coun- uary, 1896, and his widow still retains her LEWIS E. LANDON. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 597 home in the village of Springport. In pol- Masons, while he also holds membership in itics he was a stanch Republican, while his the lodge of Knights of Pythias in the city religious faith was of no particular church of Albion, and in Lodge No. 113 of the . Lewis E. Landon, whose name intro- Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, duces this article, was reared on the old in Jackson, and the Mystic Workers of the homestead and after attending the public World, in Springport. schools at Springport until he had com- On the 4th of December, 1901, Mr. pleted the prescribed curriculum he entered Landon was united in marriage to Miss the high school of the city of Ann Arbor, Pearl Hill, of Lansing, the capital of the where he continued his studies for two state, where she was born, being a daugh- years. Since leaving school he has devoted ter of Thomas and Louisa Hill, of that his attention to farming and stock growing place, where she was reared and educated, and has been particularly successful in the being a young lady of gracious refinement raising of Holstein cattle of the finest grade, and one who is distinctively popular in the while he feeds a large number of cattle for social circles of Springport. the market each year, bringing to bear the correct business methods and progressive ideas which ever make for definite success. It may be said at this juncture that his PATRICK FLEMING. father was a stockholder in the Albion National Bank and also in the wind-mill The record of a well-spent life, even factory in that city. The maternal grand- though devoid of thrilling experiences or parents of the subject were William and tragic episode, is always interesting. Few Laura (Holbrook) Bancroft, both of whom men are great according to the world's were born in Cattaraugus county, New standard of greatness, the majority of them York, whence they came to Jackson county being unknown beyond the little community and settled in Springport township in 1853. in which they pursue the even tenor of their Here he died in 1888, at the age of seventy- way, yet every man of noble aims and high three years, while his wife died in 1892, at ideals whose life is helpful to his fellows, the age of seventy years. Mr. Bancroft thus proving a blessing to the world and was a relative of the well known historian, an honor to the race, will have a fame as George Bancroft. In politics Mr. Landon bright as the stars and far more enduring is stanchly arrayed in support of the Re- than that of some of earth's greatest war- publican party and its principles and he has riors, mightiest potentates and crowned served as a member of the board of review, kings. Such a man was the late Patrick while he is at the present time a member Fleming, of Henrietta township, and it is of the village council at Springport. He is fitting that a brief record of his life be per- . identified with the Masonic fraternity, be- petuated, that others may emulate his vir- ing a member of Springport Lodge No. tues and be stimulated to greater exertion 284, Free and Accepted Masons, and by his example. Mr. Fleming was born Springport Chapter No. 144, Royal Arch March 6, 1823, in county Cork, Ireland, the 598 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. son of John and Julia (Jones) Fleming, for made on the place when Mr. Fleming pur- a sketch of whom the reader is respectfully chased it, and with his accustomed energy referred to the biography of John Fleming he at once set about the work of clearing the on another page of this volume. When a land and establishing a home. How well lad of fourteen Mr. Fleming accompanied he succeeded in his attempts is shown by the his parents to Michigan and remained with fact that within a few years his land was all his father until the latter's death, after which enclosed, the greater part in cultivation and he lived with his brothers, who owned land a general system of improvements inaugu- in the northern part of Henrietta township, rated which, completed from time to time, and until young manhood he united his greatly enhanced the value of the property efforts with theirs in clearing a farm and besides adding much to its beauty and at- otherwise improving their joint possessions. tractiveness. . It is unnecessary in this connection to de- Mr. Fleming was a successful farmer scribe in detail the youthful experience of and everything to which he turned his hand Mr. Fleming, as it was similar in almost appeared to prosper. Thrift was one of his every respect to that of the majority of most pronounced characteristics, economy young men reared under conditions where was engrained in his nature, yet he was far hard work was the common lot of all. As from selfish or parsimonious, the absence he grew in years and strength he planned of these defects being especially noticeable. well for his future course of action and in He labored diligently and planned with rare due time came into possession of land of his forethought to make a home, and his lauda- own, which he developed and converted into ble aim once realized no one ever enjoyed a farm. In 1854 he sold his original pur- his hearthstone more or took greater pleas- chase and bought the old historic Bateese ure in making it what every home should be, farm in Henrietta township, consisting of the best and dearest spot on earth. Mr. one hundred and sixty acres in section 10. Fleming earned every dollar he ever pos- This place has been noted since the earliest sessed and realizing how it was earned, ap- settlement of the country for it was on the preciated it, not so much for its intrinsic same that a daring and adventurous spirit or purchasing value but for what it repre- by the name of Bateese located in an early sented in expenditure of energy and self day and established a frontier post for the sacrifice. He was always the life of the do- purpose of trading with the Indians. Ba- mestic circle, it being the little domain in teese erected a small log building near the which he reigned, a loving and beloved mon- lake which has since been known by his arch, and over which he exercised a con- name, stocked it with a limited supply of trol so tempered with kindness and affection such articles as the Indians most valued and that his subjects vied with each other in exchanged them for furs and all kinds of yielding obedience and rendering loyal serv- peltry, of course getting the better of his ice. Mr. Fleming was endowed with splen- red friends in the bargains which he knew did social qualities, possessing the sanguine so well how to drive to his own advantage. emperament, genial nature and sunshiny Little improvement worthy of note had been disposition peculiar to the warm hearted race JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 599 He of which he was typical representative. fairs. Life's fitful fever over, he rests well, made friends easily and once his their loy- and the memory of his good works, benefi- alty was never thereafter a matter of doubt. cial influence, unsullied integrity and ster- He was exceedingly popular with his neigh- ling character constituting an epitaph which bors and fellow citizens, being always ready the ravages of time can never obliterate or to do a kind act or render a favor and that efface. too with no thought of receiving a like re- Since the death of Mr. Fleming the farm turn, being prompted by the most unselfish has been operated by his widow, its practical motives in all he did. management at the present time being in the On the 4th day of June, 1855, occurred hands of her son, William E., who, as al- the marriage of Patrick Fleming and Miss ready stated, is one of the leading agri- , Margaret Markey, a happy and in every culturists and representative citizens of Hen- respect fortunate union which resulted in the rietta township. The present elegant frame birth of six children, three living, namely: residence was built in 1881, while the barns Thomas, who died at the age of twen- and other buildings are in keeping therewith, ty-eight; Mary Jane, wife of Eugene Mc- the place being considered one of the most Intee, a farmer of Waterloo township; Will- beautiful and desirable as well as one of the iam E., a worthy and popular citizen of most valuable rural homes in the county of Henrietta township and, since his father's Jackson. Mr. Fleming carries on general death, manager of the home farm; Marga- farming, in addition to which he does a ret, wife of William McCann, has a family thriving business as a raiser of fine live of four children and lives in the township stock, being extensively engaged in the lat- of Rives. Mr. Fleming was a Democrat in ter branch of agriculture. He is a staunch politics and an active party worker in state supporter of the Democratic party and at the and national issues, in township and county present time is serving his second term as affairs often voting for the best qualified township clerk, the duties of which position candidate. His ancestors from time im- he discharges in a manner creditable to him- memorial were Catholics and, being born self and satisfactory to the public. Like his within the pale of the Holy Mother church, parents, he too is a zealous Catholic, being he ever remained a true and loyal son there- one of the leaders and active workers as well of. He was a zealous church worker, con- as liberal supporters of the parish with tributed liberally to the financial support of which the family is identified, St. Cornelius the parish to which he belonged and spared and St. Cyprian Catholic church in Ingham no pains in early impressing upon the minds county. and hearts of his children the deep underly- Mrs. Fleming is the daughter of James ing principles of the faith he loved so well. and Mary (McGill) Markey, natives of Ire- Mr. Fleming, in the year 1879, passed from land and early settlers of Michigan, having the church militant to the church trium- located in Ingham county in the summer of phant, his death being felt as a personal loss 1839. Mr. Markey purchased a tract of by the people among whom he had long lived wild land in the above county soon after his and borne his part in the busy world of af- arrival, from which he developed a fine 600 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. farm, in due time becoming an enterprising and first locating in Washtenaw county. La- agriculturist, besides rising to a conspicuous ter they moved to a place near Dexter, and place in his community. He was a man of in 1839 the family took up its abode in Jack- excellent repute and high social standing, son, where John W. Welch worked at his widely known throughout the county of Ing- trade for three years. After another year's ham and did much in a quiet way to promote residence in Washtenaw county, they re- the material growth and moral advancement turned to Jackson, purchased eighty acres , of the section of country in which he lived; of land in Henrietta township, part of sec- his death occurred in the year 1859. Seven tion 33, and as soon as a home was prepared children constituted the family of James and thereon the family moved upon the premises. Mary Markey, their names being as fol- It was a wild and sparsely settled section at lows: Patrick, Thomas, Bernard, Owen, that time. There were probably more In- Ann, James and Margaret, all dead but dians than whites in the county and deer James and Mrs. Fleming. were far more numerous than domestic cat- tle. Mr. Welch has often said that he has counted as many as thirty-two deer within the range of his vision at one time. The GILBERT V. WELCH. home of the family was far superior in many respects to the ordinary primitive home The number of native citizens of Mich- in the wilderness. It was of frame, well igan who have resided within the state more built, and in convenience, comfort and ap- than sixty years is not large. There are a pearance, compared favorably with its sur- number, however, in Jackson county, as the roundings. The mother of the family was biographical sketches in this volume amply a most matronly woman, skilled and accom- disclose. The subject of this review, Gil- plished in all of the domestic arts of the bert V. Welch, and his worthy wife, Helen time. She knit, spun, wove, made and (Archer) Welch, both born in Michigan, mended. There was scarcely a garment are among those whose life in the state worn by the family, in the early day, that covers a period of more than three score was not the work of her hand, being made years. from raw material. The wool from the Gilbert V. Welch born in back of the sheep did not leave the premises Jackson city, Jackson county, Michigan, until it adorned the backs of the family in , May 2, 1839. His parents were John the way of clothing. Seven children were W. and Susan (Valentine) Welch, born to John W. and Susan Welch, viz: both natives of New York, the latter Gilbert V., Ann, Henry, Harriett, Elizabeth , born in Genesee county, while the for- and two children who died in infancy. Each mer's birthplace was in Saratoga county of those who grew to maturity received a . By trade he was a carpenter and a very good common school education and all are capable workman. In 1837 he came from very comfortably settled in life. May II, his native state to Michigan, bringing with 1380, the father passed from time to eternity him his wife, coming by way of the lakes, and about eight years later, March 30, was . JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 601 1888, the worthy mother went to her re- his first vote for James Monroe. Two chil- ward in the great hereafter. Both were de- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Welch, vout members of the Methodist Episcopal Lena and Herbert. Lena is the wife of church. In politics he was a Democrat, hav- Frank Littler, a farmer of Rives township, ing cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson and they are the parents of four children. for President of the United States. She received a good education, and was very After having gotten such an education successful in teaching, having been in the as he could acquire by spending a few school room for eighteen terms. She is in- months in the school room each winter, and terested in music, having a splendid voice, having helped his father on the farm the under excellent control and finely cultivated. remainder of the time until he was twenty Herbert was educated in the public schools years of age, Gilbert V. Welch hired out and graduated from the Ypsilanti Business as a farm hand at the munificent salary of College. He married Miss Kate Brady, a twelve dollars per month. His first field of lady possessed of many noble qualities, and labor was in Washtenaw county and he they enjoyed domestic happiness for some worked three years steadily for one em- time. Her untimely death, however, cast a ployer. With the savings of those three shadow on his early manhood and he has years, he purchased, in 1862, forty acres of since made his home with his parents. Mr. land in Henrietta township, Jackson coun- and Mrs. Welch are devout and active mem- ty, adjacent to the land owned by his father. bers of the Methodist church. While a It was wholly unimproved, but he cleared it, Democrat in politics, Mr. Welch is by no erected upon it a comfortable home and means a partisan, as he considers the man there lived and cultivated the place for thir- and his fitness for the position to which he teen years. aspires always above the party. The only October 26, 1862, Gilbert V. Welch was official positions he has held were township united in marriage to Miss Helen Archer, treasurer and highway commissioner. a native of Jackson county, Michigan, born On his well-improved and fertile farm in Henrietta township, August 17, 1838. in Henrietta township Mr. Welch carries on Her parents were Job and Phoebe (Hark- what is termed mixed farming. He raises ness) Archer, natives of Washington coun- on the land crops of all kinds suited to this ty, New York. They came to Michigan latitude, gives some attention to dairying in 1837, purchased land in Henrietta town- and breeds, cares for and feeds cattle, horses ship, cleared it, improved it and continued and hogs. His stock is chiefly comprised of to reside thereon until their deaths. He Durham cattle, general-purpose horses and died May 25, 1873; she survived him but Poland China hogs. Some years ago he re- twelve days, passing away June 6 of the modeled his residence, enlarged his barn and same year. She died as she had lived, in . erected a number of new buildings on the the faith of the Presbyterian church, of place. He has a nice bearing orchard, which which she had been a member many years. embraces fourteen kinds of fruit. Each suc- In politics he was a Democrat and had been cessive year he takes more pride in his gar- voting that ticket since 1820, when he cast den, always enjoying the reputation of hav- 602 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ing the best kept and most diversified of any substantial farmers of the county, while he in the township. The family receives the so ordered his life in all its relations as to benefits of rural free delivery. retain the unqualified regard of all who knew him. He was a stanch advocate of the cause of the Republican party and both he and his wife were consistent members of the Meth- CASIMIR YOUNG. odist Episcopal church. He died in Feb- ruary, 1890, and his wife passed away in Jackson county has been the home of August, 1857. Of their four children, two Mr. Young throughout his life, and as near- died in infancy, while the survivors are Cas- ly seventy years have elapsed since his father imir, who is the immediate subject of this located in the county, it may be seen that he be seen that he sketch, and Henry, who is a resident of Al- is a representative of one of the pioneer fam- bion, Michigan. ilies of this favored section of the old Wol- The subject of this review was reared verine state. He has wrought out a definite on the old homestead where he now resides, success through the persistent application of and early began to contribute his quota to its his energies and abilities in connection with work. After attending the district schools the great fundamental art of agriculture, is and gaining a rudimentary knowledge, he known as a representative farmer of Con- entered the public schools in the city of Al- cord township, where he owns a fine landed bion, where he attended the high school and estate, and he commands uniform confidence later was a student in the business college and regard because he deserves this. It is there conducted by the late Prof. Ira. May- most consistent that a review of his career hew, who was one of the prominent figures be incorporated in this work, which has to in the educational circles of the state of do with those who have been the founders Michigan in the early days and practically and builders of the county's structure of sta- up to the time of his death, having been the ble and opulent prosperity. author of many valuable textbooks and hav- Mi. Young was born on the farm which ing been the state superintendent of public is now his home, the date of his nativity hav- instruction from 1855 until 1858. After ing been May 21, 1843. His parents, Casi- leaving school Mr. Young returned to the mir and Elizabeth (Young) Young, were farm and he has ever since been identified born near the city of Mentz, in Hesse Darm- with agricultural pursuits in this township. stadt, Germany, near the river Rhine, and He now owns a fine farm of two hundred there they were reared and educated. The and thirty-nine acres, upon which are the , father emigrated to America in 1833, land- best of improvements, while the place is de- ing in New York city, and after remaining voted to general farming and to the raising in the east until 1836, he in that year came of a high grade of live stock. In connection to Jackson county and in Concord township with his farming enterprise Mr. Young has secured a large tract of land, effecting the been for the past score of years one of the purchase of two hundred and seventy acres. prominent grain commission merchants of He became one of the representative and this locality, purchasing large amounts an- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 603 nually for a leading firm in the city of De- 1879. He is a son of Lyman B. and Lu- troit, while for one year he purchased for a rana N. (Short) Ray, both of whom were firm in Jackson. In politics he is found ar- born and reared in the state of New York, rayed in support of the Republican party where their marriage was solemnized and and its principles, though he has never been whence they came, in 1864, to Jackson town- a seeker for official preferment. ty, where he became the owner of the farm On the 3d of December, 1868, Mr. now occupied by his son and namesake, and Young was united in marriage to Miss here he continued to be engaged in agri- Mary E. Rhodenbach, who was born in cultural pursuits until his death, being hon- Wayne county, New York, June 1, 1849, ored as one of the sterling citizens and in- and of this union has been born one son, fluential farmers of the county. He died on Franklin C., who was born on the 13th of the 28th of May, 1879, in the prime of his November, 1870, and who completed his ed- useful manhood, having been but forty years ucation in the Detroit Commercial College, of age at the time of his demise. He served having previously been a student in the Con- one year in the war of the Rebellion, having cord high school. He is now one of the suc- been a member of Wadworth's Guards, of cessful and popular young farmers of this the One Hundred and Fourth New York township. On the 27th of March, 1901, he Volunteer Infantry, and having been first was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Whit- sergeant in the same. He was wounded aker, of Concord township. He is a member while in the service and incapacitated for of Lodge No. 30, Free and Accepted Ma- further active duty until the expiration of sons, at Concord, Michigan. his term, when he received his honorable discharge. In politics he was a stalwart Re- publican and his religious faith was that of the Universalist church, of which his widow LYMAN B. RAY. is a devoted member. She resides in Con- . cord township, and is now the wife of Will- One of the representative young farmers iam D. Chapple, being sixty-one years of of Jackson county, which has been his home age at the time of this writing. Mr. Ray from the time of his birth, is Mr. Ray, was a brother of the late Mark H. Ray, who whose fine homestead of two hundred acres came from New York state to Jackson coun- is located in sections 4, 9 and 10, Concord ty, Michigan, in an early day, and who be- township, and here, in addition to carrying came one of the prominent and influential on general agricultural operations upon an citizens of the county, taking an active part extensive scale, he is also engaged in the in public affairs and having been one of the breeding and raising of Tamworth swine, of leaders in the ranks of the Republican party registered stock, having the distinction of in this section. He was for several years being the first to introduce this fine breed supervisor of Concord township, while he into the county. Mr. Ray was born on the also rendered effective service as county homestead upon which he now resides, the treasurer and county sheriff, becoming par- date of his nativity having been May 28, | ticularly well known throughout this section 604 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. and being eminently successful in his busi- in Jackson county. Both of her parents are ness affairs. He died in September, 1891. residents of Concord, her father being one of The subject of this review was reared the representative farmers of the county. on the old homestead farm and received ex- cellent educational advantages, having at- tended the public schools in the village of FRANCIS H. LOWDEN. Concord and completed a course of study in the public schools in the city of Albion, pre- The subject of this sketch occupies a po- vious to attendance at Concord, Michigan, sition in the front rank of Henrietta town- He has always been associated in the man- ship's successful farmers and representative agement of the home farm, of which he is men of affairs. He also enjoys worthy pres- now the owner, the same comprising two tige as a neighbor and citizen, being actively hundred acres, as has been previously stated. interested in the moral advancement of the Here he is successfully engaged in general community and in close touch with the times farming, keeping his land under the highest in all that relates to the material prosperity state of productivity, while he is devoting of his fellow men. Francis H. Lowden was special attention to the breeding of regis- born in Leoni township, Jackson county, tered Tamworth swine, in which his efforts Michigan, on the 25th of November, 1864, are being attended with gratifying success, the son of Richard and Sarah Lowden, an while the breed has been brought into most account of whom will be found in the biog- favorable recognition in this section through raphy of Joseph R. Lowden, on another his efforts, since he was the first to intro- page of this volume. The maiden name of duce the same into the county. He is a the subject's mother was Sarah Lipscomb, member of the American Tamworth Swine who was the daughter of Richard Lipscomb, Association and is an excellent judge of this a native of England, who came to the Uni- line of live stock, his decisions being held ted States in 1842 with his father, William, as practically ultimate. He is a young man the family locating about that time in Wash- who takes much pride in his native county tenaw county, Michigan, near the town of and its industrial prestige and material wel- Dexter. Later the Lipscombs bought a quar- fare, being essentially public-spirited and be- ter section of land in Henrietta township, ing an ardent advocate of the principles and Jackson county, which they developed from policies for which the Republican party a wilderness state into a beautiful and well- stands sponsor. tilled farm and on which William spent the On the roth of October, 1900, Mr. Ray remainder of his days. After his death his , was united in marriage to Miss Nettie A. son Richard sold the place and migrated to Reynolds, who was born in this township Indiana, but in the course of a few years he February 25, 1879, being a daughter of returned to Jackson county and bought a William L. M. and Rachel Frances (Tay- | farm in the township of Leoni, on which lor) Reynolds. She is a graduate of the his death occurred in 1890. For other facts Concord rd high school in the class of 1897, connected with the subject's family history, and was a successful teacher for three years see sketch referred to above. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 605 The childhood and early youth of Fran- so common among the young men of his cis H. Lowden were spent on his father's day, neither did he contract any of the per- farm and from his thirteenth year he has nicious and expensive habits which drain made his own way in the world, having been the pockets, undermine health and unfit thrown upon his own resources at that age. those addicted to them for effective labor. Before leaving home he attended of winter From the first he had a proper conception seasons the public schools and made com- of life and its responsibilities and by ever mendable progress in his studies, but owing keeping in mind high ideals of manhood he to circumstances beyond his control his edu- was enabled to steer clear of the pitfalls and cational training was greatly hindered and snares with which many paths are beset and impeded. Desirous of earning money of his in due time realized some of the laudable own, young Francis, when little more than objects for which he was striving. From a child, severed home ties and with not a thirteen until twenty-five years old he not penny in his possession and nothing in the only made his own way and paid his own way of a wardrobe except a shirt, a pair of expenses, but during that time so managed coarse overalls and a cheap straw hat, his finances as to find himself the possessor started out barefooted and alone to seek the of one thousand dollars in cash, every penny fortune. Under similar circumstances the of which was earned by his own strenuous majority of lads would quickly have be- efforts. With this snug capital as a basis, come discouraged and returned to their fa- young Lowden purchased a farming outfit ther's house; not so, however, with a boy and for a period of four years cultivated for who from childhood had displayed remark- a share of the proceeds what is known as the able self reliance and who, animated by a Hankerd place in Henrietta township, , hope which painted the future in glowing meanwhile meeting with such encouraging colors, determined to reach the goal of suc- success that he decided to ask an estimable cess if it were possible for him to do so. young lady of his acquaintance to become After sundry inquiries he finally secured em- his companion and helpmeet during the re- ployment with a farmer with whom he re- mainder of life's journey. Accordingly, on mained that summer and the following win- April 29, 1891, he and the young lady re- ter. He was fortunate enough to work for ferred to, Miss Isabelle L. Reed, of this his board while attending school. He con- county, were united in marriage and im- tinued several years as a farm hand, hus- mediately thereafter the happy couple, full banding his earnings very carefully the of hope and promise, set up housekeeping on meantime, with the object in view of ulti- a rented farm. One year later Mr. Lowden mately becoming not only a wage earner but took charge of his father-in-law's place, a land owner. For some time after leaving which he managed until the following the parental roof his wages were only six spring, at which time the farm was divided, dollars per month, but as he grew in stature Mrs. Lowden receiving for her share one and his capacity for labor increased his serv- hundred and thirty-three acres of fine land, ices commanded more liberal remuneration. sufficient to answer all the purposes of a Mr. Lowden was not given to the frivolity comfortable home and an independent боб JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. income. Since that time the subject has are characterized by that adherence to prin- increased the farm by additional pur- ciple which marks the man of integrity and chases until it now embraces an area of two correct motives. The people of his neigh- hundred and forty-three acres, the greater borhood hold him in high esteem, as he is part highly improved and in a successful public spirited, frequently losing sight of state of cultivation. It contains substantial self in his efforts to promote the material buildings, including a fine barn of modern and moral welfare of the community. Mr. design erected in 1898, a good barn for cat- Lowden is a reader and observer, keeps tle, a residence well supplied with modern himself well informed on the leading ques- conveniences and comforts, and various other tions of the day and has strong convictions edifices, while the fences and splendid condi- relative to the issues upon which the great tion of the fields and everything else on the political parties of the nation are divided. premises bear testimony to the intelligence, He is a Democrat of the most pronounced energy, good taste and superior manage- type, but not narrow or bitterly partisan. ment of the proprietor. Mr. Lowden is fa- He labors diligently for others, but is not miliar with the nature of soils and by judi- himself a place seeker, having no ambition cious fertilizing and proper rotation of crops, in that direction nor any desire to court retains unimpaired the original fertility and distinction in public station. Fraternally he productiveness of his farm. He raises a . is a member of Lodge No. 185, Free and great deal of grain, which is fed to live stock Accepted Masons, the principles and pre- on the place and from the sale of his vege- cepts of which ancient and noted order are table and fruit crops adds very materially exemplified in his every day life and busi- to his earnings from other sources. While successful along the lines of general agri- Mr. and Mrs. Lowden are the parents culture, it is as a stock raiser that Mr. Low- of four children: Anna L., born March 6, den is best known, deriving the greater part 1892; Lucy S., born January 22, 1894; of his income from the sale of horses, cattle Carlton, June 20, 1897, and Llewellyn, and hogs. His herd of full-blooded short- whose birth occurred September 13, 1898, horns is large and valuable and he has about the last named the last named dying at the age of three fifteen registered cattle. In the matter of months and ten days. Mrs. Lowden is the . swine, he deems the Poland China breed the daughter of W. H. and Louisa (McCabe) most profitable and formerly he sold a num- Reed, both natives of New York. The for- ber of high-priced horses each year, but of mer is a son of Williard Reed, who was born late his interest in horse flesh from a com- in New York state February 4, 1801. Will- mercial point of view has declined. iard Reed was twice married, the first time Mr. Lowden has accumulated a hand- to Rebecca Holiday, who died in Septem- some fortune and is now classed with the ber, 1833, and, later to Sarah E. Odian, both financially reliable and well-to-do men of his wives bearing children, seven in all. In the township. He displays keen insight and dis- year 1842 Mr. Reed came to Jackson coun- criminating judgment in his business affairs ty, Michigan, and bought a valuable tract , and all of his relations with his fellowmen of land in sections 20 and 21, Henrietta ness concerns. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 607 township, later adding to this until at one tiller of the soil; he married Miss Margaret time his real estate amounted to over six Doneen, of this county, and is the father of hundred acres. He disposed of a part of four children. this land and sometime prior to his death divided his valuable estate of three hundred and fifty acres among his grandchildren, re- taining an interest in the same as long as he GEORGE W. BRIGHT. lived. Politically Williard Reed was an old time Democrat, while religiously he be- Both Mr. Bright and his estimable wife longed to the Episcopal church. He was a are representatives of honored pioneer fam- good man, honest, industrious and frugal, ilies of Jackson county, so that a considera- and all who knew him respected him for his tion of their genealogical and personal his- amiable qualities and sterling worth. Strong tory becomes doubly interesting and doubly and vigorous and with superb health, he re- apropos in connection with the prescribed tained unimpaired his bodily powers until province of this publication. Mr. Bright is advanced age and it is reliably stated that one of the prominent and highly esteemed in the winter of his seventy-sixth year he cut farmers of Spring Arbor township, having from the green one hundred cords of four- a finely improved landed estate of three hun- foot wood, nor counted the task at all diffi- dred and twelve acres and carrying forward cult. He died November 11, 1896, at the his operations with that energy and discrim- ripe old age of ninety-five years, ten months ination which ever betoken the appreciative and seven days. and model yeoman, while he has the wisdom W. H. Reed, father of Mrs. Lowden, is to consider the independent and untram- living a retired life in the city of Jackson. neled life of the farm one which is worthy He followed farming quite successfully un- of the allegiance of the best of men, realizing til amassing a competence and is now enjoy- also that in all ages and lands the great fun- ing the fruits of his many years of toil and damental art of agriculture has lain at the endeavor in the quiet and content which he basis of all material progress and prosperity. so ably and faithfully earned. Augusta, wife Mr. Bright has the distinction of being of Richard Pixley, lives in Henrietta town- a native of the national metropolis, having ship, where her husband is engaged in agri- been born in New York city on the 16th of cultural pursuits; she is the mother of five August, 1847. His father, William B. children, four of whom are living. Mrs. Bright, a member of one of the old estab- Lowden and a twin sister by the name of lished families of the Empire state, was born Anna Dell are the next in order of birth, in New York, on the 16th of August, 1811, the latter being the wife of W. N. Cowing, a while his wife, whose maiden name was farmer of Henrietta ; their union is blessed Julia A. Wells, was likewise born in that with three offspring. Williard M., the state, on the 12th of August, 1816. In 1849 youngest of the family, is also a resident of they emigrated to Michigan and took up the above township and by occupation is a their residence in Jackson county, where 608 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. they passed the remainder of their lives, the be found the distinctive marks of refine- death of Mr. Bright occurring on the 11th ment and cultured taste. In politics, while of November, 1874, while his wife was without ambition for official preferment in summoned to eternal rest on the 25th of a personal way, Mr. Bright accords a stanch March, 1880. In 1869 Mr. Bright purchased allegiance to the Republican party, while he the farm which is now owned and occupied and his wife are adherents of the First Bap- by his son George, the subject of this sketch. tist church in the city of Detroit. He and his wife became the parents of five On the 3d of October, 1869, was sol- sons and five daughters, of whom five are emnized the marriage of Mr. Bright to Miss living at the present time. Prior to his re- Almira McCain, who was born in Summit moval to Michigan William B. Bright was township, this county, on the 17th of No- a captain on a vessel plying the Hudson vember, 1852, being the daughter of Alonzo river, while he was also the owner of a boat and Sophronia (Waite) McCain, both of which he maintained in service on this his- whom were born in the state of New York, toric and beautiful waterway for a number while both were members of sterling pioneer of years, being also identified with farming families of Jackson county, whither came in in that state, as was he later in Michigan. an early day Leander and Mary (Bean) ( George W. Bright was reared on the McCain, the parental grandparents of Mrs, home farm in this county, having been a Bright, who here passed the residue of their child of about two years when his parents lives. Alonzo McCain became one of the . took up their residence here, so that prac- | prominent citizens and successful farmers of tically his entire life lias been passed within Summit township, where he died in 1895. the environs of this favored section of the at the age of about seventy years, his wife Peninsular state. He was accorded the ad- hiving passed away in 1870, at the age of vantages of the public schools and after leav- about forty-five years. They were parents ing the same continued his identification of two sons and three daughters, all of whom with agricultural pursuits, in which he has still survive. Mr. McCain acquired a com- consecutively continued up to the present petency, and in addition to carrying on his time. His homestead farm comprises three farming industry he also made a specialty hundred and twelve acres of fertile and ex- of extending financial loans on real-estate ceptionally productive land, and this fine security, while he was the soul of uprightness demesne is under a high state of cultivation, and honor and held the confidence of all being devoted to the diversified products with whom he came in contact in the vari- common to the locality, but especial atten- ous relations of life. He is a Republican in tion being given to the raising of wheat, of politics and for a number of years was in- which he secures large crops. The residence cumbent of the office of supervisor of Sum- on the place is one of the attractive homes mit township. Mr. and Mrs. Bright have of the locality and is enhanced by the gra- seven children, Roy, Myrtle, Edna, Helen, cious hospitality which is ever in evidence Florence Hope, Paul Dean and Elizabeth within its cheerful precincts, where are to Faith. JONATHAN HALL. MRS. JONATHAN HALL. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 609 to JONATHAN HALL. grated to America, landing in the city of Quebec, Canada, from which point they In the development of the agricultural made their way down through the state of resources of Jackson county the Hall family Vermont, proceeded across the state of New has borne an important part, the name York by canal to the city of Buffalo, where having been identified with the annals of they secured transportation on a lake vessel this opulent section of the Peninsular state to Detroit, Michigan. From this fair “City from the early pioneer days, and while pro- of the Straits," which was then scarcely moting the material advancement of the lo- more than a village, they came overland cality those who have represented the name with teams and wagons 'to Washtenaw in the three generations have also given an county, where they remained one year and active and liberal support to those measures then removed Clarendon township: which have tended to elevate the intellectual Calhoun county. There the father of the and moral status of the community. The subject purchased eighty acres of govern- record of the life of this honored subject, ment land, the same being entirely covered Jonathan Hall, is one over which falls with the native timber and entirely without no shadow of wrong or suspicion of improvement, while wild game was to be evil, and now, venerable in years but found in abundance and Indians were fre- retaining noteworthy mental and physi- quent visitors to the cabins of the white cal vigor, he rests secure in the venera- settlers. The mediums principally brought tion and kindly regard of all who into requisition in clearing and improving know him, while he is able to enjoy the re- the farm were ox teams, the gleaming ax ward of his former years of indefatigable and sturdy brawn, and Mr. Hall not only toil and endeavor, having a fine farm in reclaimed the major portion of his original Springport township, in which section of tract but also purchased and improved an the county he has continuously resided since additional forty acres, and on this home- 1846, while his father took up his residence stead he continued to reside until he was in the adjoining county of Calhoun in the summoned from the sphere of life's activi- year 1837, which marked the admission of ties, in 1844, at the age of about sixty-two Michigan to the sisterhood of states. years, while his wife passed away in 1848, Jonathan Hall is a native of the “right aged about seventy years. They were folks little, tight little isle," having been born in of sterling character and their labors were county Norfolk, England, on the 3d of such as indicate that strength and courage January, 1823, so that he is now an octo- and self-abnegation which ever fall to the genarian. His parents, Francis and Martha lot of the pioneers in a new country. (Hall) Hall, were likewise natives of Eng- Though they came to America as strangers land and members of sterling old families. in a strange land, they did not fail to draw There they were reared and educated and themselves forthwith the confidence, there their marriage was solemnized, while esteem and friendship of those with whom they continued their residence in the land they came in contact, and their names merit of their birth until 1836, when they emi- a place of honor on the roll of the early to 39 610 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. settlers of the state of Michigan. In poli- vicissitudes which must compass every hu- tics Mr. Hall was an independent, and he man life. He continued to reside at home and his wife were members of no church. and assist in the work of reclaiming and They became the parents of four sons, con- cultivating the farm until he had attained cerning whom we enter the following record : the age of twenty-three years, when he in- Francis married Ann Gaylord, and they be- augurated his independent career, coming came the parents of two children, and after to Jackson county and effecting the pur- her death he married Mrs. Jane (Beebe) chase, with his brother, of two eighties or Young, one child being born to this union. one hundred and sixty acres of wild land in He died in Eaton county, at the age of section thirty, Springport township. Here eighty-five years. Henry, the second son, he faced the same task as had his father a married Lovina Griffin and they reared a decade or more more previously, since it was large family of children, his death occurring necessary for him to denude the land of its in Calhoun county, at the age of about timber ere he could make it available for forty-two years. Jonathan, the immediate cultivation. He cleared sixty acres of the subject of this review, was the next in or- tract and on that place, which is now owned der of birth. William, the youngest of the by the Landons, he continued to make his children, died in 1846, at the untimely age home until 1849, when he traded the same of twenty-one years. Each of the sons had for a farm of eighty acres, in section 31, the most grateful of home surroundings same township, this likewise being entirely during his youth, though not of a preten- unimproved and covered with the heavy tious order, and each received such edu- growth of native timber. His first work cational advantages as were afforded in the was to make a clearing in which to erect his common schools. log cabin, which continued to be the family Jonathan Hall was a lad of fourteen home for a number of years, and though years at the time of the family removal to it was a primitive and unpretentious domi- America, and he well recalls the diverting cile, as great happiness and good cheer experiences which attended the voyage reigned within its rude walls as could in across the Atlantic and the journey across the finest abode of wealth, for strong hearts the continent, by divers means, to Michigan, and willing hands make for happiness under , while it may also be understood that as a all conditions, and honest industry is a royal boy, though sharing in the work of the prerogative. Mr. Hall not only cleared the pioneer farm, he could not fully compre- eighty acres thus purchased, but later pur- hend the burden of care and responsibility chased an additional eighty acres, and of the that rested upon his devoted parents nor place, which constitutes his finely improved appreciate as did they the lack of the con- homestead, it may be said that all but forty veniences and associations to which they acres is under a high state of cultivation, had been accustomed in their native land. while the permanent improvements are of He, however, assumed the responsibilities substantial and attractive order, indicating of life as they came to him with increasing thrift and pro thrift and prosperity. The residence, which years, and has known his full share of the was erected in 1861, is a model farm dwell- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 611 ing, while the other buildings are in har- union, of whom three are living, and on mony therewith. In the summer of 1899 the 4th of March, 1879, Mr. Hall consum- the large barn on the farm was struck by mated a second marriage, being then united lightning and burned to the ground, but it to Mrs. Harriet (Whitman) Millard, widow was soon afterward replaced with a still of James W. Millard. She was born in better structure. Now, more than eighty Allegany ghty Allegany county, New York, November years of age, Mr. Hall has properly retired 16, 1836, being a daughter of Josiah and from the active cares and labors which were Keziah (Drake) Whitman, who came to his for so many years, and is now enjoying Michigan from New York state in 1836, that dignified leisure which is the just and became a successful and influential prerogative reserved to those who have farmer of Jackson county, where his death lived so earnest and honorable a life. He occurred. Of the second marriage of the rents his farm to his son-in-law, William subject no children have been born. Con- Meeks, who is successfully carrying forward cerning the five children of the honored sub- the work so long maintained under the ject we offer a brief record in this conclud- active personal supervision of the subject. ing paragraph; Sophia is the wife of Will- Mr. Hall still resides on the old homestead, iam Meeks, of the village of Springport, which is endeared to him through the mem- and they have two children; Anna died in ories and associations of the past. He is infancy; Nettie is the wife of Byron God- a man of fine mental equipment, broad- frey, who is engaged in the lumber business minded and sincere and one who has ever in the city of Elkhart, Indiana, and they manifested the courage of his convictions, are the parents of six children; Otis, who while to him has been given a full measure was the next in order of birth, died in in- of confidence and esteem in the community fancy; and Adelaide is the wife of Alva which has been his home for so long a Dodd, who has charge of the Oyer Hotel term of years. He has been a Republican in Springport, Michigan, and they have one in politics from the time of the organization child, Jay J. Each of the living children of the party, and while taking proper in- received good educational advantages and terest in public affairs of a local nature he all are well placed in life and well upholding has never been afflicted with a desire for the honors of the family name. office, though he has served in official ca- pacity in connection with the educational affairs of the township. In October, 1846, Mr. Hall was united in marriage to Miss Clista Gaylord, who JASPER E. WELLMAN. was born in New York state, on the 22d of December, 1830, being a daughter of Of all of the early pioneer families still Augustus F. Gaylord, one of the honored resident in Jackson county, very few can pioneers of Jackson county. Mrs. Hall was date their coming to this locality earlier than summoned into eternal rest in February, can the Wellmans, a worthy representative 1870, five children having been born to this of whom is Jasper E. Wellman, the subject 612 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. of this biography. His grandparents came Boston, February 22, 1815, while his wife to Michigan in 1830, locating in Jackson was a native of New York, born in West- county, and this has been the abiding place moreland, Oneida moreland, Oneida county, July 2, 1825. of the family from that time to the present. Henry Wellman came with his parents from John and Abigail (Stewart) Wellman were Massachusetts to New York when five years the paternal grandparents of the subject of of age and ten years later, in 1830, came this review. They were natives of Mass- with them to Michigan and has constantly achusetts, reared and educated near Boston, resided in Jackson county ever since. His but moved to Pine Hill, Genesee county, father died at the family home, April 4, New York, in 1820, where they resided ten 1871, beïng survived by his wife a little less years, then moved to Jackson county, Mich- than two years, her death occurring Feb- igan, which continued to be their home un- ruary 7, 1873. They were the parents of til called to a better one by death. He died six children, four of whom, including the , in Jackson, her death occurring in Mason subject, are still living. Henry Wellman City. They were not long residents of the was an industrious, provident and frugal territory when their home was visited by a farmer, and at the time of his death he was disastrous fire. It was one of the first homes the owner of a fertile farm of one hundred erected in the little village of Jackson and and ninety acres, well improved, stocked and the conflagration, which was the first known supplied with all necessary farm machinery. in the county, rendered it a total loss. The In politics he was a Whig and later a Re- maternal grandparents of the subject were publican after the organization of the lat- Hiram and Anna (Seelye) Mosher, who re- ter party. He and his wife were both sided in the state of New York, where they members of the Wesleyan Methodist church, were married in 1822. From there they the other members of the family, however, went to Franklin, Venango county, Pennsyl- allying themselves with the Baptist church. vania, where Mrs. Mosher died at the early Jasper E. Wellman was born in what age of twenty-six years, at which time the was then Jackson, now Summit, township, subject's mother, Maria Mosher, was a child Jackson county, Michigan, July 14, 1851. of five years. Unable to care for his little His parents, who were prosperous and well- daughter, Hiram Mosher placed her in the to-do, resided on a farm, and as soon as he custody of a family named Pierce, with was able to work he was given ample oppor- whom she resided eleven years, before com- tunity of exercising his muscle in the ordin- ing to Michigan. Hiram Mosher was born ary labor of the farm. In his youth edu- March 4, 1801, and died February 8, 1862, cation had been attracting a good deal of in- , in Jackson county, while Anna (Seelye) terest and care on the part of instructors Mosher, who was born September 13, 1804, and officials, with the result that pupils were died May 29, 1830, in Franklin, Pennsyl- departing from the district schools far better vania. Henry and Maria (Mosher) Well- educated than their predecessors had been. man were the parents of Jasper E. Well- | This condition is easily disclosed in the case man, the subject of this sketch. The former of Jasper E. Wellman, who is a man of good was a native of Massachusetts, born near education, well informed and deeply read JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 613 in literature and science. His common dence, which, in February, 1897, was de- school education was supplemented by a stroyed by fire, and in the following spring course in the Union school in the city of he erected his present beautiful and com- Jackson. On leaving school he applied him- modious home. self to the labors of the farm, meanwhile In politics Mr. Wellman is a Republican, learning the carpenter's trade and working consistent in his opinions and loyal to his at it when opportunity offered. Many of the party, but has never been a bitter partisan. buildings now standing in Sandstone town- He has served his township fourteen years ship were erected by him. as justice of the peace, five years as high- March 22, 1873, Jasper E. Wellman was way commissioner and two years as town- united in marriage to Miss Sarah Conant, ship treasurer. His father was probably a native of Sandstone township, born De- the first resident of Jackson county to en- cember 1, 1855, the daughter of Charles R. gage in the United States mail service. He and Fannie (Watts) Conant. Her father was was the first mail carrier between Jackson a native of Massachusetts, born October and Ann Arbor, the requisite oath, before 24, 1814, and died at his home in Jackson entering the service, having been adminis- county, November 26, 1890, while her tered to him by the father of Col. Charles mother was a native of Vermont, born Jan-V. Del.and. Abigail (Stewart) Wellman, uary II, 1815, and died in Jackson county, grandmother of the subject, was Jackson October 7, 1898. They had been residents county's first school teacher. She was also of Jackson county since 1851, having lo- skilled in tailoring and cut, made and fit cated in that year on a farm, a part of sec- many of the garments of the early pioneers, tion 5, Sandstone township. To Mr. and male and female, long before the modern Mrs. Jasper E. Wellman eight children have merchant tailor made his appearance in been born, six of whom are living. Twin Jackson. The Wellman family have all babes were born to them February 2, 1874, been attendants on the services of the Wes- both of whom, however, died in infancy. | leyan Methodist church, many of them be- Those living are, Jessie F., born Decembering members of that denomination. Mr. 28, 1877; Edith M. was born November Wellman is the owner of a fine farm of one 14, 1881; Charles H., born February 24, hundred and thirty-two acres, fertile and 1886; Avis E., born March 29, 1888; J. well improved, and devotes himself to gen- Fay, born March 6, 1893; F. Ray, born eral farming, but makes a specialty of breed- September 30, 1895. The oldest daughter, ing, rearing and feeding live stock. Pros- Jessie F., secured a good education, took up perity seems to have attended every effort he the profession of teaching and followed it has made, with the result that long before a number of years. She is now the wife of the evening of life advances upon him he Alonzo Vickery, who is also a teacher, and finds himself and family very comfortably they are the parents of one son, Cecil J., situated, and the future, whatever it may born October 4, 1901. In 1875 Mr. Well- have in store for him and his, inspires no man erected a substantial two-story resi- shadow of fear in his breast. a 614 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. RICHARD H. HALSTED. at the time of his demise. He was a Whig in his political proclivities and his wife held Among the distinctively progressive and membership in the Disciples church. They enterprising business men and representative became the parents of three children, name- citizens of the beautiful village of Concord ly: Richard H., who is the immediate sub- is numbered Mr. Halsted, who has been hereject of this review ; Davis S., who is a resi- established in the drug business since the dent of Vassar, Michigan; and Grettie, who year 1877, while he also established and con- resides in McGraw, New York, and is now ducts the Exchange Bank, which receives Mrs. Galpin. an excellent supporting patronage and which Richard H. Halsted was reared under is recognized as one of the substantial and the invigorating and valuable discipline of reliable monetary institutions of the coun- the homestead farm and received excellent ty. Mr. Halsted has attained success educational advantages in his youth, hav- through consecutive and well directed effort ing pursued his studies in Cortlandt and Ho- and has ever retained the confidence and es- mer Academies, in his native state of New teem of the community in which he makes York. He, however, began to depend upon his home, while his finely equipped estab- his own resources at the early age of twelve lishment is one which would do credit to a years, and the expenses of his academic town of far greater population than Con- course were defrayed largely through his cord can claim. His also is the distinction own exertions. He worked on various farms of being a veteran of the great war of the during the vacation intervals and at the age Rebellion, in which he rendered the faith- of eighteen years put his scholastic acquire- ful and valiant service of a true son of the ments to practical test by engaging in teach- republic. A review of his career most con- ing in the district schools, receiving in com- sonantly finds place in this volume. pensation for his pedagogic labors on the Mr. Halsted is a native son of the old start the munificent salary of twelve dol- Empire state, having been born in Catskill, lars per month. In 1859, shortly after at- Greene county, New York, on the 19th of taing his legal majority, Mr. Halsted came October, 1838, and being a son of Joseph to Michigan and located in Genesee county, and Elizabeth Halsted, both of whom where he devoted his attention to teaching passed their entire lives in that state, where during the greater portion of that and the the father was engaged in agricultural pur- succeeding year. Then he harkened to the suits until his death, which occurred in the call of higher duty, when came the call to year 1847. His wife survived him by many arms as the dark cloud of civil war began years, being summoned into eternal rest in to obscure the national horizon and the in- 1892, at the venerable age of eighty-two tegrity of the Union was menaced by sin- years. Joseph Halsted was a man of force- ister rebellion. He was among the first to ful individuality and fine mental powers, respond to the President's call for volunteers, and was in the very prime of his manhood as is evident in the fact that on the 23d of when called from the scenes of life's activ-April, 1861, at Flint, Michigan, he enlisted ities, having been but sixty-five years of age as a private in Company F, Second Michi- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 615 a gan Volunteer Infantry, with which he ever since been at the head of this in- served for three years, three months and stitution, which now controls a prosper- three days. His regiment was assigned to ous business and one that is constant- the Army of the Potomac, and the Trans- ly increasing in scope and importance un- Mississippi and the East Tennessee Depart- der his able and discriminating management. ments, and its history is the record of the Mr. Halsted has shown his public spirit in service of Mr. Halsted, since he was on act- divers ways and has ever given his aid and ive duty during his entire term of enlist- influence in support of measures advanced ment, save for six months, during which for the general welfare of the village and its time he was held as a prisoner. He was cap- people. In politics he has ever accorded a tured at Knoxville, Tennessee, and was held stanch allegiance to the Republican party in durance in a prison at Atlanta, Georgia, and has been an active worker in its ranks. . and later in the famous Belle Isle prison, at For two terms he was incumbent of the. Richmond, Virginia, while for a time he was office of village treasurer, while for several in parole camp at Camp Chase, Ohio. He years he was a member of the town council, was wounded in the battle of Fair Oaks, but as well as of the board of education, all of was not long incapacitated for service. He these preferments indicating his personal in- received his honorable discharge in the city terest in local affairs and also the estimate of Washington, on the 21st of July, 1864, placed upon him by his fellow citizens. Fra- having seen his full quota of hardships and ternally he manifests his abiding interest in having ever been found where duty called. his old comrades of the Civil war by re- At the expiration of his military serv- taining membership in the Grand Army of ice Mr. Halsted returned to Genesee county the Republic, being identified with Byron and established himself in the drug business Stoddard Post No. 239, in his home town. in the village of Pine Run, continuing the He is also affiliated with the Ancient Order enterprise for a period of eight years and of United Workmen and the Modern Wood- then going to the city of Clio, Michigan, men of America. He is a regular attendant where he was employed as a clerk in the dry and supporter of the Presbyterian church, of goods establishment of his brother for four whose board of trustees he has been a mem- years, at the expiration of which, in 1877, ber for the past twenty years, while for he came to Concord, where he has ever since the same length of time he has also held the been engaged in the drug business and where position of secretary and treasurer of the he retains a representative patronage, the board. For the past twelve years he has support accorded standing in evidence of the served in the oífice of justice of the peace. correct business methods which he has In 1866, in Genesee county, Michigan, brought to bear and which have begotten Mr. Halsted was united in marriage to Miss popular confidence and esteem. In 1877, rec- Amanda Phillips, who was born in that ognizing the demands for such an in- county, being a daughter of John I. and stitution, Mr. Halsted established the Ex- Mary Phillips. Of this union have been | change Bank, beginning operations on born two children, John, who died at the somewhat modest scale, and he has age of four years, and Ethel, who is the wife a 616 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. of Carl Snow, of Concord. Mr. and Mrs.cated; Freeman, who resides on the home- Halsted are prominent in the social life of stead of his deceased elder brother; and Col- the community and their pleasant home is a lins, who married Celia Coonradt and who center of gracious hospitality. removed to the state of Kansas, where he died, leaving a family of five children. John Baker was reared and educated in JOHN BAKER. the state of New York, where he was identi- fied with agricultural pursuits until 1848, Most consistently may we enter memoir when, at the age of twenty-three years, he in this work to one who stood as one of the came to Michigan. In the spring of the fol- honored pioneers and successful agricultur- lowing year, the memorable year 1849, his ists of Jackson county during the greater adventurous spirit led him to join the portion of his long, active and useful life, throng of argonauts making their way winning the regard of men by his sterling across the weary stretches of plains to enter attributes of character and attaining suc- the newly discovered gold fields of Cali- cess through the medium of his own ability fornia. He joined a party of men from this and efforts. Mr. Baker was summoned into vicinity and they secured their outfit of the life eternal on the 7th of May, 1893, teams and provisions at St. Joseph, Mis- at the age of sixty-eight years, and in his souri, and were three months en route, being death Springport township was deprived of frequently menaced by the savage Indians one of its most worthy and honored citizens but never being seriously molested, while and one whose life was such as to offer both buffaloes in great herds were seen at fre- lesson and incentive to all who came in quent intervals. Mr. Baker remained in Cali- touch therewith. fornia one year, having been moderately suc- Like many others of the early settlers of cessful in his exploits in the placer mines. southern Michigan, John Baker was a na- He returned to the east by way of the tive son of the old Empire state, having isthmus of Panama, and smallpox broke out been born in Tompkins county, New York, on the vessel on which he took passage, on the 20th of March, 1825. His parents, many of those on board succumbing to its Christopher and Nancy (Osborn) Baker, ravages. He came to Jackson county, were both born in New Jersey, and became Michigan, from the state of New York, in residents of Tompkins county, New York, the autumn of 1855, and here gave his at- in an early day. There Christopher Baker tention to farming from the start. On the died in the year 1850, while his wife sur- 24th of March, 1857, he was united in mar- vived him by more than thirty years, having riage to Miss Amy Bennett, who was born passed the closing days of her life in the in Parma township, this county, on the 15th home of her son John, the subject of this of April, 1842, being a daughter of Stephen sketch, where she died in 1885, at the ven- and Lavina (Hicks) Bennett, the former of erable age of seventy-nine years. Mr. and whom was born in New Jersey and the lat- - Mrs. Baker became the parents of three sons, ter in New York state, their marriage hav- namely: John, to whom this memoir is dedi- į ing been solemnized in Jackson county, JOHN BAKER. 0227 YERS MRS. AMY BAKER. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 617 Michigan. Lavina (Hicks) Bennett was a owned by his widow, the same being located daughter of James Hicks, who came from in section 32, Springport township, and, as Orleans county, New York, to Jackson the tract was still covered with its native county in the early 'forties, three of his timber and entirely unimproved, he and his daughters having preceded him. Lavina wife faced anew the strenuous problem of and Marie came to the county in 1838 and pioneer life. pioneer life. Mr. Baker was a good shot, made their home with their sister Editha, the and his trusty rifle was in frequent requisi- wife of Samuel Inman, who was one of the tion, as he was fond of hunting and wild pioneer farmers of Springport township. game of various kinds was in evidence on Stephen and Lavina (Hicks) Bennett be- all sides, including deer, bear and the came the parents of three children, namely: smaller game. After taking up his resi- Amy, who is the widow of the subject of dence on the farm he passed two winters in this memoir; and James and John, both of the lumbering districts of the northern part whom practically sacrificed their lives on the of the state. of the state. He cleared and improved his altar of their country; they enlisted in a farm, making it one of the desirable places Michigan regiment at the outbreak of the of the township, and in 1879 he erected the war of the Rebellion and John was killed in present commodious and comfortable resi- the siege of Vicksburg, while James, who dence and also put up other substantial and served three years, was taken prisoner at well equipped buildings. Since his death Knoxville and thereafter confined in the Mrs. Baker has erected a good barn on the famous Andersonville prison for thirteen place. Mr. Baker was a stanch Republican months, and he never recovered from the in politics, but never sought, desired or held effects of his hardships and arduous service, office. He was a a man of unpretentious living only a few years after the close of the ways, thoroughly sincere and genuine in Mrs. Baker's reminiscences in regard character and imbued with that integrity to the early days in Jackson county are which knows shadow or turning most interesting, and she recalls the fact He worked earnestly and indefatigably to that she used to walk back and forth a dis- provide for his family and to gain the in- tance of wo miles to the little log school dependence which he enjoyed at the time of house, while the stately conveyance by which his death, and in all the relations of life he she was transported to religious meetings held the unqualified confidence and regard and the more worldly dancing assemblies of his fellow men. He was kindly and was a wagon, before which trudged the slow charitable in his judgment and was a good , and patient ox team. Her mother knit, neighbor and devoted husband and father. spun and wove the woolen used in the mak- Since his death Mrs. Baker has continued ing of clothing for the family, the entire to reside on the homestead, which is en- work being done by her skillful and willing deared to her by the memories and associ- hands, while she also wove cloth for other ations of the past, and the same is in charge pioneer families. of her youngest son, an enterprising and After his marriage Mr. Baker purchased capable young business man. She is a mem- a portion of the present fine homestead ber of the Seventh Day Adventist church war. no 618 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. and is a lady of refinement, while she has CLINTON D. HUBBARD, M. D. won to herself the sincere affection of a very wide circle of friends in the county which There is no class of men to whom has been her home throughout life. greater gratitude is due from the world at In conclusion a brief record is here en- large than to the medical profession, those tered concerning the children of Mr. and self sacrificing, sympathetic, noble minded Mrs. Baker. It may be said that all re- men, whose life work has been the allevi- ceived excellent educational advantages and ation of suffering, thus by their skill and that the surviving children are all doing well learning lengthening the span of human in life. S. Isadora is the wife of Samuel existence. There is no known standard by Sykes, a farmer of this township, and they which their beneficent influence can be have six children. The second child, measured. Their helpfulness is as broad as George, died at the age of four years. Ben- the universe and their power for good goes jamin, who is a successful farmer of this hand in hand with the powerful laws of township, married Minnie Howery, and nature that come from the very source of they are the parents of five children. Bertha life itself. If it be true, as has been said, is the wife of Gideon Taber, a farmer of that “He serves God best who serves hu- Eaton county, and they have one son. Oscar manity most,” the medical profession will J., who has the supervision of the old home- be a strong competitor with the ministry in stead, married Minnie Campbell, and they the great hereafter for the favors of the have four children, Helen, Clyde, Edna and Most High. The learned physician and Howard. Jessie M., who was graduated in skillful surgeon by the exercise of his tal- the State Normal School at Ypsilanti, holds ents and abilities is not only performing a a life certificate to teach in the schools of service for humanity, but is winning the Michigan, and she is a successful and popu- commendation of him who has said “inas- lar teacher, having first taught in the dis- much as ye have done it unto one of the trict schools, while for the past eight years least of these, my brethren, ye have done it she has been a high-school instructor. unto me.” Lizzie, who was fitting herself for the pro- One of the prominent and successful fession of trained nurse, died in the city of physicians of physicians of Parma, Jackson county, Grand Rapids, on the 7th of December, Michigan, is Clinton D. Hubbard, the sub- 1900, as the result of an attack of typhoid ject of this biography. He is a native of the a fever. She was a young lady of gentle and state of New York, born in Henderson town- beautiful character, and her untimely death, ship, Jefferson county, December 14, 1865, at the age of twenty-seven years, was a the son of De Witt C. and Fannie A. grievous blow to her mother and to her (Pierson) Hubbard, both natives of Jeffer- many devoted friends. She was born Janu- son county, New York. They were the ary 24, 1873, and was a great Sunday parents of three children, viz: Ada, wife of school worker, taking great interest in the Fred H. Lee, of Parma ; Emma, wife of musical department of the church. Tired H. Withington, of Adams Center, JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 619 Jefferson county, New York, and Clinton ful, the grandmother being past ninety-two D. Mrs. Fannie Hubbard died at her home years of age at the time of her death. in Jefferson county, in August, 1866, when At the place of his birth in Bellville, Jef- her youngest child, Clinton D., was less ferson county, New York, Clinton D. Hub- than one year old. With his three babies bard was reared and educated. He attended in sore need of maternal care, the father saw the district schools and later the Union that his duty to them could be best per- Academy and, being a diligent, conscien- formed by contracting a second marriage, tious and ambitious student, secured a good and he contracted a matrimonial alliance education. When not occupied with his with Miss Miriam Turner, a native of New studies he worked upon the farm and on York. To this union three other children leaving school turned his attention to me- were born and all were reared beneath the chanics and was not long in securing a same roof, educated in the same schools and thorough knowledge of the carpenter's were as fondly devoted to each other as if trade. For a number of years he divided they were brothers and sisters of the same his time between farming, carpentering and parentage. The children of the second teaching. teaching. He came to Michigan in 1888 marriage are: Mary L., wife of Dealton and in that year entered the University of Howe, of Adams Center, New York; Abner Michigan at Ann Arbor, from which insti- C., who resides at Bellville, New York, and tution he graduated in the class of 1891. Henry G., also an inhabitant of Adams On the 15th day of September, 1891, Center, New York. The father of Clinton Dr. Clinton D. Hubbard was united in mar- D. Hubbard was a farmer, a school teacher riage to Miss Lizzie Le Suer, a native of , and a skilled mechanic. Fraternally he was Ann Arbor, Michigan. Their wedded life a member of the Masonic fraternity, serving was of short duration, as but little more a number of years as master of his lodge at than a year elapsed before the wife was Bellville, New York. He is now a mechanic called to the silent land, her death occurring and, with his wife, resides in New York. December 24, 1892. October 16, 1893, Dr. The paternal grandparents of Dr. Hub- Hubbard was again married, this bard were Cyrus and Julia (Hill) Hubbard, occasion his bride bein occasion his bride being Mrs. Edith G. he a native of. Connecticut and she of Roberts, of Parma, Jackson county, widow New York. They resided the greater part of Frank A. Roberts. To her first marriage of their earthly sojourn on the old home- one son, Charles D., was born and Dr. and stead in Jefferson county, New York, where Mrs. Hubbard are the parents of three chil- all of their children and many of their grand- dren, H. De Witt, Oahlee G. and Alva T. children were born. There they died many Soon after his graduation and marriage years ago, having accomplished a modest, at Ann Arbor, in 1891, Dr. Hubbard came but most noble, life work. The material to Parma, Jackson county, established a grandparents of the subject, the Piersons, home and oper.ed an office in the practice of were also natives and residents of New his profession. He was not long in securing York. The life of each was long and use- a lucrative and successful practice, his gen- on 620 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ial disposition, polished manners, ready wit township, the subject of this biography, is and keen intellect having each contributed a native of England. He came to this toward making him exceedingly popular country with his parents, when quite young, with the general public. The knowledge and the soil, the climate and the atmosphere and skill he has disclosed in his practice and seem to have agreed with him, though the success that has attended him have financially, perhaps, the change has been placed him in an enviable position in the most beneficial. He owns more broad acres medical fraternity in the state. He is a and is possessed of a handsomer income member of tire State Medical Society and than many an individual with a high sound- the Jackson County Medical Society, in the ing title in the land of his nativity. George meetings of each of which he has wielded a H. Needham was born in Lincolnshire, Eng- marked influence. He is a member of Parma land, October 17, 1854, his parents being Lodge No. 183, Free and Accepted Masons. Robert and Anna (Smith) Needham, both In politics, like mose men who think for natives of England. In May, 1866, they im- themselves, he chooses to be strictly inde- migrated to America and located in Parma pendent. When it comes to candidates, in his township, Jackson county, where they pur- . opinion, the man should always be con- chased a farm. In his native country Rob- sidered above the measure. Political plat- ert Needham had been an overseer on a forms, he says, are structures erected to raise large landed estate and was very familiar mental pigmies to a place on a level with with the cultivation of the soil and the care intellectual giants. Dr. and Mrs. Hubbard and harvesting of the crops. He owned one are both members of the Methodist Episco- hundred and eighty-five acres of land in pal church at Parma. They have a comfort- Springport township, besides being possessed able home, a model family and abide in a of much other property. He and his wife community exuberant with love and esteem were the parents of thirteen children, eight for them and for all that relates to them. of whom are still living. The wife died in the month of February, 1885, while he sur- vived her about sixteen years, expiring in 1901. GEORGE H. NEEDHAM. The subjugation of a piece of forest and its conversion into a productive farm affords Natives of England constitute a very an excellent field for the exercise of industry, large part of the population of the United and to just such a task Robert Needham and States. States like Michigan, on the Ca- his sons devoted themselves assiduously the nadian border, have, perhaps, more people first years of their residence in Jackson of English birth than states in the interior. county. When school was in session during but wherever found, people of English birth the winter months the children ware required or parentage are good citizens, industrious, to be prompt and regular in their attendance capable workmen. provident and thrifty, and, being under good control and discipline adding yearly to their own and the nation's at home, they made better progress with wealth. George H. Needham, of Parma their studies in school than other children JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 621 of the locality. Having secured a good com- ber of horses, some hogs and a large flock of mon school education, George turned his at- sheep. In politics he is a Democrat, but is tention to the making of money and the ac- no aspirant for office, the only offcial po- cumulation of property. His first real estate sition he ever held being that of highway purchase was an eighty-acre tract of land in commissioner. He is a Maccabee and a Sandstone township. He added to this, by Mason, his membership in both lodges being purchase, until its dimensions increased to at Parma. Thrust upon his own resources two hundred and ten acres. Then, having in early life, without means or influence to an opportunity of disposing of it, he sold aid him to advancement, he has fought his out and in 1887 purchased the farm he now way to a competency in a manner to win the owns and occupies in Parma township. The approbation of his fellow citizens and he has entire tract comprises three hundred and furnished an example to the youths of the fifty-six acres, but is really two farms, one present day well worthy of emulation. of two hundred and fourteen acres, upon which Mr. Needham and his family reside, and another tract of one hundred and forty two acres adjoining it on the west. JASPER R. GODFREY. November II, 1874, George H. Need- ham was united in marriage to Miss Libbie Jasper R. Godfrey is a native of the state Wilcox, a native of Sandstone township, of New York, having been born in Genesee born January 20, 1855. Her parents were county, October 3, 1842, the son of John K. Zeri and Elizabeth (Myrick) Wilcox, who and Susan (Randall) Godfrey, the former were among the very earliest settlers of a native of New York, and the latter of Jackson county, and both of whom have Vermont. They were married in New York been dead a number of years. To Mr. and and resided there a number of years before Mrs. Needham four children have been moving to Michigan. They located in Jack- born. Their oldest daughter, Ethylen, son county in 1844, upon a farm in Parma lived to the age of twelve years and then township, which remained their home until was claimed by death. The other children their death. She died in December, 1871, are Ernest G., a farmer, who married Miss at the age of fifty-three years, while his Edith Howe, and they are the parents of death occurred September 14, 1884, when one daughter, Ethylen; Howard H. is a in his seventieth year. They were the par- student in the public schools at Parma, as is ents of eight children, five of whom are liv- Frances E. The family are members of and ing. At the time of his death John K. God- regular attendants upon the services of the frey was the owner of three hundred and Presbyterian church at Parma. twenty acres of valuable land, besides much On this extensive, well improved farm personal property. All of his land had been in Parma township George H. Needham de- cleared' and improved, most of the work votes himself to general farming, stock having been done by his own labor. In poli- raising and dairying. He has some eighty tics he was first a Whig, later a Republican, head of cattle on the place and keeps a num- and though never aspiring to public place, 622 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. he was elected and served as township | During the administration of President treasurer and highway commissioner, each Harrison Mr. Godfrey was commissioned a number of years. In religion he was a postmaster of the village of Parma and dis- Baptist and died in the faith and fellowship charged the duties of the office very of that church. The paternal grandparents efficiently until obliged to make room for a of the subject were Elijah and Catharine follower of the opposite political faith. (Slauson) Godfrey, natives of New York, The military career of Mr. Godfrey is who came to Jackson county in the evening brief, but it was quite interesting and most of their life to be near their children and worthy. In August, 1864, he enlisted in grandchildren. Here they died many years Company A, First Regiment Michigan En- ago,, having endeared themselves, not only gineers and Mechanics. The regiment was to their own people, but to a large circle of one that had already seen much service, so friends and acquaintances. The maternal there was little delay in getting it to the . grandfather of the subject was Noah Ran- enemy's country. Although out only ten dall, a native of Vermont, where he was months from the time Mr. Godfrey became reared and educated. In middle life he a member of it, the regiment saw much ser- moved to New York and there the remain- vice and was in many trying positions. It ing years of his life were spent. was with Sherman on the memorable march On his father's farm the early days of through Georgia to the sea, and also through the life of Jasper R. Godfrey were occu- the Carolinas to Washington, D. C. The pied in the usual work assigned to youths regiment were between Raleigh and Golds- in the rural districts. He attended the com- boro at the time of the surrender of General mon schools of the neighborhood and Lee. . The subject estimates that they profited so well by the instruction received traveled on foot more than fourteen hundred that few of his age were better versed in all miles, stopping frequently to exchange com- of the branches taught than he was when pliments with the enemy through the muz- the end of his school days came. A careful zles of their muskets. survey of the situation convinced him that On the 15th day of December, 1865, J. life on the farm furnished ample opportunity | R. Godfrey was united in marriage to Miss for the exercise of his talents and for eight Helen Chapel, a native of Michigan, born in years he devoted himself to the labors of 1846. Her parents were Lorenzo Dowe and an agriculturist. In 1874 he decided to em- Margaret (Clapp) Chapel, who were among bark on a mercantile career, and, accord- the early pioneer settlers of Jackson county. ingly, opened up a hardware and agri- To Mr. and Mrs. Godfrey three children cultural implement house in Parma. It were born, viz: John D. died at five years proved to meet a long felt want, for it pros- of age; Edith C. and Irving J. On Septem- pered from the beginning, its patronage in- ber 19, 1873, Mrs. Helen Godfrey departed! creasing year by year. In 1900 pressing this life, leaving to her bereaved husband the demand made it necessary for Mr. Godfrey care of their two helpless little children, the to add a stock of groceries, the demands up- oldest of whom was little more than six years, a on which have been great and persistent. old. October 21, 1875, Mr. Godfrey was | JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 623 on the a again married, his bride on this occasion be- gratifying results. The number who have | ing Alice M. Dates, a native of Wisconsin. turned their attention to the improvement Her parents were John and (Van- of sheep is not quite so great, nor has the Valin) Dates, natives of New York. This result in this line been equal to that of other ) union has proved felicitious and congenial live stock, though the industry has greatly and the home life of the family is all that gained in prestige in the past few years, could be desired. and to the subject of this sketch, John F. In politics Mr. Godfrey is a Republican. Drew, a resident of the city of Jackson, He believes it to be the duty of every good much credit is due for the improvement of citizen to interest himself actively in politi- | the latter in this section of the country. cal affairs on behalf of good government and Mr. Drew is a native of New York, born the public welfare. He is himself always December 3, 1828, at Shelby Basin, Orleans active, particularly during political cam- county. His father was John Drew, a na- paigns, and has frequently been a delegate tive of Paisley, Scotland, who, in 1808, to the county conventions of his party. To completed a service of twelve years in the the office of township clerk he was elected, British navy, retiring with the rank and some years ago, qualified and served one pension of an ensign. He was term, and he was also a member of the board flagship of Admiral Lord Nelson dur- of education of the village of Parma eight ing the years when that intrepid com- years. He is a member of a number of fra- mander carved his name high on the ternal societies, viz: Parma Lodge No. 183, tablets of fame. He participated in that re- Free and Accepted Masons, Ancient Order markable sea-fight at Trafalgar, October 21, of United Workmen, Modern Woodmen of 1805, between the fleet of Britain and the America, Independent Order of Odd Fel- combined fleets of France and Spain, and lows, the Eastern Star and to Simon A. was not far distant when Admiral Nelson, Downer Post No. 374, Grand Army of the his commander, fell upon the deck mortally Republic. Mrs. Godfrey also belongs to the wounded, at the very moment of victory, Eastern Star. Mr. Godfrey is a man of keen being one of the first to reach the wounded business foresight and good judgment, officer and aid in taking him to his quarters. whose labors in the community redound Immediately after his retirement from the greatly to the public good. navy Ensign Drew emigrated to the United States and located in Saratoga county, New York, where he met and married Miss Phoebe Beach, a native of New Jersey, the JOHN F. DREW. daughter of Asa Beach, a Revolutionary sol- dier who served at Monmouth and in many In all parts of the country, particularly of the other important battles of the war for of late years, much attention has been de- | independence. In 1826 they settled at voted to the improvement of live stock of Shelby Basin, New York, where the sub- various kinds, horses, cattle and hogs having ject of this review was born. The father received marked attention and with very | of the subject departed this life in 1865. . 624 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. John F. Drew was reared to maturity habits and nature of all species of domestic at the place of his birth. The opportunities animals, and when he moved from his na- for securing an education at that time were tive state all of his choice sheep were shipped limited, more particularly in the rural dis- to Michigan. His experience in the stock tricts, but, while Mr. Drew may not be con- business in New York had been gratifyingly sidered learned so far as book knowledge profitable and it was with the view of getting is concerned, he has a good, practical edu- more land and more favorable condi- cation, and the credit for what he possesses tions which would enable him to engage in is due wholly to his own exertions. More the business more extensively that he came than ninety-five per cent of the education of here. Brief observation of conditions in which he is possessed was never acquired in Michigan sufficed to convince him that at a school room or under the direction of a that particular time general farming could preceptor. His first employment was cut- be made much more profitable than any one ting timber and later rafting it on the Erie particular line. Hence, he cleared and im- canal to Troy, six weeks being usually con- proved his land, erected a fine residence and sumed in making the round trip. substantial buildings on the place, and fitted On the 4th day of July, 1848, at Lock- the place up for any and all purposes. But port, New York, Mr. Drew was united in the fascination he found in the care and ob- marriage to Miss Elizabeth B. Baker, a na- servation of live stock could not be wholly tive of New York, born March 18, 1830. suppressed. Some years ago he purchaseri , They subsequently purchased a farm near, a flock of Spanish Merino sheep, the pedi- Somerset, Niagara county, on the shore of gree of which is traced back to the original Lake Ontario, and there took up their abode, importation made by Humphreys, United remaining until 1867, when they moved to States minister to Spain, a hundred years Michigan. A tract of one hundred and ago. The study of these animals, their , twenty acres of land in Rives township, breeding and care has become a pleasure and Jackson county, was purchased and was con- a pastime to him. He concentrated all of verted into a desirable farm. Here they his passion for stock in these animals, with made their home for a number of years, and results not only beneficial to himeslf, but to it was while residing there that his good the sheep industry of the state and of the wife and helpmate passed to the other world, county. dying April 24, 1898. On November 15, To Mr. Drew's first marriage three 1899, Mr. Drew chose for a companion children were born, viz: Mary E. is the wife a Mrs. Mary R. Steward and in October, of Martin V. True, of Rives township, and IGO, retired from the farm and became a they are the parents of one child, Lizzie, who resident of the city of Jackson. is the wife of Marshall Cowan, and they also On his Niagara county farm John F. are the parents of one child; Phoebe J. is the Drew devoted the greater part of his time wife of Edward Jones, of Rives township, and attention to the breeding, rearing and and they are the parents of two children, care of stock. He read much and observed John W., who manages the Drew home- and studied more of the disposition, ways, stead, and Thomas B., John W. and his wife , JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 625 being the parents of one son; Barbara is he made the trip “around the Horn" to Cal- the wife of Benjamin F. Geer, of Rives ifornia. He was less than twenty-one years township, and they are the parents of two of age at the time and his mother presented children, Nellie M. and Elizabeth, the former him with her blessing and a Bible as he was a being the wife of Joseph Taylor and the starting on what was then considered a most mother of six children. Mr. Drew is the perilous voyage. The Bible he is still pos- father of three children, five grandchildren sessed of and treasures it with care and ven- and eight great-grandchildren. eration. His first wife, the companion of his Politically Mr. Drew is a Republican, joys and sorrows for forty-nine years hav- having been a member of that party since its ing left him, and age as well as youth first appearance in the political arena, pre craving companionship, he chose another vious to which time he was a Whig. For wife in the person of Mrs. Mary R. Stewart, nine years, in his native state, he served as a most estimable and companionable lady. justice of the peace and occupied a similar With a comfortable home, the means of position in Michigan for two terms. In gratifying every reasonable desire, surround- 1873-4 he served his county as representa- ed by myriads of friends, they are enjoying tive in the lower house of the general assem- the full measure of happiness vouchsafed to bly at the same time that Col. Charles V. mortals this side of eternity. DeLand served as state senator. He never made a political race in his life in which he was not successful. He is skillful and re- sourceful in debate, keenly sarcastic when he JOHN COGSWELL. desires to be, and, being deeply read on many and varied subjects, is rarely vanquished The early settlers of Michigan are wor- in his argument. He was made a master He was made a master thy of the highest praise. There were few Mason in 1852 and has maintained his mem- of them who were not agriculturists and be- bership in the order ever since. The subject fore they could engage in their avocation of of religion has occupied much of his tilling the soil, they had to divest the land thoughts and study, especially during his of forests, erect homes, build fences and, later years, he having read much on relig- in many instances, establish drainage before ious subjects, with the result that he is firm their land was suitable for tillage. In most . in the belief in the existence of a God. In cases those who did this work were them- August, 1902, he made a visit to his birth selves the recipients of but little benefit there- place and old home in Shelby Basin, New from. By the time the work was accom- York. He slept in the same bedroom in plished most of the toilers were ready for which his eyes first opened on the light of their reward in another and better world. day, seventy-four years previously, visited Their memory should be held in grateful the old school house, a brick structure, lo- reverence by the present generation who are cated on the farm where he was born and now reaping the harvest—the fruits of the where as a child he first attended school. toil of their ancestors. But there were some, In 1849, during the time of the gold fever, the children of the old pioneers, who came . 40 626 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. son. here as babes or youths, many of whom still structure still stands on the homestead, linger amid the scenes of their early life, and though not now used as a residence. By who bore a most important part in the early Mr. Cogswell's labor and that of his sons, development of the state. One of these is when they became old enough to assist him, the subject of this biographical sketch, John the tract of land was made a valuable and Cogswell, now a resident of the city of Jack- fertile farm, and another tract of considera- He was an infant, one year old, when ble extent was afterward added to it. he came to Michigan and for sixty-five Seven children were born to John and years he resided on the farm in Spring Ar- Eunice Cogswell, viz: George, who was a bor township which the government pat- teacher and farmer in Spring Arbor town- ented to his father and of which the subject ship; Mary Etta became the wife of Lester has been the owner more than thirty years. P. Francis, inoved to Eaton county and died John Cogswell was born in Ticonderoga, there in the thirty-fifth year of her age; Essex county, New York, June 17, 1833, Charles moved to Ingham county, where the son of John and Eunice (Mead) Cogs- he followed farming and died in 1874; Jul- well, the father, a native of Vermont iann became the wife of Charles Hubbard, and a farmer by occupation. The subject's moved to Montcalm county and later to Car- paternal grandfather, Joseph Cogswell, was son City, where they still live; John is the also a native of New England and the active subject of this review and will be referred portion of his life was devoted to agricul- to more fully later ; Eunice Maria became the tural pursuits. In 1834 the family moved wife of Martin Hockenberry and is now liv- to Michigan, locating in Wayne county, ing in Charlotte, Michigan; Albert enlisted where, however, they remained only a few in the Fourth Regiment Michigan Cavalry, months. The family consisted of John Cogs- soon after the opening of hostilities in the well, his wife and five children, his father, Civil war, and served until early in Febru- Joseph Cogswell, and his brother, Hiram ary, 1862, when severe illness necessitated Cogswell. In the spring of 1835 the family his removal to the hospital at Murfreesboro, came to Jackson county and settled in Con- Tennessee, where he died February 22, 1862, cord township where John Cogswell pur- where John Cogswell pur- in the twenty-first year of his age. Joseph chased forty acres of land, partially im- Cogswell, grandfather of the above family, proved, upon which a comfortable house had who accompanied them to Michigan, resided been erected. Here they lived until a home with them in Spring Arbor township and in Spring Arbor township had been pre- was upward of ninety years of age when pared for them and in 1836 John Cogswell called to his eternal rest. Hiram Cogswell, located on a quarter section of government son of Joseph and uncle of the family above land in that township. Upon this he erected enumerated, resided many years in Jackson a comfortable house into which he moved county. He married Miss Amelia Herring- his family as soon as it was completed. ton, established a home in Spring Arbor Later an addition was built to it and this township, where he followed farming and constituted the family home during the life- both he and his wife are now dead. Two time of the enterprising old pioneer, and this of their sons are still living, Hiram, living JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 627 . near Hastings, Michigan, and David, a resi- child, Carrie; Charles Gardner has a talent dent of St. Louis, Missouri. John Cogswell, for music and is now taking instruction un- Sr., died April 18, 1870, and his wife sur- der some of the most renowned teachers in vived him only a little more than two years, the country; Royal W. married Gertrude dying September 14, 1872. Cunningham and they are the parents of one John Cogswell, the subject of this re- child, Jeneveve; they reside upon and cul- view, was reared upon the farm to which tivate the old home farm in Spring Arbor his parents moved, in Spring Arbor town- township; Rollin H. is a student of phar- ship, when he was but three years old. He macy at the State University. Mrs. Cogs- . was educated in the district schools and well has been a member of the Methodist profited well by the instruction he received. | Episcopal church of Spring Arbor township Prudent and provident, he very early learned for many years. All of the active years of the true secret of success in life. He re- the life of Mr. Cogswell have been devoted mained until he attained his majority, as- to the cultivation and improvement of his sisting in the management of the farm, and farm. By intelligent, persistent and well di- then took entire charge of it. After his rected effort, he has not only made it remun- father's death he bought out the interests erative, but highly profitable. For more than of the other heirs in the place and has owned two years past he has lived a retired life in it ever since, operating it personally until the city of Jackson, but the life has not been September, 1901. He added forty acres, by an idle one by any means. He is one of the purchase, to the already expansive tract and most active and useful members of the Jack- erected upon it a new and commodious res- son County Agricultural Society. In poli- idence, besides many other valuable improve- tics he is a Republican and always active , ments. After a residence of sixty-five years when he believes the exigencies of his party upon the farm, in 1901 he established him- require it. He is so loyal to what he con- self in a comfortable home at the county siders his duty that no personal consideration seat, where he now resides. will deter him from its accomplishment. It December 24, 1865, John Cogswell was is such worthy, intelligent and progressive united in marriage to Miss Delia M. French, citizens as the subject who have made Jack- a native of Spring Arbor township, born July son county the productive and prosperous 3. 1845, the daughter of John and Almira gion that it is today. M. (Spratt) French, of Spring Arbor town- ship, who were among the early pioneers of that vicinity, having settled there in 1833, though natives of Ontario county, New , LOUIS A. WORCH. York. To Mr. and Mrs. Cogswell five children were born. Their first born died Louis A. Worch, the present city treas- in infancy. The other children are Albert urer of Jackson, was born in Cincinnati, Ray, who owns and operates a productive Ohio, August 25, 1871, and when four farm in Concord township, married Lena of age was brought to Jackson by his par- Nowlen and they are the parents of one ents, Rudolph and Matilda (Lehmann) years 628 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. m Worch, his father at that time having es- His marriage occurred March 21, 1895, tablished the Michigan Volksfreund, remov- when Miss Helen M. Allen became his wife. ing the plant from Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Two children, Yetchen Helene and Hattie Further mention of the subject's father will Lucretia, have resulted from this union. be found elsewhere in this volume. Louis attended the public schools until in his fifteenth year, he entered a bazaar, also con- ducted by his father, and for the succeeding GEORGE HUTCHINS. seven years was engaged in selling merchan- dise. Having practically realized the im- George Hutchins, the subject of this re- portance of more systematic training, he took view, was born upon the farm on which he a commercial course in Devlin's Business now resides in Summit township May 24, College. He at once secured a position as 1846. His parents were Jacob and Charlana bookkeeper with the John E. McGran gal- (Thayer) Hutchins, both natives of the vanized iron works, from which he came into state of New York, and who, soon after the city treasurer's office as assistant to J. their marriage in 1840, 'moved to Michigan, George Keebler, July 1, 1897. His ability, located in Jackson county and purchased a courtesy and efficiency were soon recog- small tract of land in Summit township, nized, his pleasing personality making favor- quite close to the land which soon after be- able impression upon all with whom he held came the family home. This was held only business relations. He was soon named as a few years, when the present homestead of deputy and so continued until receiving the one hundred and sixty acres was purchased. nomination of the Democratic party for the Here the parents continued to reside until treasurership itself, on April 6, 1903, being some time previous to the mother's death, elected with a flattering majority, receiving when they removed to the town of Horton, nine hundred and ninety-four more votes where she died in December, 1874. The than his opponent and leading his ticket father then returned to the farm, where he where the opposition candidate for mayor died in September, 1886. They were the was elected by two hundred and thirty-four parents of nine children, three sons and six majority. May 5, 1903, he assumed the du- daughters, of whom the subject of this re- ties of office, his sureties for city and state view is next to the youngest. being one hundred and fifty thousand dol- The early career of George Hutchins is lars, which was readily obtained, his many no more interesting than that of the average friends standing ready to support him to any boy on the farm. When he was able to work Mr. Worch is deservedly popular he was put at such work as his strength per- not only in business and official circles, but mitted and when school was in session he also in the many secial relations with which attended and faithfully applied himself to he is identified, affiliating with the Ancient the acquisition of knowledge. He secured Order of United Workmen; the Knights of a fair common school education, better than the Maccabees, the Benevolent and Protect- that of many youths with better opportuni- ive Order of Elks and the Country Club. ties, and became so familiar with agricult- extent. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 629 ural pursuits that he has never had any de- the appearance of the place. The home is sire to quit the farm. He remained at home luxuriantly furnished, possessing every mod- until attaining his majority, then worked ern comfort that could be desired, while for George N. Hatch about three years, barns, stables and outbuildings have been after which he returned to the old home- erected with little regard to expense. One stead, and assumed charge of the farm, and glance suffices to convince even a casual ob- has made it his home ever since, now own- server that it is owned and occupied by one ing the greater part of the same. of the most intelligent, thrifty and progres- On the 4th day of February, 1874, Mr. sive farmers of Jackson county. Mrs. Hutchins was united in marriage to Miss Hutchins also owns forty acres of land ad- Lydia White, a native of Ireland, born joining the Hutchins homestead, making in December 13, 1850. Her parents were all a farm of two hundred acres. James and Mary (Walsh) White. The father was a native of England and the mother of Ireland, while they were married in the latter country. Their children are GEORGE H. STEELE. Lydia, wife of the subject of this article; Henry, who, with members of his family, A man of marked individuality and ster- was murdered in 1883; Dr. George J. ling worth, the subject of this review is White, of Jackson; Wilford White, of a typical representative of that large class of Summit, and James White, of 'Spring Arbor enterprising agriculturists to whom the west township. Previous to his marriage Mr. owes much of its prosperity and advance- Hutchins had purchased a portion of the ment and his record shows him to have been homestead and upon this land the young faithful in the performance of his duty to couple took up their abode. After his the community, to his neighbors and to him- father's death, in 1886, when the estate was self. Briefly stated, his family history is as in process of settlement, he purchased the follows: Paternally the present branch of interest of the other heirs so that he is now the Steele family is of New England or- the owner of the land upon which he was igin, maternally it is descended from New born and where he has resided for fifty- York ancestry. Osna Steele, the subject's seven years. To George and Lydia (White) father, was born in New Hampshire, but Hutchins six children have been born, all when a young man left that state and went of whom reside with their parents. They to New York, where he was soon afterwards are May, John, Tessie, George, William and married to Miss Lucinda Brown. Subse- Fred. quently, about the year 1836, he came to The home of the Hutchins is located six Jackson county, Michigan, and purchased miles southwest of the city of Jackson, in one hundred and twenty acres of land in sec- one of the most fertile regions of the county. tion 23, Rives township, to which he later It is a tract comprising one hundred and made an addition of forty acres, the entire sixty acres, all under cultivation, and a fine body a wilderness which up to the time had residence, in a beautiful location, adds to not known the presence of civilization. Mr. 630 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. His early Steele cleared and developed his farm, be- George H. Steele was born February 18, came one of the leading farmers in his sec- 1836, in Orleans county, New York, and tion of the country and from time to time in- when an infant was brought by his parents creased his real estate until he had nearly to Jackson county, Michigan. three hundred acres improved and in culti- life on the homestead in Rives township was vation. Coming to Michigan with the very characteristic of the time, being spent amid van guard of civilization, his family ex- the stirring scenes of the pioneer period, and perienced all the vicissitudes of pioneer life, when old enough he bore his share of the and met with many interesting and thrilling hard work required to clear and cultivate episodes during the early years in their for- the farm. . He literally grew up with the est home. It requires no great feat of mem-country and his youthful experience, under ory on the part of the subject to recall his the healthful discipline of outdoor life, de- boyhood days when the country was new and veloped the strong physique and sturdy, self- all kinds of wild animals would frequently reliant nature for which he has ever since come into Mr. Steele's dooryard at night and been distinguished. Until twenty-three years make the surrounding woods vocal with their old he remained at home as his father's able hideous howling and the subject remembers and faithful assistant, but at that age he to have heard them scratching on the door left the parental roof to enter upon what and looking through the window, greatly proved to be a long and somewhat adventur- a to the fright of the younger members of the ous career in the then unedeveloped wilds family. of the great west. Osna Steele lived on the farm he re- On leaving home Mr. Steele went to St. claimed from the wilderness until his death, Louis, Missouri, where he took passage on September 16, 1865, his wife having pre- a Missouri river steamer to Kansas City, ceded him to the other world April 27, 1854 thence by wagon crossed the plains to Col- . They were well known, highly respected orado, reaching the present site of Denver people and for over fifty-seven years their when nothing but a single log cabin marked descendants have been among the intelli- the spot where now stands one of the great- gent, energetic and enterprising citizens of est cities of the west. After remaining one Jackson county. Mr. and Mrs. Steele reared summer in Colorado, he returned to Kansas. a family of seven children, the oldest of but the following spring again went to the whom, Charles H., died in the year 1899; former territory and there continued until Fannie, the second of the number, married 1863, when he made an overland trip to Jabez Quainton, a farmer of Henrietta town- Montana, arriving at Bannock on April 24th ship, and is the mother of six children; of that year. of that year. Mr. Steele stayed one month George H. is the third of the family and at Bannock, at the expiration of which time next after him is Robert M., who follows he went to the Alder gulch, where he agricultural pursuits in Kansas; John is also spent the following winter, having been one a farmer and stock raiser of that state and of the first to reach and explore that rich the two youngest, Benjamin and Annie, and farfamed mining region. The next July died, aged eight and two years respectively. | he started on a much longer journey than JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 631 a any he had hitherto made, his objective point helpmate and earned much credit for her being the Kootenai mining region in British faithfulness and sympathy in the manage- Columbia, which he reached in due time ment of the household and the execution of after a trip involving many vicissitudes and its duties and responsibilities. not a few hardships. After remaining one Mr. Steele's place is admirably situated and a half years in British Columbia, he for agricultural and live-stock purposes, went to Idaho City, where he spent one year being improved with all the accessories and in mining, thence to Placerville and subse- conveniences of a model farm of the present quently from the latter place to Helena, day, neatness characterizing every part of Montana, where he remained two years the premises, the thrifty appearance indicat- variously employed. Mr. Steele's next move ing the careful supervision of a progressive was down the Missouri river with a company proprietor. He is a fine type of the suc- of one hundred men and one woman to Ft. cessful, self-made man, who has worked his Benton, and later from that point to Omaha, way steadily upward, and his beautiful home Nebraska, where he stayed a short time, go- and ample possessions are a monument to ing thence to Kansas. After spending his thrift and enterprise. Of recent years several years in that state he decided to re- Mr. Steele has devoted considerable at- turn home. Accordingly, in the fall of 1871, tention to live stock raising, feeding the he again greeted his friends in Jackson coun- greater part of the product of his farm, ty and here he has since lived and prospered which plan he finds much more profitable as an enterprising tiller of the soil. Before than relying upon the sale of crops for an going to the far west Mr. Steele purchased income. He has been especially successful land in Rives township and upon his return in raising blooded Durham cattle and Berk- he immediately set to work improving his shire hogs and he also breeds and sells a a place, subsequently adding to its area by fine grade of horses, which have a fine repu- purchasing twenty acres of his brother's tation for draft and as roadsters. Mr. land. His farm is now under a high state Steele is a public-spirited man and an active of cultivation, with substantial improve- Republican in politics, but not a partisan, ments in the way of dwellings, barn and much less an office seeker. To the extent outbuildings, and, as indicated above, he of his ability, he encourages all worthy has long ranked with the leading agricultur- enterprises for the general good of the com- ists and successful stock raisers of his town- munity and stands for progress in all the ship, being in independent circumstances and term implies. By extensive travel and much with an ample competence for his declining contact with the world, his mind has so years. broadened that he takes large and liberal In November, 1871, Mr. Steele was views of men and affairs, there being nothing united in marriage with Mrs. Charlotte small or narrow in his nature. Personally Henry (nee Brewster,) widow of the late he is of commanding presence and force- Francis M. Henry, the union, which was ful individuality, full of vital strength and without issue, terminating in 1888 by the possessing remarkable strength and energy, death of the wife. Mrs. Steele was a worthy a typical representative of the successful 632 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. western man. Among his neighbors and cleared and improved. Isaac F. Smith con- friends he is held in high esteem and his tinued to reside on this farm, upon which relations with his fellow men have been he made many first-class improvements, be- such as to win and retain the confidence and sides clearing off the greater portion of the respect with which he is regarded. remaining timber, until the year 1890, when he removed to Hartford, South Dakota, , where his daughter and her husband had established their home, and in that town FRED E. SMITH. he continued to live retired until his death, which occurred on the 7th of February, The agricultural interests of Jackson 1896, at which time he was about fifty-one , county have an able representative in the years of age. His wife is still living and subject of this review, who is of the younger makes her home in Deming, New Mexico. generation of farmers and who is thorough- Mr. Smith was a man of strong mentality a ly in touch with the progressive spirit and good business ability, while such was of the age, his well improved farm be- the intrinsic integrity of his character that , ing eligibly located in sections 16 and 21, he ever commanded the uniform confidence Springport township, at a point one and one- and regard of all with whom he came in half miles from the attractive village of the contact in the various relations of life. He same name. Mr. Smith claims the old was well known in this section of Jackson Empire state as the place of his nativity: county and is held in grateful memory by , having been born in Parma Center, Genesee his wide circle of friends in Springport county, New York, on the 14th of Septem- township and elsewhere. In politics he was ber, 1871. He is a son of Isaac F. and Mary a stalwart Republican, taking a lively and (Earl) Smith, the former of whom was intelligent interest in the questions and is- born in the state of New York and the lat- sues of the day, and being thoroughly public ter in Pennsylvania, their marriage having spirited in all ways. Fraternally he was been solemnized in New York, to which identified with the Ancient Order of United state the Earl family had removed. Mr. Workmen. Of his two children the subject Smith continued to be identified with the of this review is the younger, and the only farming industry in Genesee county until daughter, Hattie, who received excellent 1873, when he came with his family to Jack educational advantages, having attended son county, Michigan, where he purchased Albion College for three years and being a a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, skilled and appreciative musician, is now the the same being located in section 21, Spring. wife of George Grover, who was graduated port township, while it constitutes the home in the State Agricultural College of Michi- , stead upon which the subject now resides, gan and who is a representative of one of the property having been held in the pos- the pioneer families of Jackson county. Mr. session of the family from the time when Grover is engaged in the general merchan- Mr. Smith purchased the same of Solomon dise business in Hartford City, being one Yeager, by whom it had been partially of the representative business men of the FRED E. SMITH. MRS. FRED E. SMITH. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 633 was place, and he and his wife are the parents Methodist Episcopal church, of which he and of two children, Allen and Raymond. his wife are regular attendants. Fred E. Smith the immediate subject of At New Hartford, South Dakota, on this review, was a child of two years at the the 6th of March, 1895, Mr. Smith was time of his parents' removal from New York united in marriage to Miss Hilma Johnson, to Jackson county, and he was reared on who was born in Pennsylvania, March 4, the old homestead which is his present place 1873, being a daughter of John and Olive of residence. After completing the cur- (Newman) Johnson, both of whom were riculum of the public schools he born in Sweden, whence they emigrated to matriculated in Albion College, where he the United States in the early 'seventies. continued his studies one and one-half | They resided for three years in Pennsylvania years. When he was nineteen years of age and there Mr. Johnson died, after which his he accompanied his parents on their removal widow became the wife of Nels Anderson, to South Dakota, where he continued to re- with whom she removed to South Dakota, side three years, within which time he was where Mr. Anderson was engaged in farm- married, and at the expiration of this period ing until his death, which occurred in 1895, he returned to Jackson county and resided his widow being now a resident of Hartford, on the homestead farm three years, passing South Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have the ensuing three years in South Dakota three children, namely: Mary L., who was and Texas and then, in 1901, returning to born December 5, 1895; Martha B., who the home farm, where he has since carried was born December 4, 1899, and Isaac Fos- forward his farming and stock raising with ter, who was born May 21, 1901. energy and pronounced success. The farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres and is maintained under a high state of culti- vation, while the residence and other build- PHILIP D. WESTREN. ings are substantial and kept in the best of order, making this one of the attractive One of the sterling pioneers and in- places in the township. In addition to rais- Auential citizens of Rives township is the ing the various agricultural and horticult- gentleman to whose career attention is now ural products common to this locality, Mr. | directed, and it may be said that the agri- Smith has devoted special attention to the cultural interests of the county have few growing of live stock of high grade, giving if any more able representatives. A man preference to cattle, while he raises pure- of excellent mental endowments and upright bred Shorpshire sheep and Poland China character, he has been a valued factor in swine. He is wide-awake, enterprising and local affairs from the early pioneer days, progressive and is one of the popular young and has ever commanded unequivocal con- farmers and highly esteemed citizens of the fidence and esteem in the community in township. In politics he gives his allegiance which the major portion of his life has been to the Republican party and his religious passed. views are in harmony with the tenets of the Mr. Westren is a native of the state of 634 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. New York, having been born in Stafford, character, kindly and charitable in his in- Genesee county, on the 24th of November, tercourse with “all sorts and conditions of 1835, and being a son of John and Anne men,” and both he and his wife ever showed (Westren) Westren, both of whom were a helpful sympathy for “all those in any born in Devonshire, England, the former on ways afflicted, in mind, body or estate." the 27th of December, 1802, and the latter | They were well known citizens of Jack- on the 6th of April, 1812. They were reared son and were held in the highest regard by and educated in their native land, where all who knew them. They became the par- their marriage was solemnized and whence ents of five children, namely: John, Jr., who they came to America about the year 1833, died in 1867, at the age of thirty-three years ; locating in the state of New York, where Philip D., who is the immediate subject of they remained several years, at the ex- this review; Anne and Kate, both of whom piration of which they came to Michigan, died in infancy; and Thomas, who married during the latter 'thirties, locating in what Miss Georgiana Haynes, and who resides in is now the city of Jackson, the place having the city of Jackson. then been a mere village, nestling amid the Philip D. Westren was about six years surrounding forests. Mr. Westren took up of age at the time when his parents took up a large tract of land in the counties of Jack- their residence in the pioneer village of son and Ingham, becoming the owner of Jackson, and there he was reared to man- more than one thousand acres, a great hood, receiving his early educational train- portion of which he caused to be reclaimed ing in the public schools and supplementing to cultivation, while he sold the major the same by a course of study in Gregory's portion of the land after he had thus brought Business College, in the city of Detroit. about a definite appreciation in the value of Thereafter he was employed in clerical po- the properties. He continued to maintain sitions in Jackson for several years, after his home in the city of Jackson until his which he went to Burlington, Iowa, where death, which occurred in Marquette; his he was engaged in the hardware business, wife long survived him, being summoned when he returned to Jackson county, where into eternal rest on the inth of June, 1897. shortly afterward, in 1858, he purchased Both were communicants of the established two hundred acres of land of his father, in church of England and after locating in section 11, Rives township, and this home- Jackson they became members of the parish stead has been retained in his possession of St. Paul's church, Protestant Episcopal, ever since and has been consecutively his in which they were zealous and influential abiding place save for an interval of about members until death. In politics Mr. West- ten years, during which the family lived in ren was a stanch advocate of the principles Jackson in order that the children might and policies of the Democratic party, with avail themselves of the educational advant- which he identified himself upon becoming ages there afforded. Mr. Westren has de- a naturalized citizen of the United States. veloped one of the finest farms in this He was a man of marked intellectuality, section, and the excellent improvements on business acumen and sterling attributes of the place include a commodious and at: JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 635 tractive modern residence, and the pleasant ability, pretty specimens of her handiwork, home is a center of gracious and refined in both oil and water colors, being seen in hospitality, the family having been promi- her parents' home. Mr. and Mrs. Westren nent in the social activities of the community are the parents of three children: Fred T., at all times. One hundred and fifty acres who was born on the 31st of March, 1861, of the homestead are under a high state of was married, on the ist of May, 1890, to cultivation, the balance being timber and Miss Grace Mooney, of Jackson, and they pasture land. Mr. Westren raises live stock now reside in the city of Spokane, Washing- of excellent grade, including Durham cattle, ton. Jennie and Katie are twins and were fine-wool sheep, swine and horses. In poli- born on the 25th of January, 1865, the for- tics Mr. Westren has ever given a stalwart mer being still at the parental home, while support to the principles and policies of the the latter was married, on the ist of May, Democratic party, and has been an active 1901, to Charles H. Merriam, who is a suc- factor in its local ranks, though he has no cessful young lawyer of Spokane, Wash- desire for official preferment of any de- | ington. They have one child, Jennie scription. He and his wife are communi- Elizabeth, who was born May 22, 1902. All cants of the Protestant Episcopal church, of the children received good educational being members of Christ church in Henri- advantages, being graduates of the Jack- etta township. son high school, and both daughters are On the 27th of June, 1860, was solem- proficient musicians, Kate having devoted nized the marriage of Mr. Westren to Miss herself to the art in a professional way for Elizabeth Cowing, who was born in Seneca, some time prior to her marriage. Ontario county, New York, July 6, 1839, being a daughter of Marshall J. and Susan (Henderson) Cowing, both of whom were ( natives of New York state, where their mar- JAMES A. PEACOCK. riage was celebrated on the 5th of Septem- ber, 1831. They came to Michigan in 1855 The subject of this review has had a and Mr. Cowing became one of the promi- varied and, to a considerable extent, an nent and influential farmers of Jackson eventful career, throughout which he has county, where he died December 11, 1863, maintained unsullied his integrity and his widow long surviving him and passing exemplified a character worthy of emulation. away October 8, 1899, at the venerable age James A. Peacock is a native of the grand of ninety-three years. Mrs. Westren was a old commonwealth of Pennsylvania, born maiden of fifteen years when she came to in Lancaster county, the son of Thomas and Michigan, and she received most of her Elizabeth (Wallace) Peacock. These par- educational training in Eddytown, New ents were natives of Scotland, which country York. She is a lady of more than ordinary they left in an early day, coming to America intelligence and presides over her home with and settling in Pennsylvania, where they dignity and grace. Her daughter, Mrs. lived for a number of years on a farm. Merriam, is an artist of more than ordinary | About 1857 Thomas Peacock and family a 636 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. moved to Jackson county, Michigan, and an iron worker of Phoenixville, Pennsyl- settled in the township of Rives, purchasing vania, and is the mother of one daughter; a tract of wild land, from which in due time Charles, the sixth of the family, was acci- a good farm was developed. On this place dentally killed at the age of twelve years, Mr. Peacock spent the remainder of his being crushed beneath the wheels of a days as an honest, hard-working son of the loaded wagon; Elizabeth, widow of the late soil, laboring earnestly to support his family Dorr Freeman, has a family of five children and provide a competency for his old age. and makes her home in the town of Leslie; He did much in a quiet way to promote the James A. of this review is the eighth in material welfare of his community and as order of birth, the youngest being Sarah, an earnest and faithful member of the Bap- wife of Rev. Charles Hulbert, a Methodist tist church exercised a wholesome moral in- minister living in Oklahoma, her family con- fluence among the people with whom he cast sisting of eight offspring. his lot. He became a substantial citizen, The subject of this sketch was reared took an active interest in politics and for to agricultural pursuits and remained under a number of years was one of the leading the parental roof until the age of twenty- Democrats of his township, but refused to one, meantime acquiring a fair educational accept office or be known as an aspirant for training in the public schools. In Novem- public honors. He departed this life in June, ber, 1860, the same day on which he cast 1860, and twenty years later his good wife his first ballot for Abraham Lincoln, Mr. , passed to her reward, both dying in the faith Peacock started for California, via the of the Baptist church, the teachings of which Isthmus route, and in due time, after a pro- did so much to cheer and encourage them tracted voyage, reached his destination on during their earthly sojourn. Nine chil- the Pacific coast. He spent four years in dren were born to Thomas and Elizabeth the far west, two of which were devoted to Peacock, the oldest of whom was William, mining with fair results, spending the rest an enterprising farmer and representative of the time principally as a teamster be- citizen of Jackson county who died in the tween certain points in California and Ne- year 1900. Jane, wife of Rev. Howard vada. His experience in the latter capacity Miller, was the second of the family; she was quite interesting and at times beset with is deceased, as is also her husband, the latter considerable hardship, as he had charge of dying while on the way home from the army a large freight outfit, drawn by twelve at the close of the great Rebellion; Archi- mules, to drive and care for which and look bald, the third, was a soldier of the late Civil after the vast amount of provisions in- war, serving in the Ninth Michigan In- | trusted to him required a great deal of hard fantry, by occupation he was a carpenter, work and no little anxiety. Satisfied with which trade he followed the greater part of his experience as a miner and freighter, Mr. his life in Van Buren county, where he mar- Peacock, in the winter of 1864, returned ried and reared a family of five children; home to find his father dead, his brother in Jamie, the next in succession, died in in- the army and his mother without adequate fancy; Margaret married Benjamin Jones, assistance to manage the farm. Under JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 637 these circumstances he took charge of affairs hood and no reasonable expense has been and within a short time sold the place and spared in providing a good barn and other removed to Hillsdale county, where he suitable outbuildings, while the general ap- purchased a small farm of fifty acres, on pearance of the farm indicates a condition which he lived until 1867. On November of prosperity, which only a man of industry, 24, of that year, he was united in marriage thrift and enterprise maintains. Mr. with Miss Nancy Maynard, daughter of Peacock's home is connected by telephone Reuben and Hannah (Willey) Maynard, with the principal farms of the county, also shortly after which he removed to De Kalb with the cities and towns in his part of the county, Illinois, where he remained about state and, being situated on a rural mail six months, returning to Michigan at the route, it is in easy communication with the expiration of that time and locating in the outside world, a biessing which every mem- town of Leslie. Purchasing property in ber of the family fully appreciates. It is that place, he opened a meat market, and needless in this connection to state that Mr. after conducting a successful business in Peacock is a progressive man in all the term this line for several years disposed of his implies or that he has been fortunate in his stand and turned his attention to other pur- business affairs, his beautiful home, with suits. During his twenty years' residence in the commanding position he occupies in the Leslie, Mr. Peacock was variously employ- neighborhood, bearing ample testimony of ed, serving seven years as town marshal these facts. Personally he is considered a and one term as deputy sheriff of Inghamprince of good fellows, with a nature over- county, under Colonel Dart, besides attend- flowing with kindly feeling, a disposition ing to different bussiness matters of his to assist all worthy objects, and a spirit of He became one of the influential hospitality which has become so proverbiai citizens of the place, took an active interest throughout the community. Although a in its public affairs and in many ways con- strong and uncompromising Republican and tributed to the material advancement of the active in behalf of his party's interests, he community, being recognized as a leader in has never been an office seeker, preferring all enterprises for the general welfare. the quiet life of a private citizen to the hon- In 1888 Mr. Peacock disposed of his and allurements with which public interests in Leslie and bought eighty-two station crowns the favored few. Religious- acres of the old Freeman estate in Rives ly his wife is a member of the Congre- township and from that time to the present gational church and fraternally he belongs day he has been actively engaged in agri- to Leslie Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, culture and stock raising. His place is well being an active worker in both and a liberal improved and highly cultivated, sixty acres supporter of all benevolent all benevolent enterprises being tillable land, the rest devoted to springing therefrom. Mrs. Peacock is a pasturage with a sufficiency of good timber sincere Christian and a faithful colaborer for all purposes. The dwelling is a comfort- with her husband in carrying out the good able modern building, comparing favorably works of the congregation with which she with the best residences of the neighbor- | is identified. Mr. and Mrs. Peacock are the Own. ors 638 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. parents of five children, three of whom died and settled in the county of Lenawee where in 1884 of the same fell disease, diphtheria, he achieved enviable repute as a citizen and a terrible bereavement such as few families man of affairs. Like his predecessors, he are called upon to evidence. Charles D., was a tiller of the soil and as such became the oldest, was a brilliant youth of sixteen quite successful and acquired an ample at the time of his death; Ralph, equally in- competence. He and his good wife were telligent and promising, was thirteen, and birthright members of the Society of Mattie, a sweet miss in whom her fond par- Friends, to which religious body his an- ents entered many cherished hopes, passed cestors for several generations had belonged. away at the tender age of nine years. The Reuben and Hannah Maynard had a family two living children are Ruby M., an ac- of four children, of whom Mrs. Nancy Pea- complished stenographer and typewriter, cock was the first born; the others are Ruth now employed in the city of Jackson, and and Joseph, the youngest dying in infancy Norman, a sturdy young gentleman of six- unnamed. teen who is very much interested in the home farm. Both are intelligent beyond the aver- age, no pains having been spared in their BENJAMIN C. LEWIS. mental discipline, and present indications bespeak for them a happy and promising How rapidly time is thinning the ranks future. of the brave boys in blue who went forth in Reuben Maynard, father of Mrs. Pea- the defense of the nation's integrity during cock, was a native of Seneca county, New the dark and turbulent epoch of the Civil York, and the son of Reason Maynard, of war is evident to even the superficial ob- Maryland, the latter a son of John Maynard, server, and the silvered heads of those who a who at one time was a rich planter and large appear in the ranks of the veterans at the slaveholder in one of the southern states. various encampments of the Grand Army By reason of his opposition to the institu- of the Republic show whither the line of tion of human slavery, John Maynard in an march is tending. The younger generation early day sold his plantation, freed his bond may well look in admiration and honor up- servants and left the South, removing to on these valiant sons of the republic who New York and settling in the county of saved to the world a grand and united Seneca, where he acquired a large landed country, and though time has thrown its estate of over one thousand acres. He was a beneficent influence over the story of the man of influence as well as wealth and is great conflict and the animosities of the remembered as one of the successful farmers past have been softened and chastened, yet and prominent citizens of Seneca county. never can there be aught but appreciation of His son, Reason, moved to Michigan in 1853 the services of the men who followed the and became one of the leading agriculturists stars and stripes on the sanguinary battle of Hillsdale county, where his death oc- fields of the South during that most crucial curred some time in the 'sixties. Reuben epoch of our national history. One of the Maynard came to Michigan with his father honored veterans of the war of the Rebel- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 639 1 lion who went forth as a representative of side on his homestead until he was called Jackson county patriotism is the subject of from the scene of life's endeavors, his death this brief tribute, who has passed the greater occurring on the 9th of December, 1863, at portion of his life in said county and who which time he was sixty-one years of age. is now numbered among the successful His devoted wife, who had been a true help- farmers of Rives township, while his also meet to him during these years of practical is the distinction of being a scion of pioneer isolation and strenuous endeavor, preceded stock, since his parents took up their resi- him into the life eternal, having passed away dence here before Michigan had been admit- on the IIth of March, 1845, at the age of 11th ted to the Union. forty-one years, three months and two days. Benjamin C. Lewis is a native of the old He was a Democrat in politics and his re- Empire state, having been born in the city | ligious faith was that of the Methodist of Rochester, New York, on the 24th day Episcopal church, while his wife held mem- , August, 1832, and being a son of Thomas | bership in the Baptist church. They were D. and Dolly (Derby) Lewis, both of whom earnest, noble, industrious folk, eminent rep- were likewise born in that state, and there resentatives of that honored pioneer element the father of the subject was engaged in to which this section owes a perpetual debt agricultural operations, in Monroe county, of gratitude. Of their eight children an until 1836, when he emigrated with his epitomized record is offered as follows: family to the territory of Michigan, making Edwin G., who is engaged in the grocery the trip overland with a team and wagon by business in the city of Jackson, married Miss which were transported the family and the Sarah Carey, and they had two children, few household goods absolutely requisite in both deceased; Benjamin C., to whom this establishing the new home in the wilds of a sketch is dedicated, was the next in order new country. Mr. Lewis purchased eighty of birth; Thomas, who is now living retired acres of government land, in Columbia in the city of Jackson, is the owner of a township, the same being entirely unre- valuable farm in Columbia township, this claimed and covered with a dense growth county; he married Miss Precilla Carey, and of native timber, so that his initial task was of their eight children two are living ; Isaac, to make a clearing in which to erect his who is a resident of North Dakota, and who primitive log house. He grappled with the is a carpenter by trade and vocation, mar- forest and with the rudimentary condition ried Miss Gallup, now deceased, and they and his efforts were crowned with success, had four children, all living; Elisha, de- since in due course of time he succeeded in ceased, who was a prosperous farmer of developing a good farm and deriving good Hillsdale county; James, who is a promi- returns from its cultivation. He incident- . nent farmer of Liberty township, married ally contributed in other ways to the ad- Miss Zada Crego and they have one son; vancement of the interests of the locality | Lydia, who became the wife of Hilo Gallup, along normal lines, being entitled to honor a successful farmer of Napoleon township, as one of the founders of this now opulent | is dead, being survived by her husband and and beautiful county. He continued to re- two sons; Alonzo, who is a resident of the 640 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. city of Hillsdale, where he is engaged in important engagements in which Mr. Lewis the agricultural-implement business, is also took part may be mentioned South Moun- the owner of a farm in that county and is tain, Antietam, and many skirmishes. The one of its representative citizens; he mar- subject was ever found at the post of duty, ried Miss Lovina Swartout, now deceased, was ever ready to assume any responsibil- and they had three children; he was a sol- ity assigned to him and made the record of dier in the Civil war and was a prisoner in a leal and loyal soldier. He was woundel the Andersonville prison pen, having been while on the skirmishing line between An- captured at Spottsylvania, Virginia. tietam and Newport News, Virginia, but Benjamin C. Lewis, whose name intro- was not long incapacitated for service. At duces this sketch, was a child of six years the close of the war he returned to Michi- at the time when his parents came from the gan and was mustered out, in the city of De- old home in New York state to Michigan troit, on the 3d of June, 1865, receiving his and he was reared on the pioneer homestead, honorable discharge at the same time. He while it was his privilege to attend the dis- retains a lively interest in his old comrades trict school during his boyhood days, this in arms. being one of the primitive log buildings, After returning to Jackson county Mr. with its puncheon floor, slab benches and Lewis became associated with his brother desks and yawning fire-place. But the priv- James in the purchasing of eighty acres of ileges here granted proved adequate to en- land in section 26, Rives township, and the able him to lay the foundation for that subject reclaimed the same and developed a broad and practical knowledge which he has good farm, upon which he continued to re- since acquired under the discipline of the side until the property was sold, and he then wise headmaster, experience. At the out- bought sixty acres in the same township, break of the war of the Rebellion the intrin- where he remained several years, at the ex- sic loyalty and patriotism of Mr. Lewis' | piration of which he sold out and removed nature were roused to responsive protest, to the state of Virginia, where he purchased and in August, 1862, he tendered his serv- four hundred and thirty-three acres of land, ices in defense of the Union, enlisting as a in Powhatan county. There he continued private in Company E, Seventeenth Mich- to be engaged in farming for a period of igan Volunteer Infantry, which was under three years, at the expiration of which he the command of Colonel Withington, while disposed of his holdings in the Old Domin- Captain Campbell was captain of Company ion state and returned to Jackson county, E. The regiment was assigned to the Army this being about the year 1889. He shortly of the Potomac and had its full quota of afterward purchased a farm of seventy acres hard service, and Mr. Lewis continued with in Tompkins township, where he was suc- his command until the close of the great in- cessfully engaged in farming about twelve ternecine conflict, while it may be said to He then traded the property, in the credit of the old Seventeenth that it was 1901, for his present homestead, which com- never known to retreat. Among the more prises one hundred and twenty-three acres years. a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 641 of excellent land, in sections 27, 23 and 26, active part in the promotion of the party Rives township, the place being well im- cause in a local way and is one of its most proved, and here he is devoting his atten- zealous and loyal advocates, though he has tion to general farming and to the raising never sought or desired the honors of public of live stock, having one of the pleasant office, the only preferment of the sort which homes in this section and having attained he ever accepted being that of pathmaster, prosperity through well-directed effort. His in the early days when his services in the career, like that of the average man, has not capacity proved of practical value to the been without its misfortunes and reverses, community. He and his wife are adherents but his courage has never flagged and he of the Methodist Episcopal church. has been aided and sustained by his noble Mr. Lewis has been twice married, his wife, their mutual sympathy and mutual first union having been with Miss Amelia aim having enabled them to endure with Hudson, who become the mother of three fortitude the burdens imposed and to rejoice sons, of whom but one is living, Isaac, who together in the many benefices which have is now connected with the police department been granted them during the long years of of the city of Jackson. On the 20th of Sep- their wedded life. They are numbered tember, 1865, was solemnized the marriage among the sterling pioneers of the county, of Mr. Lewis to Miss Eleanor G. Peterson, having been familiar with the various de- who was born in Wayne county, New York, privations and hardships of the early days on the roth of June, 1833, being a daughter and having witnessed the development of of Daniel and Betsey (Otto) Peterson, who Jackson county from a veritable wilderness came to this county from their native state to its present condition as one of the most of New York in 1835. Mr. Peterson pur- advanced and attractive divisions of the chased land in Columbia township and there great state of Michigan. It was the portion reclaimed a good farm, upon which he con- of Mrs. Lewis to spin the wool and knit the tinued to reside until his death, which oc- hose and mittens for the members of her curred in April, 1867, his wife having passed family, while the subject became an adept away February 24, 1844. They became the in weaving straw hats for the family in the parents of eleven children, of whom seven early days. In politics Mr. Lewis is an un- are living at the present time. Mr. and Mrs. compromising advocate of the principles of Lewis have three children, concerning the Republican party, as might be supposed whom brief mention is made at this point : would be the case with one who so ably de- Wilber, who was born on the oth of June, fended the policies for which the “grand old 1866, has the management of the homestead party” stood exponent during the war of farm and is a widower; Frances is the wife the Rebellion. He has ever taken a lively of Alonzo Summerville, a farmer of Black- and intelligent interest in the questions and man township, and they have three children, issues of the hour, fortifying his convic- Eleanor, Mildred and , infant; and tions by careful and appreciative reading and Levada is the wife of Ellsworth Geiger, , ever being able to show a reason for the who is engaged in farming in Summit town- faith that is within him. He has taken an ship. an 41 642 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. WILLIAM J. AUSTIN. his family came to Jackson county, making the trip with teams and wagons. He pur- This name is well known in Jackson chased one hundred and sixty acres of wild county, where Mr. Austin has maintained land in section 2, Rives township, the same his home from his youth, his parents having being covered with its heavy growth of na- been numbered among the representative pio- tive timber, while the Indians were often neers of the county, and he is not only rec-encamped near his rudimentary forest lodge ognized as one of the leading agriculturists in the early days and deer, bear and other and horticulturists of Rives township, where wild animals were still plentiful and pro- he has a fine farm property, but he has also vided much of the provender used by the been a prominent figure in public affairs of pioneer settlers. He cleared a portion of a local nature and has been incumbent of this farm, on which he resided four years, offices of distinctive trust and responsibility. and then purchased another tract of eighty He has been signally faithful to his concep- acres, in the same township, to which he tion of the duties of citizenship, ever striv- later added one hundred and twenty acres, ing to advance the moral, educational and lying adjacent, and upon this place, the ma- material welfare of the community in which jor portion of which he reclaimed, he con- he has lived and labored to so good results. tinued to reside until he was summoned From the pioneer days he has been actively from the field of life's activities, at which interested in everything which has tended to time he was sixty-six years of age. His promote the development of this section, and wife, who was likewise a native of the state has been confidently counted upon at all of New York, long survived him, her death times to uphold the cause of right and jus- occurring in March, 1894, at the venerable tice. He has now passed the psalmist's span age of eighty-two years. She has been a of three score years and ten, but retains al- devoted companion and coadjutor to her most unimpaired his physical and mental husband, and in the early days she found vigor and is one of the most highly es- time, in the midst of the manifold other do- teemed pioneer citizens of the township of mestic duties, to knit and spin the wool and Rives. to weave all the cloth utilized in making the William J. Austin is a native of the state family clothing. She was a devoted mem- of New York, having been born on a farm ber of the Baptist church and exemplified near the city of Syracuse, Onondaga coun- her faith in her daily walk and conversation. ty, on the ist of March, 1827, and being a Mr. Austin identified himself with the Re- son of Cortland and Eunice (Herron) Aus- | publican party at the time of its inception tin. Cortland Austin was likewise born in and was one of the active workers in its the state of New York, where he was reared cause, while he served for twelve years as to manhood and there he was engaged in ag- supervisor of Rives township, where he ever ricultural pursuits until 1836, when he re- commanded unequivocal confidence and es- moved with his family to Ohio and located teem. Cortland and Eunice Austin became in Lorain county, where he continued farm- the parents of seven children, of whom the ing until the autumn of 1843, when he and subject of this review is the eldest; Mahala JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 643 . is the widow of James Wilcox and resides the place bespeaks thrift and prosperity and in Leslie, Michigan; Hiram died at the age indicates the energy, discrimination and of twenty-six years; Mary is the wife of good judgment brought to bear by the own- Joseph Showers and resides in Rives town- er. The homestead now comprises one hun- ship; Amy is the wife of Rev. Lyman dred acres, of which the greater part are Trumbull, who is engaged in the ministry in under effective cultivation, while Mr. Aus- in Oklahoma ; Cortland, Jr., died at the age tin has devoted special attention to horti- of about twenty-five years; and Sarah is the culture, raising the finest quality of vege- wife of Edward Blackman, of Jackson. All tables, for which he finds a ready market in of the children who attained years of ma- the city of Jackson and elsewhere, while he turity received good educational advantages also raises an excellent grade of live stock, for the day and all were successful teachers including Durham cattle, merino and Shrop- for intervals of varying length. shire sheep and Poland China swine. He William J. Austin, to whom this sketch has won success through his own efforts and is dedicated, received his rudimentary edu- is now one of the prosperous and substantial cation in his native county in New York, farmers of the county. In politics Mr. Aus- and thereafter continued his studies in the tin is a stalwart Republican, having iden- schools of Ohio, being a young man of eigh- tified himself with the same at the time of teen years at the time when his parents came its inception, and it is to the honor of Jack- to Jackson county. He assumed charge of son county that the party had its birth here, the farm originally purchased by his father the original organization having been ef- at the time when the latter removed to the fected in the city of Jackson. Mr. Austin new farm, as has been noted in this connec- has been a prominent figure in the local tion, and in addition to clearing and other- ranks of the "grand old party” for many wise improving this place he also established | years, and has been a delegate to many state, and operated a saw-mill, and in the same congressional and county conventions. He was manufactured much of the lumber uti- has been shown distinctive marks of popu- lized in the erection of many of the first lar confidence and esteem, having served frame buildings in this section, the enter- two years as township supervisor, and an prise proving a profitable one. During the equal length of time having been incumbent pioneer epoch Mr. Austin found his recre- of the office of township treasurer, while he ation in hunting, and with his rifle he served thirteen consecutive years as high- brought down many a bear and deer, besides way commissioner, having accomplished the He has consecutively re- erection of two fine iron bridges over the sided on the old homestead from the time Grand river during his regime, and he has when the family came to the county, and has been an official of his school district for here developed one of the fine farms of the more than thirty years. Fraternally Mr. locality, having erected substantial modern Austin is prominently identified with the In- , buildings, including a pleasant and com- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, having modious residence, while everything about been a charter member of Foster Lodge No. smaller game. 644 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. sec- 95, at Leslie, Michigan, and having been Fred E. Goodall is a a native of the affiliated with the fraternity for the past province of Ontario, Canada, having been thirty-five years. born in the town of Woodstock, on the 16th On the 5th of January, 1852, Mr. Aus- of February, 1855, and being a son of tin was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Charles and Sarah (Norris) Goodall, the Fisher, who was born in Jackson county, former of whom was born in Berkshire, En- Michigan, being a daughter of Pardon T. gland, and the latter in Oxfordshire, and Fisher, a pioneer of Jackson county, and she both having been reared and educated in died at the age of twenty-three years, being their native country, where their marriage survived by her only child, William, who is was solemnized. Mr. Goodall, Sr., was for now a successful farmer of Rives township. a number of years engaged in teaming be- He is a Republican in politics and is now tween London and Oxford, and also fol- serving as highway commissioner. He mar- lowed agricultural pursuits. In April, 1835, ried Miss Lena Steffon and they have two he emigrated to America, the voyage being children. made on a sailing vessel, and fourteen weeks On the 5th of January, 1854, the sub- and three days elapsed before the same ject of this sketch consummated a reached its destination, in the city of Que- ond marriage, being then united to Miss bec, Canada. From that place Mr. Goodall Mary E. Whitney, who was born in Pike and his family proceeded to the immediate county, New York, being a daughter of vicinity of Niagara falls, and for the fol- Obediah Whitney, who removed from New lowing eleven years resided in that section York state to this county in 1843, taking up of Ontario, having within this time held his residence on a small farm, in Rives the position of foreman of various farms. township, while he continued to follow his From that locality he removed to Wood- trade, that of mason, during the greater por- stock, Ontario, where he purchased a farm tion of his active career, passing the remain- of one hundred acres, whieh continued to be der of his life on his farm. Mr. and Mrs. the field of his operations until September, Austin have no children. 1855, when he sold the property and came to Jackson county, where he purchased eighty acres of land, in Blackman township, the farm being that upon which the subject FRED E. GOODALL. of this sketch now resides, in sections 17 and 20. At the time when Mr. Goodall Among those enterprising and progres- came into possession of the property, which sive young men whose efforts have lent to was a part of the old Mayett place, it was the prestige of the agricultural industry in practically unreclaimed from the native for- Jackson county is the subject of this review, est, only a small clearing having been made, who has passed practically his entire life while a primitive log house had been erected. within the borders of the county and who is In this dwelling the family took up their now one of the successful farmers of Black-abode, and it continued to be their home for man township. a number of years, while the work of clear- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 645 ing and otherwise improving the farm pro- to the public schools of the county he is in- gressed satisfactorily under the able efforts debted for the educational advantages of and direction of the owner. In time good which he duly availed himself in his youth. buildings were erected, and the homestead He has resided continuously on the old today stands as one of the valuable farms of homestead, and it was his privilege and sat- the county, thrift and prosperity being in- isfaction to care for his parents in their de- dicated on every side, while the evidence of clining days, his solicitude having been even good management is patent to even the cas- such as that with which they had guided ual observer. Mr. Goodall continued to re- and guarded him during his earlier years. side on the farm until his death, which oc- On the 29th of March, 1877, he was united curred on the 18th of February, 1890, at in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Sadler, who which time he had attained the venerable was born in Durham, England, July 9, age of eighty-seven years, five months and 1858, being a daughter of Robert and Han- one day, while he was honored by all as one nah (Welsh) Sadler, the former of whom of the sterling citizens and pioneers of the was born in Yorkshire, England, and the county. His widow was summoned into latter in Durham. In 1859 they emigrated eternal rest on the 27th of February, 1894, to America and came to Michigan, first lo- at the age of eighty-one years, nine months cating in Port Huron, St. Clair county, and and seventeen days, both having been con- then coming to Jackson, where Mr. Sadler sistent members of the Baptist church, while died on the 17th of April, 1879, at the age Mr. Goodall was a stanch Republican in his of fifty-one years, eight months and eleven political adherency.' Brief record concern- days. His widow now resides with her ing their ten children is as follows: Ann daughter Hannah, in the city of Chicago. is the wife of George Chawlcroft, of Jack- Mr. and Mrs. Sadler had four children, son; James is a farmer in Blackman town- namely: Elizabeth, who is the wife of the ship, the maiden name of his wife having subject; Jeffery R., who is a mason by trade been Jane Hopingardner; Mary is the wife and who resides in Jackson; Julia, who is of William H. Sullivan, of Detroit; George, the wife of John Snowball, of Saginaw, who married Euphemia Hopingardner, is a Michigan, and Hannah, who is the wife of resident of Jackson ; Charles, who is a farm- James Kirchner, of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. er in Blackman township, married Antoin- Goodall have three children: Julia B., who ette Hopingardner; Elizabeth is the wife of was born on the 3d of May, 1878, was grad- Isaac A. Brandbury, of Jackson; Louisa uated in the West Side high school in the resides in the city of Detroit; Isabelle city of Jackson, as a member of the class married Marcus L. Rue and resides in Jack-of 1896, and was thereafter a successful son; Fred E. is the immediate subject of teacher for four years. She married Will- this review; and Keziah is the wife of Cor- iam D. Morrill, who is a successful farmer nelius Allen, of whom individual mention is of Blackman township, and they have one made elsewhere in this volume. daughter, Genevieve. Florence Belle, who Fred E. Goodall was reared to maturity was born on the 24th of April, 1883, was on the farm on which he now resides, and graduated in the Jackson high school, as 646 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a member of the class of 1901, and at the of New York, having been born in the town , time of this writing is engaged in teaching of Genoa, Cayuga county, on the 23d of in the Bennett school in Sandstone town- December, 1805, and being a son of James ship, having proved an able and popular Armour and Annie (Brown) Ferris, the instructor. Genevieve, who was born on former of whom was born in Greenwich, the 21st of September, 1886, is a teacher Connecticut, on the 13th of January, 1778, in the Morrill school of Blackman town- while the latter was born in the same town ship. in Connecticut on the 21st of January, 1780. Mr. Goodall's farm comprises one hun- She entered into eternal rest on the 9th of dred acres, of which sixty-five are main- March, 1843, while her husband passed tained under a high state of cultivation, away on the Ith of September, 1863. In being devoted to the raising of the cereals the year 1793 James A. Ferris, in company and other products to which the soil and with his parents, five brothers and one sister, climate are best adapted, while Mr. Good- emigrated from Connecticut to Cayuga all also devotes considerable time and at- county, New York, the family taking up tention to the raising of live stock. In poli- their abode in the village of Genoa, where tics he is arrayed in the ranks of the Repub- he was reared to manhood and where his lican party, taking an intelligent interest in marriage was solemnized, his wife's parents the questions and issues of the hour and be having likewise been early settlers of that ing a man of broad information, while he county. This worthy couple became the pa- has not been denied the measure of popular rents of eight children, namely: Ann, esteem so freely accorded to his honorable Elizabeth, Lewis, Deborah, Edmund, Lu- father. He was for several years a member cretia, Calista and Augustus. The original of the school board of his district, in which progenitor of the Ferris family in America connection he did all in his power to further was Jeffere Ferris, who came from Eng- the cause of education, in which he has land and settled in Greenwich, Connecti- maintained a deep interest, while he has ac- cut, in the year 1640. He was a descend- corded his children the full benefit of the ex- ant of Henri de Ferriers, a Norman, who cellent public school system maintained in obtained from William the Conqueror large - the county. land grants in Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, England. Edmund Ferris, subject of this memoir, EDMUND FERRIS. was reared and educated in his native town, and there was solemnized, on the 8th of It is with distinctive gratification that April, 1834, his marriage to Miss Cather- we incorporate in this volume a memoir of ine Brown, who was born in Chester county, , this honored pioneer of Jackson county, for Pennsylvania, on the 26th of June, 1808, , his name is held in lasting regard by all who and in 1816 her parents emigrated thence knew him or have cognizance of his worthy to Cayuga county, New York, taking up and useful life. their residence in the village of Genoa, Edmund Ferris was a native of the state where she was reared to maturity. Her JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 647 father, William Brown, was born Septem- able boarding place, the home of Herman ber 21, 1767, and his death occurred on the Landon. The dismal howl of the wolf often 24th of September, 1833. His wife, whose followed him on his solitary walks through , maiden name was Catherine Jones, was a the forest and proved an unpleasant accom- resident of the city of Philadelphia at the paniment. He was a man of sterling integ- time of their marriage, which occurred in rity and assisted in the organization of the the year 1800. She died on the 14th of township, in 1838, and he held at various February, 1831. Their children were as times all the places of honor and trust in the follows: Mary Ann, Joannah, William, William, power of his fellow townsmen to confer up- Catherine, Elizabeth, Jane, Rebecka, Lydia , on him. A widow and several grown sons and Sarah. and daughters survive him. One of his In the year 1837 Edmund Ferris sons, Edward J. was a soldier in the removed with his family from the old home war of the Rebellion and died in the in New York to Springport, Jackson county, notorious Libby prison pen. Then fun- Michigan, where he became a pioneer farmer eral of this honored pioneer took place at and a man of influence in the community, the family home at one o'clock Monday af- here continuing to reside until his death, ternoon, October 12, Rev. H. P. Hender- which occurred on the both of October, son delivering a very appreciative address, 1885. In the connection, the following is from Ecclesiastes, ninth chapter and fifth from an obituary notice published at the time verse." of his demise: "Edmund Ferris, an old and In the ensuing paragraphs we make brief retired resident of this township, died at mention of other representatives of the Fer- noon on Saturday, October 10, 1885. The ris family who became prominently identi- deceased was born in the town of Genoa, fied with the history of Jackson county. Cayuga county, New York, December 23, Alanson Ferris was one of the early pio- 1805, and he came to Springport township neers of Springport township. He was born in the fall of 1836, locating the west half in Genoa, Cayuga county, New York, on of section 20, where he resided at the time the 13th of December, 1814. His father, of his death, although he disposed of a part Lemuel Ferris, accompanied his parents , of the original farm, upon which the village from Greenwich, Connecticut, to Genoa in of Springport is now located, and pur-1793, and in that locality settled upon a chased other tracts of land. He wrought farm, which continued to be his home dur- out a large and valuable farm. His first ing the remainder of his life. On the 4th labor here was to assist in building the Mal- of March, 1840, Alanson Ferris was uni- lory saw-mill, on Spring brook, this being ted in marriage to Miss Olivia Leaven- the first manufacturing concern of any de-worth, who was born in the same town- scription in the township. He built the first ship in Cayuga county, New York, on the house within the limits of Springport, near 9th of May, 1810. In 1842 Mr. Ferris came the present site of Mrs. Fitzgerald's resi- to Jackson county and located on the farm, dence, and was obliged to walk four miles, in Springport township, which continued to morning and evening, to his nearest avail- | be his place of abode until he was summoned 648 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. into the life eternal, his death occuring on Edmund Ferris, his brothers-in-law, came the 24th of January, 1898, while his devoted on in the summer and purchased of him a wife had passed away on the roth of No- portion of the land which he had secured, vember, 1890. They became the parents of and Edmund Ferris moved hither with his , four children, concerning whom we make | family in 1837, as has been previously noted brief record as follows: Henry, who was in this sketch. Mr. Gaylord brought his born on the 17th of August, 1841, died on , wife and four daughters from the old home the zoth of July, 1846; Adeline, who was in New York to the veritable wilderness of born on the 30th of May, 1845, was married Jackson county in the spring of the same to Oscar Smith, September 12, 1866, and year, and here he began in a literal sense to her death occurred on the 27th of Septem- hew out a home in the midst of the virgin ber, 1882, while she is survived by three forest. He built a house in what is now the children, Henry, Lillie and Rollin; Hiram northeast corner of the village of Spring- L. Ferris, who was born on the 9th of Feb- port, and there the family resided for several ruary, 1849, married Miss Ida St. Johns, years. In 1843 he exchanged these lands of Ohio, and they are now residents of the with John and William Oyer for a tract of state of Kansas; Jolin, who was born Feb- land one-half mile north of the village, the ruary 1, 1852, married Miss Rose Paine, farm now owned by William Bancroft. He of Springport township, and they now re- was the father of eight daughters and one side at Big Rapids, Michigan. Mr. and son, the latter being the youngest of the fam- Mrs. Ferris were folk of noble character ily and dying at the age of two and one-half and in their sterling qualities of character years. Mr. Gaylord removed with his fam- afforded an example well worthy of emu- ily to Battle Creek, Calhoun county, in 1852. lation by succeeding generations. They cel- and there his wife died on the 15th of Jan- ebrated their golden wedding anniversary | uary, 1856. On the 23d of April, 1857, he in 1890, and Mrs. Ferris' death occurred married Miss Maryette Beebe, and in 1865 only a few months later in the same year. he removed to Eaton county, thereafter re- Augustus Ferris Gaylord, son of Lucius siding in Eaton Rapids and vicinity until his and Anna (Ferris) Gaylord, was born in death, which occurred on the 15th of July, ) Aurora, Cayuga county, New York, on the 1888. He was appointed postmaster of 11th of June, 1806, and on the 2d of Jan- Springport in 1838 and retained this office , uary, 1828, he was married to Miss Lucretia until the time of his removal to Battle Ferris, daughter of James A. Ferris. He Creek. came to Michigan in company with his fa- ther in 1835, and located twenty-seven and one-half lots in what is now the village of OREN V. HAMMOND. Springport, Jackson county. He then re- turned to New York, but in 1836 came again Practical industry, wisely and vigorous- and here tarried several months, preparing ly applied, can scarcely fail to result in defi- for the removal of his family to the new nite success, and the career of the honored home in the following spring. Lewis and Lewis and pioneer whose name initiates this paragraph OREN V. HAMMOND. . JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 649 offers distinctive proof of the truth of this moved to New York state. In 1835, with statement. He came with his parents to an equipment of horse teams and wagons, Jackson county before Michigan was admit- he came to Michigan, making the overland ted to statehood and this has been his home trip through Canada and crossing the De- consecutively since that time, representing a troit river by ferry, and from the city of period of nearly seventy years, and thus it Detroit proceeding on his way to his desti- may be inferred that he was denied the nation in Jackson county. For the first many advantages which were to be had in two years after his arrival he worked on a the old settled sections of the Union, while pioneer farm in Spring Arbor township, such were the exigencies of time and place operating the same on shares, but within the that he was early thrown upon his own re- year of his arrival he had visited Spring sources to a large degree, while through port township and here purchased eighty industry and indefatigable energy, coupled acres of government land, in section 30, and , with mature judgment in the management in the connection it may be noted that the of his affairs, he has gained prosperity and subject still has in his possession the govern- independence and is now one of the sub- ment deed to the property, executed June stantial retired farmers of Springport town- 15, 1837, the same bearing the signature ship, residing on the homestead which was of Martin Van Buren, who was then Presi- secured by his father in the year 1837. He dent of the United States. In 1837 David is now the owner of two hundred acres of C. Hammond located on his own farm as valuable land as is to be found in this having prepared for his family a domicile section of the state, the farm being improved in the midst of the untrammeled forest, with excellent buildings and being main making a clearing and there erecting a log tained under an effective state of cultivation, house of the type common to the locality while in addition to diversified agriculture at the time, the same having puncheon floor his sons, who rent and have charge of the and being equipped with a huge fireplace, place, also devote no little atteneion to the by means of which the family cooking was raising of fine live stock. accomplished and warmth afforded during Oren V. Hammond is a native of the the somber winter days, when the family Empire state of the Union, having been were practically isolated from the outside born in Allen township, Allegany county, world. Indians were still in evidence in the . New York, on the 20th of April, 1829, and locality, and all kinds of wild game being a son of David C. and Permelia abounded, supplying provender for the tables (Whitman) Hammond, the former of whom of the sturdy pioneer settlers. Mr. Ham- was born in Rhode Island and the latter in mond reclaimed his eighty acres and eventu- Massachusetts, while their marriage was ally purchased an additional eighty acres solemnized in the state of New York, where lying contiguous to the other, and he labored Mr. Hammond was engaged in farming un- early and late to develop his farm and pro- til his removal to Michigan. He was reared vide a home for his family and also gain a and educated in Rhode Island and was ther position of independence. He was a man overseer in a cotton factory until he re- of spotless integrity, hard-working and of 650 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. plain and unassuming ways,—a worthy type Oren V. Hammond continued to assist in of the noble pioneers who laid broad and the work of the homestead farm until he deep the foundations for the future super- had attained his legal majority, having been structure of prosperity. He continued to a lad of six years at the time of the family reside on the homestead until his death, on removal from New York to this county. the 4th of May, 1847, at the age of forty- Here he received his educational training in seven years. His devoted wife, who nobly the pioneer log school house, with its prim- bore her part in the labors of the pioneer itive equipment and scarcely less primitive days, even spinning, carding and weaving methods of instruction, but there he laid the the wool and personally making the clothing firm foundation for that broad and exact worn by the different members of her family, fund of practical knowledge which he has survived him by many years, being sum- gained through self-application and through moned into the life eternal in November, active association with men of affairs dur- 1879, at which time she was seventy-seven ing the course of his long and useful life. years, seven months and seven days of age. At the age noted he assumed the manage- Both were devoted members of the Baptist ment of forty acres of the home farm, work- church, and they drove a distance of five ing by the month for the first year and then miles to the little pioneer meeting house, effecting the purchase of the portion men- making the trip with a wagon and ox team tioned, having in the meantime assumed the until better facilities were available. My responsibilities of marital life. Only ten . Hammond was a Whig in politics and took acres of the tract had been cleared, and an active interest in local affairs of a public through his efforts he reclaimed the baļance, nature, having been zealous in providing the making good improvement and adding to best possible educational facilities and hav- the area of his property as circumstances ing assisted in the erection of the primitive justified until he is now the owner of two log school house in the vicinage of his home. hundred acres, the same constituting one of To this estimable couple were born four | the valuable farms of the county, while thrift children, namely: Charlotte, who became the and prosperity are in evidence on every side. wife of Rev. John S. Osborn, a clergyman He is a Republican in his political pro- of the Baptist church, and who had five clivities, but has never sought office, though , children, she and her husband both being he has ever given his support to all measures now deceased; Oren V., who is the immedi- advanced for the general good, and his re- ate subject of this sketch; Hannah, who ligious faith is that of the Baptist church, died in Vermontville, Eaton county, having of which his first wife was a member, while been the wife of A. B. Payne, to whom she his present wife is a member of the Method- bore three children; and Edward M., who ist Episcopal church. He is well known was born in 1840, and who enlisted in 1861 and highly esteemed in the community in as a member of the Twentieth Regiment, which practically his entire life has been Michigan Volunteer Infantry, with which passed and is one of the prominent pioneers he served until his death, which occurred in of the county. the battle of Malvern Hill, Virginia. In October, 1852, was solemnized the JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 651 marriage of Mr. Hammond to Miss Rhoda were in frequent requisition in furnishing Comstock, who was born in Washtenaw entertainment and supplying musical selec- county, Michigan, in 1833. She was a tions on all manner of occasions. The loved daughter of John S. and Ruth (Eastman) wife and mother was summoned into eternal Comstock, both of whom were natives of rest on the ist of April, 1891, having passed Connecticut, whence they came with their her entire life in this county and having family to Michigan in the early 'thirties, and drawn about her a wide circle of devoted a Mr. Comstock was the first permanent set- friends. On the 2d of July, 1891, Mr. Ham- tler in Springport township, in which his mond consummated a second marriage, be- second daughter was the first white child ing then united to Mrs. Melita (Diehl) Alt- born within its borders. Here he and his man, who was born in Columbiana county, wife passed the remainder of their lives, Ohio, February II, 1842, being a daughter , having been prominent and highly esteemed of David and Rebecca (Weygandt) Diehl, ( in the pioneer community. Mr. and Mrs, both of whom were born in Ohio, whence Hammond became the parents of eight chil- they came to Jackson county in 1859, locat- dren, concerning whom we enter brief ing in Springport township, where Mr. record at this juncture: Estella is the wife Diehl became a prominent and influential of Frank Elmer, a successful farmer in the farmer. He passed the latter years of his immediate vicinity of Devereaux, Parma life in the village of Springport, where he township, and they have five children. died in 1891, at the age of seventy-eight Jeanette is the wife of James Bullen, of years. His wife died in February of the Ogden, Utah, and they have one child. following year, at the age of sixty-nine Frank A., who is engaged in farming in his years, , Mrs. Hammond's first husband, native township, married Cora Hicks, and Simon Altman, who was a successful farmer they have five children. James E., who is of Springport township, died June 22, likewise a farmer of this township, married 1887, five children having been born to this Louise Sewry and they have four children. | union, namely: David, who is a farmer of Belinda is the wife of Walter Bennett, a Springport township, married Grace Bur- farmer of Parma township, and they have gess and they have four children; Lora is the two children. Perry, who is engaged in wife of Israel Towns, a farmer of Eaton farming on the old homestead, married Mary county, and they have six children; Nina is , Baum and they have four children. Minnie the wife of Austin Cranson, of Springport, married Benjamin Steel, of Jackson, and and they have two children; Emma died at they have one child. Anna M. conducts a the age of seven years; and Grace is associ- bazaar store and dressmaking establishment ated with her step-sister, Miss Anna Ham- in the village of Springport. All the chil-mond, in the store and dressmaking business dren received excellent educational ad- in Springport. vantages and all are well placed in life. All The following poem, written by the sub- are good musicians and while the family ject of the foregoing paragraphs, was read circle remained unbroken they were known at the Grange picnic at Springdale Park as the “Hammond Choir,” and their services August 29, 1884, and will undoubtedly 652 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. prove of interest to many readers of this volume. MY BOYHOOD DAYS IN MICHIGAN. In the year of eighteen thirty-six, As well do I remember, That through the woods and fording creeks, In the cold month of December, We started with the brindle steers, To make a home, for we had no fears, On section thirty, town one south Of range three west, where there was no drouth. The west half of the southeast quarter Was where we cast about for water To cook our evening's frugal meal, And eat it before it did congeal, On the last of December. There stood the log house on the knoll, With pot and kettle on the pole, With baking kettle on the hearth, That .to the loaf was to give birth; The hearth was stone, the chimney sticks, For in those days we had no bricks; We had to stairs, but ladder steep To climb whene'er we went to sleep. There stood the spinning wheel and loom, The warping bars and big splint broom, The little flax wheel stowed away For future use some other day. Up in the loft was stowed the grain To keep it from the snow and rain. There in the corner sat the mother, Singing lullaby to little brother, As she held him on her lap, Wishing he would take a nap, That she might spin some wool or tow; For tow shirts then were all the go, And they'd be wanted in the spring As soon as birds begin to sing. The tallow candle then was all The light we had in house or hall; The candles then were always dipped And for the lantern they were tipped. Then in the morning, when we rose And donned our warm but home-made clothes, We'd hurry down to meet our sire And warm us by the blazing fire, But if by chance the fire went out, And there was no punk or flint about, An order then would come from the sire: “Go to the neighbors and borrow some fire,” For matches there were out of the question, As they were then a new invention. Then in the spring, when the flowers did bloom, We'd hie to the woods for a new splint broom, And gather flowers of every hue To place above the chimney's flue, And some to carry to our teachers, That we might view their shining features. Then over the hill and into the vale, And take with us a big tin pail, To gather plums so sweet and red, Or strawberries from their natural bed. Then give me back my boyhood days, That I may listen to the lays Of songsters sweet in the woody dell, And hear the song of the whippoorwill, As he sat in the bush down by the swail That stood beside the Indian trail, Or down along the winding brook With fishing rod and baited hook- Baited for the bass or perch, Wishing they would give a lurch, That we might bring them safe to land And grasp them with our tiny hand, For they would make a splendid dinner Sure as you live or I'm a sinner. But there were things to the backwoods peasant That surely were not so very pleasant. The doleful sound of the great hoot owl, Or the voice of wolves as they'd sometimes howl. Would raise the hair on the children's head And they'd want mamma to put them to bed. And again sometimes old bruin, With the calves and pigs, would scatter ruin, But the pretty doe we did not fear, For when in the woods we often see 'er, Then when she gave her graceful bound And started with a snorting sound, We would always wish that there might be Plenty of woods for the grand succee; But the pioneer the woods did clear And no more do we see the beautiful deer. Then when we started for Detroit, And come to a swamp we'd gee or haw it, And on our way rejoicing go, For we had no fear of a deadly foe. But days have sped and times have changed And to those joys we are astranged, But now as we are growing old We need not leave our joys untold, But write them down as best we can For younger eyes than ours to scan. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 653 DAVID W. TRINE. Maryland, having been born in Carroll county, that state, on the ioth of October, It is a conceded fact that to attain the 1871, and being a son of David U. and maximum results in connection with the va- Martha (Leppo) Trine, both of whom were rious departments of the agricultural indus- likewise born in Maryland, the former be- try there is demanded at the present day a ing a son of Samuel Trine, who was born thorough scientific knowledge of soil con- in Pennsylvania, of sturdy German ances- stituency, climatology, methods of specific try, the family having been founded in the propogation touching the various products, old Keystone state in the early pioneer ep- available systems of drainage and fertili- och. Samuel Trine was for many years en- . zation, etc., and he who would figure as a gaged in the buying and shipping of prod- captain of industry in the great field of ac- uce, principally butter and eggs, and the tivity and independent enterprise opened route which he traversed in the connection up through this fundamental art, must needs covered a distance of fully one hundred and be a man of broad and exact information twenty-five miles. He passed the closing and good business talent if he would gain years of his life in the state of Maryland. the success and prosperity which farming David U. Trine was reared and educated in its divers branches offers in potentiality. in Maryland, where he learned the trade of In the subject of this review Jackson county mason, becoming an expert artisan, and to has one of the most scientific representa- this vocation he has devoted his attention tives of the agricultural industry to be found during the greater portion of his active busi- in the state, and he is known as a young ness career, being now a leading contractor man of high intellectual attainments and in the line in Jackson county and retaining sterling character, while his specific knowl- his residence in the village of Springport, edge concerning the line of enterprise to to which place he came with his family in which he is now devoting his attention is of 1876. He is a Republican in his political both technical and practical order, for he proclivities and has taken an active interest has made a special study of scientific agri- in the party cause, and fraternally he is culture, horticulture, etc., having attended prominently identified with the Independent the most celebrated institutions offering ad-Order of Odd Fellows, of which he has the vantages in this respect, while his personal distinction of having been longer a member proficiency is indicated in the fact that pre- than has any other resident of the village viously to locating upon his present fine in which he maintains his home. His cher- . farmstead, in Springport township, he had ished and devoted wife passed away on the been employed as instructor in leading tech- 22d of February, 1898, having been a zeal- nical institutions, as will appear at a later ous and consistent member of the Methodist point in this context. He has passed the Episcopal church and a woman of gracious major portion of his life in Jackson county, attributes of character. Of the four chil- and is well worthy of consideration in this dren born to this union all except the subject publication. of this review died in infancy. Mr. Trine is a native of the state of David W. Trine was a lad of five years 654 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. at the time of his parents' removal from of the average devotee. In the month of Maryland to Jackson county, and in the pub- October, 1902, he effected the purchase of lic schools of Springport he secured his pre- his present homestead farm of sixty acres, liminary educational discipline, being grad- which is located in section 5, Springport uated in the local high school as a member of township, and here he soon afterwards the class of 1887. In the spring of 1888 erected a fine brick residence and barn, his Mr. Trine was matriculated in the Michigan. aim being to make the place a model in every State Agricultural College, at Lansing, respect, while on every hand are evidences where he completed the prescribed course that he has realized this desideratum. It can of study under such able and renowned edu- be readily understood that he brings into cators as Drs. Kedzie and Beal, and there he play the most scientific methods in all por- was graduated in 1892, receiving the degree tions of his farm work, while he diversifies of Bachelor of Science. After leaving this the products to an extent far greater than . celebrated institution, recognized as the best does the average farmer of this locality, equipped agricultural college in the Union, since he is a connoisseur in regard to agri- Mr. Trine went to the state of Maine to ac- cultural, horticultural and pomological mat- cept the position of assistant in the horti- ters. His residence is thoroughly modern cultural department of the state univer- in its design, equipment and accessories, be- sity, this department being established at ing heated by furnace, supplied with tele- Orono. He retained this incumbency two phonic connection, etc., while the evidences and one-half years, doing most effective of refined taste and marked culture are to be work and continuing his individual investi- found on every hand. This model home- gation and experimentation, and at the ex- stead is one which is well worth a visit on piration of this period he returned to the part of those appreciative of what farm- his alma mater, the Michigan Agricul- ing may constitute as a field of industrial tural College, where he passed a year in enterprise, and it may be said that the home special post-graduate work. He was then of Mr. Trine is a center of gracious and cor- chosen as incumbent of the chair of botany dial hospitality. He is broad minded and in the State Agricultural College of Oregon, public spirited and is a decided acquisition a resigning this professorship two and one- to the agricultural contingent of Jackson half years later, after which he devoted three county, while he is held in uniform respect months to special study and experimenta- and confidence as one of the able and pro- tion in Cornell University. He then re- gressive young men of this section. On the turned to Michigan and in 1898 was ap- ist of March, 1903, Mr. Trine accepted and pointed to the office of state inspector of now fills the position of superintendent for nurseries and orchards, continuing to serve the Davidson Orchard Company and has the in this capacity for a period of four and one- entire supervision of its fruit farm of two half years. Upon retiring from this office hundred and sixty acres located at Getaway, Mr. Trine determined to individually en- Lawrence county, Ohio. In politics he gives gage in the agricultural enterprise, bringing an unequivocal allegiance to the Republican to the vocation an equipment far above that party, and fraternally he is identified with a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 655 No. 131. the Masonic order, holding membership in Orton H. Porter came of a family which Springport Lodge No. 284, Free and Ac- was founded in New England in the colon- cepted Masons, at Springport, and with the ial era of our national history, and he him- Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in self was a native of Prince Edward island, which he is affiliated with Springport Lodge Canada, having been born in the town of Sophiaburg, on the 7th of August, 1831, On the 5th of October, 1898, was solem- and being a son of Samuel Gregg Porter, nized the subject's marriage to Miss Hattie who was born in Colerain township, Frank- Burgess, who was born in the village of lin county, Massachusetts, on the 17th of Springport, this county, being a daughter of November, 1796, and who was a stone- George and Elizabeth (Houseman) Burgess, mason by trade and vocation. On the 22d the former of whom was born in Oswego of September, 1823, was solemnized his county, New York, and the latter in Parma, marriage to Miss Lura Wilson, who was a Jackson county. They are now residents of native of Herkimer, Herkimer county, New Springport. Mr. and Mrs. Trine are the York, and a representative of an old and parents of one daughter and one son, name- honored family of New England, and soon ly; Mildred E., who was born in the city after this important event in his life he re- of Lansing, Michigan, on the 23d of Au- moved with his bride to Canada, where he gust, 1900; and George David, who was continued to be engaged in the work of his born on the present homestead farm, on the trade until 1836, when he came with his fam- 9th of November, 1902. ily to Michigan, locating in the city of De- troit. There he remained until 1838, which year witnessed the arrival of the family in Jackson county, the subject of this memoir ORTON H. PORTER. being at that time a lad of about seven years. Mr. Porter established his home in the city Jackson county has been the home and of Jackson, which was then but a village, scene of labor of many men who have not and there he continued to reside until the only led lives which should serve as a lesson early 'forties, when he came to Springport and inspiration to those who follow them township, where he continued in the work onto the stage of life's activities, but who of his trade, while in the same year he pur- have also been of important objective ser- chased one hundred and sixty acres of wild vice through various avenues of usefulness. land, in section 27, retaining the ownership The honored subject of this memoir, whc of this place until his death, which occurred , , died in the village of Springport, on the 2d in the year 1872. In the interim he had re- of July, 1902, was a man of well rounded claimed and developed his farm, working character, sincere, upright and loyal, and he indefatigably and thus grappling success- was numbered among the sterling pioneers fully with the wilderness, while his devoted of the county, so that there are many sa- wife also bore her full share of the burdens lient points which render consonant a tribute and labors, to her portion falling the man- to his memory in this compilation. agement of the domestic economies, includ- 656 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ing the spinning of the wool, the weaving of stead, aiding in clearing the same and in the the same and the making of the various ar- work of cultivation, while his educational ticles of clothing demanded by the members advantages were such as were afforded in of her family. She was born September the common schools of the locality and pe- 17, 1804, and passed away at a venerable riod. He was one of the argonauts who age, October 27, 1877. When Mr. Porter made the long and perilous trip across the purchased this pioneer farm the same was plains to California at the time of the ever covered with the native timber, and the lo- memorable gold excitement in that state. cality was still the haunt of wild game of In 1851, when twenty years of age, he made all kinds, while the Indian wigwam was not this overland journey in company with a an unfamiliar sight. He passed the closing quite large party, utilizing a horse team and few years of his life in the village of Spring- being several months en route. He went in- port. Samuel and Lura (Wilson) Porter to the placer mining district of the new El- became the parents of twelve children, con- dorado, and was successful in his quest of cerning whom the following brief record the precious metal, remaining in California is offered; Francis, who was born May 31, for a period of six years and returning to 1824, is a resident of the city of Detroit; Michigan in 1857, on this occasion making Samuel A., who was born November 3, 1825, the trip by way of the isthmus of Panama died in infancy: William S., who was born and landing in New York city, whence he July 13, 1827, died in August, 1901; Mar- came westward to his home in Jackson tha, who was born July 23, 1829, died Feb-county. ruary 22, 1903, was the wife of Leonard Within a short time after his return, on Hicks and resided in Eaton Rapids; Orton the 28th of January, 1858, Mr. Porter was H., the immediate subject of this sketch, united in marriage to Miss Eleanora E. , was the next in order of birth; George F., Comstock, who was born in Connecticut, on who was born September 17, 1833, is a resi- | the 15th of May, 1836, being a daughter of dent of Albion, Calhoun county; Harriet, Ebenezer W. and Juliet (Champion) Com- ) who was born April 8, 1835, died September stock, both of whom were born in Connect- 23, 1888; Lura, who was born July 8, 1837, icut, Mr. Comstock having been a hatter by is also deceased; Mary, who was born June trade, but having been engaged in farming 13, 1839, is a resident of St. Louis, Mich- in his native state at the time of his emi- igan; Sarah, who was born April 16, 1841, gration to Michigan, in 1838. He came to died in infancy; Benjamin, died at the age Jackson county and here purchased one hun- of eleven years; and Alizina L. is the wife of dred and sixty acres of land in Springport John Pugsley, of Albion. township, where he inaugurated his labors Orton Hancox Porter, to whom this in true pioneer style, his land being still in memoir is dedicated, was five years of age the condition of a primitive wilderness. when his parents came to Detroit, Michigan, while it was necessary for him to make a and two years later came to Jackson county, clearing in the midst of the forest prelim- where he was reared under the sturdy and inary to providing a domicile for his fam- invigorating discipline of the pioneer home- ily. This dwelling was a log house of the JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 657 primitive type, and about its wide hearth- dren. Julia May and Lura Zay, twins, stone the family passed many pleasant were born March 9, 1862, the latter dying hours, notwithstanding the arduous toil and in infancy. Julia M. is the wife of Erastus the many deprivations which were necessar- Champlin, a successful farmer of Spring- ily encountered. Mr. Comstock developed port township, and they have one child. a good farm and became one of the prosper- Lena A., who was born on the 27th of June, ous and influential citizens of the commun- 1865, became the wife of Benjamin W, ity, and he continued to reside on the old Davis, who is a resident of the city of Jack- homestead until his death, on the 19th of son, where she died on the roth of Novem- August, 1896, at the venerable age of eighty- ber, 1887, leaving two children, Samuel nine years, his cherished and devoted wife Eben, who was born April 26, 1869, is having been summoned into eternal rest in a progressive and popular young man of March, 1885. She was a devout and con- his native township, having charge of the sistent member of the Presbyterian church. homestead farm and being very successful After his marriage Mr. Porter located in his efforts, in which he has manifested on the old homestead farm, where he re- marked discrimination and administrative mained two years, at the expiration of which ability. He was educated in the public he took up his abode on the fine farm which schools of the county and grew up on the is the home of his widow at the present time, old home farm, and he is loyal to all the in- this having continued to be his abiding terests of the township and county in whichi place until he was summoned from the scene his life has been passed. He is a talented of life's endeavors. After the death of his musician, being a skillful performer on both father he purchased the old homestead, and the violin and cornet, and is a member of both properties are still held by the estate, the Chicago Musicians' Union. In politics the area of the farm thus having an ag- he is a stanch advocate of the principles of gregate of two hundred and forty acres, the Republican party, having been reared in while the permanent improvements are of this faith. He married Miss Zoe King, excellent order, including the substantial December 4, 1895, she being a daughter residence, which was erected by Mr. Porter of William and Hester (Yoxhimer) King, in the early 'sixties, while the barns of the one of the honored families of Calhoun place were built later. To Mr. and Mrs. county. Charles Orton, the youngest of the Porter were born six children, of whom children, was born on the 21st of December, all but two are still living, while to them 1870, and is a resident of the city of Al- were accorded excellent educational advan- bion, where he is an expert mechanic. He tages. It may consistently be said also that married Miss Florence McDevitt and they all are doing well and are proving worthy | have one child, Vienna May. scions of this honored family stock. Edith The honored subject of this memoir was Jane, who was born on the 22d of October, a man who stood “four square to every wind 1858, is the wife of John P. Hicks, a rail- that blows” and upon his record there rests road man, and they reside in the city of no shadow, while in his death the commun- Clinton, Iowa, having a family of five chil- ity sustained the loss of one of its valued a 42 658 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. citizens,—one who had been signally true William H. Platt is a native of the in all the relations of life and who com- Buckeye state, having been born on a farm manded success because he deserved it. in Trumbull county, Ohio, on the 6th of Mrs. Porter still resides on the old home- May, 1858, and being a son of Jeremiah stead, which is endeared and hallowed to her and Caroline (Geiger) Platt, both of whom by the memories and associations of the were born in Pennsylvania, whence their past, and she receives from her son Samuel, respective parents removed to Ohio in an who is in charge of the place, the utmost early day, becoming pioneers of Trumbull filial solicitude. Samuel Porter is not only county, where both Mr. and Mrs. Platt making a success of the purely agricultural were reared and educated and where their department of his farming enterprise, hav- marriage was solemnized. There Mr. Platt ing seventy acres under effective cultiva- was identified with agricultural pursuits un- tion, but he is also devoting special attention til 1863, when he came with his family to to the raising of high-grade live stock, in- Jackson county, Michigan, making the trip cluding the Durham strain of cattle, pure- with wagons and horse teams and being bred Jersey Red swine, while he also raises | three weeks en route. He located in Parma standard-bred horses upon a limited scale. township, where he continued to reside for He is also a fancier of poultry and has been several years and he then purchased the very successful in the raising of the full-present homestead farm, of one hundred and blood single-comb white Leghorn chickens. | twenty acres, in section 32, Springport town- ship, where the subject now resides. On the place a small clearing had been made and WILLIAM H. PLATT. a primitive log house erected, and this rudi- mentary domicile continued to be the family It is always interesting to watch the home for a number of years. Mr. Platt growth and development of a locality, to cleared his farm and placed it under effect- note the lines along which marked progress ive cutivation, and in 1888 he erected the has been made and to take cognizance of present substantial and attractive frame res- those who have been factors in the work idence, which is one of the pleasant farm of advancement and in the establishing of homes of the locality, while the other build- a prosperous community. The subject of ings on the place are of excellent order and this review is one whose memory reverts to well adapted to the uses to which they are the pioneer epoch in Jackson county, where applied. Jeremiah Platt became one of the his parents took up their abode when he was influential and highly honored citizens of a lad of five years, and he has consecutively the township, ever being ready to lend his resided on the old homestead farm to the aid and influence in support of all meas- present, being now recognized as one of the ures advanced for the general good of the progressive and able farmers and represen- community, and being recognized as a man tative citizens of Springport township, and of distinctive force of character, sterling it is signally fitting that we here enter a integrity and marked business ability. His review of his career. life of signal usefulness, and he was sum- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 659 moned into that "undiscovered country self. He continued to assist his father in from whose bourne no traveler returns,” on the work of the homestead until he had at- the 6th of September, 1891. His widow tained the age of twenty-two years, when now resides in the village of Springport, he inaugurated his independent career, and where she has a pleasant home, being sev- he has been consecutively identified with enty-one years of age at the time of this farming from his youth to the present day. writing ·(1903) and being cared for with After the death of his father he assumed true filial solicitude by her son, the subject charge of the old homestead, and here he of this review. She is a devoted member is now successfully carrying forward his op- of the Methodist Episcopal church, as was erations in the line of general agriculture, also her husband, and in politics he was a while he also devotes special attention to the stanch advocate of the principles and poli- raising and feeding of high-grade live stock, cies of the Democratic party. Jeremiah and in which branch of his enterprise he has met Caroline (Geiger) Platt became the parents with gratifying success. He raises the Dur- of ten children, and it is consonant that a ham cattle of full blood, having ten regis- brief record concerning them be interpolated tered at the time of this writing, while four at this point: Percilla became the wife of of the same are double-standard polled Dur- Charles Inman and both are now deceased, ham. He also raises registered Poland being survived by their four children. Ma- China swine, of which he has a fine herd, tilda is the wife of John Wagner, a farmer and upon his farm are also to be found sheep of Springport township, no children having of the best grade, while he raises sufficient ben born of their union. Zenith died at the horses for the requirements of the farm age of twenty-two years. William H., the and a few for market. In politics Mr. Platt subject of this review, was the next in order is independent, though he endorses the bas- of birth. Martha is the wife of Henry Mes- | ic principles of the Democratic party, while . ner, a farmer of Parma township, and they in local affairs he supports those men and have two children. Frank, who is a farmer measures approved by his judgment. Fra- of Montcalm county, married Frances Tor- ternally he is identified with the Knights of rant and they have four children. Heze- the Maccabees, being a member of Spring- kiah, who married Myrta Chappell and who port Tent No. 582, and also with the Ma- has two children, is a successful farmer of sonic order, in which he is affiliated with Montcalm county. Ira died at the age of Springport Lodge No. 284. While never a four years, Edward at the age of one year seeker for public office he has done effective and Nora at the age of eight years. service in the capacity of pathmaster and William H. Platt, whose name intro- also in that of school assessor. Mrs. Platt duces this article, was five years of age at at belongs to Hive No. 712, Ladies of the the time when his parents took up their | Maccabees. abode in Jackson county, and to the public On the 15th of November, 1888, Mr. schools of the same is indebted for the Platt was united in marriage to Miss Mary early educational advantages which he en- Chappell, who was born in Springport town- joyed and of which he duly availed him- | ship, September 6, 1864, being a daughter 660 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. of John and Zelinda (Vorce) Chappell, industrial and civic affairs of the county, , the father born in the state of New York, while incidental data is, of course, incorpo- while the mother was born in Canada of rated in regard to the genealogical line. He English lineage. Mr. Chappell came tò to whom this sketch is dedicated is one of Jackson county in the early day and here the leading farmers of Springport township, became one of the prominent retired and where he has passed the major portion of his influential farmers of Springport town- life, and his career has been such as to lend ship. He is now retired from active dignity to the county in which he has lived business and he and his wife reside in and labored, so that it is a matter of gratifi- a pleasant home in the village of Spring- cation to the publisher to be able to offer port. They became the parents of seven this brief tribute. children, besides Mrs. Platt, who are here in- William J. Burgess is a native of dividually mentioned: Adelbert, who is a Oswego county, New York, where he was farmer of Parma township, married Myr- born on the 27th of January, 1837, being tie Bell, and they have two children. Myrta a son of James and Grace (Palmer) Bur- is the wife of Hezekiah Platt, as previously gess, both of whom were likewise born in noted in this sketch. Edith .died in 1891, at the old Empire state of the Union, the for- the age of nineteen years. Allen, who re- mer having been a son of Thomas Burgess, sides in the village of Springport, married who was born in Rhode Island, near the city Bertha Horton, and they have one child. of Providence. When in middle life he re- Ebben remains at the parental home, as does moved to the state of Connecticut and later also Samuel. Edith, a young lady of beau- took up his residence in the state of New tiful character, had been engaged in teach- York, where he was engaged in farming ing in the public schools for two weeks, when for a number of years. His father, who she contracted typhoid fever, from the ef- likewise bore the name of Thomas, was a fects of which she died October 2, 1891. blacksmith by trade, and became the owner Mr. and Mrs. Platt have one son, John J. of a farm of two hundred acres in Connecti- who was born on the rith of March, 1900, cut, where he resided until his death, in the and is in attendance at the public schools, year 1817. About the year 1806 Thomas his favorite study being mathematics. Burgess, Jr., the grandfather of the subject, disposed of his farm in Connecticut, and re- moved to Otsego county, New York, and in 1818 he removed thence to a farm near New WILLIAM J. BURGESS. Haven, Oswego county, that state, where he remained thirteen years, at the expiration One of the prominent pioneer families of which, in 1839, he removed to Jackson of Jackson county is that of which the sub-county, Michigan, and took up his residence ject of this sketch is an honored represent- on a farm in Springport township, having ative, and within the pages of this work traded his New York farm for this prop- will be found reference to several of its erty His first wife having died, he returned members who are now identified with the to the state of New York in 1847 and there WILLIAM BURGESS. MRS. WILLIAM BURGESS. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 661 married Rhoda Sheldon, and they there- been covered with its heavy growth of na- after resided on the old homestead in Spring - tive timber at the time when he settled here, , port township until their deaths, Mrs. Bur- and the first house occupied by the family gess passing away in 1848, while he survived was a log structure of the type common to until 1851. Both were interred in the Pear- the pioneer epoch, while wild game was to son cemetery, in Springport township. In be had in abundance and proved of much this family were three children, namely: value to the early settlers. The land was Harriet, James (father of the subject) and broken by the use of ox teams, and the Susan. Harriet married Thomas Brockway, sons of Mr. Burgess early gained a practical and they resided in Michigan in the early experience in plowing the newly opened days, his death occurring in Kalamazoo fields, in which stumps and other obstacles county, after which she returned to New were in distinctive evidence, the subject of York, where she passed the remainder of her this sketch having commenced his service life. They became the parents of eight chil- in the capacity of a driver of ox teams when dren. Susan married Luman Cummings, a he was but seven years of age. . James millwright, and they passed their entire lives Burgess lived to reap the rewards of his in the state of New York, having had two earnest and indefatigable toil, improving his children. farm and bringing the greater portion un- James Burgess, father of the subject of der cultivation prior to his death, which oc- this sketch, was born near the city of Provi- curred on the 22d of October, 1885, while dence, Rhode Island, on the 19th of Janu- his wife was summoned into eternal rest on ary, 1800, and thus he was about six years the 6th of November, 1853, both having of age at the time when the family removed been members of the Baptist church. Mr. to the state of New York, where he was Burgess originally gave his support to the reared to maturity, attending the district Whig party, and after its dissolution he gave school during the winter terms and assist- an unqualified allegiance to the Repub- ing in the work of the farm during the lican party, with which he identified him- balance of the year. In December, 1823, self at the time of its organization. He was solemnized his marriage to Miss Grace served as highway commissioner for a num- Palmer, a daughter of Benjamin Palmer, a ber of years, was also school inspector and successful farmer of Otsego county, New held other minor offices, being one of the York, and in 1878 Mr. Burgess removed to well known and highly honored pioneers of a farm near Volney, Oswego county, where this section. After the death of his first he remained until 1835, when he removed wife he married Miss Lydia Hughes. He to New Haven township, that county, where died October 22, 1885. Of the eight chil- he was engaged in farming until 1840, dren born to the first marriage six are living, when he came with his family to Jackson while three children were born of the second county, Michigan. He purchased a tract of marriage and one is still living. one hundred and sixty acres of land, in William J. Burgess, to whom this sketch section 4, Springport township, and here he is dedicated, was three years of age at the developed a good farm, the place having | time of his parents' removal from New York 662 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. to Jackson county, and here he has ever able military career Mr. Burgess returned since resided, having practically “grown up to his home in Jackson county, where he with the country.” He secured a good com- resumed work at the carpenter's trade, to mon school education and continued to as- which he devoted his attention about a year, sist in the work of the homestead farm until and in 1867, after his marriage, he pur- he had attained the age of seventeen years chased eighty acres in section 7, Eaton when he began work at the carpenter trade, Rapids township, Eaton county, where he to which he devoted his attention one year, resided until 1869, when he disposed of the being thus engaged at the time when came property and removed to the farm of his the call to arms, in order that the integrity father-in-law, Edmund Ferris, in Spring- of the Union might be preserved, and Mr. port township, Jackson county, and he Burgess was among the first to tender his worked this place for a period of six years, services in this county. On the 13th of Au- at the expiration of which he purchased one gust, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Com- hundred acres, situated in sections 30, 31 and , pany I, Sixth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, 32 of the same township, and this constitutes and was in active service with this regiment a portion of his present homestead, thirty- until victory had crowned the Union arms. four acres, in section 29, having been added He served with Company I until October, to the place in 1882. When he purchased 1864, when he was commissioned second this property it was partly cleared and the lieutenant of Company G, of the same reg- land was all new, while the improvements iment, and held this office until September were of a somewhat rudimentary nature. 8, 1865, when he received his honorable dis- In 1884 he erected his present commodious charge, at Jackson, Michigan. He was mus- and attractive residence, and in 1888 he tered out at Greenville, Louisiana, on the built a fine barn, which is thirty-four by 20th of August, 1865. and was thus in active forty-six feet in dimensions, with a shed an- service exactly four years, since he had been nex, twenty by forty feet, the building be- mustered in on the 20th of August, 1861,- ing what is known as a bank barn, of the in fact it was four years to the very hour. type so familiar through the state of Penn- His regiment was attached to the Army of sylvania. The barn previously on the place the Gulf and participated in many of the was destroyed by fire, in 1878. Mr. Bur- most notable conflicts of the greatest civil gess gives his attention to general farming conflict known in the annals of history. and stock growing, raising high-grade cat- Among others he took part in the battle of tle, Blacktop and Shorpshire sheep and Baton Rouge, in the siege of Port Hudson Chester White swine, while he also raises (from May 21st to July 8, 1863), the sieges horses for general purposes, being the owner of Mobile and Vicksburg and many other of a fine standard-bred mare. He is one of important engagements, while he received the energetic and progressive farmers of the no serious wounds and was never captured, county and has achieved noteworthy suc- his record being that of a gallant and loyal cess through his indefatigable efforts and son of the republic. discriminating management. In politics he After the close of his long and honor- exercises his franchise in support of those. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 663 candidates whom he considers best qualified most extensive landowners of the township. for the respective offices, without reference The land was wild and covered with a heavy to strict partisan lines, and while he takes a growth of timber, and he reclaimed the lively interest in all matters of local import greater portion of the place before his death, in a public way, he has never been animated including the land on which the village of by personal ambition for office, though he Springport is now located. He here con- served for several terms as highway com- tinued to reside until his death, which oc- missioner. In the cause of popular edu- curred on the roth of October, 1885, and cation he takes a deep interest and he has no man in the community was held in held the various offices in his school dis- higher confidence and regard. His wife trict. He is identified with the Ancient died on the 8th of March, 1851. They be- Order of United Workman, being affiliated came the parents of nine children, namely: with Springport Lodge No. 87. He is dis- Emma and Adelia, who are deceased : : tinctively a self-made man and has won suc- Lewis, a resident of Springport; Deborah cess through normal and legitimate meth-Ann, the wife of Lorenzo D. Markle, of ods, and it is pleasing to note that he owns Springport; Calista, the wife of the subject one of the valuable farm properties of the of this sketch; Elizabeth, who is deceased; county and that his hold upon popular con- Edward, who was a soldier in the war of fidence and esteem is that ever begotten of the Rebellion and who died in Libby prison, honest worth of character. in March, 1864; Clarissa, who is the wife On the 27th of February, 1867, Mr. of Ben A. Joy, of Springport, and Cather- Burgess was united in marriage to Miss | ine, who is deceased. After the death of his Calista Ferris, who was born on the old first wife Mr. Ferris married Adeline family homestead, in Springport township, Baldwin, and they became the parents of this county, being a daughter of Edniund five children, namely: Letitia, deceased; and Catherine (Brown) Ferris. The Fer- Leroy, a resident of Springport township; ris family is of stanch English lineage, the Ida, deceased; Alice, the widow of Sidney original ancestor in America having settled Markle, and Nora, deceased. Mr. and in Greenwich, Connecticut, in 1640, whence Mrs. Burgess have four children, concern- , his descendants have been disseminated | ing whom we offer the following data: throughout the various sections of the Mark Edward, who is station agent of the Union. Edmund Ferris was born in the Lake Shore Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Rail- state of New York, being a son of James road at Mosherville, Hillsdale county, mar- Armour Ferris, who accompanied his father ried Minnie King and they have one child. on his removal from Connecticut to that Edith is the wife of Solander Robbins, a state in an early day. Edmund Ferris emi- prosperous young farmer of Hamlin town- grated to Michigan in 1836 and located in ship, Eaton county, and is an accomplished section 20, Springport township, this coun- musician and artist, being a good teacher. ty, where he purchased a half-section of Ross W. is successfully engaged in the government land, to which he later added drug business in the village of Springport. a quarter-section, thus becoming one of the Glenn A. remains at the parental home and 664 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. assists his father in the farming operations. October, 1827, being a son of John and Han- All of the children were graduated in the nah (Watson) True, both of whom were Springport high school and all will prove likewise born in that state, where the grand- worthy scions of this sterling pioneer father of the subject was engaged in farm- family of the county and state. ing until his death. As a young man John True went to Lowell, Massachusetts, where he was employed for a time as a watchman in cotton mills. In 1830 he came to Mich- ALVAS. TRUE. igan and visited Jackson county, where he remained for a brief interval and then re- If one desires to gain a vivid realization turned to the east, having in the meanwhile of the rapid advancement made in the devel- decided to cast in his lot with the people of opment and substantial upbuilding of this Jackson county. Accordingly, in 1833, in section of Michigan, he may listen to the company with his wife and their five chil- stories and reminiscences of men who are dren, he returned to this county and set- still living here, not overburdened with tled on a tract of wild land which he pur- years, and whose memories form an indis-'chased in Blackman township, securing the soluble chain linking the early pioneer ep- same from the government. It is interesting och with these days of prosperity and proud to record the fact that the government deed accomplishment, as the glorious twentieth has never passed from the possession of the century swings into the cycle of the ages. family, while the old homestead thus taken The subject of this review, who is one of the up more than seventy years ago is now prominent farmers and influential citizens owned by and is the home of the subject of of Blackman township and who is held in this sketch. On the place the father of the the highest honor in the county, has passed subject erected a log house of the primitive practically his entire life within its borders, type, and this continued to be the family being a representative of one of its sterling home for a number of years, and he effected pioneer families and having personally up- the reclamation of a considerable portion of held with distinction the honored name which the land before his death, which here oc- he bears. It is well that records concern- curred in the year 1850, while his cherished ing such sterling citizens and pioneers be and devoted wife survived him a number of perpetuated on printed pages of this nature, years, dying about 1881. Mr. True became and of the genealogical history and personal a man of prominence and influence in the career of Mr. True a resume is now offered. pioneer community, being trusted and hon- Alva S. True is a native son of the old ored by all and being called upon to serve Granite state and representative of a family in various local offices and taking a vital long identified with the annals of New Eng- | interest in all that pertained to the well- land history, where the original progenitor | being of the township and county. When in America took up his abode in the colonial he came to the county his capitalistic re- epoch. Mr. True was born in Merrimack sources were summed up in the amount of county, New Hampshire, on the 29th of six hundred dollars, but by indefatigable JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 665 application and good judgment he attained working in different sections of the county a success of no indefinite order, while under and erecting many buildings which still his care and effective labors his landed es- stand as monuments to his skill in this line. tate greatly appreciated in value, so that he In 1855 he was married and some time af- left his family in comfortable circumstan- terward he located on the old homestead, ces when he was called from the scene in Blackman township, where he has ever of life's temporal activities. Of his chil- since resided, being the owner of a fine farm dren the following record is incorporated : of one hundred and seventy-three acres and Sallie died at the age of about five years; giving his attention to general farming and Alva S., subject of this sketch, and John to the raising of cattle of excellent grade are twins, the latter being now a prominent and type. He has made many improvements farmer of Rives township, while individ- on the place, the most noteworthy of which ual mention of him is made on other pages is the fine modern residence, which he erected of this volume; George is a successful far- in 1897 and which is one of the finest rural ; mer of Tompkins township; Moses is like- homes in this section of the county, being wise identified with the agricultural inter- spacious, of artistic architectural design and ests of the county, being a resident of Black- equipped with the many accessories and con- man township; Emeline G., the widow of veniences made possible through modern P. R. Peck, resides in the village of Mason, improvements. No man in the township Ingham county; Martin and Marquis are has commanded a higher measure of popu- twins, the former being a resident of Rives lar esteem and confidence, and this animus township and engaged in farming, while the has been manifested in many ways, not the latter is a merchant in Mason, Ingham coun- least being his election to positions of trust ty; Lydia died at the age of about six years; and responsibility, in each of which his ser- ; and Antoinette, who was the wife of Charles vices have been such as to justify the choice Watson, died in New Hampshire. made. For twenty-four years Mr. True was Alva S. True, the immediate subject of incumbent of the office of justice of the this review, is indebted to the district peace and served one year as township treas- schools of the pioneer days for the early edu- urer, while he has also been incumbent of cational advantages which fell to his portion, the offices of supervisor and highway com- but it may consistently be said that he is missioner. For many years he was a valued self-educated, having been a careful and ap- member of the school board of his district, - preciative student and reader and having having served for more than thirty years in gained a broad and exact fund of knowl- this capacity and has probably done more edge through these sources and through his efficient service in this line, than any man active association with men and affairs. He now living in the county. His interest in continued to assist in the work of the old local affairs of a public nature has been vital homestead until he had attained his legal and helpful, and his counsel has been sought majority, and he then learned the trade of in this connection, as well as in matters of carpenter and joiner, to which he there- personal import. In politics he is found after devoted his attention for fifteen years, I arrayed as a stanch supporter of the princi- 666 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ples and policies of the Democratic party, MARTIN AUSTIN. and he has been an active worker in its cause in past years. He is an effective public Among the venerable and honored pi- speaker, being distinctively a man of ideas oneers of Jackson county, where he took up and having marked facility in expressing his abode in 1846, is Mr. Austin, who has and defending the same. He has been called been long and prominently identified with upon to address various assemblies through- the agricultural interests of this section of out the county and in his public addresses the state, being the owner of a valuable has covered a wide range of topics, while landed estate in Springport township and he has also spoken before labor associations there living practically retired, the active and before other public gatherings in the management of the farm being given over states of New Hampshire, Vermont and to his sons. Massachusetts. His religious faith is that Martin Austin is a native son of the old of the Adventist church, of which he and Empire state of the Union, having been his wife have long been zealous members. born in Genesee county, New York, on the On the with of April, 1855, was sol- ist of April, 1816, and being a son of John emnized the marriage of Mr. True to Miss and Rebecca (Herron) Austin, both of Celestia Morrill, the fourth child of Na- whom were born in the province of Ontario, thaniel and Nancy (Quinby) Morrill, who Canada, of English ancestry. They re- were natives of Merrimack county, New moved thence to New York in an early day Hampshire, whence they removed to Cay- and there Mr. Austin was engaged in farm- uga county, New York, and there continued ing up to the time of his emigration to their residence until 1833, when they came Ohio, in 1834, later becoming a pioneer to Jackson county, Michigan, and located on of the new state of Michigan, to which he a farm in Blackman township, where they came in the year in which it secured admis- passed the remainder of their lives. Mr. sion to the Union. In 1837 he came with and Mrs. True have two children, namely: | his family to Calhoun county, having made Herbert L., who now has charge of the old the trip from Ohio with horse and ox teams. homestead farm and who is one of the rep- He purchased eighty acres of government resentative citizens of the township, has land in that county, and his son Roger there , been incumbent of various local offices and secured one hundred and twenty acres, both is well known and highly esteemed in his of these tracts being heavily timbered and native county, being a Democrat in his po- entirely without improvement. The Indi- litical proclivities. He married Miss Etta ans were far in excess of the white settlers, Inghram and they have two children, Nor- while all kinds of game were to be found, man and Robert. Verna Bell, the daughter the sons of Mr. Austin becoming expert of the subject, is the wife of Clark Bather, hunters and providing the table with meat who is engaged in the manufacture of rugs of various kinds and in abundance. The in the city of Detroit, and they have one howling of wolves was the serenade that in- son, Alva Warren. terposed at night, and the conditions were JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 667 such as ever obtained in the opening up of supplied. He began the work of clearing civilization in the middle west. Mr. Austin the land and placed a number of acres un- cleared and improved his farm and there der effective cultivation prior to 1846. In continued to reside until his death, which April of that year he disposed of the prop- occurred when he was about seventy-two erty and came to Jackson county, where years of age. His wife long survived him, he purchased eighty acres in section 30, her last days being passed in the home of Springport township, the farm having been the subject of this sketch, and she passed partly reclaimed and a log house erected on away at the venerable age of eighty-two the same. He cleared and improved this years. She was a true type of the noble place, and later purchased an additional pioneer women who so well played their eighty acres, which he later disposed of, parts in the opening up of the new country so that he now retains the original eighty to the march of civilization, and both she acres upon which he settled when first com- and her husband ever held the confidence ing to the county, the same being under a and esteem of all who knew them, being high state of cultivation and equipped with folk of sterling character and she having the best of permanent improvements, in- held membership in the Methodist church, cluding a commodious and comfortable res- while Mr. Austin was a Whig in his politi- idence. In the early days it was the por- cal affiliation. This worthy couple became tion of Mr. Austin to perform the most ar- the parents of twelve children, namely: duous toil, such as fell to the lot of every Paul, Roger, John, Arvilla, Humphrey, Sar- pioneer in this section, for after clearing ah, Julius, Martin, Elsie, Mandana, Cyn- away the forest the work of breaking the thia and Lucinda. All of the children are new land was no sinecure, and the subject now deceased with the exception of the sub- recalls the fact that he often had to utilize ject and his sister Mandana, the latter be- five and six yoke of oxen to the team in ac- ing the widow of Peter Hathaway and hav- complishing this object. The homestead is ing her home near Cleveland, Ohio. now in charge of Mr. Austin's sons, and Martin Austin received his early edu- is devoted to diversified farming and to the cation in the common schools of his native raising of good grades of live stock. Mr. . county in New York and later attended the Austin has ever commanded unqualified con- district schools of Ohio and Michigan for fidence and regard in the community in a time. He contributed his quota to the which so many years of his life have been work of clearing and otherwise improving passed and here he is passing the gracious the homestead farm in Calhoun county, this evening of his day in the peace and comfort state, and continued to assist in the work which he so richly deserves and which he has of the same until the time of his marriage earned through ceaseless toil and endeavor in 1841, shortly after which he purchased in past years. He has given his support to a tract of forty acres of wild land in Clar- | all good objects and enterprises for the gen- ence township, Calhoun county, erecting a eral welfare and while he has never had log house on the place and and moving into ambition for political preferment of any the same before doors or windows had been description he has rendered a stanch alle- 668 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. giance to the Republican party from the likewise deceased. Morton, who is associated time of its inception. Both he and his wife in the operation of the homestead farm, mar- have long been devoted and valued members ried Miss Rachel Yoxhimer and they have of the Baptist church, being identified with three children. Oscar, who is a resident of . the church organization at Springport. the city of Albion, married Miss Helen On New Year's day of the year 1841 was Novis, and they have four children. Wil- solemnized the marriage of Mr. Austin to ton, who is engaged in farming on the pa- Miss Elsie V. Whitman, who was born internal homestead, married Miss Gertrude Allegany county, New York, on the 8th Black, and they have three children. Charles of February, 1821, being a daughter of Jo- died in infancy, as did also the young- siah and Charlotte (Austin) Whitman, the est of the children, a daughter. former being a native of the state of Con- necticut, while the latter was born in the province of Ontario, Canada, where their marriage was solemnized. They removed GEORGE T. GRIFFITH. thence to New York state in 1820, locating in Allegany county, where Mr. Whitman When we state in an initiative way that was engaged in agricultural pursuits until the honored subject of this sketch has re- 1837, when he came with his family to Jack-sided for more than sixty years on the farm son county, Michigan, purchasing a tract which is his home, the significance of the of government land in Springport township, statement is evident, in that it implies that developing a valuable farm and here passing he is one of the venerable pioneers of the the remainder of his life. He died in 1872 county. Here he has passed the many years and his wife passed away in 1843. To Mr. which have marked the development of this and Mrs. Austin have been born nine chil- section from the status of a practical wil- dren, concerning whom the following brief derness into one of the most advanced civic, record is entered: Cecilia is the wife of industrial and commercial counties of a sov- Townsend Haddan, a farmer of Rice Creek ereign commonwealth, while he has contrib- township, Calhoun county. They became uted his quota to the work of transforma- the parents of five children, of whom two tion, as did his father before him, and for are deceased. Charlotte is the wife of Elithis reason, no less than on account of the , Hale, of the village of Springport, and position which he holds as one of the ster- they have two children. Frank, who resides ling and honored citizens of the county, it , in South Haven, Van Buren county, is en- becomes imperative that he be accorded rep- gaged in the raising of fruit and makes resentation in this compilation. large shipments to the city of Chicago each Mr. Griffith is a native of the old Green year. He married Miss Ellen Gay and they Mountain state, having been born in Rut- have four children. Alva is engaged in land county, Vermont, on the 23d of De- business in the city of Indianapolis, Indi- cember, 1819, and being a son of Daniel and He has been twice married and is Harriet (Williams) Griffith, both of whom now a widower, while his two children are were born in Danby, that county, where they ana. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 669 were reared and educated and where their sistance of his sons, he began clearing and marriage was solemnized. The Griffith fam- otherwise improving his farm, the break- ily is of pure Welsh extraction, the original ing of the land being accomplished with ox American ancestor having emigrated from teams, while the work thus involved, in Wales and settled in Rhode Island in the making the , tortuous furrows between colonial epoch of our national history. stumps and other obstacles, proved more Daniel Griffith continued to be engaged in strenuous than the guiding of the plow farming in his native state until 1837, when across the undulating fields of the present he determined to cast in his lot with the peo- day. It was necessary to go to Detroit for ple of the new state of Michigan. From far flour for a considerable time after the fam- distant Vermont the family proceeded over- ily located here, that place being the chief land to Buffalo, New York, from which source of supplies, and Mr. Griffith trans- point they were transported by lake steam- ported his first crop of wheat to the village boat to Detroit, which was then scarcely of Ann Arbor, sixty miles distant from his more than a village, and from the City of farm. He succeeded in developing the ma- the Straits they came across the country to jor portion of his homestead, to which Jackson county with team and wagon, Mr. he added from time to time, and he was the Griffith having been for some time the own- owner of a valuable landed estate of two er of the only horse team in the township hundred and forty acres at the time of his in which he settled. Upon his arrival he pur- death, which occurred in March, 1878, at chased a quarter section of land in section which time he was seventy-five years of age. 2, Springport township, the same being in His first wife, the mother of the subject, was the midst of the virgin forest, so that he was summoned into the life eternal in 1847, and compelled to make a clearing in which to he subsequently married Miss Betsy Larned, erect his log-cabin residence. The Indians who likewise was a native of Rutland coun- were still numerous throughout the locality, ty, Vermont, and she died on the old home- being in the main friendly to the settlers, stead now owned by the subject, in 1863. and the father of the subject traded with | Daniel Griffith was a man of upright char- them to a considerable extent in the early acter and distinctive mental strength and he days. Deer, bears, wolves and smaller wild gained and retained the high esteem of the game were to be readily brought down in community in which he lived for so many the neighborhood, and the trusty rifles of years, while he was ever ready to aid in all the pioneers were relied upon to a large ex- work for the general welfare, being pro- tent in furnishing provender for their tables. gressive and public-spirited in his attitude Daniel Griffith and his family lived in true and so directing his efforts as to gain a po- pioneer style, enduring the discomforts and sition of independence and definite prosper- inconveniences common to all and still being ity. He was a zealous member of the fortified by stout hearts and willing hands, Methodist church, as were also both his first while the arduous work proved adequate and second wives, both of whom proved able , panacea for any discontented feeling which coadjutors to him in his labors and strug- might arise for the moment. With the as- gles in the new country, since they bore well 670 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. . their part in the toil involved, spinning and ing had the privilege of guiding the slow- weaving both wool and flax and manufac- moving and dejected ox team before the turing the clothing for the entire family. plow, in addition to felling trees, splitting In politics Mr. Griffith was aligned with the rails, chopping wood and fulfilling the Whig party until the time of its dissolution manifold other functions which fell to the and he thereafter became a "charter mem- lot of the pioneer. At the age of twenty- ber” of the Republican party, of whose prin- five years he initiated his independent career ciples he continued a stalwart advocate until by purchasing one hundred acres of land in his death. His children were five in num- section 2, Springport township, the same ber, all sons, and of them record is entered being wild land, and this he reclaimed and as follows: Hosea W., who died in 1898, put under cultivation, later purchasing an and who was a successful farmer of Tomp- | adjoining sixty acres, while after the death kins township, was twice married and is of his father he purchased the old home- survived by his four children. His first stead, comprising two hundred and forty wife was Harriett Benedict and after her acres. Since that time he purchased several death he married Emma who other farms, thus becoming one of the most survives him. George T., the immediate extensive land-owners in the township, his subject of this sketch, was the next in or- estate including a total of two hundred der of birth. Pliny W., who died, was a and forty acres, which he recently gave to farmer of Springport township, married his nephew, George C. Griffith. He resides Charlotte Collins and they had three chil- on the old homestead farm upon which the dren. Marshall, who is a farmer of Tomp- family located upon coming to the county, kins township, married Cynthia Benson, and the same being improved with excellent of their five children two are deceased. buildings and constituting one of the most Henry D., who is engaged in farming in attractive rural domains in the county. Springport township, is the subject of an Here he is now living retired, and in his individual sketch appearing on other pages venerable age he can revert with satisfac- of this work. Each of the children received tion to the many days of toil and endeavor the best educational advantages afforded which have enabled him to enjoy peace, , in the locality, and Pliny and Henry D. prosperity and contentment as the golden were successful teachers in the district shadows of his life begin to lengthen from schools in their younger days, while it may the land where the “sunset gates are open also be consistently said that each of the wide, far out in the crimson west.” He has sons has been successful in temporal affairs devoted his attention to general farming and has well upheld the standard of an hon- and stock growing, and on the place at the ored name. present time are raised excellent grades of George T. Griffith was seventeen years cattle, full-blood Merino and Shropshire of age at the time when the family removed sheep, and Chester White swine, while he to Michigan, and he contributed his quota has also raised horses for the market, prin- to the work of reclaiming the homestead cipally the Percheron type. In politics he farm and placing it under cultivation, hav- has been an uncompromising supporter of JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 671 the Republican party from the time of its JAMES W. NEWBURY. inception, and both he and his wife have long been devoted members of the Metho- The record of Mr. Newbury is that of dist Episcopal church. He is well known a man who, by his own unaided efforts, throughout this section and is revered as worked his way from a modest beginning one of the sterling pioneers of the county. to a position of influence and comparative In 1839 a postoffice was established on the affluence in his community. His life has old homestead, and the same became official- been of unceasing industry and perseverance ly known as Otter Creek. The father of the and the systematic and honorable methods subject served as postmaster from the time which he has followed have won him the of the establishing of the office until his unbounded confidence of his fellow citizens death, with the exception of three months of Jackson county. during the administration of President James W. Newbury is a native of New Polk, and after his demise the subject was York, born in Whitehall, Washington coun- made his successor and continued to serve ty, August 30, 1833. His father was Mar- in this capacity until the inauguration of the cena Newbury, a native of the same state, rural free mail-delivery in this section, in and a carpenter by trade. In 1844 he moved 1902, when the office was abolished. Mr. to Jackson county, Michigan, bringing his Griffith has lived a simple and abstemious family with him, and thereafter, during his life and the results are shown in the physi- lifetime, devoted himself to the cultivation cal and mental vigor which he retains, of the soil. He seems to have been a man of though past the age of four-score years. restless disposition, not easily contented, and In March, 1878, was solemnized the mar- inclined to flit from one locality to another. riage of Mr. Griffith to Miss Lydia Griffith, He located in the city of Jackson, but re- who was born in Danby, Rutland county, mained there only for a short time, when Vermont, on the 2d of April, 1821, being a he moved to Calhoun county. There he daughter of Hiram and Betsy Griffith, both lived until 1861, when he moved back to of whom passed their entire lives in the Jackson county and located in Pulaski town- Green Mountain state. Mrs. Griffith was ship. In 1864 he moved from there to Os- summoned to the “land of the leal” on the ceola county, where, in 1866, death ended 21st of March, 1881, aged fifty-nine years his wanderings. He was the father of eleven months and nineteen days, her death eleven children, only six of whom, three sons constituting the great loss and bereavement and three daughters, grew to maturity. Of of the subject's life. But there remains to these, four are living at the present time, him a measure of compensation and recon- only two of whom, James W. and Maria, ciliation in the memory of her noble and are residents of Jackson county. gracious womanhood and of the mutual The early life of the subject of this love and sympathy which sustained them sketch, James W. Newbury, was one of trial during the long years of their wedded life. and privation. Incessant labor seems to Mr. Griffith has no children. have been his portion from the earliest mo- 672 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ment when it was found that his services mounted, and the many years of his life, could be utilized. In the whole course of James W. Newbury is yet a comparatively his life he never attended a school to exceed young man in appearance and mental force. three months. When about six months past The privations and hardships of his early his nineteenth year he expressed a desire to life have left few traces of their effects upon go out into the world and provide for him- him, and, conscious of having well and nobly seif, but his father informed him that there accomplished a worthy life work under most was still a year and a half of labor due to adverse circumstances, he can well afford to him before the son attained his majority. spend the years which remain to him in ease Rather than be deprived of the privilege for and comfort. which he yearned, the latter settled with his father, paying him one hundred dollars. He worked by the month as a farm hand, where- BEN A. JOY. ever he could get employment, for three years and also followed a threshing ma- In the very early days of the colonial chine during the season, until he had saved epoch, dating back to the time of Governor enough from his earnings to purchase the John Winthrop, the Joy family was founded necessary outfit to go to farming on his own in New England, and in the first and each account, when he rented land. In 1862 he succeeding generation have been found men located on the farm he now owns and occu- of true virile power and sterling character pies, in Hanover township, and which has and women of gentle and gracious refine- been his home ever since. Fortunate, indeed, is he who thus December 29, 1860, James W. Newbury stands as a scion of worthy ancestry, and was united in marriage to Miss Climena M. such is the lot of Mr. Joy, who is a member Walter, a native of New York, born June of one of the prominent pioneer families 4, 1835. Her father was Grove Walter, of Jackson county, with whose annals the who came from New York and located in name has been inseparably and honorably Jackson county, Michigan, in 1838. The linked from an era when the work of re- union has been a happy and congenial one clamation and development was inaugu- and has been blessed by the birth of the fol- rated, while in the maternal line also he lowing children: William Elsworth and J. comes of stanch pioneer stock. Mr. Joy is a Arthur reside on the home place; Frank W., native son of the county and this has been a railroad man, resides at Homer, Michigan; his home throughout his life, while he is Minnie J., wife of Milfred Matthews, re- known as one of the successful and rep- sides at Hanover; Murray C., a veterinary resentative farmers and intrinsically loyal surgeon, is engaged in the practice of his citizens of Springport township, where the profession in the village of Hanover. Ali family has long been one of prominence. are thrifty, energetic people and worthy Ben A. Joy was born on the old home- citizens. stead farm, in section 34, Springport Despite all of the hard work that he has township, on the 18th of February, 1847, , done and the many obstacles he has sur- being a son of Alonzo and Phoebe Z. ment. BEN A. JOY. os MRS. BEN A. JOY. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN673 . . person (Burgess) Joy, the former of whom was his place of abode until his death, which oc- born in the town of Yates, Orleans county, curred on the 9th of August, 1869. His New York, on the 19th of July, 1825, while first wife, to whom he was married in the latter was born in Richfield, Oswego Seneca, Ontario county, New York, on the county, that state, on the 6th of April, 27th of December, 1810, died on the 28th 1830. Alonzo Joy was a son of Comfort of March, 1844, and she was the first and Mary (Breimer) Joy, the former hav- to be laid to rest in the cemetery of Spring- ing been born in Guilford, Windham coun- port and Tompkins townships, Jackson ty, Vermont, on the 23d of April, 1787, county. In 1845 Mr Joy married Cynthia while the latter was ushered into the world Thorndike, who long survived him, her in Westonburg, Bucks county, Pennsyl- | death occurring in Galesburg, Kalamazoo vania, on the ist of May, 1792. Froni county, on the 14th of December, 1894. Comfort Joy the direct line is traced back Comfort Joy was a miller by trade and fol- through the following heads of the succes- lowed this vocation during his business sive generations: He was a son of David, career in the state of New York, but after a soldier in the Revolutionary war, who coming to Michigan he devoted his atten- was a son of David, who was likewise a son tion to agricultural pursuits. He was of David, who was a son of Joseph, who originally arrayed as a supporter of the was a son of Ensign Joseph, he being a Whig party, but identified himself with the son of the original American progenitor, Republican party at the time of its for- Thomas Joy, Sr., who came to the New , mation and thereafter was a stanch advo- England colony of Massachusetts with cate of its principles. He was an active and Governor John Winthrop, as has been zealous member of the Presbyterian church previously intimated in this context. and exemplified his faith in his daily walk In the spring of 1839 Comfort Joy, in and conversation, being a man of indubit- company with his son David and his daugh- able probity and one who commanded re- ter Harriet and her husband, Luther H. spect on every hand. While a resident of Ludlow, left Evans, Erie county, New New York he held the office of constable, and York, for the state of Michigan, and arrived in Jackson county he was assessor of his in Springport township on the 19th of school district during nearly the entire April, that year. The father soon after- period of his residence here, being suc- ward returned to New York for the re- ceeded by his son Alonzo, father of the sub- mainder of the family, with whom he ar- ject, who was in turn succeeded by the sub- rived again in Jackson county in June of ject himself, who has ever since been in- the same year. He took up a tract of land cumbent of this office. in section 34, Springport township, and Alonzo Joy was about fourteen years here he resided until 1845, when he re- of age at the time of the family removal moved to Kalamazoo county, where he re- to Jackson county, and here he was reared mained until 1849, when he came again to to maturity, while his entire life was given Jackson county. In 1855 he returned to to the basic art of agriculture. He settled Kalamazoo county, which thereafter was on section 34, Springport township, be 43 674 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. coming the owner of two hundred acres of of three hundred and twenty acres, the same land, the same lying contiguous to the home- being improved with substantial and attract- stead and part of the home place secured ive buildings of modern type, while he has by his father, whom he preceded into the been signally prosperous in his efforts, life eternal by a few months, having passed both in the agricultural and stock-growing away on the ist of April, 1869, at the age departments of his farming enterprise. He of forty-three years and three months. is known as one of the sincere, honorable His widow lived to attain a venerable age, and reliable citizens of the county, being her death occurring on the 22d of July, held in unqualified esteem by all who know 1891, in the faith of the Methodist church. him, while it is needless to say that he is The father of the subject was a Republi- thoroughly well known throughout this can in his political proclivities from the section, where his entire life has been passed , time of the organization of the party. and where he has lived and labored to Alonzo and Phoebe Z. (Burgess) Joy be effective ends. In politics he has been a came the parents of three children, namely: close observer and student of the questions, Ben A., who is the immediate subject of conditions and issues of the hour and the this review ; Alice C., who was born on the policies and principles of the Republican 8th of February, 1849, was married to party have received his stanch endorsement Emory G. Ludlow, on the 5th of February, from the time he attained his legal majority, 1879, and they now reside near the city of his first presidential vote having been cast Petoskey, Michigan; and Mary J., who was for U. S. Grant. The estimate placed up- born October 20, 1853, is the wife of Still- on Mr. Joy by the people of Springport man J. Hammond, of Springport, to whom township is shown in the circumstance she was married on the 9th of April, 1879. that he has been chosen to fill all of the Ben A. Joy, whose name initiates this township offices with the exception of that review, was reared on the farm on which of treasurer, and he has been incumbent of he was born and after completing the cur- one or another of the local offices from the riculum of the public schools of the locality time of becoming a voter. He was elected he was a student in Albion College, where justice of the peace in 1883 and has since he continued his studies for two terms, mak- been in tenure of this office consecutively ing the most of the advantages thus af- with the exception of one term. He is forded him, as is evident from the fact that signally loyal and public spirited as a citi- he proved himself eligible for pedagogic zen and every worthy object for the general honors, having been for four terms a suc- good is certain to receive his earnest sup- cessful and popular teacher in the district port. Mr. Joy was made a member of the . a schools of his home county. He did not care Masonic fraternity in 1868, when he was to continue farther in this line of endeavor, entered, passed and raised in Parma Lodge however, but soon returned to the vocation No. 183, Free and Accepted Masons, in the , to which he had been reared and which has village of Parma, and later he was one of ever since enlisted his effective co-operation. the organizers and charter members of He is now the owner of a fine landed estate | Springport Lodge No 284, of which he was JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 675 worshipful master for five years, being now ginia, on the 23d of March, 1864, having dimitted from the same. He has been identi- | been a private in the Ninth Michigan Vol- fied with Springport Grange No. 45 since unteer Cavalry, with which he served un- 1885, and was a member of the committee til the time of his capture; Clarissa J., who appointed for the same and the Farmers' is the wife of Mr. Joy, was born May 27, Club of Springport township through whose 1849; and Catherine, who was born March effective efforts the free rural mail delivery 7, 1851, died on the 28th of March, 1875. system was secured in this locality. Five children were born of the second mar- On the 24th of October, 1871, Mr. Joy | riage, namely: Letitia, who was born Octo- was united in marriage to Miss Clarissa J. ber 18, 1856, died on the 23d of October Ferris, who was born in Springport town- of the following year; Leroy E., who was ship, being a daughter of Edmund and born January 26, 1858, is now a resident Catherine (Brown) Ferris, the former of of Springport township; Ida E., who was whom was born in Cayuga county, New born November 2, 1859, died February 4, York, on the 23d of December, 1805, while 1900, having been the wife of William Sel- the latter was born in Chester county, Penn- len, a resident of Springport; Alice C., who sylvania, on the 26th of June, 1808. They was born August 13, 1861, is now the wife came to Springport township in 1836 and of Frank Baldwin, of Springport; and here passed the residue of their lives, Mrs. Norah A., who was born January 23, 1863, Ferris, entering into eternal rest on the 8th died on the 29th of January, 1877. Mr. of March, 1851. Mr. Ferris subsequently Ferris, the father of these children, was an consummated a second marriage, wedding extensive and influential farmer, owning Miss Adeline Baldwin. He died on the three hundred and sixty acres of land in Ioth of October, 1885, and his second wife Springport township, a portion of the same passed away June 10, 1897. Of the nine being included within the present village children of the first marriage we enter the of Springport, in which he was the first to following brief record: Emily, who was erect a residence, while he also owned valu- born on the 9th of February, 1835, died able land in Eaton county. He was the , on the 16th of June, 1837; Adelia, who was third man to be elected supervisor of Spring- born May 15, 1836, died on the 4th of port township and at various times was July, 1863; Lewis, who was born June 22, incumbent of other township offices, having 1838, is a resident of Springport; Deborah held nearly all and having been one of the A., who was born May 1, 1840, is the wife honored and popular citizens of the lo- of Lorenzo D. Markle, of Springport; cality. Calista F., who was born November 28, To Mr. and Mrs. Joy have been born 1841, is the wife of W. J. Burgess, of four children, and concerning them we in- , Springport township; Elizabeth, who was corporate brief data at this juncture: M. born on the ist of December, 1843, died on Grace was born on the 22d of December, the ist of August, 1851; Edward P., who | 1872, was a student in Albion College for was born on the 14th of June, 1846, died | three and one half years and a teacher in a in Belle Isle prison, near Richmond, Vir- | Jackson county for three years. She is 676 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a now the wife of Rev. James D. McDonald, Joy was educated in the common schools a clergyman of the Presbyterian church, and also attended Albion College, taking a to whom she was united in marriage on the course in the literary department. Prior 26th of August, 1896. They now reside in to her marriage she was a successful school the city of Lapeer, Michigan, being the par- teacher in Eaton and Jackson counties. She ents of two daughters—Elizabeth, who was took a diploma in the Bay View Reading born November 20, 1897, and Alice, who Circle and still keeps up an active interest was born June 21, 1901. Edna A., the in that work. Mr. and Mrs. Joy have second daughter of the subject and his found particular satisfaction in according estimable wife, was born December 14, to their daughters the best of educational 1873, and died on the ist of December of advantages, and they have not been denied , the following year. Mabel A., who was their reward, for each of the daughters is born on the 2d of June, 1878, attended . woman of gracious refinement and Albion College for five years and was then marked culture, giving evidence of appreci- matriculated in the University of Michi- ation of the privileges accorded. Mr. and gan, at Ann Arbor, where she was gradu- Mrs. Joy are attendants at the Presbyterian ated in the literary department as a mem- church at Springport, but are not members ber of the class of 1901, receiving the de- of any church. They have in their posses- gree of Bachelor of Arts, and she is now a sion an old parchment deed, bearing the teacher in the public schools at Vassar, date of March 18, 1837. Michigan. She was the first woman to compete in an oratorical contest in the State SEWARD E. WHITMAN. University and captured second honors in the connection and she also won the Sili- The study of the life of the representa- man contest in her sophomore year at Albion tive American never fails to offer much of College. Alice C., the youngest daughter, pleasing interest and valuable instruction, was born on the 13th of December, 1879, developing a mastering of expedients which and was graduated in Albion College as a has brought about noteworthy results. The member of the class of 1898, after which subject of this sketch is a worthy type of the she took a post-graduate course in the State true American character, being imbued with University, receiving the degree of Master a progressive spirit and that distinctive busi- of Arts from that celebrated institution in ness acumen which always conserve suc- June, 1900. While a student in Albion cess in temporal affairs, while he is thor College, in her senior year, she oughly alive to the best interests of the com- awarded the first place and gold medal in the munity, doing much for the general welfare first contest of the Michigan Collegiate and public good. Mr. Whitman is one of Oratorical League, held at Hillsdale Col- the leading young farmers and business men lege, in May, 1898. On the 9th of Septem- of Springport township, where he has passed ber, 1902, she was united in marriage to his entire life, having been born on the farm Henry L. Pinney, and they now reside in which he now owns and occupies, as was Cass City, Tuscola county, Michigan. Mrs. his honored father also, and in the genea- was JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 677 logical history in both the paternal and ma- dicate, his father, Josiah, having been the ternal lines there is much data signally ger- first occupant of that office in Springport mane to a compilation of this sort, for both township. In the early In the early days Josiah W. families became prominently identified with taught school, utilizing his own log house the annals of Jackson county in the early for that purpose. pioneer epoch and have contributed mater- The maternal grandparents of the sub- ially to its development into one of the most ject were William and Susan (Stranger) opulent and attractive organic divisions of Wellington, both of whom were born and the sovereign commonwealth of Michigan. reared in England, where they were married Seward E. Whitman was born on his and whence they emigrated to America in present homestead farm, in Springport town- the early 'thirties, locating in the state of ship, on the 24th of October, 1870, being New York, where they remained until 1837, a son of Charles Alpheus and Caroline when they came to Jackson county and be- (Wellington) Whitman, the former of came pioneer settlers in Hanover township. whom was born on the same homestead, as Mr. Wellington bought the first horse team before noted, the date of his nativity hav- ever imported into the county, and for a ing been November 17, 1841, while the lat- number of years he profitably engaged in , ter was born in Hanover township, this overland freighting to Detroit and Toledo, county, on the ist of December, 1840. principally the latter point. His first wife Charles Alpheus Whitman was a son of Jo-died in 1847, and he later married Mrs. siah and Keziah (Drake) Whitman, whose Sarah Oyer, widow of Philip Oyer, who was respective dates of birth were July 17, 1807, likewise a pioneer of Springport township, and October 29, 18c6, while their marriage and Mr. Wellington then came to this town- was solemnized March 1, 1829. He was a ship from Hanover township and here native of the province of Ontario, Canada, passed the residue of his life, his death oc- while she was born in the state of New curring November 29, 1871. While resid- York, whence they came to Springport town- | ing in the village of Hanover he was engaged ship, this county, about the year 1837, here in merchandising, and to this vocation he passing the remainder of their lives, Mr. continued to devote his attention in the vil- Whitman having been engaged in farming lage of Springport, having been the owner until the time of his death, which occur- of the first store established in the town. In red on the 3d of November, 1859. His fact he was virtually the founder of the widow long survived him and lived to at- town, to whose development and progress tain the venerable age of ninety years, her he contributed in a most public-spirited death occurring on the ist of May, 1896. way. He owned at one time about eight Of the six children two are living at the hundred acres of land and was one of the present time. Josiah Whitman was a man representative and highly honored citizens of fine character and became one of the in- of this section. In politics he supported the fluential citizens of Springport township, Whig party until the time of its dissolution, having been elected supervisor, as the offi- and thereafter identified himself with the cial records of the township and county in- Republican party with which he became 678 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. aligned at the time of its organization. Both twenty acres, while the area of the entire he and his wife were devoted members of the estate at the present time is two hundred Methodist church. and twenty-two and one-half acres, the place Charles A. Whitman, father of the sub- being one of the well improved and attract- ject, was reared on the old pioneer home- ive rural domains of the county, while it stead where he was born, receiving such has remained in the family consecutively for educational advantages as were afforded in three generations. Mr. Whitman devotes the common schools of the locality and special attention to the breeding of short- period, and he continued to be actively con- horn and polled Durham cattle, having been cerned in agricultural pursuits until his for eight years engaged in raising the former death, October 15, 1894. His widow now type, while three years ago he took up the maintains her residence in Springport. breeding of the new American line of polled Mr. Whitman became the owner of the Durham, in the raising of which he is meet- homestead, comprising two hundred and ing with eminent success, having gained twenty-five acres of land, and in addition to prestige as one of the representative cattle his general farm work he also was an ex- growers of this section and he is now a mem- tensive breeder and shipper of cattle, in ber of the American Polled Durham Breed- , which line he conducted a prosperous enter- ers' Association, with headquarters in the prise. No man in the township was held in city of Indianapolis, Indiana. In politics higher regard and his life was ordered up- Mr. Whitman gives his allegiance to the Re- on a high plane of honor and rectitude. In publican party, having cast his first presi- politics he was originally a Republican, but dential vote in support of Benjamin Har- upon the organization of the Greenback rison. Fraternally he is identified with the party he transferred his allegiance to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding same, having had the distinction to cast the membership in Springport Lodge No. 131, first vote for his party in the county, while and in Springport Encampment No. 70, he was an ardent supporter of Horace Patriarchs Militant, in the city of Spring- Greeley for the presidency. He and his wife port. For the past eleven years Mr. Whit- became the parents of only one child, the man has been a representative of the interests subject of this review. of the Page Woven Wire Fence Company, Seward E. Whitman grew to maturity his territorial agency in the line covering upon the homestead farm where he now re- Jackson county and the township of Claren- sides and was graduated in the high school | don, Calhoun county. He is also one of the at Springport as a member of the class of principal stockholders in the Springport 1888, after which he completed a course in Mutual Telephone Company, which was the Cleary Business College, in the city of organized in 1899 and which now has one Ypsilanti, where he continued his studies un- hundred and fifty miles of line in operation til the year 1890. He then returned to the and of which he has been president from the home farm and has had the entire super- | time of its inception, his marked executive vision of the same since 1894, the original ability and his progressive ideas having been homestead comprising one hundred and important factors in the successful develop- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 679 ment of this important enterprise. To Mr. with the agricultural and other industrial Whitman is accorded the fullest measure of interests of Jackson county many worthy popular confidence and regard in the com- and prominent citizens whose entire lives munity where his life has been passed, and have been passed here. In the subject of this he is known as one of the able young busi- review we have a representative of one of ness men and loyal and public-spirited citi- the most honored pioneer families of the - zens of his native county. county and one who is recognized as one of On the 28th of December, 1892, Mr. the progressive and energetic young farmers Whitman was united in marriage to Miss of his native township of Springport, of Nellie M. Carrington, who was born in the which he is at the present time treasurer,- village of Springport September 9, 1871, a fact which sets at naught the application being a daughter of Charles and Catharine of the scriptural adge that “A prophet is not (Orrison) Carrington, one of the represent without honor save in his own country.” ative citizens of the place. Mr. and Mrs. He is a son of Thomas H. Allen, of whom Whitman have one daughter, Jarda M., who individual mention is made elsewhere in this was born on the 7th of June, 1900. The volume, so that it will not be incumbent to family attend the Methodist Episcopal render a recapitulation of the family history church in Springport. Mrs. Whitman was in the present connection, since ready ref- educated in the Springport high school, be- erence may be made to the article in ing a member of the class of 1889. She was question. bookkeeper in the I. P. Roberts bank in Ethan B. Allen was born in Springport Springport for two years. She is a member township, the date of his nativity having ben of the Ladies Aid Society and has passed all | December 30, 1871. He was reared to the the chairs in the Rebekahs. She is a lady sturdy discipline of the farm and completed of more than ordinary talent and ability as his educational training in the Springport an artist in pastels and oils and her beautiful | Union schools, where he was graduated as a home is adorned with her skillful handi- member of the class of 1887. As a youth he work. Her father, Charles Carrington, was was for some time employed as a clerk in a born May 1, 1835, in Ohio, and is a mercantile establishment in Springport, but mechanic. Her mother was born in Ohio since initiating his independent career he has ' January 14, 1845. Mrs. Whitman has in been principally engaged in farming, having her lineage strains of both Scotch and found the industry one worthy of his best English blood. The subject has in his efforts, and realizing, that systemization of possession a deed under date of November the work and the application of correct busi- 7, 1837, bearing the signature of President ness principles will render satisfactory re- Martin Van Buren. Mr. Allen was married at the age of twenty-one years, and thereafter engaged in farming on the old homestead, a portion ETHAN B. ALLEN. of which he rented from his father, from It can not be other than gratifying to whom, in 1899, he purchased fifty acres, in note in the various personal sketches appear- section 6, and here he is successfully engaged ing in this work, that there remain identified in diversified farming, having a pleasant turns. 680 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. residence and other good farm buildings and port. Fraternally he is a member of both carrying on his operations with distinctive the lodge and encampment of the Independ- energy and discrimination, while he com- ent Order of Odd Fellows, being identified mands the unequivocal confidence and with Springport Lodge No 131, and with esteem of the community in which his en- the Encampment, Patriarchs Militant, in tire life has been passed. In politics Mr. In politics Mr. Springport. He and his estimable wife are Allen has been stanchly arrayed in support the parents of two children, Stella, who is of the principles and policies of the Republi- the wife of the subject of this review and can party from the time of attaining the who completed her education in the Spring- right of franchise, and he has taken a lively port high school, where she was graduated interest in local affairs of a public nature. as a member of the class of 1891, and Floyd, In 1901 he was elected to the office of town- who was born April 24, 1880, and who is ship treasurer, his administration of the now employed as a brakeman on the Lake fiscal affairs entrusted to his charge meet- Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad. Mr. ing with so marked popular approval that and Mrs. Allen have two children, Hazel, he was chosen as his own successor in the who was born on the 21st of March, 1894, , spring election of 1902. He is also school and Doris, who was born on the 4th of De- assessor of district No. 6, his co-operation cember, 1898. . being extended in furtherance of all meas- ures for the general good of the community. Fraternally he is identified with the Inde- THOMAS H. ALLEN. pendent Order of Odd Fellows, affiliating with Springport Lodge No. 131, also the In the far distant Pine Tree state was Encampment. born this sterling pioneer citizen of Jackson On the 22d of March, 1893, Mr. Allen county, who came to Michigan in the early was united in marriage to Miss Stella days and had his quota of experience in the Rogers, who was born in New York state, matter of developing wild lands and usher- being a daughter of Hudson D. and Mary ing in the march of definite progress. He E. (Lerch) Rogers, both of whom were born is one of the prominent and highly esteemed in Seneca county, New York, where they citizens of Springport township, having were reared and educated and where their taken a deep interest in all that has touched marriage was solemnized. In 1877 they the advancement and material prosperity of came to Michigan and located near the vil- the community and having been called to lage of Springport, while later they took up various offices of local trust and responsi- their residence in the village, which has been bility. The family is one which is emi- their home for the past seventeen years, Mr. nently entitled to representation in this Rogers being a painter by trade and volume, which has to do with those who vocation. He is an ardent Republican in have been the founders and builders of this his political proclivities and for the past favored section of the great commonwealth decade has served as constable, while at the of Michigan. Mr. Allen has been, in a present time he is village marshal of Spring- significant sense, the architect of his own AGNES ALLEN. MARY A. FLANDERS. HENRY H. ALLEN. THOMAS H. ALLEN. SARAH M. ALLEN. ELLEN R. HILBORN. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 681 fortunes, and has wrought out a definite of this sketch, was the next in order of success through ceaseless toil and endeavor. birth. William married Ellen Manning Thomas H. Allen was born on a farm and both are now deceased, being survived in Oxford county, Maine, on the 28th of by their two sons. William Allen was a November, 1832, being a son of Robert L. valiant soldier in the war of the Rebellion, and Rebecca (Horr) Allen, both families in which he served four years, as a member having been established in New England in of a Maine regiment of volunteers, and being the colonial epoch of our national history. the best shot in the regiment. He died soon Robert L. Allen was born in Massachusetts after the close of the war. Mary Ann, who and his wife was a native of Maine, in is the widow of Henry Flanders, became which state their marriage was solemnized. the mother of six children, and she now While there the father was engaged in farm- resides with one of her sons in the city of ing up to the time of his removal to Michi- Coldwater, this state. Henry married gan, when advanced in age. His wife died Agnes Yager and they now reside in the in Maine, in January, 1864, and about 1868 city of Jackson, their only child having he came to Michigan, and passed his de- died in infancy. Emma, who became the clining days in the home of his son Thomas, wife of William Yager, died, and is sur- the subject of this sketch, his death occur- vived by one of her three children, Mr. ring when he was eighty-three years and Yager being a farmer of Springport town- seven months of age. He and his wife ship. Each of the children received good held membership in the Congregational educational advantages and all have hon- church, but in his later life the former be-ored the name which has been unblemished came a believer in the spiritualistic faith. during the past generations of sterling men In politics he was originally a Whig, later and women. becoming identified with the Republican Thomas H. Allen, with whom this sketch party, of whose principles he continued an has more specifically to do, was reared on advocate until the time of his death. He the homestead farm in Maine and continued was a man of fine mental endowments and to assist his father until he had attained the was a wide and appreciative reader of good age of twenty years, having in the mean- literature, especially in the line of philo- while received such educational advantages sophical topics. as were afforded in the well conducted com- Robert L. and Rebecca Allen became mon schools of his native county. At the the parents of seven children, concerning age noted he went to the state of Massa- whom the following brief record is offered : chusetts, where he remained two years, at Ellen R., who is the widow of Henry Hil- | the expiration of which he set forth for born, resides in the city of Coldwater, Michi- Michigan, believing that in the newer state gan, and of her seven children all are living would be afforded a better opportunity for except two. . Charlotte, who became the attaining success through individual effort. wife of John Kingman, died in the home of He made his advent in the Wolverine state the subject, being survived by her three | in 1855 and here became associated with Thomas H., the immediate subject | Henry E. Hilborn in the purchasing of a sons. 682 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. quarter section of heavily timbered land in forts, made the best of improvements on his Ionia county, wild game of all kinds being farm, erecting a comfortable and substantial still plentiful in that section, while the work residence and other buildings properly of improvement and development had adapted for the uses to which they were to scarcely been inaugurated. They cleared be applied, while the well tilled fields, the ten acres of the land and then disposed of herds and flocks and the general air oi the property, after which Mr. Allen was thrift indicated, as they do today, the wise employed by the month for a year's time. management and excellent business meth- He thereafter was engaged in agricultural ods brought to bear by the energetic and pursuits on rented farms for a period of progressive owner. Eventually Mr. Allen three years, and about 1858 he purchaserl added to the area of his original farm by a tract of forty acres in section 16, Spring- the purchase of a contiguous tract of fifty port township, Jackson county, and began acres, thus becoming the owner of a total the work of reclaiming and otherwise im- of two hundred and forty-four acres, but proving the same. In 1864 he and his he has since divided a portion of the farmi brother Henry purchased an adjoining among his sons. He retains under his own eighty acres. In 1869 the subject disposed supervision one hundred and thirty-two of his farming interests and thereafter acres, and in addition to diversified farming rented land in the township for about four special attention is given to the raising of vears. In 1872 he purchased one hundred high-grade Durham cattle, fine-wool sheep, and sixty acres in section 6, the greater and Ohio Improved Chester hogs, while he portion being wild land, while the only has also been very successful in the raising permanent improvement of note of horses, giving his preference to the Tre- primitive log house, in which he took up his mont roadsters and Percheron draft horses, abode. He then set to himself the task of which he has bred some of the finest of clearing the land, utilizing ox teams for types, disposing of the same at good prices. his farm work and eventually making a He has attained a high reputation as a stock transformation in the appearance of the breeder and has done much to improve the place, which he developed into one of the grades of stock in this section, being care- most prolific and attractive farms of the ful and discriminating in his methods and township. In the early days his devoted an excellent judge of the various lines. The wife knit and spun the wool and made all family home is supplied with modern the clothing used by the family, while she accessories and conveniences and is a center was at all times to him a true helpmeet, of gracious hospitality. The residence has aiding and encouraging him in his efforts telephonic connection with the various and striving to do her part in providing a points in the county and this locality also home and securing a position of independ- has the popular facilities afforded by the ence. To such noble pioneer women refer- rural free mail delivery, so that it may be ence can not be too frequently or too ap- seen that conditions are radically different preciatively made in narratives of this sort. than they were at the time when Mr. Allen Mr. Allen, as prosperity attended his ef- took up his residence here, in the midst of was a : JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 683 the forest wilds and isolated from neigh- children, the first of whom died in infancy, bors and from the outside world. while the others are Howard L., Harley I. On the 28th of December, 1856, Mr. and Arline Marjorie. Irvie has charge of Allen was united in marriage to Miss Sarah the homestead farm and is one of the able M. Yager, who was born in Oneida county, and popular young men of the township, New York, on the 26th of November, 1835, | having distinctive business ability and being a daughter of Solomon and Hope showing marked initiative power in the (Allen) Yager, who were natives of New carrying forward of the farm. Arthur A., York. Mrs. Allen was summoned into who is employed by the Singer Sewing eternal rest on the 19th of May, 1902, at Machine Company, has his headquarters in the age of sixty-six years and five months. the city of Battle Creek. He married Miss Hers was a gentle and kindly womanhood Ida Broas and they have three children, and she endeared herself to all with whom Shirley, Norma and Arlo. Ethan is indi- she came in contact, while her memory rests vidually mentioned elsewhere in this as a benediction upon those to whom she volume, being at the present time treasurer was nearest and dearest and whose was the of Springport township. Bernie, the young- best opportunity to know her gracious at- est of the children, died at the age of two tributes of character. She was a devoted months. member of the United Brethren church, and In politics the subject of this review is ordered her life in accord with her faith. a stanch supporter of the principles and Of the seven children of Mr. and Mrs. policies of the Republican party, and he has Allen the following brief record is here in- ever taken a deep interest in public affairs corporated : The first-born child died in in- of a local nature, while he has been called fancy. Jay died at the age of thirty-three upon to serve in various official capacities, years. Amy Florence is the wife of Will- his election to which has given evidence of iam Edgar Allen, who is an electrician, and the confidence reposed in him by the peo- they reside in the city of Grand Rapids, ple of the community. He was highway where he holds a responsible position. commissioner for a period of seven years They are the parents of three children, Let- and drain commissioner for two years, and tie, Clare and Harvey. Irvie, who was born in these positions he accomplished much for in Springport township, on the 28th of the material benefit of the township, excel- March, 1866, married Miss Clara Stoddard, lent improvements being made under his a daughter of Arvin and Sarah (Geiger) administrations, and for one year he held Stoddard, well known residents of Albion the office of supervisor, in which also he Michigan, the mother of the former having rendered most effective service. His sons all been a member of one of the first families hold the same political faith as does he him- who settled in what is now the city of self. Fraternally Mr. Allen is identified Albion, Calhoun county, this being in the with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, early 'thirties. Mr. Stoddard was in active holding membership in Springport Lodge service throughout the Civil war. Irvie and No, 131. His life has been one of marked Clara Allen became the parents of four activity and usefulness, and he is now per- 684 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. mitted to enjoy the rewards of his long while his education was received in the com- years of indefatigable and well directed mon schools of the locality and period. As application, his prosperity being well a young man he learned the painter's trade, merited. and this continued to constitute his vocation for a long term of years, while he gained a high reputation for his skill in that line. He HUDSON D. ROGERS. was a resident of Seneca county, New York, until the year 1877, when he came to Jack- From the viewpoint of personal experi- son county, Michigan, and purchased a small ence many of us realize how great is the tract of land near the village of Springport. value of contemporary biography, and it is and here he continued to make his home, the not difficult to find cases where individuals while working at his trade, until 1884, when can give data regarding their ancestry no he took up his residence in the village, where farther back than a somewhat vague state- he has ever since remained, being one of its ment in regard to their parents. Had the trusted officials and honored citizens, and popular estimate of the present day in regard here having an attractive residence, of mod- to publications of this nature been the same ern design and accessories. In politics Mr. in past generations much valuable and inter- Rogers has been an uncompromising advo- esting information would have been retained cate of the principles of the Republican accessible to posterity. Thus it becomes the party for the last four years and has been an duty of every man who has lived and labored active worker in its local ranks. For the to goodly ends to leave as perfect a record past ten years he has held the office of as possible for those who are to follow him constable, while in 1893 he was chosen mar- onto the stage of life and who will be shal of the village, in which capacity he has appreciative of his action in the matter long rendered most efficient service, his course after he has been called from the scene of being such as to gain to him uniform en- his mortal endeavors. dorsement on the part of the citizens of the The subject of this sketch, who is now town, irrespective of political lines. Fra- incumbent of the office of marshal of the ternally he is identified with both the lodge village of Springport, was born in the and encampment of the Independent Order idyllic lake district of the old Empire state, of Odd Fellows, of which he is a popular where the family has been established for \ and valued member. He is affiliated with several generations, the original American Springport Lodge No. 131, and with En- ancestors having emigrated hither from campment No. 70, in Springport. Ireland. He was born in Seneca county, On the oth of February, 1873, Mr. New York, on the 16th of January, 1849, Rogers was united in marriage to Miss Mary being a son of James D. and Betsey Ann E. Lerch, who is likewise a native of Seneca (Jolley) Rogers, the former of whom was county, New York, where she was reared born in Ireland and the latter in New York. and educated, being a daughter of Owen and Mr. Rogers was reared to manhood in his Susan (Frontz) Lerch, honored residents , native county, having grown up on a farm, of that section, where they remained until JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 685 their death. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers have two Empire state of the Union, having been born children, Stella, who is the wife of Ethan B. on a farm in Allegany county, New York, Allen, a successful young farmer of this on the rith of October, 1850, and being the township and the subject of an individual only child of Joseph J. and Lavina A. sketch appearing on another page of this (Thompson) Dey, both of whom were born work, and Floyd, who was born on the 24th in that same county, where they were reared of April, 1880, and who is now employed and educated and where their marriage was as a brakeman on the Lake Shore & Michi- solemnized. In June, 1863, they came to gan Southern Railroad. Michigan and located on a farm in Parma, township, Jackson county, the property now being owned by a Mr. Doolittle, and later they disposed of this place and removed to JAMES W. DEY. Springport, where they continued to make their home until called from the scene of A modern philosophical writer has aptly life's labors, the father of the subject dying said: “Within yourself lies the cause of June 28, 1882, while his wife's death oc- whatever enters into your life. To come curred January 12, 1887. The paternal into the full realization of your own awak- grandparents of the subject were Lawrence ened interior powers is to be able to con- I. and Margaret (Rose) Dey, and both died dition your life in exact accord with what in Allegany county, New York, the respect- you would have it.” It is this understanding ive families having been established in of his own potential that has enabled Mr. America in the colonial epoch. Joseph I. Dey to gain prestige and precedence as an Dey was a man of fine mentality and signal able business man, and he is known as one probity of character, and his name is one of the representative citizens of the attract- honored by all who knew him during the ive village of Springport, where he is at the years of his residence in Jackson county. He present time incumbent of the office of post- was a mechanic and devoted considerable master, as well as president of the village, attention to work along this line, though and where he controls a flourishing business his specific vocation was farming, in con- in the handling of harness and saddlery nection with which industry he attained a goods as well as agricultural implements, worthy success. In politics he was originally being the local representative of the Deer- arrayed with the Whig party, later becom- ing Harvesting Machine Company and other ing aligned with the Republican party, while leading manufactories of implements. A during the campaign of 1872 he gave his review of his career is most consistently support to Horace Greeley. While a resident given in this work, and it may be noted at of Parma township he was incumbent of the this point that he has been a resident of office of justice of the peace, while frater- the county from his boyhood days and has nally he was identified with the Masonic or- here attained a high degree of success der, belonging to Lodge No. 284, at Spring- through well directed endeavor. port, and to Lodge No. 131, Independent James W. Dey is a native son of the Order of Odd Fellows, also of Springport. 686 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. James W. Dey, the immediate subject Fraternally he is a member of Springport of this review, was about thirteen years of Lodge No. 284, Free and Accepted Masons: age at the time of the family removal to Jack-Springport Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; son county, and his rudimentary education Springport Lodge No. 131, Independent had been received in the public schools in Order of Odd Fellows, and the Encamp- his native county in New York, while ment; Jackson Lodge No. 113, Benevolent he later continued his scholastic work in the and Protective Order of Elks, in the city of schools of Jackson county, while he was also Jackson; Lodge No. 87, Ancient Order granted the advantages of Albion College, United Workmen, of which he has been re- where he was a student for one year. At corder for the past fifteen years, and Spring- the age of fourteen he became identified with port Tent No. 582, Knights of the Macca- farm work in a practical way, and thereafter bees. he was continuously identified with this vo- On the ist of January, 1872, Mr. Dey cation until he had attained the age of thirty- was united in marriage to Miss Phoebe A. five years, when, on the ist of May, 1885, Hedden, who was born in Jackson county, he located in the village of Springport, where Michigan, August 28, 1854, being a daugh- he was employed by the Buckeye Machine ter of Erastus H. and Matilda (Horton) Company for the ensuing summer, while Hedden, who came from the state of New during the succeeding year he was represent- York to Parma township, this county, in an ing the Champion Harvesting Machine early day, and there Mr. Hedden died in Company. In 1887 he here established him- 1901, while his widow still retains her resi- self in the harness business, having a well dence in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Dey equipped shop and salesroom, while he is have one daughter, Elnora B., who is now also the local representative of the Deering the wife of Herbert Covert, of Springport. Harvesting Machine Company, as has been She graduated from the high school at previously noted in this connection. He is Springport and is now acting as a clerk in known as an enterprising and progressive the postoffice. business man and has the esteem and good will of all who know him. In politics Mr. Dey is an ardent advocate of the principles RUTGAR B. HOAG. of the Republican party, and has been an act- ive worker in its local ranks. He served “The talent of success is nothing more about nine years as assessor of the village of than doing what you can do well, and doing Springport, and in 1895 was elected super- whatever you do without any thought of visor of the township, in which office he has fame,” are the pertinent words of Long- since served consecutively, while since 1897 fellow, and the career of Mr. Hoag is illus- he has held the office of postmaster of the trative of this sentiment, for he has lived village, and having entered upon his third and labored to goodly ends, with that ca- term as president of the village, so that it pacity for determined and consecutive en- is evident that his hold on popular confi- deavor that ever merits and generally dence and esteem is of no uncertain order. achieves success. He is today numbered JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 687 among the progressive, wide-awake and able years he commands the unqualified con- successful business men of his native county, fidence and esteem of all who know him. having to do with affairs of marked scope He was originally a Whig in his political a and importance and being one of the honor- proclivities, but identified himself with the ed and influential citizens of the thriving Republican party at the time of its inception town of Springport, to whose industrial and has ever since advocated its cause, prestige his efforts and enterprise have con- while he has served in various local offices tributed in no small measure. As a member of trust. He is a birthright member of the of one of the prominent pioneer families of Society of Friends and his views have ever the county he still further calls for recog- been harmony with the simple and noble nition in a compilation of the province as- faith of this organization. His cherished signed to the one at hand, and it is a pleas- and devoted wife was summoned to the life ure to enter this review of his upright and eternal on the 19th of September, 1890. To successful career. them were born seven children, namely: Rutgar B. Hoag was born in Parma Phoebe E., who is the wife of Henry Troop, township, Jackson county, Michigan, on the of Woodland, California; Francis H., who 16th of June, 1850, and this county has been is engaged in farming in Montcalm county, , his home during his entire life. He is a son Michigan; Adelia M., deceased, was the of David and Mary (Peckham) Hoag, both wife of Nelson Stevens, of Jefferson county, of whom were born in Rensselaer county, Wisconsin; Charles H., deceased, who was New York, the former on the 14th of engaged in printing; Rutgar B., who is the March, 1816, and the latter on the 5th of immediate subject of this sketch; Isaac P., August, 1818. The grandfather of the sub- who is engaged in the milling business in ject in the agnatic line was Asa Hoag, Ionia county, Michigan; and John E., who while his maternal grandfather was Samuel is a resident of Springport, where he is en- Peckham, both of whom are incidentally gaged in book binding. mentioned elsewhere in this work. David Rutgar B. Hoag was reared on the old Hoag came to Michigan in the year 1845 homestead farm and is indebted to the pub- and soon afterward took up his residence | lic schools of this county for the early edu- in Parma township, this county, securing cational advantages which fell his on the start a tract of eighty acres of land, portion. As a young man he served an ap- which same constitutes an integral portion prenticeship at the carpenter's trade, becom- of his present fine farm of two hundred and ing a skilled artisan in the line and follow- twenty acres. He labored zealously and ing the trade as a vocation for a period of effectively and in due time prosperity at- ten years. In 1871 he took up his residence tended his efforts, and he is now numbered in the village of Springport, and it may con- among the substantial farmers of the county sistently be said that his action has not only to whose development from the pioneer | inured to his individual success in temporal wilds he has contributed his quota, while at affairs, but has proved prolific in benefit to all times he has been known as a loyal citi- the town, whose interests he has done much zen and upright man, so that in his vener- to foster and promote. In 1876 Mr. Hoag to 688 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. No 131. began to handle lumber, in the meanwhile which he affiliates with Springport Lodge continuing his operations as a contractor and builder, and in 1879 he began to devote On the 2d of February, 1871, Mr. Hoag his attention more particularly to his lumber was united in marriage to Miss Adaline Wil- business, which had greatly expanded in cox, who was born in Jefferson county, Wis- scope through his efforts and fair dealing. consin, being a daughter of Homer and Amy In 1879 he became associated in this enter- Wilcox, who removed thence to Kansas, prise with C. H. Weldon, and they also es- where Mr. Wilcox died, on the 30th of July, tablished a planing-mill of excellent equip- | 1886, his widow now being a resident of ment. The partnership continued until the city of Seattle, Washington. Mr. and 1889, when it was dissolved by mutual con- Mrs. Hoag have three children, namely: sent, Mr. Hoag at the time acquiring his Lester P., who was graduated in the Spring- partner's interests in both the lumber busi- port high school as a member of the class of ness and the planing-mill. He has since 1889, and who has been associated with his individually conducted both lines of enter- father in business since 1895, married Miss prise, while he also handles wood, coal, Myrtle Bixby, of Springport, and they have brick, tile, cement, lime and all lines of two children, David and Margaret A.; builders' supplies germane to his general Adelia M., the elder daughter of the sub- stock. In connection with his mill, and ject, is now a student in Albion College, and operated with the same power, Mr. Hoag Amy J. is attending the Michigan State has installed electric-lighting plant, Normal School in Ypsilanti. Adelia has which furnished lights for the village, this successfully taught five or six years in the investment on his part showing the genuine public schools of Jackson county, three public spirit by which he is animated. He of which were in the intermediate depart- also manufactures cider and evaporated ment, while Amy J. has taught four years fruit, having an evaporator with a capacity in the Jackson county schools. for handling four hundred bushels of fruit every twenty-four hours, the plant being kept in operation both day and night during the fruit season. HILEN D. WHEELOCK. In his political adherency Mr. Hoag has been stanchly arrayed in support of the Pessimists sometimes assure us that the principles of the Republican party from the good and worthy are no longer appreciated time of attaining his legal majority, and in in this country, that honor and integrity are addition to serving in minor village offices burdens to a man when he gets into politics he was also incumbent of that of justice of in this land of freedom and that to be a suc- a the peace for one term. Fraternally he is cess as a vote-getter, a man must perforce identified with the Masonic order, holding be an accomplished rascal. There is just membership in Springport Lodge No. 284, enough color in these assertions to give Free and Accepted Masons, and also with them the semblance of truth and many peo- the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in ple, foolishly credulous, absorb the state- , an JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 689 over. a ments with as much avidity as if they were ville. Hillsdale county, Michigan. Bereft the solemn utterances of holy writ. The of the partner of her joys and sorrows and truth is, there is less corruption in politics the protector of her family and her home, today than there ever was; a dishonest man, Mrs. Wheelock returned with her children either in or out of politics, is more execrated to the home of her girlhood in Jackson coun- by his fellow citizens now than heretofore, ty, and ever since her return she has been and the man of merit, capacity or integrity, an honored resident of the village of Han- without regard to his social or financial standing, is appreciated by his fellow citi- The district schools of America are the zens, who testify their regard for him year best promoters of good citizenship in the after year by elevating him to positions of land. Here the great and the lowly alike re- honor or profit. At every recurring election ceive instruction and many men have risen in this country thousands of men of merit to the highest eminence whose schooling win at the polls to one rascal who has been ended when he ceased to attend the district enabled to triumph. The subject of this re- school. It was in such schools Hilen D. view, Hilen D. Wheelock, of Hanover town- Wheelock received his education, and when ship, can appreciate the wisdom and dis- not employed with his studies he was busy cernment of his fellow citizens in the town- with some useful and remunerative labor. ship of his residence. He is neither a social On reaching manhood, he secured employ- power, a rich, landed proprietor nor ment as a farm laborer and followed that wealthy capitalist. Although running on the line of business for some two years, when minority party ticket, he has been twice he was enabled to procure an outfit of his elected to the most important local office, own and enter into business as an agricult- and by remarkably large majorities, the rea- urist on his own account. son for which is clear to all who are ac- At Moscow, Hillsdale county, December quainted with the man and his character. 16, 1885, Hilen D. Wheelock was united in Hilen D. Wheelock is a native of Minne- marriage to Miss Allie Arnold, a native of sota, born in the city of Minneapolis, March Michigan, born June 3, 1867. Her parents 13, 1865. His parents were Hilen D. and were Daniel and Jennie (Thompson) Arn- Lucinda (Clapp) Wheelock, the former a old, natives of New York, Mr. Arnold be native of Ohio and the latter of Jackson ing now a farmer of Moscow township, county, Michigan, the daughter of William Hillsdale county. Two children have been Ciapp, one of the oldest settlers in Hanover born to Mr. and Mrs. Wheelock, both inter- township. The parents of the subject were esting and intelligent girls, Carrie A. and married in Jackson county and soon there- India, the former being a student in the after took up their residence in Minneapolis. Hanover public schools. . Four children were born to this union, only The township of Hanover is generally two of whom are now living, Hilen D. and recognized as being, in politics, Democratic. William C., the latter a druggist in Kala- | Hilen D. Wheelock is a Republican. Dis- mazoo. In July, 1871, Hilen D. Wheelock, regarding his political views, the voters of Sr., breathed his last at his home in Jones- ! the township, some years ago, elected him a a 44 690 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ! to the office of justice of the peace, to fill a Parma township, Jackson county, where vacancy, and he served in that capacity two many of the inhabitants are residing on the years. In the spring of 1901 he was nom- very farms where they were born, some of inated upon the Republican ticket for super- whom have lived for a period of three score visor. The contest was a warm one, but years and more in sight of the spot where when the votes were counted the Repub- their eyes first opened to the light of day, lican candidate had twenty-six majority. In one would be disposed to deny the apparent 1892 he was renominated and received the discontent and desire for change. The sub- very flattering majority of fifty-four. ject of this biography, Oscar S. Ludlow, has Whatever the voters of other sections of the resided in the northeastern part of Jackson land may do, it is quite certain that the county for nearly sixty years. His parents veters of Hanover township know and ap- located in Michigan the same year in which preciate the services of a competent official. the commonwealth became a state and all Mr. Wheelock is a member of Lodge No. the remaining years of their lives were spent II3, Free and Accepted Masons, at Mos- here. cow, being also a member of the Mystic Oscar S. Ludlow is a native of Michi- Workers of the World. Still young, pos- gan, having been born in Springport town- sessed of the regard and confidence of his ship, Jackson county, October 30, 1844. fellow citizens, with talent of no common His parents were Stephen H. and Ann order and a mind rich in knowledge that is (Starr) Ludlow, both natives of Tompkins practically self acquired, it would be inter- county, New York. They were reared, ed- esting to peer into the future and see what ucated and married in their native county, is there for Hilen D. Wheelock. soon thereafter coming to Michigan and lo- cating in Springport township, where they purchased two hundred and ninety-four acres of land. On this they built a comfort- OSCAR A. LUDLOW. able home, cleared and otherwise improved the land and devoted themselves to farming Visitors from the various countries of the rest of their lives. She died March 17, Europe who have undertaken to enumerate 1869, while he survived her seventeen years, the peculiarities of the Americans seem to be expiring April 18, 1886. They were the most impressed with the restless energy, the parents of eight children, five sons and three desire for change and the apparent discon- daughters, of whom four of the sons and tent with existing conditions which per- one of the daughters are living. In poli- vades all classes of the American people. tics S. H. Ludlow was first a Whig, a Re- That there is a good deal of restless energy publican after that party was organized, among Americans there is no doubt, that supported Horace Greeley for President in desire for change exists is shown by the re- 1872, and from that time forth was strictly turns from each successive election, and dis- independent in all political matters. . He content, both real and apparent, is very per- served many years as township clerk, was ceptible. Nevertheless, in communities like for a long time justice of the peace and was JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 691 once the nominee of his party for the gen- Michigan. Michigan. He later entered the Ohio State eral assembly. University, specializing in cement chemis- Oscar S. Ludlow was was reared on the try in the ceramic department of the engi- farm, educated in the common schools and neering school of that institution. Since the in the Galesburg, Kalamazoo county, high completion of his studies there he has been school and early determined to make farm- continuously engaged in the manufacture of ing the pursuit of his life. He remained at Portland cement, having been in charge, suc- home, doing the work upon his father's cessively, of the chemical department of the farm until after he had attained his major-Alpena Portland Cement Company, at Al- ity and then, seeing that his parents were pena, Michigan, the Peninsular Portland being visited with the feebleness of age, took Cement Company, of Jackson, Michigan, upon himself partially the management of and the National Portland Cement Compa- the place. He soon afterward married and ny, of Durham, Ontario, Canada, which lat- about the same time purchased the inter- ter position he now holds. He is also in- ests of the heirs of the Ezekial Landon es- terested in other lines of chemical work, be- tate, where he now resides. The farm com- ing a member of the American Chemical prises two hundred and seventy-four acres Society and the American Ceramic Society. and is situated in section I, Parma town- March 5, 1893, Mrs. Harriet (Landon) ship. Ludlow, the faithful wife and devoted February 27, 1869, Oscar S. Ludlow mother, departed this life. She was a very was united in marriage to Miss Harriet intellectual woman, well educated and pos- Landon, a native of Parma township, born sessed of many accomplishments. In all May 27, 1847. Her parents were Ezekial kinds of religious work, particularly that and Dorcas (Cranson) Landon, both natives relating to the Sunday school, she was deep- of the state of New York, and among the ly interested. The Chautauqua Literary and early settlers of Parma township. Both Scientific Circle, of which she was a gradu- have been dead many years. Mr. and Mrs. ate, also occupied much of her time and at- Ludlow are the parents of two children, one tention. She was one of the leading mem- of whom is now living, Stephen H., who bers of the Methodist Episcopal church, one was born November 3, 1873. The other of the most devout and consistent believers child was Edith Landon, born September in that denomination and died firm in the 26, 1882, but who lived less than two faith of that religion. months, dying November 10, 1882. Ste- While very independent in his political phen H., after graduating from the public views, 0. S. Ludlow is a firm believer in schools, entered Albion College, taking the prohibition and regards that as the import- , scientific course, and graduated therefrom ant political issue of the present time. The with the class of 1896, receiving the degree only official position he ever held was that of Bachelor of Science. Shortly afterward of township treasurer and when his term in he took up his special line of work by en- that office expired he gave it up without any gaging as chemist with the Peerless Port- regret whatever. His own private concerns land Cement Company, of Union City, afford him ample labor for the occupation 692 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ances. of his time and he is not at all averse to per- share of it. He secured a musket and par- mit those who have a taste for politics to ticipated in the excitement and strife of that devote their time and attention to it. He hot encounter until the last shot was fired. is a modest man, genial and kindly to all, He is a native of England, but spent only and enjoys an enviable measure of popu- the first three months of his life in his native larity among his neighbors and acquaint- land. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Adams) Courtney, both natives of En- gland, where they were reared, educated and married and where they lived until after the WILLIAM COURTNEY. birth of the subject, who was the oldest child of the family. In 1840 they immi- It is very difficult for a man with fight- grated to America, came direct to Michi- ing blood in his veins who is deeply inter- gan and located in Hanover township, where ested in the success of a cause, to passively they lived during the remainder of their , behold a fight, in which that cause is in- lives, farming being their occupation. They volved, without taking an active part in the were the parents of seven children, viz: struggle. It is recorded of John A. Logan, William, the subject of this biography; Eli- of Illinois, who was a member of congress za, deceased : James, a soldier in the Civil when the battle of Bull Run was in progress war, who lost his life in the cause of the and the fighting came near to the city of Union; Thomas, a resident of the city of Washington, that, arrayed in his congres- Jackson ; Mary, wife of Thomas Woodliff, sional garments, with Prince Albert coat and of Hanover ; Louisa, wife of George Wood- silk hat, he went out to the scene of hostil-liff, of Hanover; Henry, deceased. The fa- ities, borrowed a gun and ammunition from ther died in 1861, while his widow survived a wounded soldier and took an active part his thirty-four years, breathing her last in in the battle. This set the fighting blood 1895. that was in him to tingling and he resigned On his father's farm, in Jackson coun- his seat in congress, procured a commission ty, William Courtney was reared, and has from President Lincoln, raised a regiment never ceased to be a resident of the town- , and immediately entered upon that brilliant ship since he was brought here by his par- military career that has become historic. ents, in infancy, in 1840. The opportunity The subject of this review, William of securing an education during the time of Courtney, had a somewhat similar experi- his boyhood was not all that could be de- He was a soldier of Company H, sired, but he succeeded, nevertheless, in pro- First Regiment Michigan Engineers and curing a very fair common school education. Mechanics. As its name indicates, the reg- When he grew to manhood he became iment was neither drilled nor equipped for skilled as a stone and brick mason and fol- fighting, but, being present at the battle of lowed that occupation a number of years. Stone River, William Courtney could not In the fall of 1861 he enlisted in Company see so much “beautiful fighting all along the H, First Michigan Regiment of Engineers line” going to waste without enjoying a and Mechanics, and served four years and ence. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 693 six months, his term of enlistment expiring inhabitants, Ireland has contributed more to just previous to the close of the rebellion. the population of the United States than any As heretofore related, he participated in the other European country and a very large battle of Stone River. After returning per cent of the population of Michigan are home from the army he again settled down Irish or of Irish lineage. The subject of to farm life, occasionally working at his this biography, Cornelius Sullivan, now de- trade and always steadily prospering. ceased, was a native of Ireland and the first On the 15th day of December, 1874, of the family to locate in Michigan, the date William Courtney was united in marriage of his arrival being 1837, the year this com- to Miss Sarah Hughes, a native of New monwealth became a state. He resided here York, born in Akron village, September during the remainder of his life, and had the 20, 1855. Her parents were John and Mar- satisfaction of seeing his children comfort- garet (McMaher) Hughes, natives of Ire- ably settled in life, prosperous and con- , land, who came to Michigan in 1857 and lo- tented. cated in Moscow township, Hillsdale coun- Cornelius Sullivan was born May 18, ty. To Mr. and Mrs. Courtney two chil- 1792, on an island in the Atlantic ocean, off dren have been born, viz: Maude, wife of the southwest coast of Ireland, recognized C. W. Hensell, of Jamestown, North Da- as a part of county Cork. The island is peo- kota, and who was formerly a music teach-pled chiefly by fisherman and the subject, er ; Lulu, wife of Fred Schoch, a resident while yet little more than a child, was great- of Hanover township. ly interested in nautical affairs. The inev- Having during his entire life been close- | itable result was that he became a sailor, for ly identified with the interests of Jackson many years traversing the high seas, and county, William Courtney is in favor of all visiting many of the ports of Europe, but elevating measures for the community. By more especially those of the British islands. close application to the duties which lie be- On one of his visits to his native home he fore him, he has become one of the very best married Miss Margaret Murphy and soon agriculturists of this section, and is proud of thereafter they set sail for the United States, the fact that his possessions are the result the Mecca of the oppressed of all nations, of his own persistent industry and good but more especially of the down-trodden management. Irish race. They landed in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1828, and for the next seven years the subject was employed upon the docks, CORNELIUS SULLIVAN. unloading vessels. Having accumulated some money and being none too well pleased From many parts of the world people with his occupation in Newport, he decided have come to enjoy the advantages of a to move to the west. Coming to Michigan, home in the state of Michigan. Few have he located in Washtenaw county, and settled regretted their coming and countless thou- uipon eighty acres of government land. He sands have blessed the day they made the cleared a portion of it, erected an humble change. In proportion to the number of its home and cultivated the place for seven 694 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. years. In 1844 he moved to Jackson county John Sullivan, sixth child and fourth and took up one hundred and sixty acres of son of Cornelius and Margaret (Murphy) government land in Hanover township. Sullivan, was born on the 30th day of No- This he proved up, and, as the opportunity vember, 1837, in the township of Freedom, offered, kept adding to his possessions until Washtenaw county, Michigan. Since 1844, at one time he was the owner of some nine when the family moved to Jackson county, hundred acres of land in Hanover township. he has been a resident of Hanover township. From the time of his advent into Michigan, He was educated in the district schools of he devoted himself almost exclusively to the township of his residence and is pos- farming. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan were the sessed of a far better education than one parents of eleven children, viz: Catharine would expect to find in a person who at- , died recently in Montcalm county; Daniel, tended none but the district schools. He deceased, whose family reside in Gratiot has been a farmer from the time he was old county; Margaret, deceased; Jerry, a farm- enough to engage in that work and has been er, resides in Hanover township; Cornelius, most successful in all that he has under- deceased; John, Dennis, Michael and Tim- taken. Being intelligent, well educated, pos- othy are all farmers of Hanover township; sessed of an unblemished character and ex- Mary, deceased; William is an agriculturist. ceedingly popular, he has been repeatedly In politics Mr. Sullivan was a very pro- solicited to become a candidate for office, but nounced Democrat, while in religion he was has persistently and absolutely refused, hav- a devout Catholic. He died May 26, 1871, ing no ambition whatever for political pref- , while his good wife survived him ten years, erment. expiring May 1, 1881. Jerry, fifth child of the above family, was born in Newport, Rhode Island, No- BARNABAS C. HATCH. vember 8, 1835, and when the family moved to Michigan he was but two years old. The The agricultural resources of Michigan next seven years of his life were spent in are famous throughout the land, a greater Fianover township. Early in life he de- variety variety of products being raised there than cided to take up farming as his life work in any other state. There are reasons for and he has followed that occupation ever this, as nature has acted her part well by since. On the 8th day of November, 1874, Michigan. Michigan. The soil, particularly in Jack- Jerry Sullivan was united in marriage to son and surrounding sections of the state, Miss Almira J. Drake, a native of New is all that could be desired and the climate Hampshire, born March 25, 1842, the is certainly favorable to almost any crop of daughter of Otis R. and Alhalia (Hani- grain, vegetables or fruits indigenous to the ford) Drake, also natives of New Hamp- temperate zone. But the chief cause, and shire, but who have lived in Michigan a one rarely considered, is that the population number of years. Mr. Sullivan views po- engaged in agricultural pursuits are better, litical questions much as his father did, be- more capable and more progressive, collec- ing a Democrat. tively, than the farming element of many of JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 695 the other states. The ancestors of many of arrived in Jackson county and located upon the present farmers of Michigan have also a tract of land, a part of section 36, Spring been engaged in the same business contin- Arbor township. From the government uously for upwards of a hundred years. they secured forty acres of the tract. He The subject of this biography, Barnabas C. had the wisdom and foresight to see that Hatch, now deceased, was the son of a the land was certain to enhance greatly in farmer who was engaged in the business in value and he added to his possessions piece the state of New York before the adoption by piece, by purchase, as the opportunity of the Federal constitution. Barnabas was offered, until he owned in Spring Arbor and himself a farmer in the early part of the last Hanover townships some six hundred acres. century, in his native state, and continued May 20, 1843, he was commissioned post- in the business after his removal to Michi- master at Bennett Corners, under the ad- gan and until his death. Nearly all of the ministration of President John Tyler, being sons born to him and many of his sons-in- the first postmaster commissioned in the law are farmers. If experience and hered- | township. The position was more honorary ity have anything to do with making suc- than lucrative, and he resigned it on his re- cessful farmers, is it any wonder that the moval to Hanover township, in 1846. He Hatch family disclosed remarkable aptitude served as supervisor of Hanover town- in a calling that has been the occupation of ship, entering upon the duties of the nearly all of its members for perhaps two office soon after his removal there, and hundred years? well did did he discharge the duties Barnabas C. Hatch was a native of the of the office that he was held in the position state of New York, born near Whitehall, for ten years. He served as justice of the Washington county, in 1809. Soon there- peace for twenty-four years and in 1848 was after he was taken by his parents to Steuben elected a member of the state legislature county, where he was reared and where he from Jackson county. He only served one received a limited education, the means for term, not desiring further political prefer- procuring which was secured chiefly through ment. his own exertion. From the time that he May 6, 1851, Mr. Hatch was visited by was old enough to earn wages he worked as the first great affliction of his life, Mary a farm hand and at the age of nineteen (Wortser) Hatch, his faithful wife, the be- ) years felt his means sufficiently affluent to loved companion of his life for nearly a take unto himself a wife. In 1828 he was quarter of a century, being claimed by united in marriage to Miss Mary Wortser, death. To them had been born ten children, who was born in Steuben county, but whose seven of whom are yet living, all residents parents were natives of Pennsylvania. Be- of Jackson county. The following are the tween them they saved their money so well names and places of residence of the off- that after seven years of industry in their spring: Eliza, widow of Walace J. Weeks, native state they had accumulated enough of Hanover township; George Nelson, of to justify them in coming to Michigan and Spring Arbor township; James E., of Han- investing in land. In November, 1835, they over township; Sylvanius, deceased; John SO 696 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. A., deceased; Barnabas C., Jr., a brief ac- Mrs. Hatch were the parents of two chil- count of whose career is given later in this dren, William J., now a resident of Utah, review; Helen H., wife of James F. Brown, and Hugh Worthington, deceased. Mrs. of Hanover township; Charles P. will also Hatch died on the 22d day of March, 1874. be mentioned in another part of this review; For four years Mr. Hatch remained a Harriet A., deceased, and Lewis Cass, who widower, then, on the 14th of February, , , is also referred to later in this article. 1878, he was again married, his bride on After having paid ample respect to the this occasion being Miss Emma Cornett, a memory of his late wife and having re- native of Providence, Rhode Island, boru mained a widower a number of years, Mr. December 19, 1852. Her parents were Will- Hatch was again married. His bride on iam and Susan (Goff) Cornett, old residents this occasion was Mrs. Lucinda Lent, of of Hanover township. A biographical Eaton county, Michigan. They lived hap- sketch of William H. Cornett, brother of pily together until his death, which occurred Mrs. Hatch, will be found in another part February 22, 1874. His wife survived him of this volume. To this marriage three many years, expiring June 14, 1901. In children were born, viz: Oliver C., deceased; the early days when there were associate Morton G., a law student in the University judges of the circuit court, Barnabas C. of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, class of 1905; Hatch served as associate judge of the Jack- | Irene, a student in the Horton schools. son circuit for a number of years. Fraternally Mr. Hatch is a Mason, while Barnabas C. Hatch, Jr., sixth child of religiously he is a Universalist and a trustee Barnabas C. Hatch, is a native of Michigan. of that church at Horton. He was born in Spring Arbor township, Charles P. Hatch, eighth child of Barn- Jackson county, December 14, 1840, was abas C. Hatch, was born upon his father's educated in the district schools and upon farm in Spring Arbor township, Jackson reaching manhood adopted the pursuit of county, Michigan, January 1, 1845. He agriculture as his occupation. He had was only one year old when his parents scarcely attained his majority when he was moved to Hanover township and there he called upon to fill the position of school in- has since resided. He received a fair com- spector of Hanover township, having moved mon school education, and early in life de- thereto with his parents in 1846. He served | cided to adopt farming as his life work. in that capacity six years and from 1883 to | Repeatedly he has been solicited to accept 1886 he was supervisor of the township and official positions, but has steadily refused, has also filled various other positions. though he did at one time serve on the board On the 17th day of March, 1876, Barna- of review of Hanover township. bas C. Hatch, Jr., was united in marriage to March 29, 1868, Charles P. Hatch was Miss Hattie L. Stone, a native of Michigan, united in marriage to Miss Elmira J. Stone, born December 17, 1840, the daughter of a native of Jackson, born about 1842. Her Charles and Sarah (Brown) Stone, old parents were Charles S. and Sarah E. Stone, residents of Hanover township. Mr. and old residents of Hanover township, who JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 697 settled there in 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Hatch Alonzo Snow was born in Livingston are members of the Universalist society at county, New York, January 16, 1839. His Horton. parents were Charles W. and Samantha Lewis Cass Hatch, youngest child of (Petty) Snow, the latter a native of Ver- Barnabas C. Hatch, was born on his father's mont, her husband of Massachusetts. Mrs. farm in Hanover township, July 6, 1849. Snow's parents moved to Rochester, New , He was reared and educated in his native York, where she grew York, where she grew to womanhood. township and early took up farming as his Charles W. Snow's parents moved to Ver- vocation in life. He was united in marriage mont, where he lived until the age of twenty to Miss Jennie Parrott, a native of Kalama- years, learned the business of a boot and zoo county, the daughter of William Par- shoemaker, and, starting out to work at his rott, who located in Jackson county in an trade, eventually reached the city of early day. To this marriage eight children Rochester, New York. There he became were born, viz: Ernest, William B., Anna, acquainted with a Miss Samantha Petty, Sophia, Hattie, George, John A. and Mary. with the result that a mutual attachment Ernest is a traveling salesman; William sprang up between them, which finally cul- and Anna are twins, the latter being the minated in marriage. After marriage, and wife of Fred Reed, of Horton; Sophia is working a number of years at his trade in ; now deceased. Jackson county has no more Rochester, Charles W. Snow removed to thrifty, energetic and worthy people resid- Lima, Livingston county, New York, with ing within its borders than the numerous his family, where he opened up as a boot descendants of Barnabas C. Hatch. and shoe manufacturer on his own behalf and there his son, the subject of this article, was born. ALONZO SNOW. Having prospered in his business in Livingston county, New York, and accumu- For more than fifty years the subject of lated some money, Charles W. Snow de- this review, Alonzo Snow, has been a resi- cided to come west, secure a tract of land dent of Jackson county. During all of that and engage in farming. Accordingly, in time he has been well and favorably known 1852, he came to Michigan with his family, not only in the immediate vicinity of his purchased a farm, part of section 16, Han- residence, Hanover township, but his over township, which he improved and culti- acquaintance extends very generally through vated until his death, which occurred in out the county. There was considerable 1869. He was a very prominent member of government land yet in the county of Jack- the Masonic fraternity and attained high son when his parents located here and he rank in the order. His father, Joseph Snow, has lived not only to see it all taken up and was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. disposed by the government, but has seen Mrs. Charles W. Snow survived her husband what was then a wilderness transformed | many years and lived to a ripe old age, dy- into a rich, productive and well-settled ing in 1898. They were the parents of ten country. children, all of whom grew to maturity, 698 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. viz: George W., now deceased; Charles E., and Mrs. Snow two children have been born, attorney, located at Jackson; Emily B., de- Winifred and Carl, both in school. ceased; Alonzo, the subject of this review; In politics the subject of this review is a William H. H., a resident of Spring Arbor; Democrat. In 1867 he was elected to the Mary A., widow of Edwin J. Sprague, re- office of township clerk and for seventeen sides in Hanover; Frank, a farmer of Han- years, almost continuously, he held that po- over township; Julia, wife of Eugene Snow, sition. He has also been township treas- residing at Saginaw. urer, school inspector and commissioner of In 1852, when he came to Michigan with highways. He has been a member of the his parents, Alonzo Snow was thirteen years Hanover village council one year, treasurer old. He had attended school a few terms two years and at the present time is the in his native place in New York and after assessor of the village. He is a member of the location of the family in Hanover town- Tent No. 355, Knights of the Maccabees, ship he attended the district schools of at Hanover, and takes a good deal of interest Michigan, whereby he was enabled to secure in the work. He is a man of excellent a very satisfactory common school edu- judgment, abundance of sound common , cation. When he grew to manhood he en- sense and a most worthy citizen in every gaged in farming and followed that calling particular. very successfully a number of years, but, on account of failing health, he decided to em- bark in the mercantile business. Accord- JONATHAN TRUMBULL. ingly he invested in a stock of hardware and opened up in business in Hanover, where he The subject of this brief sketch is a had a flourishing trade for a number of native son of Jackson county, and has been years, until the condition of his health ad- here identified with the great basic art of monished him to retire, since when he has agriculture from his youth to the present occupied his time looking after his personal | time, while it has been his privilege to wit- affairs only and attending to the official ness the marvelous transformation which duties of some of the local offices to which has been wrought in this section within the he has been elected. last half century. It is indeed a “far cry" Having remained a bachelor until he was from the status of the county at the time in his forty-fourth year, it was predicted by he was here ushered into the world to that many of his friends and acquaintances that condition which today obtains. . Then he would never marry. But the unexpected But the unexpected the greater portion of its territory was is that which very frequently occurs. Janu- covered with the native timber, Indians still ary 6, 1886, Alonzo Snow was united in roamed through the dim forest aisles, wild marriage to Miss Minnie Bordner, a native game of all kinds was plentiful, settlers of Williams county, Ohio, born in 1859. , were widely separated and the present me- Her parents are William and Caroline tropolis of the county was a mere village. Bordner, formerly of Williams county, Today we find a rich and magnificently de- Ohio, now residents of Missouri. To Mr. (veloped farming section, controlling modern a JONATHAN TRUMBULL. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 699 facilities in the way of telephonic connec- was founded in New England in the colonial tion, rural free mail-delivery system, well epoch of our national history. He was a improved highways, ' excellent transpor- lawyer by profession and also followed ag- tation advantages, etc.; Jackson is a city of ricultural pursuits, being a man of fine marked industrial and commercial im- attainments and wielding distinctive in- portance; the county is dotted with church- fluence in the public affairs of his native es, school houses and fine residences; thriv- state, having served as a member of its ing towns and villages have sprung up with legislature. He was a man of recondite in its borders, and thrift and opulent pros- knowledge, being a classical scholar and , perity are in evidence on every side. In the also thoroughly conversant with the He- work of founding and upbuilding the coun- brew language, and was one of the distin- ty the father of the subject contributed guished sons of the Nutmeg state. He was materially, and the subject himself has a son of Rev. Benjainin Trumbull, who was proved an able successor and has equally a clergyman of the Protestant Episcopal well played his part in connection with the church and who also was a professor in industrial and civic development of this various educational institutions. He served section, so that the name is one which well as a soldier in the Continental line during merits a place of distinction in the pages of the war of the Revolution, and the subject a compilation of the province assigned to has in his possession, as a highly prized this publication. Of Mr. Trumbull it may heirloom, the old flint-lock musket which further be said, in an initiative way, that this able and honoed ancestor carried dur- he is one of the essentially representative ing his military service. Rev. Benjamin farmers and stock growers of the county Trumbull compiled a history of Connecti- and one of the highly honored citizens, cut, being a man of fine, scholarship and while he may well take pride in his an- coming of patrician stock. He died in cestral history, the name which he bears Connecticut, as did also his son and name- having had many prominent representatives sake, the grandfather of him whose name in various sections of the Union and in the introduces this sketch. Benjamin Trum- several generations. bull, Jr., became the father of eight chil- Jonathan Trumbull was born on the old dren, concerning whom the following data is homestead farm, in section 24, Rives town- offered: Benjamin (3d) was reared in ship, this county, on the 20th of November, Connecticut, whence he went in an early 1848, and is a son of Erastus and Ann day to Omaha, Nebraska, where he died. (Haywood) Trumbull, the former of John S. came to Michigan with the father whom was born in the state of Connecticut, of the subject, in 1832, and purchased land on the 11th of May, 1809, while the latter in Cass county, where he remained two was born in Devonshire, England, on the years, at the expiration of which he came , 5th of July, 1828. Benjamin Trumbull, to Jackson county and purchased land in grandfather of the subject, was born in section 24, Rives township, where he passed Warren, Litchfield county, Connecticut, be the remainder of his life, having reared a ing of Scottish descent, while the family family of four children. Erastus, the next , 700 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. in order of birth, was the father of the sub- then President of the United States, being ject. David came to Jackson councy in now in the possession of the subject. At 1833 and located in Sandstone township, the time when the brothers located here the where he reclaimed a farm, upon which he forest was practically impenetrable save by continued to make his home until the close pedestrians, no roads having been cleared. of his life, having become the father of one while the old Indian trails and the "blazed" son. Lyman came to the west in 1833 and trails of the pioneers constituted highways. his name is indelibly impressed upon the Erastus Trumbull set to himself the her- history of the state of Illinois, where he lo- culean task of clearing his land, felling cated at that time and where he rose to a giant trees of the forest and burning the distinguished position in public and civic timber, and often a month would pass with- affairs. He was one of the pioneer mem- out his being granted the privilege of seeing bers of the bar of that state, a man of emi- another white man, Jackson at that time nent talent and continued in the active being scarcely more than a straggling ham- practice of his profession until his death. let in the midst of the forest. The nearest . He was associate judge of the supreme mill was in Monroe, and it required six court of Illinois and represented the state days to make the trip to and from that place in the United States senate for eighteen with ox teams, this being after the primi- years He died in the city of Chicago, iritive roads had been cut through the major 1897, at the age of eighty-four years, hav- portion of the distance. Mr. Trumbull was ing reared a family of eight children. indefatigable in his efforts and thus de- Sarah M. became the wife of John H. veloped one of the fine farms of the county, Trumbull, who is now deceased, and she while he became the owner of several farms resides in Kingston, New York, being in Rives township, here passing the re- eighty-four years of age at the time of this mainder of his life and ever commanding writing, in 1903. Julia died in Rives town- unequivocal confidence and esteem. Like ship, Jackson county, at the age of thirty- the others of his immediate family, he was two years. George, who was a lawyer by a man of fine intellectuality and distinct profession, died in the city of Chicago, be- individuality, and he exercised a marked ing survived by four of his six children. and beneficent influence in the community, Each of this family received a liberal edu- while in his death, on the 9th of October, cation and all so lived as to lend additional | 1893, the county lost one of its honored prestige to an honored name. pioneers and most worthy citizens Mr. Erastus Trumbull, father of the subject, Trumbull was originally a Whig in poli- came to Michigan in 1832, making the over- tics, but became a stanch adherent to the land trip from Connecticut with wagons and Republican party at the time of its inception ox teams, and in 1834 he located in Rives and ever afterward was arrayed in its sup- township, this county, where he and his port, though he never sought public office. brother John took up three hundred and His religious faith was that of the Presby- twenty acres of government land, the deed terian church, while his wife belonged to to which, signed by Martin VanBuren, | the Episcopalian. She still resides on the , JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 201 old farmstead, endeared to her by the mem- been so prominently identified since the early ories and associations of the past, and is pioneer era. seventy-four years of age at the time of Jonathan Trumbull was reared on the this writing. She is a daughter of John and old homestead and contributed his quota Rosemond (Bradford) Haywood, both of to the work of reclaiming and otherwise im- whom were born in Devonshire, England, proving the same, while his enterprise and where their marriage was solemnized, and self-reliance early became manifest, since he where they continued to reside until 1834, instituted independent operations when only when they came with their family to sixteen years of age, when he began to buy America and located in the state of New and sell sheep, and from that time forward York, where they remained until the early to the present he has devoted no little at- 'forties, when they came to Jackson county, tention to the handling of live stock, de- Michigan. Here they resided until death, veloping an extensive business in this line, Mr. Haywood having become one of the while for a number of years past he has representative farmers and honored citi- made large annual shipments to the zens of the county. metropolitan markets. He has had charge Erastus and Ann (Haywood) Trum- of the homestead farm since he was seven- bull became the parents of five children, teen years of age, and in 1869 he purchased concerning whom the following record is eighty acres of the same, while not until offered : Jonathan, the subject of this sketch, 1883 did he begin to improve this portion is the eldest of the children. Laura, who of the place with buildings. He has now a was born on the 21st of September, 1850, fine residence, commodious and of tasteful died on the 12th of November, 1854. Julia, architectural design, while the barn is a who was born on the 24th of June, 1852, large and substantial one and the other is a maiden lady and resides with her farm buildings in harmony therewith. He mother on the old homestead. Laura E., now owns ninety-four acres and still con-- who was born on the 2d of March, 1855, tinues to manage the entire homestead, was married, on the 12th of July, 1877, to thus having under his control a total of Dr. Charles A. Littler, and they became the two hundred and forty acres. One hun- parents of one son, Robert T. Dr. Littler dred and sixty acres are under a high state died in 1900 and his widow resides in the of cultivation and the balance is mainly city of Jackson. Caroline, who was born reserved as pasture land, while he has on the 31st of October, 1858, has never been particularly successful in the raising of married and she makes her home with her live stock, a line of industry to which he only brother, the subject of this review. has devoted his attention from his youth up, The children received good educational ad- as has already been noted. He raised the vantages, all having attended the high | Durham type of cattle and thoroughbred school in the city of Jackson, and the family coarse-wool sheep and Poland China hogs, is well known and highly honored in the and still continues to buy and sell live stock, county, with whose history the name has being one of the leading shippers of this 702 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. locality. Mr. Trumbull is one of the rep- county. Mrs. Trumbull was summoned in- resentative farmers of the county and has to eternal rest on the 20th of May, 1885, been very successful in his efforts, bringing being survived by her only child, Herbert to bear distinctive business acumen and E., who was born on the 14th of April, discrimination and being progressive in his 1885, and who is now associated with his attitude at all times. No resident of the father in the operation of the farm. He community is held in higher esteem than he, received his preliminary education in the and evidence of this has been given in the public schools and supplemented the same important public preferments which have by a course of study in Devlin’s Business come to him. He has ever been a stanch College, in the city of Jackson, where he advocate of the principles and policies of was graduated as a member of the class of the Democratic party and has locally been 1892. He is a young man of ability and an active worker in its cause. He has served sterling character and enjoys marked pop- thirteen years in the office of township ularity in the community in which his en- Supervisor, of which he is at present in- tire life has been passed. cumbent, and he was the candidate of his party for county sheriff in the fall of 1902, meeting defeat through the normal political exigencies which brought about the general EDWARD DODD. victory for the opposing party. Mr. Trum- bull is a member of the Masonic fraternity, In the early days New York and New being affiliated with Pleasant Lake Lodge England furnished a very large per cent of No. 185, Free and Accepted Masons, while the pioneer settlers of Michigan, the Empire he is also identified with the Ancient Order state being especially generous in its con- of United Workmen, holding membership tribution. The subject of this biography, in Jackson Lodge No. 72, and with the Edward Dodd, was one among those who Knights of the Maccabees, in which he arrived and established a home in the Wol- holds membership in Rives Tent No. 868, at verine state before it had yet celebrated the Rives Junction. He has been secretary of first anniversary of its admission to the his Masonic lodge for the past eight years. great sisterhood of cominonwealths. For On the 18th of October, 1871, Mr. more than half a century thereafter he re- Trumbull was united in marriage to Miss sided in the state, there his eyes were closed Agnes O. Wheeler, who was born in Grass in death and its soil furnished him a final Lake township, this county, on the 23d of resting place. June, 1850, being a daughter of John and Edward Dodd was born in Saratoga Fannie Wheeler, both of whom were born county, New York, October 27, 1816. His in the province of Ontario, Canada, whence parents were English and at that time the they came to Jackson county in an early family had not long resided in America. day, here passing the remainder of their The education of the young in the , lives. Mr. Wheeler became one of the days of his boyhood prominent and successful farmers of the sidered so important a feature of American was not con- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 703 life as it is at the present time, hence his has since become the wife of S. J. Wilson, opportunities for learning were quite limit- of Pasadena, California. In 1848 Mr. ed. Though deficient in education, he more Dodd was married to Miss Sarah Reistine, than made up for it in native intelligence who died on the 11th of May, 1859, and and sound common sense. . Lessons of in- on the 2d day of February, 1862, he was dustry were the chief ones that he learned united in marriage to Mrs. Lovina Hutch- during his early life. When of the proper ins, widow of Alem J. Hutchins, of Pulaski age he learned the trade of a carpenter and township, a brief sketch of whose career will builder and worked at that calling a number be found in another part of this volume. of years. In 1838, at the age of twenty-two The union was a most congenial one and years, he joined the throng from New York they lived most happily together for a period , on its way to Michigan, then the latest ac- of nearly thirty years, when, on December cession to the stars emblazoned on the 16, 1891, death summoned him to the better American flag. Arriving in the new state, world. He had been a resident of Hanover he located on a tract of land, in the town- township for a period of forty-six years, ship of Moscow, Hillsdale county, where he and during that time had filled very credit- resided one year, when he returned to New ably many of the local offices, including that York, but after remaining there five years of supervisor. He was a Republican in poli- he returned to Michigan in 1844. Before tics, and in religion he was a devout member leaving his native state for the first time, he of the Methodist church. His faithful and was united in marriage to Miss Phoebe devoted widow is still living, residing upon Smith, who accompanied him on his differ- the farm in Hanover township and quietly ent trips to and from Michigan. In 1845 enjoying the closing years of a life that is Mr. Dodd purchased a farm of one hundred replete with devoted care, loving kindness and twenty-six acres of land, a part of and many noble deeds. section 19, Hanover township, Jackson county, and there he established a home for himself and family. In 1847 Mrs. Dodd departed this life, leaving five children to the SETH B. SNYDER. care of her beloved husband. For some years he devoted himself to the rearing A man who has spent the sixty years of and care of his motherless children and to his life in the county of his birth and who the cultivation of his farm. Devoted love has adopted and followed the calling of his and tenderness may assuage pain and relieve father can not be justly charged with dis- suffering, but it can never win back to health content or accused of having a roving dis- the object upon which it is lavished. Before position. Seth B. Snyder, the subject of either of them had attained their majority, this brief biography, has lived for sixty four of the five little ones had joined their years within a few miles of the place of his sainted mother in the better land, only one birth. Contentment became his companion daughter, Adaline, remaining to adminis- in childhood and has abided with him to the ter consolation to her afflicted father. She present time. Happiness, the inevitable 704 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. companion of contentment, came also and dent, sensible mother, to whom the welfare made his life, though humble, an ideal one . of her children was the chief object of her Seth B. Snyder was born in Summit life. She was very careful to see that their township, Jackson county, June 20, 1843, education was not neglected and every op- the son of Peter Snyder, a native of the state portunity of attending school was, there- of New York, born in 1808. Peter Sny- fore, embraced by them. By the time Seth der was reared to manhood in his native left school his knowledge of the common state, where he received a good common branches was all that could be desired. He school education, and in 1833 he came to early adopted farming as his life work and Michigan and located in Summit township, has followed it very prosperously nearly all Jackson county, where he purchased a large of the years since. . tract of land, which he proceeded to im- On the 7th day of December, 1865, Setli prove and cultivate. He was twice married, B. Snyder was united in marriage to Miss his first wife being Polly Whiteman, a na- Helen Ford, a native of Jackson county, tive of New York. Two children were be- born in Shiawassee county, December 7, gotten of this union, Anna Maria, deceased, 1849. Her parents were Darius and Sarah and Isaac, now a resident of Kent county, (Lent) Ford, natives of New York. To Michigan. Bereft of his wife by death, the union of the subject and wife two chil- Peter Snyder applied himself, the next few dren have been born, viz: Wells, a farmer years, more assiduously to the work of his of Hanover township, and Lillian, the wife farm and the rearing of his children. In of Fred Barnes, of Hanover township. 1836 he was again married, his bride on this Although by no means aspiring to emi- occasion being Miss Elizabeth Snyder, also nence in politics, Seth B. Snyder has often a native of New York. This union proved been called upon by the voters of the town- very felicitous, and four children were born ship to discharge the duties of some of the to them, viz: Merrit, of Hanover town- local offices. He served one year as treas- ship; Calvin, of Kent county ; Seth B., the urer, three successive terms as supervisor subject of this biography; Lucy, a resident and was assessor of the village of Hanover of Hanover township. But the happiness for two years, various other positions of of the worthy couple was only too brief. Mr. trust having also been held by him. In every Snyder died in 1847, in the thirty-ninth position he has occupied he acquitted him- year of his age, while Mrs. Snyder lived self with satisfaction to those most interest- long enough to see all of her children grow ed and with credit to himself. He is a mem- to maturity, settle themselves in life, be- ber of Blair Tent No. 365, Knights of the come prosperous and occupy useful stations Maccabees, and his religious belief is in har- in the community of their residence. She mony with the doctrines of the Friends died May 13, 1891. church, of which he is a member and a regu- Seth B. Snyder was thirteen years of age lar attendant upon its services. He is a ca- when, in 1856, his widowed mother moved pable energetic man, thoroughly content from Summit to Hanover township. He with the humble station in which the years had the good fortune to have a most pru- of his life have been spent. a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 705 was ALEM J. HUTCHINS. and he was obliged to leave school before graduation. Returning home, he engaged Few men in Jackson county were as in teaching and farming, hoping that the widely and favorably known as was he outdoor exercise of farm life would renew whose name heads these paragraphs. He his wasted strength and cause a return of was one of the strong and influential citi- physical vigor. The time he devoted to zens whose lives have become an essential teaching was only a few months each year, part of the history of this section of the during the winter months, but the labor of state, and his name was synonymous for all the farm more than his depleted that constituted upright and honorable man- strength could endure and illness finally hood. Tireless energy, keenness of percep- obliged him to relinquish the occupation. tion and honesty of purpose, combined with Too active in disposition to remain unoccu- “ every-day common-sense, were among his pied, he purchased a store at Pulaski Cen- chief characteristics, and though his ter and engaged in the mercantile business earthly career was terminated as he was just during the remainder of his brief and most entering into the full realization of life's op- exemplary career. portunities, he had already earned for him- On the 7th day of June, 1853, Alem J. self the sincere and honest appreciation of Hutchins was united in marriage to Miss the community at large and had surrround- Lovina Tenney, a native of Yates county, ed himself with a coterie of warm and loyal New York, born December 17, 1827. Her friends. parents were Weston and Sophia (Nutten) Alem J. Hutchins was born in Columbia Tenney, who located in Leelanau county in county, Pennsylvania, January 10, 1828. 1843. To Mr. and Mrs. Hutchins one child He was one of a number of children of the was born June 14, 1854. He was named J. same family who were bereft of their father, Weston Hutchins and he is now a worthy by death, while they were yet quite young and honored resident of Hanover township. . In 1843 the widowed mother decided to take Weston Tenney was a native of Massa- her children and move to Michigan, and she chusetts, born November 12, 1799, and his located on a farm in Pulaski township, Jack- in Pulaski township, Jack- father was a soldier in the war of the Revo- son county. The subject of this review at- lution, serving from the battle of Bunker tended the public schools of the township Hill to the close of the struggle. Weston and later entered Albion College. Never Tenney died on the 13th of November, 1886. physically strong, but possessed of unusual Mrs. Hutchins' mother was born in Steu- penetration and brilliancy of mind, his zeal ben county, New York, March 5, 1802, and in the pursuance of his studies and his close died in Woodstock, Michigan, June 10, and continuous application undermined his 1871, having been a faithful and devout physical strength. With the purpose of tak- member of the Baptist church. ing the regular course, he entered Witten- For a number of years and up to the time burg College, Springfield, Ohio, and was of his death Alem J. Hutchins discharged making rapid progress, but illness prevented most creditably the duties of the position of him from pursuing his studies to completion clerk of Pulaski township. He was an ac- 45 706 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. а tive worker in the organization known as what is required on the part of the teacher, the Sons of Temperance and always exhib- consequently many otherwise successful ited an earnest zeal for the welfare and im- teachers are compelled to relinquish the pro- provement of his fellow men. In religion he fession of their choice and turn to was a member of the Lutheran church, and profitable fields of employment. was a Democrat in politics. He died No- Ernest G. Knight is a native of Mich- vember 5, 1858, in the thirty-first year of his igan, having been born in Barry county, June age. Four years after the death of her first 10, 1864, the son of James D. and Lydia A. husband, Mrs. Lovina Hutchins became the (Gibbs) Knight, natives of New York. wife of Edward Dodd, a brief sketch of About 1849 the family moved to Jackson whose career will be found in another part county, first locating in Summit township, of this volume. but after a residence there of two years, they moved to Hanover township, where they have since resided. The early life of the ERNEST G. KNIGHT. subject was spent upon the farm. In the common schools, in the high school at Han- Agriculture has been the true source of over and later at the State Normal School man's dominion on earth ever since the at Ypsilanti he received his education, primal existence of labor and has been the graduating from the latter institution pivotal industry that has controlled for the in the class of 1890. After returning most part all fields of action to which his from the State Normal, having qualified intelligence and energy have been devoted. himself for teaching, he readily secured a In a civilized community no calling is so position and zealously applied himself to the certain of yielding a compensatory return work. His service was satisfactory and suc- as that which is culled from a kindly soil, cessful, but the labor, care and attention re- , albeit the husbandman at times is sorely quired were so greatly disproportionate to taxed in coaxing from mother earth all that the compensation received as to be very dis- he desires or even expects; yet she is a kind couraging and a limited experience sufficed mother and seldom chastens with dis- to convince him that there were other fields appointment the child whose diligence and of labor just as pleasant and more profitable. frugality she deems it but just should be re- Reared on a farm and conversant with all warded. The subject of this sketch early in the requirements of agricultural pursuits, he his active career took up school teaching as turned his attention to that honorable voca- a vocation. No one is more entitled to tion. While the physical exertion required the thoughtful consideration of a free and was greater and the hours of labor longer, enlightened people than he who shapes and nevertheless the relief from responsibility directs the minds of the young, adds to the and the greater net earnings at the end of the value of his intellectual treasures and moulds year made the calling much more desirable their character. But too frequently it is than that of an instructor, and from the very found to be a fact that the remuneration for eginning Mr. Knight has been prosperous such labor is not at all commensurate with and eminently successful. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 707 On the 24th day of August, 1897, Ernest family in this county, George Ryan, located G. Knight was united in marriage to Miss in Hanover township about sixty years ago Claudia Town, a native of Jackson county, and from that time to the present members born April 22, 1874. Her parents are James of the family have been residents of this lo- D. and Esther A. (Houghtalin) Town, na- cality. tives of Michigan and old settlers of Jack- George Paul Ryan was born in the vil- son county. To Mr. and Mrs. Knight one lage of Hanover, August 22, 1854. His fa- child has been born, an interesting little ther, George L. Ryan, was a native of Al- daughter whom they have named Thelma. bany, New York, born in the latter part of In politics Mr. Knight is a very pronounced the first quarter of the nineteenth century. Republican and exercises a good deal of po- His grandfather was George Ryan, a soldier litical influence, not only in his locality, but of the war of 1812, whose birth dates back throughout the entire county. He has filled to the time when the illustrious Washington a number of local offices in the township was still an occupant of the presidential where he resides and during the memorable chair. Mr. Ryan was a native of Rhode contest of 1897, between Hammond and Island and a farmer by occupation and after Wolcott for the office of probate judge, he the close of the war he returned to his home, was a member of the board of canvassers. where he remained some years engaged in In the campaign of 1898 he received the agricultural pursuits, then moved to the nomination of his party for the office of state of New York, locating upon a farm county clerk and made a most spirited can- near Albany. He there married and there vass, but his party being in the minority in his seven children, three sons and four his county, he was defeated by a small daughters, were born. He remained in that plurality. He is a member of two fraternal place until about 1843, when he came to orders only, Horton Lodge, Free and Ac-Michigan and located in Hanover township, cepted Masons, and Woodmen Camp No. Jackson county, where he purchased land 5087, and he takes an active interest in each. and devoted himself to farming until advanc- He is a man of very pronounced individual- ing years rendered him incapable of further ity, prudent and thrifty, and one who is yet labor. He and his wife died in 1880, their to be heard from effectively in the counsels deaths occurring within a few months of each other. When the family moved to Michigan, George L. Ryan, one of the three sons, was GEORGE P. RYAN. a youth bordering on manhood. He aided his father in clearing, improving and culti- Few families now living within the vating the farm and remained with the fam- limits of Hanover township have been identi- ily until after he had attained his majority. fied with its interests as long or as intimately Industrious, provident and frugal, he soon as the Ryan family, of which George P. saved sufficient means to enable him to Ryan, the subject of this review, is a repre- procure a home, and, being seized with the sentative. The original progenitor of the laudable ambition to be settled in life, he of his party. 708 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. won the affections of and married an esti- ment of the business in the hands of Mr. mable girl, Miss Polly Spink, the daughter Ryan. The latter continued in charge as of Paul Spink, an old resident of Jackson manager, until 1900, when he moved to county. The union proved a most congenial Horton, where he is manager for T. H. one, their married life, being replete with Knickerbocker, of Concord, Michigan, happiness, and to them three sons were born, where he still remains, the trade having viz: George Paul, the subject of this re- steadily increased from the beginning. view; Urrea Adelbert, deceased; Fred L., a Politically, George P. Ryan is a Demo- minister of the gospel of the denomination crat, but not a partisan for either the honors of Friends, being pastor of a flourishing or emoluments of office. The most import- congregation in the state of New York, on ant public position he ever held was that of the highlands of the Hudson. under sheriff of Jackson county, to which George Paul Ryan was reared in his na- he was appointed in 1897 and served until tive township of Hanover, and was dili- 1901. The most noteworthy piece of busi- gent in his studies in school and in his labors ness which arose during his administration on the farm. The skillful manipulation of was the exposure and arrest of one of the tools of various kinds came naturally to him, smoothest and most notorious swindlers that which, doubtless, was the occasion of his ever operated in the state of Michigan. He turning his attention to the calling of a car- basked, under the euphonious cognomen of penter and builder. He was not long in ac- "Rev. Herbert Harper" and pretended to be quiring a very thorough knowledge of the greatly interested in the salvation of souls, trade and followed it successfully many but he was far more interested in separating years. confiding Christians from the contents of On the 3d day of March, 1874, George their pocketbooks. He had operated in vari- P. Ryan was united in marriage to Miss Bya ous parts of the state and succeeded in elud- D. Gibbs, a native of Detroit, born Marching arrest, but he met his Waterloo when he 24, 1857, the daughter of George and Mary encountered the under sheriff of Jackson Ann (Dean) Gibbs, natives of Yorkshire, county. In 1893 Mr. Ryan was elected England. Four children have been born to township clerk and served two terms; he the union of Mr. and Mrs. Ryan, viz: served as clerk of the village of Hanover George L., Urrea Adelbert, Paul and Mary, during 1895-6 and was councilman of the the latter the wife of Ralph Woodliff, of village for two years. He was instrumental Hanover. in organizing the Hanover Township Pio- In 1886 George P. Ryan entered the em- neer Association in 1895 and has been its ploy of H. J. Hudnutt in the furniture and secretary from that time to the present. He undertaking business, and so continued until is a member of the Masonic fraternity, hold- 1894, when the death of Mr. Hudnutt made ing membership in the lodge at Horton, and a change in the management of the business also belongs to Snyder Tent No. 352, necessary It was purchased by J. D. Knights of the Maccabees, and to Camp No. Dorns, of Tekonsha, Michigan, who im- 5087, Modern Woodmen of America. Re- mediately put the entire care and manage-ligiously he belongs to the Methodist Epis- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 709 copal church and is an upright, manly man, February 14, 1846, the son of Amos H. and exemplary in every respect. Mrs. Ryan be- Harriet S. (Hunn) Godfrey. Amos H. longs to Hive No. 273, Ladies of the Mac- Godfrey was a native of Dutchess county, cabees, and, with her husband, to Chapter New York, born March 5, 1819, and his No. 135, Order of the Eastern Star. parents were Elijah and Catharine (Slau- son) Godfrey, mention of whom will be found in another part of this work in the sketch of J. R. Godfrey and that of his son, , SEYMOUR H. GODFREY. Irving J. Godfrey, who are descendants of the same parental stock. The maternal How few there are possessed of the grandparents of S. H. Godfrey were ability to make the best of every situation Ephraim and Amy A. (Porter) Hunn, na- which presents itself. A single disaster or tive of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, calamity visits upon some people a discour- who moved to the state of New York and agement from which they never fully re- located in Genesee county, where both, after cover, while others are so constituted that many long years of usefulness, at length even their misfortunes are coined into bless- passed to their eternal reward. Mrs. Hunn ings and pass current as the purchase price was about eighty years old at the time of of future successes. Some men, when de- her death, while her husband lived to the prived of a position in some particular line, age of ninety-four years. The father of are obliged to sojourn on the borders of beg- Ephraim Hunn was a soldier of the Revolu- gary until they can secure their old or a sim- tionary war and lived long enough to see the ilar place, while others, meeting with a like government of the United States firmly es- disappointment, readily branch out into an- tablished. He returned to his home in other line and are really benefited instead of Massachusetts when peace was declared and being injured by the misfortune. To be tru- there died at the age of one hundred and ly versatile is one of the richest gifts with which nature endows humanity. The sub- When his parents moved from New ject of this biography, Seymour H. God- York to Jackson county, in 1850, S. H. frey, of Parma township, is a man who by Godfrey was but four years old. They pur- his career has clearly demonstrated his ver- chased a farm, part of section 36, Parma satility. He has been a farmer, a hardware township, which years later became a part merchant, a postmaster, a banker, a produce of the village of Parma, and there lived dealer, chief executive of the village and a many years, rearing their family and adding breeder of fine horses. In whatever direc- yearly to their worldly possessions. The tion he turned his talents, he was a money farm was eventually disposed of and the lat- maker, and is now recognized as one of the ter years of the life of Amos and Harriet successful men of his section of Jackson Godfrey were spent in ease and comfort. county. She died August 15, 1881, while his death Seymour H. Godfrey is a native of the occurred October 23, 1891. They were the state of New York, born in Genesee county, ( parents of two children, parents of two children, Seymour H., the four years. 710 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. subject of this biography, and William H., York, May 27, 1820, and on October 24, who has for many years been a resident of 1842, was married to Annette Higgins, who Corona, California. The life business of was born at Ithaca, New York, July II, Amos Godfrey was farming, in which call- 1824. On coming to Michigan, Mr. Gillett ing he was very successful. In politics he devoted himself to farming for about twenty was a Democrat and very pronounced in his years, being blessed with the abundance views on all public questions. His wife was which fortune seldom withholds from the a member of the Methodist Episcopal industrious and frugal. He came to Parma church and a regular attendant upon the in 1861 and in 1868, when the village began services of that church at Parma. to assume important commercial propor- Reared on the farm and brought up to tions, he organized the Bank of Parma and habits of industry, Seymour H. Godfrey's conducted it ably and well up to the time of early life was usefully spent. He was edu- his last illness, in 1881. S. H. Godfrey cated in the public schools, where he se- served in the capacity of cashier of this bank cured a very thorough knowledge of all of for three years. Mrs. Addie (Higgins) Gil- . the elementary branches of learning. In be- lett is now a resident of Los Angeles, Cali- ginning life for himself he opened up a hard- fornia, whence she moved from Jackson ware and agricultural implement store in county early in 1890. Mr. Gillett was never Parma and continued to do a very successful an office seeker, but was a public-spirited business for a number of years. He was man and one of humanity's best friends. commissioned postmaster during the second His widow, a lady of unusual intellectual administration of Grover Cleveland and ability, is a philanthropist and a student of served the public very efficiently in that ca- the true philosophy and all leading questions pacity for four years. About 1875 he of the day. opened up in the hardware business at Chel- In connection with his principal business sea, Michigan, where he enjoyed a flourish- of breeding, rearing and selling Wilkes ing trade, which he relinquished that he standard-bred horses, Mr. Godfrey is also might have more time to devote to the breed- engaged in the purchase and shipment of ing, rearing and sale of his standard bred produce. His dealings in this line have been horses, a business in which he has been en- quite extensive and his operations have been gaged for about fifteen years. particularly beneficial to the agriculturists of On the 20th day of March, 1873, Sey- the townships adjoining the village of Par- mour H. Godfrey was united in marriage to ma. Through his efforts a better market is Miss Ella V. Gillett, a native of Jackson reached for the produce of the farm, with county, born in Springport township, Sep- the result that better prices are secured. In , teniber 15, 1852. Her parents were Orren politics the subject of this review is a Dem- a O. and Addie (Higgins) Gillett, natives of ocrat, not bitterly partisan, but loyal to his Ithaca, New York, who became citizens of party and true to its interests. For a num- Michigan in 1837, the same year the state ber of years he has been president of the vil- was admitted into the Union. Mr. Gillett Mr. Gillett lage board and all the affairs of the enter- was born in Golen, Wayne county, New | prising little corporation have been wisely JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 711 directed and prudently managed by him. He George W. Dunn was born in Parma is the owner of considerable property, real township April 21, 1874, his parents being and personal, in and out of the village, one Jacob C. and Emma (Pease )Dunn, both piece being the large and commodious busi- natives of New York. The grandparents of ness room occupied by Hobbins & Graves, the subject, Thomas and Margaret (Cos- merchants. His home is as fine a piece of burn) Dunn, came Dunn, came to Michigan in 1843, residence property as could be desired, and bringing with them the various members of is beautifully designed, handsomely situated, their family, among them the subject's fa- substantially constructed and richly fur- ther, who was then a child. They located in nished. But one fraternal society has at- Jackson county, and as farming had been tracted the attention of Mr. Godfrey suffi- their occupation in New York, they followed ciently to induce him to become a member, the same vocation in Michigan. They se- he belonging to Lodge No. 129, Knights of cured land, which was then cheap, built a Pythias, at Jackson. To his individual in- | home, reared and educated their family and, dustry and a versatility that is little short of in the fulfillment of years, paid the debt of genius he owes all that he has accomplished nature by passing, through death, from time in life. He has never yet found himself in to eternity. Jacob C. Dunn was reared on a position in which he could not perform his his father's farm, received an education, lim- part not only acceptably but well. ited it is true, but still sufficient for all the purposes of his occupation. Like many of the generations who preceded him, he too became a farmer and by industry and the ex- GEORGE W. DUNN. ercise of good judginent easily won the smiles of fortune. Soon after attaining his Most of the early settlers of Parma majority he was united in marriage to Miss township, Jackson county, were former res- Emma Pease, who proved a good, amiable idents of the state of New York. They be- wife and a loving mother to the children that gan coming long before Michigan was ad- were born to them. Mr. Dunn invested in mitted into the Union as a state and the em- one hundred and thirty-nine acres of land in igration from that source did not cease un- Parma township, which he succeeded in con- til long after all of the government land in verting into a fine, fertile farm, and on this a the locality had been taken up and converted place they resided until their deaths. He into fertile farms. The subject of this bi- died in 1896, at the age of fifty-six years, ography, George W. Dunn, of Parma town- while his widow survived him two years, ex- ship, is a native of Michigan, but his parents piring in 1898, in the fifty-fifth year of her and grandparents came from New York age. They were the parents of four chil- more than thirty years before he was born. dren, all of whom are still living. Michigan was found to be far superior for On the farm which he now owns and oc- general agricultural purposes to many lo- cupies, and where he was born nearly twen- calities in New York, this fact attracting the ty-nine years ago, George W. Dunn was early emigration from the Empire state. reared and grew to manhood. He was edu- 712 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. cated in the district schools and in the Par- of whom were natives of Cayuga county, ma high school. On the 17th day of March, New York, where they were reared and edu- 1896, he was united in marriage to Miss cated. Silas Kirby, the grandfather of the May Southwell, a native of Henrietta town- subject, was of English descent and he ship, Jackson county, Michigan. She was passed his entire life in the state of New born December 20, 1878, her parents being York, where he was engaged in farming Asa and Ella (Abbott) Southwell, now res- during his active career. Stephen Kirby idents of Parma township. To Mr. and was married in his native state and was Mrs. Dunn two children have been born, there engaged in farming until 1837, when viz: Mildred, born March 2, 1898, and Leon he came with his family to Jackson county, A., born July 3, 1900. In politics Mr. Dunn Michigan, the state having been admitted is a Democrat, while fraternally he and his to the Union in that year. He located a . wife are both members of the order of claim of one hundred and sixty acres in what Gleaners, holding their membership in the is now the very heart of the city of Jackson, lodge at Devereaux. Individually and as a the property including the land lying along family, they enjoy the high esteem and con- Main and Jackson streets, but he did not fidence of all their neighbors. prove up on the claim and never took posses- sion of the property. He went to the little hamlet of Leslie, in Ingham county, where he built a saw-mill, which he operated two ISAAC KIRBY. years, at the expiration of which he took two hundred and forty acres of govern- From the early pioneer epoch the Kirby ment land in section 21, Rives township, family has been identified with the annals Jackson county, while later he also pur- of Jackson county, and one of its highly chased eighty acres additional in the same esteemed representatives is the subject of township and an equal amount north of the this sketch, who is a prominent and success- village of Leslie, in Ingham county. Ali ful farmer of Rives township, where the of this land was secured directly from the greater portion of his life has been passed. government and was entirely unreclaimed His memory forms an indissoluble link be- from the wilderness. At the time of the . tween the pioneer days and the present, as ever-memorable gold excitement in Cali- is evident in the fact that he well recalls fornia Stephen Kirby contracted the pre- that it was his privilege when a boy to be vailing “fever” and joined the throng of rowed about on Grand river by the Indi- argonauts who were making their way to ans, in their canoes, the red men being at the Pacific coast. He made the long and the time even more numerous than the white perilous overland trip in the early 'fifties settlers. and remained in California about one and Mr. Kirby was born on the old family one-half years, being fairly successful in honestead, in Rives township, this county, his operations in the placer mines, and he on the 20th of May, 1840, being a son of then returned to Jackson county and passed Stephen and Susan (Gaylord) Kirby, both the remainder of his life in Rives town- 09 ISAAC KIRBY. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 713 ship, on the homestead now owned by the cipline he waxed strong in mind and body subject. He was a blacksmith by trade and and gained that deep appreciation of true found his services in this line in much values and of the dignity of honest labor requisition during the early years of his res- which has made him a man of strong char- idence in Michigan. When he first located acter and practical ideas. He remained at in the county all supplies in the way of pro- home until he had attained his legal major- visions, merchandise, etc., were transported ity and thereafter he worked on his own overland by teams from Detroit, the prin- responsibility for some time, having been en- cipal freighter being Charles Evans, who gaged in getting out timber for the manu- was possessed of a powerful voice, which facture of lumber and in other occupations. he was not chary of using at all times and Upon the death of his father he assumed seasons, and by reason of his stentorian tones charge of one hundred and sixty acres of he gained the sobriquet of "Whispering the homestead farm and eventually became Evans,” being one of the notable charac- the owner of the property. In 1864 he ters of the early days. Mr. Kirby passed erected a substantial and commodious resi- away on the 14th of September, 1863, hon- dence and good barns, while he has made ored as one of the sterling pioneers of the other excellent improvements on the place, county, his devoted wife having been sum- which he has developed into one of the val- moned into eternal rest in 1861. They be- uable farms of this section. His farm now came the parents of eight children, namely: comprises ninety-five acres, and of the same Lucius, who died at the age of twenty-three eighty acres are maintained under a high years; George, who is deceased; Sarah, who state of cultivation, being utilized in the pro- died in infancy; David, who died at the age duction of the various crops best suited to of seventy years; Anna, who is the wife of the soil and climate, and Mr. Kirby also Lyman Case, of Detroit; Sarah (2), who raised shorthorn cattle, fine-wool sheep and died at the age of eight years; Isaac, who Poland China swine, this branch of his is the subject of this sketch, and Nina, who enterprise yielding him good returns. was first married to William Rankin and Though thoroughly public spirited in his at- afterward to Charles Wood: they are now titude, he has never sought official position residents of the state of Nebraska. of any order, but his interest in educational Isaac Kirby was reared on the old home- | affairs led him to accept various school of- stead and early became familiar with the fices, in which he served efficiently. In poli- labors involved in the clearing and cultiva- tics he is a stalwart advocate of the cause of tion of the pioneer farm, while his educa- the Republican party, having cast his first tional training was principally secured in presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. the little log school house, which he attended On the 26th of September, 1862, Mr. during the winter terms. His services were | Kirby was united in marriage to Miss Ann . given in the work of the home place during Whitney, who was born in Rives township, the summers from the time he was old being a daughter of Benjamin Whitney, an enough to physically master the tasks which honored pioneer of the county, and she fell to his portion. Under the sturdy dis- | proved a devoted wife and helpmeet. She 714 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. died on the 13th of March, 1892, having be- lad of the country village looks out upon come the mother of six children, all of whom vacant streets, mud-covered and grass died in either infancy or early childhood grown, a chip-pile occupying the front a with the exception of the youngest, Clar- door yard, while the Monday's washing ence, who was born in 1871 and who is at flying from a clothes line obscures much the time of this writing a student in the Sag- of the uninviting view. a . The lad of inaw Medical College. The deceased chil- the city, perhaps, first wittingly opens dren are Ethel, Ellsworth, Maudie, Mertie his eyes on a noble square, framed in by and a little son. On the 16th of March, stately mansions, whose frescoed and sculp- 1898, Mr. Kirby consummated a second tured fronts face upon well-kept flower gar- marriage, being then united to Mrs. Lottie dens, while here and there a lovely fountain (Graves) Harlow, daughter of Martin C. or groups of beautiful statuary glimpse Graves, who located in Jackson county in through the leaves of the trees and falling the early days Mrs. Kirby was born in waters of the fountains. Naturally one 1847, and is a woman of gracious refine- would suppose that the last mentioned child ment, presiding with dignity over the pleas- would be the most deeply imbued with ambi- ant home. She is a member of the Metho- tion, but experience teaches that the chances dist Episcopal church. are largely in favor of the others, with the former boy greatly in the lead. If the city boy does come to the front, it is not the one who is born in the palace or stately mansion HORACE KING. on a noble square, but some youth whose birthplace is a mean looking tenement on a The birth of an individual has very lit- back street or above or in the rear of some tle to do with his career in life. It might be little shop or insignificant store. thought that the surroundings of a child dur- Horace King, the subject of this biog- ing the early years of its existence would raphy, is by birth a farmer boy and is a na- influence it for good ill, tive of Michigan, born in Spring Arbor or failure, in life, but told township, Jackson county, August 9, 1844, that it does Take three chil- the son of Fenner and Nancy Perry King. dren, one of whom is born on a farm, an- His early life was spent upon a farm where other in a country village, and the third in he was born and when old enough to take the heart of the finest residence portion of a up his share of the work he was given am- city. The lad born on the farm looks out ple opportunity for exercise and the lessons for the first time an a scene in which a barn of industry that he learned have been most is the most conspicuous object, a hen house useful to him. His education was received next in importance, an ungainly looking in the common schools, the Parma high pump occupying the foreground, while a school and at Albion College, the knowledge long, straggling woodshed has its place in acquired by him being superior to that ac- the middle distance and some cattle are corded the average tiller of the soil. In early emerging lazily from the back ground. The life he was not quite certain that life on the or success we are not. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 715 one. a farm would be entirely to his taste and, hav- been a most contented, successful and happy ing a passion for learning, he was determined Possessed of all that is necessary to to acquire such an education as would equip supply every comfort and convenience for his him for almost any pursuit in which he family and himself, with many kind neigh- might engage. At first he engaged in the bors and acquaintances and hosts of friends, meat business, following that line for some besides being blessed with health and time, but he became fully satisfied that farm strength, he is in a position to heartily enjoy life was not only more agreeable, but more the agreeably extended measures of life to profitable, and since that time the manage- which he may justly lay claim. ment of his farm has occupied the greater part of his attention. Esta untahan On the 25th day of November, 1868, Horace King was united in marriage to Miss PHILLIP HARTMAN. Maria L. Jones, a native of Lyons, New York, born March 14, 1846. Her parents There is no element which has entered were Richard and Ann (Van Leuben) Jones, into our composite national fabric that has her father a native of Wales and her mother proved of more practical strength, value and of New York. Mr. and Mrs. King are the utility than that furnished by the sturdy, per- parents of one child, a son, Jay F., born severing and honorable sons of the German March 27, 1884. He was educated in the fatherland, and in the progress of our re- Parma high school, from which he graduated public the German contingent has played an in the class of 1902, and still makes his important part from an early epoch in its home with his parents. history. Intensely practical, and ever hav- As a farmer, there are few residents of ing a clear comprehension of the ethics of Jackson county who have been more suc- life, the German-Americans have cessful than Horace King. He is the owner wielded a powerful influence, and this serv- of two hundred acres of land, the home place ice can not be held in light estimation by comprising one hundred and eighty acres, those who appreciate true civilization and all in one body, and twenty acres of his pos- true manhood. He to whom this sketch is sessions are located in Spring Arbor town- dedicated and who is one of the representa- ship. The farm is not only well improved, tive farmers and honored citizens of Sum- but splendidly equipped and well supplied mit township, Jackson county, traces his with live stock. Mr. King carries on gen- genealogy through a long line of sterling eral farming, but makes a specialty of breed- German stock, and in his character abide ing and feeding blooded Wilkes horses and the elements to which attention has been always keeps a number of superb animals on called in preceding sentences. the place. In politics, he is a Democrat and Phillip Hartman was born in the county has served a number of terms as justice of of Grafenberg, kingdom of Bavaria, Ger- , the peace of Parma township. He is a mem- many, on the 17th of December, 1833, be- ber of Parma Lodge No. 183, Free and Ac- ing a son of John and Magdalena (Dein- cepted Masons. His life upon the farm has 'lein ) Hartman, both of whom were likewise ever 716 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. born in this county, where they were reared moved with his family to the city of Jack- and educated. John Hartman was a tal- son, where he made his home for the ensu- ented musician and was a bandmaster in his ing two years, after which he purchased a early days in the city of Mannheim, where farm of fifty-two acres, in Summit town- he maintained his home for a number of ship, the same having been well improved, years, later returning to his native county of and there he continued to reside until his Grafenburg, where he died in the year 1840, death, in the autumn of 1886, his wife hav- at which time his only child, the subject of ing preceded him to the other world, dying this review, was but seven years of age. in 1884. No children were born of the sec- His widow subsequently became the wife of ond marriage. Frederick Stackel, who was a prosperous Phillip Hartman, the immediate subject farmer in the vicinity, and who formally of this review, had received his early educa- adopted the subject of this review when he tional training in the public schools of his was nine years of age. The family contin- native town in Germany, and was nineteen uied to reside in Bavaria until 1852, when, years of age when the family emigrated to in company with his family, his brother the United States. Soon after his arrival George and several others, Mr. Stackel he secured employment on the farm of started for America, embarking on a sail- Aaron Green, of West Brighton, Monroe ing vessel at Bremen and having so tempes-county, New York, and later was in the em- tuous a voyage that they did not reach their ploy of others in that county, where he re- destination until seventy days later, disem- mained until September, 1854, when he came barking in the city of New York on the to Jackson county, making the trip by boat ioth of August of that year. The entire across Lake Erie and coming to Jackson via party proceeded from the national metropo- the Michigan Central Railroad. He had re- lis to Rochester, New York, where they lo- ceived a recommendation from his former cated. There Mr. Stackel was employed in employer, Mr. Green, to his oldest son, , a nursery for two years, the subject having Chauncey Green, of Ingham county, Mich- in the meanwhile come to Jackson county, igan, and to that locality Mr. Hartman soon Michigan, in September, 1854. About two repaired, remaining about two years, after months later he sent for the others of the which he made a trip through Ohio and Illi- family to join him here, and upon his arrival | nois, and then was employed on a packet Mr. Stackel purchased forty acres of wild boat on the Mississippi river about five land, in Tompkins township, no improve- | months, at the expiration of which he re- nients having been made on the place in the turned to Jackson county, where he remained way of fences or buildings. He erected a until March, 1860, when he again went down primitive shanty, twelve by sixteen feet in the Mississippi river to New Orleans, re- dimensions, and thereafter continued to re- turning to the north at the outbreak of the side on the farm for a decade, within which Rebellion, the boat on which he took passage a time he made many improvements and having been a target for Confederate bullets brought the major portion of the land under during the ent during the entire northward voyage. He cultivation. In the spring of 1866 he re- came again to Tompkins township, Jackson JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 717 a county, and from the observations which he to Pittsburg Landing, reaching the front had made during his southern trip he antici- just after the battle of Shiloh. Mr. Hart- pated the trouble between the north and the man was present at the siege of Corinth and south, and considered that to him an edu- then with his regiment followed in the rear cation in the English language was neces- of Sherman's forces to Tuscumbia, Ala- sary, so he entered the school taught by bama, remaining only a short time and the Lucy Chase in his vicinity, and there ac- work of his regiment being to assist in keep- quired a knowledge of how to read and write ing open the connections between the Fed- the English language. Having been thor- eral forces in the north and south. He took oughly educated in his native land, he made part in the battles of Corinth and luka, rapid progress and by the expiration of the Mississippi, and continued in service in that term, he was thoroughly versed in the Amer- state, northern Alabama and Tennessee un- ican language. He resided in that vicinity til January 19, 1864, when he veteranized, until the time of his enlistment for service re-enlisting as a member of the same com- in the Union army. In front of the resi- In front of the resi- | pany, in which he had risen to the position dence of Gov. Austin Blair, in the city of of commissary and quartermaster's sergeant. . Jackson, Mr. Hartman had the privilege of After the expiration of his original term of listening to an address by Senator Trumbull, enlistment he received a furlough of thirty in September, 1854, and it was at this time days, and with the others of his command re- that the Republican party practically had its turned to Michigan, where a reorganization inception. of the regiment was effected, in Kalamazoo. When the conflict between the north and They then went to St. Louis, Missouri, the south had become certain and the rebel where Mr. Hartman was on the provost guns had thundered against the walls of old guard for three months, after which he fol- Fort Sumter, Mr. Hartman manifested his lowed his regiment to Duvall Bluff, Ar- loyalty to the land of his adoption by ten- kansas, and later participated in several bat- dering his services in defense of the Union. tles and skirmishes, including engagements In September, 1861, he enlisted as a member at Little Rock and Brownsville and on the of Company K, Third Michigan Volunteer Arkansas river, having in the meanwhile Cavalry, of which Collins Davis was the cap- been promoted orderly sergeant. The com- tain and DeWitt W. C. Smith lieutenant, mand proceeded down the Arkansas and while the command of the regiment devolved Mississippi rivers to Baton Rouge and then upon Colonel Kellogg. The regiment was to New Orleans, after which they crossed mustered in at Grand Rapids, and Mr. Hart- Lake Ponchartrain and proceeded up Mobile man was made fifth corporal of his com- bay to the city of the same name, being at pany. The command proceeded to the city that point at the time when General Tay- of St. Louis, Missouri, where it remained lor surrendered. From Mobile the company about two months, then proceeding to New was sent, under command of General Bailey, Madrid, that state, and taking part in the with three hundred government wagons and siege of Island No. 10. The command then pontoons, and they were twenty-three days proceeded by boat up the Tennessee river in effecting the conveying of the supplies 718 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. and accoutrements across the river at Ba- various relations of life. In his political af- ton Rouge, crossing on pontoon bridge all filiations he is what is termed an independent large streams a number of times, the regi- voter, usually giving his support to the ment being consolidated into ten companies man in his judgment best fitted to fill at this time, and Company K being dis- the position, regardless of party ties. . tributed among the various companies, His religious faith is that of the which left the subject a superannuate order- Lutheran church. Fraternally he formerly ly sergeant and he was mustered out of the belonged to Edward Pomeroy Post No. 48, service, by Major-General Sherman, at New Grand Army of the Republic, and E. P. Orleans, on the 5th of July, 1865, having Griffith Command No. 24, Union Veteran been on active duty during the entire period Union, of the city of Jackson. He was for , of the greatest civil war known in the annals nine years moderator of school district No. of history. 2, in this township, was highway commis- After receiving his honorable discharge sioner in 1892, ever lending his influence in Mr. Hartman returned to Jackson, where the furtherance of all measures for the gen- he continued to reside until April 1, 1874, eral good. having been engaged in the restaurant and Mr. Hartman has been twice married. summer-resort business. He then traded his In May, 1866, he wedded Miss Catherine city property for his present farm, in Sum- Kettle, who was born in Waterloo county, mit township, to which he moved and on Canada, and who died in July, 1868, without which he has since resided, the property be- issue. In March, 1869, Mr. Hartman mar- ing located in section 17 and being on the ried Miss Celia Boh, who was born in Baden, , line of the Jackson & Fort Wayne Railroad Germany, October 13, 1843, a daughter of and the Michigan Airline Railroad. He se- Valentine and Salome (Yerger) Boh, who cured one hundred and one acres, the tract passed their entire lives in their native land. having been partly improved, forty acres Mrs. Hartman came to America in 1866 and having been cleared at the time when he joined her aunt in Cincinnati, where she re- came into possession of the property. In the mained until about the time of her marriage. following spring Mr. Hartman rebuilt the Mr. and Mrs. Hartman became the parents house which was on the place, and he has of five children, of whom we make mention since made other excellent improvements in as follows: George, who is engaged in farm- the way of new buildings, while the entire ing in Somerset township, married Neva place indicates the care bestowed and the Wellman and they have three children, Phil- progressive methods brought to bear, atten- ip, Cecil and John; Frederick, who resides tion being given to general farming. Mr. in the city of Jackson, married Miss Sophia Hartman is a man of fine mental powers, Souder, and they have one son, Howard; keeps in touch with the progress of the age Philip, Jr., is unmarried and has charge of and is well informed on current topics, while the homestead farm; and Lena and Ophelia he has so ordered his course as to retain the also remain beneath the parental roof. Mr. unqualified confidence and esteem of those Hartman and family are among the most with whom he has come in contact in the highly respected of Jackson county and are JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 719 were greatly esteemed by all who know them. ing a mere babe. All through his life West They are genial, wholesouled and hospitable H. Ludlow was a farmer, though in start- people, and their latch string always hangs ing out to work for himself he was em- outside for their many friends and ac- ployed for a length of time on construction quaintances. work on the Erie canal and at another time gave much attention to preaching the gospel as a Baptist minister. For three years he WILLIAM S. LUDLOW. was located at Whitehall, Michigan. A Whig during the existence of that party, he Not many of the present residents of became a Republican after the organization Parma township have resided within its con- of that political school. April 1, 1841, he fines for a period of fifty-seven years. A was united in marriage to Miss Ann Eliza residence of that length of time in any lo- Sexton, who proved a kind and indulgent cality is a compliment to the resident as well mother to his children and a true and loving as to the place of residence. It indicates that wife to him. His death occurred April 30, the one is possessed of a contented disposi- 1870, while she survived him more than tion and that the other cannot possibly be a twenty-two years, dying in 1892. very bad place in which to live. The sub- Silas and Elizabeth (Starr) Ludlow ject of this biography, William S. Ludlow, the paternal grandparents of the has resided in Parma township since 1846, subject. His place of birth is not definitely being but nine years old when he came to known, but the year is given as 1771. He Jackson county, and from that time until died in Tompkins County, New York, in the present he has been one of its worthy, 1823, and his wife died in Parma township, progressive and enterprising inhabitants. Jackson county, Michigan, in 1851, having The modest calling of a farmer has been his survived her husband twenty-eight years. vocation, but that has not prevented him The maternal grandparents of the subject from being eminently successful in the life were William and Ellanor (Vanderbilt) work he early decided upon. Steele, both natives of New York, in which William S. Ludlow is a native of the state they spent all the years of their lives. state of New York, having been born in They were the parents of fifteen children, Tompkins county, September 22, 1837. His there being but one son among the number, parents were West H. and Elenore E. and all but one daughter grew to maturity. (Steele) Ludlow, the former a native of Mr. Steele was by trade a blacksmith and a Tompkins county, New York, born April 27, manufacturer of locks. In politics he was a 1811, and the latter born in the same state, Whig. He and his wife are deceased. August 18, 1809. They were the parents of The farm furnished William S. Ludlow five children, viz: Sylvester G., Mary S., So- his field of labor and the common schools of phronia, William S. and Phoebe E. Mrs. the township his education, and in each place Elenore Ludlow departed this life Febru- he is said to have conducted himself with ary 12, 1891, leaving to her husband the commendable diligence and to have profited care of their five little ones, the youngest be- well by his instruction in each line. He 720 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. aided his father in the labor on the farm as Albion College. She married Fred House- long as he felt it was necessary, and when man November 30, 1891, and became the he branched out on his own behalf he was mother of one child, Dorothy, who died in not long in accumulating some property. He infancy, her own death occurring November early became skilled in the operation of a II, 1897. Mr. and Mrs. Ludlow attend di- threshing machine, having always had a vine service at the Methodist Episcopal fancy for machinery, procured a most ser- church, although the Baptist is the religious viceable outfit and for years has operated belief which he professes. He is a member it during the threshing season. He is the of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. owner of one hundred and forty acres of fine His long residence in Jackson county and land, which has for years been most thor- the exemplary life he has led has given him oughly cultivated, and from which a satis- a very extensive acquaintance and where- factory annual income is derived. He also ever he is known he is well respected and breeds and feeds Poland China hogs and highly esteemed. few in the region where he resides are as successful as he is in this line. His sympa- thy was with the Whig party during the life of that political organization, but his JOHN B. BROWN. first vote was cast for the Republican party, the former party having disintegrated be- Within the pages of this work will be fore he attained his majority. He has found specific mention of many who have served as highway commissioner of his figured prominently in the industrial, pub- township some fourteen years. lic and social life of Jackson county, each November 28, 1862, Mr. Ludlow was contributing in his sphere of action to the united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Hoag, well-being of the community and to the ad- a native of Rensselaer county, New York, vancement of its normal and legitimate born August 8, 1839. Her parents were Her parents were growth. Such men merit definite tributes John and Caroline (Hunter) Hoag, who of respect in a publication of the province were among the first settlers of the county. assigned to the one at hand, and at this To this marriage two children were born, point it is pertinent to touch briefly upon viz: George H., born November 10, 1863, the ancestral and personal record of one of was educated in the common schools and at the sterling pioneers of the county, where Albion College, and is now a resident of he has passed his entire life and where his , Springport; in politics he is a Republican, honored parents took up their abode when has served as highway commissioner, and is this section was practically a forest wild, a member of the Masonic lodge at Spring- the state having been admitted to the Union port; he married Miss Minnie Connine and the preceding year. The farm now owned they have three children, Louisa, Laverne by the subject is one of the magnificent rural and Lucile; Adria, the second child, was estates of the county and a portion of the born October 29, 1869, and was educated in same is the original tract purchased from the common schools, Parma high school and the government hy his father nearly three JOHN B. BROWN MRS. JOHN B. BROWN. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 721 score and ten years ago, and here the sub- President of the United States. In 1838 ject of this sketch has maintained his resi- Mr. Brown took up his residence on the dence from the time of his birth. He is one pioneer farm, where he made a clearing and of the essentially representative farmers of erected a log house of the primitive type, the county, is a leading horticulturist in and shortly afterward he returned to Penn- special lines, raises live stock of high grade sylvania, where his marriage was solem- and conducts his operations in each of these nized, and he then came to Jackson county departments upon an extensive scale, while with his bride, the entire overland journey in the civil affairs of his township he has being made in a covered wagon. In the ru- long taken a prominent part, being at the dimentary forest lodge they established their present time justice of the peace, of which home, the township being practically unre- office he has been incumbent for many years. claimed from the native timber at the time, John B. Brown was born on his present and settlers being few and far removed from homestead, in Rives township, on the 3d of each other, while Indians still had rendez- November, 1812, being a son of Anthony B. vous in this section and wild game of all and Maria (Lander) Brown, both of whom descriptions was plentiful. Mr. Brown were born in Monroe county, Pennsylvania sturdily set to himself the task of clearing There Anthony B. Brown was engaged in his land, bringing to bear determination, . agricultural pursuits until 1836, when he persistence and unflagging courage, so that decided to cast in his lot with the people of success came as a natural sequence. He re- Michigan, whose aspirations for the dignity claimed the original quarter section to the of statehood were at that time being ac- uses of cultivation and also purchased an corded assuring recognition on the part of adjoining tract of one hundred and forty congress. He located in the city of De- acres, which he also partially improved. He troit, which was then a town of less than became one of the prosperous farmers and , five thousand population, and there engaged honored citizens of the township, and was in the freighting and transportation busi- esteemed not less for his energy and ability ness, transferring new settlers to various than for his sterling rectitude in all the re- portions of the territory and also hauling lations of life. In politics he was originally merchandise and other supplies. Within the . a Whig, but when the Republican party was year which witnessed his arrival in Michi- organized he transferred his support to the gan Mr. Brown came to Jackson county and same and thereafter was aligned in its ranks entered claim to the northeast quarter of until the time of his death, though he never section 35, Rives township, purchasing the sought nor held public office. His wife, who land from the government. The property proved a devoted companion and helpmate, has ever since remained in the possession of was a zealous member of the Presbyterian the family, the subject having succeeded' church, of which he was an attendant and his father in the ownership thereof and hav- supporter. He passed to his reward on the ing in his possession the original govern- | 31st of August, 1871, while she long sur- ment deed, the document bearing the signa- vived him, her death occurring on the 16th ture of Martin Van Buren, who was then of August, 1896. Of their six children the 46 722 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. half years. following epitomized record is here entered : months. Like many another of the sons of Peter L., who was a physician and surgeon pioneer parents, however, he was able to in Jacksonville, Illinois, married Miss Car- | lay the foundation of a broad and practical oline Joaquin, and they have one daughter; knowledge, and the seeming handicap of Mary S., who died July 2, 1879, was the his youth was scarcely one in fact, in view wife of Warren Thorp, who now resides in of the developments of later years. Further Blackman township, this county; John B., advantages in the line, however, were af- the immediate subject of this review, was forded him, since he was enabled to attend the next in order of birth; James died in in- the Union school, in Ypsilanti, for several fancy; Jane is the wife of Arthur Mark- terms, and there applied himself with such ham, who is a successful farmer in the state effect as to become eligible for pedagogic of Virginia, and they became the parents honors, having been for several terms a suc- of six children, of whom one is deceased; cessful and popular teacher in the district and Anna died at the age of two and one- schools of his native county. He continued Peter L. served in the Civil to be identified with the work of the home war, being assistant surgeon in the United farm until he had attained the age of twenty- States regulars located at Louisville and five years, when he rented the place from his Little Rock, Arkansas. father, while after the death of the latter he John B. Brown, whose name introduces purchased the interests of the other heirs this article, was reared on the old homestead and has ever since continued to reside on farm on which he now resides, and grew up the homestead. He has attained a high de- under the conditions of pioneer life, while gree of success in his operations, while he he early became inured to the work of the has made many excellent improvements of farm, and he recalled to the biographist the a permanent nature, having a commodious fact that when a lad of nine years one of his and attractive residence and substantial duties was to carry butter and eggs pro- barn and other requisite buildings. In ad- duced on the place to the city of Jackson, dition to diversified agriculture Mr. Brown seven miles distant, making the trips on foot has given special study and attention to hor- through the forest, while he did his share ticulture and has gained a wide reputation in the clearing of the land and in the culti- as a raiser of potatoes, usually putting in vation of the newly opened fields, driving from twenty to thirty acres each year, an ox team before the plow and finding the while he has gained the sobriquet of "potato severest test upon his patience through the king of Jackson county.” He also raises difficulties involved in managing the plod- sheep upon a quite extensive scale, having ding beasts and avoiding the omnipresent the medium and fine-wool types of the high- stumps. His early educational privileges est grade, keeping an average of four hun- those afforded in the log school dren head and being one of the successful house of the locality and period, and his breeders of the county, while he utilizes the attendance in the same was of an inter- coarser products of the farm in the feeding mittent order, since his services were re- of his stock. His landed estate now in- quired on the farm during the summer cludes four hundred acres and is recognized were JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 723 as one of the most valuable rural demesnes was born in Huron county, Michigan, June in this section, two hundred and fifty acres 19, 1861, and her early training was in being maintained under effective cultivation, charge of her mother; later she attended the while the remainder is timber and pasture country schools, and her proficiency won land. Everything about the place is kept for her a teacher's certificate, her pedagog- in thorough repair, the farm is well tiled, ical labors being mostly in Huron and San- and on every side are the unmistakable ilac counties, Michigan. She was a mem- evidences of thrift and prosperity, indicat- ber of the graduating class of 1897, in the ing the progressive ideas and careful man- Michigan State Normal College of Ypsilanti agement of the owner, who commands un- after which she taught three years. She equivocal esteem in the community which is a lady of more than ordinary attainments has been the scene of his labors from his and education and is a pleasing conversa- youth up. Mr. Brown is essentially public tionalist, presiding with grace and dignity spirited, as would naturally be expected of in her cozy home. one who shows so marked enterprise in pri- Mr. and Mrs. Brown have in their pos- vate affairs, and all measures advanced for session two old parchment sheepskin deeds, the general good receive his co-operation. which were executed respectively June 5, That his ability and fidelity to public trust 1837, and August 1, 1839, and signed by have not fallen short of appreciation is President Martin Van Buren. . shown in the fact that he was retained in the office of supervisor of the township two terms, was a member of the board of review several terms, and that he is now serving LEANDER L. MCCAIN. his sixth term in the office of justice of the peace, in which judicial capacity he has ren- Although Michigan was the thirteenth dered particularly efficient service in his as- state admitted into the Union after the thir- signed jurisdiction. He is a member of the teen original colonies had formed themselves Grange, having served for several years as into states and established the federation, it its master. is, nevertheless, not generally considered an On the 26th of March, 1900, was sol- unlucky state. It is quite certain that hun- emnized the marriage of Mr. Brown to Mrs. dreds of thousands of its inhabitants, some Jean Metcalfe, who was born in Huron of whom were residents of the region at the county, Michigan, being a daughter of An- time of its admission, are not only lucky, but drew McAllister, who was a native of Scot- the descendants of those very people are land, whence he came with his parents to the among the most fortunate, so far as material Dominion of Canada when a boy, being wealth, financial prosperity and domestic there reared and educated. In about 1857 happiness are concerned, of any who may be he came to Michigan and settled in Huron found in the entire union. A trip through county, as a pioneer, and became one of the almost any part of Michigan, more especially respected and influential farmers of that sec- through Jackson county, will have a very tion, where he now resides. Mrs. Brown strong tendency to shake the faith of the 724 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. most credulous believer in the potency of the old when his father died, but manliness and figures thirteen as being an unlucky number. self-reliance being characteristic of the fam- The father and grandfather of the subject ily, he did not hesitate to face the responsi- of this review, Leander L. McCain, had been bility thus thrust upon him by relentless fate. residents of Jackson county seven years Within a very short time after the burial of when, in 1837, the state was admitted. his father the youth of seventeen became the There the family has resided from that time thoughtful, methodical head of the family. to the present, have grown with the coun- On attaining man's estate, in 1847, Alon- try, enhanced their material wealth and en- zo McCain was united in marriage to Miss joyed every blessing that the average citi- Sophronia Waite, a native of Batavia, New zen of any state could desire or wish for. York. They took up their home upon the Leander L. McCain was born on a farm homestead, continued to engage in farming in Jackson county, Michigan, July 9, 1850. and stock raising and prospered most grat- His parents were Alonzo and Sophronia ifyingly. The good wife and mother (Waite) McCain, natives of Batavia, New died March 6, 1871, while he survived her York, the father born in 1825, and his about twenty-six years, having departed this , wife about three years later. The paternal life January 29, 1897. He had added to the grandfather of the subject, Leander McCain, original quarter section left by his father, was also a native of Batavia, New York, until the farm at present comprises four hun- where he was reared. He was born in dred acres, splendidly improved, upon which the year 1794, and soon after marriage, in he erected a fine residence, furnished it lux- 1831, came to Jackson county, where he en- uriantly and built all other necessary and de- tered land, and about two years later brought sirable buildings on the place. It is well his family out and established a home. stocked with various kinds of domestic an- There he resided until his death and there imals, horses, cattle, sheep and hogs, and the descendants who survive him still reside. suitably equipped with all necessary farm- He took up a homestead of one hundred and ing implements. To Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo sixty acres, four miles west of the geograph- McCain the following children were born: ical center of Jackson county, which is still Delores, widow of Frank J. Laverty, who re- a part of the possessions of the family. Le- sides on her farm in Jackson county, six ander McCain, the progenitor of the family miles south of the city of Jackson; Leander in Michigan, died at the family home in L., who is the subject of this review and who 1842. occupies the farm located upon by his grand- Alonzo, father of Leander L. McCain, father and so splendidly increased and im- grew to manhood in Jackson county, and de- proved by his father ; Almira, wife of George voted himself to agricultural pursuits. He Bright, resides at Spring Arbor, Michigan; was a thrifty, enterprising, prosperous cit- Helen is a resident of California, and Ar- izen, who aided his father in the cultivation thur married May Watts and resides in of the farm until he found it necessary, Jackson. through the death of his father, to take com- Leander L. McCain has spent the entire plete charge. He was only seventeen years years of his life, which now number fifty- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 725 three, upon the farm whereon he was born. Mrs. McCain's parents moved from He attended the common schools, was a New York state to Michigan in 1849, set- good student, and made very satisfactory tling near Springport, where they resided a progress in his studies. While he was mas- short time. They subsequently settled in tering the various common school branches, Spring Arbor township, however, where he was also aiding his father in the work of they purchased land, and afterwards re- the farm. Industry has always been one of sided until their death. He died November his most distinctive traits of character and II, 1874, at the age of sixty-three years, and that, coupled with good judgment and un- his wife survived him until March 25, 1880, flagging energy, has guaranteed him a most when she also passed to the other world, at successful career. the age of sixty-three. They were the par- March 26, 1873, Mr. McCain was united ents of ten children, viz: Sarah J., William, in marriage to Miss Cynthia L. Bright, a deceased, Eliza, deceased, Horace, deceased, native of Michigan, born in Springport, Jan- | Elizabeth, deceased, John M., deceased, , uary 2, 1851. Her parents were William George W., Cynthia L., Edward R. and , and Julia A. (Wells) Bright, natives of Dora J. New York, who settled in Michigan more than half a century ago. To Mr. and Mrs. EUR M. LUDLOW. Leander L. McCain three children have been born, viz: Clarence, who is cultivating the Not many are so fortunate as to be old homestead; Marjorie, wife of Fred C. able to trace their ancestry back to such Hall, a farmer who resides near Jackson, illustrious names as those appended to that and Frank L., who still lives at home with immortal document, the Declaration of In- his parents. dependence. Doubtless there are many de- For more than three generations farm- scendants of those intrepid men scattered ing has been the business of the family. It throughout this land, but they are only oc- need, therefore, be no surprise to the reader casionally encountered. Eur M. Ludlow, , to be informed that Leander L. McCain is the subject of this review, a resident of Par- one of the best enlightened and most pro- ma township, Jackson county, Michigan, is gressive farmers in Summit township. Of a collateral descendant of Charles Carroll of course it is easy for him to be successful, for Carrollton, the last signer of the Declaration he has everything that is requisite for the of Independence to pass from time to etern- proper conduct of his business at his im- ity. Daniel Carroll, brother of Charles, was mediate command. He is not only a public the father of Mary Carroll, who became the spirited man and has filled a number of the wife of Samuel Saxton, whose daughter was local offices, but he is a worthy citizen and the mother of Eur M. Ludlow. Thus is most estimable man. In every relation of the ancestry traced back to the Carroll life, but more particularly in the home cir- family. cle, is he all that could be desired, a father In Parma township, Jackson county, who is loving and indulgent, a husband, de- May 23, 1852, Eur M. Ludlow was born. , voted and true. His parents were West H. and Ann Eliza 726 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. (Saxton) Ludlow, the former a native of In the years preceding the Civil war the Tompkins county, New York, born April boy in the country had but little choice in 27, 1811, and the latter a native of German- the way of occupation. Farming was all town, Pennsylvania, born September 7, there was to do, but there was abundance of 1821. They were married April 1, 1841, that, and to that pursuit, therefore, Eur M. and continued to reside in New York until Ludlow devoted his attention. He attended September, 1846, when they came to Jack- the common schools of the neighborhood in son county, Michigan, and located in Parma which he was reared and later the White- township. They purchased land, cleared head high school, thus securing a very sat- and improved it and made a comfortable isfactory education. In starting out to work home, where they resided until their deaths. for himself he secured a complete knowledge He died April 30, 1870, while she survived of the carpenter trade and followed that call- him more than twenty-two years, expiring ing for about three years. A part of this July 6, 1892. They were the parents of time he lived in one of the suburbs of Chi- eight children, viz: Frank S., Carroll S., cago, where he still is the owner of som Eleanor A., Ard, Eur M., Olivetta, Lee real estate. , real estate. For years past he has devoted H. and Sarah R. himself to general farming and stock rais- At the time of his marriage with Miss ing, which he carries on on an extensive Ann Eliza Saxton, West H. Ludlow was a scale. He occupies the Brown farm, a tract widower and the father of five children. His of three hundred and sixty-four acres, which first wife was Miss Elenore E. Steele, a na- gives him ample opportunity for the exer- tive of New York, born August 28, 1809, cise of his calling on a scale commensurate and the names of their children were: Syl- with his abilities and energy. vester G., Mary S., Saphronia, William S. November II, 1874, Mr. Ludlow was and Phoebe E. February 12, 1841, Mrs. united in marriage to Miss Julia M. Mor- Elenore (Steele) Ludlow departed this life, ton, a native of Cass county, Michigan, born leaving to the care of her bereaved husband September 29, 1855. Her parents are Ches- their five little ones, the youngest of whom ter C. and Mary (Ludlow) Morton, he a was a mere babe. He was fortunate in pro- native of Onondaga county, New York, curing for them a step-mother who reared born February 18, 1822, and she of Huron them as tenderly and loved them as fondly county, Ohio, born September 30, 1839. as if they had been her own. Farming was They were married in Cass county, Michi- the principal occupation of West H. Ludlow gan, and there they still reside. Six chil- all his life, though in early manhood he dren were born to them, four of whom are worked for a length of time on the Erie ca- living. He is a farmer, and a Democrat and nal, and devoted some attention to preaching takes quite an active interest in politics, hav- the gospel, as a minister of the Baptist ing held a number of local offices. For some church, being located for about three years years he was a justice of the peace of his at Whitehall, Michigan. In politics he was township. To Mr. and Mrs. Eur M. Lud- a Republican, though previously he had been low five children have been born, viz: a Whig Charles M. is a member of the class of a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 727 nature. 1897 in the Springport high school; Frank of American history, the Ludlow family of E. wedded Miss Evelyn Burchard; Ard A., Parma township seem destined never to dim George H. and Emma J., the latter of whom the laurels so proudly worn by their distin- is taking a complete course in instrumental guished progenitors. music, for which she possesses a decided talent. The paternal grandparents of the sub- ject were Silas and Elizabeth (Starr) Lud- ABRAM HOAG. low. The place of birth of Silas is not definitely known, but the year is given as The honored subject of this sketch is not 1771. He died in Tompkins county, New only one of the representative farmers of York, in 1823, but his wife survived him Jackson county, but is also a member of one twenty-eight years, her death occurring in of its sterling pioneer families, while in both Parma township, Jackson county, Michigan, the paternal and maternal lines the genealog- in 1851. The maternal grandparents of the ical record indicates long identification with subject were Samuel and Mary (Carroll) the annals of American history, so that Saxton, he a native of Pennsylvania and she added interest attaches to a consideration of of Carrollton, Carroll county, Maryland. the career of Mr. Hoag in a work of this She was a niece of Charles Carroll of Car- rollton, one of the signers of the Declaration Abram Hoag was born in Rensselaer of Independence. Samuel Saxton formed county, New York, on the 8th of September, the acquaintance of Mary Carroll in Mary- 1841, being a son of John and Caroline land and some years later they were mar- (Hunter) Hoag, both of whom were like- ried. They made their home in the Empire wise natives of the old Empire state, where state until 1846 when, with their children, the former was born in the year 1815 and including the mother of the subject, they the latter in 1818. In the year following the came to Michigan and made Parma town- birth of the subject of this sketch they emi- ship, Jackson county, their home until their grated to Jackson county, Michigan, and lo- deaths. She died in 1862; his death oc- cated on a partially improved farm in Par- curred nine years later, in 1871. ma township, the same being now the fine In politics Eur M. Ludlow is a Republi- homestead upon which resides their young- can, but was never an aspirant for office. est daughter, Mrs. Reuben Landon John The family are members of the Congrega- | Hoag became the owner of a landed estate tional church and regular attendants on the of four hundred and twenty acres and was services of some denomination. He is a one of the prominent and influential farm- member of Lodge No. 131, Independent Or- ers of the county, while for twenty years he der of Odd Fellows, at Springport. Mrs. controlled a large and profitable business as Ludlow is a member of Springport Hive a shipper of grain and live stock. In politics No. 712, Ladies of the Maccabees. De- | he was originally a Whig, later a Republi- scended from some of the best and most illus- can, and finally, in harmony with his earn- trious ancestry of the Revolutionary period est convictions, he espoused the cause of the 728 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. SO as was Prohibition party. He served for a time as he has been identified from his youth, and justice of the peace and was a man who com- his valuable farm of ninety-eight acres, manded unqualified confidence and esteem which is located in section 5, Springport in the community. He and his estimable township, is one of the attractive and well wife were zealous members of the Quaker improved places of this locality. He devotes . church. Mr. Hoag passed away on the 13th his attention to general farming and also of January, 1899, his wife having preceded raises live stock of excellent grade, him into eternal rest, her death occurring on while he has ordered his life in the 13th of January, 1889, so that he died all its relations will uphold the exactly ten years later than did she who had prestige of the honored name which he been his cherished and devoted companion bears. In politics he maintains a position and helpmeet. Of their eight children seven independent of strict partisan lines, exercis- attained years of maturity and are living at ing his franchise in accordance with the dic- the present time. John Hoag was a son of tates of his judgment as applied to condi- Asa and Elizabeth (Norton) Hoag, the tions and exigencies of the hour. . former of whom was born in Dutchess coun- In December, 1871, Mr. Hoag was uni- ty, New York, and the latter in Rensselaer ted in marriage to Miss Mary L. Reed, who county, that state, where she died, his demise born Clarendon, Calhoun county, having occurred in Washington county, Michigan, on the 12th of March, 1849, be- , New York. Elizabeth (Norton) Hoag was ing a daughter of Asa W. and Fidelia (Gay) a daughter of David Norton, who died in Reed, both of whom were born in the state Rensselaer county, New York, the maiden of New York, while their marriage was sol- name of his wife having been Hunt. The emnized in Calhoun county, Michigan, maternal grandparents of the subject of this where Mr. Reed died in the year 1893, his review were Jerry and Betsy (Eycleshy- wife having passed away in 1891. They mer) Hunter, both of whom likewise died had eleven children, of whom nine attained in Rensselaer county, New York, The pa- years of maturity, while eight of the number ternal great-grandparents were Abram and are living at the present time. Mr. Reed Abigail (Wooley) Hoag, who passed their was a farmer by vocation, in politics was a lives in Dutchess county, New York. stanch Democrat, having held the office of Abram Hoag, to whom this article is justice of the peace for a number of years, dedicated, was reared on the homestead and both he and his wife held membership farm and was early made familiar with the in the Methodist church, being numbered conditions and labors of pioneer life, as- among the prominent and honored pioneers sisting in the work of the farm as soon as he of Clarendon township, Calhoun county, at had attained an age when his services could the time of their deaths. To Mr. and Mrs. be properly enlisted in the connection, while Hoag have been born two children, Fred- his educational privileges were such as were erick, who died in infancy, and Frances D., afforded by the common schools of the day. who was born on the 25th of August, 1885, He has been unswerving in his allegiance to and is now a student in the excellent con- the great basic art of agriculture, with which servatory of music maintained as a depart- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 729 a ment of Albion College. Mrs. Hoag is a ents being Asa and Elizabeth (Norton) member of the Methodist Episcopal church Hoag, natives of Dutchess county, New in the city of Albion. Her paternal grand- York. Detailed reference to them is made . parents were Ephraim and Mary (Spauld- in the sketch of Abram Hoag, elsewhere in ing) Reed, both of whom were born in Con- the pages. necticut, whence they emigrated to Calhoun The early life of George Hoag was much county, Michigan, in an early day and there like that of the average western boy on the passed the remainder of their lives. Her ma- farm. There was plenty of hard work, in- ternal grandparents were John and Lodicia terspersed occasionally with a holiday. Dur- (Pierce) Gay, who were natives of New ing the winter months he attended the dis- York, whence they likewise came to Michi-trict schools and, realizing the value of gan as pioneers of Calhoun county, where knowledge, profited so well by his instruc- they made their home until death. tion that he is the possessor of a very fair education. He remained on the farm as- sisting in the necessary work thereon long GEORGE HOAG. after leaving school, and finally determined to follow that calling with which he was Where a man is held by the suffrage of most familiar and become a farmer. Reared his fellow citizens in an important local pub- to know the value of money and the useless- lic position for the greater part of a score of ness of its unnecessary expenditure, when years, it surely indicates that it is so satis- he began life on his own behalf he practiced factorily and efficiently filled by the incum- economy and was provident with his earn- bent, they do not deem it possible to secure ings, and it was not long until he found better service, or even as good, from an- himself possessed of sufficient means to jus- other. The position of supervisor is not a tify him in thinking of making a home of difficult one to fill and there are many very his own. On the 6th day of December, capable citizens in Parma township; yet, 1866, Mr. Hoag was united in marriage to term after term, for seventeen successive | Miss Jane Landon, a native of Jackson coun- years, George Hoag, the subject of this biog- ty, Michigan, born May 16, 1844. Her par- raphy, has been elected to that office. It is ents were David and Nancy (Green) Lan- not because he craves or desires the place don, natives of Cayuga county, New York. that he has held it, but simply because his He was the eighth child of a family of ten neighbors wanted him in the position and and was born December 27, 1807, while she he has been too kindly accommodating to was born January 8, 1825. They were mar- deny them what they so much desire. There ried November 29, 1843, and immediately are probably very few instances in the his- thereafter moved to Michigan, locating in tory of Jackson county of such long-contin- Jackson county, where they remained until ued service in one official capacity. their deaths. He died July 17, 1893, at the George Hoag, the subject of this review, age of eighty-six years, while her death oc- was born on his father's farm in Jackson curred June 28, 1896, at the age of seventy- county, Michigan, August 4, 1846, his par- one years. At the age of twenty-two years, . - 730 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. David Landon professed religion, was con- ERWIN J. FINLEY. verted and became a licensed exhorter of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he There are many families and individuals was first a Whig, then a Republican, but la- whose influence upon their surroundings is ter in life he became a zealous Prohibition- as certain as that of sunshine on vegetation. ist. He was a successful manager in busi- The family whence the subject of this biog- ness matters and at the time of his death was raphy, Erwin J. Finley, sprang is one which the owner of three hundred and twenty acres has exerted a beneficent influence wherever of fine land. He left five living children, they resided any length of time. The great- fifteen grandchildren and five great-grand- grandparents of the subject were natives of children. In the Hoag family were seven Ireland, and in that land of patriots, poets, children, seventeen grandchildren and thir- orators and statesman various members of teen great-grandchildren. the Finley family were identified with im- To Mr. and Mrs. George Hoag have been portant historical events. The great-grand- born five children, viz: Alice, wife of Fred parents came to America soon after the war G. Dean, of Parma, have one son, George of the Revolution and located in the state of W.; Carrie is deceased; Asa married Miss New York, where they resided until their Susie Henistead, and they are the par- deaths, which occurred at the home of their ents of two children, Carrie and Roscoe; son, John Finley, on Finley Hill, Wayne George, Jr., inarried Grace Moe, of Spring-county, New York. The paternal grand- port, and resides in Parma township; Ar- parents of the subject were John and Rebecca thur L. is a student in the Parma high Finley, who settled in Wayne county, New school. Mrs. Hoag is a devout member of York, in 1803, on land secured from the the Methodist Episcopal church. government. It was a picturesque location The family of George Hoag resides in a on which they built their home and was comfortable home on a fine fertile farm of scon known far and wide as Finley Hill, a one hundred and fifty acres in Parma town- name which the location bears to this day. ship. He carries on general farming, but | They improved and beautified their land and raises a good grade of Shropshire sheep and established a fine home, which was known has one of the best flocks to be found in the far and wide for its generous hospitality. county. In politics he was a Republican, but There they lived, enjoying gratifying pros- of late years has become a very zealous Pro- perity and an enviable popularity until their hibitionist. He is a member of Parma Lodge | deaths. John Finley died at the age of No. 183, Free and Accepted Masons, and eighty-three years, and his wife at the age also belongs to the Ancient Order of Uni- of eighty-one, his father and mother having ted Workmen. The fact that he has served also died in the same house many years pre- his constituents on the board of supervisors vious. The maternal grandparents of Erwin continuously for seventeen years testifies am- J. Finley were John and Ruth (Wright) ply to the high regard in which he is held by Mason. They were natives of Schoharie the people in whose midst he was born fifty-county, New York, but located in Wayne seven years ago. county early in their married life. They re- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 731 sided on a farm, to the cultivation and man- being Miss Martha Mason, he became the agement of which he devoted his attention. father of three daughters. They were very successful in business, accu- Erwin J. Finley was born at the family mulated sonie property and reared and edu- home, in Finley Hill, Wayne county, New cated an intelligent, worthy family. He York, August 3, 1861, and grew to manhood died at the age of sixty-five years, while his in the parental home. He was educated in wife survived him twenty-eight years, death the public schools of Walworth, in his na- coming to her in the ninety-fourth year of tive county, acquiring a thorough knowledge , her age. Theron and Prudence (Mason) of all the common school branches. He Finley were the parents of Erwin J. Finley, selected farming as his occupation in life the subject of this biography. Both were and, considering Michigan a better field for natives of Wayne county, New York, he the exercise of his abilities, he moved to this having been born at the family home in Fin- state in 1884, locating in Calhoun county. ley Hill, which had been the home of his par- There he resided until 1897, when he moved ents and grandparents. The members of the to Jackson county, having purchased a farm family appreciated the value of knowledge of one hundred and twenty-five acres in and, though the opportunities for securing Parma township. an education were limited in those days, November 25, 1885, Erwin J. Finley was Theron Finley was far better educated than united in marriage to Miss Minnie Finley, a the majority of the youths of his time and native of Calhoun county, Michigan, born the locality in which he lived. Opportuni- | January 21, 1862. Her parents were Silas ties for the choice of a calling were not as and Amanda (Snyder) Finley, pioneer resi- plentiful in those days as at present, the pur- dents of Calhoun county, Michigan. Two suit of agriculture being the most common sons were born to this union, viz: Theron and the most convenient, and to it young | S., born May 7, 1887, educated in the Al- Finley applied himself with characteristic | bion high school, and Clarence Erwin, born zeal and energy. Prosperity crowned his September 17, 1890, now attending school. efforts and soon after attaining his major- The faithful wife and devoted mother died ity he married Miss Prudence Mason. The December 12, 1897. union proved a most congenial one, and four Since locating on his Parma township children were born to them, all of whom farm, Erwin J. Finley has made many and grew to maturity and are now living worthy | lasting improvements thereon, the most im- and useful lives. The faithful wife died inportant being the erection of a barn, forty 1866. Mr. Finley is the owner of one hun- hy ninety-six feet, at a cost of twelve hundred dred and twelve acres of land, situated in and sixteen dollars. He is engaged very ex- Parma township, Jackson county, though he tensively in the raising and feeding of cattle resides in Parma. In politics he is a Demo- | and sheep, a business to which he is well crat and quite active in the interest of his adapted and which he has made quite profit- party. By a second marriage, which he con- able. In politics he is a Democrat, straight- tracted in 1868, his bride on that occasion forward and uncompromising, but he is 732 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a about as good a judge of a candidate as he is and established a home thereon. There he of live stock and never had any use for any has resided from that time to the present, en- kind of a "scrub." He is a very successful gaged in farming. To them six children business man, shrewd, careful and method- have been born, viz. : , John, Samuel, ical, and an enterprising citizen who has George, Wallace, Charles and Thomas, all proven his worth to the community. residents of Pulaski township. Mrs. Lovitt died in April, 1898. All of the years of the life of George Lovitt have been spent in the township of his birth. When old enough to GEORGE LOVITT. attend school he began his education, and, being energetic and ambitious, he profited by Considering the versatility of the aver- the instruction he received far more than age American, it is a matter of surprise that most boys of his age. Before he completed so few aspire to political positions or official the common school course he was very thor- stations. It is a fact, however, that in pro- ough in all of the branches taught, attaining portion to the number eligible to the various a proficiency greater than many of those who places, the number of candidates is generally yearly attempt to become instructors in the small indeed. The truth is, to be a success- schools of the rural districts. On leaving ful politician requires not only special train- school and communing with himself as to ing, but there must be natural talent, a taste what calling he was best adapted to, he de- for the necessary work to be done and a par-cided in favor of the mercantile business. He ticular aptitude for the occupancy of the de- accordingly established a well-stocked gen- sired official position. George Lovitt, the eral merchandise store at Pulaski and has subject of this biography, though still young, continued to enjoy a thriving trade ever has been quite successful in local politics. since. He has been elected to and creditably filled On the 11th day of November, 1890, many of the township offices and he is at the George Lovitt was united in marriage to present time postmaster of the village of Ella Caywood, a native of Jackson county, Pulaski. The really successful politician born in February, 1871. Her parents are always begins his public career at home. So John and Mary (Dresser) Caywood, the the subject of this review began, and his suc- mother a native of Michigan, who are among cess has been so complete that the future the very oldest and most highly respected seems to promise for him almost any posi- residents of Pulaski township. To Mr. and tion to which he may aspire. Mrs. Lovitt two children have been born, George Lovitt is a native of Jackson Mamie and Carl, both being now students county, having been born in Pulaski town- in the public schools of the village. ship July 8, 1866. His father was William Since attaining his majority George Lov- Lovitt, a native of England, born in March, itt has taken an interest in politics, chiefly, , 1833, who came to America about 1856, however, in that part of it which applies to accompanied by his wife, Susan (Lambert) | local affairs. He has been actuated by no Lovitt, purchased land in Pulaski township selfish motive, his object being to see that JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 733 capable officials are selected and that the which he was born. Doubtless the secret of affairs of the municipality are efficiently and long residence here is a high appreciation of economically administered. In 1894 the the merits of the locality as an abiding place. voters of the township elected him to the po- Reuben Franklin Luttenton was born in sition of clerk and he was re-elected in 1895. Pulaski township, Jackson county, Septem- In 1899 he was elected supervisor and at each ber 2, 1837. His father, Reuben Luttenton, successive election from that time to the was a native of the state of New York, born present (1903) he has been re-elected. In in Onondaga county, in 1805, and was 1899 he was commissioned postmaster of reared and grew to manhood in his native Pulaski and is still serving the government county, receiving a good common school and the public most faithfully in that ca- education. By occupation he was a farmer pacity. The talents of which he is possessed, and spent the first thirty years of his life in in a political line, are worthy of a broader his native state, tilling the soil from the time field for the exercise of his abilities than he that he was old enough to engaged in indus- has yet operated in. It remains to be seen trial pursuits. About the year 1825 he was whether or not he will be content with being united in marriage to Miss Alzira Bagnall, a merchant and forego the pleasure of being also a native of New York, and they became a statesman. Fraternally Mr. Lovitt belongs the parents of nine children, two of whom to Lodge No. 30, Free and Accepted Masons, died in infancy. Those who grew to matur- and to Pulaski Tent No. 820, Knights of the ity are Richard M., of Jackson; William W., Maccabees, being a charter member of the who died May 29, 1885; Reuben F., the last named society and its present finance subject of this biography; John W., of Pu- keeper. Mrs. Lovitt is a member of the laski township; Charles N. W., of Jackson; Ladies of the Maccabees. Ann Jeannette, wife of John Holland, of Jackson; Eugene B., deceased. In October, 1835, Reuben Luttenton, with his family, emigrated to Michigan and decided upon REUBEN F. LUTTENTON. Jackson county as a desirable place in which to locate. Real estate agents were not numer- The faculty of inhabitiveness, as the ous in this locality at that time, so he dealt phrenologists term it, must be inordinately with the original holder of the land, the developed in many of the residents of Mich- United States government, and the nego- igan. It is especially noticeable in some sec- tiations were so successfully conducted that tions of Jackson county, where people have he secured title to one hundred and twenty resided in the same neighborhood for seventy acres of land in Pulaski township, a part of years or more. The subject of this review, section ul. There he spent the remainder of Reuben Franklin Luttenton, has not yet his life, devoting himself to the duties of his rounded out his seventy years, but the indi- farm. He died February 25, 1874, while cations are that he will, and when he does his wife survived himn eleven years, expiring there is little doubt that he will still be a on the 7th day of June, 1885. resident of Pulaski township, the one in Reuben F. Luttenton was the third son 734 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. of the above family, and was reared and edu- found in its pages. The subject of this cated in the township of his birth, a thorough sketch, Ira Slate, now of Berrien county, , knowledge of all of the common-school was for upwards of eleven years a resident branches being the extent of the education of Pulaski township, nearly sixty years ago. he received On reaching manhood he His home has been in Berrien county most adopted the occupation of his father, turn- of the time since, but he often visits his old ing his attention to farming, and has fol- friends in this locality. lowed this vocation most successfully all his Ira Slate is a native of the Empire state, life. January 1, 1890, he was united in mar- | having been born in Orleans county, New , riage to Miss Frances S. Pearson, a native | York. He was reared and educated in that of Michigan, and daughter of John Pearson, state and in 1836 came to Michigan and lo- a native of England, who came to America cated in Pulaski township. He engaged in about 1850 and settled in Concord township. farming until 1845, when he went south and To this marriage two children have been was for many years employed as a boatman born, Reuben F., Jr., and Inez Maria. Both on the Ohio, Mississippi and Missouri rivers. are intelligent and ambitious, attending The opening of hostilities between the North school and succeeding very satisfactorily and the South at the beginning of the Civil with their studies. Mr. Luttenton is very war found him in the city of New Orleans, generally recognized as a man of good and, although he made every effort to get judgment and much ability, and the family away, he was unsuccessful for some time, stands high in popular regard and esteem. being well known as a Northern man. He Mr. Luttenton is a stanch Republican and would have been impressed into the Confed- cast his first vote for the martyr president, erate service, but was lucky enough to make Abraham Lincoln. his escape from the city before such purpose could be carried into effect. With consider- able difficulty he made his way back again to IRA SLATE. Michigan and resided in Berrien county until 1863, when he enlisted as a private soldier in Jackson county, like other counties, has | Company K, Twelfth Regiment Michigan parted with many of its early settlers other- Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was as- wise than by death. Some have left the signed to the Western Department and with state, others have moved into other counties it he served until the close of the war. He and no doubt some of the discontented ones participated in all the various battles and are still on the move from one locality to skirmishes in which his regiment engaged another. But those who have remained have and was fortunate enough to escape with an been well rewarded for their loyalty by the unpunctured skin. When discharged from . rich returns which the fertile soil has given the army he returned to Berrien county. them. It is to those who have remained that About 1840, in Jackson county, Mich- this work is devoted, although in a few rare igan, Ira Slate was united in marriage to instances a biography of a prominent early Miss Harriet Wyllis, a native of this county. settler now living in another locality may be They became the parents of one daughter, , JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 735 whom they named Ellen and who now re- rent, the daughter of an Irishman. If va- sides in Sycamore, DeKalb county, Illinois. riety of ancestry makes the best and most Mr. Slate is a man who has traveled much, distinctive Americans, the combinations re- observed more than does the ordinary trav- ferred to here will certainly be heard from in eler and has the faculty of describing scenes the future history of this country. and events most entertainingly. His old Ludiwick Rosenbrook is a native of New friends in Jackson county would be most York, York, having been born on Long Island, happy to welcome him back, but the prob- March 31, 1847, the son of John and Eliza abilities are that he is thoroughly wedded to Ann (Rice) Rosenbrook, the former a na- the county which has been his home so long. tive of Germany, and his wife of England. John Rosenbrook resided in his native land until the age of fourteen years, when he went to London, England, and secured employ- LUDIWICK ROSENBROOK. ment in a sugar factory. There he made the acquaintance of Miss Eliza Ann Rice, whom At the present time the American is con- he later married, and then came to America ceded to be the most progressive and most and established their home on Long Island. promising of any of the various nationalities. He secured employment in a New York Thost who have looked into the matter agree sugar factory and they continued to reside that the superiority of the American is due on the Island until 1848, when they came to to inter-marriage between the people of dif- Michigan and located in Concord township, ferent nationalities who have become a part Jackson county. Here he resided for thirty- of our population. It is asserted that by eight years, his death occurring in 1886. His inter-marriage between the people of differ- wife is still a resident of Jackson county, ent nationalities the best qualities of each and is now ninety-one years of age. They predominate in the offspring. But it is facts, were the parents of six children, only two not theories, that are being sought, and the of whom are living, viz: Jacob, who is re- fact is that the native American has shown tired and resides at Concord, Michigan, and himself on many occasions amply compe- Ludiwick, the subject of this sketch. Their tent to hold his own with the best of any father was by trade a stonemason and did other land. Ludiwick Rosenbrook, the sub- considerable work in that line, but most of ject of this biography, would easily be sus- the earlier years of his life were spent as pected, from his name, of being a German. an employe in sugar factories in London, He, however, is a native of America and not England, and in New York city. After more than half the blood that circulates in coming to Michigan he devoted himself to his veins had its origin in the Teutonic race. agricultural pursuits, in which line he proved His father was German, his mother was himself eminently successful. At the time English, and Long Island, New York, was of his death he was the owner of three hun- the place of his birth. In his children the dred acres of valuable land in Jackson coun- strains of national blood are more compli- ty, and much personal property, his entire cated, for their mother was Miss Ella Tor- estate being valued at thirty thousand dol- a 1 736 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. lars. In politics he was a Democrat, but was Michigan, where they were married. They too much occupied with his personal affairs are the parents of nine children, seven of to devote much time to "saving the country.” whom are still living. To Mr. and Mrs. He always acted on the principal that he who Ludiwick Rosenbrook seven children have serves those committed to his care best, been born, viz: Reuben, Herbert, Clyde, serves his country most. Florence, Carl, Herman and Thorlow. In On his father's farm in Concord town- politics Mr. Rosenbrook is a Democrat, but ship Ludiwick Rosenbrook was reared to has never sought official position. He is a manhood. He attended the public schools of member of the Masonic fraternity, having the township of his residence and wisely em- his membership in Parma Lodge No. 183. ployed his time with his studies. He was in- He is an enterprising, progressive citizen, dustrious, early made the acquaintance of thoroughly alive to the interests of the com- honest toil and profited well by the acquaint-munity in which he resides. ance. He is the owner of one hundred and forty-nine acres of fertile, well improved land, one hundred and three acres of which WILLIAM M. EASTON. are located in Parma township, the remain- der in Sandstone township. Most of the im- There is no calling, however humble, in provements upon the place have been made which enterprise and industry, coupled with by himself, including a commodious barn, a well directed purpose, will not be produc- eighty-four by forty feet, erected at a cost tive of some measure of success and in the of fourteen hundred dollars. He devotes pursuit of agriculture the qualities men- himself to general farming and stock raising tioned are especially essential. Under cer- and has met with enviable success. tain circumstances a farmer lacking them In 1870 Mr. Rosenbrook was united in may eke out an existence, but he who would marriage to Miss Mary Parish, a native of be eminently successful must possess a defi- Steuben county, Indiana. To this union one nite aim and must persevere in the pursuit child was born, Ardell, who grew to man- William M. Easton, of hood, married Miss Maggie James, is now Rives township, the subject of this review, engaged as an operator and resides at Sher- in his brief but successful career as a hus- wood, Michigan. In June, 1875, Mrs. Mary bandman has clearly demonstrated what an (Parish) Rosenbrook died, and in Septem- enterprising and industrious young man can ber, 1875, Mr. Rosenbrook was again mar- accomplish. He is a native of the state of ried, his bride on this occasion being Miss Michigan, born March 23, 1864. His par- Elia Torrent, a native of Lansing, Mich- ents were Morey A. and Susan (Stebbins) igan, born April 4, 1860. Her parents are Easton, both natives of New York, who had Richard and Annie E. (Palmer) Torrent, he emigrated to Michigan while the state was a native of Ireland, she of England, and who yet new and located near. Lima, Washten- have been residents of Parma township for aw county, upon a tract of land on which the upwards of forty years. of his purpose. Both came to father built a home and converted the forest came to America in early life and located in with which it was covered into a fertile RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM M. EASTON. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 737 farm. This he later sold and moved to township. It was only partially improved, Rives township, Jackson county, where he but it was a desirable piece of land, and with a still resides. Mrs. Susan Easton passed youth, strength and energy its owner was away on the 30th of July, 1902, having been not long in converting it into a well im- a faithful and devout member of the Bap- proved, productive farm to which he has tist church. To this worthy couple were since added two acres. He erected a hand- born seven children, four sons and three some farm residence, a good, substantial • daughters, of whom five are living, namely: barn, with other necessary farm buildings, Delevan, a resident of Cleveland, Ohio; and made many other desirable improve- William M., the subject; Adeline and An- ments. The place is well stocked with horses, geline are twins and both are married; cattle, hogs and sheep and the manner Robert, a resident of Jackson. in which he has operated his affairs has won During the early years of the life of Will- for him an enviable reputation for thrift and iam M. Easton there was for him plenty of progress. Mr. and Mrs. Easton are the par- hard work. Nature, however, had endowed ents of four children, aged respectively fif- him with health and strength and the exer- teen, thirteen, nine and one year. They are cise of the powers which God had given him Dell, Verda, Hazel and Ethel. The three was, therefore, beneficial rather than detri- older children are attending school and mak- mental to him. Wise even for his years, he ing marked progress in their studies. In early realized how essential education was politics Mr. Easton is a Republican and is to success in life, hence no opportunity of always active in the interest of the party, but acquiring learning was left unimproved by has never sought or held any public posi- him. The result is that few men of his age tion. He is a member of Rives Tent No. and condition in life are better informed or 868, Knights of the Maccabees, and is ac- possess a more thorough knowledge of the tively interested in the work of the order, common branches of learning than himself. while Mrs. Easton is a member of Hive No. He kept good company, acquired no bad hab-822, Ladies of the Maccabees. All that he its and was prudent with his earnings. On has accomplished has been through his own the 22d day of December, 1886, William M. individual exertions and having accomplish- Easton was united in marriage to Miss Al- ed so much while still practically a youth, mira Henry, a native of Rives township, there is fair promise for the future. born September 18, 1866. Her parents are Marvin and Nancy (Lockhart) Henry, na- tives of Michigan and New York, respect- ively. They are old settlers of Jackson WARREN GREEN. county, Marvin Henry being one of the suc- cessful farmers of Rives township. The To indulge in prolix encomium of a life worthy young couple established their home which was one of distinctive modesty and in Henrietta township as renters. In 1894 unpretentiousness would be most incon- the subject purchased ninety-six acres of gruous, and yet in reviewing the career of land, parts of sections 23 and 26, Rives the honored subject of this memoir, who was 47 738 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. son. one of the sterling pioneers of Summit town- Eliza McCain, of Jackson county, and her ship and who held a position of unequivocal death occurred on the 28th of June, 1902, confidence and esteem in the community in three children having been born of this which he lived and labored to so goodly ends, union, namely: Herbert, who is a farmer feelings of respect and admiration are near Charlotte, Eaton county; Zora, who prompted and it is most fitting that a tribute died at the age of eighteen years; and to his memory and noble life be incorporated Homer, who is a resident of Charlotte, this in this volume, which has to do with those state. Ruth A., the second child of Warren who have been the founders and builders of and Eveline (Nichols) Green, was born on Jackson county. the 19th of March, 1827, and was twice mar- Warren Green was a native of the old ried, her first husband having been Myron Empire state of the Union, having been borri Williams, who was born in the state of New in Kingsbury, Washington county, New York, and after his death she became the York, on the ist of February, 1805, and be- wife of Warren Lewis, of Jackson, Mich- ing a son of William and Syndona (Priest) igan, who is now residing in Michigan City, Green, the former of whom was born in the Mississippi. She died in 1895, having had state of Rhode Island, in 1772, while the one child by her first marriage, Mary E., latter was born in Vermont, in 1776. He who is the wife of James Boland, of Jack- died in 1819 and she in 1852. Warren Of the second marriage two children Green was reared and educated in his native were born, Melvina W. and Kenn B., who state, where he continued to reside until are now residents of Mississippi. Betsy M. 1843, when he came to Michigan and located Green, the third child of Warren Green, was in Kalamazoo county, whence he came a year born on the 3d of April, 1829, and became later to Spring Arbor township, Jackson the wife of George Pardee, of Jackson coun- county, where he resided nine years and then ty, where she died on the ist of December, came to Summit township and took up his 1878, having become the mother of three abode on the old homestead where his daugh- daughters, Dora, Hortense and Kate. Me- ter, Miss Emily A. Green, now resides, the nora, the fourth child of the subject, died in place being hallowed and endeared to her by infancy. Mrs. Eveline (Nichols) Green ( the memories and associations of the past. was summoned into eternal rest in 1829, On the 14th of September, 1823, Mr. and on the 25th of April, 1833, Mr. Green Green was united in marriage to Miss Eve-married Miss Harriet E. Dwight, who was line Nichols, of Royalton, Niagara county, born in the state of Massachusetts, on the New York, and of their children record is 12th of January, 1809, and of this union five entered as follows: Daniel B., who is now children were born. Concerning them the the only survivor of the children, was born following data is offered: Kennicott B., on the 30th of September, 1824, and is now who was born on the 31st of May, 1835, a resident of Summit township, this county, died in February, 1885, having resided on and resides with his half-sister, Emily A., on the old homestead in Summit township until the old homestead. On the 23d of June, the time of his death and having been well 1849, he was united in marriage to Miss known and highly esteemed in the commun- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 739 ity. He was a Democrat in politics and was charitable and tolerant in his intercourse an appreciative member of the Masonic fra- with his fellowmen and was animated by ternity, in which he had taken the capitular that broad humanitarian spirit which in- degrees. Hosmer H., who was born August variably indicates strong character and in- 5, 1836, died in 1861, a bachelor. Emily flexible personal integrity. Such a man A., who resides on the old homestead, will could not but wield a beneficent influence in be more specifically mentioned in an append- the community, and the name of Warren ing paragraph. Chapman W., who was born Green is one that will ever be held in honor on the 5th of April, 1840, died at the age of in this section so long as there remain those two and one-half years. Sindona A., who who have cognizance and appreciation of his was born on the 3rd of May, 1842, is the wife life and labors. Public-spirited and pro- of Scott McConnell, of Blackman township. | gressive in his attitude, a man of ideas and The mother of these children passed away on initiative power, he held a prominent posi- the ist of November, 1871, having been a tion in the township and county, though woman of gracious presence and noble char- never ostentatious in any way. In politics acter, ever holding the affectionate regard of he was a stanch advocate of the principles of all who knew her. the Democratic party and for sixty years, or Warren Green came to Summit township up to the time of his death, retained an active about 1852 and here purchased a tract of one affiliation with the Masonic fraternity. He hundred and seventy-four acres, in sections was called forward to the “land of the leal” 7 and 8, and this homestead is that now oc- on the 20th of February, 1887, and his death cupied by his daughter Emily. The farm caused a uniform feeling of personal be- had been partially improved and he contin- reavement in the community where he had ued to develop the same and eventually made so long lived and labored. He accorded his it one of the valuable rural estates of the children the best possible educational advant- county. In 1884 he erected the present resi- ages, several of the elder children having dence, while all the other permanent im- been educated in the state of New York and provements on the place were effected under the others in Michigan. his direction, his entire life being devoted to Miss Emily A. Green, who resides on the agricultural pursuits, which he ever held old homestead, completed the course of study worthy of unfaltering allegiance, recogniz- in Spring Arbor College, in Jackson county, ing that the great basic art must ever stand this having been a prominent and ably con- as the bulwark of peace and prosperity in all ducted institution in the early days, and she ages and all climes and thus being gratified became one of the pioneer teachers in the to enroll himself among the sturdy yeoman county, having been employed in the public of our republic. Mr. Green was a man of schools of the city of Jackson for five years high intellectuality, having an alert mind and and also having taught in the district one that placed true valuations on men and schools, while her services in a pedagogic things. As he was endowed with a discrim- way were also given for a time in the schools inating ent and well understood the of Brooklyn, New York, as well as those of springs of human thought and action, he was the national metropolis, so that her experi- a 740 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. room. ence was wide and varied. She was thor- farmers of this section, which is the position oughly en rapport with her work and was today occupied by his son, the subject of thus very successful in the same, while she this review, whose well improved farm is lo- reverts with pleasure to the many busy but cated in Rives township, being the home- happy hours she has passed in the school- stead upon which his father took up his Miss Green is a native of Niagara residence on coming to the county. county, New York, where she was born De- Harry Draper was born on a farm in cember 31, 1837, and she was reared in Erie county, New York, on the 21st of Jackson county, where she has passed the January, 1852, being a son of Hiram, and major portion of her life and where her Harriet (Wheeler) Draper, both of whom friends are in number as her acquaintances. were likewise natives of the old Empire In addition to teaching she has done some state, where the respective families were literary work and is a graceful and interest- found in an early day. Hiram Draper ing writer, having contributed many articles was engaged in farming in Erie county, to the newspapers, especially the Detroit that state, until 1866, when he came to Free Press. Since 1895 she has resided on Michigan and located in Jackson county, the old homestead, and here she may well six of his brothers having emigrated to this feel that her "lines have fallen in pleasant state in the early pioneer epoch. He pur- places,” for she has the grateful surrounding chased of his brother Milton, who had se- of a home pregnant with gracious memories cured the land from the government, in the and is surrounded by friends who are appre- 'thirties, a tract of two hundred and forty ciative, as is she of them. She is the owner acres, in section 29, Rives township, and of one hundred and seventy-four acres of the here he devoted his attention to agricultur- home farm, and the same is kept under ef- al pursuits until his death, reclaiming a con- fective cultivation, so that she receives a siderable portion of this land from the for- good income therefrom. est and making excellent improvements on the place. Here he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred on the 20th of January, 1880, at which time he HARRY DRAPER. was sixty-eight years of age. He was a man of steadfast purpose and impregnable Representatives of the Draper family integrity and all who knew him accorded came into Jackson county as pioneers, and to him the maximum of confidence and the name has been one of prominence in con- esteem, In his political adherency he was nection with the agricultural industry and aligned with the Republican party, but he civic affairs of the county from the period never sought official preferment. His re- when Michigan was a territory until the ligious faith was that of the Free Method- present time. The father of the subject ist church, of which he was a zealous and came to the county a number of years after active member, while his widow is also a his brothers had located here, and he too devoted member of the same. She now re- became one of the prosperous and honored sides with the subject of this review on the JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 741 old homestead, and is eighty-three years of in years at the time. Upon the death of his age at the time of this writing (April, 1903), father he purchased the interests of the They became the parents of seven children, other heirs of the estate and has ever since concerning whom the following brief record been successfully engaged in diversified is entered: Orville married Miss Libbie farming and stock growing, while he has Hunt and they reside at Rives Junction, made numerous improvements and repairs, this county, he being employed in the mail | having erected a fine granary and also a service. He served during the Civil war, windmill, while everything about the farm as a member of the One Hundredth New bespeaks thrift and prosperity. Mr. Draper York Volunteer Infantry. He and his wife He and his wife is energetic and progressive and is ever are the parents of one child. Warren resided ready to avail himself of improved machin- on the old homestead until his death, which ery and systems which will facilitate his occurred on the 19th of December, 1876. operations and result in better returns, and Frances died in the state of New York, at he has never allowed himself to follow in the the age of eighteen years. Milton, who is beaten path and to do certain things in cer- a successful farmer of Ingham county, re- tain ways simply because others have fol- siding near the city of Lansing, married lowed this plan before him. His farm now Miss Ida Ferguson and they have six chil- comprises one hundred and sixty acres, all dren. Carrie died at the age of eighteen of which is available for effective cultiva- years, after the removal of the family to tion with the exception of ten acres, which Michigan. Emma died in the state of New is timber and pasture land. Mr. Draper York, when ten years of age. The children is a stanch Republican in politics and takes all received good educational advantages, an active interest in local affairs, lending the daughters also having musical instruc- his aid and influence in support of all meas- tion, and each of the sons has been duly ures for the general good. While he has successful in life. never sought the honors or emoluments of Harry Draper, to whom this sketch is public office, he served one term as justice dedicated, was fourteen years of age at the of the peace, in which capacity he rendered time when his parents came to Jackson efficient service. Fraternally he holds mem- county, and here he completed his educa- bership in the Knights of the Maccabees, tional training in the public schools, while being identified with Rives Tent No. 846, he early began to assist in the work of the at Rives Junction, while his wife is a mem- home farm, where he remained until he had ber of the auxiliary of the same, Hive No. attained his legal majority. He then, in 628, Ladies of the Maccabees. They are . 1873, went to the state of California, where numbered among the popular and highly he remained three years, during which time esteemed residents of the community and he devoted his attention to farming. He their pleasant home is one in which hospi- then returned to Jackson county and, his tality reigns supreme. They are adherents brother Warren having died, assumed having died, assumed of the Methodist church at Rives. charge of the home farm, which he man- On the 26th of November, 1880, were aged for his father, who was well advanced solemnized the nuptials of Mr. Draper and 742 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Miss Etta French, who was born in Rives brothers-in-law, came to Jackson county, township, in this county, October, 1855, Michigan, and entered four hundred and being a daughter of Charles French, one of thirty acres of land in sections 7 and 18, the honored pioneers and representative Henrietta township, the old patent for farmers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. which; bearing the signature of Martin Van Draper have two children, Pearl, who is the Buren, is now in possession of the subject wife of William Kennedy, a successful far- of this review. After securing his land Mr. a mer of Rives township, has one child, Lyle; Hall returned to New York and the follow- and Ward, who was born on the 20th of No- ing spring moved his family to the new home vember, 1892, remains at the parental home in the west, traveling overland with an ox and is prosecuting his studies in the public team to Buffalo, thence by coach to Detroit, schools. and from the latter place drove through a wild and in places almost impassable coun- try until reaching their destination in the JOHN ADAMS HALL. woods of what is now the township of Hen- rietta. When Mr. Hall built his first cabin In point of continuous residence the sub- in the depths of a dense forest his nearest ject of this sketch is the oldest citizen of neighbors lived six miles distant and a more Henrietta township, having made his home uninviting prospect than faced the pioneer in the same ever since his birth, over sixty- family would be difficult to imagine. Find- six years ago. His life has been very ing it impossible to procure lumber, there closely identified with the country and in the being no saw-mill at that time in the country, wonderful development which has marked Mr. Hall was obliged to manufacture the the last half century of its history he has flooring of his house out of logs, hewing been an active participant and influential them into rough kind of boards known as factor. Paternally John Adams Hall is de- puncheon, the roof being made of the same scended from New England ancestry, his kind of material, held in place by heavy grandfather, Heber Hall, having been born weight-poles. In due time a small field was in Massachusetts prior to the colonial strug- cleared, which, planted with vegetables and gle for independence. Alfred, son of Heber grain, supplied the family with a fairly com- and father of the subject, was also a native fortable support until a larger area could of Massachusetts, born on the 13th day of be reduced to cultivation. Wild game was June, 1796. When a boy he accompanied plentiful and an abundance of the choicest his parents to New York, where he grew to meats furnished variety to the bill of fare, manhood, meanwhile learning the shoemak- so that no great difficulty was experienced er's trade. He married, in Genesee county, in providing a sufficiency of eatables during that state, Miss Sarah Halbert, who was the first two or three years' experience in the , born September 16, 1802, her antecedents back woods. being among the earliest settlers in that part Mr. Hall developed a good farm and of the commonwealth. In 1835 Alfred Hall, lived on the same until his death, which took in company with one of his brothers and place February 4, 1851. He was one of the JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 743 leading men of his part of the county, being family, was born December 24, 1837, in , energetic and public-spirited, and at differ- | Henrietta township, and has practically ent times was honored with official station, spent his life where he first saw the light of holding every township office within the day. Reared in a new country and early power of the people to bestow. He served subjected to the experiences which life under several years as justice of the peace, was such circumstances brings, he grew up one of the first supervisors of the township, strong in body and independent in mind, and also filled the position of school inspector while still a mere boy was able to do all and it is a matter of record that he once kinds of rough manual labor on the farm, held five local offices at the same time. In such as cutting timber, rolling logs, grub- politics he was an old-line Whig and for a bing, piling brush, breaking new ground, number of years was regarded as a leader of tending the crops and gathering the same that party in his community. Religiously when sufficiently matured to be harvested. he was a Congregationalist, his wife also His early educational training was received belonging to the same communion, both do- in a small log cabin about three miles from ing much for the cause of Christianity his home, to reach which he was obliged to among the early settlers of Henrietta. Mrs. walk through a dense woods by means of Hall bore her husband four children, and de- trees which his father "blazed” for the pur- parted this life on the 8th day of August, pose of marking the way, there being at that 1864. The oldest of the children died in in- time no road or well defined path to guide fancy, the second being Marie Antoinette, his footsteps. While the facilities were of widow of the late Rev. Aaron Bowser; Nan- necessity quite limited, young Hall made the cy M., the third of the family, was born in most of his opportunities, applying himself Attica, New York, and has spent nearly all with such diligence as to master the funda- her life on the old homestead in Henrietta mental branches of study, at the same time township, where she still lives, keeping becoming familiar with the more practical house for her brother, the subject of this affairs of life by observation and contact sketch. In early life she taught school, in with old people. At the death of his father, addition to which she was for a number of in 1851, the subject, then only fourteen years a leader in the social affairs of the years of age, took charge of the farm and community, her home being the gathering from that time to the present day he has place for a large circle of admiring friends. managed the same, his standing as a pro- She was long popular as a society woman, gressive agriculturist winning him a place but with advancing age she gradually with- in the front ranks of those similarly en- drew from active participation in social func- gaged. Devoting his attention closely to his tions and of late has been content to live a calling, he has in the main been successful, retired life, devoting her time and energies though on divers occasions meeting with to the home and to her brother, whose com- financial reverses, which caused him no little fort and happiness she looks after in many embarrassment. These temporary checks to ways. his prosperity were overcome in due time John Adams Hall, the youngest of the and he is now one of the enterprising and 744 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a well-to-do husbandmen of his township, widely informed on many subjects and a owning a good farm in one of the best agri- close student of current events. Well posted cultural districts of the county, his improve- on the great questions of the times, his opin- ments of all kinds comparing favorably ions carry weight and his convictions are so with any in the neighborhood. positive as to leave no doubt in the minds Mr. Hall has made a close and careful of others as to his attitude towards the po- study of the nature of soils and in applying litical issues upon which the public is di- his knowledge has become a practical and vided. Since his twenty-first year he has enterprising farmer, employing modern been a zealous supporter of the Republican methods in his work and keeping in close party, but never at any time has he permitted touch with the latest improvements in agri- the desire for office to lead him from the cultural science. He has also been success- quiet and contented life of a private citizen. ful as a raiser of live stock, paying consid- It is a fact worthy of note that Mr. Hall was erable attention to the best breeds of cattle, the third white child born in what is now the sheep and hogs, besides realizing handsome township of Henrietta and, as indicated in a returns from the fruit, which he sells in preceding paragraph, he is now the oldest large quantities every year. Mr. Hall has resident, also one of the oldest native citi- never married, but, as already stated, is the zens of Jackson county. His birth and the head of a household over which his older organization of the township were almost sister has provided with becoming grace and contemporaneous events, while his life and dignity for many years. The home is in- its history have been so closely interwoven deed a most pleasant one, possessing a hos- as to be pretty much one and the same thing. pitality that has long been proverbial He has watched the country's growth and to throughout the community, and from its the extent of his ability contributed to the doors no worthy person needing assistance general welfare, the meanwhile so impress- is ever turned empty-handed away. Of ing his individuality upon the community large heart and generous impulses, Mr. Hall as to become an influential factor in its de- perceives in every human being the ties of a velopment and a leader among his fellow common brotherhood, and recognizes even men in all of its affairs. Esteemed by all in the most wayward the spark of divinity who know him, he is still a moulder of opin- which bespeaks a heavenly origin and an ion in his neighborhood and it is with much immortal destiny; hence he is free with his pleasure that this brief tribute to his worth charities and ready at all times to overlook is accorded a place on the printed page where frailties which society at large is not in the others may read his simple life story, emu- habit of forgiving. His long residence in late his virtues and profit by his example. . the same locality has made him widely known and, without in the least reflecting upon the standing of any of his neighbors or AUSTIN N. RIPLEY. friends, the writer is justified in saying that he is today without doubt the most popular A leading farmer, a prominent citizen man in the community honored by his citi- and a gallant soldier in a war that tested the zenship. Mr. Hall is a reader and thinker, perpetuity of the American union, Austin JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 745 a N. Ripley, of Henrietta township, is en- born to this excellent couple, the oldest of titled to honorable mention in the biograph- whom was Asa, who died when a lad of six- a ical history of Jackson county. His father, teen; Jacob, the second, served during the Charles Ripley, was a native of New York, Civil war as private in Company C, Ninth as was also his mother, who bore the maiden Michigan Infantry, was three years in the name of Diana Walroth. These parents south and took part in some of the most were married near Cleveland, Ohio, and la- noted battles and campaigns of the rebellion. ter, about the year 1837, moved to Jackson Later he married Minerva Waters, of Wis- county, Michigan, settling in the township consin, reared a family of six children and at of Grass Lake, where Mr. Ripley entered the present time resides in the town of Les- forty acres of land. He built his small log | lie. Austin N., of this review, is the third dwelling in the woods and, being a skillful of the family, the fourth being a daughter hunter, spent much of his time in quest of by the name of Mary, who died at the age the game with which the country at that time of twenty; Alfred, also a soldier of the Civil abounded. For several years his chief means war, served in Company H, First Regiment of support was his unerring gun, meanwhile of Engineers and Mechanics, and was two when so disposed working on his land until years with the army; he now lives on the old ; the greater part of his little farm was cleared homestead in Henrietta township, being one and in cultivation. In 1852 he sold his orig- of the successful agriculturists of that part inal purchase and bought forty-seven acres of the county: Betsey, who married James of wild land in section 6, Henrietta town- Galbraith and has a family of three children, ship, which in due time was improved and lives in New York; William is deceased; on which he spent the remainder of his days, Chloe, deceased, was the wife of Melville dying December 20, 1880, his wife surviv- Osborne and the mother of three children; ing him ten years. Charles Ripley was an Edith, also deceased, married John Pitcher, estimable man and in a quiet, unobtrusive the union resulting in two offspring; Helen, way exercised a wholesome moral influence the youngest, departed this life when twen- among the people of his neighborhood. He ty-two years old. . early became interested in the cause of edu- Austin N. Ripley was born February 2, cation and was untiring in his efforts to in- 1841, on the old homestead in Grass Lake troduce the public school system into this township and has literally grown up with part of the state, laboring long and earnestly the country, an eye witness of and active in its behalf. For many years he was an ar- participant in the county's development. He dent Republican, but later in life refused to remained at home until a lad of sixteen and be bound by party ties in local affairs, voting then started out to make his own way as a for the best qualified candidate regardless of farm hand, working in this capacity until political affiliation. He was a devout mem- 1861, in March of which year he responded ber of the United Brethren church, as was to his country's call by enlisting in Company also his wife, both living lives of faith and I, First Michigan Infantry. After serving dying in the full assurance of a better life three months with his regiment he returned in the world beyond. Nine children were home and on October of the year following 746 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a a he was united in marriage with Miss Julia the claims of party, voting for the man who Patrick, a daughter of Sherlock and Nancy in his judgment possesses the best moral and (Hail) Patrick, early settlers of Henrietta intellectual qualifications for the offices township. Following his marriage Mr. Rip- sought. Mr. Ripley's personal standing in ley engaged in agricultural pursuits, but his neighborhood has always been high and after spending a short time thus he again en- his dealings with his fellow men have been tered the army, joining a battery of heavy such as to win the esteem and confidence of artillery, with which he shared the fortunes all with whom he comes in contact. Honest and vicissitudes of war until the close of the and upright in his dealings, his character is struggle. At the expiration of his period of above reproach - and wherever known his enlistment he resumed agriculture and has name is the synoym of all that is trustwor- since continued the same with a large meas- thy in manhood and honorable in citizenship. ure of success, owning at this time a fine farm The family of Mr. and Mrs. Ripley con- of one hundred and forty-five acres in Hen- sists of eight children, the oldest being Han- rietta township, the greater part cleared and son, an artisan and decorator of Cook coun- tillable. His improvements are among the ty, Illinois, and a soldier of the late Spanish- best in the township, having a large com- American war; he is married, has two modious barn, a comfortable dwelling, sup- daughters and is prospering in his under- plied with many conveniences and not a few takings, being an intelligent gentleman and luxuries, and substantial outbuildings. In widely known in the community where he addition to general farming, he devotes a resides; Charles, the second son, is a farm- great deal of attention to live stock, especial- er of Henrietta township and the father of ly to fine-wooled sheep, Durham cattle and two children, whose mother was formerly the best breeds of swine, his horses also hav- Miss Anna Dean, of Jackson county; Mary, ing an excellent reputation and commanding who married Peter Baumer, has two chil- high prices. dren and lives in Eaton Rapids, where her From the early age of sixteen Mr. Ripley husband is engaged in a woolen factory; has made his own way in the world and as a Anna, now Mrs. Fred Armstrong, lives in self-made man he ranks with the most en- the town of Leslie, and Antoinette is still a ergetic and successful of his compeers. He member of the home circle, as are also has always been enterprising and public spir- Blanche and Olive, the youngest members of ited, manifesting a lively interest in all that the family. pertains to the general good, and few have Sherlock Patrick, father of Mrs. Ripley, been as influential in promoting the material was born in Massachusetts, the son of Reu- welfare of the community. Like his father ben Patrick, also a native of that state and before him, he is an ardent friend of popu- for many years a distinguished soldier in the lar education and for many years has made American army, having held a colonel's the public schools the object of his especial commission from 1804 until after the war of regard. In state and national issues he is 1812. Sherlock married in New York and a pronounced Republican, but in county and there followed farming and various kinds of township affairs he pays little attention to mechanical work until 1836, when he moved JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 747 to Jackson county, Michigan, purchasing two ty of Washtenaw, having been born in Clin- hundred and forty-four acres of wild land in ton on the 7th of November, 1863. He is a Henrietta township, which he afterwards son of Charles and Sarah (Bigelow) Stet- improved. He became a well-to-do agri- | ler, the former of whom was born in North- culturist, took an active part in the growth umberland county, Pennsylvania, while the and development of the country and, as a latter was born in Michigan. Charles Stet- public-spirited citizen, did much to encour- ler, who came of stanch German lineage, the age local enterprise, also exerting a potent family name having long been identified with influence for the moral and social advance- the annals of the old Keystone state, came ment of his community. He departed this thence to Michigan in 1856, being a young life in August, 1863, and in 1881 his faith- man at the time. He was a carpenter by ful wife was reunited with him in the world trade, and followed this as a vocation for a which death cannot invade. number of years after coming to this state, , working in various counties. In 1868 he came to Jackson county and purchased two hundred and fifty acres of wild land, in GEORGE B. STETLER. Rives township, and here set to himself the task of reclaiming the same to cultivation, It can not be other than interesting to clearing the major portion of the tract from note in the series of personal sketches ap- its native timber and bringing it under ef- pearing in this work the varying conditions fective cultivation. He removed to Jackson that have compassed those whose careers are in 1886 and here continued to reside until outlined, and the effort has been made in his death, which occurred on the 12th of No- each case to throw a well focused light onto vember, 1896. His wife survives him and the individuality and to bring into proper now maintains her home in the city of Jack- perspective the scheme of each respective ca- son. Of their marriage were born three chil- reer. Each man who strives to fulfil his part | dren, namely: George B., the immediate in connection with human life and human subject of this sketch; Thomas Grant, who activities is deserving of recognition, what- is engaged in farming on the old homestead, ever may be his field of endeavor, and it is and who married Miss Lora True; and Frank the function of works of this nature to per- H., who married Miss Gertrude Hunter and petuate for future generations an authentic who is now engaged in the insurance busi- record concerning those represented in its ness in the city of Jackson. The father of pages, and the value of such publications is the subject was a man of fine business and certain to be cumulative for all time to come, executive ability and held the unqualified showing forth the individual and specific ac- confidence and esteem of the community in complishments of which generic history is which so many years of his life were passed, ever engendered. while he ever did his part in the promotion George B. Stetler, who is one of the pros- of the general interests of the township and perous and progressive farmers of Blackman county, though he never sought public office township, is a native of the adjoining coun- of any description. In politics he was a 748 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. stanch advocate of the principles of the Re- He takes a lively interest in public affairs of publican party. a local nature, and keeps well informed on George B. Stetler, whose name initiates the questions and issues of the hour and thus this article, was about five years of age at has a "reason for the faith that is in him” the time when his parents took up their when he accords so stanch an allegiance to abode on the farm in Kives township, and the Republican party, of which he has been there he was reared to maturity, securing his a supporter from the time of attaining his educational training in the public schools. majority. Fraternally he is identified with As a youth he learned the trade of carpenter, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and under the effective direction of his father, but the Knights of the Maccabees, holding mem- he devoted the greater portion of his time bership in Central City Tent No. 139, in the , to assisting in the work of the farm until he city of Jackson, and he is also a member of , had attained the age of twenty-two years, other social organizations in the county. when he was married, and thereafter he On the 7th of February, 1886, Mr. Stet- farmed a portion of the old homestead in- ler was united in marriage to Mrs. Arvilla dependently for three years, at the expira- M. Smith, widow of Don C. Smith, whe tion of which he removed to his present died on the 5th of May, 1882, having been a place, in sections 2 and 3, Blackman town- son of Thomas J. and Eliza (Inghram) ship, where he has ever since resided and Smith. Mrs. Stetler was born in Rives where he has gained prestige as an ener- township, this county, being a daughter of getic, progressive and successful representa- Josiah and Margaret A. (Van Horne) Cole, tive of the agricultural interests of the coun- the former of whom was born in Steuben ty. The farm comprises eighty-one acres county, New York, on the 15th of August, of most arable and prolific land, sixty-five 1822, while the latter was born in Cato, acres being eligible for cultivation, while Cayuga county, that state, on the 23d of the permanent improvements on the place May, 1829. Josiah Cole was a son of James are of excellent order. In addition to carry- Cole, who was born in Cayuga county, New ing on his operations in the line of general York, on the 8th of May, 1784, and who, on farming and stock growing, Mr. Stetler has the 18th of October, 1807, married Diana for the past twelve years owned and put Bennett, who was born on the 28th of May, into service a modern steam threshing outfit, 1786. In 1836 they came to Jackson county and in this department of his enterprise he and settled in Blackman township, on the has secured representative support farm now owned by Perry Cole, and there throughout this section. He is endowed they passed the remainder of their lives, be- with exceptional mechanical ability, and his ing numbered among the sterling pioneers services in this line prove not only of great of this section of the state. They became personal value and convenience but are also the parents of ten children, all of whom are frequently called into requisition by his now deceased, their names, with respective neighbors. Mr. Stetler has recently ac- dates of birth appending, being as follows: cepted a position with the T. I. Case Manu- Nancy, February 20, 1810; James B., Janu- facturing Company, of Racine, Wisconsin. ary 2, 1812; Abram B., April 20, 1813; a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 749 George W., January 21, 1815; Thomas T., children were born of the second marriage, March 13, 1817; Jonathan K., December 11, their names, with dates of birth, being as 1818; Charles C., May 19, 1820; Josiah, fa- follows: Barnett, August 14, 1812; Nellie, ther of Mrs. Stetler, August 15, 1822; John January 12, 1813; Daniel, April 22, 1814; F., April 16, 1825; Mary Diana, April 27, David, February 18, 1816; Ephraim, March 1827, and Sarah E., September 12, 1830. 29, 1818: Aaron, April 8, 1820; Cornelius, Mrs. Margaret A. (Van Horne) Cole, June 16, 1822; William, September 15, the mother of Mrs. Stetler, was twice mar- 1820; Maria, February 21, 1827; Margaret, ried, her first union having been with Giles mother of Mrs. Stetler, May 23, 1829; Jes- Crandall, of Cayuga county, New York, sie, June 8, 183!; Philip, November 25, who died on the 18th of November, 1848; 1833; and John, October 23, 1836. Of this , at the age of twenty-four years. He came to large family of children only three are liv- Jackson county in 1838 and was here en- ing at the present time. Mrs. Stetler had gaged in farming until his death. One child one son by her first marriage, Chester D. was born of this marriage, John P., the date Smith, who was born October 3, 1881, and of whose birth was May 21, 1849, and he of her marriage to the subject of this review died on the 12th of May, 1898, at his home in two sons have been born, Elmer B., Septem- Jackson. He was twice married, having ber 12, 1887, and Herbert Ray, February been first united to Edith Ranney, and after 21, 1889. her death to Emma Curry. Two children were born of the first union, Walter, who was born May 21, 1871, and who is now a THOMAS G. STETLER. resident of West Superior, Wisconsin, be- ing a millwright by vocation, and Ralph L., A native son of the state of Michigan who was born September 4, 1879, and is now and one of the progressive and enterprising an architect in the city of Duluth, Minne- farmers of Rives township is Mr. Stetler, sota. By her second marriage Mrs. Cole who is a young man of marked business a had two children, Perry, who resides on the ability and one who has so lived as to merit , old homestead and of whom specific mention and coinmand the confidence and regard of is made on another page of this work, and his fellow nen. He has passed nearly his Arvilla M., the wife of the subject. Mrs. entire life in Jackson county, having been a Cole has attained the venerable age of child of about three years when his parents seventy-three years and now resides in the took up their residence here, and both in a home of her daughter, Mrs. Stetler. She is personal way and as a representative of one a daughter of Philip Van Horne, who was of the honored families early settled in this born in Montgomery county, New York, on section he is well entitled to a place in this the 25th of July, 1787, and who died on the volume. . 31st of December, 1841. His first wife bore Thomas G. Stetler was born in Bridge- the maiden name of Nellie Hall and after water township, Washtenaw county, Mich- her death he married Margaret Peek, who | igan, on the 23d of June, 1864, being a son was born January 3, 1795, and all of his of Charles C. and Sarah (Bigelow) Stetler. 750 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. His father was born in Union county, Penn- the immediate subject of this record, was the sylvania, being a scion of a family, of Ger- next in order of birth; and Frank H., who man lineage, early settled in the old Keystone resides in the city of Jackson, where he is state, and there he was reared to manhood, incumbent of a clerical position, married while as a young man he followed boating Miss Gertrude Hunter, and they have two on the Susquehanna river, later turning his children. attention to the trade of carpenter and be- Thomas G. Stetler was reared on the coming a skilled artisan in the line. His homestead farnı, receiving his education in wife was born in Washtenaw county, Mich- the public schools, and continued to assist igan, where Mr. Stetler was engaged in the his father until he had attained the age of work of his trade until 1867, when he came seventeen years, after which he served a into Jackson county and purchased one hun- thorough apprenticeship at the trade of car- dred acres of land in section 35, Rives town- penter, to which he thereafter devoted his at- ship, the same being the farm which the sub- tention for a period of ten years, being ject now operates. The place was partially recognized as a skilled workman and as one reclaimed and he continued the work of reliable at all times and faithful to every con- clearing and otherwise improving the same tract upon which he entered. Shortly after until he had developed one of the valuable his father's death the subject assumed charge properties of this section, while he subse- of the original one hundred acres which had quently purchased an adjacent tract of one been the homestead purchased by his father hundred and fifty acres, which is still a por- upon coming to the county, and here he has tion of his estate. At the time of his death since been successfully engaged in general he was also the owner of three houses and agricultural operations and in the raising of lots in the city of Jackson, where he lived high-grade live stock, of which he raises and retired from 1887 until he was summoned feeds a large number of head each year, util- into eternal rest, on the 12th of November, izing much of the produce of the farm in 1897. He was a man of indefatigable in- thus feeding his stock. He has brought to a dustry, sincere and upright in all the rela- bear a careful business system, has shown tions of life, and was well known and held in much discernment in the selection of his high estimation in this county. In his po- stock for breeding purposes and has so di- litical adherency he was arrayed as a stanch rected his efforts as to attain the maximum supporter of the Republican party and he returns therefrom. He raises cattle and took a loyal interest in public and civic af- swine of the best type and also has usually a fairs, though he never desired or held office number of horses for sale each year. His of any description. Charles C. Stetler was farm, as before noted, is well improved, hav- sixty-three years of age at the time of his ing a good residence and other substantial death. He and his wife became the parents buildings, and thus he has one of the many , of three children, namely: George B., who really model farms for which Jackson coun- is a successful and representative farmer of ty has so high a reputation. In politics he Blackman township, married Mrs. Arvilla is a stalwart advocate of the principles of the Smith, and they have two sons ; Thomas G., Republican party, in whose local ranks he а JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 751 a has been an active worker for the cause, and many teachers of whose efforts he has the fraternally he is identified with the Knights general supervision. In November, 1901, of the Maccabees, being affiliated with Rives there occurred a vacancy in the office of Tent No. 868. commissioner of schools, through the death On the 17th of April, 1888, Mr. Stetler of its incumbent, Fred J. Harlow, of Spring- was united in marriage to Miss Lora True, port, and the school inspectors, after a care- who was born in Rives township, this coun- ful survey of those eligible for the position, ty, being a representative of one of the earli- wisely selected Professor Schall, at that time est pioneer families in the county, as may be superintendent of the public schools in the inferred when it is stated that her father, village of Concord. He took up the work Orin True, was the first male white child with all the energy and earnestness of a born within its borders. He became one of strong and vigorous nature and with a train- the prominent and influential farmers of ing which well qualified' him for the duties Rives township, of which he is now a resi- | involved. Though the school year was well dent. Mr. and Mrs. Stetler have two chil- advanced at the time of his induction into dren, Hazel and Charles, the former of the office, he visited practically all of the whom was born on the 17th of August, 1891, schools in the county and a number of them and the latter on the 22d of October, 1893. a second time before the expiration of the Both of the children are attending the public year. Within the year 1902 he visited all . schools, and Miss Hazel is receiving musical the schools, while his plan is to make a per- instruction from a capable teacher. sonal investigation of the work of each school in the county at least twice in each year. His thorough knowledge of the most approved modern methods of educational FRANK E. SCHALL. work and his energy and determination in the discharge of his official duties have made Incumbent of the responsible and exact- him a power for good in the schools of the ing office of county commissioner of schools county, while he has also won the confidence for Jackson county, in which capacity he has and esteem of the school officers and teach- rendered most efficient service, doing much ers, who are in a position to appreciate effi- to advance educational interests in general cient service on the part of the commission- and to thoroughly systematize the work un- Professor Schall has frequently con- der his jurisdiction, it is certainly fitting that sulted with the teachers and school officials Mr. Schall be accorded recognition in this as to methods and polity in the school work, compilation. He has devoted his entire ma- and has been fortunate in gaining a hearty ture life to educational work and his enthusi- co-operation on every side. He has been asm has been unflagging, while he has had instrumental in holding several teachers' the power of infusing this inspiration in meetings of general character, to the profit others, securing the best work on the part of all concerned, and has given intelligent at- of his pupils, while in his present office he tention to the examination of teachers. is able to gain the earnest co-operation of the Frank E. Schall is a native of St. Jo- er. 752 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. seph county, Michigan, having been born on rude log-cabin home in the midst of the a farm in Park township, on the 21st of sylvan wilds of Blackman township, on the March, 1865, and being a son of Elias and 7th of February, 1832, being a son of John Caroline Schall, both of whom were born and Celicia (Turner) McConnel, the former in the state of Pennsylvania. of whom was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, and the latter in the state of Vermont. John McConnel was reared in the old Keystone state, and as a young man JAMES T. MCCONNEL. emigrated thence to Michigan, making his advent in Jackson county in the year 1830 James Turner McConnel, who is fa- and here entering claim to a tract of gov- miliarly known as Turner McConnel, has ernment land in section 22, Blackman town- passed his entire life in Jackson county and ship. He secured two hundred and forty is a representative of one of its early pion- acres, all of which was covered with the eer families, as is evident when the fact is primal forest trees. He returned east after reverted to that he has passed the psalm- filing his claims and was married in Niag- ist's span of three score and ten, showing ara county, New York, in the year 1831, that his parents located in the county before and shortly afterward he and his bride set Michigan had secured admission to state- forth for their new home, being seven days hood. Further distinction than this is his in making the trip through the forest from in the connection, for he was the first white Detroit to Jackson county, utilizing a wagon child born in the county. In his youth, as and an ox team in making the journey. may well be supposed, he was familiar with They took up their abode in the little log the scenes and incidents of pioneer life, his cabin which he erected, and it is not nec- birth having here occurred when the county essary to state that they endured a full quota was represented by practically an unbroken of hardships and privations, being far re- forest, the Indians in their motley garb still moved from neighbors and from sources of disputing dominion with the beasts of the supply and thus practically isolated from field, while as they stalked through the dim civilization and from the many comforts forest aisles they were not slow to show which they had previously enjoyed. Val- their resentment at the encroachments ofiant souls were these noble settlers of the civilization, in the incoming of white set- early days, and too frequent mention can tlers. Reared thus on the frontier, the sub- not be made concerning their lives and la- ject has played well his part in the work of bors. Mr. McConnel began at once to clear development and progress, as did his hon- his land and prepare it for cultivation, and ored father before him, both having been from year to year definite progress was factors in bringing about the transformation made, while he and his devoted wife did not which has made this one of the opulent and falter in courage nor abate their earnest toil attractive divisions of the sovereign com- and endeavor. In 1847 he erected on his . monwealth of Michigan. farm the stone house which is still standing James Turner McConnel was born in the on the place and in an excellent state of pres- JAMES T. MCCONNEL. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 753 ervation, being one of the landmarks of the tinued to assist in the management and work county. Here he continued to reside until of the farm until he had reached the age of the close of his life, his death occurring on thirty-one years. In 1863 he located on his the 30th of July, 1865, at the age of sixty- present farm, in section 15, Blackstone two years, while his wife passed forward township, purchasing one hundred and thirty to the “land of the leal” on the 3d of April, acres, the same being a portion of the old 1874, both having lived to see the wonder- | Fifield homestead, the Fifield family having ful advancement made in the development come to the country about the same time as of the county and to enjoy the rewards of did the father of the subject. Mr. McCon- their years of indefatigable and arduous ap- nel has consecutively retained his residence plication. Mr. McConnel was a man of un- on the farm for a period of forty years, and assuming nature, as stanch and inflexible within this time he has developed the place in his integrity as were the noble forest trees into one of the most attractive and valuable with which he grappled so valiantly in the rural estates in this section of the county, early days, and he held the unqualified es- the entire tract having been reclaimed and teem of all who knew him. He was origi- brought under a high state of cultivation, nally a Whig in politics, but espoused the while the permanent improvements are such cause of the Republican party at the time as indicate the progressive spirit of the own- of its organization and continued to support er, as well as his appreciation of the pro- the same during the few remaining years of visions which definite prosperity should ever his life. He and his wife were devoted mem- entail, for he has provided a good home and bers of the First Baptist church of Jackson, also facilities for the handling of the dif- having been identified with the first organ- ferent portions of the farming enterprise, ization of this denomination in the county. | for the storage of produce, accommodation Of the six children the following brief record of live stock, etc., thus conserving his re- is here incorporated: James Turner is the sources and keeping pace with the onward subject of this sketch; Oscar H. is a re- march in the line of industrial and civic eco- tired hardware merchant and resides in the nomics. Mr. McConnel raises the various city of Jackson; Agnes P. is the wife of cereals common to this section, also secures George (). Woodworth, of Jackson; John good returns from the horticultural depart- Scott married Dona Green and they reside ment of his farm and from the raising of on a farm in Blackman township, having live stock. He has ever been public spir- one daughter, Margaret, who is the wife of ited and has done his part in promoting the Ralph Haniford; Cornelia E. is the widow of generic interests of the country as well as Levant Markham and resides in Jackson, in forwarding his personal prosperity and Matilda died in childhood. through well directed effort. He is a stal- James Turner McConnel received his wart Republican in his political proclivities early educational instruction from his par- and has been an active worker in its local ents and in the pioneer log school house, and ranks, while he has been called upon to later he attended school at Spring Arbor. serve in various township offices. He and He remained at the parental home and con- his wife are prominent and valued members ' 48 754 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. of the First Baptist church in the city of in Rives township, where he now resides, Jackson, with which he has been identified there comes the incidental revelation that he for the past forty-eight years. Mr. McCon- is to be numbered among the pioneers of the nel has profited by the experience of the prac- county, while he is recognized as one of the tical, work-a-day life, ever aiming to widen representative citizens of the township in his scope of knowledge, while he has also which he has lived and labored so effectively. read extensively and appreciatively and is Mr. Jones comes of stanch English well informed on the current topics, while lineage and is himself a native of the "right his fund of reminiscences in regard to the little, tight little isle," having been born in pioneer days in the county is one which Buckinghamshire, England, on the 21st of would fill a volume and which should do so January, 1848, and being a son of Thomas while he is with us to impart the interesting and Amelia (Hart) Jones, both of whom , information. He is one of the well known were likewise born in England. In the year and highly honored pioneer citizens of the 1850 they severed the ties which bound county, and it is a matter of gratification them to home and native land and emigrated to be able to incorporate this brief tribute to the United States, making the voyage in to him and to the family of which he is a a sailing vessel and landing in the city of member. New York, whence they came directly to On the 6th of November, 1861, Mr. Ingham county, passing the first winter in McConnel was united in marriage to Mrs. the little village of Kinneyville, Michigan, Amanda (Phillips ) Shearer, widow of Mil- while in the following spring Thomas Jones ton Shearer and a daughter of H. W. purchased ninety acres of land in section Phillips. Mrs. McConnel died on the 17th 34, Rives township, the tract having been of January, 1894, leaving two daughters, partially cleared, while other modest im- Edwina A. Shearer, now Mrs. C. W. Stev- provements had been made, though the place ens, of Chicago, Illinois, and Hattie M. Mc- was still practically situated in the midst of Connel, now Mrs. S. L. Alden, of Iowa, a sylvan wilderness. Settlers were in the Michigan. On the 27th of January, 1896, usual case far distant from each other, and Mr. McConnel married Miss Mary J. Stev- wild game of all sorts was to be had in ens, daughter of John Stevens, one of the abundance, constituting a reserve to which prominent and influential pioneers of Black- the pioneers had recourse in furnishing man township and concerning whom indi- provender for their tables. Mr. Jones was vidual mention is made on other pages of a butcher by trade, and his skill in this line this volume. To this union no children have proved of great aid to him in the early days, been born. since he slaughtered beef and found a ready sale for the same among his neighbors, thus adding materially to his revenue. He re- EDWARD JONES. claimed his farm and developed it into one When it is stated that the subject of of the valuable places of the township, and this review has made his home for more here he passed the remainder of his life, than a half century on the fine farmstead, honored by all and known as a man of ster- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 755 a ling rectitude and as one who bent his ener- property, to which, with the effective aid of gies faithfully to the work which lay before his sons, he has since added until the ag- him, his prosperity being distinctively the gregate area of his landed estate is now four result of his own efforts. He was endowed hundred acres, while all is under an excel- , with marked mentality, was genial and lent state of cultivation, constituting one of kindly in disposition and was a great fa- the model farms of the county, since sub- vorite among the young folk, having in stantial and attractive buildings have been himself the gracious attribute of perennial erected, while care and discriminating atten- youth. He was a Democrat in his politi- tion to all details are in evidence on every cal proclivities, but never desired nor held side. The estate is divided in three separ- office. He niade his home on the farm dur- ate farms, and in the ownership of the major ing the residue of his life, but his death oc- portion of the property Mr. Jones' two sons curred in the village of Greenville, Mont- are associated, partnership relation calm county, where he was visiting at the being maintained in the conducting of all time, on the 24th of September, 1889, his operations. In addition to raising the gen- devoted wife having preceded him into eral line of cereals and other products best eternal rest by many years, her death oc- adapted to the soil and climate of this sec- curring on the 29th of August, 1861. Both tion Mr. Jones and his sons also give special were communicants of the church of Eng- attention to the raising of high-grade live land, and after coming to America naturally stock, and they are numbered among the held membership in the Protestant Episco- progressive and eminently successful mem- pal church. bers of the farming community in the coun- They became the parents of four chil- ty. In politics Mr. Jones accords a stanch dren: William went to Idaho in 1864, and allegiance to the Democratic party, and both all traces of him were thereafter lost; Su- he and his wife are zealous and valued sana died at the age of eight years; Edward, members of the Baptist church at Rives subject of this sketch, was the next in or- Junction. der of birth; and Maria Amelia died at the On the 29th of November, 1871, was age of nineteen years. solemnized the marriage of Mr. Jones to Edward Jones was a child of two years Miss Phoebe Jane Drew, who was born in at the time when his parents made the voy- Niagara county, New York, on the 9th of age across the Atlantic to America, and August, 1851, being the daughter of thus, as already noted, he has passed es- John F. Drew, of the honored sentially his entire life in Jackson county, pioneers of the county, where he was where he was reared to manhood on the old successful and representative farmer homestead, attending the primitive log for many years, having now retired school house in his youth and early begin- fronı active labor and maintaining his home ning to assist in the work of reclaiming the in the city of Jackson. Mr. and Mrs. Jones land to cultivation. At the age of twenty- ! have two sons, who have proved able co- three years he assumed the management of adjutors of their father and who are num- the farm, and he eventually inherited the bered among the most reliable, enterprising one a 756 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. and successful young farmers of the county. there is a wealth of interesting data available, John W., who was born on the 3rd of De- and in this connection will be offered a suffi- cember, 1872, resides on the old homestead cient outline to enable the reader to gain the of his maternal grandfather, in Rives town- more pertinent knowledge germane thereto, ship. He married Miss Arvilla Anderson, for there is much to be read “between the and they have one son, Hugh William, who lines” of every such narrative. was born on the ioth of September, 1902. John True is a native of the old Granite He is a Democrat in politics and fraternally state, having been born in Merrimack coun- is identified with the Knights of the Mac- ty, New Hampshire, on the 29th of Oc- cabees, holding membership in the tent at tober, 1827, and being a son of John and Rives Junction, while his wife is identified Hannah (Watson) True, both of whom , with the Ladies of the Maccabees. Thomas were likewise natives of that state. John Burr, who was born on the 11th of Febru- True, Sr., became an expert artisan in the ary, 1881, remains at the parental home and line of manufacturing woolens, and he re- is associated with his father and brother in moved to Massachusetts in his early man- their business operations and is likewise hood and was for a number of years fore- , an energetic and discriminating young far- man in a woolen factory near the city of mer of the township, the family being well Boston, where he resided until 1833 or known and highly esteemed in the com- 1834, when he canie to Michigan with his munity, while the home is a center of gra- family and located in section 3, Blackman cious hospitality. On the 18th of March, township. Here he purchased eighty acres 1903, he wedded Miss Nellie Anderson, of government land in the midst of the who holds membership with the Ladies of primeval forest, where the Indians still the Maccabees. stalked through the shadowy aisles and where all the wild animals native to the lo- cality were to be found in practically un- JOHN TRUE. trammeled freedom. Mr. True had pre- viously made a prospecting tour through Among the venerable and honored pio- this section, as has been already intimated. neers of Jackson county, with whose civic In 1827 he came here, being piloted into the and industrial progress he has been inti- county along the Indian trails, while his mately and prominently identified, is Mr. guide was a chief who bore the name of True, than whom no resident of Rives town- Nickolin Osseway. After making a care- ship is held in higher regard in the commun- ful observation in different sections of the ity, while he is one of the representative ex- county he returned to the east, later coming ponents of the agricultural interests of the hither with his family, as has already been county. His father was one of the first to stated. At the time of their arrival there make permanent settlement in the county, to were no settlements in the county, and there which he made his first visit in 1827, when is reason to believe that Mr. True was the this section was on the very frontier of civili- first white man to make location within its zation. In the personal and ancestral record l borders.. He here developed a fine farm, JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 757 having been the owner of about two hun- that wisest of all head-masters, experience, dred and sixty acres at the time of his death, and he is today known as a man of broad while the landed estate was subsequently information and well-defined and well-for- augmented by the family until its aggre- tified opinions. He remained associated gate area was more than twelve hundred with the work of the home farm until he had acres. He died in the year 1850, at the age attained his legal majority, and then turned of fifty years, while his wife, who was a his attention to the carpenter trade, in the devoted wife and helpmeet and loving work of which he continued to be success- mother, was summoned into eternal rest fully engaged for several years, his services some years afterward. They became the par- being in almost constant requisition, as the ents of ten children, namely: Alva and work of improvement and development in John (twins), George W., Moses W., Eme- the county progressed. Thereafter he gave line J., Lydia (who died in childhood), evidence of his executive ability and busi- Martin V. and Marquis D. (twins), Sallie, ness capacity by engaging in the real estate deceased, and Alvira, deceased. Of the business, buying and selling farm lands children, seven are living at the present time. and making a success of the venture, as he John True, Jr., to whom this sketch is would effect such improvements on the va- principally devoted, was a lad of about six rious properties as would tend to largely years at the time when his parents made the increase their value, while his reliability long and weary journey from their New caused many to seek his interposition in the England home to establish a new home in line. He became the owner of various the wilds of Jackson county, and to his farms, which he sold, and in 1863 he youthful eyes and mind the experiences of chased his present fine homestead, which the early days in the midst of the forest were comprises two hundred acres and which is pregnant in satisfaction and alluring inter- located in section 27, Rives township, the He was not long absolved from per- same having been partially improved at the sonal responsibility, but early began to time when he took possession. Here he has assist in the work of clearing the farm and developed one of the valuable rural estates placing the land under cultivation, while his of the county, having erected on the place , educational advantages were such as were a commodious and substantial brick resi- to be had in those rudimentary "institutions dence and a number of excellent barns and of learning," the log, school houses of the other outbuildings, while the fine orchard , pioneer epoch, in which have been gradu- on the farm was planted by him. The entire ated so many of the illustrious sons of our place shows the evidence of careful manage- republic, which seem to have spontaneously ment and good judgment, and is devoted to brought forth men of strong mental equip- general agriculture and to the raising of a ment, so that the lack of early opportunities high grade of live stock, one hundred and acted rather as an incentive than a handi- fifty acres being under effective cultivation, сар. Mr. True has gained much through while the reinainder comprises timbered and personal application and well-directed read- pasture land. Mr. True has now practically ing, while his diploma has been signed by retired from active labors, having rented pur- est. 758 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. the farm to his son Fred, who is successfully cences in regard to the early days as can he. carrying on the work inaugurated by his fa- It is to be hoped that he will find it his good ther so many years ago. pleasure to make permanent record of his Mr. True is a man of distinct individu- experiences and his knowledge of the pio- ality and has ever shown the courage of his neer epoch, since the value of such a narra- convictions, while in local affairs of a pub- tive will be cumulative in value for all time lic nature he has wielded a strong influence, to come, as bearing on the history of the having been for many years one of the county. When he came to the county with wheel-horses in the Democratic party in his parents the best building within its bor- this county. The policies of the Greenback ders was a double log house, and to the party appealed to his judgment and he threw youth of the present day it seems almost in- his influence in its support during the time credible that so marvelous a change could of its existence and was a stanch admirer of have been wrought within the lifetime of Horace Greeley, who was the candidate of one man, and he a man of marked physical the party for the presidency. Mr. True has and mental vigor at the present time. Mr. ever kept closely informed on the questions True is possessed of much mechanical and issues of tlie hour and has made his genius and at the age of sixteen years he own deductions at all times and fortified his erected a frame barn on the old homestead, position most effectively. He has shown and while he was following the trade of car- marked force and cogency in his arguments penter he was recognized as the most expert as a public speaker and has done good ser- artisan in the line in this section. He has vice on the stump in various political cam- achieved a worthy success by his own paigns, having thus served the Democratic efforts, has ever stood for the highest ideals party during the two campaigns resulting of citizenship, and has commanded respect in the election of the opposition candidate, and confidence by reason of his sterling char- President McKinley. He resumed his ac- acter and straightforward course. tive association with the Democracy after On the 29th of December, 1861, was the organization of the Greenback party had solemnized the marriage of Mr. True to lapsed and is an uncompromising advocate Mrs. Cornelia M. (True) Hedger, widow , of its generic principles. Mr. True may be of Truman Hedger. She was born in consistently said to have grown up with the Cayuga county, New York, in November, “ country,” since he has been a witness of the 1833, being a daughter of Alva True, of transition stages of development which have a collateral branch of the same family as her transformed this section of the state from a second husband. Alva True was likewise sylvan wilderness into one of the most pro- numbered among the honored pioneers of gressive and opulent organic divisions of a Jackson county, whither he immigrated great commonwealth, while such is his from his native state of New Hampshire in memory and such his intellectual equipment 1836, settling in Rives township, where he that few nen now living in the county can reclaimed a good farm and became one of offer as complete and interesting reminis- the influential citizens of the county, having JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 759 a sons. served for several terms as supervisor of the THEODORE W. CHAPIN. township, while both he and his wife here resided until their deaths. Mrs. True had This well known and representative citi- one son by her first marriage, Truman A. zen of Jackson, where he is now engaged as Hedger, who is now a resident of Ingham deputy city recorder, is well entitled to con- , county, Michigan. Of her marriage to the sideration in this work, and it affords pleas- subject of this sketch were born five chil- ure to incorporate a brief review of his dren, concerning whom an epitomized rec- career. Mr. Chapin is a native of the state ord is offered, as follows: Douglas died of New York, having been born in Dans- in infancy; Mary met a tragic death at the ville, on the 13th of August, 1851, and being age of five years, having been killed by a son of Barnabas S. and Clarissa A. runaway team while on her way to school; (Smith) Chapin, both representatives of Fred, who has charge of the homestead stanch old New England ancestry. The fa- farm, married Miss Samantha A. Taylor, ther of the subject was born in Seneca Falls, and they have two sons; Grace is the wife New York, in the year 1820, while the moth- of Henry Young, a farmer of Rives town- er was born in Rochester in 1825. Barnabas ship; and Blanche is the wife of John Price, S. Chapin and family came to Jackson in a railway postal clerk, and they reside in the 1868, and he engaged in banking with the city of Hillsdale, Michigan, having two firm of P. B. Loomis & Company, in which The children received excellent edu- he continued for twelve or fifteen years in cational opportunities, both daughters be active management of the business. He died ing skilled pianists, while the son is an ex- in 1887, being survived by his widow until cellent performer on the violin. Blanche the year 1894. He was financially inter- was a successful teacher of music for some ested in several of Jackson's manufacturing time before her marriage. The great loss enterprises. and bereavement of Mr. True's life was that Theodore W. Chapin received his early which came with the death of his loved and educational discipline in the public schools of devoted wife, who entered into eternal rest | Dansville, New York, and supplemented the on the 17th of February, 1899. She had same by study in the seminary at that place been to him a true companion and helpmeet, and the high school of Holyoke, Massachu- and to her co-operation and encouragement setts. He left school before graduation and he attributes much of the success which has gave inception to his business career at the come to him in life, while there remains to age of eighteen years, when he entered the him a measure of reconciliation for his loss P. B. Loomis & Company bank as a clerk. in the memory of the gracious womanhood In politics Mr. Chapin has ever accorded and gentle character of the one whose life a stanch allegiance to the Democratic party was so closely and so long linked with his. and has manifested a loyal and zealous in- Her kindliness was shown in all the rela- terest in its cause. In the year 1893 he was tions of life, so that she was held in affec- the candidate of his party for the office of tionate regard by all who knew her. city treasurer of Jackson, and was elected 760 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. sons. by a gratifying majority, while by succes- such a solid phalanx of strong and self- sive re-elections he continued incumbent of reliant men and heroic, self-sacrificing wom- this important position until 1896, having en will take possession of a new country. given a most able administration of the fiscal Too careful or too frequent reference can affairs of the municipality. In 1896 he went not be made on the pages of history con- to Colorado, where he engaged in mining cerning those who have thus figured as for three years, having valuable interests founders and builders of a great common- there. Upon his return east he again be wealth, and far be it from their descend- come identified with Jackson, and has filled ants to hold in light esteem the record oi his present position, deputy city recorder, their worthy lives and worthy deeds. The . about one year. He was one of the early subject of this review is a representative of members of the National Guard of the state one of the pioneer families of the state of of Michigan and continued to be identified Michigan, and is a native son of Jackson with the same for three years. He has been county, where his father took up his abode a member of the Masonic fraternity for the nearly half a century ago, so that in an an- past quarter of a century, and in 1891-2 he cestral way he is well entitled to considera- a held the office of worshipful master of Mich- tion in this compilation, even aside from the igan Lodge No. 50, Free and Accepted Ma- prestige he has attained in a personal way. He is a communicant of the Prot- being now recognized as one of the progres- estant Episcopal church, being a member of sive and substantial farmers of Summit St. Paul's parish, and his wife was likewise township, while he is also incumbent of the a communicant of the church. office of treasurer of the township, a fact In 1887 Mr. Chapin was united in mar- which indicates the esteem in which he is riage to Mrs. Virginia Culver, of Hagers- held in the community. town, Maryland, who was summoned into Walter H. Purdy was born in Jackson, eternal rest on the 22d of April, 1893. on the 8th of October, 1855, being a son of Henry and Mary (Keeler) Purdy, the for- mer of whom was born in London, England, and the latter in Rutland, Vermont. When WALTER H. PURDY. Henry Purdy was nine years of age he ac- companied his parents, Thomas and wife, The first half of the nineteenth century on their emigration to America, and they was characterized by the immigration of located in the city of Detroit, about the year that pioneer element which made the great | 1834, while later they removed to White state of Michigan what it is. These immi- Pigeon, St. Joseph county, where occurred | grants as a rule were sturdy, heroic, up- the death of the wife and mother. Grand- right, sincere people, such as ever constitute father Purdy afterward took up his resi- the intrinsic strength of a commonwealth. dence in Somerset, Hillsdale county, where It scarcely appears probable that in the fu- he passed the remainder of his life. This ture history of the world another such per- worthy couple were the parents of five iod can occur or, indeed, any period when | children, namely: George, Charles, Henry, W. H. PURDY. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 761 common Richard and Matilda, ail of whom are now in Butte, Montana; Addie is the wife of deceased. Henry Purdy remained beneath Jacob Cruger, of Summit township; Lewis the parental roof until he had attained the is engaged in prospecting in the mountains age of fifteen, when he was bound out to of northern Montana; Clara is the wife of a Mr. Ives, near Clinton, Lenawee county, Robert Dodge and they reside in Kidder with whom he remained until he had at- county, North Dakota ; Effie, who is not mar- tained the age of twenty, his educational ried, is engaged in missionary work in discipline having been such as was afforded Cuba ; Arthur T. is a successful ranchman in a somewhat irregular attendance in the and stock grower of north Montana, where schools. He learned the iron- he formerly served as county commissioner ; moulder's trade in Jackson in the foundry Lela is the wife of Galusha P. Bunker, of of the late Alonzo Bennett, with whom he Henrietta township, Jackson county; Ed- worked for a period of fourteen years, at ward is an engineer and millwright of Jack- the expiration of which he disposed of his son; and Annis is the wife of Lloyd Wilk- residence property in Jackson and purchased inson, of Chicago. a farm in Hillsdale county, where he re- Walter H. Purdy received his early edu- mained about two years, then returning to cation in the public schools of the various Jackson county, located in Liberty town- localities where his parents resided during ship, where he continued to make his home his youthful days, and remained beneath the for a decade and then removed to Summit home roof until he had attained the age of ' township, where he was engaged in garden- twenty, when he went to Calhoun county, ing until his death, having been killed by a where he was employed at farm work by train on the Michigan Central Railroad, at the month for a period of one year, and then the Francis street crossing in the city of returned to Jackson county, and here, on the Jackson, on the 15th of March, 1890. His 5th of January, 1881, was united in mar- devoted wife, who was with him at the time, riage to Mrs. Ella Burchard, widow of Bar- was also killed, as was also a little girl, rett Burchard. She is a daughter of George Myrtle Emerson, who accompanied them, and Maria Facey, the former of whom was the death of each being instantaneous. The born in Devonshire, England. Mr. Facey weather was stormy at the time and they is now a resident of Summit township, while , were driving into the city in a covered his wife passed away at the age of fifty- wagon and did not hear the train approach- eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Purdy have had ing. This sad event cast a gloom over the four children, of whom two died in infancy, community in which they made their home Maria and Walter. Those living are Nellie and in which they were held in high esteem. M., the wife of Lucerne A. Patch, who for Of their eleven children brief record is several years was deputy county treasurer, entered in the following paragraph. and Howard W., a student in the public Ella is the wife of William Newman, of schools. Summit township; Walter H. is the immedi- After his marriage Mr. Purdy engaged ate subject of this review; Harriet D. is in farming in Summit township, renting the widow of James Gregg and now resides land for two years and then having charge 762 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. of the Holcomb farm for one year, at the he has achieved success by worthy means, expiration of which he purchased his present thus being eminently entitled to high regard farm of sixty acres, known as the Vander- by his fellow men. cook place and located in section 22. Mr. Purdy has made excellent improvements on the farm, having brought the same under effective cultivation and developed it into ALONZO S. WOLCOTT. one of the valuable properties of the town- ship. He has erected good buildings, in- Jackson county has been the home and cluding the present residence, which was the scene of the successful labors of many completed in 1900. He carries on diversi- able, broad-minded and public-spirited citi- fied agriculture and has also devoted special zens, and standing as a worthy representa- attention to the dairy business since 1890, tive of this class and as a member of one disposing of his product principally in the of the pioneer families of the county is the south division of Jackson. This feature of gentleman whose name appears above. He his farming enterprise is now in its most is one of the progressive and influential important department, and the scrupulous | farmers and stock growers of Concord town- care taken in providing the best possible ship, and during a continuous experience of sanitary facilities, as combined with the twenty years in the breeding of registered high grade milch cows utilized, has gained Hereford cattle he has attained a wide repu- for him an appreciative supporting patron- tation in the line and has done much to im- age. prove the standard of stock raised in this In politics Mr. Purdy has been ever favored section of the state. arrayed in support of the principles and Mr. Wolcott was born on the parental policies of the Democratic party, taking an homestead. in Spring Arbor township, this active interest in its cause and also mani- county, on the 19th of January, 1846, be- festing a public-spirited concern in all that ing a son of Solomon F. and Harriet F. makes for the best interests of the com- (Stone) Wolcott, both of whom were born in munity. Recognizing his fitness, the people the state of New York, whence they came to of the township have called him to various Jackson county with their parents in 1833 positions of trust and responsibility. He was and 1835, respectively, so that it will be seen elected township clerk in 1898 and served that the subject of this review represents one year, while he was elected township sterling pioneer stock in both the paternal treasurer in 1901, and was chosen his own and maternal lines. The paternal grand- successor in 1902. In 1903 he was elected father of the subject was Solomon Wolcott, supervisor, receiving thirty-six majority in who was born in the state of Vermont, a township nominally Republican by about whence he removed to New York state and thirty votes. Fraternally he is identified from that section came to Michigan as noted, with Central City Tent No. 139, Knights of becoming the owner of a large tract of land the Maccabees. Mr. Purdy's life has been in Jackson county, clearing the same of the filled with consecutive toil and endeavor and native timber to a large degree and becom- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 763 age of ing one of the influential citizens of the pio- edge of the great basic art of agriculture, in neer community. The maternal grandpar- all departments, is founded on long and prac- ents, Nathan and Julina (Fenn) Stone, like- tical experience, making it possible for him wise claimed Vermont as the place of their to bring into play the most discriminating nativity, and from Niagara county, New judgment in his operations and to derive York, they emigrated to Jackson county, therefrom the maximum returns. He at- where Mr. Stone also became a pioneer tended the district schools in the vicinity of farmer, acquiring about six hundred acres of his home as a boy, and thereafter was a stu- land, and here he and his wife passed the re- dent in the public schools of Concord, where mainder of their lives, as did also the pater- he prepared himself for matriculation in nal grandparents of the subject. Solomon Albion College, where he pursued a course in F. Wolcott was the owner of a landed estate the literary department for two years, later of seven hundred acres at the time of his supplementing this discipline by a commer- death, which occurred October 27, 1896, at cial course in the same institution, so that he which time he was seventy-five years of age. . was well fortified for the proper handling of His widow is living in Concord at the the business details of his farming industry, eighty years. They became the parents of to which he has always devoted his attention, seven children, all of whom are living except fully realizing that this line of enterprise de- three and two of whom died on the same day mands as thorough and careful business and were buried in the same grave, the for- methods and system as does any other of the mer having been eight years of age and the manifold branches of productive and com- latter two. In politics the father of the sub- mercial activity. When twenty-one years ject was originally a stanch advocate of the of age Mr. Wolcott located on his present principles of the Whig party, but upon the homestead farm, of one hundred and thirty organization of its normal successor, the Re- acres, in section 36, Concord township, and publican party, he identified himself there- under his direction a portion of the land was with and thereafter continued to exercise his cleared of its native timber, while the many franchise in its support until the time of his excellent and substantial improvements on death, though he never figured as an aspirant the place have all been made by him, includ- for public office of any sort. He was an able ing an attractive residence and good barns business man and carried on his farming and other buildings demanded in the care of operations on an extensive scale, while he at stock and storage of produce, machin- all times commanded the confidence and good | ery, etc. While he devotes consider- will of the community in which he so long able attention to diversified agriculture, his lived and labored. He was not identified specialty for the past twenty years has been with any religious denomination, but his in the raising of registered Hereford cattle, , widow is a devoted member of the Methodist as has been previously noted in this context, church. and this has been made a very profitable Alonzo S. Wolcott, the immediate sub- source of income, gaining to him unmistak- ject of this review, was reared under the dis- able prestige and precedence, and that he is cipline of the home farm and thus his knowl- | numbered among the leading stock growers 764 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 7 same. of the state is indicated in that fact that at Mervin E. Henry was born on the home- the state fair held in Grand Rapids, in the stead farm, in Rives township, this county, year 1890, he took the first prize on yearling on the 7th of February, 1854, being a son steers, and at the Hillsdale county fair se- of John M. and Nancy (Lockhart) Henry, cured first prize over all Michigan stock ex- both of whom were born in the state of New hibited, while his entire herd of Herefords York. The former was a son of Levi also secured first prize. In addition to raising Henry, who was of stanch Irish lineage and this fine breed of cattle Mr. Wolcott also who was a farmer in the state of New York feeds quite a large number of cattle each up to the time of his emigration to Jackson year and places the same on the market. In county, Michigan, whither he came in the politics he is arrayed as a stalwart advocate 'thirties. The family first located in Na- of the cause of the Republican party, but he poleon township, where they remained until has never sought nor desired the honors or 1846, when Levi Henry came to Rives emoluments of public office. township and here purchased a large tract of On the 27th of November, 1878, Mr. government land, while, with the assistance Wolcott was united in marriage to Miss of his sons, he here cleared and improved Sarah Baldwin, who was born and reared in about one hundred acres, the land having Van Buren county, this state, being a daugh- been covered with the native timber at the ter of John Baldwin, and her death occurred time when he came into possession of the on the 17th of September, 1901, at the age Here he continued to reside until of fifty-seven years, no children having been his death, which occurred in the year 1856. born of this union. She was a woman of He was a man of distinct force of charac- many noble and kindly attributes and held ter, upright, honorable and industrious, and the affection of a wide circle of devoted he is worthy of a place on the roll of the friends. sterling pioneers who constituted the ad- vance guard of civilization in this county. In politics he gave his support to the Demo- MERVIN E. HENRY. cratic party and his religious faith was that of the Universalist church, while his wife, A native son of Jackson county and one who also is deceased, was a member of the of its progressive and influential citizens is Methodist Episcopal church. They became Mr. Henry, who is a worthy representative the parents of ten children, namely: Jonas, of one of the honored pioneer families of Maria, John Marvin, Jane, Eliza, George, this section of the state, where he has passed Robert, Evaline, Delia and Hoyt. All of his entire life, devoting his attention to ag- the children are now deceased, except Ev- ricultural pursuits, in connection with aline, who is the wife of Christopher Rath, which he has attained a high degree of suc- of Jackson, while of the number all lived to cess, the while commanding the high esteem attain years of maturity. of those who know him and have cognizance John Mervin Henry, who was com- of his upright character and distinctive in- monly known by his second Christian name, tegrity of purpose. accompanied the family at the time of his JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 765 parents' removal to Jackson county, and the place most substantial improvements, here he contributed his due quota to the work including a good house and other requisite of reclaiming the homestead farm and bring- buildings, and here he continued to make his ing under cultivation the large area, the home until he was summoned to that "un- same offering unlimited opportunities for discovered country from whose bourne no the efforts of each of the sturdy sons of the traveler returns," his death occurring on the family to "put in his best licks." He re- 6th of February, 1892. He was a man of mained thus engaged until he had attained inflexible integrity, sincere and straight- the age of forty years, having in the mean- forward in all the relations of life, and to while assumed the management of a con- him was accorded the fullest measure of siderable portion of the farm, and then, on popular confidence and regard. He was a the 9th of November, 1851, he was united stalwart Democrat in his political proclivi- in marriage to Miss Nancy Lockhart, who ties, and his religious association was with was born in Seneca county, New York, the Universalist church, of which he was an being a daughter of Robert L. and Olive M. active and valued member, while his widow (Southwell) Lockhart, both of whom were has long been a devoted member of the born in Saratoga county, New York, Methodist Episcopal church. She still re- whence they removed to Medina county, sides on the old homestead, with her son, Ohio, in 1847, being there engaged in far- the subject of this sketch, and is one of the ming until 1851, when he came to Jackson revered pioneer women of the county, hav- county and purchased a tract of wild land ing now attained the age of seventy-two in Rives township, reclaiming the same and years. She was reared in this county and becoming one of the prominent and pros- received her education in the schools of the perous farmers of the county. He held va- period, while for several years she was a rious township offices and wielded distinct successful teacher in the pioneer schools, ive influence in public affairs of a local na- having taught one term after her marriage. ture. Here he died in the year 1856, while John Mervin and Nancy Nancy (Lockhart) his widow long survived him, passing away Henry became the parents of six children, in 1887, both having been devoted members concerning whom the following brief re- of the Methodist Episcopal church. They cord is here incorprated: Mervin E. is the became the parents of seven children, immediate subject of this review ; Albert L., namely: Nancy, James, Eliza, Asa, Jane, who is a farmer of Henrietta township. Betsy and Maria, of whom James and Maria married Miss Mary Smith and they have are now deceased. Within a short time five sons and one daughter; Augusta is the after the marriage of J. Mervin Henry the wife of Adell Grover, of Jackson, and they old homestead was divided among the chil- have three sons and one daughter; Almira dren, and he secured ninety acres, in sec- is the wife of William Easton, a farmer of tions 25 and 26, a portion of the same hav- Rives township, and they have two sons ing been cleared, and he effected its recla- and two daughters; Elizabeth died at the mation and developed one of the valuable age of fourteen years, and Evaline is the farms of the township, while he made on wife of Charles E. Thorpe, a farmer of 766 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Blackman township, and they have two Sarah (Bish) Miller, who came from Han- daughters. Each of the children received cock county, Ohio, to Michigan in the year good educational advantages, and the 1875, locating in Hillsdale county, and be- daughters all have musical talent, which has coming one of the prosperous and influ- been well cultivated. ential farmers of that section, where both Mervin E. Henry was reared on the old he and his wife passed away, the for- homestead farm, which is his present place mer October 5, 1887, and the latter July 1, of abode, and after completing his educa- 1887. Mr. Miller was an active Re- tional work in the public schools he con- publican in his political proclivities and tinued to assist his father in the work of the and he and his wife held membership in the farm. As time passed he began to assume Evangelical church. Of their seven chil- more and more the responsibilities involved dren Mrs. Henry was the fourth in order of and finally took the entire management of birth, and of the number all are living ex- the place, of which he has had charge since cept two. Mr. and Mrs. Henry had three the death of his father, while under his di- children, Florence, Robert, and Lucile, de- rection many valuable improvements have ceased, the first two of whom are attending been made. He raises the varied crops com- school. mon to this section and is thoroughly sys- tematic in all branches of his farming indus- JAMES A. TUCKER. try, while his experience and judgment have convinced him of the expediency of It can not be other than pleasing to note utilizing much of the produce in the feeding in the various personal sketches appearing in of live stock, and in this latter department this work that there remain identified with of his business he has been very successful, the civic life and industrial activities of Jack- raising cattle, sheep, horses and swine. Mr. son county many worthy and prominent citi- Henry is recognized as one of the discrim- zens whose entire lives have been passed ating, energetic and progressive young here and who are representatives of sterling farmers of the county, and has the entire pioneer families. He to whom this sketch , confidence and good will of the people of the is dedicated is one of the progressive young community in which he has passed his entire farmers and business men of Concord town- life. In politics he reserves to himself the ship, and has attained a specially high repu- privilege of using his judgment in the ex- tation as a fancier and breeder of fine poul- ercise of his franchise, giving his support try, while he has found his native county an to men and measures rather than being con- | adequate field for successful endeavor and strained by strict partisan lines. He and has consecutively resided here from the time his wife are valued and active members of of his birth, being a son of that honored pio- the Evangelical church. neer and influential business man of Con- On the 1st of November, 1893, Mr. cord, Albert H. Tucker, to whom individual Henry was united in marriage to Miss reference is made elsewhere in this volume, Mary Miller, who was born in Hancock so that a reiteration of the ancestral history county, Ohio, being a daughter of John and i need not be made in this connection. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 767 James A. Tucker was born in the attrac- Indianapolis, Detroit, St. Paul and many tive old Gothic homestead in the village of western cities, and through such interposi- Concord, on the ioth of August, 1868, and tion, as well as through his shipping of thor- here he was reared and educated, having ough-bred stock, he has gained a national completed the course in the high school, in reputation among the breeders of fine poul- which he was graduated as a member of the try. He has made exhibits at many of the a class of 1885. Even as a mere boy he mani- leading poultry shows and has won numer- fested a particular predilection for the poul- ous prizes, while he is ever enthusiastic in try business and engaged in raising thor- his efforts in this pleasing line of enterprise, ough-bred types, Cochins and Brahmas, while his conveniences and accessories for while later he also became interested in the the prosecution of the same at the present raising of standard-bred horses, his business time make his poultry farm a model one in experience beginning early, in connection every respect. He is a life member of the with the various enterprises which his father American Poultry Association. had in hand. He was associated with his fa- In politics Mr. Tucker pins his faith to ther and brother in the grain commission the principles and policies of the Republican business and in the handling of farming party, though he cast his first presidential implements in his native village until the vote in support of Cleveland, and he takes a month of May, 1901, when he retired from consistent interest in local affairs of a pub- the firm, and has since given his attention lic nature. He is a member of the Univer- principally to the breeding of poultry and salist church in Concord, with which his par- Shropshire sheep, owning and occupying a ents became identified many years ago, while finely improved farm of eighty acres, which Mrs. Tucker is a member of the Presbyterian is located in Concord township, at a point church. Fraternally he is a member of the about two and one-half miles from the vil-Masonic order and the Benevolent and Pro- lage of Concord, a portion of the farm being tective Order of Elks, in the former affiliat- utilized for general agriculture. Mr. Tuckering with Concord Lodge No. 30, F. & A. M., breeds a number of varieties of chickens, es- while in the latter he is a member of Lodge pecially of the Buff Cochin type, and his No. 113 in the city of Jackson. He and his careful study and experimentation in regard wife are both members of the Eastern Star. to methods best adapted to the propogation He is one of the popular and well known of high grades and maintaining the same in young men of the township, and his pleas- good condition have made him an authority ant home is a center of cordial hospitality on the subject, his dictums in the connection and is a favorite rendezvous for a wide cir- being practically regarded as ultimate de- cle of friends. cisions, from which no recourse need be On the 21st of April, 1892, Mr. Tucker taken. For the past nine years he has been was united in marriage to Miss Nora Olm- frequently called upon to act as judge instead, and they became the parents of one various poultry shows of important char- son, Gerald. Mrs. Tucker was summoned acter, his services in the connection having into eternal rest on the 19th of February, , thus been enlisted in the cities of Chicago, | 1900, and on the 6th of June, 1901, Mr. , a 768 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Tucker consummated a second marriage, be- continued to reside until his death, on the ing then united to Miss Aimee Barker, one 28th of May, 1879, at which time he was but of the accomplished and popular young ladies forty years of age. He was in active service of the neighboring village of Homer, and of for one year during the Civil war, having this union has been born one son, James B. been first sergeant in Wadsworth's Guards, which constituted a portion of the One Hun- dred and Fourth New York Volunteer In- fantry, and he received an accidental wound, being confined to the hospital for a time and G. WALTER RAY. receiving an honorable discharge at the ex- piration of his term. His political support The subject of this sketch has been a was given to the Republican party and in resident of Jackson county during practically his religious views he was a Universalist, his entire life, being a representative of one his widow being likewise a devoted member of the well known and highly honored fami- of this church. She is now residing in Con- lies of this section, while he has personally at- cord township, being the wife of W. D. tained a position of prominence and influence Chapple, having attained the age of sixty- as a successful farmer and stock grower and two years and commanding the love and es- thoroughly public-spirited citizen, his well teem of all who know her. improved farm being located in sections 4, 5 G. Walter Ray, the immediate subject and 8, Concord township. He is a brother of this brief sketch, was reared under the of I.yman B. Ray, of this township, con- sturdy discipline of the homestead farm, and cerning whom individual mention is made on after securing his rudimentary educational another page of this work, and on the old training in the district schools he continued homestead now occupied by said brother the his studies in the high school at Parma, while subject of this review was born, the date of later he entered the Northern Indiana Nor- his nativity being January 12, 1865. His mal School and Business College, at Val- father, Lyman B. Ray, was born and reared paraiso. At the age of eighteen years he in the state of New York, where was solem- put his acquirements to practical test by en- nized his marriage to Miss Lurana N. Short gaging in teaching in the public schools of March 10, 1864. In 1864 they came to his native county, but followed this vocation Jackson county, where Mr. Ray's brother, only a short time, having then resumed his the late Mark H. Ray, had taken up his abode active association with the farming industry. a number of years previously, eventually be- He owns at the present time a well im- coming one of the most prominent and in- proved and very fertile and productive farm fluential citizens of this section, and having of one hundred and forty acres, the same held various public offices of trust and re- constituting one of the attractive and valu- sponsibility. Lyman B. Ray here turned his able rural estates of the county, and here, in . attention to agricultural pursuits, becoming connection with the raising of the various the owner of a valuable landed estate of two crops best adapted to the soil and climate, he hundred acres, and on this homestead he is devoting special attention to the breeding JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 769 of registered Shropshire sheep, of which he EVERETT G. KNAPP. keeps an excellent flock, while some of the specimens owned by him are of the finest The unostentatious routine of private type of this popular breed. He is also a life, although of vast importance to the wel- fancier of fine poultry and is conducting a fare of the community, has not figured to successful business in the raising of the white any great extent in the pages of history; but Wyandotte chickens, taking great interest the names of men who have distinguished in this department of his enterprise, as well themselves by the possession of those quali- as in his sheep growing, and having the sa- ties which mainly contribute to the success gacity to realize that the best returns can be of private life and to the public stability and secured from a farm by diversifying its prod- who enjoy the respect and confidence of ucts in this way, instead of limiting its those about them, should not be permitted to functions simply to those of agriculture and perish. Their examples are most valuable horticulture. For the past seven years Mr. and their lives well worthy of consideration. Ray has been an agent of the Page Woven Such are the thoughts which involuntarily Wire Fence Company, and has made many come to mind when we take under review the sales of the excellent and popular products career of such an honored pioneer as the gen- of this great concern, having sold over three tleman whose name initiates this paragraph hundred miles of this product more than any and who is numbered among the successful other local agent in Michigan. In politics farmers and representative citizens of Con- he is a stanch Republican, though his per- cord township, his attractive farm being lo- sonal ambition for office has ever been notice- cated five miles from the city of Albion, Cal- able only by reason of its absence. Frater- houn county, which is his postoffice address. nally he is identified with the Knights of the It was his to render valiant service as a Maccabees, holding membership in Cracker Union soldier during the greatest civil war Hill Tent No. 549, at Pārma, Michigan, and known in the annals of history, and in all Mrs. Ray is a member of the Ladies of the the relations of life he has ever been as faith- Maccabees, Hive No. 351. ful and true as when he followed the nation's On the 11th of March, 1890, Mr. Ray fag on the sanguinary battlefields of the was united in marriage to Miss Cora M. south. Such are the men particularly worthy Baker, who was born in this township, of consideration in a compilation of this March 11, 1868, being a daughter of Samuel and Frances (Scott) Baker, well known Everett G. Knapp is a native son of the residents of the township of Parma. Mr. Wolverine state, having been born in Lena- and Mrs. Ray have two fine sons, Clark B. wee county, Michigan, on the 27th of Au- and Harold G. The pleasant family home gust, 1839, and being a son of Joel F. and is a favorite resort for the large circle of Electa ( Blakely) Knapp, both of whom were friends whom the subject and his wife have born in the state of New York, whence they gathered about them in their native county, came to Lenawee county, Michigan, about and here a cordial hospitality is ever in dis- the year 1837, and there both of them con- tinctive evidence. tinued to reside until summoned from the nature, 49 770 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. scene of mortal activities, Mr. Knapp pass- city of Albion for many years and later be- ing to his reward December 15, 1849, while ing prominently identified with the church in his wife entered into eternal rest April 11, the village of Parma, of which his widow is 1846. Mr. Knapp was engaged in mercan- a member at the present time. In politics tile pursuits in New York state, but after his he was first a Whig and later a stalwart ad- removal to Michigan turned his attention to vocate of the principles of the Republican farming, in which he was engaged during the party. balance of his life. In politics he gave his Mr. Knapp received a common-school allegiance to the Whig party, and was a education and in addition to becoming famil- leader in its local ranks in Lenawee county, iar with all details of farm work he learned , where he served for thirteen years in the of- the trade of tinner, to which he devoted his fice of supervisor of Woodstock township, attention to a considerable extent for a num- being highly honored by all who knew him. ber of years, while in an early day he put his Of his five children, only two are now living, scholastic acquirements to practical test by Everett G., who is the subject of this sketch, teaching in the district schools of Champaign and George, who is a resident of Presque county, Illinois, proving successful in his Isle county, Michigan. pedagogic efforts. In his homestead farm Everett G. Knapp was reared on a farm are comprised ninety acres of excellent land, and early became inured to the strenuous nearly all of which is under effective culti- work involved in its cultivation. When he vation, while the buildings and other im- was seven years of age he entered the home provements on the place are of substantial of Leonard Humphrey, who settled in an and attractive order, giving prima facie evi- early day on the farm now owned by Mr. dence of thrift and prosperity. Mr. Knapp Knapp, and the latter was reared by this has lived on this farm for the long period of honored foster father, who came to Michigan twenty-seven years, and his success has been from Clyde, Wayne county, New York, and the diametrical result of his own efforts, his thereafter was engaged in farming in Jack- industry and good judgment in his youthful son county until his death, which occurred on years offering an earnest of what the future the 11th of February, 1899, at which time he was to grant him in the way of tangible re- was eighty-four years, seven months old. ward for worthy effort. He has taken an His venerable wife, whose maiden name was active and helpful interest in public affairs of Anna Humeston, and who likewise was born a local nature and the high estimate placed in the state of New York, still resides on the upon him in the community is indicated in old homestead, being eighty years of age at the circumstances of his having been for the the time of this writing and receiving the ut- past thirteen years incumbent of the office of most filial solicitude at the hands of the sub- | justice of the peace, in which he is serving ject, over whom she watched with greatest his fourth consecutive term, while in poli- care and kindliness during his youthful days. tics he pins his faith unequivocally to the Re- Mr. Humphrey was a devoted and zealous publican party, keeping well informed in re- member of the Presbyterian church, having gard to questions and issues of public im- been active in the work of the same in the port and concern. For a few years Mr. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 771 four years. Knapp was a resident of the states of Illinois son county. Religiously the subject and his and Nebraska, and in Champaign county of wife are faithful and devoted members of the former state he served in the office of the Presbyterian church at Parma, in which township assessor, and from that state he Mr. Knapp has held the office of elder for went forth as a loyal defender of the Union when its integrity was placed in jeopardy through armed rebellion. In 1861 he en- listed as an orderly sergeant in Company I, Twenty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, CHARLES W. DART. with which he continued in active service for three years and one month, participating in Following is the life history of one who, all of the engagements in which the regi- if for no other reason, merits recognition in ment took part, save the battles of Stone the connection by virtue of his having been River and Perryville, having been wounded a lifelong resident of Jackson township and in the battle of Missionary Ridge and hav- a representative of one of the sterling pio- ing been confined to the hospital for some neer families of this favored section of the time. December 27, 1861, at Raleigh, Mis- Wolverine commonwealth. But super- souri, he was promoted to be a second lieu- added to these circumstances are others tenant, was made a first lieutenant at Nash- which render all the more consonant the ville, Tennessee, December 29, 1862, and at- appearance of his biography within these tained the captaincy of his company May 24, pages, for he has attained to a position of 1864, while under General Sherman at the no inconsiderable prominence irr connection siege of Atlanta. He received his honorable with the industrial activities of the county, discharge, at Springfield, on the 5th of Sep- being a successful farmer and stock grower tember, 1864, having made a record which of Concord township, while he is honored will ever redound to his credit. He is an as one of the upright, whole-souled citi- honored comrade of that noble organization, zens of his native county, having a fine farm the Grand Army of the Republic, being house in section 31, Concord township, three , , , identified with Albion Post No. 220, at Al- miles from the pleasant village of the same bion, Michigan. At Mahomet, Champaign county, Illi- Charles W. Dart was born on the pa- nois, on the 7th of April, 1869, Mr. Knapp rental farmstead, in Concord township, on was united in marriage to Miss Mary C. the 22d of January, 1859, being a son of Clark, who was born in Clark county, Ohio, John Dart, concerning whom specific men- , on the 30th of July, 1850, being a daughter tion is made on other pages of this volume, of John F. and Rebecca M. (Bireley) Clark, so that a recapitulation of the ancestral who were pioneers of Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. data is not demanded at this juncture. The Knapp have one daughter, Maud E., who is subject was reared practically close to now the wife of Jesse S. Brigham, of Con- the great heart of nature, since he grew cord, this county. Mrs. Brigham was a suc- up on the farm and early began to con- cessful teacher a number of years in Jack- | tribute his quota to its work, the while wax- a name. 772 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ing strong in mind and body and gaining a member of Hive No. 119, Ladies of the that experience which has proved of so in- Maccabees. estimable value to him in his independent On the 3d of December, 1884, Mr. Dart career as one of the sturdy yeomen upon was united in marriage to Miss Mary M. whom rests to so large a degree the ma- Richards, who was born in the province of terial prosperity of the republic. His edu- Ontario, Canada, February 22, 1857, being cational advantages were such as were af- a daughter of Richard and Anna (Crosen) forded in the excellent public schools of the Richards, her father being a successful far- county, and through his application therein mer of the county at the present time. Mr. he gained a fund of knowledge which has and Mrs. Dart have two children, Eleanor been an adequate supplement to that secured and Richard M., both of whom still remain through the practical labors and experiences beneath the home rooftree. Eleanor is a stu- of a busy and useful life. In 1884 he pur- dent in the high school at Concord, and chased the present fine home farm, which Richard is in the fifth grade in the rural comprises eighty-seven acres, and his accu- school. mulation of property has been entirely gained through his own energy and effort, so that he fully appreciates the dignity of FRANK FORD. consecutive toil and the value attaching to individual application and good manage- The agricultural industry in Jackson He is not only engaged in general township has an able representative in Mr. farming, but also devotes special attention Ford, who was born on the old homestead to the raising of Shropshire sheep and Po- which he now owns and occupies, in section land China swine, in both of which lines he 29, Concord township, and who is a member has excellent grades, while he is known as of one of the honored pioneer families of one of the representative and successful this section of the state, in fact both his breeders of this section. On his farm he also paternal and maternal ancestors became resi- raises a variety of small fruits, from which dents of southern Michigan shortly after its he derives a profit each season. He is ani- admission to the great sisterhood of states. mated by definite public spirit and is always Mr. Ford was born on the 19th of De- ready to lend his influence in furtherancecember, 1851. being a son of Amos and An- of enterprises and undertakings for the gen- geline (Armstrong) Ford, both of whom eral good, while his political allegiance is were natives of the old Empire state of New given to the Republican party. He served York. Amos Ford came to Michigan with three years as highway commissioner of his his parents, Daniel and Mary (Hollister) township, but has been in no sense a seeker Ford, in 1834 or 1835, and the family lo- for official preferment. Fraternally he is cated in the little village of Concord, which identified with the Knights of the Macca- then was scarcely more than a hamlet in bees, holding membership in Gibbs Tent the midst of the great burr-oak forest, and - No. 509, in the village of Concord, which ncord, which here the grandparents of the subject passed is his postoffice address, while Mrs. Dart is the residue of their days, Daniel Ford dying ment. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 773 in 1850, while his wife survived until 1872. mands unqualified esteem in the community The maternal grandparents were Perry and and his influence is given in support of all Marcia (Knowles) Armstrong, both of measures for the general good. In politics whom were born in the state of New York, he is a stanch advocate of the cause of the whence they emigrated to Michigan in 1838 Democratic party and his religious faith is and took up their abode in Calhoun county, that of the Presbyterian church, of which where they lived many years. Mr. Arm- the family are regular attendants. strong died near Plymouth, Wayne county, Mr. Ford has been twice married. On this state, and his wife passed away while the 13th of January, 1876, was solemnized residing near Eaton Rapids, Eaton county. his union to Miss Ethelinda Merryhew, who , Frank Ford is the elder of the two children died in 1882, leaving no children. On the of Amos and Angeline Ford, the other be- ist of October, 1884, Mr. Ford was united ing Julia, who is a resident of the city of in marriage to Miss Lydia Rothaermel, and Albion, Calhoun county. Amos Ford died to them have been born six children, namely: in May, 1893, at the age of sixty-nine years, Emanuel, Ethel, Theodore C. and Thomas and his wife resides on the old homestead C. (twins, the former of whom died in in Concord township. He was a blacksmith 1892), Sherman D. and Asenath. by trade and was for many years engaged in this vocation in the city of Albion, while he also operated the farm now owned by his only son, the subject of this review. Amos THOMAS W. SPENCER. Ford for two years bore an honorable part in defense of the nation's integrity during Although unknown to fame, the life of the Civil war, and three of his brothers also the late Thomas W. Spencer, of Rives served in the same struggle. township, was that of a truly great and The boyhood days of the subject were noble man. True greatness is not always passed in Albion, in whose public schools won by the clash of resounding arms on the he received his educational discipline. He field of carnage nor by attracting the ap- learned the trade of blacksmith in Chicago, plause of the multitude in high public sta- and worked with his father twenty-five tion. It is more frequently found in the years in Concord township, having con- quiet, sequestered ways where, unseen and tinued to devote more or less attention to unheard by the great stirring world without, the same in connection with his agricultural true heroes, strong in their efforts for the enterprise. His finely improved farm com- right, perform their alloted tasks, with duty prises one hundred acres of excellent land, ever the controlling motive, blessing the and in addition to diversified farming he world with their presence and by whole- also makes a specialty of raising a higli some influence and deeds of kindness stimu- grade of live stock, directing his efforts in lating to renewed zeal and activity all with both departments of his farming industry whom they come in contact. Such a man a with that discrimination and energy which was the worthy subject of this review, and always augur for definite success. He com- as such it is eminently fitting that a brief re- 774 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ness. sume of his life and character be put upon several years, cleared their land jointly and the printed page, that others may emulate cultivated it in partnership, experiencing his virtues and profit by his example. the nieantime the vicissitudes and hardships Thomas W. Spencer was born in Cort- incident to life in a new and sparsely settled landt county, New York, June 20, 1830, the community. Later they sold the farm, John son of Michael and Mary (Lavars) Spen- going to Jackson, where he built the Center cer, natives of England and early settlers of House, long a favorite stopping place for the Empire state. By occupation the elder the traveling public, and Thomas taking Spencer was a tanner, which trade he fol- charge of the present home farm in Rives lowed in New York from young manhood township, which was purchased by Mrs. to a very advanced age. He was a man of Spencer and her uncle, William Tones. excellent parts, industrious, thrifty and, in For several years prior to his removal to the main, quite successful in his business the last named place, the subject and his affairs. For many years he was an active brother operated a mill in this county, but and prominent member of the Methodist after disposing of the enterprise they were church, and he made religion a conspicu- never again associated in any kind of busi- ous part of his every-day life, though never ostentatious in the display of piety, seeking Thomas Spencer's purchase consisted of rather to perform his good works and char- one hundred and twenty acres of fine land itable deeds in the way the Master especi- in sections 25 and 36, and on this he ex- ally commended. After the death of his pended a great deal of energy and hard wife he came to Michigan and made his work, actuated by a laudable ambition to home with his daughter, and here he spent provide a comfortable home for his family his old age, dying full of years and rich in and accumulate a competency for his de- honors. clining years. After reducing the greater The family of Michael and Mary Spen- part of his land to a successful state of cer consisted of seven children, namely: cultivation, he began a series of improve- Mary, Martha, James, John, Ellen, Thomas ments which ultimately made the farm one and Kate, only two of whom, Mary and of the most valuable and desirable places Ellen, are living. The former, now the of its area in the township, not the least of widow of Cornelius Stewart, has a home these being the elegant modern residence, in the city of Ypsilanti; the latter, also a fine barn and other buildings which still widow, lives in Washtenaw county, Michi- stand as monuments to his industry and gan, on a farm which her husband, the late excellent business management. William Burnham, left her. On the 12th day of August, 1844, Mr. Thomas W. Spencer grew to young Spencer and Miss Ann Elizabeth Frowe manhood in his native state and about the were united in the holy bonds of matrimony. year 1833, with his brother John, came to Mrs. Spencer was born December 16, 1838, Jackson county, Michigan, and purchased in New York, where her parents, John and a farm of ninety-five acres in the township Mary (Wood) Frowe, natives of England, of Rives. The brothers lived together settled a number of years before. On com- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 775 ing to the United States Mr. and Mrs. Jackson county, and here continued to live Frowe located at Seneca Falls, New York, with her relatives until her marriage, in and after spending several years there they 1844. In her youth Mrs. Spencer was removed, about 1844, to Illinois, settling taught all the household duties and homely in the county of Winnebago on three hun- virtues for which the early times were noted, , dred and forty acres of land purchased such as weaving, spinning, knitting, sewing from the government. They were among by hand, etc., and she takes pleasure in re- the earliest pioneers of that county and re- calling the days of long ago, when she rode mained a number of years where they to the old fashioned country church behind originally settled, retiring in their old age a yoke of slow-going oxen, enjoying the to the town of Cherry Valley, where their experience as much if not more than young deaths subsequently occurred, Mrs. Frowe ladies of the present generation who go to departing this life January 9, 1873, her hus- the house of worship in hansom, carriage, , band two years later. They were consist- barouche or phaeton, drawn by a spanking ent members of the Methodist church and team, or on the bicycle or automobile. She their lives beautifully exemplified the strong also remembers when the family were faith and profound religious convictions obliged to obtain flour and meal at the which ever made them bright and shining Saline mill, a trip to and from which re- lights in their Master's service. The fol- quired from three to five days according lowing are the names of the nine children to the state of the weather and the con- born to this estimable couple: Frederick, dition of the roads and river fords. William, John, Eliza, Pernina, Samuel, , It can be truthfully said that Mrs. Spen- Esther, Ann Elizabeth and Edward. cer has literally grown up with the country, When a child of three years Mrs. Spen- and it is equally true that her contribution cer went to live with an aunt, Mrs. Eliza to its material prosperity has by no means Tones, whose home was in Ingham county, been small or grudgingly given. She nobly Michigan, a country at that time but thinly co-operated with her husband in his life populated and infested with Indians and all work, attended to all the duties of the home kinds of wild animals. Amid such wild and of wifehood and motherhood, making surroundings the young girl spent her child- many sacrifices for the comfort of those hood until twelve years of age, the mean- dependent upon her, bearing her burdens while witnessing the gradual development as heaven-appointed duties and in a large of the country and its transition from a sense spending her strength of body and wilderness into a very garden of beauty and mind and the whole wealth of her rich plenty. She frequently met and conversed moral nature for the good of others. Such with Indians, bought of them baskets and is motherhood and such it ever will be,- other articles of handiwork and often fed no rest, no stay, but a ceaseless round of them when they came begging at her aunt's | duty bravely and uncomplainingly per- door. When twelve years old, she removed formed until the tired hands are folded and with the Tones family to Rives township, the patient form sinks into the quiet of the 776 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. dreamless rest, to waken from which is to objects, he was also conservative in matters receive the jeweled crown of reward so of finance, always provided well for his nobly won. family and spared no expense or sacrifice The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Spencer in ministering to the comfort and prosperity was blessed with five children, namely: of his loved ones. In brief, Mr. Spencer Albert E. married Helen Russell and lives was a model man, upright and just, and his in the city of Jackson; Harriett A., wife of death, on the 19th of March, 1882, removed George Schwah, lives near Springport, and from the county one of its most estimable has one son by the name of Stewart; Fred- and progressive citizens, to say nothing of erick W., an artist, following his profession the tender and more sacred relations of in Seattle, Washington, is also married, his husband and father. He finished his life wife having formerly been Miss Nettie work as became a man of honor, and the Raven; Lizzie is the wife of William Wor- place he occupies in the hearts of his im- den, a farmer of Rives township, and the mediate family and friends and the public mother of two children, Roy and Lyle; at large constitutes his most enduring Ethel, the youngest of the family, married monument. Mr. Boyd Van Horn and lives on a farm Since the death of her husband, Mrs. in Rives township. Spencer has been his able successor in carry- Mr. Spencer's married life was exceed- ing on the farm, in the management of ingly happy and the home has long been which she displays sound judgment and noted for its spirit of hospitality and con- business ability of a high order. Her suc- He not only became one of the lead- cess as an agriculturist has won her a place ing farmers and stock raisers of his town- in the front rank of people similarly en- ship, but as an enterprising citizen ever gaged and throughout the township she is maintained a lively interest in public affairs recognized as a woman of much more than and exercised a potential influence in pro- ordinary business talent, without in the least moting good morals in the community. A detracting from the fine lady-like qualities zealous Republican in politics, he never which have long added such sweetness and sought official position, although well quali- charm to her domestic life. . Her beautiful fied to fill such, and he ever stood for the home, in which she reigns with becoming strict enforcement of the laws to the end grace and dignity, is the abode of a refined that good order might be maintained. In hospitality which makes it a popular resort all his relations with the world he was the for the best people in the community, and soul of honor, and his character was always under all circumstances her life has been open and transparent, his integrity being filled to overflowing with the deeds of kind- beyond criticism. As a neighbor he was ness, charity and good cheer which have kind, obliging and ready at all times to bountifully blessed those on whom be- accommodate, and as a friend, his loyalty stowed, at the same time doubly blessing the was unswerving. Liberal in the expenditure giver. She has lived long and well, an | of his means for all worthy benevolent honor to her family, a credit to her neigh- tent. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 777 dred years. borhood and it is the fervent prayer of her farm and make thereon a comfortable many friends that her days may yet be many home. The country at that time was by no and her cares few. means inviting: It was mostly covered with wood and lake and swamp, with here and there a little clearing and occasionally a small isolated settlement. It was an ideal DANIEL MONROE PERRINE. place for a lover of nature, but far from ideal as the abode of civilized mankind. Those who live longest on earth are not There the parents and their ten children always those who accomplish most for them- resided until some of the latter went out selves, their families or humanity generally. into the world to do for themselves and the Many a man has at the age of thirty-five death of the father, which occurred in years done more to benefit the human race February, 1886. The mother survived un- than others have at ninety or even one hun- | til January, 1898, when she also passed into Most of the greatest men of eternity. She was a devout member of the history did not live out the biblical “three Congregational church and both were well score and ten” years, their greatest achieve- known and highly respected all through the ments having been perfected before they northern part of Jackson county. had reached the meridian of life. The sub- The early life of Daniel M. Perrine was ject of this memoir, Daniel M. Perrine, spent upon his father's farm. When the late of Rives township, was favored with family came to Michigan he was seven but fifty-four years of life on earth, yet years old, and in his native place in New during that time so well did he perform his York some steps had been taken by him part that he won the universal approbation toward the acquisition of an education. of his fellow men and in the record of his While the schools in Michigan at that time life he left a monument more enduring than were by no means what they are at present, marble shaft or granite oblisk. He reared an ambitious and studious youth could a noble family, left them comfortably situ- secure a fair knowledge of the common ated in life and made ample provision for school branches, and this Daniel M. Per- their future. rine did. When twenty years of age, in , Daniel M. Perrine was a native of New 1866, he went into the woods of northern York, having been born in Seneca county, Michigan and followed logging and lumber- March 24, 1846. His parents were Daniel ing for a number of years. He was strong and Phoebe (Howell) Perrine, who were and active, and very efficient in his work, also natives of New York. His father was which enabled him to command good by occupation a farmer and in 1856, with wages. Unlike most of his fellow work- a desire to better the condition of his family, men, he was prudent with his wages and he came to Michigan, located in Jackson accumulated sufficient from his earnings to county, where he purchased two hundred cause him to think of securing a home of acres of unimproved land in Rives township, his own. which he proceeded to convert into a fertile While employed in Midland county, 778 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Michigan, fate decreed a meeting between Sandstone township; Daniel is a successful him and the young lady who later became minister of the Wesleyan Methodist church his wife. This casual acquaintance ripened at Diamond Springs, Allegan county, Michi- into friendship and later into love, which gan; William remains at the old home, finally culminated in marriage. February managing the farm; Charles is also at 22, 1871, Daniel M. Perrine was united in home; Nellie and Eva are students in the marriage to Miss Sophia Selley, a young public schools. The four older children are lady of good mind and noble impulses. She graduates of the Jackson high school. is a native of New York, born February When the older children were of proper 2, 1848, the daughter of William and Diana age to enter the high school, the family (Fox) Selley. Her father was a native of moved to Jackson for the purpose of edu- England, who came to America when a cating them, and remained there four young man and here met and married years, returning at the end of that time to Diana Fox. For a number of years they the farm in Rives township. made the Empire state their home, but he, Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. being visited by ill health, sought a more Perrine removed from Midland county to congenial climate where better medical at- Jackson county. They purchased thirty tention might be secured. He died in Chi- acres of land, built upon it a little residence cago in 1853, leaving to his wife the care and improved the place. Later they pur- of their five children, viz: DeLos, Tallman, chased a tract of ninety acres in Rives town- John, Sophia and George. The bereaved ship and built upon it a handsome, com- mother with her children then moved to modious residence, into which the family Michigan, located in Midland county, and moved and this is the home of the family that continued their home during the re- at the present time. Here Mr. Perrine died, mainder of her life. She died November September 24, 1900, in the fifty-fifth year , 24, 1890, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. of his age. He was a man of very domestic Daniel M. Perrine, where she had been for tastes. He rarely considered himself and some time visiting. She was a was always ready to make any sacrifice in possessed of all the early-day accomplish- the interest of his family. He numbered ments of the good housewife, being an ex- among his intimate friends the very best pert in weaving, spinning and knitting. In people in Jackson county. With the gen- religion she was a Baptist and died firm in eral public he was quite popular and might the faith of that religious denomination. have used his popularity to advantage were Mr. and Mrs. Daniel M. Perrine are he so inclined. He was, and his wife still the parents of eight children, viz: Fred, who is, a member of the Wesleyan Methodist is a farmer of Rives township, married Miss church and it was in the faith of that religion Alice Galusha, and they are the parents of that he passed to his reward. His death one child, Lillian; Frank, a farmer of Rives was peaceful, almost happy, conscious that township, married Miss Mary Smith; Alice, those he left behind and whom he loved so who became a successful teacher, married well had ample provision made for their Elwin Lewis, a farmer, and they reside in future. . a woman JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 779 ORLO W. ABBEY. Harriet M., the second, has been twice mar- ried, the first time to Ed. Wixon, of New Conspicuous among the successful self- York, after whose death she became the wife made men of Jackson county is Orlo W. of A. Metcalf, also a resident of that state. Abbey, of Rives township, whose career She is now a widow with a family of six forcibly illustrates what industry and thrift, children, and makes her home in the county guided and controlled by correct principles, and state of her birth; Livona, the youngest can accomplish in mastering adverse cir- of the family, is not living, having died at cumstances and moulding them to suit his the old home at the early age of seven years. purposes. Mr. Abbey is a native of New Orlo W. Abbey spent his youthful years Yark, where his birth occurred on the 16th on the farm in New York and a short time day of September, 1833, being the son of before his seventeenth birthday suffered a Levi and Mehitable (Herbert) Abbey, both grievous loss in his father's untimely death. parents born in the state of Massachusetts. This sad event threw upon him the manage- Levi Abbey went to New York when a ment of the farm, and for one so young he young man, after marriage, and spent the nobly and faithfully did his duty, losing remainder of his life as a successful farmer. sight of self interest in his efforts to promote He was also an influential citizen, widely his mother's welfare. He continued to and favorably known in his community and cultivate the farm and look after the family for many years took an active interest in until his marriage, when the estate was di- local politics, having been an orthodox vided, he taking charge of his share and, Democrat of the old Jeffersonian school. with the exception of two years spent in the He represented in his personality many of meat business, living on the same until the best elements of sterling New England 1868. In the fall of that year Mr. Abbey manhood, was positive in his convictions, sold his little farm and came to Jackson thoroughly honest and straightforward in county, Michigan, investing his means in his dealings and, as a sincere member of one hundred and seven and a half acres of the Presbyterian church, exemplified in his partially improved land in sections 10 and daily life the strict moral and religious II, Rives township, which he has since de- training which had so much to do in form- veloped into one of the best farms in this ing his strong, well-rounded character. His part of the country. By hard and long con- . wife, also a Presbyterian, was a woman of tinued toil, he cleared his land of the dense excellent repute, an earnest Christian and forest growth by which the greater part to her wise admonition and faithful guid- was covered, removed the stumps, replaced ance the subject of this sketch is largely the original buildings with substantial mod- indebted for much of the success which sub- ern structures and in due time forged to sequently attended him. These parents died the front as one of the leading farmers and in New York, leaving to mourn their loss successful stock raisers in a township long a family of three children, the subject of noted for the enterprising spirit of its this review being the oldest of the number. 'citizens. 780 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Mr. Abbey is a thoroughly modern family of four children, his wife having farmer, with an intelligent comprehension formerly been Miss Jennie Whitney, of of every detail of his noble calling. Every Rives township; he is a farmer and stock acre of his tillable soil bears evidence of raiser and lives not far from his father's great care and scientific cultivation, and the place in the township of Rives. large number of blooded Durham cattle, fine Politically Mr. Abbey is an unswerv- Cotswold sheep, superior draft horses, and ing supporter of the Democratic party, and Poland China hogs attest his interest and as such has been honored at different times success as a breeder and raiser of fine live with local offices, serving several years as a stock. In the matter of fruit growing he pathmaster and at present holding the po- also keeps pace with the times, his orchard sitions of school director and pathmaster. being among the best in the township and In matters religious he is a Methodist, as is as a source of income repaying him more also his wife, both being active workers in than a hundred fold for the time, labor and the church to which they belong. As il care expended thereon. Mr. Abbey's first Mr. Abbey's first neighbor and citizen the subject enjoys marriage, to which reference is made in a worthy prestige in the community and the preceding paragraph, was solemnized in high esteem with which he is regarded 1854, with Miss Agnes Marsh, of New speaks much for his influence on the side of York, the union terminating by the death every moral question. From his seventeenth of the wife the following year. On the 16th year he has made his own way in the day of January, 1856, he married his 1856, he married his world, assuming, while still a youth, re- present companion, Miss Betsey Wells, who sponsibilities such as would have tested the was born in New York, November 10, 1834, strength, patience and endurance of men of being the youngest of eleven children, ten enlarged experience. Step by step he of whom grew to maturity and became gradually advanced along the upward way heads of families. Mrs. Abbey is the towards the goal of success and, having daughter of Calvin Wells, a successful reached the same, he now looks back over farmer of York state, where the Wells a well-spent life with the consciousness of family has been known for many years. having been, in the true sense of the term, She has been her husband's able and faith- the architect of his own fortune. Under ful co-worker, ever manifesting a lively re- all circumstances his aim has been to do the gard in all his interests and in no small de- right and, with this to cheer him, he is gree contributing to the success with which calmly pursuing the even tenor of his way his strenuous endeavors have been crowned. at peace with the world and with his Maker, Two children have been born to Mr. and looking onward to the future years with an Mrs. Abbey, the older of whom is Herbert abiding faith that his pathway in this life F., a farmer of Eaton county, this state, and his eternal destiny in the life to come also a married man and the father of two will be crowned with rewards befitting a children, a son and a daughter; Merritt L., career in which honorable motives and con- the second son, is also married and has a secration to duty have ever been paramount. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN781 . . RANKIN YOUNG. whom were born and reared in the old Key- stone state, where the respective families Nearly half a century has elapsed since were early established. In his early man- the honored subject of this review, then a hood the father of the subject was the owner child of five years, became a resident of Jack- and operator of canal boats in Pennsylvania son county, and his early youth and man- and later was there engaged in mercantile hood were tense with the stirring life of the pursuits. In the spring of 1857 he came pioneer locality, almost beyond comprehen- with his family to Michigan and located in sion on the part of the younger generation, Rives township, this county, where he pur- to whom the tales of the early days seem chased of a man named Pettis one hundred like a romance on reverting to the priva- acres of land, in section 2, the tract being tions, the sturdy good will, freedom from entirely unreclaimed from the primeval for- austere conventionality, and the self-reli- est. He cleared this place and in 1865 pur- ance of those who here assisted in laying the chased an additional one hundred acres, in foundations of a great and prosperous com- the same section and adjacent to the orig- monwealth. The retrospective ensemble of inal homestead, the same having been par- the years agone may well figure as a pleas- tially improved, while, with the assistance of urable theme for many days to come, and it his sons, he cleared the remainder and ren- , is fitting that permanent record be made con- dered it available for cultivation. Here he cerning those who wrought nobly in the past, continued to make his home until his death, while such of the pioneers as are still living which occurred on the 26th of November, should freely impart their reminiscences and 1878, at which time he was fifty-three years permit them to be placed on record. Mr. of age, while his devoted wife survived un- Young is now one of the representative til May 1, 1899, when she passed away at farmers of Rives township, where practical- the venerable age of seventy years, both hav- ly his entire life has been passed and where ing been consistent members of the United he can recall the Indian wigwam as not an Brethren church. Mr. Young identified unfamiliar object in the perspective and himself with the Republican party at the where a frequent sight was the wild game time of its organization and was an active which abounded on every hand. Viewing factor in its local ranks, while he served for the position and condition of the county to- some time in the office of township clerk, day and taking cognizance of the fact that ever taking a deep interest in all that tended the great transformation has been wrought to forward the general welfare of the com- within the span of a single human life, we munity and having the unreserved confi- may well appreciate the significance of the dence and regard of all who knew him. To experiences which have come to such pio- this worthy couple were born eleven chil- neers as Mr. Young. dren, concerning whom the following rec- Rankin Young was born in Phoenix- ord is entered: George R. died at the age ville, Chester county, Pennsylvania, on the of thirty-one years. Ivester married Miss IIth of March, 1852, being a son of Oliver Lottie St. John and they have a family of C. and Margaret (Rankin) Young, both of four children. He is a successful farmer of 782 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. seasons. Leoni township. Rankin, subject of this re- eighteen years and thereafter continuing to view, was the next in order of birth. John be thus engaged during the winter months married Miss Alice Freeman and they have for a period of fifteen years, while he was four childen. He resides in the village of engaged in farm work during the summer Leslie, Ingham county, and is a carpenter At the age of twenty-three years and contractor by vocation. Addison V. he purchased from his father one hundred married Miss Viola Babcock and is a acres of land, in section 2, Rives township, farmer of Rives township, being the fa- and the next year, on the inth of March, ther of four children. Annie is the 1876, he assumed connubial responsibilities, wife of S. Edwin St. John, a farmer being then united in marriage to Miss Min- of Leoni township, and they have two nie L. (Burr) Austin. When she was a children. Maggie is the wife of George mere infant her mother died and her own Styles, a farmer of Rives township. Sophia father, Frank Burr, sacrificed his life on the is the wife of Walter Freeman, a carpenter altar of his country in the Civil war, so that and builder residing in Rives township, and she subsequently made her home with Will- they have two children. Clyde E. married iam J. Austin. She was born in Ingham Mary Angeline (Smith) Wood and they county, September 16, 1858, and Mr. Aus- now reside on the old homestead farm, hav- tin was one of the representative pioneer ing two children. Henry 0. married Miss farmers of Jackson county. To Mr. and Grace True and is a successful farmer of Mrs. Young have been born ten children, of Rives township. Eliza died in infancy. whom the following epitomized record is en- From the above data it will be seen that the tered: Austin F. married Miss Lela Bab- Young family has a large representation of cock and he is now a resident of the city the second and third generation in Jackson of Flint, Michigan, where he is employed in county, and the name has ever stood expo- the Imperial Wheel Works. Mabel O. is nent for loyal and useful citizenship. All of the wife of Daniel Miner, of Jackson. Belle the children were afforded good educational I. was employed as stenographer in the of- advantages for the locality and period, and fices of the Bell Telephone Company in Jack- George, Ivester, Rankin and Annie were all son and makes her home with her parents. successful school teachers for varying in- Agnes A. is the wife of Ashley Rice, of tervals in Jackson and Ingham counties. South Haven, Michigan, where he is en- Rankin Young was reared on the pioneer gaged in the drug business. Margaret re- farm and early became inured to the ardu- mains at the parental home and is an attend- ous labors involved in its reclamation and ant of the high school at Leslie. Oliver C., cultivation, and after gaining his fundamen- Paul R., Madeline H. and George I. are tal educational discipline in the district also members of the family circle at the schools he continued his studies in the high home farm, the youngest being school at Leslie, where he made such good fine boy of two years the time use of his opportunities as to render him- of this writing. Mary E. died in infancy. self eligible for pedagogic honors, beginning Mr. Young, who is himself a man of sym- to teach in the district schools at the age of | metrical education, having ever been a close a at JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 783 student and appreciative reader and observ- is vice grand at the time of this writing; er, has spared no pains to offer to his chil- with the Knights of the Maccabees, Leon- dren the best possible advantages in this line, ard Hart Tent No. 585, at Leslie, of which and all have profited by their opportunities. he is commander; with the Ancient Order Miss Belle is a graduate of Yerington's of United Workmen, Lodge No. 5, of Jack- 5 Business College, at St. Louis, Michigan, son; the Modern Woodmen of America, and is an expert stenographer. Leslie Camp No. 1707, at Leslie, Michigan, From the time of his marriage Mr. and the Gleaners in Henrietta township. Young has been consecutively engaged in Mrs. Young belongs to Leslie Hive No. the operation of the farm which he pur- | 352, Ladies of the Maccabees. Mr. Young chased about that time, and he has devel- is well known in this section and is most oped one of the admirable places of the coun- highly honored where best known, for there ty, having seventy-five acres of his farm un- can be found on his entire career no shadow der a high state of cultivation and produc-of wrong or suspicion of evil, and his life tivity, while the remaining twenty-five acres has been one of earnest endeavor, lofty prin- is timber and pasture land. He feeds a ciple and well directed effort, so that he is large percentage of the produce of his farm eminently entitled to the temporal prosper- to his stock, having devoted special atten- | ity which has crowned his labors. tion to the raising of high-grade cattle, sheep and swine, his preferences in the re- spective lines being for Durham and Polled Angus cattle, Shropshire sheep and Poland THE MICHIGAN CORSET COMPANY. China hogs. In 1901 he sold twelve steers whose average weight was thirteen hundred One of the important commercial enter- pounds each. In 1881 Mr. Young erected prises of the city of Jackson is that con- his fine modern residence, which is a model ducted under the above title, while through farm dwelling, having the best of conven- effective management the enterprise has iences and accessories, while his large and gained noteworthy prestige. The Michigan , substantial barn, ninety by thirty feet in di-Corset Company was organized in July, mensions, was built in 1893-94. He has on 1895, with a capital stock of fifty thousand his farm an excellent apple orchard of three dollars, fully paid in, while the company is acres, while he also raises small fruits of incorporated under the laws of the state. various kinds. The personnel of the executive corps of the In politics Mr. Young accords an unfal- company is as follows: Fred C. Wright, of tering allegiance to the Republican party, Springfield, Massachusetts, president; Har- and, while he has never been ambitious for ry A. Wright, of the same city, vice-presi- public office, he served efficiently as township dent, and George W. Austin, of Jackson, clerk for the period of five years. Fratern- . secretary, treasurer and manager. ally he is identified with the Independent On the pay roll of the company are sev- Order of Odd Fellows, being affiliated with enty-five individuals, while the weekly wages Foster Lodge No. 95, at Leslie, of which he paid out reaches an aggregate of five hun- 784 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. dred dollars, aside from the salaries of six active energy, but the stimulus of his salesmen and the office corps. The “Cusco" personal presence and influence. There is, “ , corset is the chief specialty of the manu- however, some compensation for this loss factory, whose capacity is for the output of in the memory of his services and the effect forty dozen corsets per day, while the annual of his example. Devoted always to the sales reach an average aggregate of one hun- business in hand and successful in all that dred thousand dollars. The company sell to he undertook far beyond the highest am- but one dealer in a town and attend to the bition of most men, Mr. Connable never for- proper advertising of the goods manufac- got that earth was only his temporary abid- tured, and the extent of the expenditures in ing place and that no matter how onerous this line in indicated in the payment of one the duties of life might be, those due to the thousand dollars per month for advertising spiritual world, those that related to the in one periodical journal alone. The busi- future state of mankind, those that involved ness is constantly expanding in scope and the relation of the creature to the Creator, importance and the factory is operated to its should never be disregarded. full capacity. Edwards Joseph Connable was a native of Massachusetts, as were the five gener- ations of the name which preceded him. EDWARDS J. CONNABLE. John, the original progenitor of the family, came in colonial times to what was then It was with feelings of profound regret known as the colony of Massachusetts Bay. and sorrow that the residents of Jackson, Descending from him in direct line were Michigan, learned of the death of their dis- Samuel, John and Joseph, the latter being tinguished and venerable fellow citizen, Ed- the father of the subject of this review. The wards J. Connable. In his death, which oc- breath of life first inflated the lungs of curred February 3, 1899, there was removed Edwards J. Connable in the town of Ber- from life a man who had in a large measure nardston, Franklin county, Massachusetts, honored his race. He was a true and zeal- January 14, 1815. While not what might ous Christian, a careful and conscientious be termed frail, he was delicate in structure business man, an enterprising citizen and a and highly sensitive in temperament,his men- friend of all who had the honor of his ac- tal powers always far outstripped his physi- quaintance. Strong, true men are always cal strength and it was only by the most benefactors. Their usefulness in the im- | judicious care on the part of those who had mediate and specific labors they perform charge of his early years that his bodily can be in a certain degree defined. The good strength was husbanded to balance an un- they do through the forces they put in usually active mind. He attended the pub- motion, and through the inspiration of their lic schools of his native state and later took presence and example is immeasurable by a course of some years at an academy. He any finite gauge or standard of value. The was neither blessed with riches nor afflicted death of such a man is a public calamity, with poverty in the early years of his life, because by it the county loses not only his but was always made to feel that life would E. J. CONNABLE. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 785 be to him what he made it. Veneration, business whatever. In 1857 his former especially of all things relating to religion, partner, Henry Pinney, of Columbus, Ohio, so highly developed in him that it on account of the condition of his business seemed a part of his very nature and his affairs, committed suicide at the home of companionship was, therefore, with the pure, his son in the city of Jackson. The shock , the truthful and the godly. When little past occasioned by the recital of the unfortunate seventeen years of age, he took a position event was keenly felt in business and social with a publishing house and engaged in the circles, both in Ohio and Michigan, but few, sale of books and maps in the northwestern even of the immediate relatives of the un- and western states for five years. The next fortunate man, suffered more keenly than two years were occupied with the sale of did the subject of this memoir. The assets Bibles and religious works in the states of of the estate of the deceased footed up about Ohio and Indiana. He was a believer in three hundred thousand dollars, and, by the and server of God, so God prospered him in terms of the will, Edwards J. Connable was all things, even to the extent of endowing made sole executor, with full power and him bountifully with material wealth. Mean- authority to control, manage and direct all while the family moved from Massachusetts matters whatsoever relating to the property to Ohio, locating near Kenia, where his and the settlement of the estate. No bond father purchased a farm. On this farm, in or other security of any kind was required, 1838, in partnership with his brother, Mark, and he was only asked by the testator (quot- he established a small factory and began the ing the will) to “in good faith close up the manufacture of farm tools. Success estate in such manner as he deems best, with crowned their effort from the beginning and the same power and authority over all assets, the business was continued for a period of personal or real, that he would have over , five years. January 12, 1843, Edwards J. his own property, or as the testator would Connable was united in marriage to Miss have if living." The estate was settled with Cadeiia Newkirk, a native of Ohio, born at scrupulous conscientiousness and to the ut- Xenia, August 15, 1820. Soon afterward most satisfaction of all, particularly those hey moved to Columbus, Mr. Connable be- most directly interested. In 1867 Mr. Con- coming a sub-contractor in the Ohio peniten- nable became a large stockholder in the tiary, where he engaged in the manufacture Jackson Fire Clay and Sewer Pipe Company, of farm tools, the firm being Pinney, Conna- | and this enterprise, like all others with which , ble & Company. In 1847 they moved to he was connected, proved very remunerative Jackson county, Michigan, having secured to the holders of stock and added much to contracts in the state prison for the manu- the prosperity of the city of Jackson. facture of farm machinery. He continued Mr. Connable's religious zeal, earnest- a member of the firm until 1853, when, on ness and devotion to the service of God never account of failing health, he was obliged to forsook him during his entire life. Modest, retire, having in the meantime accumulated | unassuming and of a nature so retiring, he a comfortable fortune. For the next eleven cared nothing for earthly approbation of any years he refrained from engaging in any of the good work that he did. Above all, he 50 786 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. shrank from publicity and many of the best shire, and assended a mountain on foot to deeds of his life were done in secret. The the altitude of fifteen hundred and fifty feet, cause of religion and charity profited well to a village or hamlet where there was a by his bounty. God had abundantly en- summer hotel. He liked the scenery, lo- dowed him with the wealth of earth and cation and surroundings so well that he generously did he dispense it to the use and erected two cottages there, one for himself, for the benefit of the people of God. Here and each recurring year during his lifetime are a number of the most important do- he visited the locality and spent the summer nations made by him: Toward the erection months there. The editor of the Christian and liquidation of the final debt of the local Advocate was also induced to build a cottage Methodist church, twenty thousand dollars; there and for eleven years they met in the Albion College, forty-five thousand dollars; locality and their companionship, away from Church Extension Society, thirty thousand the busy, hustling world, was most agreeable dollars; Michigan conference, Methodist to both. Very few of the guests, however, Episcopal church, for superanuated minis- who resorted there each year formed his ac- ters, twenty-five thousand dollars; Methodist quaintance, nor did he care to become inti- Episcopal Hospital, Brooklyn, New York, mate with any of them. His own good five thousand dollars; Northwestern Uni- thoughts and the companionship of his books, versity at Evanston, Illinois, ten thousand his secular and religious papers, and above dollars. Many pretend to the title of being all, the communing with nature in pleasant self made who have no right whatever to rambles through the vicinity afforded him all the claim. He never did. To God he daily the amusement and pleasures he desired. He gave thanks for all that he was and all that loved the birds, the flowers, the trees, and he had, although there is no doubt that he in studying them never forgot the Creator was the architect of his own fortune. Calm, to whom they and he owed their being. As cautious, intelligent and with a firmness stated above, he passed to his eternal reward bordering on immovability, he carried these February 3, 1899, firm in the faith of those characteristics into every work of life. religious principles which every act and Though he seemed cold at times to strang- every aspiration of his life so well exempli- ers, he was affable, even genial, to those fied. His true and faithful wife still lingers , with whom he was intimate. For half a cen- amid the scenes of their married life, in the tury he had been a member of the Method-city of Jackson. Now, in the eighty-third ist Episcopal church and since 1860 a mem- year of her age, she is as true to the sacred ber of the First church of that denomi- memory of the dead as she was to him dur- nation in Jackson. From the time he was ing all the years of the married life. With . ten years of age he has been a reader of the the utmost confidence in the future happiness Christian Advocate. He read much, but that is in store for her, she awaits the com- devoted more time to the study of religious ing of the messenger to release her spirit works than those of any other topic. In that it may be again reunited with his whose company with the editor of the Christian love is still a blessed memory. Advocate, in 1876 he visited New Hamp- To this worthy couple three children were JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 787 born, viz: Joseph E., born December 27, Hampshire hillsides, his attendance being 1843, and died April 14, 1855; Lillian, born principally confined to fourteen weeks dur- April 5, 1846, and died the following day; ing the winter seasons from the time he was Edwin, born August 17, 1857, and died on ten till sixteen years of age, and thereafter the 22d of August the same year. he continued his studies for one term in the Westmoreland Valley Seminary, at West- moreland, New Hampshire. At the age of eighteen he entered the employ of S. A. JOSIAH C. RICHARDSON. Gerould & Son, who were engaged in gen- eral merchandise in Keene, New Hampshire. Josiah Crosby Richardson is a son of the He was there under apprenticeship for a pe- old Granite state, having been born in the riod of three years, and when twenty-one town of Alstead, Cheshire county, New years of age, he was admitted to partnership Hampshire, on the 4th of March, 1842, be- in the business, which was thereafter con- ing a son of Edward P. and Eunice (Cros- ducted under the firm name of Gerould, Son by) Richardson. Edward Phelps Richard- & Company. He was identified with this en- son was born in Stoddard, Cheshire coun- terprise about twelve years, having been for ty, as was also his father, Theodore, the the major portion of this time the buyer and original American ancestors having been general manager of the establishment. In three brothers who came to the new world 1873 Mr. Richardson disposed of his inter- from England in the colonial epoch, while est in Keene and came with his wife and two it is a matter of record that representatives | children to Jackson, and in February, 1874, of the name were active participants in the purchased the interest of Mr. Glasford, of war of the Revolution. Edward P. Rich- the firm of Glasford & Bolton, dealers in ardson was of distinctive intellectuality and millinery, and thereafter the enterprise was was engaged in teaching in his native state continued under the title of Richardson & until 1850, when he removed to Clinton, Bolton for a period of four years, at the ex- Missouri, where he continued to follow the piration of which he formed a copartnership same profession until his death, one year la- with Edwy Knight, under the firm name of ter. The mother of Josiah C. was born in Richardson & Knight, conducting a success- New York, and died in New Hampshire in ful wholesale and retail millinery business 1845, when Edward married Miss Amanda for nearly twenty years, the establishment be- Marvin, who survived him a number of ing finally destroyed by fire, whereupon the years, she and family returning to New firm was dissolved and the enterprise dis- Hampshire after the death of her husband. continued. At the age of eleven Josiah C. went to live In 1886 Mr. Richardson left the milli- with an uncle at Swanzey, New Hampshire, nery business in charge of his partner and where he remained until he had attained the became the manager of the Jackson Corset age of eighteen. He was reared on a farm, Company, whose affairs he was instrumental and his early educational discipline was se- in lifting from a chaotic state and placing cured in the district schools of the New a paying basis. On the 3d of them on 788 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. was was March, 1889, largely through the energy ing three years of this period he was pres- and effective efforts of Mr. Richardson, the ident of the board and chairman of the water Reliance Corset Company was organized, he committee at the time of the enlargement being made treasurer and manager. This and extension of the water works sys- company has signally prospered and is one tem, bringing it to its present efficiency. of the most thriving commercial concerns in Further exemplification of the confi- the city, the products of its well equipped dence and esteem reposed in him factory being sold in the most diverse sec- given in April, 1896, when he , tions of the Union, while they have gained chosen mayor. The system of brick paving, . recognition for superior excellence. The begun while he served on the board of pub- policy of the company is progressive and lic works, was largely extended under his liberal, and the employes are made to feel supervision as mayor, his policy being to that their services are appreciated and at first pave those central streets most gener- Christmas the company presents each of its ally used, though it required the use of the employes a dollar for each year of service. veto power, several aldermen insisting that Mr. Richardson has also other local inter- more remote streets be first paved by this ests. Upon the organization of the Citi- material. He also made strong appeal for zens' Telephone Company he became a stock-municipal ownership of the electric lighting helder, director and president. At the or- plant, placing it upon the same basis as the ganization of the Dr. Colwell Magic Egyp- water works, his theory being in accord with tian Oil Company he became a director and that now held by most advanced students of vice-president. Mr. Richardson has taken municipal economy that all public utilities a lively interest in all that concerns the ad- should eventually be owned and operated vancement and welfare of his home city, and by the city. In 1888 he was president of the is a prominent figure in the ranks of its Jackson County Republican Club, and it is business men. On the 8th of January, 1888, worthy of record that this year every candi- he became president of the Merchants and date on the Republican ticket except one was Manufacturers' Association, and by succes- elected. Mr. Richardson has also been pres- sive re-elections continued until 1892, dur- ident of the Lincoln Club. ing which time the association accomplished On the 21st of March, 1864, Mr. Rich- excellent work in the promotion of com- ardson became a Mason. He became a mem- mercial and industrial interests. ber of the Royal Arch Masons, at Keene, on Mr. Richardson has ever accorded an al- the 18th of November, 1872, and is now af- legiance to the Republican party, his first filiated with Jackson Chapter No 3. Later presidential vote being for Abraham Lin- he was made a member of Jackson Council coln in 1864. In 1881 he represented the No. 32, Royal and Select Masters, and on second ward on the board of aldermen, serv- the 24th of April, 1873, he was constituted, ing for two years, during the latter of which created and dubbed a Sir Knight, in Hugh he was president of the council. He was a De Payne Commandery, Knights Templar, member of the board of public works from at Keene, New Hampshire, and about the 1889 for six and one-half years, while dur- year 1875 took a dimit and identified himself JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 789 with Jackson Commandery No. 9, of which is a direct descendant of Henry Price, the , he was later elected prelate, and generalissi- founder of Freemasonry in America. Mr. mo of the same for several years, and in and Mrs. Richardson have had three chil- April, 1887, he had the distinction of being dren: Leon Josiah, who was born on the chosen eminent commander, of which office 22d of February, 1868; Isabel Florence, who he remained incumbent two years. He has was born on the 5th of November, 1869, and thus completed the circle of York-rite Ma- who died on the 22d of June, 1876, and Ar- sonry and is an appreciative member of this thur Howard, who was born on the 16th time-honored fraternity. He has also crossed of January, 1879. the sands of the desert and gained member- ship in Moslem Temple, Nobles of the Mys- tic Shrine, in Detroit. In 1886 Mr. Rich- ardson was elected president of Globe Coun- WILLIAM M. RANKIN. cil No. 90, National Union, a fraternal in- surance order, and has been successively re- Honored and respected by his fellow cit- elected since that time. In 1897 he was ini- izens, the subject of this review presents in tiated into Jackson Lodge No. 113, Benev- | his career of educator, mechanic, agricult- , olent and Protective Order of Elks, and on urist and soldier, an interesting study of the the oth of August, 1898, was chosen presi- manner in which adherence to principle and dent of the Elks Temple Association, hav- sturdy endeavor may win worthy distinction ing since continued in tenure of this office. in pursuits diverse and ennobling. Through- In April, 1902, he became chaplain of the out a long and varied career duty has ever lodge and was re-elected in April, 1903. For been his motive of action and usefulness to several years he has been a member of the his fellow men his chief reward. Standing Jackson City Club, and is distinctively pop- today among the most intelligent, enterpris- ular in business, fraternal and social circles. ing and progressive of his contemporaries, Mr. Richardson is a zealous member of he has performed well his part in life and it the Unitarian church, and it is largely due is a compliment worthily bestowed to say to him that the church organization was that Jackson county is honored by his citi- accomplished in Jackson, at the residence of zenship. ex-Gov. Austin Blair. He was elected sec- William M. Rankin is descended pater- retary of the First Unitarian Society of nally from sturdy Scotch ancestry and on the Jackson on the 4th of December, 1875, and mother's side from an old Pennsylvania fam- has held the office continuously since, being ily, representatives of which figured prom- also a member of the board of trustees. inently in the civil and military annals of The marriage of Mr. Richardson to Miss that state. Peter Rankin, the subject's Isabel Jane Chamberlain was solemnized in grandfather, was a native of Scotland, came a Keene, New Hampshire, where she was to the United States in an early day and set- born, being a daughter of John and Caro- tled in New York, where he labored for a line (Farrar) Chamberlain, representatives number of years as stone-mason and bridge of prominent old families of that state. She builder. Later he became a large contrac- 790 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. zens. m tor for various kinds of public works and asked office at the hands of his fellow citi- appears to have been a man of great per- His was a full and active life and his sonal force, also successful in his various influence proved a potential force in advanc- lines of endeavor. ing the standard of morality in the neigh- Peter Rankin married in his native land borhood of his residence. He died on the and when he came to America had a family homestead in Rives township in 1872, his of seven children, among the number being good wife surviving him until the year 1884. a son, Peter, who was born in the city of The family of this excellent God-fearing Glasgow. Peter Rankin, Jr., was quite couple consisted of nine children, the oldest young when his parents settled in Pennsyl- of whom was Thomas, born May II, 1826, vania and he grew to maturity in Schuylkill died August 31, of the year following; Mar- county, that state, meanwhile becoming a garet was born December 25, 1828, married proficient mechanic. On reaching the years Oliver C. Young and departed this life at of manhood he entered upon a long and suc- the age of seventy-two, her husband being cessful career as a contractor and builder, now also deceased ; Ann, born July 23, 1831, during which he constructed a number of died October 2, 1847; Elizabeth, whose birth locks on different canals, built a great many occurred on the 23d of October, 1833, died bridges, besides erecting numerous public young, as did also Henry who was born No- buildings and other edifices. In 1856 he vember 12, 1835. William M., of this re- nioved his family to Jackson county, Mich- view, is the sixth in order of birth, and after igan, settling in Rives township, where he him comes Sarah, born December 23, 1839; purchased a tract of wild land which his she married the late Joseph Compton, and sons cleared and cultivated, he the mean- passed to her eternal reward in the year while continuing his mechanical work. 1900. Henry C., born December 1, 1843, Eliza McClellan, of Pennsylvania, who be- lives in the town of Leslie, Ingham county; came the wife of Peter Rankin, Jr., was the Eliza Jane, wife of E. G. Lyman, was born daughter of a man of considerable promi- June 18, 1847, and lives in Allegan county, nence who at one time held a general's com- Michigan, where her husband is a successful mission in the military service. She was farmer. noted for her piety, exemplary character and William M. Rankin was born in Schuyl- activity in religious work, having been a life- kill county, Pennsylvania, on the 3d day of long member of the Baptist church. Her December, 1837, and at the age of nineteen husband was also identified with that com- accompanied his parents to Jackson county, munion, held a life membership in the Amer- Michigan, where he has since lived. He en- ican Baptist Home Missionary Society and joyed superior educational advantages in his through his efforts the first Sunday school native state, attending first the public in district No. 1, Rives township, was or- schools and later a classical institute in ganized. In early life Peter Rankin was Chester county, from which he was gradu- a Whig, later became a Republican and for ated a short time before coming west. In many years he was one of the party leaders 1860 he returned to his former home in in this part of Jackson county, but never Schuylkill county and there the following a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 791 a year enlisted in Company C, Pennsylvania tively engaged as formerly in the line of me- Infantry, under Captain John R. Brooks, chanics, the competency now in his posses- who now is a distinguished major-general in sion enabling him to live comfortably with- the United States army and figured con- out recourse at all times to manual labor. spicuously in the Spanish-American conflict. Mr. Rankin, in 1866, bought a fine little Mr. Rankin saw considerable active service farm in section 1, Rives township, and on during the early part of the war, but by this he has since lived, the meanwhile, by a , reason of ill health his military experience series of improvements, making it one of the was not of long duration. Owing to contin- beautiful and attractive rural homes in the ued disability he finally, much to his regret, county. He has added greatly to the ap- . was obliged to quit the service and return pearance of the place by the good taste dis- home, where during the ensuing six months played in the planting of orchards, shade his sufferings were so great as to make his trees, shrubbery, etc., and later by the ele- recovery a matter of grave doubt. With the gant modern residence and fine barns, erected a best merical attention and careful nursing, in 1890 after plans and designs of his own. however, he eventually rallied and in due The dwelling is a model of architecture, time regained his wonted strength, after handsomely finished and furnished with the which, in 1863, he entered upon what proved | latest conveniences, and, with its neat sur- a long and eminently creditable career as an roundings, at once impresses the passerby as educator. In the fall of the above year Mr. being the home of a gentleman of refined Rankin taught his first term of school and taste and liberal culture. Mr. Rankin's place that he was successful and popular as an in- is on a rural free mail-delivery route, in easy structor is attested by the fact of his serv- communication with the outside world, and, ices being in great demand the following situated in one of the richest and most high- winter. Possessing natural mechanically favored agricultural districts of the town- skill, he turned it to good account in the line ship, there is little in the way of natural , of carpentry and it was not long until his beauty or comfort to be desired. efficiency as a builder became recognized. On September 7, 1861, was solemnized During the spring and summer seasons his the marriage of Mr. Rankin and Miss Ellen time was devoted to mechanical work, but Strieby, daughter of William C. and Eliza with the advent of the inclement months the (Halzell) Strieby, of Chester county, Penn- schools became his field of endeavor. Mr. sylvania, a union blessed with two children, Rankin continued in the two-fold capacity the older being Eva M., who was the wife of mechanic and teacher for a period of of Heman Evans. Mr. and Mrs. Evans . twenty-five years, during which time he have a family of two children, whose names achieved success in both undertakings, earn- are Lulu and Mamie. William P., the sec- ing a distinguished record as an educator ond in order of birth, is a gentleman of ripe and being no less efficient as a contractor scholarship and superior culture, at this time and builder. Since the year 1892 he has engaged in business in the city of New York; done no school work, having given up the he was graduated from Olivet College, profession in that year, neither is he as ac- Michigan, taking the degrees of Bachelor 792 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. of Arts and Master of Arts, and later com- ber of years being a strong and uncompro- pleted a course at Johns Hopkins Univer- mising Republican, frequently representing sity, after which he taught for seven years his party in township and county conven- in the Jackson high school. He became tions and on more than one occasion assist- widely and favorably known among the ing to nominate the district and state tick- state's distinguished educators and is now ets. Notwithstanding his ability to fill . doing a successful business in the line of worthily high and important trusts, he school supplies. has never posed as an office seeker, nor Mrs. Rankin died on the 24th day of has he ever aspired to leadership, although March, 1893, leaving to her family and well qualified to be a moulder of public opin- friends the memory of a well-spent life, ion. Mr. Rankin is popular with his fellow which they cherish as a priceless heritage. citizens and few men in his township are as Her character was all that could have been widely known or as universally esteemed. desired in a wife and mother; her disposi- As already stated, his business affairs have a tion singularly sweet and her pure nature been judiciously managed and he is now in overflowed with goodness and loving kind- independent circumstances financially; nev- ness to all who came within the range of her ertheless he still pursues his vocation, doing influence. She was a sincere Christian and much in the way of building and general a devoted member of the Baptist church, mechanical work in Jackson county and with a faith that increased in strength and other adjoining counties, his reputation as a a hope that grew brighter as she fearlessly skillful artisan being duly recognized and exchanged the church militant for the appreciated wherever his name is known. church triumphant. Mr. Rankin also sub-Measured by the true standard of man- scribes to the Baptist creed, but is broad and hood, his life has been a success and if this catholic in spirit to the extent of seeing good brief review of a career so signally useful in all churches and recognizing in every hu- and honorable shall stimulate others to imi- man being, however humble, the spark of di- tate his example and emulate his virtues, vinity bespeaking a heavenly origin and an then the record may prove a permanent mon- immortal destiny. He is liberal in his ideas, free in dispensing charities and public spir- ited in encouraging all laudable enterprises for the material and moral welfare of the AUSTIN, TOMLINSON & WEBSTER community. He is identified with several MANUFACTURING COMPANY. fraternal and benevolent organizations, prominent among which are the Independent While the province of this publication is Order of Odd Fellows, the Sons of Temper- more specifically that of biography, there ance and Grand Army of the Republic, hav- can be no impropriety in the connection in ing formerly been an active worker in these adverting in detail to certain of those im- societies, besides holding in several of them portant manufacturing industries which honorable official positions. He has also have been so potently instrumental in fur- been prominent in local politics, for a num- thering the commercial prestige and sub- ument. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 793 stantial progress of the city of Jackson, and farm wagons, the Jackson mountain wagon, of all such enterprises none is more worthy | the Pennsylvania oil-field wagon, the Jack- of attention than that conducted under the son farm truck, the coach-hound or stiff- above title, while the same is the more note tongue wagon, the block-tongue wagon, the worthy from having had its inception in the one-horse farm and plantation wagon, the pioneer epoch of the county's history. The Jackson light log wagon, the Jackson log official corps of the company at the present trucks with thimbleskein, the Ohio triple-box time is as follows: W. W. Franklin, presi- boot-bed wagon,--all of which are regularly dent; N. S. Potter, secretary and treasurer, kept in stock and are made in various di- and E. L. Webster, manager. As to the mensions, width of tire, height of box, etc. , products of this concern we can not do better Some of the specials which the company than to quote from an article recently pub- make to order are the Jackson city coal-de- lished: livery wagons, the Jackson wood and coal “The late Edward A. Webster was one wagons, the Jackson railroad dump carts, the of Jackson's pioneer manufacturers. It was Jackson mill dump carts, the Jackson exca- more than sixty years ago when he made the vating wagons, the Jackson express and first wagon, according to the modern meth- baggage wagons, the one-horse dead-axle , od, and he built up a great business. It is platform dray, the heavy two-horse dead- no exaggeration to state that he was a busi- | axle platform dray, the one-horse dray on ness genius, and to his energy and push the platform gear, the one-horse huckster's wag- present city of Jackson owes much for the on, the combination market and pleasure progress it has made. The Jackson wagon wagon in several styles, besides a list of at- needs no advertisement or recommendation tachments and brakes for every conceivable in the city of Jackson. It has no superior. situation. Among the attachments partic- It has always been standard and never for a ularly worthy of note are two which have moment in the sixty years in which it has made the Jackson wagon ahead of all com- been utilized in hauling the goods and prod- petition. One is the truss rod, which is a uce of every civilized country under the sun five-eighths-inch round rod of Lake Su- has it lost its position at the head of the list perior iron which runs from point to point of good wagons. It has always been built of the axle. It is a plain mathematical prop- on honor and always will be. The Austin, osition that such a rod will stand a strain Tomlinson & Webster Manufacturing Com- of two thousand four hundred and seventy pany is one of the oldest and most extensive pounds before it will separate, and then the manufacturers of wagons, dump-carts, | full strength of the timber is left to hold the trucks and delivery, market and express load. This attachment has stood up under wagons in the Union. To the man who can every imaginable condition, in all climates, remember in a casual way only three or four for a quarter of a century, and has met the different types of wagons, a knowledge of most exacting tests with perfect satisfaction the line made by this company comes as a to both the makers and users. Another at- revelation. The concern catalogues farm tachment is the improved whipple-tree guide. and plantation wagons, tubular-steel axle It works independently of the tongue, throw- 794. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1 ing the whole draft to the points of the axle. enabled to move the monster elephant, ‘Jum- With this attachment in use it is almost im- | bo', when the English authorities refused possible to break the tongue or rack a for- permission for him to walk through the ward wheel, as both horses pull directly from streets of London to the steamshippier. the wheel that strikes an obstruction. It ob- ‘Your truss-rod,' said the great showman, viates the galling of necks of the horses and 'solved the problem and his (Jumbo's) im- the pounding of their shoulders, by reason mense bulk was safely gotten to the ship. I of the fact that the tongue can not swing am glad to say that your work of today is around and strike them, and in nine times of the same excellent quality as that of five out of ten it will prevent or cure the horse years ago and that your well-merited, -, from balking. world-wide reputation, founded on giving "Originally the major portion of the “twice the money's worth," is certain to se- manufacturing of the company was accom- cure to you constant and permanent financial plished through contract labor in the state success. prison, but the business is now fully estab- lished outside the penitentiary. The com- pany has encountered much ungenerous talk WILLIAM C. BORNOR. on the part of its competitors, who recog- nized the quality of the Jackson wagon but For nearly half a century the name borne appealed to the prejudice which has been by the subject of this review has been inti- aroused concerning ‘prison-made goods' in mately and honorably identified with the order to combat the popularity of the Jack- annals of Jackson county, and during this son product. As the Jackson wagon is now entire time its association in an industrial made in shops outside the prison walls and way has been with the great basic art of ag- by free men, this time-worn song may well riculture, through which those bearing the be relegated to obscurity. The Austin, Tom- said name have contributed to the develop- linson & Webster Manufacturing Company Company ment and material prosperity of this fa- represents one of the oldest and best indus- vored section of the Wolverine state. tries of Jackson and it has done much to ad- William C. Bornor, who was but three vertise the city to the four corners of the years of age at the time of his parents' emi- earth. gration to Jackson county, where he has “Among the treasures of the company ever since maintained his home, was born is an autograph letter from the great show- in Genesee county, New York, on the 12th man, P. T. Barnum, the same having been of May, 1854, being a son of Thomas and written in 1807. After stating that he could Elizabeth (Kingdon) Bornor, both of not forbear the expression of an opinion that whom were born in the state of New York. a wagon which he had bought for his farm They came to Michigan in the early 'fifties, , at Waldmere, Connecticut, was the best and in 1857 located in Parma township, thing of the kind ever produced, he took oc- Jackson county, whence they later removed , casion to thank the company for supplying to Concord township, where Mr. Bornor the truss road-wagon with which he was purchased a tract of sixty acres, to which JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 795 he continued to add, as prosperity attended suits and has well upheld the prestige of a his efforts, and at the time of his death he name ever honored in the county. He is was the owner of a valuable landed estate of now the owner of a well improved farm of two hundred and ten acres, all of which had sixty-three acres, which is located in section been acquired through his own efforts, 5, Concord township, and he has accumu- while he individually reclaimed a consid- lated this property through his own efforts, erable portion of the same from the native having been dependent upon his own re- forest. He was a man of fine mentality, en sources from his youth. He is a Republican ergetic and industrious and his efforts were in his political proclivities and has served rewarded with a definite success in a tem- three terms as a menber of the board of re- poral way, while he ever retained the con- | view, though he has never sought the hon- fidence and esteem of the community in ors or emoluments of public office. Frater- which he lived and labored to so goodly ends nally he holds membership in Albion Camp, He was a Republican in his political pro- Modern Woodmen of America. clivities, identifying himself with this party On the 3d of December, 1879, Mr. Bor- at the time of its organization, and fra- nor was united in marriage to Miss Fran- ternally he was a Freemason, while both he ces King, who was born in Spring Arbor, and his wife were worthy and valued mem- this county, on the 13th of September, 1852, bers of the Methodist Episcopal church, in being a daughter of Jonathan and Eliza whose work they took a prominent part, Mr. (Hathaway) King, the former of whom Bornor having held the various official po- came from New York to Michigan in the sitions in the same. He was summoned into early pioneer epoch, as did also his wife, eternal rest in 1879, honored by all who who accompanied hither her parents, Ezra knew him, and his widow still survives him, and Amy (Cass) Hathaway, in the year having celebrated her seventy-sixth birth-1836, Mrs. Hathaway having been a distant day anniversary in March, 1903. She main-relative of Gen. Lewis Cass, who was so tains her home in Concord township and is distinguished a figure in the history of the sustained and comforted in her declining state and nation. The parents and mater- years by the affectionate regard of the many nal grandparents of Mrs. Bornor all died in friends whom she has gathered about her Jackson county. She was educated in the during the long years of her residence in the public schools of the county, having com- county. pleted the prescribed course in the high William C. Bornor, whose name initi- school in Parma, and for eleven years she ates this sketch, was reared on the old home- successful and popular teacher stead farm in this county, beginning as a in the schools of the county. Mr. boy to assist in its work, while his education and Mrs. Bornor have taken a deep al privileges were such as were afforded in interest in educational affairs and have the public schools, his specific discipline in given their children good advantages, the line being completed in the high school while Mr. Bornor has been school di- in the village of Parma. He has been con- rector of his district for the past twelve tinuously identified with agricultural pur- years. Their three children,-Ray T., Iva was a 796 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. A. and Floy A., were all graduated in the give him ideas of men and things such as he high school in the city of Albion, and the could not have obtained by spending his life elder daughter is now teaching in the schools in one locality. of her native county, her success in the line Frank A. Whitney is a native of Michi- having been gratifying and her popularity gan and a descendant of one of the old and among her pupils of distinctive order. prominent pioneer families of Jackson coun- ty. Like many of the early settlers of this part of the state, he comes of eastern ances- try, his great-grandfather, Captain Whitney, FRANK A. WHITNEY. a veteran of the Revolution, having been born and reared in the state of New York. The majority of lives are unmarked by Captain Whitney served with distinction un- incident of an exciting nature and the reader der Gen. Nathaniel Greene in the operations fond of the tragic is therefore seldom a true against the British in the Virginia and Car- student of biography. The man who faith- olina campaigns and after independence was fully performs all the duties devolving upon achieved returned to his native state, where him and makes proper use of his opportuni- he spent the remainder of his life in the ties leaves behind him a record worthy of peaceful pursuit of agriculture. He had a perpetuation, even though such record con- family of ten sons and two daughters, all of tains nothing beyond the mere routine of whom married and reared children and their what the world is pleased to term an ob- descendants are now scattered throughout scure life. It is to this class of men that the the United States, not a few of them prom- country is largely indebted for its material inent in their various stations of life. In prosperity, and to them also is due the great New York the name has much more than underlying moral force which pervades the local distinction, many bearing it having body politic and gives character and sta- risen to eminent positions in the industrial bility to our free institutions. The subject world, in the domain of politics and in public of this biography is a worthy representative life. of this large and eminently respectable ele- Obadiah, one of the ten sons of Captain ment. Entirely free from ostentation and Whitney, was born in New York, and lived making no claim to public notice, yet his fel- there until 1844, when he migrated to Jack- low citizens recognize in him a man of gen- son county, Michigan, and purchased a tract uine worth whose every duty has been dis- of wild land in section 2, Rives township. charged with commendable fidelity and Settling in the wilderness, where all kinds whose influence has always been exercised of wild game were plentiful and Indians still for the good of his kind. In the main un- numerous, he experienced for some years the eventful, his life has not been entirely de- life of the pioneer, breaking his ground with void of interesting incident, he having trav- an ox team and going a distance of forty eled quite extensively and come in contact miles to obtain breadstuff for his family. In with the world in such a way as to quicken due time he cleared a farm, founded a good his perception, enlarge his mental vision and home, and became one of the substantial JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 797 citizens of his community, being always ship treasurer and in early manhood was noted as a plain, honest farmer, whose word one of the leading Whigs of his community, was as good as his bond and whose influence later supporting the Republican party. A was ever on the right side of every moral man of high standing and irreproachable question. He died in Rives township a num- character, he was popular wherever known ber of years ago and his descendants are and his life resulted in great good to the peo- now among the leading agriculturists and ple with whom he mingled. He was a prom- representative citizens of Jackson county. inent member of the Masonic fraternity for The family of Obadiah Whitney consisted many years, also belonged to the Independent of five children, whose names are as follows: Order of Odd Fellows and to the extent of Lorenzo Dow; George W., a veteran of the his ability encouraged and assisted all enter- late Civil war; Mary, wife of W. J. Austin, prises having for their object benevolent of Rives township; Electa J., who married work and the moral improvement of his fel- P. B. Abbey, of this county, and Sally P., low men. Five children were born to L. D. new Mrs. T. N. Peek, of the township of and Mary A. Whitney, the oldest of whom is Rives. the gentleman whose name furnishes the cap- L. D. Whiteny, the oldest of the above, tion of this article; the second was Charles, , accompanied his father to Michigan when a who died at the age of two and a half years, youth of sixteen and grew up with the coun- the third being Homer L., a farmer living try, meanwhile becoming a skillful work- near the town of Eden, this state; Jennie E., man at carpentering and cabinet-making, the fourth of the family, married Merritt , which trades he followed for a number of Abby, a farmer of Rives township, and the years. In 1853 he married . Miss Maria youngest, Mary M., a wife of M. Barber, · Barnes, who died the year following, and in lives on the old homestead which her hus- 1858 he chose a second wife in the person of band cultivates. These sons and daughters Miss Mary A. Craddock, a native of Eng- enjoyed excellent educational advantages land. After his second marriage Mr. Whit- and they are now among the most intelligent ney gave up mechanical work and turned his and highly respected people of their respec- attention to agriculture, purchasing a farm tive communities. Homer attended the col- in Rives township on which he made his lege at Ypsilanti and taught for a number of home for a period of six years ; at the expira- years with encouraging success; the subject tion of the time he resumed carpentry, which, also devoted considerable time to school with some attention to cabinetmaking, he work and the daughters, in addition to thor- continued during the ensuing fifteen years, ough mental training, became quite proficient principally in the county of Ingham. Re- in vocal and instrumental music. turning to Jackson county, he again located Frank A. Whitney, to a brief review of in Rives township as a farmer and so con- whose career the residue of this sketch is de- tinued until his death, which occurred De- voted, was born August 11, 1859, in Rives cember 1, 1901, at the age of seventy-two, township, and, like the majority of coun- his wife passing away in 1891, aged fifty- try boys, grew up under the healthful dis- two. Lorenzo D. Whitney served as town- cipline of the farm. When old enough he . a - 798 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. entered the public schools and after com- of sheep, paying especial attention to the pleting the prescribed course began teaching, celebrated Black Top breed. Mr. Whitney which profession he followed for several is an excellent judge and an ardent admirer years, winning enviable repute as an edu- of good horse Hesh and aims to keep none cator. On attaining his majority he decided but the best and most approved breeds of to become a tiller of the soil, working by the these noble animals, both for sale and for month, and from that time to the present he general purpose. He raises fine draft horses has prospered as an agriculturist, in which and excellent roadsters, but does not rely his success has been marked. Thinking to upon them as a source of income as much as better his financial condition in the west, he does on his cattle, sheep and hogs, in the where he supposed better opportunities were last named making a specialty of the valu- obtained than his own state afforded, Mr. able Poland China stock. Mr. Whitney's Whitney, in 1882, went to California, where success in all branches of farming has won he remained two years; but not entirely him a place in the front rank of the county's satisfied with conditions there, he returned leading agriculturists. He aims to keep to Jackson county at the expiration of that pace with the age and its demands and that time and resumed farming, continuing the he is enterprising, progressive and thor- same until 1888, when he again turned his oughly up-to-date in all that relates to his face toward the land of the setting sun, go- calling is attested, not only by the command- , ing this time to the state of Washington, ing position he occupies among his contem- where he spent some months as clerk in a poraries but also by the handsome compe- mercantile house, subsequently engaging in tence that has rewarded his labors and wise the furniture business. Four years termin- business management. ated his second western experience, after October 11, 1887, Mr. Whitney entered which he came back to his native county, and the marriage relation with Miss Rosa M. here he has since lived the life of a success- Stitt, daughter of John Stitt, the latter a ful and contented husbandman. pioneer settler and successful farmer to Mr. Whitney purchased his present Jackson county, who died in 1902. . Mr. farm the year of his return from Washing- and Mrs. Whitney have no children; their ton and by a series of improvements he has home is a pleasant one, supplied with all the made it one of the most beautiful and desir- conveniences calculated to render their po- able homes in the township of Rives. He sition happy and the spirit of genuine hos-- has ninety-seven acres under cultivation and piality reigning therein makes it a popular raises abundant crops of grains, vegetables resort for the best social circles of the neigh- , and fruits, selling little of the first named, borhood. The political faith of the subject finding it more profitable to feed to the fine is in harmony with the Republican party cattle, sheep and hogs with which the farm and, while an active worker for the success , is plentifully stocked. For some years past of the cause so close to his heart, he has he has enjoyed quite a reputation as a never been known as an aspirant for public breeder and raiser of blooded Durham cat- recognition, much less a seeker after the tle, also being quite successful in the matter honors or emoluments of office. His inter- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 799 est in all matters peraining to the material mers and stockgrowers of this section. Mr. good of the community is never permitted Bornor was born on the parental homestead to flag and he seeks by actions rather than farm, in Concord township, the date of his , words and loud discussion to make his pres- nativity having been April 18, 1864. He is ence and influence felt. Personally he is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Kingdon) agreeable and companionable, easily ap- Bornor, both of whom were born in the state proachable and in every relation a true and of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Bornor came courteous gentleman. His kindly and oblig- to Michigan in the 'fifties, and in 1857 they ing nature as a neighbor has endeared him took up their residence in Parma township, to a large circle of friends and his life beau- Jackson county, later removing into Con- tifully exemplifies the spirit of the good old cord township, where the father of the sub- rule, that a man should always aim to do as ject first secured a tract of sixty acres, to he would be done by. As stated in a pre- which he subsequently added until his land- ceding paragraph, his mind has been en- ed estate comprised two hundred and ten larged and enriched by travel and much as- acres, all of this having been acquired sociation with all classes and conditions of through his own efforts, while the major people, four trips across the continent, with portion of the same was cleared and im- the discipline attending such an experience, proved by him. He became one of the suc- serving to wear off the rough edges of his cessful farmers of the county and at all nature and give him a self-reliance which times commanded the unequivocal confi- nothing but contact with the world can im- dence and esteem of the community. He part. Mr. Whitney is now in the prime of was identified with the Republican party vigorous mental and physical manhood, from the time of its organization and was with a capacity for still greater endeavor an appreciative member of the Masonic fra- and it is but reasonable to predict for him a ternity, while he was a valued and devoted long and eminently useful career. That he member of the Methodist church, in which may live many years to realize within him- he held various official positions. He died self his highest ideals of manhood and citi- in 1879, and his widow now resides in Con- zenship is the earnest desire of his neigh- cord township, being seventy-six years of bors and many friends throughout the coun- age (1903). She is a devout member of the ty of Jackson. Methodist Episcopal church, in which she has held membership from her youth up. E. T. Bornor, the immediate sub- E. T. BORNOR. ject of this sketch, had the grateful in- The present well known and popular in- fluences of the home farm during his youth- cumbent of the office of supervisor of ful days, and the associations were such as Concord township has passed his entire life to beget in him an appreciative regard for in this county, being a representative of this independent life which touches most , sterling pioneer families of the county and closely to nature, so that he has ever found state, while personally he is numbered it expedient to continue his identification among the successful and progressive far- | with agricultural pursuits, finding in the 800 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. same an abundant scope for his best efforts. is Mr. Isbell, who has built up from a He completed his educational discipline as modest inception a business which rami- a youth in the high school at Parma, and fies throughout all sections of our national gained that knowledge which has well domain, in the growing and handling of all equipped him for the practical duties of life, kinds of garden seeds and particularly in while by personal application he has broad- the shipping of beans, while it may be said ened his scope of knowledge and is a man of that it is largely through the efforts of Mr. strong intellectual force and one who keeps Isbell that Jackson has become one of the well informed on the questions and issues leading bean markets in the Union, his of the day. Mr. Bornor owns one hundred facilities for the handling of this line of and seventy acres of land, which is located produce being unexcelled, while his annual in Concord township, and the same is main- shipments, in the wholesale line only, reach tained under an effective state of cultivation, an aggregate almost phenomenal to one yielding large crops of grain and horticul- not familiar with the extent of his opera- tural products. tions. Mr. Isbell is known as one of the Mr. Bornor has been a prominent fac- far-sighted, alert and progressive business tor in public affairs in the township and men of the county, throughout which his county for a number of years, and he has name is a familiar one, and to no citizen is held the office of township supervisor sev- accorded a greater meed of popular confi- eral years, having been first appointed to dence and esteem. fill out an unexpired term and having been Sidney M. Isbell is a native of the thereafter elected to the office four times in contiguous county of Washtenaw, having succession, while during one year he was been born on the homestead farm, in Lodi chairman of the board, and he has also been township, on the 13th of August, 1842, and inspector of his school district. Frater- being the youngest in a family of fifteen naily he is identified with Parma Lodge No. children, fourteen of whom attained years 183, Free and Accepted Masons, and also of maturity, while ten of the number are with the Knights of the Maccabees. He living at the present time. The parents, gives a liberal support to the Methodist Leonard and Anna (Lewis) Isbell, were Episcopal church, of which his wife is a both born in the state of New York, whence, member. in 1832, they came to Washtenaw county, On the ist of December, 1886, Mr. Bor- Michigan, being numbered among its ear- nor was united in marriage to Miss Cora liest pioneers and there locating on a tract Abbott, of Parma township, and they have of wild land which Mr. Isbell purchased two sons, Leonard T. and June E. from the government. There he reclaimed a farm and the family resided on the same until 1854, when they removed to Ingham SIDNEY M. ISBELL. county, where Mr. Isbell died four years Among those who have contributed later, at the age of sixty-six years, having materially to the magnificent industrial been one of the sterling and highly honored prestige of the city and county of Jackson pioneers of the state, of which he had be- to the S. M. ISBELL. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 801 four years. come a resident in its early territorial epoch. the city of Jackson. One and one-half years His widow survived him by many years and later Mr. Isbell removed to the city named, passed her declining days in the home of her where he resumed work at his trade, and son Charles, a successful farmer of Wash- there he also engaged in the undertaking tenaw county. She died at the age of eighty- business for a few months, while Jackson has ever since been his home and the head- Sidney M. Isbell received his prelimi- quarters of his extensive business operations. nary educational discipline in the pioneer In 1878 he became associated with B. G. schools in the vicinity of his home, and was Lowe in the establishing of a commission but fifteen years of age when he inaugurated business, of which he became the sole owner his independent career, and his subsequent six months later, handling all kinds of farm educational discipline was secured through produce except grain. From this modest his own efforts. He served an apprentice- nucleus has grown his present magnificent ship of three years at the mason's trade, be- industrial enterprise, the result of indefati- came a skilled workman, and thereafter he gable application, correct business methods attended the State Agricultural College, near and good judgment, and in the line he built Lansing, for one term, and continued his up a business which reached an average studies at the State Normal School, in annual aggregate of twenty thousand dol- , Ypsilanti, two terms. That he made good lars. Subsequently Mr. Isbell erected in the use of the advantages thus afforded is evi- village of Stockbridge a grain elevator. dent when the fact is reverted to that he Mr. Isbell grows and distributes a general made himself eligible for pedagogic honors, variety of garden seeds, which department having worked at his trade during the sum- of his enterprise has likewise assumed large mer months and taught school during the proportions, shipments being made into all winter terms for several years, while he also sections of the Union, while an estimate of was an instructor in vocal music, having the wide extent of his operations may be distinctive talent in this line. In 1865 Mr. In 1865 Mr. gained from the statement that his annual Isbell purchased forty acres of land adjoin- | business in the years 1901 and 1902 attained ing the homestead farm in Ingham county, the notable aggregate of more than seven and there devoted his attention to agri- hundred and fifty · thousand dollars. . In cultural pursuits for the ensuing three years. 1897 he erected what is known as the Isbell In 1867 he was united in marriage to Miss elevator, in the city of Jackson, the same be- Franc G. Bellenger, who was born in that | ing eligibly located and having unexcelled county, being a daughter of one of the transportation facilities and large capacity. a prominent and influential pioneers, and in Sixty thousand catalogues of garden seeds 1868 he purchased the homestead farm of are sent out each year, and the business is her step-father, Ira Wood, in Rives constantly expanding in scope and import- township, Jackson county, the place having ance. Each year Mr. Isbell utilizes from been purchased by Mr. Wood many years four hundred to five hundred acres in the previously, upon his removal from Ingham | growing of cucumbers for county, its location being six miles north of poses alone, and other seeds . are pro- seed pur- 51 802 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a duced in proportionate scale, while pany and is ever ready to lend his influence he retains constantly in his employ a and tangible aid in support of all measures corps of about twenty assistants, each advanced for the general welfare of his home skilled in the line of work assigned to his city and county. In politics he is a stanch charge, the greatest care being given to every Republican, but has never desired the hon- detail, so that the best of products are as- ors or emoluments of public office. sured and the concern has thus gained a Mr. and Mrs. Isbell have one daughter. high reputation for absolute reliability and Mrs. Isbell was for several years a teacher, fair dealing. Another elevator is operated part of that time in the Saginaw schools, . at Munith, this county, the same being on and proved a most capable helpmate in the the line of the Grand Trunk Railroad. In first few years of the present business, she 1901 one hundred car loads of beans alone having charge of the books and attending were shipped in one month, and within the to the constantly growing correspondence. year more than five hundred cars of beans were shipped, the same being sold through brokers and to the wholesale grocery trade only, while in addition to the elevator devot- J. HENRY DART. ed exclusively to this product storage facili- ties are controlled at various other points in One of the essentially representative the county and elsewhere. During the season business men and honored citizens of Con-- a car load of clover seed is shipped every cord township is he to whom this sketch four days on an average, while large con- is dedicated and who is at the present time signments are made of Hungarian millet and incumbent of the office of township super- cow peas, which are in much demand through visor. Mr. Dart resides on his fine farm, the western states particularly, the crops one and one fourth iniles north of the vil- raised being used for fodder. As before lage of Concord, and is also the senior mem- stated, the now magnificent enterprise, ber of the firm of Dart & Carr, who conduct which has important bearing on the indus- a most thriving lumber and coal business trial and commercial status of the Central in the town. in the town. Mr. Dart has achieved defin- City, had its inception in the year 1878, and | ite success through his own efforts, and is , twenty years later, in 1898, in order to facil- thoroughly deserving of the proud Ameri- itate the coustantly expanding business, a can title of self-made man, the term being stock company was formed, incorporated un- one that, in its better sense, can not but der the title of S. M. Isbell & Company. The appeal to the loyal admiration of all who personnel of the incorporators and executive are appreciative of our national institutions corps is as follows: S. M. Isbell, president; and the privileges afforded for individual Mrs. S. M. Isbell, vice-president; William accomplishment. N. Isbell, secretary and treasurer; E. I. Is- Mr. Dart was born in Genesee county, bell, managing director, and Mrs. James J. New York, on the 27th of February, 1854, , Thompson, who is a stockholder. Mr. Isbell being a son of John and Rebecca (King- is also interested in the Consumers’ Ice Com- 'dom) Dart, both of whom were born and JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 803 reared in England, where their marriage thereafter Mr. Dart was again alone in was solemnized and whence they emigrated business until 1898, when he entered into to America in 1852, settling in Genesee his present partnership, with Clarence D. county, New York, where they made their Carr, under the firm name of Dart & Carr, home until 1860, when they came to Jack- the yards of the concern being well equip- son county, Michigan, where Mr. Dart died ped, while a large and select stock of lum- in July, 1862, his wife surviving him by ber and builders' material is carried, afford- ' a quarter of a century and passing away in ing wide range for choice and enabling the 1888. John Dart was a farmer by vocation firm to successfully cater to a large patron- and was a man of sterling character. He age, the extent of the business being indi- was a Republican in his political proclivities cated by the statement that the annual and both he and his wife were consistent transactions reach an average of twelve members of the Baptist church. Of their thousand dollars. In 1898 Mr. Dart dis- six children, four are living at the present posed of the farm which he had secured time, the subject of this sketch, who is the from his father-in-law and purchased his eldest of the children, having been about present finely improved and beautiful farm nine years of age at the time of his father's property, which is located one and one- death. He received his educational train- quarter miles north of the village and which ing in the district schools and the graded comprises one hundred and twenty acres of schools in the village of Parma, this county, exceptionally prolific land, the place being having been bound out to George Wood- devoted to diversified agriculture. Mr. liff, a leading farmer of Concord township, Dart's success is the more commendable and having thus been actively engaged in and the more gratifying to note in view of farm work until he had attained the age of the fact that he has attained the same eighteen years, when he entered upon an through indefatigable and well directed apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, be- effort, his financial resources at the time coming a skilled artisan and thereafter when he started out in life on his own re- working as a journeyman and as a con- sponsibility, at the age of eighteen years, tractor for seven years. In 1879 Mr. Dart having been represented by the sum of came to Concord and established himself | twenty-five dollars, while today he stands in the lumber business, in which he became as one of the prosperous and substantial associated with Thomas Bell. This partner- farmers and business men of the county, ship was shortly afterward dissolved and for while his life has been so ordered as to gain the ensuing four years Mr. Dart individu- and retain to him the confidence and esteem ally continued the enterprise. He then sold of those with whom he has come in contact. a half interest in the same to his father-in- In politics Mr. Dart has given an un- law. Josiah Bigelow, in whose farm of two qualified allegiance to the Republican party hundred acres the subject simultaneously from the time of attaining his majority, acquired a half interest. This association and for two terms he served as treasurer continued for a period of ten years and was of Concord township. In the spring of dissolved by the death of Mr. Bigelow, and 1901 he was elected to the office of township 804 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. supervisor, in which he served with such built up an excellent practice, while in the efficiency and acceptability that he was present connection additional interest at- chosen as his own successor in the spring taches to a consideration of his career by of 1902, and is thus serving his second term. reason of the fact that he is a native son He is an attendant of the Presbyterian of Jackson county, where practically his church in Concord, of which his wife is a entire span of life has been thus far passed. member, and they give a liberal support to Dr. Tuthill was born in Liberty town- its work and collateral benevolences. Fra- ship, this county, on the 28th of August, ternally he is a member of Concord Lodge 1866, being a son of Burr and Anna C. No. 30, Free and Accepted Masons, and of (Farnsworth) Tuthill, the former of whom Gibbs Tent No. 504, Knights of the Mac- is likewise a native of Jackson county and cabees. a member of one of its sterling pioneer On the 30th of August, 1882, Mr. Dart' families, while the latter was born in Hills- was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. dale county, this state, being a daughter of Bigelow, who was born in this township, Dr. Farnsworth, who was born and reared being a daughter of Josiah and Ann Jen- in the state of New York, whence he came nette (Fitch) Bigelow, both of whom were to Hillsdale county in an early day, becom- born in the state of New York, whence they ing one of its pioneer physicians and influ- came to Michigan as pioneers of 1836. ential citizens and there continuing in the Mr. Bigelow secured a tract of government active practice of his profession until his land in Concord township and being long death, about the year 1850. Capt. Hiram and prominently identified with the agri- Tuthill , the paternal grandfather of the cultural and civic interests of this section, subject, was born on Long Island, New where he was honored for his fine intellec- York, the family having been founded in tual powers and upright manhood, wielding America in the colonial epoch, and he came an unmistakable influence in public affairs. to Jackson county, Michigan, in 1836. He He died at his home, in the village of Con- is a carpenter by trade, but has devoted the cord, in the year 1895, and his venerable greater portion of his life to agricultural widow now resides with her daughter in pursuits and now resides on his fine farm a pleasant farm home, which is a center of in Liberty township, having attained the refined and cordial hospitality. To Mr. and venerable age of eighty-eight years. He Mrs. Dart have been born five children, gained his title of captain through his serv- namely: Frank B., Clarence (deceased), J. ice in the state militia. . His wife, whose Laurance, Edith J. and Eva Marie. maiden name was Maria Delamater, was likewise born in the old Empire state, being a daughter of Isaac Delamater, who be- FRANK S. TUTHILL, M. D. came one of the honored pioneer settlers of Jackson county, where he died, while The village of Concord has an able his wife, Diadema, died in Jackson county, representative of the medical profession in Michigan. Burr Tuthill, the father of the the person of Dr. Tuthill, who has here Doctor, is one of the representative farm- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 805 ers of Liberty township and one of its Medical Society and the American Insti- prominent citizens. He was for eight years tute of Homoeopathy, while he is known as incumbent of the office of township super- a close and appreciative student along visor and is now a member of the board of technical lines. In politics, while without county superintendents of the poor, having personal ambition for official preferment, he held this office for the past several years. accords, allegiance to the Democratic party In politics he is a stanch advocate of the and is an active supporter of its cause. The principles of the Democratic party, and he Doctor is prominently identified with the has long been identified with the Masonic time-honored Masonic fraternity, in which fraternity, while his religious faith is that he is affiliated with Concord Lodge No. 3, of the Universalist church, of which his Free and Accepted Masons; Albion Chap- wife likewise was a devoted member, her ter No. 24, Royal Arch Masons; Albion death occuring in the year 1880, while she Council No. 30, Royal and Select Masters, is survived by her three children. and Jackson Commandery No. 9, Knights Dr. Tuthill was reared to the sturdy Templar, so that he has completed the discipline of the farin and secured his pre- circle of the York rite. He is also identi- liminary educational training in the pub- fied with the Modern Woodmen of America lic schools, which was supplemented by a and the Knights of the Maccabees. course of study in Lombard College, at On the 29th of December, 1892, Dr. Galesburg, Illinois. He was for some time Tuthill was united in marriage to Miss successfully engaged in teaching in the Lena Wetmore, who was born in Pulaski public schools and in the meanwhile had township, this county, being a daughter of formulated definite plans for his future the late Chauncey C. Wetmore, one of the life work, having decided to prepare him- representative and influential farmers of self for the medical profession. With this this section. Dr. and Mrs. Tuthill have one end in view he was duly matriculated in son, Chauncey B., who was born on the 6th the medical department of the University of December, 1893. of Michigan, where he was graduated as a member of the class of 1891, receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine and coming forth well equipped for the work of his THEODORE J. O. THACHER. chosen profession. Shortly after his gradu- ation he opened an office in Concord, and One of the thoroughly representative here his novitiate was of short duration, business men of Concord township is he of as his professional ability and gracious whom this brief sketch is penned, and in the personality soon gained him a represent- village of the same name he has identified ative support, and he has thus built up an himself with affairs of public nature to excellent practice and gained prestige as one such an extent as to become well known of the skilled and enthusiastic members of throughout this section of the county, be- his profession in the county. He holds ing thus entitled to definite consideration in membership in the Homoeopathic State this publication. Mr. Thacher is a native 806 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. of the Empire state of the Union, having the faith of the divine Master. The father been born in Hornellsville, Steuben county, of the subject secured the charter for Alfred , New York, on the 15th of November. 1844, University, at Alfred, New York. , and being a son of Otis and Hannah K. Theodore J. O. Thacher, the immediate (Graves) Thacher, the former of whom subject of this review, passed his boyhood was born in the state of Rhode Island and days at the old home in Hornellsville, New the latter in Chenango county, New York. York, and after completing the curriculum Their marriage was solemnized in Concord, of the common schools he entered Alfred Pennsylvania, and they owned and occu- University, later being matriculated in pied a farm at the point where the city of Union Coilege, at Schenectady, New York, Hornellsville, New York, now stands. where he was graduated as a member of the There the father of the subject died in the class of 1869. Within the same year he year 1868, at the age of sixty-eight years, went to the state of Kansas, where he re- his wife long surviving him and passing mained until the time of his marriage, on away, at the old homestead, in 1890, at the the 2nd of October, 1873, to Miss Agnes venerable age of eighty-seven years. They M. Goodwin, daughter of the laté William became the parents of five sons and two F. Goodwin, who was an honored pioneer daughters, of whom the only one now living of Jackson county and a resident of Con- is he whose name introduces this sketch. cord until his death. Of this marriage was . Otis Thacher was a man of prominence and born one son, William F. Goodwin Thacher, influence in Steuben county, having been in- who was born on the 27th of March, 1879, cumbent of the office of county judge and and who was graduated in Princeton Uni- having been accorded many other marks versity when twenty-one years of age, while of public confidence and esteem. His eldest His eldest he is now editor of the Pacific Monthly, son, Solon O., was for eight years on the published in the city of Portland, Oregon. bench of the district court of the state of Mrs. Thacher was summoned into eternal Kansas and was also attorney for the Atch- rest on the ist of December, 1883, and at ison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, while Hornellsville, New York, on the 30th of he also had the distinction of framing the October, 1895, Mr. Thacher consummated present constitution of the Sunflower state, a second marriage, being then united to having been one of its representative men Miss Annette A. Platt, who was born in and one of the most able members of its that place. He and his wife have no chil- bar. He also framed the prohibition law dren. of the state. Luin K. Thacher, the third Mr. Thacher has devoted the major son of Otis and Hannah K. Thacher, was portion of his life to agricultural pursuits a prominent citizen of Kansas City, Mis- and to stock dealing, while for a time he souri, where he was chairman of the board also operated a flouring-mill in his native of public works and also the board of edu- town of Hornellsville. He took up his resi- cation. All of the sons except one were dence in the village of Concord in the year college graduates and all were devoted 1897, and at the present time he has charge Christians, having been carefully reared in of one thousand acres of land in this county, JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 811 honor and regard by all who know them and sociated. In 1880 he turned his attention to being numbered among the sterling pioneers contracting and building, and in this im- of the village and county. Mr. Stahley was portant branch of enterprise he has since a blacksmith by trade and followed this vo- continued, having shown marked ability and cation for a number of years, and he also discrimination in his efforts and having had the distinction of being the first to es- gained a high reputation as a business man tablish a hardware store in Concord, con- and as a capable and reliable contractor. He tinuing in this line of enterprise for many has made his home continuously in Concord years and being now practically retired from save for one year passed at Mishawaka, In- active business. He has been a stanch Re- diana, where he was employed in a furniture publican in politics from the time of the or- factory. He has ever held a deep concern ganization of the party and has been an act- in all that touches the interests of the town ive factor in public affairs of a local nature. and he was incumbent of the office of town- He served two years as township treasurer, ship clerk about eight years, while he was and has also been president of the village also village clerk the greater portion of that council, as well as a member of its board of interval, being in tenure of the latter office trustees, and he also served as village clerk. at the present time, while he served two terms Fraternally he is identified with Concord as a member of the board of village trustees. Lodge No. 30, Free and Accepted Masons; | In politics he gives an unfaltering allegiance with Albion Chapter No. 24, Royal Arch to the Republican party and fraternally he is Masons, in the city of Albion, and also with identified with Concord Lodge No. 30, Free the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and and Accepted Masons, and also with the the Ancient Order of United Workmen. local adjunct organization, the chapter of the He and his wife have been for many years Order of the Eastern Star, of which his wife prominent and active members of the Uni- is a member. . versalist church. Of their three children, In Concord, on the 27th of March, 1879, George Augustus, Jr., is the immediate sub- Mr. Stahley was united in marriage to Miss ject of this sketch; Lena is the wife of Fred- Flora Bell, who was born near the capital erick Smalley, of Jackson, and Emma is the city of the state, Lansing, on the 8th of Oc- wife of Charles Anderson, of Colon, St. Jo- tober, 1855, being a daughter of Thomas a seph county. and Harriet (Van Scoter) Bell, the former G. Augustus Stahley, Jr., whose name of wliom was born in Ohio and the latter in initiates this article, was an infant at the time Michigan, their marriage being solemnizer of his parents' removal from Buffalo to Con- in the village of Litchfield, Hillsdale county, cord, and here he was reared to maturity, Michigan. Metcalf Bell, father of Thomas, receiving the advantages of the local schools was a native of England, whence he emi- and supplementing this training by a course grated to America, taking up his residence of study in the Jackson Business College. in Ohio, where he remained until 1839, He early began to assist his father in the when he came to Jackson county, where his conducting of his hardware business, in the death occurred in the year 1847, his wife, ownership of which he eventually became as- Rachel, surviving him by a few years and 812 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. dying in the village of Concord. The William L. Gibbs is a native son of the maternal grandparents of Mrs. Stahley were state of Ohio, having been born in Hamilton Thomas and Selina (Crandall) Van Scoter, county, on the 26th of April, 1841, and being both of whom were born in Steuben county, a son of William and Helen M. (Looker) New York, from which state they came to Gibbs, natives respectively of Indiana and Michigan in an early day, locating near the Ohio, in which latter state they were mar- present city of Ann Arbor, where Mr. Van ried and passed the major portion of their Scoter erected a grist-mill. He later re- lives, though both passed the latter years of moved to Hillsdale county and was there their lives in Indiana, the father of the sub- engaged in farming for many years, while ject dying in Fayette county, that state, in his death occurred in Concord. Mr. and February, 1868, at the age of fifty-two years. Mrs. Stahley have no children, but they His wife passed forward to the “land of the have reared a nephew, Fred C. Shoen. Mrs. | leal" in 1875, at the age of fifty-eight years. Stahley is a member of the Universalist Of their ten children only three are living at church. the present time. William Gibbs was a shoe- maker by trade. In politics he was a stanch advocate of the principles of the Democratic REV. WILLIAM L. GIBBS. party as expounded by Jefferson and Jack- son; fraternally he was identified with the A life of earnest and persistent endeavor Masonic order and the Sons of Temperance, brings a true appreciation of the real and both he and his wife were devoted mem- value of human existence, - a condition bers of the Christian, or Disciples' church. that must be prolific of good in all re- The paternal grandparents of the subject lations of life. Mr. Gibbs has devoted were John and Rosanna (Noble) Gibbs, and many years to the practical work of the both were born in the state of New Jersey, Christian ministry and his ministrations whence they removed to Indiana in a very have been prolific in goodly results in the early day, while they passed the closing years winning of souls and the garnering of the of their lives in southern Ohio, having been great harvest. It was his to render to the numbered among the sterling and honored Union the valiant and loyal service of a true pioneers of the two commonwealths. Both patriot at the time when its integrity was were representative of colonial stock, it being in jeopardy through armed rebellion, and a matter of record that brothers of John here, as in all the other relations of life, Gibbs were yeomen patriots in the Conti- with the many changes and chances, he was nental line during the war of the Revolution. found at the post of duty. As a clergyman The maternal grandparents of the subject of the Universalist church he is serving were Frank and Naoma Looker, the former three different charges in Jackson county, of whom died in Iowa and the latter in Ohio. while he has maintained his home in the vil- Mr. Looker was a son of Othniel Looker, lage of Concord since 1884 and here com- who was at one time lieutenant-governor of mands the unqualified respect and regard of Ohio and was commonly known as Judge all who know him. Looker, having been a man of prominence JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 813 and influence in the Buckeye state during the man of the Universalist church, residing in pioneer epoch. the city of Boston, Massachusetts. William L. Gibbs, whose name initiates. Mr. Gibbs completed the curriculum of this review, was reared to the age of four- the common schools and then entered Fair- teen years in Ohio, and then removed with view Seminary, at Fairview, Indiana, an in- his parents to Indiana, being a resident of stitution conducted under the auspices of the Fayette county, that state, at the outbreak Disciples' church, in whose faith he was of the Civil war. He forthwith tendered his reared. He later became a student in the services in defense of the Union, enlisting theological seminary of St. Lawrence Uni- , as a private in Company G, Thirty-sixth In- | versity, at Canton, St. Lawrence county, diana Volunteer Infantry, and remaining in New York, where he completed his divinity active service for three years, within which course, and at Harrison, Ohio, on the 30th interval he participated in a number of the of July, 1875, he was ordained to the mins most memorable engagements incidental to istry of the Universalist church. In 1876 this greatest internecine war of history. He he came to Manchester, Washtenaw county, received his honorable discharge on the 21st Michigan, and took up pastoral work in that of September, 1864, having taken part in the place, as well as in Liberty, Jackson county, battles of Shiloh, Stone River, Perryville, and ever since that time he has retained Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mis- charge of the church organization at Liberty, sionary Ridge, and also having passed while he has also preached in Horton and through the Atlanta campaign. He held for Concord, this county. He passed eight years two years the rank of “high private” and in the city of Marshall, Calhoun county, as was content to do each day's duty as it came, pastor of the Universalist church, but during without thought of promotion, but during this time still continued to accord his minis- the last year of his service he was promoted terial services in Jackson county, while since to commissary sergeant of the regiment, and the year 1884 he has resided in Concord, breveted second lieutenant of his com- ministering to the church here and also to pany. the organizations in Liberty and Horton. After the expiration of his military ser- He has been devoted in his labors, and his vice Mr. Gibbs returned to Indiana, where he fidelity and earnestness in the cause of the continued to make his home until the time of Master have gained to him the appreciative his marriage, in 1869, when he went to Ohio, regard of those to whom he has ministered. where was solemnized his union to Miss In politics Mr. Gibbs maintains an independ- Phoebe Snow, of Harrison, that state. Of ent attitude and fraternally he has completed this union was born one son, Maurice S., who the circle of York-rite Masonry, being identi- still remains at the parental home. Mr. and fied with Concord Lodge No. 30, F. & A.M.; Mrs. Gibbs have also reared in their home La Fayette Chapter No. 4, R. A. M., in the Miss Helen Gibbs, a daughter of his brother, city of Marshall; and with Marshall Com- as well also as William Couden, whom they mandery No. 17, Knights Templar. He also took as an infant and who is now a clergy-signalizes his continued interest in his old 814 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. comrades of the Civil war by retaining mem- whom he remained a short time, then bership in Byron Stoddard Post No. 239, worked out by the month for other people Grand Army of the Republic, in Concord, for several years. He later went to Jack- , where he likewise is a member of Gibbs Tent son, where he purchased two city lots, which No. 509, Knights of the Maccabees. he afterwards traded for land in Ingham county, but not being pleased with the out- look of the surrounding country there, he CORNELIUS ALLEN. exchanged that property for a portion of his present farm, in sections 8 and 9, Blackman One of the native sons of Jackson county township, this county. He secured in the who has here passed his entire life figures original exchange a quarter section, and to as the subject of this sketch, and it is not to this he added from time to time, as pros- irrelevant to state that he is one of the popli- perity attended his efforts, until his landed lar and highly esteemed citizens of Black- estate attained an aggregate area of two man township, where he is successfully en- hundred and fifty acres. When he came gaged in agricultural pursuits, having a into possession of the property the land was well improved and highly cultivated farm to a large extent covered with the native of two hundred and fifty acres under his growth of timber, and he and his sons supervision, and the same being the home cleared one hundred and forty acres and stead on which he was born and that on placed the same under cultivation, while the which his honored father still retains his best of improvements were made on the residence, having now retired from active farm as circumstances permitted and justi- labors, after a life of ceaseless toil and en- fied. Orren Allen was dependent upon his deavor. own resources from his boyhood days, re- Cornelius Allen was born in Blackman ceived most meager educational privileges township on the 2d of July, 1857, being a and started out in life on his own responsi- son of Orren and Maria (VanHorne) Al- bility with practically no advantages, but len, both of whom were born in the old such was his energy, determination and self- Empire state of New York. When Orren reliance that he triumphed over difficulties Allen was but two years of age his father and steadily worked his way upward to the died and when he was but a boy he came to plane of definite prosperity, while he so di- Ingham county, Michigan, with Ansel rected his course as rected his course as to merit and ever Standish, who had taken him to rear, and retain the implicit confidence and esteem of who established his home in Stockbridge. his fellow men. His entire active life was Mr. Standish proved a severe taskmaster devoted to farming, and he is now enjoying and treated his young ward with much un- the repose and comfort to which he is so kindness, and the boy decided to run away justly entitled after his many years of ar- from his so-called home, which he did, be- duous and consecutive application. , His ing only a mere boy at the time, and he then cherished and devoted wife, who was to him secured work on the farm of Rosevelt Davis, a true helpmeet, was summoned into eternal of Blackman township, this county, with rest on the 18th of October, 1882. They JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 815 > became the parents of four children, namely: tling in Canada, near Niagara Falls, where Louise, who is the wife of Sheldon Pugh, of they maintained their home for a period of Chester Station, Eaton county, Michigan; eleven years, and then passed an equal in- George. who died at the age of forty-seven terval in Woodstock, Ontario, from which years; Cornelius, the immediate subject of place they came to Jackson county, where this sketch; and Frank, a successful farmer Mr. Goodall purchased eighty acres of land, of Rives township. Orren Allen has been a in section 20, Blackman township, where he man of simple and unpretentious life and continued to be engaged in farming until has never sought public office nor aimed to his death, which occurred on the 17th of attain prominence in local affairs, though February, 1890, while his widow passed he has always stood ready to aid all enter- forward to the "land of the leal” in March, prises for the general good, and has exer- 1894. Of their ten children the following cised his franchise in support of the prin- is a record: Ann resides in the city of Jack- ciples and policies of the Democratic party. son; James is a successful farmer of Black- Some years after the death of his first wife, man township, and married Sarah J. Hopen- Mr. Allen married Jane Woodhurst, who gardner, who has borne him five sons, Fred, , bore him four children, Orren, Melvin, Claude, Laurence, Frank and Harry; Mar- Earl and Zina. tha is living in the city of Detroit; George Cornelius Allen was reared under the is a resident of Jackson, as is also Libbie; sturdy discipline of the old home farm, and Charles, the fifth child, is a farmer of Black- the association was one which begot a re- man township; Louise makes her home in spect and liking for the noble and basic art Detroit, and Belle in Jackson; Fred is a of husbandry, from practical allegiance to resident of Blackman township and is indi- which he has never departed. His educa- vidually mentioned on another page of this tional privileges were those afforded by the work, and Keziah is the wife of the sub- public schools of his native township, and ject of this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Allen after leaving school he continued to assist have one son, Walter, who was born on the in the work and management of the home 2d of April, 1887, and who is now a stu- farm, which has been his place of residence dent in the public schools and who is asso- from the time of his birth to the present ciated with his father in the operation of time, while he holds it a privilege to be able the homestead farm, which is devoted to to care for his venerable father and to accord diversified agriculture and to the raising of the utmost filial solicitude to him as the live stock. shadows of his life begin to lengthen from the sunset gates of the west. On the 30tlı ALONZO B. SOMERVILL. of March, 1878, he was united in marriage to Miss Keziah Goodall, who was born in The agricultural interests of Jackson Blackman township, being a daughter of county have an able reperesentative in the Charles and Sarah (Norris) Goodall, both subject of this review, who has passed his ) of whom were born in Berkshire, England, entire life in the county and who is now whence they came to America in 1838, set- numbered among the popular and successful 816 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. young farmers of Blackman township. Mr. stead, married Miss Hattie Barber; Orlando Somervill was born on the parental home- D., first married Adel Soper and after her stead, on section 3, this township, the date death wedded Nettie Taylor, and he resides of his nativity being November 13, 1868. in Grass Lake township; Alonzo B. is the He is a son of Samuel and Amanda | immediate subject of this sketch; Alvilda (Keeler) Somervill, the former of whom M. is the wife of William Schaimet, of was born in the dominion of Canada and the Jackson; William R., who married Julia latter in Michigan. Samuel Somervill was Collins, is assistant superintendent of the reared in the city of Kingston, Ontario, Hyde Park Gas Works, of Chicago, Illi- and in his youth he ran away from home nois; and Orville J., is engaged in mining in and came to Michigan, where he enlisted Idaho, retaining his residence in the village in the regular army, being sent to the state of Payette. of Texas, and for five years he was engaged Alonzo B. Somervill was reared to the in fighting the Indians in the southwest. sturdy and invigorating discipline of the He then received his discharge, after which inomestead farm and received his early edu- he went to California, where he engaged in cational training in the public schools of his gold mining for some time, but subsequent- native township. He remained at home un- ly returned to Michigan, purchasing two til he had attained the age of fifteen years, hundred and forty acres of land in Black- and thereafter was employed on various man township, Jackson county, the same farms in the township up to the time of being partially cleared and improved. He his marriage, in 1891. Shortly after this was industrious and possessed good judg- important event in his life history he lo- ment, and through his indefatigable efforts cated on his present farm, in section 3, he improved his farm and became one of Blackman township, where he has fifty acres the successful agriculturists of the county, of excellent land, the major portion of having been married two and one-half years which is under effective cultivation and de after locating on his farm. Here he passed voted to diversified crops, while he also the remainder of his life, his death occur- gives considerable attention to the raising ring in the year 1873, at which time the sub- of live stock. Mr. Somervill is energetic ject of this sketch was about five years of and progressive and through his application age. Samuel Somervill was a man of in- is gaining a due measure of prosperity and tegrity and sterling character and com- developing his farm into one of the valu- manded the respect of all who knew him. able places of the township. He is public- In politics he gave his support to the Demo-spirited and ever ready to lend his influence cratic party. After his death his widow and aid in the furtherance of enterprises for consummated a second marriage, becoming the general good of the community, while the wife of Adelbert Relyea, and they now the people among whom his entire life has reside in Payette, Idaho. Samuel and been passed accord him uniform confidence Amanda Somervill became the parents of and esteem. In politics, while in no sense the following named children: Alfred J., | ambitious for official preferment, he is a who is engaged in farming on the old home- stanch supporter of the Republican party, HUGO C. LOESER. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 817 taking an intelligent interest in the questions Loeser & Lehr, who conduct a representa- of the hour. Fraternally he is identified tive hardware business in Jackson, where he with the Knights of the Maccabees, being is known as a man of progressive ideas and a popular member of Rives Tent No. 868, as one deeply interested in the material ad- at Rives Junchion. vancement of the city and county and the On the 21st of May, 1891, Mr. Somer- promotion of local interests in all lines. He vill was united in marriage to Miss Frances has been incumbent of offices of distinctive E. Lewis, who was born in Rives township trust and responsibility, including that of December 10, 1867, and who is a daughter state senator, and has been an active and of Benjamin C. and Eleanor G. (Peterson) valued exponent of the principles and pol- Lewis, the father being a representative icies of the political party with which he is farmer of that township. Mr. and Mrs. Mr. and Mrs. identified, while in all the relations of life Lewis were born and reared in the state he has so comported himself as to elicit un- of New York, whence they came to Jack- equivocal confidence and esteem from those son county in an early day, having lived in with whom he has come in contact. . Napoleon and Tompkins townships prior Hugo Charles Loeser is a native of De- to taking up their residence in Rives town- | troit, and was born on the 20th of October, ship, while for a time Mr. Lewis maintained | 1858, being a son of August and Therese his home near the city of Richmond, Vir- | (Mauch) Loeser, the former of whom was ginia. He served three years in the Union born in the kingdom of Saxony, and the lat- army during the war of the Rebellion. Mr. ter in Wurtemburg, where both were reared and Mrs. Lewis have three children, Wil- and educated, he having come to America bur, who is a farmer in Rives township; in 1849 and she in 1850 and they were mar- Frances, the wife of the subject, and ried in Detroit in 1831. August was iden- Levada, who is the wife of Ellsworth tified with the revolutionary movement of Geiger, of Summit township, this county. 1848, in which Carl Schurz took so prom- To Mr. and Mrs. Somervill have been borii inent a part, and he was compelled to seek five children, namely: The first born was a saftey outside his native land, and as his son, who died in infancy; Eleanor was born sympathies were distinctly with the repub- on the 24th of April, 1893; the third child, lican form of government and he was imbued a son, died in infancy; Mildred was born with the sturdy spirit of independence, it was on the roth of May, 1899, and Edith, born but natural that he should turn to the United States. Here he identified himself with the Whig party until the organization of the Re- publican party, in Jackson, in 1854, when he HUGO C. LOESER. transferred his allegiance to the new and strong candidate for public favor and ever af- Among the enterprising men whose lives terward remained a stalwart advocate of its and characters are such as to well entitle He was a man of impregnable integ- them to recognition in a work of this nature rity and marked intellectuality and his life is Mr. Loeser, senior member of the firm of was one of signal honor and usefulness. He March 13, 1903. cause. 52 818 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. devoted the major portion of his life to mer- for several years and here he has ever since cantile lines and his death occurred Decem- maintained his home. In 1893 Mr. Loeser ber 27, 1868, at which time he was forty- associated himself with John J. Lehr in the four years of age. Mrs. Loeser came to hardware business, and they now have a America in 1850, in company with her sister, large and well equipped store, at Nos. 215 Mrs. Amelia Haehnle, now of Jackson, and and 217 East Main street. They have, by joined their brother, Lieutenant Bernhard honorable dealing and progressive methods, Mauch, who was then proprietorof the Hotel | built up a profitable enterprise and are num- Mauch in Detroit. He became a soldier in bered among the leading business firms. the Rebellion and sacrificed his life on the Mr. Loeser has voted with the Republi- altar of his adopted county, being killed in can party, his interest leading him to become the first battle of Bull Run. His wife was an active worker, and for fifteen years he a sister of Herman Kiefer, who was for a has been prominent in all its local councils. number of years a member of the board of In 1888 he was elected to represent the regents of the University of Michigan, be- seventh ward on the board of aldermen, ing an honored and influential citizen of De- notwithstanding the normal political com- troit. August and Therese (Mauch) Loeser plexion of the ward is strongly Democratic. became the parents of six children, and of After the completion of his first term of two them brief data is incorporated as follows: years, he was re-elected as his own successor, Anna is the wife of Jacob Knab, of Detroit; his efforts in the cause of municipal gov- Clara is the wife of John Knab, of the same ernment being so unmistakable that on the city; Hugo C.; Louise is the wife of Julius expiration of his second term he was not Berns, of Detroit; August, Jr., died in 1868, permitted to retire to private life, since he at the age of three years; and Therese is was elected supervisor of his ward in 1892, the wife of Jacob Simon, of Jackson. The in which capacity he served one term, of two loved and devoted mother of the subject years. He then became the candidate of his was summoned into eternal rest in 1878, party for the office of city treasurer, being at the age of forty-eight years. pitted against the most popular and able can- Hugo C. Loeser was reared to maturity didate the opposition could bring forth, and in the city of his nativity, where he attended notwithstanding the large Democratic ma- the German-American Seminary from 1864 | jority to be overcome he was defeated by until 1876, after which he was a student for only one hundred and thirty votes, his ex- one term in the business college, in Detroit, cellent run indicating the high confidence conducted by the late Ira Mayhew, one and esteem in which he is held. For three of the leading educators of his day in Mich- years Mr. Loeser was a member of the board igan and the author of numerous textbooks. of fire commissioners and thereafter was ap- Upon leaving school Mr. Loeser entered up- pointed a member of the board of police on a clerkship in a grocery, and later learned comınissioners for three years, which in- the details of the manufacture of wire goods. cumbency he retains at the present. In the On the 27th of December, 1877, he came to autumn of 1901 Mr. Loeser was elected to Jackson, and followed varied occupations | the state senate, as representative of the JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 819 seventh senatorial district, comprising the a quarter of a century, having risen through counties of Jackson and Washtenaw, and in various grades of promotion until he is now the upper house he proved a valuable mem- incumbent of the responsible position of ber, being assigned to various important deputy warden, under Alonzo Vincent, who committees. He was chairman of the com- assumed the office of warden in December, mittee on claims and accounts and also on 1901, while the subject was appointed that of the Industrial Home for Girls, while deputy on the 28th of May, 1902. Mr. he held membership on further committees Foote has been concerned with the discipline as follows: Apportionment, banks and cor- of this penitentiary since the 27th of Feb- porations, Coliege of Mines, and liquor ruary, 1881, when he was appointed a night traffic. He was a member of the senate guard at the prison, under General Hum- which re-elected the late Hon. James Mc-phrey, who was then warden. During the Millan to the United States senate, in which regime of Warden Hatch, on the 9th of he was serving at the time of his death. Fra- June, 1886, he was appointed keeper, while ternally Mr. Loeser is identified with Jack- in July, 1893, came a farther recognition | son Lodge No. 113, Benevolent and Protect- of his ability and faithful service, since he ive Order of Elks; Schiller Lodge No. 43, was then advanced to the position of super- Ancient Order of United Workmen ; Central intendent of clothing, by Warden Chamber- , City Tent No. 139, Knights of the Macca- lain. In February, 1902, he became secre- bees, and the German Workingmen's Re- tary to Warden Vincent and remained in lief Society. tenure of this position until his appoint- On the 2d of December, 1885, was sol- ment to his present office. The duties de- emnized the marriage of Mr. Loeser to Miss volving upon him are of most important Emma Frank, of Detroit, where she was and responsible order. He has charge of born on the 15th of May, 1859, being a the yard police of the prison and the prac- daughter of Louis Frank, a well known tical discipline of the institution is under citizen of the state metropolis. Of this un- his control. Under his direction is regu- ion have been born three children, namely: | lated the work of the various subordinate Hugo, who was born on the 17th of Novem- officers, about fifty in number, while he also ber, 1886, and who died on the 18th of the represents the warden in various other following month; William Hugo, who was capacities as expediency and occasion dic- born on the 28th of April, 1888, and Viola tate. The prison has at the time of this Therese Bertha, who was born on the 8th writing more than seven hundred inmates, of June, 1890. and thus it becomes evident that the labors devolving upon the deputy warden are such as to call for constant alertness, surveil- JOHN B. FOOTE. lance and administrative ability, while Mr. Foote has here shown the same discrimi- He to whom this brief sketch is dedi- | nation, fertility of resource and courage and cated has been identified with the Michigan ability in meeting emergencies which have state prison in an official capacity for nearly characterized his services in minor offices 820 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. in the institution. He was for a number of are still living. The subject of this review years a member of that well-conducted. received his initial educational discipline in military organization, the Jackson Guards, the public schools of his native county and and the knowledge gained in the connection thereafter continued his studies in th: has been of marked value to him in enforc- schools of the village of Napoleon, Jack- ing proper discipline in the prison, since son county, completing a course in the high the manoeuvering of the prisoners is a mat- school. He continued to be identified with ter of no small importance when they are the work of the farm and also was a suc- marching back and forth from their work cessful teacher in the district schools of in the various shops. He has the unlimited Jackson county for a number of years, his confidence of the prison officials and has labors being principally along these two made a record of which he may well be lines until he secured a position in the proud. prison, as has been already noted. John B. Foote was born in North In the village of Napoleon, on the 3rd Adams, Hillsdale county, Michigan, on the of July, 1877, Mr. Foote was united in mar- 4th of May, 1857, being a son of John M. riage to Miss Anna E. Payne, who was and Alida A. (Jackson) Foote, the former born in Napoleon township, being a daugh- of whom was born in Connecticut, and the ter of Lyman Payne, one of the well known latter in Rochester, New York. The and honored farmers of that section of the father of the subject came to Michigan in county. Of this union were born two chil- an early day, becoming one of the pioneers dren. Caroline L. is the wife of Walter of Hillsdale county, while his marriage was L. Stevens, assistant clerk in the warden's solemnized in the city of Adrian, Lenawee office of the prison, and Alida M. became county, of which locality his wife's parents the wife of Charles H. Barnes, a railroad were early settlers. In April, 1868, when In April, 1868, when fireman, and she died in the city of Jack- the subject was about eleven years of age, , son on the 23d of November, 1902, leaving his parents removed from Hillsdale to Jack- two children, Madeline F. and Caroline S., son county, taking up their residence on a both of whom were taken into the home of farm in Napoleon township, where they their maternal grandfather at the time of , remained until 1878, when Mr. Foote dis- their mother's death, he becoming the posed of his place here and returned to guardian of each. The elder of the two Hillsdale county, where he continued to be children is still a member of his family engaged in farming until his death, which circle, the younger being now adopted by occurred in June, 1886. His wife survived Mr. and Mrs. Walter L. Stevens. him but a few months, dying in November In politics Mr. Foote has ever been a of the same year. Mr. Foote was a Re- stalwart advocate of the principles and publican in politics from the time of the policies of the Republican party, in whose organization of the party and both he and cause he has taken an active interest, hav- his devoted wife were members of the ing been a delegate to various conventions Methodist Episcopal church. They became and ever doing all in his power to promote the parents of seven children, of whom three its advancement. Fraternally he is identi- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 821 was to fied with Michigan Lodge No. 50, Free and Ireland and who passed the greater portion Accepted Masons; Jackson Lodge No. 113, of his life in the state of New York. The . Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; father of the subject came to Michigan in and he also belongs to the Modern Wood- 1836, ere yet the state had been admitted men of America. Mr. Foote is an enthusi- to the Union, and first took up his residence astic devotee of the rod and gun, and his in the village of Tecumseh, Lenawee county, vacations are passed in connection with the where he continued to reside, except a brief exhilarating diversions involved in sports interval, until his removal to Jackson. In afield and afloat. New York was solemnized his marriage to Miss Martha Burdick, who was born in that state, the daughter of Rev. Asa Bur- OSCAR B. DRISCOLL. dick, of Alden, and to this union were born nine children, of whom four are living at He to whose career attention is now the present time. The mother was sum- directed is one of the well known and popu- moned to eternal rest in 1885, at the age lar citizens of Jackson, where he has passed of sixty-nine years. the major portion of his life, being at the Oscar B. Driscoll reared present time incumbent of the position of maturity in the city of Jackson, and to its chief master mechanic of the state prison public schools of the earlier epoch he is in- and being known as an expert mechanical debted for the educational discipline which engineer and electrician. Mr. Driscoll was he received in his youth. At the age of one of the brave boys who went forth from fourteen years he entered upon an appren- Jackson county to render valiant service ticeship at the painter's trade, at which he during the war of the Rebellion, and in the continued to work as a journeyman for a "piping times of peace” he has been found period of eighteen months, at the expiration " equal loyal and faithful, thus commanding of which he became a locomotive fireman the high regard of all with whom he has in the employ of the Michigan Central come in contact. Railroad Company, retaining this incum- Oscar B. Driscoll is a native son of the bency until the time when his intrinsic Empire state of the Union, having been patriotism led him to render his services in born in the town of Alden, Erie county, defense of the Union, when its integrity New York, on the 23d of April, 1843. He was menaced by armed rebellion. In April, is a son of James Driscoll, who maintained 1861, at the age of eighteen years, and in a his home in the city of Jackson since the response to the President's first call for year 1846, and here he was for a time en- volunteers, Mr. Driscoll enlisted as a private gaged in the butchering business and later in Company C, First Michigan Infantry, followed the mason's trade for many years. remaining in the service for a period of He died in Jackson at the age of eighty- five months and then securing an honorable He was born in Batavia. discharge, retiring from the army prin- . Genesee county, New York, being a son cipally on account of the earnest pleadings of James Driscoll, Sr., who was born in of his mother, who secured a special order three years. 822 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. from Gov. Blair. In March of the follow- ever, he was again called to assume the po- ing year, however, he re-enlisted, at this sition of engineer of the city water-works, time becoming a member of Company A, of whose operation he had charge until Ninth Michigan Volunteer Cavalry, and 1889, when he became superintendent of the attached to the brigade commanded by Edison Electric Light Company, in which General Kilpatrick, and he thereafter con- capacity he has rendered most effective and tinued in active service until victory had satisfactory service. March 27, 1891, he crowned the Union arms, having partici- returned to the state prison, at the solici- pated in many of the notable battles inci- tation of Warden Hatch, to take charge of dental to the progress of the great inter- the plant and has continued to the present, necine conflict and having been with Sher- through Wardens Davis and Chamberlain's man's army on the ever memorable march administrations and well into that of from Atlanta to the sea. He received his Warden Vincent. Everything relating to honorable discharge at Jackson, Michigan, the power, machinery, heating and lighting August 9, 1865, and then resumed his of the prison is under his direct supervision, labors as fireman on the Michigan Central twenty-three to twenty-five men being Railroad, being promoted to the responsi- constantly assigned him. In politics Mr. ble position of engineer about eighteen Driscoll accords an unswerving allegiance months later. In this capacity he remained to the Democratic party, and fraternally he with the Michigan Central until the year is identified with the Masonic order, the 1874, after which he was engineer on the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, the Jackson, Ft. Wayne & Saginaw Railroad Union Veterans' Union, Post No. 48, until 1876, when he resigned to accept the Grand Army of the Republic, and the Be- position of engineer of the city water- nevolent and Protective Order of Elks. works of Jackson, retaining this incumbency On Christmas Eve, 1867, Mr. Driscoll until 1880, He then established his head- was united in marriage to Miss Olive T. quarters at Brainerd, Minnesota, becom- Maitland, who was summoned into eternal ing an engineer on the Northern Pacific rest on the 24th of May, 1886, her gentle Railroad. A few months later he returned and gracious womanhood having endeared to Jackson and took a position as engineer her to all with whom she came in contact. in the works of the Jackson Furniture She is survived by four children, namely: Company, but soon afterward he was asked Lizzie M., William B., Edna A. and Sam- to superintend the installment of a uel (). On the 5th of October, 1891, Mr. battery of boilers in the Michigan State Driscoll married Mrs. Ida May Draper, of prison, successfully completing the work. | Jackson. In 1886 he was for five months a traveling representative of the of the American Steam W. HENRY VAN HORNE. Brake Company of St. Louis, Missouri, and at the expiration of this time he again Genealogical research has a distinct and assumed the position of engineer at the unequivocal value, be it in the tracing of state prison. Within a short interval, how- an obscure and broken line or the follow- new JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 823 ing back of a noble and illustrious lineage marriage was born Abram Van Horne, who, where men have been valorous and women on the 6th of September, 1700, married of gentle refinement. We of this twentieth Maria Provost, also a representative of the century, democratic type cannot afford to old Knickerbocker stock. He purchased hold in light estimation the bearing up of a three thousand acres of land in Washington 'scutcheon upon whose fair face appears no county, New York, and on this fine de- sign of blot, and he should be the more hon- mesne he erected the historic white house, ored who honors a noble name and the a true manorial dwelling, from which the memory of noble deeds. The lineage of the town took its name. .His son Abram, in subject of this review is one of distin- the year 1730, married Autia Covenhoven guished and most interesting order, and no and they became the parents of three sons apology need be made in referring to this and six daughters, and from the son in connection with the record of the indi- Matthew the line of the subject of this vidual accomplishment of the subject him- sketch is traced. Henry Van Horne, son self, for he has so ordered his life as to prove of said Matthew, was the grandfather of worthy as a scion of the line from which he the subject and was born on the oth of May, sprung. He is now living on the old home- 1752, in the state of New York. He mar- stead farm, in Blackman township, and is ried Sophia Fernicrook, of Montgomery well known and highly honored in the county, New York, and they became the county, where he has passed the major parents of eight children, namely: Matthew, portion of his life, his parents having been who died in the state of New York; Chris. numbered among the sterling pioneers of topher, who was the father of the subject; the county, and here he personally has been Henry, who was born December 25, 1812; identified with business and industrial af- Eve, who was born April 14, 1796; Cather- , fairs for a long term of years. ine, who was born January 29, 1802; Han- The ancestry of the subject in the nah, who was born May 28, 1791; Maria, agnatic line is authentically traced back to who was born September 29, 1793, and the Count and Countess Van Horne, who Elizabeth, who was born July 27, 1798. came from Holland, their native land, to Henry Van Horne was a valiant soldier in America in the year 1634, being numbered the war of 1812 and died shortly after re- among the patrician Hollanders of New | turning home from the same. His wife Amsterdam, the nucleus of our present passed her life in the old Empire state and magnificent national metropolis, the city of survived him by a number of years. New York. The next in direct line of de- Christopher Van Horne, father of him scent was Jansen Cornelius Van Horne, to whom this sketch is dedicated, was born whose son, Cornelius Jansen, married Ann in Montgomery county, New York, on the , Maria Jans, on the 6th of October, 1659, 11th of April, 1806, and in Cato, Cayuga she having been a daughter of Anneke Jans, county, on Christmas day of the year 1831, whose heirs have so long been disputing the he was united in marriage to Miss Maria title held to be vested in Trinity church, in Cline, who was born in that state, on the New York city. Of this last mentioned ioth of May, 1809. To them were born 824 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. thirteen children, concerning whom the fol- he went to live in the home of a family lowing is a brief record : Sardeniaett, who named Van Dorn, in the town of Cato, was born on the 28th of September, 1832, Cayuga county, New York, and remained became the wife of John Fellows, of Black- with this family up to the time of his mar- man township, Jackson county, Michigan, riage, having in the meanwhile received a where she died in 1895; Isaac, who was good common-school education. He then born March 28, 1834, married Adelia Pat- purchased fifty acres of land in that county, , ton, and they now reside in the city of and reclaimed and otherwise improved the Battle Creek, this state, he being an elder place, where he resided until 1844, when in the Seventh-day Adventist church and he came with his family to Jackson county. one of its prominent officials; Mary A. and In the preceding year he had individually Martha A., twins, were born on the 3d of made a trip to this county and here effected February, 1836, and the latter died in the purchase of one hundred and twenty October of the year 1839, while Mary, who acres of the old homestead where the sub- is a spinster, resides on the old homestead ject now resides, in section 4, Blackman with the subject of this sketch; W. Henry, township. About twenty acres of the tract whose name introduces this article, was the had been cleared and a small frame house next in order of birth; Ellen S. was born erected on the same. The family here took on the 18th of January, 1840, and died on up their abode, and Christopher Van Horne August 18th of the following year; Cor- turned his attention vigorously to the work nelius C., who was born on the 7th of Feb- of clearing the land and making it eligible ruary, 1842, married. Amanda Patton, and for cultivation, and before his death he had he is now a prominent farmer near the city reclaimed all but fifteen acres. In the mean- of Charlotte, Eaton county; Christopher, while he had added to the area of his landed who was born on the 19th of July, 1843, estate, purchasing adjoining property and married Miss Sarah Van der Bogert, and becoming the owner of a total of one they reside in the city of Jackson, where hundred and fifty-four acres in the home- he is engaged in the blacksmithing busi- stead. Here he passed the remainder of his ness; Gertrude L., who was born October signally honorable and useful life, passing 26, 1845, is unmarried and resides on the old away on the 21st of September, 1872, while homestead farm; Adelbert S., who was his cherished and devoted wife was sum- born September 12, 1847, died on the 25th moned into eternal rest on the 5th of Aug- of February, 1861; Lewis D., who was ust, 1879. Mr. Van Horne was a man of , born August 1, 1849, married Margaret fine mentality and marked individuality, Wilson and they reside in the city of Jack- and thus it was but natural that he should son, where he is employed as a special | wield a distinct influence in the community, watchman by the Jackson Corset Company: his public spirit and progressiveness leading two died in infancy unnamed. him to take a deep interest in all that Christopher Van Horne, father of the touched the general welfare. His was the subject, remained at the parental hon distinction of having been the first man til the death of his honored sire, after which elected to the office of supervisor of Black- , JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 825 cause. man township, and he was incumbent of City and gaining a wide circle of friends this office for many years, doing much to throughout the county. In 1881 Mr. Van further the best interests of the township Horne was elected to the office of county and being a prominent figure in public clerk, in which he rendered efficient service affairs of a local nature, while his counsel for a term of two years, and since moving was held in high regard by all who knew to Blackman township served as justice of him, for his integrity of purpose was be- the peace four years and for one year was yond cavil and his judgment mature and school moderator. He gives a stanch impartial. In politics he was a stanch | allegiance to the Republican party and has adherent of the Democratic party, while his been an active and effective worker in its , religious faith was that of the Methodist Since 1895 Mr. and Mrs. Van church, his wife holding membership in the Horne have resided on the old homestead, , Baptist church. Their memories are revered and here a gracious and refined hospitality in the community, and it may well be said | is ever in evidence and is duly appreciated that “their works do follow them.” by their hosts of friends in the county. Mr. W. Henry Van Horne, the immediate Van Horne maintains the active supervision subject of this review, was born in Cato, of the farm, which is under a high state of Cayuga county, New York, on the 3d of cultivation, being devoted to diversified agri- October, 1839, and was about seven years culture and to the raising of an excellent , of age at the time when his parents removed grade of live stock, while the residence and to Jackson county, so that this has been his other buildings are substantial and at- home for practically his entire life. He re- tractive. ceived his early educational discipline in the On the 29th of June, 1865, Mr. Van public schools of the locality and period and Horne was united in marriage to Miss continued to assist in the work of the home- Josephene Borden, who born in stead farm until 1860, when he secured a Cazenovia, Madison County, New York, position in the hardware store of Rice & being a daughter of Joseph and Caroline Gibson, in the city of Jackson, remaining (Bumpus) Borden, both of whom were with this firm four and one-half years and likewise natives of that county, where the gaining valuable business experience. He death of the former occurred on the lith then entered the dry-goods establishment of of October, 1863, while his wife survived the late William M. Bennett, and continued him many years, passing away at the home as a trusted and faithful employe of this of her daughter, Mrs. Van Horne, on the well-known and honored citizen for the līth of March, 1898. The Borden family long period of sixteen years, while he also has long been identified with the annals of remained for a time with Bennett & Son, American history, being of the stanch old successors of the original owner of the busi- Quaker stock of Rhode Island. The mater- ness, and later became a partner in the nal grandfather of Mrs. Van Horne was grocery establishment of Hobart, Bolton & Isaac Bumpus, who was a man of fine at- Company, being one of the popular and tainments, having been a successful school well-known business men of the Central teacher in the state of New York in the was 826 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. early days and having been one of the first of generous cheer and hospitality,—one of surveyors of that state and also of Penn- which it may well be said, in the colloquial sylvania, his death occurring in Erie county, phrase of the early days, that the latch- , Pennsylvania. Joseph Borden, the paternal string is always out. grandfather, removed from Providence, Rhode Island, to Madison county, New York, in the year 1808, making the over- land journey with a two-horse team and ANDREW S. WING. wagon, while his wife accompanied him in a one-horse chaise of the type then in use, In studying a clear-cut, sane and dis- driving a pacing mare, which was the first tinct character like that of this honored horse of this type in Madison county and pioneer citizen of Jackson county, interpre- , which attracted much attention. The tation follows fact in a straight line of original progenitors of the Borden family derivation and thus there is no need of in- in America were two brothers who immi- direction or puzzling. His character has grated hither from France, one locating in been the positive expression of strong New Jersey and the other in Rhode Island, nature, and among these who have lived whence their descendants have become dis- in this section of the sovereign common- seminated throughout various sections of wealth of Michigan from the early pioneer the Union, Mrs. Van Horne has one sis- epoch to the present time there are none . ter, Sarah A., who was married, on the 13th who are held in higher esteem than he. Mr. . of July, 1857, to George Remington, of Wing represents the third generation of the Auburn, New York, and in the same year family in Jackson county, and his remin- they went to Dundee, Kane county, Illinois, iscences of the early days are graphic in where Mr. Remington was engaged in outline and of absorbing interest to those mercantile business. They subsequently of the younger generation, to whom it moved to South Haven, Michigan, where seems almost incredible that so marvelous his death occurred. His widow is now liv- a change could have been here wrought ing in the home of her son Fred, who re- within so comparatively a brief interval of sides in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and who time as that represented in the life span of holds a position as master of vessels plying one man. Those who can thus give so the Great Lakes, he being the youngest of definite information in regard to the scenes her three children, the other two being and events of the pioneer era should not Charles, who is a resident of the city of fail to leave a written record, since the same Des Moines, Iowa, and Carrie, who died in will prove of inestimable historical value in , childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Van Horne be- the years to come, when they have been came the parents of one child, Lella, who called from the sphere of life's activities. died in infancy. They hold membership in Mr. Wing is one of the representative farm- the Baptist church. Mrs. Van Horne is ers of Blackman township, where he has a a lady of gracious presence and true re- finely improved place, and it may be said finement, and the family home is a center to his further credit and honor that he has JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 827 a been the architect of his own fortune and early established in the state of Maine, with that he has won success by indefatigable whose annals the name has been long and effort, and has had an able coadjutor in his honorably identified. Abram Wing, grand- devoted wife, to whose aid and counsel he father of the subject, was born in Somerset attributes much of the prosperity which is county, Maine, and was there married to his today. Miss Nancy Grover. In the year 1843 they Andrew S. Wing is a native of the town- left their home in the Pine Tree state and ship in which he now maintains his home, came to the new state of Michigan, locat- having been born on the pioneer homestead, ing in Blackman township, this county, in Blackman township, on the 4th of March, where the grandfather began the develop- 1844. He is a son of Calvin and Clarinda ment of a tract of wild land, there continui- (Reed) Wing, the former of whom was ing to reside for several years, at the ex- born in Somerset county, Maine, on the piration of which he disposed of the prop- 28th of September, 1822, while the latter erty and purchased two hundred acres in was born in the same place, in 1823. Of Henrietta township, while later he removed their union were born seven children, of to what is now the city of Niles, Berrien whom three are living at the present time, county, where he died in 1863, at the age namely: Andrew S., the subject of this re- of sixty-seven years. His widow long sur- view; Levi, who is likewise a successful vived him, passing away on the 27th of farmer of Blackman township, and Jessie March, 1882, at the venerable age of about A., who is the wife of Chauncey Raymond, eighty years. Of their children the follow- . of the city of Jackson. The mother of the ing is a brief record: Calvin, the father subject was summoned into eternal rest on of the subject, will be individually men- the 24th of December, 1867, and on the tioned in another paragraph. Alvira be- 30th of March, 1872, Mr. Wing consum- came the wife of Gilbert Stevens and both mated a second marriage, being then united are now deceased. They were numbered to Miss Ella Knapp, who was born in among the early settlers of Jackson county, Franklin county, Maine, on the 9th of whither they came from Maine about the March, 1829, being a daughter of Elijah year 1834. In 1852 they, in company with and Celia L. (Pulling) Knapp. Of this their two daughters and Hiram · Wing, second marriage no children were born, and started on the long and perilous overland Mrs. Wing is still living, maintaining her trip to the state of Oregon, starting out home in the city of St. Paul, Minnesota. with eleven yoke of oxen and consuming The Wing family is of stanch old Scot- nearly a year in making the trip, while only tish lineage, and the original American three of their oxen survived to reach the ancestors came to the new world in the early end of the journey. Hiram Wing, the colonial epoch, landing at Plymouth, Mass- next in order of birth of the children of achusetts, whence representatives of the Abram Wing, died in Oregon. Benjamin name became disseminated in various parts O. died in Jackson, Michigan. Levi died in of New England, while the branch of the Blackman township, this county, and - Har- family to which the subject belongs was riet died also in Blackman township. 828 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Calvin Wing, father of the subject. locality, and many of them were subtle and came to Jackson county in the same year treacherous. In connection the mother of as did his father, and was here identified the subject owned the preservation of her with agricultural pursuits for a long term life to the fine dog owned by the family, of years, becoming one of the honored and the animal gaining a wide reputation in the influential citizens of the county. Soon pioneer community by reason of his mani- after coming here he entered the employ of festation of intelligence on this and other B. J. Collier, of Spring Arbor, for whom occasions, while large sums of money were he worked on the farm eight months, then offered for him, but invariably refused. settled on a farm in Blackman township. The subject personally remembers that one which he purchased in the fall of 1844. night an Indian came to the door of the little Here he established his home, the tract be- cabin home and asked for food. . With ing entirely unreclaimed at the time when customary hospitality, the mother of the he came into possession of the same. He subject provided for the wants of the dusky was unremitting in his toil, laboring early visitor, and when she turned her back the and late in order to secure a position of Indian made an attempt to stab her with independence. For a considerable length his knife. It was at this critical moment of time he worked in a saw-mill during the that the faithful dog, which answered to the regular working days, and then returned, name of “June," sprung upon the savage after having partaken of his frugal supper, and caught him by the throat, holding his and often continued his labors until mid- prey until Mrs. Wing caused him to release night. It was several years before a well his grasp. She then compelled the redskin was provided on the farm, and the water to sit in the house under guard until her used for drinking and domestic purposes husband returned home from the mill, at was secured from a spring, which was lo- a late hour in the night. Upon being in- cated a considerable distance from the formed of the dastardly attempt upon the home. He continued to be employed in the life of his wife, he seized an ax and was mill for several years, and in the meanwhile about to wreak summary vengeance upon carried forward the reclamation of his land, the Indian, but his wife prevailed upon him the major portion of which he placed under to desist. The Indian was sent into the effective cultivation. In 1846 his wife and loft of the cabin, which was reached by a a neighbor, Mrs. Thomas Cole, killed, ladder, and after such disposition had been with clubs, on this farm a large black bear, made of him the ladder was removed an:1 showing the courage and self-reliance so the faithful dog remained on guard during characteristic of the noble pioneer women, the entire night. In the morning they gave while poor bruin, who succumbed to this food to the Indian and sent him away un- effective feminine drubbing, was afterward harmed. The father of the subject con- placed in the hands of a taxidermist, who tinued to be engaged in farming in this mounted the animal, which was thereafter county until his death, which occurred on placed on exhibition in Jackson. In those the 12th of July, 1894. days the Indians were very numerous in this Andrew S. Wing, whose name intro- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 829 duces this sketch, was reared on the old everything about the place ir:dicates thrift, homestead farm, while his educational prosperity and careful management. In privileges were such as were afforded in 1887 Mr. Wing erected his present com- the primitive schools of the locality and modious and attractive residence, while the period, and even these he attended in an finely equipped and substantial barn was irregular way, by reason of the fact that his erected in 1902. In addition to raising the assistance was demanded in connection with various crops best suited to the soil and the work of the pioneer farm. He remained climate, Mr. Wing also raises each year beneath the parental roof until he had at- some excellent grade live stock, while he tained the age of seventeen years, at which is a great lover of fine horse flesh and has time, in 1861, he went to Calhoun county, bred and raised many valuable horses, a where he entered the employ of Daniel number of the same being standard bred. Dunikan, with whom he remained six years He is a stanch advocate of the principles of and eight months, working on a farm, re- the Democratic party, in support of which ceiving six hundred dollars in recompense he exercises his franchise at all times, and for his services. A mark of his fidelity may while he is loyal to the interests of the com- be noted at this juncture by reverting to the munity and to the county in which he has fact that during this interval he lost only passed practically his entire life, he has seven days. During the war of the Rebel- never sought or desired the honors or lion he rendered effective service in recruit- emoluments of public office. He is well ing soldiers, and was deeply interested in known in the county and holds the uniform the great conflict which determined the in- confidence and regard of all. tegrity of the Union. In 1866 he returned On New Year's day, 1868, Mr. Wing to his home and thereafter assisted his was united in marriage to Miss Almira father for the ensuing four years. He then Huntoon, who was born in Wyoming coun- . rented eighty acres of land, in Blackman ty, New York, September 28, 1845, being , township, and there was engaged in farm- a daughter of George B. and Lydia (Lind- ing for three years, after which he was for sey) Huntoon, who were likewise natives of five years in charge of the county poor that county, whence they came to Michigan farm, in which connection he rendered most in the year 1847, locating in Ingham coun- capable and satisfactory service. Then, ty, where Mr. Huntoon purchased a tract of after residing in the city of Jackson one wild land, developing a good farm and be- year, he resumed his allegiance to the great coming one of the prosperous and honored basic art of agriculture, having, in 1881, citizens of the locality. He was born in purchased his present farm of one hundred the year 1821, and his death occurred in and twenty acres, in sections 4 and 9, Black- | 1893, his devoted wife having passed away 9, man township, the place having been known in 1879, at the age of forty-four years, their as the Frank Green farm. Here he has de- marriage having been solemnized in 1843. veloped one of the model farms of this They became the parents of four children, , section, having expended more than four namely: Almira, wife of the subject; thousand dollars in improvements, while Kiliab L., who is a resident of the city of 830 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Jackson ; Lydia Rose, who resides in Albion, tractive ‘Central City.' In his early life he Michigan, and George, a resident of Em- was buried in the seclusion of private of- met county, this state. To Mr. and Mrs. fices, and while he was always faithful to Wing were born four children, of whom his employers he had a certain amount of two are living : Cora E. became the wife public spirit which led him to desire work of Frederick Colby, of Boston, Massachu- in a larger sphere. He served as alderman setts, a resort merchant; they thus pass their for two years, from the second ward, and time during the winter-resort season at made a good record in the common coun- Eau Gallie, Florida, and the summers at cil. Later he took a position as deputy re- Macatawa Park, Michigan, both being pop- corder of the city, under W. J. Caldwell, ular and attractive resorts; Isidore, the and during a service of five years in this , youngest daughter of the subject, is the capacity proved himself one of the best wife of Thomas Dunn, and they reside on deputy recorders the city has known. Last the old homestead farm of her father. spring he was nominated for the office it- self, and the able manner in which he had assisted in the conduct of the important affairs of the office was given a hearty en- CHARLES E. ALDRICH. dorsement at the polls, though there was a strong candidate and able man running in The annals of Jackson county give opposition. As recorder his record has evidence that the Aldrich family has been been all that could be asked. He is in easy identified with its history from the pioneer touch with the affairs of the city and his days, and thus added interest attaches to store of knowledge in regard to the city the consideration of the career of the sub- boards and municipal government renders ject of this brief sketch, who is incumbent him a valuable official in his present of the responsible office of recorder of the capacity. His years of training in office city of Jackson, to which he was elected, as work make Mr. Aldrich a trustworthy ac- candidate on the Democratic ticket, in the countant for the city's bookkeeping. He spring election of 1902. In a preliminary commenced his career in office work in Bay way it will be proper to quote from an City, where he was employed five years, a article published in the Jackson Daily portion of the time with an extensive lum- Patriot, offering an appreciative estimate of ber company and later in the Bay City Bank. the man and the official: Mr. Aldrich was born and reared in the city “Charles E. Aldrich, the present record- of Jackson, and when the opportunity pre- er of the city of Jackson, is far from being sented for him to return to his native place a pretentious man. He is one of the many and take a position with the Union Bank, quiet citizens of Jackson who has the wel in 1884, he was quick to accept, and here he fare of the city at heart at all times, and has ever since continued to maintain his who, so far as he is able, is ever ready to home. His consideration for all the people do those things which inure to the ad- has rendered him one of them and his vancement and prosperity of Michigan's at- friends are legion.". a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 831 Charles E. Aldrich was born in the family cipline in the public schools. For three years homestead, on Blackstone street, in the city from 1886 he was engaged in the manufac- of Jackson, the date of his nativity having ture of brooms, the firm name being Aldrich been May 14, 1863. He is a son of Ezra & Phillips. He was married April 20, 1887, , M. and Lottie (Beebe) Aldrich, the former to Miss Antoinette Kielmann, of Jackson. of whom was born in New York, and the He belongs to the Benevolent and Protective latter in Jackson, Michigan. Ezra Aldrich Order of Elks, the Knights of the Macca- came to Jackson at about twenty years of bees and the Knights of Pythias. age, a brother, Ranson Aldrich, already re- siding at Parma and a sister, Mrs. Henry Hayden, being in Jackson. For several J. GEORGE KEEBLER. years he was employed in the office of the Hayden-Reynolds Mill Company, having Jackson has been signally favored in the charge of the shipping department. In personnel of its executive officials, and in the 1849 he was one of the Jackson men who administration of its fiscal affairs no in- made the trip to California gold fields, cumbent of the office of city treasurer has though he returned not much better off. made a better record than has Mr. Keeb- About 1882 he married Miss Lottie Beebe, | ler, who has served consecutively in the of- sister of Mrs. Gen. W. H. Withington. He fice since 1897, while his is the distinction soon thereafter embarked in the hardware of having been the youngest man ever trade as a member of the firm of Rice, Pratt elected to this important position. Mr. & Company, and about 1870 removed with Keebler is a native son of Jackson county several other Jackson county parties to and has here passed his entire life, while Mississippi, buying land, to the improve- | he has attained prestige and ment of which the operation of a saw and through his own efforts and is one of the a grist mill some eight years were devoted. well-known and deservedly popular men of He returned to Jackson in 1879 and after the city, and well entitled to representation a few years spent with Withington & Cooley in this work. Mr. Keebler was born at No. as superintendent, he established a planing- | 630 North Jackson street, on the 25th of mill and box factory at Bay City, selling this May, 1869, being a son of J. Frederick and in 1884 to become cashier of the newly or- Wilhelmina (Schweitzer) Keebler, both of ganized Union Bank of Jackson, a position whom are of German birth, and have lived he retained until his death, October 27, in Jackson county for the past forty years . 1890. He was a Democrat of the old a J. Frederick Keebler is a carpenter by trade school, and while not desiring public rec- and for thirty-eight years was in the em- ognition was repeatedly urged to become a ploy of the well-known firm of S. Heyser candidate for mayor. His circle of warm & Sons. Of his seven children, five are friends was extensive, his genial personality living at the present time, George being third and accommodating spirit guaranteeing in order of birth. J. George Keebler re- more than local popularity. ceived his early education in the public The subject received his educational dis- schools, but at the age of fifteen, in order to success 832 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. assist his parents, left school and took a po- of the Jackson Country Club. He is not sition in the sash and blind factory of S. married. . Heyser & Sons, being shortly afterward The following excerpt from a local promoted to shipping clerk and inspector. newspaper stands in evidence of Mr. Keeb- October 1, 1888, he was appointed deputy ler's standing among his fellow citizens: city treasurer, under E. F. Lowery, as “For fifteen years J. George Keebler has whose assistant he continued to serve for been connected with the city treasurer's of- five years, when he was reappointed by T. fice-nine years as clerk and deputy and six , — W. Chapin, who succeeded Mr. Lowery. years as treasurer. Every day of the fifteen Four years later, on the 5th of April, 1897, years he has made friends by his courtesy Mr.Keebler was elected treasurer, as the can- and attention to the duties of the exacting didate of the Democratic party, being at the office. It is conceded on all hands that he time twenty-seven years of age and, as pre- has been one of the most efficient treas- viously stated, being the youngest man ever urers the city has ever had, and his faithful- elected to this important office, while an evi- ness and ability have won him the best dence of his personal popularity and the gen- wishes of all, in whatever he may undertake eral confidence reposed in him was shown in in the future.” the fact that he led the ticket with a ma- jority of eleven hundred and fifty votes. On the 3d of April, 1899, Mr. Keebler was re- GEORGE W. KENNEDY. elected treasurer, receiving a majority of nineteen hundred and eighty-seven votes, The lineage of the subject of this re- notable as being the largest majority ever view is one of distinguished and most in- given a candidate for public office in the city, teresting order, and no apology need be and on the ist of April, 1901, Mr. Keebler made in reverting to it in connection with was elected for a third term, again leading the record of the individual accomplishment the ticket, his term expiring May 5, 1903. of himself, for there has been no shadow of That he has given a most capable and satis- wrong or injustice to mar his career, which factory administration needs no further has been one of consecutive and honorable voucher than that shown in his retention of endeavor, while he is to-day known as one the office and the gratifying majorities of the representative citizens of the Central which have been accorded him at the polls. City of Michigan and as one worthy of the Mr. Keebler has been a stanch advocate of confidence and regard in which he is so uni- the principles of the Democratic party from formly held in the community in which he the time of attaining his majority and has has so long made his home and in which been an efficient worker in its cause. He is he conducts an important real estate and loan a member of the First Methodist Episcopal business. church and fraternally is identified with the George W. Kennedy in a native of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Keystone state, having been born at Silver the Royal Arcanum and the Jackson Lake, Susquehanna county, on the 2d of Feb- Schwaben Verein, while he is also a member ruary, 1820, and being a son of Frederick GEORGE W. KENNEDY. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 833 A. and Margaret (Tipper) Kennedy, the ing ten years, when, in 1831, they emigrated former of whom was born in Brighton, Eng- to the territory of Michigan. In Macon land, in 1785, while his wife was likewise township, Lenawee county, Mr. Kennedy a native of the “right little, tight little isle," purchased a tract of government land, the , where she was born in 1783, their marriage same being in the midst of the primeval for- having been solemnized in Marlebone est, and here he erected his rude and prim- church, London, in 1809. In the spring of itive log cabin, whose only door for some 1817 Frederick A. Kennedy emigrated to time was that supplied by an overhanging America, embarking on the sailing vessel quilt , sawed lumber for the purpose being “Mary Ann," and twelve weeks elapsed ere unobtainable. He began the reclamation of the boat dropped anchor in the port of the his land and endured the hardships and pri- city of New York. On the morning before vations characteristic of the pioneer days, sailing the captain of the vessel stated that while his first crops of wheat were threshed if any desired to return to land for provi- out with oxen, a floor sixteen feet square sions or other supplies, a boat would be fur- being constructed for this purpose, while the nished them, and among the twenty-one per- nearest markets were Detroit and Monroe. sons who availed themselves of this priv- On this pioneer homestead the parents con- ilege was Mr. Kennedy. When the sailing tinued to reside until 1857, when they came boat returned with its passengers from the to Jackson county, whither George W. had shore the bow of the boat ran on to the cable preceded them, and thereafter resided in of the “Mary Ann" and was overturned. Jackson, until the close of their long and ” Mr. Kennedy succeeded in grasping a rope useful lives, the mother having been sum- which was attached to the vessel, and en- moned into eternal rest in 1869, while her deavored to reach its stern, but was so husband passed to his reward, in the full- hampered by others who were struggling ness of years and well earned honors, in in the water and who clung to him that he 1871. 1871. Mr. Kennedy was a man of fine in- finally fell back exhausted and was carried tellectuality and exalted integrity of char- away by the current, later being picked up acter, and ever commanded the confidence by a coaling.vessel, which returned him to and high regard of all with whom he came the “Mary Ann” after he had been resus- in contact, and wielded a beneficent influence citated, and it finally transpired that he and in the communities in which he lived. He one other were the only ones saved of the was a member of the state legislature in twenty-one who were in the capsized boat. 1850, this assembly having been the second After his arrival he remained in New York to be held at Lansing, to which place the city about two years, his wife having joined capital had been removed from Detroit. He him in 1818. In the following year they was a stanch adherent of the Democratic removed Silver Lake, Pennsylvania, party and was one of its prominent workers where Mr. Kennedy engaged in farming in the state in the early days. He received until 1821, when he removed with his fam- good educational advantages in his native ily to Lodi, Seneca county, New York, | land, where he learned the trade of cooper, where they made their home for the follow- | his father having followed the plan of ap- to 53 834 , JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. prenticing each of his sons to some trade ceived his early educational training in the at the age of fourteen years, believing that common schools. At the age mentioned he thus they would be the better prepared to accompanied his parents on their removal face the responsibilities of life. At the time to the wilds of Michigan, and was reared when he emigrated to America the English to maturity on the pioneer homestead, in law prescribed it a misdemeanor for a me- Lenawee county, doing his part in the re- a chanic to leave the county, and in order to claiming of the land and in its subsequent forfend difficulty Mr. Kennedy concealed cultivation. He waxed strong in mind and his indenture papers on a cord tied about his body under the sturdy discipline involved, neck at the time of taking his departure. while he continued his educational work in His father, James Kennedy, a man of abil- the schools of the locality and period and ity and erudition, served as tutor to King also by private application. As a young George IV when the latter was a lad and man he worked at farming on shares and holding the title of Prince of Wales. There also taught in the district schools, being thus is particular consistency in incorporating in engaged in Lenawee county until the spring this article a reproduction of a letter written of 1849, when he came to Jackson county. by James Kennedy to his son Frederick, In Hanover township he purchased a farm, about two years after the latter's locating in the major portion of which had been cleared the United States, since the letter is not only and placed under cultivation, but at that indicatory of the sterling character of the time was badly run down, the fields being grandsire, but also breathes a spirit of true overgrown with horse sorrel, while the im- humanitarianism and of definite appreciation provements were notable only from their of the great American republic which it was absence. Mr. Kennedy and wife took up never his good fortune to visit. their abode in the log house on the place, BRIGHTON, ENGLAND, Sept. 27, 1818. which continued to serve as their home for fifteen years, within which time he had You now feel what liberty does; you acknowledge wrought marvelous changes in the farm, that it is the real source of happiness. Plenty and which he developed into one of the finest every virtue spring from it. Without it map is degraded. Sow the principles of it in the minds of your children; properties in the county. In 1858 he erected teach them to defend the government of America, which the commodious and substantial brick resi- has opened its bosom to their father, given him bread dence which ' still ornaments the estate, and even affluence; teach them hatred to tyrants who while all other buildings were in harmony oppose man; who look upon the industrious mechanic as their slave. May Providence cause America always therewith, everything giving evidence of to prosper; may her fleets and armies prove victorious thrift and prosperity and indicating that the over those of suffering Europe. If ever America is attacked, always be ready to fight her battles, and as proprietor was a man of energy and pro- you are an adopted son, show the natural-born sons that gressive policy. Mr. Kennedy brought to - you are not inferior to them. That man alone is a hero bear strict business principles in the conduct who falls in defending the liberty of man. Affectionately yours, of his farm, studying as to means and meth- JAMES KENNEDY. ods and availing himself of improved ma- George W. Kennedy was reared to the chinery and implements, thus gaining the age of eleven in New York, where he re- maximum returns from the efforts put forth. DEAR FREDERICK: JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 835 He was the first in the township to pur- tion, so that marked discrimination and ex- chase a mower and reaper, the first to secure ecutive ability were demanded in adjusting a grain drill, the first to utilize a farm bell its affairs in such a way as to protect the and in the forefront in adopting other mod- best interests of the heirs and meet the just ern improvements and accessories. He in- obligations. That Mr. Kennedy has suc- troduced the cultivation of clover in the ceeded admirably in the accomplishment of township and was the first to use land plas- this task is evident when we advert to the ter for fertilizing purposes. In 1864 Mr. fact that he has wiped out the entire amount Kennedy disposed of his farm and removed of the indebtedness resting on the estate and to Jackson. Here he engaged in the selling so conserved the incidental resources as to of agricultural implements and machinery, retain a handsome property entirely unen- while he also conducted and gave a general cumbered. This was undoubtedly one of supervision to a farm in Blackman town- the largest and most involved estates ever ship, the same being located three miles north handled by an executor in the county, and of the city. To these enterprises he success- the fidelity and discrimination which Mr. fully devoted his attention until 1870 when Kennedy has brought to bear mark him as he established himself in the fire and life in- one of the most discerning and capable of surance business, becoming the representa- business men, while he has gained high com- tive of fourteen leading companies and build- mendation for his efforts in the connection. ing up one of the most important agencies He is personally the owner of valuable real and becoming one of the largest underwrit- estate in the city and also makes a specialty ers in this section of the state. He continued of extending financial loans on approved in this enterprise for twenty years, but since real-estate security, being an excellent judge December, 1890, the major portion of his of values and having dealt largely in real- time and attention have been demanded in estate, both individually and in the handling connection with the affairs of the estate of of the properties belonging to the Hibbard the late Daniel B. Hibbard, one of the best estate. . He erected the Kennedy block, a known of Jackson county's pioneers. Mr. fine three-story brick structure, on Cortland Kennedy was appointed executor and trustee street, and is also the owner of a number of of this estate, which showed an inventory residence properties which he rents. of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, From the time of attaining his majority with liabilities amounting to one hundred Mr. Kennedy has given an unequivocal al- and thirteen thousand dollars, the latter legiance to the Democratic party, in whose amount being represented in mortgages of cause he has ever taken a lively and patent ninety-six thousand dollars and a floating interest. He cast his first vote in 1841 and indebtedness of seventeen thousand. Mr. his first presidential ballot was deposited in Hibbard had been one of the largest real support of James K. Polk. At the age of estate holders in Jackson and had done more twenty-one he was made township officer, than probably any other one man for the up- and after locating in Hanover township he building of the city, and at his death his es- was retained constantly in some official ca- tate was left in a very complicated condi- pacity until his removal to Jackson, when he 836 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. decided to "swear off," as he expresses it, sioner, justice of the peace, and school in- upon office-holding, but less than six months spector, and during the administrations of later a vacancy occurred in the city council Presidents Pierce and Buchanan he held and he was appointed to fill the same, as a the office of postmaster in the village of Han- representative of the fourth ward, serving over, retaining this incumbency for a period two years. He was a candidate for the legis- of eight years. His religious faith is that of lature in 1860, but met the defeat that at- the Unitarian church, in whose affairs he tended the party ticket in general in this has taken a most prominent part, having section of the state. His brother Frederick His brother Frederick been chairman of the meeting in which was served as a member of the legislature in organized the first Unitarian society in the 1846, the capital being at that time the city city of Jackson, and he has ever since been of Detroit, while he was likewise elected as almost continuously identified with this a representative of the Democracy. Ex- church in an official capacity. Mr. Kennedy Governor Austin Blair, who passed the ma- is an appreciative member of the Masonic jor portion of his life in Jackson, being fraternity with which he has been identi- one of its most distinguished citizens, was fied for more than half a century, being af- a member of the lower house of the same filiated with Michigan Lodge No. 50, and assembly and was the youngest man in that Jackson Chapter No. 4, having passed the body. Mr. Kennedy is a man of gracious capitular degrees in 1857. In 1847 he be- and genial personality, is well known came identified with the Independent Order throughout Jackson county and is honored of Odd Fellows, and he is now affiliated and revered as one of its sterling pioneer with Jackson Lodge No. 4. citizens. Though he is an octogenarian, he In the village of Ridgeway, Lenawee retains the vigor and alertness of a man county, on the 24th of April, 1849, Mr. many years his junior and his idle moments Kennedy was united in marriage to Miss are few and far between. He enjoys social Ann E. Russell, who was born in Arcadia, life and has gathered about him a coterie Wayne county, New York, on the 24th of of devoted friends, while one of his favor- | April, 1827, being a daughter of Abijah and ite diversions is a keen game of cribbage, Naomi (Eggleston) Russell, natives respect- many a rubber standing to his credit in this ively of New Jersey and Connecticut. The line. For six years he served as secretary | family came to Michigan in the year 1831, and treasurer of the Jackson County Agri- being numbered among the first settlers at cultural Society and for twelve years was Petersburg, Monroe county. Mr. Russell treasurer of the Jackson County Horse was a valiant soldier in the war of 1812 and Breeders' Association. While a resident of was one of those who materially assisted in Hanover township he was called upon to the cutting through of the road from To- serve in various positions of public trust, ledo to Petersburg. He and his wife both as has been before intimated. He was su- . died in Lenawee county. Mr. and Mrs. pervisor of the township at the time of his Kennedy became the parents of two children, removal to Jackson, while he had previously Ella, who married Wilfred M. Dodge, of served as township clerk, highway commis- ' Summit township, and who died December JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 837 25, 1893, and Charles H., who died in the county he devoted his attention almost ex- city of Jackson, in 1886, at the age of thirty clusively to agriculture, which calling he years. Mrs. Kennedy entered into eternal prosecuted quite successfully until acquiring rest on the 16th of April, 1891, having held a competency. He lived an honorable life, a the love and esteem of all who knew her and took an active interest in the material prog- having proved a true helpmeet to her hus- ress of his adopted state and died a number band during the long years of their married of years ago on the land which he reclaimed life. On the 22d of March, 1893, Mr. Ken- from its original wilderness solitude, his nedy married Mrs. Martha A. (French) good wife also dying on the same place. Stimson, of Jackson. She had two chil- Among the children of James Taylor dren by her first marriage, namely: Harriet, was a son by the name of James, who was who is the wife of Henry J. Davis, of Jack- born near Rochester, New York, and who son, and Frank F., who resides in the city when a young man accompanied his parents of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, being an expert to Michigan. He remained with his father bookkeeper and accountant. until the latter's death, after which he pur- chased land of his own and addressed him- self to the task of its improvement. His place was heavily timbered and much hard CORNELIUS J. TAYLOR. work was required to reduce it to cultiva- tion, but in due season the forest disap- Any compendium of Jackson county's peared and a fine farm rewarded his efforts. representative citizens would be incomplete Mr. Taylor made his home on this farm without specific reference to the life and until 1876, when he traded it for a farm character of the successful farmer and stock of one hundred and sixty-eight acres, on raiser of Blackman township whose name which he made his home until 1893, when appears at the head of this review. Cor- he rented it out and removed on a small nelius J. Taylor is a native of Michigan, farm adjoining, where he still resides. In but traces his genealogy back to an early pe- the spring of 1903 he disposed of his farm riod in the history of New York, in which and purchased the one on which he lives. state his ancestors, paternal and maternal, Mr. Taylor has long been one of the lead- settled many years ago. James Taylor, his ing men of his township and for several grandfather, a native of that common- years served as trustee of the same, besides wealth, migrated to Michigan some time in filling various other local positions. He is the 'forties and for several years there highly esteemed for his sterling worth, after lived in Detroit and Wayne county, which has given him much more than or- moving about 1850 to the county of Jack- dinary prestige among his fellow citizens son and settling in Rives township, where and, though independent in politics, the peo- , he purchased a tract of woodland from tract of woodland from ple irrespective of party lent him their sup- which in due time he developed a good farm. port whenever he was a candidate for office. Before coming west he worked at the shoe- Having acquired sufficient means to render maker's trade, but after settling in this / his declining years comfortable and free 838 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. from care, he is now practically retired, Flora B. Wilbur, of this county, an intelli- resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his gent and estimable lady to whom he was former toil. happily married on December 1, of that The maiden name of Mrs. James Taylor year, the union proving in every respect was Polly Ann Post, a native of Michigan, agreeable and fortunate. Not long after who has borne her husband nine children, their marriage the subject and wife set up as follows: Jane, deceased; Cornelius J.; their domestic establishment in Rives of this review ; Eugene, a business man of township, but at the expiration of about one Mason, this state, dealing in agricultural im- year moved to a farm of eighty acres in the plements and farm machinery; Mercy Ann, township of Blackman, which Mr. Taylor wife of L. Bartholf, a farmer of Rives town- rented and resided on about three years, ship; Frank, a mechanic engaged in con- then moved on a farm of eighty-three struction work on the Michigan Central Rail- acres in the same township, which he had road, with his home in Jackson; Joseph, a purchased the year previous, and on which farmer and stock raiser of this county ; Sa- they have since resided. As an energetic, mantha, wife of Fred T. True, of Rives enterprising and thoroughly up-to-date township; Marvin, deceased, and Claribel, agriculturist Mr. Taylor has displayed who married Wilford Fellows, a resident of sound intelligence and judgment of a high Rives township, and a farmer by occupation. order, as is attested by the splendid im- The birth of Cornelius J. Taylor dates provements he has made and his acquisition from February 20, 1858, and he first saw of additional valuable real estate from time the light of day on the family homestead in to time. In 1889 he built a good, commo- Rives township, Jackson county. At the dious dwelling and supplied it with all the proper age he entered the public schools of comforts and conveniences calculated to the neighborhood and attended the same make rural life pleasant and desirable and until a youth in his latter teens, his record in 1902 erected a large barn, which in size, while pursuing his studies earning for him design and completeness in all its parts is the reputation of a close and diligent stu- conceded to be one of the finest and most dent. Young Taylor's practical training on sightly edifices of its kind in the county. the farm proved greatly beneficial in fos- The structure is thirty-four by seventy feet tering those habits of industry which have in dimensions, with proportionate height, served him so well since severing the ties of the interior admirably arranged to meet the home and engaging in the struggle of life several purposes for which intended, the for himself. He remained with his parents floors being laid with the best of cement, until his majority and shortly thereafter every feature of the building bespeaking not went to the lumber region of northern only complete workmanship but a very high Michigan, where for a limited time he led order of modern architecture. a life of strenuous endeavor as a timberman, A few years after purchasing his farm his duties being of various kinds, but all ac- Mr. Taylor increased its area by the addition tive and onerous. In 1880 he chose a com- a of an adjoining forty acres and in the spring panion and helpmeet in the person of Miss of 1902 another like amount was bought, JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 839 making the area at the present time one and most entitled to public confidence, al- hundred and sixty-three acres, of which ways in such matters relying upon his own one hundred and twenty are in cultivation. judgment instead of consulting the opinions Sufficient has already been said concerning or plans of others. Notwithstanding his dis- this farm and its improvements to justify like of place-seeking he has at different the opinion that there are few as fine places times filled various minor official positions, in this part of the state and none finer, a in one of which, as member of the school fact which at once places the proprietor in board, his services were especially valuable the very front rank of those engaged in the and greatly appreciated by the community. useful and time-honored calling of hus- Mr. Taylor's profound religious convictions bandry. Mr. Taylor devotes his attention have crystalized into a life of consecrated . to general farming and raises abundant service to God and humanity and at all times crops of all the grains, vegetables, fruits, his words and actions are in harmony with etc., grown in this latitude, besides giving the faith and belief to which he adheres. not a little of his time to live stock, in the He holds membership with the Baptist raising of which his success has long been church and is one of the leading workers and assured. He is progressive in all his under- liberal financial supporters of local congre- takings, exceedingly careful and methodical gations to which he belongs; religious move- in his business affairs and has an honorablements and enterprises outside the above de- reputation as a sound, conservative finan- | nomination also have his sanction and ma- cier. In the social world he occupies a de- terial encouragement and he never hesi- servedly honorable place, though unobtru- tates to lend his influence and worthy means sive in his relations with his fellow men, de- for the social and moral advancement of his siring always to be known and appreciated kind. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor by his actions and wholesome influence. is cheered by the presence of two children rather than by thrusting himself into con- in whom are centered many fond hopes for spicuous situations. Personally he enjoys the future, namely, Wilbur Fay and Vesta no small degree of popularity; his friend- Belle. ships are firm and loyal and he aims to dis- Mrs. Taylor is the daughter of Edmund charge his duty, public and private, in such S. and Delila (Davis) Wilbur, the father a a way as to merit the confidence and good native of New York, the mother born in will of his fellow citizens, when he can do Ohio. When a boy Mr. Wilbur so without compromising his manly dignity; brought to Michigan by his parents, his fa- otherwise he does what he considers right, ther, Samuel Wilbur, having been one of the , regardless of what society may say or think. early settlers of Jackson county. Samuel In his political adherency Mr. Taylor is a Wilbur cleared a farm in Rives township Democrat, but, like his father before him, and lived on the same until his death, his refuses to be curbed by party lines or bow wife also dying at the same place a number in submission to the behest of partisan lead- of years ago. Edward S. Wilbur and wife, , ership. In local affairs he generally sup- who still reside in the above township, are ports the candidate best qualified for office | highly esteemed and much beloved by a was 840 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. large circle of friends and acquaintances, acres of land in Blackman township, the the family having long held a leading place same being a portion of his present fine in the community. Their three children are farm, which now comprises ninety acres. , Clara D., wife of Eugene Taylor, of Ma- He has made excellent improvements on the son, this state; Flora B., who married the place, having erected good buildings, and he subject of this sketch, and Homer E., a gives his attention to diversified agriculture, farmer living in Rives township. while he has attained success through his well-directed efforts and is known as one of the substantial and progressive farmers of the township. His wife died on the old GEORGE H. MURRAY. homestead, in June, 1896. They became the parents of four children, namely: William, The pursuits of life are as varied as are who is still living in the city of Saginaw, the tastes and capacities of men, and it is Michigan, where he is general agent for the interesting and useful to observe the degree McCormick Harvesting Machine Company, of their assimilation. Among those promi- He married Miss Victoria Oulett and they nently identified with the great basic art of have three children. George H., subject of agriculture in Blackman township, Jackson this sketch, was the next in order of birth. county, is Mr. Murray, who is a native sor Paul, who married Miss Mary Miller, who of the county and a representative of one of has borne to him three children, is a sales - its sterling families, his parents having here man in the city of Detroit. Agnes remains taken up their residence nearly forty years on the old homestead with her father and ago. has charge of the household affairs. George H. Murray was born on the old George H. Murray received his educa- homestead farm in Blackman townhip, on tional discipline in the public schools of the the 13th of December, 1867, being a son of county and continued to assist his father in Patrick and Abbie (Kalliher) Murray, both the work of the home farm until 1897, of whom were born in Bandon, county when he purchased his present attractive Cork, Ireland, where they were reared. and well-improved farm, known as the When Patrick Murray was but a boy his Gunn place and comprising one hundred father died, and at the age of eighteen years and twenty acres, in sections 4 and 5, Black- 5, he left the Emerald Isle and emigrated to man township. Within the same year Mr. America. He took up his residence in the Murray erected his present attractive and city of Boston, where he was employed for modern residence, which is eighteen by a time at the shoemaking trade, and subse- | twenty-six feet in dimensions, with two quently came to Michigan and located in the wings, each of which is sixteen feet square, , village of Chelsea, Washtenaw county, while he has also made many other im- where he was engaged in the work of his provements on the place, which is now trade of shoemaker about eight years, at one of the valuable farms of the county. the expiration of which, in 1866, he came In March, 1903, Mr. Murray added twen- to Jackson county and purchased forty ty acres to his original purchase, making JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 841 his landed estate at the present time one cessful and popular teacher, having been for hundred and forty acres. He carries on ten years engaged in teaching in the West general farming and also raises large quan- Side school in the city of Jackson. The sub- tities of fruit, while his success has been the ject and his wife have no children. diametrical result of assiduous application and good management. He has passed his entire life in this township, where he is well known and where he retains uniform confi- JOHN MCCRUM. dence and esteem, being one of the popular young men of the community, and showing The Irish element in America's national at all times a deep interest in all that touches life has contributed much to the country's the general welfare. In politics he accords material prosperity, being felt as a potential. a stanch allegiance to the Democratic party, force along industrial, commercial and agri- and while not an office-seeker, his services cultural lines, to say nothing of the im- have been enlisted in the cause of local edu-- portant place it occupies in the arts and cation and he has been a member of the sciences and its influence in religious and school board of his district for the past six educational circles and in the domain of poli- years. He and his wife are communicants tics. The generous, warm-hearted, sunny- of St. John's church, Roman Catholic, in natured sons of Erin are everywhere in evi- the city of Jackson. dence, and wherever found their industry is On the 2d of August, 1897, Mr. Murray marked, their loyalty beyond question and was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. their wit and good humor proverbial. A fine Dunham, who was born in the city of Phila- representative of this sturdy nationality is delphia, Pennsylvania, being a daughter of found in John McCrum, of Blackman town- William, and Catherine (De Vinne) Dun- ship, a successful farmer and estimable citi- ham, the former of whom was born in Ba- zen whom to know is to respect. In his veins tavia, New York, while the latter is a native flows not only the blood of a long line of of the north of Ireland, whence she came Irish ancestors, but also the red tide of with her parents to America when a child. Scotch antecedents, his paternal grandfa- They came to Jackson county in 1878, lo- ther, James McCrum, being of the latter na- cating in the village of Concord, where Mr. tionality. When a young man, James Mc- Dunham was engaged in the insurance busi- Crum left his native city of Glasgow, and ness until his death, which occurred in 1890. went to Ireland, where he reared a family His widow now resides in the city of Jack- and spent the remainder of his days, dying a son. They became the parents of four chil- number of years ago. His son James, fa- dren, namely: Mary A. (Mrs. Murray); (Mrs. Murray); ther of the subject, was born and reared in Catherine is a resident of Albion, Michi- the Emerald Isle and there married Miss gan, and Evelyn and Clarence, who reside Margaret Armstrong, whose family for sev- in Jackson. Mrs. Murray is a young wo- eral generations had lived in county Mona- man of marked culture and gracious pres- | ghan. ghan. In early life James McCrum learned ence, and prior to her marriage was a suc-- weaving, which trade he followed in the 842 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. above county until 1864 when he bid adieu Lizzie, wife of Richard Green, of Napoleon to the land of his nativity for the purpose of township, and John, whose name introduces finding a home in the United States. After this sketch. remaining a short time in the city of New In county Monaghan, Ireland, on the 8th York he came to Jackson county, Michigan, day of April, 1852, occurred the birth of and settled in Tompkins township where he John McCrum, to a brief review of whose purchased one hundred acres of land, but life the reader's attention is herewith invited. , little of which had been cleared or otherwise He spent his childhood amid the quiet scenes improved. Like the majority of his neigh- and gentle influences of his native place and bors, he was obliged to live in the rude log when old enough was obliged to bear his cabin common to this part of the state in the part towards supporting his parents, who early days, and undergo the usual vicissi- were in poor circumstances and little able tudes and hardships to which the people were to give him the educational advantages which then subjected, the meantime laboring with the majority of boys enjoy. At the age of might and main to improve his land and pro- twelve he looked for the last time on the land vide comfortably for his family. After re- of his birth and, with his parents, started for siding on the above place two years and re- the new home and the new destiny in a coun- ducing a goodly portion of the land to till- try abounding in better opportunities than age, he sold out and for about one year the Emerald Isle afforded. Young Mc- rented a farin in the same locality. At the Crum's early experiences in Michigan were expiration of that time he moved to what is fraught with hard work, varied occasionally known as the Captain Doyle farm in the biy attendance at the public schools. He township of Rives and there lived as a renter remained with his parents until about for several years, afterwards, with his son twenty-three years old and proved a valu- George, purchasing eighty acres of land in able help to them, much of the labor of the the township where he originally settled. farm falling to him after his older brothers Mr. McCrum died on the latter place in left home to begin life for themselves. In the month of July, 1876, and in July, 1899, 1875 he too began the struggle upon his own his good wife was also called to the silent responsibility and the better to enable him to land, both leaving to their descendants the succeed he entered the marriage relation that memory of kindly deeds and useful lives. To year with Miss Emma L. Kinne, of Living- James and Margaret McCrum eight chil- ston county, Michigan, daughter of Nathan dren were born, namely: William, who re- and Betsey (Dey) Kinne, natives respect- sides in the city of Jackson; Anna, wife of ively of Seneca county, New York, and James Dickson, of Liberty township, this Tioga county, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. county: James, a miner in far-away Aus- Kinne moved to Livingston county, Mich- tralia ; George, a farmer of Tompkins town- igan, in 1853, and eleven years later changed ship; Jane, who married James Price, of their abode from that part of the state to the Eaton county, Michigan; Margaret, now county of Jackson, settling in Tompkins Mrs. Robert Dickson, of Liberty township; township, where the father died October 27, JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 843 1899. Mrs. Kinne is still living, making her tests the energy and success with which his home since her husband's death with Mr. labors have been prosecuted and his busi- and Mrs. McCrum. ness affairs managed. His integrity is the During the ten years following his mar- sterling kind that successfully bears the test riage Mr. McCrum followed the pursuit of of severe criticism, his character has always agriculture in Rives township, but in March, been unassailable and his good name, which 1877, bought the Van Alstine farm of eighty he prizes far above any mere material acres in the township of Blackman and on wealth, gives him marked prestige in the this he has since lived and prospered. When community as a neighbor, friend and citizen. he took possession the place was rough and He supports the Republican party and at little improved, the dwelling being an old different times has been honored with local and considerably dilapidated log cabin of the offices, but he has no ambition in this di- pioneer period, while the partially cleared rection to gratify. His fraternal relations land was full of stumps and very difficult to are with the Knights of the Maccabees, till. The changes that have been made on Lodge No. 868, and in religion he subscribes the place within the last twenty-eight years to the Baptist faith, his wife also being a are truly remarkable and bear eloquent testi- faithful and devoted communicant of that mony to the untiring industry, determined church. In the social circles of their neigh- energy, and successful management of a borhood Mr. and Mrs. McCrum are weli man who addresses himself to an undertak- known and much respected and it is emi- ing only to carry it to completion. Mr. Mc- nently fitting that they be classed with the Crum has greatly extended the area of his hospitable and popular people of the town- cultivable soil and the splendid condition of ship in which they reside. Their domestic his fields, fences, dwelling, barns and other life is happy, their home all that doting pa- outbuildings, together with the presence of rents and loving children, with mutual in- fine live stock and implements and machinery terests at heart, can make it, and their in- of the latest and most approved make, to say fluence, always wholesome and salutary, has , nothing of the good taste displayed through- made their presence a continuous good to out the entire premises, speak well for him all with whom they come in contact. Of as a man thoroughly in touch with the times their four children all but one are living, the in all matters relating to modern agriculture. deceased being Henry, the oldest of the The present residence, a fine and comfortable number, who departed this life November frame structure, erected in 1883, is one of 14, 1882, when five years of age. The the best farm dwellings in Blackman town- others are Blanche L., Homer K. and ship, and it is not presuming too much to Vera E. claim for the place a favorable comparison with the most beautiful and attractive rural WARREN THORPE. homes in the county of Jackson. Mr. McCrum has always been a tiller of All are workers in the great vineyard of the soil and his present independent circum- achievement if they but live up to their po- stances, with the comfortable surplus laid tentialities, and all such contribute to the up against the proverbial “rainy day," at- progress of our intellectual or industrial life. 844 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. In view of this fact it can not be denied that chased one hundred acres in Rives township, a distinctive value attaches to contemporary and on that place he was residing at the time biography, for the history of every com- of his death, which occurred on the roth of munity is written in the lives of its people. January, 1896, at which time he was eighty- A compilation of this nature exercises im- six years of age. . His loved and devoted portant functions in that it touches those wife was summoned into the life eternal on who have made definite accomplishment in the 6th of April, 1888, at the age of seventy- all fields of human endeavor, while no record eight years. Both were consistent and de- is entered that does not bear its quota of les- voted members of the Methodist Episcopal son and incentive. He to whom this brief church, and in his political proclivities he sketch is dedicated is numbered among the was a stanch supporter of the Democratic representative farmers and dairymen of party, though never an aspirant for public Jackson county, and his “Meadow Farm office. While residing in Ohio he was for a Dairy” is a model in the line and through his number of years a captain in the state mil- enterprise in this field of industry Mr. itia. He and his wife held the unmitigateci . Thorpe has attained a high reputation and confidence and regard of the community in built up a large and important business. Mr. which so many years of their lives were Thorpe is a native son of the old Buckeye passed and they were well known in Jack- state, having been born near the city of son county. Of their twelve children the Cleveland, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, on the following is a brief record. Melissa is a 31st of December, 1841, and being a son resident of Erie county, Ohio; Jason and of Phares and Mary (Bell) Thorpe, the for- Mary are deceased ; Harriet resides in Black- mer of whom was born in the state of New man township, Jackson county; Angeline York and the latter in Connecticut. The resides in Pennsylvania; Warren is the im- paternal grandparent of the subject re- mediate subject of this sketch; George moved with his family to Cuyahoga county, maintains his home in Ionia county, this Ohio, in a very early day, as is evident state; John is a resident of the city of De- when we revert to the fact that he erected troit; Giles resides in Ionia county; Alice the first frame dwelling in what is now the makes her home in Blackman township; beautiful city of Cleveland. He and his Walter is engaged in farming on the old wife passed the remainder of their lives in homestead in Rives township, and Alice that county. As a young man Phares (ist) died in infancy. Thorpe took up a tract of land in Orange Warren Thorpe, the immediate subject township, that county, where he improved a of this sketch, was reared and educated in fine farm and where he continued to reside Cuyahoga county, Ohio, where he had the until 1861, when he disposed of the prop- advantages afforded by the public schools. erty and came to Michigan, locating in He was in his sixteenth year at the time of Blackman township, Jackson county, where the family removal to Jackson county, and he purchased a quarter section of land, the here he remained at the parental home until same being the present homestead of his son, the time of his marriage, at the age of the subject of this sketch. He also pur- | twenty-three years, after which he located JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 845 on the Smith farm, in section 4, Blackman of his district and also served as treasurer of township, where he remained one year, at the same. Fraternally he is identified with the expiration of which he took up his abode Pleasant Lake Lodge No. 85, Free and Ac- on his present fine homestead, in section 2, cepted Masons. Mr. Thorpe's first marriage same township, the same comprising the was to Miss Mary Brown, who was born in original quarter section purchased by his Rives township, this county, being a daugh- father in 1861. This was known as the ter of Anthony Brown, who came here from Shipman place and the improvements on the Pennsylvania, and here passed the remain- farm, which are of substantial and attract- der of his life, Mr. Brown becoming one of ive order, were made by Mr. Thorpe, who the representative farmers of the township has shown a most progressive spirit and has mentioned. To Mr. Thorpe's union with bent his energies to his farming enterprise Miss Brown four sons were born, namely: with that discrimination and good judg- Anthony, who is engaged in farming in ment whose natural concomitant is definite Blackman township, Blackman township, being still a bachelor; ; success. On the farm are raised the various Elmer, who is a cabinetmaker by trade, re- products common to this section and best sides in the city of Jackson. He married adapted to the soil and climate, and in 1893 Miss Eveline Henry and they have two chil- Mr. Thorpe established the Meadow Farm dren; Frank, who is an artist by profession, Dairy, which he has developed into one of and resides in Jackson, married Miss Dollie the most important enterprises of the sort Fisk; Phares, who likewise resides in Jack- in the county, keeping an average herd of son, is there engaged in the dairy business, about thirty-five milch cows of graded Dur- as an associate of his father. The mother ham breed, while he has a number of thor- of these children died when they were quite oughbred cows and keeps his stock up to young, and on the 27th of October, 1900, the highest standard of productiveness Mr. Thorpe chose for a second companion through effective cross-breeding. The dairy Mrs. Jennie McDonald, having remained a is supplied with the most modern acces- widower a number of years after his first sories and facilities, and the utmost care is wife's death. given to the maintaining of perfect sanitary conditions and absolute cleanliness, so that the products, as served to a large and con- ADELBERT W. DWELLE. stantly increasing patronage in the city of Jackson, meet with high appreciation. Like his father, Adelbert W. Dwelle has Mr. Thorpe takes a lively interest in all been an important factor in connection with that concerns the welfare of the community the agricultural industry in his native coun- and has been prominent in township affairs. ty, in which he has not only attained a high He gives his allegiance to the Democratic degree of success, but has also been called party and has served in local offices of trust, upon to serve in positions of trust and re- including those of justice of the peace and sponsibility, being at the present time drain commissioner, while for a number of sheriff of the county. sheriff of the county. His administration years he was a member of the school board has been one of signal discrimination and 846 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ability and in the shrievalty he has made a of this sketch ; Milton W. is a representative record which redounds to his credit as an farmer of Grass Lake township; and Flora officer and to the prestige of Jackson county is the wife of William K. Crafts, of Grass as a law-abiding community. His election Lake. . to the office is significant of the estimate of Adelbert W. Dwelle was reared to the his integrity and ability by the people, and no sturdy discipline of the homestead and re- further endorsement need be entered as in- ceived the advantages of the public schools. dicating the confidence and esteem in which He began farming in 1872, and in he is uniformly held. 1885 he secured another farm one mile Mr. Dwelle was born in Grass Lake, on east of the village of Grass Lake, and of the 27th of July, 1850, being the third in a this fine property, which comprises two family of six children, of whom five are still hundred and nine acres, he still owns one living at the present time. He is a son of hundred and twenty-eight acres and also Michael and Emeline L. (Hobart) Dwelle, sixty acres some miles distant. Mr. Dwelle the former of whom was born in Gorham, has ever been a stanch adherent of the Re- Ontario county, New York, in 1821. In publican party, and has manifested a lively 1844 they came to Michigan, settling in interest in its cause. Of his career as a Grass Lake, where Mr. Dwelle was engaged public officer the following quotation from in agriculture until 1882, when he took up an article published in a Jackson paper his residence in the village of Grass Lake, makes reference, while in the same incident- where lie lived retired until his death, which al reference is made to his early life and he occurred on the 31st of January, 1889. He labors: “From a barefoot boy assisting his was the owner of a fine farm of five hundred father in driving cattle to Grass Lake, and twenty-four acres in Grass Lake town- whence they were shipped to market, Mr. ship and enjoyed the esteem and friendship Dwelle has come to be the holder of the of all residents of the community. At the highest office in the gift of the people of time of his death he was vice-president of Jackson county. Last November, when he the Farmers' Bank in Grass Lake. His po- was re-elected sheriff, he led every man litical allegiance was given to the Repub- for whom the people voted in the county, lican party and fraternally he was identified receiving the remarkable plurality of sixteen with the Masonic order. His parents were hundred. As a young man he knew what Lemuel and Levina (Francisco) Dwelle, hardships were and, indeed, he has gained both natives of New York, where they the fruitage of the strenuous life. It was passed their entire lives. He was married not uncommon for him when twelve years on the 29th of October, 1845, to Miss Eme- of age to ride horseback twenty or more line Hobart, and of their children the fol-miles into the country and there begin to pick lowing brief data is offered: James L. is a up cattle which his father had purchased successful farmer in the territory of Ari- and, walking the greater part of the distance, zona; Alice S. is the wife of W. H. Hill, drive the cattle along the partially fenced a manufacturing chemist of Detroit, Mich- highway to the village of Grass Lake. igan; Adelbert W. is the immediate subject | These experiences tried the mettle of the . JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 847 boy and he became a man of self-confidence, member of the Eastern Star for a number fearless in the handling of any reasonable of years, while in 1892 he was admitted to proposition. He became one of the stanch the Knights of the Maccabees. farmers of Grass Lake township and yet he found time to look after the wants of his neighbors in the capacity of auctioneer. He also bought stock and shipped from Grass JOHN WALTZ. Lake for many years, and he is today con- sidered one of the best stockmen in the Among the men whose sterling charac- county. For years he was too busy to heed ter commanded the respect of his contempo- the pressure brought to bear upon him by raries and who achieved success through his his friends in the matter of running for own efforts was the subject of this review, office. He did act for several years as a who was numbered among the pioneers of member of the board of review of his town- this section of the state of Michigan and ship and finally, in 1899, consented to be who was for more than thirty years num- come a candidate for the office of supervisor, bered among the honored and represent- being elected by a rousing majority. He ative farmers of Blackman township, this was re-elected the next year and in the sum- county, his death occurring on the old mer of the same year was nominated for homestead, on the 23d of May, 1896. sheriff by the Republican party. His re- John Waltz was born in Wurtemberg, election is the best proof that his service Germany, on the 22d of October, 1831, be- as sheriff has been entirely satisfactory to ing a son of Christopher and Barbara the people. His administration was given (Lehmann) Waltz, who were likewise a signal indorsement by the re-election, in natives of that place, where he was engaged 1902." in farming until 1853, when the family On the oth of October, 1875, Mr. emigrated to America, landing in the city Dwelle was united in marriage to Miss of New York, whence they came westward Orcelia J. Welch, who was born in the vil- and located in Washtenaw county, Michi-, lage of Grass Lake, on the lith of July, gan, where Christopher Waltz was num- 11th 1 1857, being a daughter of James and bered among the pioneer farmers. There Susan (Taylor) Welch, and of this union the family continued to reside until 1866, have been born seven children, namely: when they disposed of their property in that Frank A., Edith A., Walter J., Alton W.. county and came over into Jackson county, Harold E., Cleora M. and Ruth 0. Fra- where John Waltz, the subject, purchased ternally the genial sheriff is a member of one hundred and ten acres of land in section the Masonic order, being affiliated with I, Blackman township, and ten acres in Excelsior Lodge No. 116, Free and Accept- Rives township. The land had been par- ed Masons, which he joined in 1878; he tially reclaimed, but there remained many was made a Royal Arch Mason in 1890 and stumps of the original forest trees, and the a Knight Templar in 1901, also joining the task that confronted these pioneers was not Elks that same year. He has also been a one to tempt the lover of ease. On the 848 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a place was a log house of the primitive type, married, his first wife having been Eliza- and this continued to be the abiding place beth Funk, who was born in Wurtemberg, of the family for some time. The property Germany, and who died in 1855. One son has ever since remained in the possession of was born of this union, Frederick, who died the family. As the years passed by the on the 16th of December, 1902, in Jackson rough fields were cleared of the stumps and county, Michigan, at the age of forty-eight - placed under most effective cultivation, years. In 1861 Mr. Waltz consummated while improvements were made with that a second marriage, being then united to Miss excellent judgment ever characteristic of Christina Lang, who was likewise born in the German type. The present commodious Wurtemberg, Germany, being a daughter and comfortable residence was erected in of John and Catherine (Kuebler) Lang, 1876, and in 1891 was effected the erection both of whom died in Germany, their chil- of the fine bank barn, which is one of the dren having been six in number, namely: best in the township, the same being thirty- Lena and John, who are deceased; Chris- six by fifty-six feet in dimensions and tina, who became the wife of Mr. Waltz; thoroughly well arranged and equipped for Michael, who is deceased; Catherine, who is the varied uses to which it is applied. I resident of Midland county, Michi- 1878 the area of the farm was increased gan, and Martin, who is a resident by the purchase of an adjoining tract of of the city of Jackson. Of the second seventy-six acres, in section 2, Blackman marriage of Mr. Waltz were born two township. Christopher Waltz died in the sons, John A., who has kindly furnished city of Jackson, in 1882, at which time he the data for this brief memoir of his father, was in his eighty-fourth year, while his and Charles M., who was married, on the wife was summoned into eternal rest many 21st of April, 1897, to Miss Annie Chanter, years previously, passing away in 1860, in of this county, one son, Carl M., being born Washtenaw county. They had four chil- of the union. John A. and Charles M. have dren, namely: Mary, Frederick and John, continued to reside on the paternal home- who are deceased; and J. Adam, who re- stead since their father's death, and are sides in Jackson. actively engaged in general farming and John Waltz was reared and educated in stock growing. - John Waltz was a man of his native province in Germany and was indomitable energy and much business about twenty-two years of age at the time acumen, and his life was very successful in of the emigration of the family to America, temporal affairs, while he held a position of and he was continuously identified with prominence as a progressive and public- agricultural pursuits in this county until his spirited citizen and as one whose life was death, while the esteem and confidence in lived on a lofty plane of integrity and honor. which he was so uniformly held serves to In politics he accorded a stalwart support to indicate how sterling a character was his the principles and policies of the Republican and how honorably he bore himself in the party, with which the various members of various relations of life. He was twice the family have been identified, and his re- J. H. HUBBARD MRS. J. H. HUBBARD. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 849 name. ence cause. ligious faith was that of the German Evan- who pretend to believe themselves entitled gelical church, of which his wife and chil- to the laurel wreath of fame. John H. dren also became devoted members. Hubbard, the subject of this memoir, who John A. Waltz, who resides upon the for fifty-three years has been a resident of old home farm, is known as one of the rep- Jackson county, is a native of the state of resentative young men of the township and New York, born in Seneca county, June has well upheld the prestige of an honored 27, 1828. His parents were John L. and He was born in Washtenaw county, Sarah E. (Booth) Hubbard, she à native of Michigan, on the 27th of June, 1862, and Connecticut and he of New York, and it received his education in the public schools was in the latter state that they met and of the county. He has been consecutively were married. By occupation he was a suc- identified with the basic art of agriculture cessful, well-known and respected farmer, from his youth up, and his practical experi- but he confined his sphere of usefulness en- and excellent mental endowments tirely to his native state. | Both died at the enable him to carry forward his operations family home in Seneca county, he in Febru- with marked ability and success. He is one ary, 1859, and she in February, 1872. of the stanch adherents of the Republican | They were the parents of seven children, party and takes an active interest in its viz: Lewis, George, Elizabeth, Frances, He was for two years incumbent of Harriett, Laura and John H., of whom only the office of township treasurer and for three two are now living, the subject and his sis- years of that of township supervisor, while ter Harriett. The two older children died he is at the present time school inspector, young, each of the others growing to ma- of which position he had previously been in turity, receiving a good education and ac- tenure for two years. complishing much in life before being called to their eternal rest. In his native county of Seneca, John H. Hubbard was reared and grew to manhood. JOHN H. HUBBARD. When twenty-two years of age he deter- mined to start out in the world in quest of a It must be gratifying to the man who fortune. Wisely he chose his location, and has advanced beyond the meridian of a well- in the spring of 1850 he arrived in Jack- spent life to look back and contemplate the son county, Michigan, having come by way work he has accomplished. The men who of the lakes to Detroit. He had some money, fifty years ago, in the bloom of youth, set- which enabled him to invest in one hundred tled in the dense forests of Michigan are and sixty acres of land, parts of sections 25 now well along on the shady side of life, and and 26, Waterloo township. The land many of them still live on the farms which was nearly all cleared and some improve- by their labors have taken the place of the ments had already been made upon it. The forests. They have not made much stir, house was the popular farm structure of the but the world is far better for their modest period, a log cabin, but one that had been efforts than it is for the blatant zeal of some well built and was quite comfortable. His 54 850 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. domestic animals consisted of a team of army when only a little more than sixteen horses and a yoke of oxen and these served years of age and served until the close of his purpose excellently for all of the farm the war. He came with his son Samuel, fa- . work. When an opportunity offered he add- ther of Mrs. Hubbard, to Michigan in 1833, ed forty acres to his tract, making it in resided here until his death and his remains all two hundred acres. In 1853 he built a found a final resting place beneath the soil neat, comfortable residence and soon after- of Jackson county. He is probably the only ward a substantial barn. veteran of the Revolutionary war whose re- March 31, 1857, John H. Hubbard was mains occupy a place in a Jackson county united in marriage to Miss Fannie E. Quig- cemetery. The two leading political parties ley, a native of Jackson county, born Feb- of his day were Whigs and Democrats and ruary 3, 1836, the daughter of Samuel and as between those two he chose to be identi- Elizabeth (Hanna) Quigley, the former fied with the latter. His son Samuel was being a native of New Jersey, while the lat- also a Democrat and the various members ter was a Pennsylvanian by birth. In the of the family were members of the Baptist latter state they were married and soon church. thereafter, in 1833, moved to Michigan, lo- A family of seven children were born cating in Jackson county, and investing in to Mr. and Mrs. John H. Hubbard, viz: a tract of government land in Napoleon Louis F. married Martha Feidler, and they township. They were there only a few years are the parents of one child, and reside in when they sold out and purchased another the city of Jackson; Eunice A. is the wife of track near Ackerson lake. There they re- Don Beeman, a motorman in Ypsilanti, and sided until 1846, when they purchased a they are the parents of two children; Belle farm adjoining the village of Waterloo, in married Dillon A. Rowe, a house decorator, Waterloo township, to which they moved of Charlotte, Michigan, and they are the pa- and on which they resided until his death, rents of two children; John L., a civil en- which occurred November 7, 1860. His wife gineer of Jackson, married Minerva Snyder, had then been dead about twenty-one years. and they are the parents of three children ; They were the parents of thirteen children, Bert E., a conductor on the Pere Marquette of whom Mrs. Hubbard was the eleventh. road, married Eva Shelly, and they are the The family was more intellectual and bet- parents of one child, and reside in Grand ter educated as a whole than most families Rapids ; Harry W., who lives in Detroit and of the locality at the time. The subject's is railroading, married Miranda Vickory, wife taught school in the vicinity of her and they are the parents of two children; home many years and several of her broth- May married W. C. Thomas, a carpenter and | ers and sisters engaged in the same vocation. joiner of Jackson, and they have a family of The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Hubbard two children. The children are all well edu- was Isaac Quigley, who was born in New cated, nearly all having graduated from the Jersey in 1760, though he was probably of high school, while Louis, Belle, John and Irish ancestry. He was a soldier of the war Harry were teachers for a number of years for independence, entering the Continental in the public schools of the county. John JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 851 is a graduate in pharmacy of the University GEORGE FACEY. of Michigan at Ann Arbor in the class of 1892. All developed a talent for music and This venerable pioneer and represent- in this art the girls have become very pro- ative agriculturist of Jackson county has ficient. Upon the old homestead, purchased lived on the farm which is now his home by the subject fifty-three years ago, he and for more than half a century, and thus he his worthy wife, the partner of his joys and has witnessed and taken an active part in sorrows for forty-six years, are spending the development of this section of the state the latter period of their life in contentment from a sylvan wild to its present status as and comfort. He carries on mixed farming, an opulent argicultural and industrial com- the work being done under his supervision munity. From the rude forest lodge of the and direction. He has always been a thor- early days, the primitive schools and the mea- ough farmer and results indicate the suc- ger advantages of the pioneer epoch, he has cess which he has attained. Registered Hol- seen the varied transitions, and in the golden stein cattle, fine-wool sheep, hogs and horses evening of his life he is enabled to enjoy are the favorite domestic animals of his the rewards of his long years of earnest raising. While belonging to no religious toil and endeavor. He early began to con- denomination, he is a firm believer in re- tribute to the work of clearing the land of ligion as a promoter of a good life and pure its heavy forest, later assisted in the estab- morals. Mrs. Hubbard is a member of the lishing of better schools and better public Methodist Episcopal church and the subject improvements and facilities, while his is, with her, a regular attendant upon the course has been so directed as to retain to services of that denomination. He is also him the unqualified approval and esteem of a liberal contributor to the support of re- the community in which he has so long made ligion and every other charitable and worthy his home. He has been the architect of his work. In politics he is a firm believer in the own fortunes, having come to this country Jeffersonian and Jacksonian principles of as a stranger in a strange land and without Democracy and in his earlier years labored financial reinforcement or influential friends, zealously for the success and perpetuity of and thus his success is more gratifying to those principles. For six terms he served note. upon the county board of supervisors from George Facey is a native of England, Waterloo township, was township clerk having been born in the town of Cullump- for a number of terms and is entitled to pre- ton, Devonshire, on the 24th of June, 1819, fix to his name the title of “Hon." if he a son of Samuel and Maria (Sutliff) Facey. chose to do so, by do so, by having represented The paternal grandfather of the subject also Jackson county in the state legislature dur- bore the name of Samuel, and he, as well ing the years of 1869-70. He and his as his three sons and his son-in-law, was worthy wife are the parents of a splendid an active participant in the battle of Water- family, and their home has always been an loo, one of the sons being killed in the ideal American one, every member of it be- engagement while the father of the subject ing imbued with the true American spirit. was badly wounded, never recovering from 852 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. the effects of his injuries and passing away Portsmouth on the sailing vessel “Presi- in 1821, when his son George was less than dent.” Six weeks elapsed ere the vessel two years of age. He likewise was born in He likewise was born in dropped anchor in the port of New York Devonshire and was a weaver by trade, as city, where Mr. Facey landed on the ist of has also been his father, while his three July. He thence made his way to Utica, brothers also followed the same vocation. New York, and at Frankfort Hill, about The four sons and two daughters comprise six miles distant from that place, he secured the family of the generation of which he work on a farm, remaining two months and was a representative. His wife was born receiving twelve dollars a month for his in the city of London, and she also died in services. Thereafter he took up any honest England, about the year 1853. They be- work he could secure, assisting in the thresh- came the parents of three children, of whom ing of grain, chopping cord wood, etc. He one died in infancy and Thomas and George, was employed three years by a man near Thomas having also came to America and the city of Utica, and within this period he having died in Jackson county, Michigan. lost only one and one-half days of time. Being deprived of his father when an In 1845 Mr. Facey was married and shortly infant, the subject of this review was early afterward he went with his wife to Rome, thrown upon his own resources, and thus Oneida county, New York, near which , his educational advantages were limited. Al place he rented a farm, and there he was the age of eight years he secured employ- engaged in agricultural pursuits and dairy- ment in making rope, and later was bound ing for four years. At the expiration of out to a man by the name of William this period, in 1849, he came with his family Broom, remaining with this gentleman until to Jackson county, and here he worked on the age of twenty-one years. He had for the farm of Thomas J. Kent, in Summit some time made up his mind to come to township, for one year, and in the spring America as soon as he could save enough of 1850 he took up his abode on his present money to do so, but having only received homestead farm, in section 22, this town- his clothing and board from the gentleman ship, having purchased the tract of one hun- to whom he was bound, he was contemplat- dred acres in the preceding year. The land ing how he would secure a job after com- was rough and covered to a large extent pleting his time with Mr. Broom, where he with the native timber, while the only definite could save enough money to bring him to improvement, if such it could be called, was the new world. At this juncture a gentle a little log cabin. In this primitive domi- . man by the name of Elias Baker, who had cile he and his wife took up their residence taken a liking for the lad, secured for him and he then essayed the task of clearing his five guineas which had been left in a bank for land and placing it under cultivation. the boy who could show the best character When he came to the farm no roads had and had lived the longest at one place. been constructed and neighbors were few With this and some other help from his and for between. In 1862 he erected his friends, he had enough to make the trip. ip. present substantial and commodious barn, Accordingly in May, 1840, he embarked at and two years later built the present resi- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 853 dence, a comfortable and attractive home. are living, namely: George E., who is en- To his original homestead Mr. Facey made gaged in farming in Waterloo township, additions of contiguous tracts, as prosperity this county; William, who has charge of the attended his efforts and justified him in this homestead farm, being still a bachelor; a action, and his landed estate was thus in- Ellen, who is the wife of Walter Purdy, a creased to two hundred and fifty acres. His successful farmer and dairyman of Summit present homestead comprises one hundred township; and Fannie Jane, who resides in and seventy acres, of which about sixty are the city of Jackson, being the widow of under cultivation. The remainder of the Harry Vantine. In August, 1880, Mr. property he has given to his sons. He has He has Facey consummated a second marriage, be- been successful in his farming operations, ing then united to Mrs. Fannie Loud, which have been conducted with discrimi- widow of the late Spencer Loud. She was nation and energy, and his fine place affords born in Dutchess county, New York, on the him a good income, so that he is able to 13th of April, 1837, being a daughter of rest in ease and contentment as the shadows Philo and Tammy (Welling) Pulver, who of life begin to lengthen. He is well pre- came from Dutchess county to Michigan served both mentally and physically and is in 1846 and located in Summit township, one of the most honored pioneer citizens of just south of the city of Jackson, where the township, where his friends are in they passed the remainder of their lives, number as his acquaintances. Mr. Facey Mr. Pulver having been one of the success- cast his first vote in 1840, in the state of ful and honored farmers of the county. New York, and from that time forward he Mrs. Facey became the mother of four chil- has been found arrayed as a supporter of dren by her first husband, namely: William, the principles of the Democratic party. He who resides upon and conducts his father's was the first drain commissioner elected in old home farm in this township; and Albert, Summit township and later served as path- Spencer and Kittie, all of whom died in master, while for several years he was di- childhood. rector of the school district, ever taking a lively interest in all that has concerned the advancement and moral prosperity of the JOHN E. DEYOE. county and state. He was reared in the faith of the established church of England, From even a cursory glance through the and has long been a communicant of the pages of this work it will be seen that there American branch of the same, the Protest- can be no doubt that of all the older states ant Episcopal church. in the Union none made a larger or more On the 17th of March, 1845, Mr. Facey valuable contribution to the pioneer settle- was united in mariage to Miss Maria M. ment of Jackson county than did New York, Palmer, who was born in Norfolk, Eng- and this holds good for the old Empire state land, and she died on the old homestead throughout all the counties of Southern in Jackson county on the 19th of May, 1879. Michigan, while New England also sent in Of the seven children of this union four her full quota of sturdy and valuable folk. 854 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. He to whom this brief sketch is dedicated occurred on the 31st of July, 1880, at which comes of a prominent old New York family time he was seventy-eight years of age, that was established in Jackson county more while his wife soon followed him into than a half century ago, and this fact, as eternal rest, her death occurring on the 5th coupled with his precedence as one of the of April, 1882, at the age of seventy-four sterling citizens and representative farmers years. They had the usual experience of of the county, well entitles him to definite pioneer life and proved equal to the task consideration in this volume. which they thus faced, living lives of sig- Mr. Deyoe, who comes of stanch Ger- nal usefulness and honor and enjoying the man lineage in the agnatic line, the original confidence and good will of all who knew American ancestor having emigrated hith- them. In politics Mr. Deyoe was a stanch er from Germany in the colonial days, is a Democrat in his political adherency and was native of the state of New York, having a man of intellect and excellent business , been born on a farm in Saratoga county, ability, while the success which crowned his on the 17th of May, 1837, and being a son efforts in temporal affairs was won through of Thomas and Elizabeth (Hart) Deyoe. his own endeavors. His wife was a devoted both of whom were born in the state of member of the Methodist Episcopal church. New York, the latter being of English ex- Of their ten children a brief record is of- traction. Thomas Deyoe was engaged in fered in the following paragraph. farming in New York during his early Sarah Maria, who was born on the 17th manhood and there he continued to reside of September, 1828, became the wife of , until 1850, when he came with his family to Charles McNeil, a farmer of Springport Michigan and cast his lot with the people township, and they had six children. She of Jackson county. The trip was made by is deceased. James C., who was born on the way of the Erie canal to Buffalo and thence 6th of December, 1829, died in infancy. , by steamboat on Lakes Ontario and Erie Reuben, who was born on the 24th of June, to the city of Detroit, from which point they 1831, married Katherine Wellington and came overland to Jackson county, arriving they became the parents of two children. on the 16th of June, 1850. Mr. Deyoe's Both parents are deceased. Abbie Ann, son, Reuben H., purchased eighty acres of who was born on the 7th of September land in section 28, Springport township, 1833, is the widow of Frederick Shaver, , the same having been partially cleared and to whom she bore four children, and she a log house of the primitive type erected. now resides in Cass county, this state. In this rudimentary domicile the family Daniel B., who was born July 4, 1835, was took up their abode, and the same contin- first married to Mary J. Smith, two chil- ued to be their home for a number of years, dren being born of this union, and after her after which the present comfortable and death he married Clara Rice, and four chil- substantial residence on the place was dren were born to them. They now reside erected. Mr. Deyoe cleared and improved in La Crosse county, Wisconsin. John E., , a good farm and upon this homestead he the immediate subject of this review, was continued to reside until his death, which the next in order of birth. James Fowler JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 855 Deyoe, who was born on the 11th of May, in this line much has been accomplished in 1841, married Anna Augusta McNeil the raising of the general standard of cattle and after her death he wedded Chloe Gra- in the county. He also raises horses, swine ham. They reside in the state of Oregon and sheep and all departments of his ex- and have two children. The other three tensive farming enterprise receive his per- children of the family died in infancy sonal supervision. He is a thorough and John E. Deyoe was thirteen years of age broad-gauged business man, a progressive when the family came to Michigan, and and public-spirited citizen, and is well thus his early educational training had been known and uniformly respected throughout secured in his native county in New York. the county. In politics Mr. Deyoe main- He assisted in the work of the homestead tains an independent attitude, exercising his farm until he had attained the age of franchise in support of men and measures eighteen years, when he gave inception to rather than holding to partisan lines, while his independent career, by beginning to work he is in sympathy with the specific policy for wages on various farms in the locality of the Prohibition party. Fraternally he is . In 1861 he assumed charge of the home affiliated with the Ancient Order of United farm, of which he eventually acquired the Workmen. ownership and to which he has added until On the 3d of April, 1864, Mr. Deyoe he now has a finely improved landed estate was united in marriage to Miss Lydia M. of three hundred and forty-four acres, the Cady, who was born in Jackson county, major portion of which is under a high state Michigan, being a daughter of Jarvis and of cultivation, while the permanent improve- Maria (Hicks) Cady, who were numbered ments are of an order in keeping with his among the honored pioneers of the county prosperity and with the advanced position mentioned. Mrs. Deyoe was summoned to Jackson county holds as one of the most the life eternal on the 17th of April, 1878, opulent agricultural sections of the state. being survived by her two sons, namely: His fine modern residence, recognized as William J., who was born on the 22d of one of the best in the township, was erected April, 1867, and who is associated with his in 1874, and the barns and other farm build- father in the management of the homestead ings are of substantial order and well equip- farm; and Charles, who was born on the ped for the uses to which they are applied | 31st of October, 1869, and who is now en- in connection with the operation of a model gaged in the mercantile business in Elmo, farmstead. Mr. Deyoe is not only one of North Dakota; he married Miss Harriet the most successful representatives of the Spaulding, of North Dakota, and they have agricultural industry in this vicinity, but he two sons,—Donald S. and an infant. On has also devoted special attention to the rais- the 25th of September, 1879, was solem- ing of a fine grade of live stock, including nized the marriage of Mr. Deyoe to Miss the double-standard polled Durham cattle Rebecca J. Wellington, who was born in of pure blood and registered in the two Hanover township, this county, November authoritative books, and he sells largely for 15, 1842, being a daughter of John and breeding purposes, while through his efforts | Jane (Frasier) Wellington, both of whom 856 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ment. were born near Landsend, Cornwall, Eng- name has been inseparably identified with land, whence they emigrated to the United the annals of this favored section of the States in 1830, remaining in the state of Wolverine state for more than three score New York for a period of about five years of years, while its representatives have and then, in 1836, coming to Jackson coun- figured prominently in promoting its de- ty and settling in Hanover township, where velopment and material and civic advance- Mr. Wellington, who was a stone-mason, The pioneers of Jackson county are. purchased a tract of government land, and fast passing away, and soon few will be became one of the representative citizens left to tell the tales of frontier life. The of that locality. He passed the remainder subject of this brief narrative, however, is of his life in Scipio, Hillsdale county, Michi- one of those whose memory links the primi- gan, while his wife died in Fairmount; tive past with the present era of opulent ac- North Dakota. They became the parents complishment and magnificent prosperity, of seven children, of whom three are living and here practically his entire life has been at the time of this writing, namely: Rich- passed, since his parents took up their abode ard, who is a widower, is a resident of here when he was a lad of fifteen years, and Springport township; Rebecca J., wife of aside from the time which he spent in Cali- the subject, was educated principally in the fornia, whither he went as one of the common schools in Hillsdale county and argonauts who flocked to the Pacific coast later took a teacher's course of study in at the time of the memorable gold excite- Hillsdale College, afterwards being em- ment in the state mentioned, he has main- ployed as a teacher for four years in Hills- tained his home in Jackson county. The dale and Jackson counties; John, a widower, traveler of today, seeing the richly culti- resides in White Lock, South Dakota. vated farms, substantial homes, thriving Mr. and Mrs. Deyoe have one daughter, cities and towns, extensive industries and Grace, who is the wife of Ralph Pierson, commercial interests, churches, schools and a successful young farmer of Springport all other evidences of advanced civilization, township. All of the children of the sub- can scarcely realize that half a century ago ject received good educational advantages, Mr. Burgess and his contemporaries were his sons being graduates of the Cleary laboring to develop farms in the midst of Business College, in the city of Ypsilanti, the forest wilds; that the Indian wigwam while Grace, the only child of the second was not an unusual feature of the landscape; marriage, was graduated in the Springport that forests still stood in their native high school at the age of sixteen years, and strength, and that the greater portion of also received a good musical education. the land had never been furrowed by the plowshare. This great transformation has been witnessed by Mr. Burgess, and thus BENJAMIN P. BURGESS. it may be seen how compatible it is that he During the pioneer epoch in the history be accorded a place of honor in this publi-, of Jackson county the Burgess family cation. was founded within its borders, and the Benjamin P. Burgess was born in New JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 857 Haven, Otsego county, New York, on the metal in California in 1849, and, in company 1oth of October, 1825, being a son of James with eleven other men, he made the long and Grace (Palmer) Burgess, both of and perilous journey across the plains to whom were 'natives of that state, where the new Eldorado. They outfitted at St. , their marriage occurred. James Burgess Joseph, Missouri, and started forth with was a son of Thomas and Sally (Bastow) ox, horse and mule teams. They left the Burgess, the former of whom was born in point mentioned in the month of May and Rhode Island, -of stanch English ancestry, did not reach California until October, be- his grandfather having come to America on ing fortunate in escaping attack from the the “Mayflower," while a number of the Indians while en route, though the menace latter's sons were soldiers of the Continen- from this source was constant. Mr. Bur- tal line during the war of the Revolution. gess remained in the gold fields about one Thomas Burgess removed to the state of year, meeting with fair success, and then he New York when a young man, and there returned to the east by way of the isthmus continued his residence until 1837, when he of Panama, proceeding by boat to New came to Michigan and located on the present York city and thence returning to Michi- Burgess farm, in Springport township, this gan, arriving in Jackson county in October, county, having traded property in New 1853. Soon afterwards he purchased one York for the same. Three years later the hundred and twenty acres of land in father of the subject came to the new home section 20, Springport township, the same in company with the other members of his being covered with the native timber and family, and his father then returned to New entirely unimproved. A few years later he York for a visit, and thereafter passed the disposed of this property and purchased his remainder of his life on the Jackson county father's homestead, in section 5, this town- homestead, where he died in 1852. He was ship, comprising one hundred and forty- twice married, and his second wife died in nine acres, and thereafter his father lived Michigan. with him until he was called to the life Benjamin P. Burgess, the subject of this eternal, his death occurring October 22, sketch, was fifteen years of age at the time 1885. The mother of the subject passed of his parents' removal from New York to away in October, 1853. Here Mr. Burgess Jackson county, and his early educational has ever since continued to make his home, training was secured in the public schools and he has developed one of the fine rural of his native county, while he attended the estates of the county, his place being under pioneer schools of Jackson county at ir- a high state of cultivation, while he has regular intervals until he had attained the erected a commodious and substantial resi- age of eighteen years. As a youth he began dence and other excellent buildings and has working by the month for various settlers one of the attractive homes of this section. in the vicinity and continued to be con- | Though he is now advanced in years, he cerned in farming until 1852, when he suc- still retains a general supervision of his cumbed to the prevailing gold fever, grow- farming interests, the place being devoted ing out of the discovery of the precious to diversified agriculture and to the raising 858 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. of high grades of live stock. Mr. Burgess have two children; William has charge of has been a stalwart advocate of the cause of the homestead farm; and Fay B., who is a the Republican party from the time of its farmer of Springport township, married organization, but has never sought the Alameda Price, and they are the parents of honors or emoluments of public office, one daughter. though his co-operation has ever been ex- tended in support of all measures and enter- prises for the general good of the com- GEORGE BURGESS. munity. He is broad and charitable in his views and genial and kindly in all the re- lations of life, and thus he has retained the The sturdy pioneer who braves the hard- unqualified esteem and good will of the com- ships and arduous toil involved in opening munity in which he has so long maintained a new country to civilization is deserving his home, while it may be said to his credit of the highest praise and his name should that during his entire life he has never been not be allowed to pass into oblivion nor involved in a lawsuit of any description. should he find memorial only in “sculptured Fraternally he is identified with both the urn or animated bust," but rather in the ” lodge and chapter of the Masonic order. pages of historical compilations of this na- He and his wife are numbered among the ture, whose value must be cumulative for well known and highly honored pioneers of all time to come. Deprived of the comforts the county. and conveniences of the older settled sec- On the inth of December, 1851, Mr. tions, in quiet endurance of difficulties and Burghess was united in marriage to Miss in the overcoming of innumerable obstacles, Louisa Houseman, who was born in Orleans he works on, day after day, at the task of county, New York, on the 5th of November, making the wild land, hitherto unfurrowed 1828, being a daughter of Henry and Mary by the plowshare, bring forth the harvest (Petit) Houseman, who came from that that shall provide him and his family with county to Jackson county in the year 1837, sustenance, while incidentally he lays deep settling in Parma township, where they and firm the foundations of future pros- passed the remainder of their lives. Mr. perity and opulence of resource. In the Houseman was a member of the same party work of early development and improve- as was Mr. Burgess in making the trip across ment in Jackson county the honored father the plains to California, in 1852. To Mr. of the subject played well his part, and the and Mrs. Burgess have been born five chil- subject himself was reared under the en- dren, namely: Guy, who died in infancy; vironments and influences of the pioneer Josephine, who became the wife of William epoch, so that it is needless to say that he Stevens, died in June, 1891, being survived too has contributed his quota to the in- by two of her three sons, who have made dustrial and civic advancement of the coun- their home with her parents since her death : ty, and he is now the owner of one of the Mary is the wife of Arthur W. Hall, a valuable farm properties of Springport farmer of Eaton county, this state, and they | township and is honored as a worthy JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 859 of that year. pioneer citizen and as a man of indubitable ing county of Calhoun, the place at the time probity in all the relations of life. Such are having been a mere straggling village in the the men signally worthy of representation worthy of representation midst of the forest primeval. Mr. Burgess in a compilation of this nature. cleared and improved his farm and the same George Burgess is a native of the Em- continued to be his home until the time of pire state of the Union, having been born in his death, which occurred in 1886, at which , Oswego county, New York, on the 7th of time he had attained the venerable age of March, 1834, and being a son of James and eighty-six years. eighty-six years. He had witnessed with- Grace (Palmer) Burgess, both of whom in this interval the transformation of this were born and reared in the state of New section into one of the most attractive and York, where their marriage was solemnized, opulent divisions of the great commonwealth and where Mr. Burgess was engaged in of Michigan and was able to enjoy the ad- farming up to the time of his removal to vantages and conveniences which ever come Michigan, in the year 1840, the family ar- with the advancement of civilization. His riving in Jackson county on the 4th of July wife preceded him into eternal rest by He had traded his farm in many years, having passed away in 1853, New York for a quarter section of land in at the age of fifty-two years. Mr. Burgess section 5, in Springport township, and here was originally a Whig in politics, but the family home was established. The trip espoused the cause of the Republican party from Buffalo, New York, was made by lake at the time of its organization and was vessel to Detroit, from which point the thereafter found stanchly arrayed in its sup- family came overland to Jackson county port, while he became one of the well known by teams and wagons. On the pioneer farm and highly honored pioneers of the county. was soon erected a comfortable log house, They became the parents of eight children, in which they took up their abode, and soon namely: Benjamin P., Thomas, Sarah Ann, the sound of the ax was heard ringing was heard ringing Phoebe Z. (now deceased,) George, Will- among the sylvan wilds, as the giants of the iam J., Harriet (now deceased) and Mar- forest were laid low in order that the land tha. might be made available for cultivation, George Burgess, to whom this epitome while the sturdy ox teams were brought in- | is dedicated, was reared on the old home- to requisition in carrying forward the work stead and received such educational advan- of reclamation. Wild game of all descrip- tages as were afforded in the common schools tions was to be found in abundance through of the day, while he early began to contrib- out this section, while the Indian, whose ute to the work of the farm. At the age first was the domain, still stalked through of sixteen years he started working by the the umbrageous forest aisles. At the time month, being employed on various farms in when the family took up their residence on the vicinity, and contributing his wages to the old homestead their nearest neighbor the support of the family, while he thus con- was a mile distant, while the nearest market tinued until he had attained his legal point was the city of Albion, in the adjoin- majority. In 1860, at the age of twenty- 860 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. six years, Mr. Burgess purchased one hun- of whom individual mention is made on dred and thirty acres of land in section 5, other pages of this work. Springport township, the same having been On the roth of August, 1862, Mr. Bur- partially cleared, and here he has developed gess was united in marriage to Miss Eliza- one of the valuable farm properties of the beth Jane Houseman, who was born in county, having cleared the remainder of the Parma township, this county, on the 6th of land and placed the same under effective November, 1837, being a daughter of Henry cultivation and having equipped the farm and Mary (Petit) Houseman, honored with substantial buildings and the best of pioneers of the county, whither they came improvements in other lines. He has a com- in the year 1835 from Orleans county, New modious and comfortable farm residence, York. Mr. Houseman became one of the and in 1895 was erected the present fine successful farmers and representative citi- barn, which was built to replace the one de- zens of Parma township, where both he and stroyed by fire in that year, as the result of his wife passed the residue of their lives. a stroke of lightning. Mr. Burgess has To Mr. and Mrs. Burgess have been born been known as a progressive and industrious eight children, concerning whom the fol- farmer and has so lived as to retain the un- lowing brief data is incorporated : Perry, qualified confidence and esteem of the com- who is a successful farmer of Springport munity in which he has resided during the township, married Lucretia Bennett and major portion of his life. He has now they have two children; Allen died at the practically retired from the active labors age of eight years; Cora is the wife of which so long fell to his portion, and as William Ford, a farmer of Sandstone town- the golden days of his later years pass by ship, and they have four children; Grace is he is able to enjoy the dignified repose which the wife of David Altman, who is engaged is the fitting crown of a life of earnest and in farming in Springport township, and well directed application. In politics Mr. they likewise have four children; Irene is Burgess is a stanch Republican, but has the wife of Elmore Peters, a prominent never sought official preferment, though young member of the bar of Eaton county, his interest in educational matters has been residing in Eaton Rapids, and they have effectively shown in his tenure of the office two children; Ben C. remains on the old of school director for the long period of homestead; Harriet is the wife of David twenty years. He is a member of the W. Trine, of whom definite mention is Masonic fraternity, being affiliated with made elsewhere in this work, and George Springport Lodge No. 284, at Springport: likewise remains beneath the parental roof. His farm is devoted to diversified agriculture | The children were afforded excellent edu- and to the raising of high-grade live stock, cational advantages, Hattie, Perry anci special attention being given to the breeding Irene being graduates of the Springport | of full-blooded shorthorn cattle, Lincoln high school, while the latter two were suc- sheep, Berkshire and Ohio Improved Chester cessful teachers in the district schools for swine and Percheron horses. He now rents some time; Cora and George have distinct- his farm to his son-in-law, David W. Trine, ive musical talent. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 861 HENRY D. GRIFFITH. decade of experience in connection with the trials of pioneer life in a new state, though The business of farming is one which there was no dearth of pleasurable circum- has always required judgment and a thor- stances incident to the early days, for the ough system of economies if the best results utmost kindliness and good will prevailed be attained and the enterprise placed upon among the settlers and each was a friend the profitable basis authorized by conditions. to the other, the spirit of helpfulness pre- It is through the employment of such means vailing on every side. She passed to her that the subject of this sketch has become reward on the 12th of April, 1847, while one of the successful and representative her husband survived her by more than a farmers of Jackson county, his finely im- score of years, being summoned into eternal proved and highly productive farm being rest on the 20th of March, 1868. Of the located in section 2, Springport township, five children of this union three are yet liv- in which portion of the county he has lived ing, namely: Henry D., the immediate suh- consecutively from his childhood, save for ject of this review; George, who is a rep- a period of seven years. He is one of the resentative farmer of this township, and sterling pioneers of the county, where his Marshall, who is a resident of Tompkins parents took up their abode in the year township. Daniel Griffith was a Whig in which marked the admission of Michigan politics during his earlier life, but identi- to statehood and at a time when he was a fied himself with the Republican party at child of about three years. His genealog- the time of its inchoation and ever after- ical record also bespeaks identification of ward remained a stalwart advocate of its direct and collateral lines with the annals He and his wife held membership of American history from the colonial era, in the Methodist Episcopal church and in and thus there is a wealth of interesting their noble lives exemplified their deep data to which the biographist may have Christian faith, which was a faith fruitful recourse in offering even a cursory, though in good works. In 1838 Mr. Griffith was measurably synthetical, review of the career appointed postmaster at Otter Creek, this of this well known and highly esteemed county, and he continued incumbent of the resident of Jackson county. same until the time of his death, with the Mr. Griffith is a native of the old Green . exception of a period of three months. Mr. Mountain state, having been born in Dan-Griffith was always active and zealous in by, Rutland county, Vermont, on the 21st the work of the church, his home ever be- of June, 1834, and being a son of Daniel ing open to the itinerant clergymen of the and Harriet (Williams) Griffith, both of early days, while he did all in his power to whom were likewise born in. Vermont, promote the cause of the divine Master whence they emigrated to Michigan in 1837, | among his fellow men. The Griffith Metho- settling upon a pioneer farm in Springport dist Episcopal church, of Hamlin, Eaton township, the property now being owned county, was named in honor of this family. and occupied by their son George. There George Griffith, the paternal grand- the devoted wife and mother died after a father of the subject, passed his entire life cause. 862 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. cess. in Vermont, as did also his wife, whose energies as to attain the maximum of suc- maiden name was Lydia Tabor, while there Mr. Griffith has erected substantial also occurred the death of the great- and attractive buildings on his place, having grandfather, Lemuel Griffith. The mater- . a pleasant home, supplied with modern ac- nal grandparents, Hosea and Polly (Ad- cessories and conveniences, while the per- ams) Williams, removed from Vermont to vading atmosphere of the farmstead is that Ohio in an early day and there continued to of peace and prosperity,—the just con- reside until their death. He was a lineal comitant of years of earnest toil and en- . descendant of the historic character, Roger deavor. Mr. Griffith resided in the city Williams, the founder of the state of Rhode during the interim from 1871 to 1878, dur- Island, while Mrs. Williams was a cousin of ing which time he was engaged in the marble President John Quincy Adams. business. In political adherency Mr. Grif- Henry D. Griffith, to whom this brief fith has been aligned as a stanch supporter , sketch is more specifically devoted, was of the principles of the Republican party reared on the old homestead farm in Jack- from the time of attaining his majority, and son county, and as a boy he became inured an evidence of the esteem in which he is to many of the duties involved in its recla- held in the community is that shown in his mation and cultivation. After securing being called to serve in various offices of such educational advantages as were afford- trust and responsibility. He was school in- ed in the common schools of the locality he spector of his district for a period of about continued his studies in Wesleyan Seminary, nine years, has also served as highway com- and later in the Ladies' Collegiate Institute. missioner, and about 1865 he was first elect- which was the predecessor of that now mag- ed to the office of justice of the peace, of nificent educational institution, Albion Col- which he has which he has now been incumbent for lege, in the neighboring city of Albion, Calabout twenty-five years, ever striving in a houn county. At the age of eighteen years personal way and in his judicial capacity to he had so improved his opportunities as to ameliorate enmities and promote peace and be eligible for pedagogic honors, and for a good will, while his mature judgment and number of years he was successfully en- honesty of purpose give him a strong hold gaged in teaching in the public schools of upon popular confidence, his advice been Jackson and Eaton counties, in the mean- freely sought and as freely given. He is while continuing to be identified with farm- also a notary public, an office to which he ing. Indeed, it may be consistently said was first appointed in 1883. His religious that at no period in his entire business ca- faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal reer has he failed to be concerned with this church. Fraternally he is identified with the great fundamental industry, and in 1861 Ancient Order of United Workmen, hold- he came into possession of his present fine ing membership in Sanborn Lodge No. 2, farmstead, which comprises one hundred at Onondaga, in the adjoining county of and forty acres and which is devoted to gen- Ingham. Mr. Griffith has been actively in- eral agriculture and stock raising, in both terested in the organization of farmers' of which branches he has so directed his clubs in Eaton and Jackson counties and JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 863 a has been honored by selection as president 1878, and was graduated in the Springport of the Eaton County Horticultural Society. high school in 1896. He then entered the On the, roth of April, 1861, was sol- Michigan State Agricultural College, at emnized the marriage of Mr. Griffith to Miss Lansing, where he continued his studies one Amanda Van Gorden, who was born in Or-- year, after which he was a student in Al- leans county, New York, on the 27th of bion College for three years. He is at the August, 1838, being a daughter of Abram present time representing the Sun Life In- and Catherine (Freeman) Van Gorden, the surance Company, of Canada, and resides former of whom was born in Ulster county, in the village of Constantine, St. Joseph New York, on the 25th of July, 1805, while county, Michigan. the latter was born in Galway, Saratoga county, that state, on the 15th of February, 1814. Mr. Van Gorden took up land in Springport township, Jackson county, in CALISTA DANIELS. 1835, and in 1846 he came with his family and took up his residence on this farm, Calista (Gray) Daniels was born near which is that now owned by his son Will-Brockport, New York, January 6, 1817, and iam. Here he continued to reside until the in 1820 came with her parents to Michigan . hour of his death, which occurred on the by way of Detroit, then a mere village. Ioth of December, 1891, at which time he They settled at Romeo, a few miles from was aged eighty-six years and five months. Detroit. Here they lived for several years, His first wife entered into eternal rest De- with the Indians for their neighbors, and cember 2, 1901, aged nearly eighty-eight many are the interesting stories of pioneer years. They became the parents of four life which this lady can relate. She came children, Emaline, Hannah, Amanda and to Jackson when it was a mere village and William, all of whom are living except lived until her marriage, August 5, 1854, Emaline. The paternal grandparents of wlien she became the wife of William K. Mrs. Griffith were Isaac and Elizabeth Van Bronson, and moved to a farm in Sandstone Gorden, and both died in the state of New | township. Mr. Bronson was killed in an ac- York. The maternal grandparents, John cident at this place December 6, 1861, and and Hannah (McCumber) Freeman, passed on April 9, 1862, Calista Bronson married their lives in the state of New York. Mr. Henry Daniels, whose death occurred Feb- and Mrs. Griffith became the parents of three ruary 22, 1884. Since that time she has children, the eldest of whom, Harry D., died lived on the Daniels farm in Blackman town- in infancy. Kate, who was born in the city ship, and is one of the oldest living residents of Jackson, on the 19th of November, 1874, of the county. She has seen the many was graduated in the Springport high changes of succeeding generations, and one school, as a member of the class of 1894, by one her contemporaries have passed to and she is now the wife of Earl C. Welling- the silent shore. the silent shore. Though still wonderfully ton, of Springport. Ralph W. was born in active, she lives largely in the past, and en- the city of Jackson, on the 3d of March, joys meeting an old acquaintance to whom 864 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. zens. the tales of other generations are of more Benton G. Brown was born on the pa- than passing interest, and she has many rental homestead, in Parma township, this friends who love her for her generous hos- county, on the 28th of January, 1855, be- pitality and sterling qualities. ing a son of William G. and Lucinda (Lan- don) Brown, both of whom were born and reared in the state of New York, whence they came to Jackson county in an early day, BENTON G. BROWN. their marriage having been here solemnized. Mrs. Brown's parents, Herman and Betsey It has been left to modern civilization (Cranson) Landon, were numbered among to perpetuate by written record the lives and the pioneers of Springport township, and deeds of those who have been prominent fac- here they continued to reside until sum- tors in the upbuilding of towns, cities, states moned from the scene of life's endeavors. and nations. Deeds of battle have been the The father of the subject became the owner . theme of song and story from the earliest of about twelve hundred acres of land and ages, but the man who quietly remained in conducted his farming operations on an ex- the ranks of industrial and productive ac- tensive scale and with marked ability, be- tivity, promoting the general prosperity coming one of the county's influential citi- through his individual efforts, 'passed un- He was originally a Whig in his po- noticed. Today the conditions are different, litical proclivities and identified himself with and no publication which gives record con- the Republican party at the time of its or- cerning those who have wrought to goodly ganization and was afterward a stalwart ends may be held in high estimation. In advocate of its cause for many years, but connection with the industrial and business finally, in harmony with his convictions, he life of Jackson county, as well as in its civic transferred his allegiance to the Prohi- affairs, the name borne by the subject of this bition party. He was for seventeen years review has been one of prominence from the incumbent of the office of supervisor of Par- pioneer epoch to the present day, his father ma township, and in 1867 he was elected having been one of the extensive farmers to represent the third district in the lower of the county, while he himself is also num- house of the state legislature, serving one bered among the prominent and substantial term. Both he and his wife died in 1899. agriculturists of this section, having a fine his demise occurring in November, 1899, landed estate of nine hundred acres, while while she passed away in October, 1899. . he is also the owner and operator of the Both were zealous and valued members of grain elevator in the village of Springport, the Methodist Episcopal church. Of their representing an enterprise which has im- five children three are living at the present portant bearing on the commercial prestige time, namely: Mary, who is the wife of of the locality. Thus as a representative Henry Fallass, of Grand Rapids, Michigan; citizen and as a native son of the county Benton G., who is the immediate subject of Mr. Brown is particularly eligible for consid- this review; and Herman L., who is engaged eration in this compilation. in farming in Parma township. JESSE E. MOREY. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 865 a As a youth, after having availed him- Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had seven chil- self of such advantages as were afforded in dren, namely: Ruth, Eudora, Wesley (de- the public schools, Benton G. Brown was ceased), Gertrude, Benton G., Jr., Carrie , matriculated in Albion College, in the city (deceased) and Landon. . of Albion, this state, where he continued his studies until he had completed a portion of the junior year, when he resumed his active association with the farming indus- JESSE E. MOREY. try. He remained on the farm for a period of twenty years and is at the present time In the year 1836, that prior to the one the owner of a finely improved estate of nine in which Michigan was admitted to the hundred acres, from which he secures large Union, the paternal grandfather of the sub- , yields of wheat and other cereals, while he ject took up his residence in Michigan, is also one of the extensive stock-growers whither he came from the old Empire state, of the county, taking much pride in this which gave so large a number of worthy branch of his enterprise. In 1899 he citizens to the early settlement of southern erected the elevator in the village of Spring- Michigan, and the name has ever since been port, the same being equipped with modern | inseparably linked with the annals of Jack- accessories and conveniences for the facile son county, of which the subject is a native handling of grain, and he now controls the son, while he now has prestige as one of the leading grain business of this locality, also successful and representative farmers of handling beans and seeds. In politics Mr. Waterloo township, which has been his Brown maintains an independent attitude, home from the time of his birth. Thus there exercising his franchise in support of men is found no lack of data in offering a resume and measures rather than being guided of his personal and ancestral record apro- along strict partisan lines, while he is in full pos of the province of this publication. sympathy with the specific policy of the Jesse E. Morey was born on the home- Prohibition party and has often voted its stead farm in Waterloo township, on the ticket. He has been called upon to serve Ioth of October, 1866, being a son of Al- in various local offices of trust, but has exander W. and R. Jane (Robinson) never manifested political ambition of a per- Morey, both of whom were born and reared sonal nature. Fraternally he is identified in the state of New York. The former's with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, father, Jesse Morey, in company with his the Ancient Order of United Workmen and wife, whose maiden name Bertha the Modern Woodmen of America. Vaughan, came with their children to On the oth of February, 1876, Mr. Michigan in the year 1836, as previously Brown was united in marriage to Miss Nan- stated, and took up their residence in Wash- nie Polhemus, of Muskegon, Michigan, who tenaw county, where they remained a few was born in New York, in June, 1865, years and then came over into the ad- being a daughter of William and Julia joining county of county of Jackson. Here, in (Noble) Polhemus, who are now deceased. the year 1842, Grandfather Morey pur- was 55 866 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. chased eighty acres of land in Waterloo in 1843, her marriage having been solem- township, and later added to its area until nized on the 16th of January, 1849. She his landed estate comprised about one hun- has long been a devoted member of the dred and sixty acres. On this place the fam- Methodist Episcopal church and is held in ily took up their abode in a log house of the affectionate regard by all who know her, type then common to this section, and it was while she remains as a true type of the noble theirs to have the various experiences inci- pioneer women of this section of the great dental to the pioneer days and to meet the state of Michigan. Alexander W. and R. deprivations which conditions entailed to all Jane (Robinson) Morey became the par- who came hither to assist in the sturdy | ents of five children, all of whom died in march of progress and the reclamation of younger years except the subject of this re- the wild land to the uses of cultivation. view, who was the youngest. The names Jesse Morey here continued to live and labor of the others, in order of birth, were as fol- until his death, which occurred in 1847, at lows: Eugene S., Mary Bertha, John M., which time he was fifty-five years of age. and Hazzard. His sons Alexander W. and Hazzard then Jesse E. Morey was reared on the home- assumed charge of the pioneer farm and stead farm and received his early education- ably carried forth the arduous work which al discipline in the public schools, after their father had inaugurated, clearing and which he continued to be associated with his improving their farm and adding to the father in the work of the farm until he had same until its area aggregated at one time attained the age of twenty-four years, when three hundred and twenty acres. Eventu- he assumed the active supervision of the ally the brothers made an amicable division place, while relying upon the kindly advice of the property, the father of the subject be- and counsel of his honored father, who was coming the owner of one hundred and sixty thus relieved of the more onerous labors acres, which he developed into one of the which he had so long and ably performed. valuable farms of this locality, and here he The subject was but twenty-seven years of continued to reside until he was called from age when his father was summoned into the scene of life's endeavors, on the 13th of eternal rest, and since that time the home- March, 1894, at which time he was seventy- stead has been entirely under his control, one years of age. He was a man of ster- a while he has proved himself equal to the re- ling character, sincere and straightforward | sponsibilities and labors devolving upon in all the relations of life, and ever com- him and is one of the progressive and suc- manding the esteem of all who knew him. cessful farmers of the county, well uphold- He gave his support to the Republican party ing the high standard of the family name, from the time of its inception and was of which he is the only representative in his called upon to serve in various township of- generation. In politics he has accorded a fices. His widow, who makes her home stanch allegiance to the Republican party with the subject, on the old place, was born from the time of attaining his majority and in Allegany county, New York, on the 12th has been an active worker in its cause in a of December, 1824, and came to Michigan local way, having also been a delegate to JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 867 various conventions of the same. Frater- are the conditions noted in taking under re- nally he is identified with the Knights of the view the career of Mr. Cunningham, the Maccabees, being a charter member of present efficient county clerk. He is a native Munith Tent No. 475. He is popular in the son of the county and a representative of community in which his life has been passed one of its sterling pioneer families, and it and is one of the energetic and capable stands to his credit that he has achieved suc- young business men of this section. cess and precedence through his own efforts, The subject's mother is a daughter of while he retains the unqualified confidence Elisha and Mary (Mendal) Robinson, both and regard of the people of the community in of whom were born and reared in Saratoga | which the major portion of his life has been county, New York, whence they came to passed. Michigan in the year 1843, taking up their Mr. Cunningham was born on the old residence on a pioneer farm in section 8, homestead in section 8, Spring Arbor town- Waterloo township, this county, where Mr. ship, on October 23, 1866, being a son a Robinson deveioped a valuable farm, while of Robert and Jane (Wildey) Cunningham, he became one of the prominent and influ- the former of whom was born in Ontario ential citizens of the county, taking an active county, Canada, and the latter in Jackson part in public affairs. He was a leader in county, Michigan. Robert Cunningham was the local ranks of the Democratic party and reared on a farm, and at the age of twenty- a was a member of the state constitutional one came to Michigan. He purchased what convention of 1850, while he served for is known as the Cunningham farm in Spring eighteen years as township supervisor and Arbor, where he remained until his death, for a long period in the office of justice of the which occurred July 2, 1899. In 1865 he peace. Both he and his wife were consist- was joined in marriage to Jane H. Wildey. ent members of the Methodist Episcopal There were born to them Walter A. Cun- church. He entered into eternal rest on the ningham; Edward R. Cunningham, whose 28th of October, 1886, his devoted wife hav- residence is Des Moines, Iowa, and is at pres- ing passed away on the 3d of January, 1883. ent superintendent of the Des Moines Street They became the parents of five children, Railway Company; Lenna M., who is a resi- namely: R. Jane (mother of the subject and dent of the township of Spring Arbor and a the only one of the number now living), teacher in the public school of that place; John, Sanford, Mary and Hattie. Floyd, who died at the age of seventeen months, and Gertrude E., now married to Royal Cogswell and residing in the township WALTER A. CUNNINGHAM. of Spring Arbor. The subject was reared under the in- It is indeed a far cry from delving as a vigorating discipline of the farm, and con- farm boy or laboring strenuously in the lum- tinued to assist in its cultivation until he had bering woods to the retention of the import- attained his legal majority, while his educa- ant and responsible position of clerk of so tional advantages were such as were afforded opulent a county as is Jackson, and yet such l in the district school and the seminary in the 868 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. village of Spring Arbor. In the spring of ningham has ever given a stanch allegiance 1888, a few months subsequent to his twenty- to the Republican party, and he has been an first birthday, Mr. Cunningham went to the efficient worker in its cause in a local way. upper peninsula of Michigan, where he pur- He is a young man of excellent mental equip- chased one hundred and sixty acres of pine ment and genial personality and may be con- land, in Iron county. Here he engaged in sistently said to have "troops of friends” in lumbering, clearing about half of the prop- his native county. erty and realizing a profit from his opera- Walter A. Cunningham was married No- tions. His labors were of the most arduous vember 5, 1885, to Miss Birdie P. Sidwell, order, as those familiar with the business well and there have been born to them two chil- understand, and for three different seasons dren, Cecil C., aged sixteen, and Glen, aged Mr. Cunningham personally attended to pol- fourteen. Mr. Cunningham is a member of ing and rafting logs down the streams to Michigan Lodge No. 50, Free and Accepted the mills, so that he became familiar with Masons, Jackson Chapter No. 3, Royal Arch every practical detail of the business. To Masons, and Jackson Council No. 32; Jack- this line of enterprise he continued to devote son Lodge No. 113, Benevolent and Pro- his attention for six years, at the expiration tective Order of Elks, Central City Tent, No. of which, in 1895, he returned to Jackson 139, Knights of the Maccabees, and Maple , where he eventually established himself in Leaf Camp, No. 2569, Modern Woodmen the grocery business in what is locally known of America. as the Moody hill district of the city. In 1900 he became the Republican candidate for office of county clerk, and at the ensuing CHARLES HUNTOON. election received a substantial and gratify- ing endorsement at the polls, being elected As a representative of one of the sterling by a good majority, while his administration pioneer families of Jackson county, of which proved so discriminating and satisfactory he is a native son and in which he has passed that he was chosen as his own successor in his entire life, it is certainly consistent that the election of 1902 and is now incumbent we enter in this publication a review of the of this office, whose manifold details he has career of Mr. Huntoon, who has long been handled with signal discretion and ability, conspicuously identified with the agricultural having thoroughly systematized the work interests of the county, having a fine farming and having all records in the best of order. property in Summit township and being hon- At the time of his re-election a local paper ored as one of its representative men. Mr. spoke as follows in regard to Mr. Cunning- Huntoon is a native of the township in which ham: “He has a faculty for making friends he now resides, having been born on the old and holding them, and his conduct of the homestead farm, on the 5th of November, office of county clerk was such that the peo- 1853, and being a son of Daniel and Almira ple considered that he was the man for a (Hall) Huntoon, the former of whom was second term. He was returned to the office born in the state of New Hampshire and the by a large majority.” In politics Mr. Cun- latter in New York. The mother of the JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 869 subject was three times married, her first while he continued to attend school during husband having been Elihu Taylor, her sec- the winter months, as opportunity afforded. ord, Daniel Huntoon, while after his death He continued to be identified with agri- she became the wife of Alexander H. Lati- cultural pursuits in his native county until mer, who was a native of Connecticut and he had attained years of maturity, and who came to Jackson county in a very early through energy and close application began day, his death occurring in Summit town- to gain independence and definite success. ship, in the autumn of 1883, while his widow After Mr. Huntoon's marriage he rented survived until May, 1890, passing away at land in Tompkins township on which he re- the home of her son, the subject of this re- mained until October, 1883, when he re- view. She was a daughter of John and Dor- turned to the old homestead in order to care cas (Sanford) Hall. The father of the sub- for his mother, and she received from him ject died in Summit township in May, 1858, the utmost filial solicitude during the remain- at the age of fifty-eight years. Elihu and Al- ing years of her life, while he has remained mira Taylor becaine the parents of three ever since her death on the farm on which children, namely: Emily, who is the wife of , he was born and of which he is now the Gilson Holcomb, of Dallas county, Texas; owner. His father was one of the early pio- . Isaac B., who is a farmer of Tompkins town- neers of this county and became one of the ship, Jackson county; and Elihu H., a farmer representative men of Summit township, lo- residing near Sioux City, Iowa. The chil- cating on a tract of eighty acres of heavily dren of the second marriage were as follows: timbered land, in section 16, and being one Hannah D., who became the wife of Tru- of the first settlers in the township. He re- man B. Chamberlain, both being now de- claimed the farm and placed the major por- ceased : Daniel F., who died at the age of tion of the same under cultivation, while he nineteen years; Laura, who is the widow of also did a profitable business in the buying Samuel B. Thorn, and who resides in the and selling of live stock, being one of the first city of Jackson; Charles, who is the imme-shippers from this locality. His religious diate subject of this review, and Bertie, who faith was that of the Baptist church. He died at the age of seven years. By her last was a man of spotless integrity and held the marriage the mother of the subject had no esteem of all who knew him and had cogni- children. zance of his sterling attributes. Charles Huntoon received his early edu- Charles Huntoon has devoted his entire cational training in the district schools of life to agricultural pursuits. Summit township, and when but twelve homestead is located in section 9 and com- age he left home, and from that time prises eighty acres, of which fifty-five are became dependent upon his own resources. under a high state of cultivation, diversified He passed one summer on the farm of his crops being raised, while Mr. Huntoon also brother-in-law, Gilson Holcomb, and was gives considerable attention to the raising of thereafter employed by the month on the live stock of excellent grade. The farm is farm of Isaac B. Taylor, with whom he re- equipped with good buildings and is per- mained one and one-half years. In the mean- vaded with an air of definite thrift and His present years of pros- 870 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. perity. Mr. Huntoon is well known in this 1888; Charles Jr., who was born January section and he has so ordered his life as to 25, 1892, and Daniel, who was born on the retain the unqualified confidence and esteem 14th of April, 1894. of all who know him, being one of the hon- ored citizens and representative farmers of his native county. In politics, while without ambition for personal preferment in an offi- MARTIN B. BRADFORD. cial way, he has ever been found arrayed as a stanch supporter of the principles and poli- The hardy New Englander who comes cies of the Republican party. to seek his fortune in the west rarely fails of On the 15th of August, 1880, Mr. Hun- success. His courage, endurance and sagac- toon was united in marriage to Miss Kittity everywhere meet with some recompense, Botsford, who was born in Tompkins town- but in the west those qualities seem to be ship, this county, January 7, 1863, being a prized far higher than in the effete east. daughter of William M. and Ann (Corey) The New Englander who remains at home Botsford, both of whom were born in Yates may succeed, but it is in the vigorous and county, New York. They were married in active west that he truly thrives. It is a the old Empire state, whence they came to better field for the talent he possesses and Michigan some time in the 'fifties, locating it rewards its exercise in proportion. A in Tompkins township, this county, where large per cent of the people of Michigan are Mr. Botsford was engaged in farming until New Englanders, and very rarely is one his death, which occurred on the 21st of found who has lived in the state any length June. 1882, while his widow passed away on of time who is not comfortably situated the 29th of January, 1891. Of their ten financially and otherwise. The subject of children the following brief record is en- this sketch, Martin B. Bradford, is not a na- tered: Delphine died in infancy; Lee is a tive of New England, his lungs having been successful farmer of Tompkins township; | first inflated with the breath of life in the Calvin is a prosperous farmer of Summit state of Michigan, but, as a Hibernian once township; Delphine is the wife of Orrin remarked, “Because a cat has kittens in the Lewis, of Tompkins township; Charlotte, oven, you need not think they are loaves of deceased; Anna, deceased; Kitt is the wife bread." His parents are both New Eng- of the subject of this review; Susan is de- landers, his father, Benanewell B. Bradford, ceased; Agnes, deceased; Ann resides in the being a native of Rhode Island, while his city of Jackson, being the wife of Harvey mother, Emily mother, Emily (Crooker) Bradford, was Hedden. Mr. and Mrs. Huntoon have five . born in Vermont. children, namely: Nora, who was born on Martin B. Bradford was born in Spring the rgth of June, 1883; Harvey, who was Arbor, Michigan, September 4, 1847. As born March 3, 1885, and who is employed as early as 1832 his father made a trip from a brakeman on the Michigan Central Rail- Chenango county, New York, where he then road: Ann, who was born November 29, resided, to the then territory of Michigan, JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. . 871 a zens. the entire distance being traversed by him on head and heart of which he was possessed. foot. Today it would be looked upon as a All his life he was a zealous abolitionist and most remarkable feat, though journeys of an ardent advocate of total abstinence. He that distance afoot were then quite common. was a man of unselfish nature, ever planning He remained in this state long enough to more for the welfare of his fellow creatures satisfy himself as to the desirability of the than for his own. He and his good wife, territory as a habitation, then returned to the Enily, were the parents of the following chil- east, married the girl of his choice and three dren; John, a farmer, resides on section 1, years later settled himself down in a com- Spring Arbor township; Laurie, wife of fortable little home in Jackson county, near Rollin Faxon, resides at Trinidad, Colorado; Spring Arbor Mill. There he resided several Anrette, widow of Levant Wolcott, also re- years and there the subject of this review sides in Trinidad; Elizabeth, wife of Will- was born. Later they moved to Eaton and iam Connor, a farmer, resides on the Spring some time in 1848 the family returned to Arbor road; Martin B., the subject of this. New York, locating at Bristol, Ontario review, and Ed A., who cultivates the old county. However, he could not resist the hone place on the Spring Arbor road. All fascination of life on the frontier and about are enterprising, prosperous and useful citi- seven years later, in 1855, packing up all his effects, he with his family, turned his face When a babe of about one year old Mar- westward and before long all were comfort- tin B. Bradford was taken by his parents to ably domiciled in Jackson county. Even Ontario county, New York, where the next at that time Jackson, the county seat, was seven years of his life was spent. He at- quite a thrifty village and, deeming it a good tended school there and laid the foundation location for the conduct of a mercantile busi- for a good common-school education. On ness, Benanewell B. Bradford entered into a the return of the family to Michigan, he con- business partnership with his brother, Daniel tinued his studies in the city schools of Jack- Bradford. They were so successful that son, under the direction of Professor Ripley, within two years they had no difficulty in a man of splendid attainments, but stern and disposing of their business at a remunerative severe in discipline. The subject made his profit. With a portion of what money he home with his parents and after their re- had on hand, Mr. Bradford invested in a moval to the farm helped with the farm work farm north of Cross Lake, which was the until he was twenty-three years old. August family home during the next five years. An 15, 1870, Martin B. Bradford was united in opportunity offering for securing a more de- marriage to Miss Fanny Crooker, a native sirable place, he moved to a farm, the same of New York, born in West Bloomfield, on which his son Ed now resides, three and April 22, 1849. Her parents were John S. cre-half miles west of Jackson on the Spring and Charity Crooker, also natives of the Arbor road, and there he remained, pursuing state of New York, where they resided dur- tis vocation as an agriculturist, until his ing their entire lives. The first five years of death. He died September 3, 1881, respected the married life of Mr. and Mrs. Bradford and beloved for the many good qualities of were spent on the old home farm, which he a 872 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. cultivated, receiving for his services a share side issue, that any man can engage in. The of the crops. He then purchased the farm good judgment and wisdom of Mr. Brad- which is the present home of the family. It ford is not only apparent to his acquaint- consists of one hundred and sixty-five acres, ances, but to every reasonable person famil- and is located partly in Summit township iar with his sentiments on politics and kin- and partly in Spring Arbor township. It is dred subjects. well improved, highly productive and one of the most desirable farms in that most fertile and productive section of Jackson county. JOHN ROBSON. Martin B. and Fanny Bradford are the par- ents of four children, two sons and two The really successful man must be pos- daughters, viz: Edith, Ethel, Edgar M. sessed of sufficient foresight to anticipate and Alfred J. Edith is the wife of Hiram the future, inake provision for that which Holmes, a farmer who resides upon and cul- may be adverse to his interests and be pre- tivates a farm adjacent to that of Mrs. pared to take advantage of every opportu- Holmes' parents. Ethel is a resident of nity fortune may cast in his way. . The man Colorado, engaged in teaching. Both sons who lives wholly in the present, thinking still continue to make their home with their occasionally of the future but making little parents. From the farm the family derives if any provision for it, may and often does a very enviable income. The place is well enjoy many of the blessings of life, but is set out to fruit of all kinds and never fails to rarely successful in the fullest sense of the produce an excellent crop. Should it fail in word. The story of the life of John one variety, it is generally abundant in an- Robson, the subject of this review, other. However, the chief business con- is a striking illustration of the thought ducted on the place is dairying, Jersey cattle expressed in , the foregoing Born in are the favorite breed of the owner for this the north of England, schooled in the purpose and he keeps and cares for quite a calling of a miner in his native shire, herd. A good, substantial and commodious Cumberland, and following that calling for residence is the family home, the place hav- many years after coming to this country, ing been for years known as “Maple Row he now, at the age of nearly three score and Farm.” Mr. and Mrs. Bradford are genial, ten years, finds himself engaged in a busi- hospitable people and their latch-string al- ness, that of operating a creamery, as dia- ways hangs out to their neighbors and many metrically opposite to his former pursuit as friends. In politics Mr. Bradford usually one calling could possibly be from another. votes for the man he deems most eligible to It was as a miner he came to Jackson coun- fill the position, regardless of party ties, ty, but while thus engaged he had foresight and while he takes considerable interest in enough to purchase from his savings a com- politics, he has no aspirations for public fortable farm near the county seat, to which favors, having long ago perceived that it is he retired when coal mining in Jackson the most expensive and least remunerative county became an unprofitable industry. pursuit, either as a regular business or as a John Robson was born in Cumberland JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 873 son, county, England, August 23, 1834, his par- a resident of Blackman township; Joseph ents being Edward and Ann (Blackburn) enlisted in the Third Michigan Cavalry, Robson. His father was a prudent, thrifty served three years, re-enlisted, and lost his coal miner who from his meager earnings life in the blowing up of a boat, outside Mo- saved sufficient to enable the family to come bile bay, about the close of the war. to America, he being convinced that the The early life of John Robson was spent move would result in the betterment of their in his native country. He had the oppor- condition. They arrived in this country in tunity of only a limited education, but has 1857 and immediately located in Schuyl- since added greatly thereto by study and kill county, Pennsylvania, where they en- reading. While still a mere youth he en- gaged in mining, but not finding conditions tered the Cumberland coal mines and all they desired, continued in the work only worked at that business the greater part of about three months. Edward Robson, in his life. April 22, 1857, just previous to . company with a younger brother, made a the embarkation to America, John Robson trip through several of the western states, was united in marriage to Miss Mary Rob- Illinois, Iowa and Missouri, but found noth- Her father was also a miner and al- ing satisfactory, as the panic of 1857 had though both families are of the same name, closed nearly all the mines. Coming to they are not related. Mr. and Mrs. Rob- Jackson, Michigan, they found parties en- son are the parents of three sons, William. gaged in the sinking of a shaft on the Jona- Joseph and Edward, all residing on the home than Wood property, with a view of mining place and jointly engaged with their father coal. It was the first extensive coal mining in the dairy business. operation in the county and here they se- After coming to Jackson county in cured employment, Edward Robson being 1859, John Robson went to work in the , made foreman as soon as the mine was mines and finding land in the vicinity of the ready for operation, which position he held city very cheap, as he saved from his earn- until 1872, when the mine was closed. In ings he invested in real estate. One tract 1859 the family removed from Pennsyl- which he purchased in 1861 for seventy- vania to Jackson county and here they have five dollars, he sold two years later for five since remained. Edward Robson died in hundred and fifty dollars. This amount, 1891, being at the time eighty-one years of supplemented with other cash he had on age. He was a man who was always noted hand, enabled him to purchase forty-seven for his physical strength, good health and acres which forms a part of the land he now vigorous constitution, his fatal illness, which owns, occupies and operates. This he has covered a period of but six days, be- added to, year by year, until at this time his ing the first sickness of his life. The chil- farm comprises two hundred and sixty-four dren of Edward and Ann (Blackburn) acres, seventy-seven of which, purchased in Robson were: John, the subject of this 1898, lies in Spring Arbor township. Fron: sketch; Edward, who after the Civil war the time of his coming to Michigan until went to Alabama, took up a homestead and 1872, he was steadily employed in the there still resides; George, a farmer, who is Woodville mines. When they closed down, 874 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. to see, he secured employment in the mines at three score and ten years, he is as fine a Jackson, in which he continued until 1875, specimen of manhood as one could desire when he was made foreman of the Porter the possessor of a fertile, active mind, and Big Slope mines. This position he held a man to whom progressiveness is as natur- until 1893, when it was no longer profit- al as life itself. able to mine coal in Jackson and the mines were abandoned. During the greater part CLARENCE J. REED. of the time that he was engaged in mining John Robson was also doing some farming. Two miles from the limits of the attrac- His chief crops were corn and wheat and, tive little village of Spring Arbor is located although obliged to hire much of the labor the pleasant farm home of Mr. Reed, who is required to plant, cultivate and gather the one of the many successful and progressive harvest, it was nearly always done at a fair agriculturists who are here contributing ma- profit. On the cessation of mining operaterially to the industrial prosperity of Jack- tions in Jackson he turned his entire atten- son county, while it should also be stated tion to agricultural pursuits, which, with the in the connection that he is a native son of assistance of his three sons, he has found the Wolverine state, where his entire life has very remunerative. Two years ago they de- been passed. He is well known in this sec- cided to engage jointly in the creamery busi- tion and has so ordered his life in all its re- ness and have continued ever since to operate lations as to command uniform confidence a modest plant most successfully. Finding and regard in the community in which he the business quite congenial as well as profit- makes his home. Mr. Reed was born in able, they have decided to engage in it more Lenawee county, Michigan, on the 8th of extensively. They have a nice herd of Jer- May, 1867, being a son of LaFayette F. and , sey cows and a number of Durhams, they Cynthia (Conkwright-Pruden) Reed. The , finding the latter equal to the Jerseys as father of the subject was born in the state profit producers. Every feature of the busi- of New York, being a son of Eli and Cyn- a ness is conducted by the four brothers in thia (Thompson) Reed, who emigrated common and at no time has harmony ceased thence to Michigan in a nearly day, settling to prevail in every department of the man- in Lenawee county, where Mr. Reed passed agement. The barns and stables for the ac- the remainder of his life, having been en- commodation of the stock have been built gaged gaged in farming and having also conducted and are equipped in the latest and most ap- an ashery, for the manufacture of potash, proved manner as to sanitation and other this being a profitable industry in the early conditions for the health and comfort of days. He located in Ohio upon first coming the cattle. The family home is a handsome, to the west, and thence came to Michigan in substantial structure, tastefully furnished 1850. His wife was a daughter of a Baptist and supplied with every modern comfort. clergyman who was numbered among the Mr. Robson is a Mason and Odd Fellow pioneer ministers of his church in Lenawee and is interested in the work and welfare of county, and she also died in Lenawee coun- both orders. Physically, despite his nearly ty. The mother of the subject was the adopt- a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 875 ed daughter of Silas and Sallie ( Thompson) On the 15th of October, 1885, Mr. Reed Pruden, her own father, whose name was was united in marriage to Miss Frankie M. Conkwright, having been a native of Hol- Crouch, who was born in Summit township, land, whence he emigrated to the state of this county, being a daughter of David Ed- New York, where his death occurred when win and Mary E. (Jones) Crouch. David his daughter was a mere child. Of the four Crouch was born in Steuben county, New children born to the parents of the subject York, on the 5th of March, 1835, and came three are living at the present time. Mr. to Jackson county in 1854, locating in Spring Reed's first wife died on the 3d of October, Arbor township, where he has ever since 1891, and in 1895 he was united in marriage been identified with agricultural pusuits. . to Miss Deborah Bassett, who is living near His children were as follows: Mettie E., Adrian, Michigan. He was one of the suc- who died at the age of three years; Frankie cessful farmers of Spring Arbor township, M., who is the wife of the subject of this where he took up his residence in 1880. He review, and Roy E., who is a farmer of this is a Republican in politics and his religious township. Mr. Crouch is a Prohibitionist a . faith is that of the Free Methodist church, in politics. His wife, whose maiden name of which the mother of the subject was like- was Mary E. Jones and to whom he was wise a devoted adherent. married in the year 1854, was likewise a na- Clarence J. Reed, the immediate subject tive of Steuben county, New York, where of this sketch, accompanied his parents on she was born on the 11th of June, 1838, be- their removal from Lenawee county to Jack- ing a daughter of John E, and Roxana son county, being fourteen years of age at ( Barber) Jones, both of whom were born the time. He was reared on the homestead in Otsego county, New York, while the lat- farm and after receiving such educational ter died in 1892, at the age of seventy-seven advantages as were afforded in the public years, her husband surviving until 1897, schools he entered Spring Arbor Seminary, when he passed away at the age of eighty- where he was graduated as a member of the three years, both having been residents of class of 1884. He has been consecutively the state of Illinois at the time of death. engaged in farming and stock growing from Of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Reed we in- the time of initiating his independent career, corporate the following brief record: Ray- and he is now the owner of a fine farm prop- mond C. was born on the 12th of April, erty of one hundred and sixty acres, most 1890; Edwin Percy was born June 4, 1892; favorably situated at a point two miles from Walter C. was born July 22, 1896, and Win- the village of Spring Arbor, which is his ifred Mary was born October 25, 1899. postoffice address. Mr. Reed is essentially progressive and public-spirited in his atti- tude and his franchise is exercised in support GEORGE S. TEFFT. of the principles and policies of the Repub- lican party, and for the past three years he The soldier who risks his life on the field has served as a member of the board of re- of battle for a cause in which he believes, view. has always received the highest praise of 876 , JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. men: next to him stands the pioneer, who sion of the state to the Union, they emi- braves the dangers and hardships of the grated to Michigan, and here the father of frontier and opens up new districts to the the subject took up a tract of government march of civilization. Deprived of the com- land, in Spring Arbor township, Jackson forts and conveniences of the older settled county, where he set to himself the task of sections, in quiet endurance of difficulties reclaiming the same from the forest pri- and overcoming innumerable obstacles, he meval, earnestly and indefatigably continu- works on, day after day, at the arduous task ing his efforts until his hand was stayed , of making the wild land bring forth the har- through the inexorable summons of death. vests that shall provide him and his family He passed away in 1854, his wife having with sustenance, or else, mayhaps, it is his been summoned into eternal rest about portion to delve in the solitudes that earth three years previously. They became the may yield forth her hidden treasures of min- parents of five sons and two daughters, all , eral store, it being inevitable that before the of whom are still living, the subject of this various branches of commercial enterprise sketch having been the second in order of can come into evidence it is necessary to birth. After the death of his first wife Mr. subdue or reveal the natural resources. In Tefft married Miss Hannah Miller, and their the work of the early development and im- only son, Verner J., who became the editor provement of Jackson county the father of and publisher of the Ingham County News, the subject took part, and as the latter him in the village of Mason, and later of the self is a native of the county and was born Albion Recorder, in the city of Albion, died in the pioneer epoch, it is needless to say in the latter city a number of years ago. that he too has contributed his quota to the Mr. Tefft was a stanch supporter of the Re- arduous work, while he has witnessed the publican party from the time of its organiza- great transformation which has been tion, and it is a matter of historic record that wrought and stands today as one of the this grand old party practically had its birth prominent and successful farmers and rep- in this county, though other sections of the resentative pioneer citizens of Spring Arbor Union have claimed the distinction. township, honored as a citizen and as a man George S. Tefft, whose name initiates of indubitable probity in all the relations of this article, early became inured to the stren- life. To such persons is it a pleasure and uous toil involved in the reclamation of the privilege to offer a tribute in this compila- 1 pioneer farm, but he waxed strong in mind tion. and body under the strenuous discipline, George S. Tefft was born on the pio- while he received exceptional educational ad- neer homestead, in Spring Arbor township, vantages for the locality and period, since, this county, on the 15th of September, after completing the limited curriculum of 1839, being a son of Varnum J. and Miran- the somewhat primitive pioneer schools of da (Vickery). Tefft, both of whom were the subscription or district type, he was en- born and reared in the state of Rhode Island, abled to continue his studies in Spring Ar- where their marriage was solemnized. In bor College, an institution early established the year 1836, one year prior to the admis- in the village of that name in this county JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 877 and one that maintained distinctive prestige cord, is one which has been prominently for a number of years, after which its for- identified with the annals of the county for tunes waned. He has been identified with nearly half a century, while on the maternal , agricultural pursuits from his youth up, and , side he is a scion of one of the earliest pio- through his efforts along this line has at- neers of Concord township. Mr. Tucker tained a success of no indefinite order. In has passed his entire life in his native vil- his homestead farm are comprised two hun- | lage and has never faltered in his allegiance dred and twenty acres, while he is also the to the same. Such instances are all too rare owner of a valuable farm of one hundred in these later days, when the nomadic tend- and thirty acres, lying north of Grass Lake, ency is in so marked evidence among Amer- this county. He gives his attention to gen- ican people, and it is pleasing to note those eral farming and stock growing and has cases where the appreciation of home sur- his affairs well in hand at all times, main- roundings and advantages do not fall into taining a progressive policy and being known abeyance as the years of maturity approach. as an able business man and loyal and pub- Abram K. Tucker was born in the pleas- lic-spirited citizen. In politics he maintains ant family homestead, on Hanover street, an independent attitude, and the estimate in the village of Concord, on the 18th of placed upon him in the community is indi- May, 1874, being a son of Albert H. and , cated in the preferments which have come Henrietta (Bigelow) Tucker, the former of to him in the way of public office. He has whom was born in Essex county, New York, served as township clerk, of which office he on the 7th of June, 1831, while the latter was incumbent for two terms, and he has was born also in the state of New York, on also rendered efficient service as justice of the roth of November, 1831, being a daugh- the peace, ever aiming in his judicial func- ter of the late Joab Bigelow, who came to tions to make the office justify its name. Jackson county when she was a girl of eight On the 5th of November, 1868, Mr. Tefft years, in 1839, being one of the first settlers was united in marriage to Miss Mary D. in Concord township, where he passed the Humphrey, who was born in Spring Arbor residue of his long and useful life, having township, Jackson county, being a daughter been one of the distinguished and influential of Samuel Humphrey, who was a pioneer of citizens of the county. When a y ung man this section, whither he came from the state Albert H. Tucker came to the west from his of Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. Tefft have three native state, and he was for many years a children, Mary D., and Maggie and Mattie, traveling commercial salesman in Michigan who are twins. and other states, even after he had perma- nently located in Concord. He took up his residence in this village in 1858 and has ever ABRAM K. TUCKER. since been prominently identified with the in- dustrial and civic interests of the commu- The name borne by the subject of this nity, being now numbered among the pio- sketch, who is one of the representative neer business men of the place and one who young men of the attractive village of Con- is known and honored by practically every 878 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. one throughout the territory normally trib- 30, Free and Accepted Masons; with Gibbs utary to Concord. For fully fifteen years Tent No. 509, Knights of the Maccabees, he conducted a general store, handling drugs, and with Concord Camp No. 3089, Modern groceries, etc., and then engaged in the hard- Woodmen of America. He is one of the ware and implement business, to which he popular young men of his native town and has ever since devoted his attention. With has the confidence and good will of those him the subject is associated in business, among whom his life has been passed. The under the firm name of A. H. Tucker & Son, family hold membership in the Universalist and they conduct the principal grain com- church. mission enterprise in the village, making On the 5th of June, 1901, Mr. Tucker large shipments each year and transacting was united in marriage to Miss Emma Car- a profitable business and one which does ter, of Jackson county, she being a daughter much to facilitate the industrial activities and of Anthony and Laura Carter, and of this increase the business prestige of the village union has been born a son, Anthony C., who in which their headquarters are maintained. was ushered into the world on the 3d of Albert H. Tucker is a Democrat in his po- May, 1902. litical allegiance and has been an active worker in the party ranks, while he has been village clerk and treasurer for about twelve WILLIAM A. GIBSON, M. D. years. He is an appreciative member of the time-honored Masonic fraternity, in which Devoted to the noble and humane work he was initiated as an Entered Apprentice which his profession implies, Dr. Gibson has and raised to the Master's degree in 1852. been faithful and indefatigable in his en- Of the five living children born to him and deavors and has not only earned the due re- his devoted wife four are yet living. wards of his efforts in a temporal way but Abram K. Tucker, whose name intro- has also proved himself eminently worthy duces this review, was reared to maturity to exercise the important functions of his in Concord, in whose excellent schools he re- calling, by reason of his ability, his abiding ceived his educational discipline. For a pe- sympathy and his earnest zeal in behalf of riod of three years he held a clerical position his fellow men. His understanding of the in the counting room of the Farmers' State science of medicine is broad and compre- Bank, and thereafter was employed as a hensive, and the profession and the public clerk by his father, being thus engaged un- accord him a distinguished place among the til 1901, when he entered into partnership practitioners of Michigan, while he retains with his father in the grain business, as has a firm hold on the confidence and affection been already noted. He is a Republican in of the many families to whom he has min- his political adherency, and in the autumn ofistered during the many years of his active 1990 he was elected to the dual office of practice in the city of Jackson. He is recog- township clerk and village treasurer, of nized as one of the distinguished physicians which he remained incumbent until 1903. of the state, while through original investi- He is identified with Concord Lodge No.gation and research and constant study along JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 879 technical lines he has kept well abreast of State University, at Ann Arbor, where he the notable advances made in the theory and continued until 1863, when he was appointed practice of both medicine and surgery and hospital steward in the government service has thus won prestige by individual applica- and was assigned to the Army of the Po- tion and practical knowledge. tomac, remaining at the front for a short Dr. Gibson was born in Ypsilanti, Mich- time, when he was transferred to Camp igan, on the 18th of July, 1843, and is a son Blair, at Jackson, where he continued until of Thomas and Mary (Piper) Gibson. The the close of the war. He continued his med- former was a son of Robert Gibson, who was ical studies in the university, and was grad- a native of Scotland, whence he emigrated uated in the class of 1866. It may be noted te to America about the year 1816, Thomas that the Doctor was graduated in the regular having been born on the sea while his par- school of medicine and that later, becoming pár- ents were thus en route. They located in the convinced of the legitimacy of the Hahne- state of New York, where Thomas was mann school, he transferred his allegiance, reared and educated. About the year 1836 though he has ever been liberal and broad- he came to Michigan, resided for a time in minded in his profession. The Doctor be- Ypsilanti, later removed to Ann Arbor, and gan the active practice of medicine in Mar- in 1845 or 1846 came to Jackson, which was shall, remaining until 1869, when he re- then a mere village, and here passed the re- turned to Jackson. In addition to his gen- mainder of his life, his death occurring on eral practice, he has held various positions the 8th of January, 1900, at which time he of trust in connection with his profession. was eighty-four years of age. He was a Before the establishment of the county mason and followed this vocation many boards of examining surgeons for pensions years, becoming one of the leading contrac- he served for fifteen years as examiner, and tors in Jackson county. His wife was upon the organization of the board he be- born at Palmyra, New York, being a daugh- came a member, and has continued to the ter of John Piper, who was a soldier in the present, having thus served in this capacity Continental army during the war of the Rev- about thirty-five years. He is now presi- olution. Mrs. Gibson died at Jackson, in of this board. He was city physician May, 1874, at the age of fifty-five years. four years and for two years was county This worthy couple became the parents of physician. . In September, 1893, Dr. Gibson five children, all of whom attained maturity was appointed physician and surgeon at the and of whom four are living at the present Michigan state prison, and retained this of- time. They were William A., John, Thom-fice more than nine years, until resigning in , as, Maryette and Robert A. December, 1902. His careful and prompt William A. Gibson received early edu- attention to the inmates of the prison and cational discipline in the public schools and his economy in the medical department saved at the age of seventeen began to read medi- thousands of dollars for the prison every cine in the office of Doctor Root, of Somer- year. As physician and surgeon he acquitted , set Center, Hillsdale county. One year later himself with honor and it is doubtful wheth- he entered the medical department of the er any other physician ever made in every re- 880 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. spect such a successful record in the medical the owner of two fine stock farms, and department of this state institution. The evinced a decided interest in breeding and duties of this office are responsible, since driving high-grade animals, of which he every convict must be examined and from owned several. He has other real-estate in- the physician's report is determined the po- vestments and is the owner of valuable prop- sition assigned to the prisoner. During his erty in Jackson. Here he erected two of the service of nearly a decade there were more best residences in the city, in West Main than one hundred cases of typhoid fever street. among the convicts, and his success in the On the 27th of September, 1866, Dr. treatment of this obstinate disease may be Gibson was united in marriage to Miss recognized when it is stated that out of this I aura S. Kirtland, who was born in Jack- large number there were only three deaths. son, the daughter of Frederick and Betsy L. The physician is also held responsible for the Kırtland, pioneers of the county. Dr. and sanitary condition of the prison, and Dr. Mrs. Gibson have two daughters, Irene, who Gibson recommended both the construction is the wife of Lewis D. Campbell, a lawyer of a new kitchen and a new cell block as san- of Saginaw county, and Isabella, the wife itary necessities, the improvements being of Benjamin F. Larue, a civil engineer, of made to conform to his suggestions. In Scranton, Pennsylvania. 1901 the Doctor attended the meeting of the Prison Reform Association, at Sault Ste. Marie, as a representative of the prison. The Doctor has made a special study of cancer- ROWLAND TANNER, JR. ous growths and the methods of most effec- tive treatment, nany remarkable cures at- Among the worthy citizens of Jack- testing his skill. He keeps in touch with the son county who have acted honorable parts investigations, researches and systems of the in life's great drama and gone to their re- various schools of practice, and does not hes-ward, the name of the late Rowland Tan- , itate to use remedies and methods which are ner is deserving of specific mention in these of definite value, regardless of the source, pages. A man of sterling worth, whose while he is recognized as a most skillful and strength was as the measure of his days, he successful surgeon. lived to noble ends and dying left to his de- Dr. Gibson has accorded an unwavering scendants the heritage of an honorable name allegiance to the Republican párty, taking which they hold as a priceless possession. an active interest in the cause, and serving Mr. Tanner was a native of New York and as delegate to numerous state, congressional the fourth in a family of seven children and county conventions, while he has mani- whose parents were Rowland and Betsey fested an interest in all that touches the wel- (Wilber) Tanner, both born in New Eng- fare of the community. He represented the land. In an early day Rowland Tanner, fourth ward as alderman for two years, but Sr., moved his family to New York and has not sought official preferment. He is a from that state, about the year 1836, emi- Royal Arch Mason. He was for some years i grated to Jackson county, Michigan, set- ROWLAND TANNER. MRS. IRENA TANNER. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 881 tling on a tract of land in Henrietta town- until a young man of twenty-seven, at which ship, for which he afterwards obtained a time he severed honie ties and entered the patent from the government. With the marriage relation with Miss Adelaide D. . assistance of his sons, he cleared and de- Gibbins, the ceremony being solemnized veloped this land, converting it into a good some time in the year 1850. After a brief farm, on which he lived until his death in but happy wedded life of about five years du- 1853. He was a reputable citizen and served ration Mr. Tanner was deprived of his com- for a number of years as justice of the peace panion, who died January 5, 1855, leaving and met with good success as an agricultur- a daughter by the name of Belle, now the ist, being in comfortable financial circum- | wife of Henry Trinkaus. Subsequently, on stances at the time of his death and leaving the 24th day of August, 1856, the subject a fair estate to his children. Mrs. Tanner was united in marriage with Miss Irena has been dead a number of years and of the Peak, daughter of Peter M. and Sophia eight children that once gathered around (Parmelee) Peak, both parents natives of the hearthstone not one is left to teil the New York. The Peak family came to story of their early experiences and strug- Michigan in 1847 and settled in Ingham gles while establishing a home in the wil- county, where Mr. Peak followed the derness of Jackson county. The following cooper's trade for a number of years, hav- , are the names of the children born to Row- ing learned the same before leaving his na- land and Betsey Tanner : Benjamin, tive state. He did quite an extensive busi- Thomas, Martin, Horace, Rowland, Harvey, ness for some time at the town of Bunker Jane and Warren, all of whom married, Hill, where he operated a large shop, the reared families and became well-to-do, their first of the kind in the place, giving employ- descendants being now among the enterpris- ment to several additional workmen in or- ing and successful people of the respective der to supply the demand for his product. communities in which they reside. Later he worked at different places, one of Rowland Tanner, Jr., was born July which was at Root's Station, where he lived 27, 1821, and when a youth of fifteen was until retiring to Jackson, in which city he brought by his parents to Jackson county. spent his closing years, dying in 1889, his Reared in the country and being quite wife preceding him to the grave on January strong for his age, he early became inured , Mr. Peak was an excellent citi- to hard work and bore no small part in clear- zen and a typical representative of the ing the farm in Henrietta township and cul- sturdy pioneer class of his day. Originally tivating the same. In such schools as the a Whig, he afterwards became an active country in the early days afforded he ob- worker in the Republican party, and in re- tained a rudimentary education, but the ligion he and his good wife were faithful greater part of his time, both winter and members of the United Brethren church. summer, was spent in the woods and fields | They had children as follows: Abby Jane, as his services were greatly needed at home who married John Gee, Jr., of Jackson ; , while the farm was being developed. Cevilla Ann, wife of Enos Parker, died De- Mr. Tanner remained with his father 'cember 1, 1892; Mrs. Irena Tanner; Lydia 4, 1882. 56 882 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. were Emeline, now Mrs. George Southwell, of him and in a large measure his daily life Munith. was a sacrifice for others. His relations After this marriage Mr. Tanner en- with wife and children almost gaged in the pursuit of agriculture and fol- ideally beautiful and agreeable and there lowed the same with success and financial were few as pleasant homes as the one of profit as long as he lived, clearing the great- which he was so long the loving head. The er part of the excellent farm of two hun- death of this good man and reputable citi- dred and eighty-five acres which constituted zen occurred on the 1st day of March, the homestead in Henrietta township. He 1897, and his remains were followed to their made many substantial improvements on last resting place by a large concourse of this place, including a large barn erected sorrowing friends, who still hold his name some time in the 'sixties, a good frame | in grateful and loving rememberance. dwelling in 1871, besides such other build- Three children were born to Rowland ings as are found on good farms, to say and Irena Tanner, the oldest being Ella A., nothing of the excellent conditions to which wife of Thomas J. Spears. Mr. and Mrs. he reduced his !and. He was an up-to-date Spears have two sons, Hart T. and Floyd agriculturist, with progressive ideas, la- D. Carrie, the second daughter, died March bored to advantage, managed well and in the 13, 1893; she had married John J. Cheney, course of time became financially independ- of Jackson, and bore him one child by the ent. Among his neighbors he was held in name of Irena B., who is now making her high esteem, as he always conducted him- home with her grandmother, Mrs. Tanner. self so as to meet their approbation, being Emma A., the youngest of the family, died a man of kindly disposition, temperate in May 13, 1897. Since her husband's death , all things, and honorable in dealings with Mrs. Tanner has run the farm, in the man- his fellow men. He stood for law and order agement of which sound judgment and in all the terms imply, used his best endeav- good business tact have been displayed. She ors to promote a healthy moral sentiment is a woman of good mind, plentifully en- in the community, and lent his influence and dowed with that most admirable of qualities, material aid to all worthy enterprises for common sense, and has succeeded well in all the public good. In politics he was an un- of her undertakings. In the rearing of her flinching supporter of the Republican party, children and looking after their interests but never became a partisan in the sense she made few if any mistakes, as the esteem the word is usually understood, contenting in which they hold her abundantly attests. himself with voting his principles, defend- She provided them with exceptional edu- ing the soundness of his opinions and let- | cational advantages, also supplied means ting others hold the offices. In his home for culture in other ways and since they life Mr. Tanner was a model husband and left her she has lavished her wealth of love father, his kindness and consideration en- and affection upon the granddaughter, dearing him to every member of the family. whose welfare is now one of her chief con- He lost sight of self in his efforts to pro- Mrs. Tanner dispenses her charities mote the welfare of those dependent upon with a free hand to the deserving poor and cerns. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 883 her life has long been a blessing to the com- dian trails, over which he traveled when- munity. In her pleasant home, surrounded ever practicable, but no small part of his by everything that can minister to her com- trip lay through a country which even the fort and happiness, she is living to good and savages had not traversed. After remain- useful ends and it is the ardent and oft ex- ing a short time and comparing the advan- pressed prayer of her numerous friends tages of different sections of the country, that she may yet spend many years in the Mr. Daniels went back to New York. The land of the living following spring he again journeyed to Jack- son county and located a claim in section 33, Blackman township. An interesting story of the difficulties attending the obtaining of JOHN J. DANIELS. land patents in that day is told in connection with this particular grant. After selecting The name of the subject of this review is his location, Mr. Daniels retraced his steps one whose memory links in an indissoluble as far as Ann Arbor, making the journey on chain the trend of events from the early pio- foot, for at this date the first railroad in neer history of southern Michigan to the lat- the United States had just been opened. At ter day epoch when peace, prosperity and all Ann Arbor he gained the required data from the advantages of a high civilization mark the surveyor, and as it was Saturday, de- the beginnings of a new century. Nearly cided to remain in that settlement until Mon- three score and fifteen years have dissolved day morning. But the next day he chanced in the mists of the past since the first repre- to overhear some remarks which caused him sentatives of the Daniels family penetrated to think that it might be well for him to the wilderness of Jackson county and, amid delay as little as possible. After supper that all the vicissitudes and dangers attending evening he announced his intention of tak- such an experience, laid the foundation of a ing a little walk. He sauntered leisurely home and sought by every means at his along until out of sight from the hotel, then command to introduce civilized. life into the he quickened his pace and turned in the di- vast unbroken solitude which at that time rection of Monroe, where the land office was was the refuge and hiding place of wild ani- located. He walked the whole night and . mals and the scarcely less wild red men. It arrived at his destination the following was during the early part of the administra- morning before the agent opened his office. tion of Andrew Jackson, seventh President He sat on the steps when that gentleman ap- of the United States, that John Daniels, who peared and stated his business. While the was born in Connecticut in 1788, started agent was unlocking the door a man rode from New York on a journey to the west. up on a horse which showed the effects of He in due time reached the town of Detroit, very hard riding. The newcomer hastily Michigan, from which place he made his dismounted and rushed into the office. He way on foot through the dense woods to threw some papers on the desk, demanding what is now the township of Sandstone, in that they be filed at once. The agent said, Jackson county. The only paths were In- “Your turn is next after this man. He 884 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. made the first application," and proceeded to strong of limb, he bore his full share of the file Mr. Daniels' papers. The stranger list- hard work required to clear the farm, and ened with interest and, when the agent until his marriage, at the age of twenty-four, turned to him, said, “It's of no use now. he remained at home just west of the pres- This man has the start of me.” The spec- ent city limits, assisting in the support of the ulator had hoped to induce the prospective family. On the 26th of November, 1840, he settler to pay him a bonus to give up the married Miss Charlotte A. Denton, who was claim, of which he surreptitiously managed born April 26, 1819, in Batavia, New York, to gain a description, rather than make the a daughter of John and Abigal (Woodard) toilsome journey over again to select a sec- Denton, natives of Pennsylvania and New ond tract. Subsequently Mr. Daniels pur- York, respectively. Mrs. Daniels' parents chased other land in the vicinity until his real came to Jackson county as early as 1835 or estate amounted to about five hundred acres, '36, and here spent the remainder of their much of which he cleared and otherwise im- days. They had children as follows: Char- proved. His first dwelling was a small log lotte, Clarissa J. (Ketchum), Pauline , cabin of the most primitive type, which (Gregg) and John. served as a shelter for his family until re- Immediately after his marriage Henry placed by a larger and more comfortable Daniels moved to a one hundred and sixty- dwelling a few years later. acre tract of land in sections 29 and 30, Mr. Daniels married, in New York, Miss Blackman township, which he had purchased Zilpha Wheeler, a native of Vermont, who in previous years, and later added to his bore him three children: Abel W., who real estate until he became the owner of three died in 1868, and Maria, now Mrs. H. K. hundred and seventy-five acres. Like other Fritts, of Niles, Michigan. Mr. Daniels was early settlers, he set up his first domestic a young man when he went to New York establishment in an old-fashioned log cabin from Connecticut and for some years during and experienced the usual vicissitudes of pio- his residence there he followed agricultural neer times, but in a few years these condi- pursuits, also devoting some years to the tions passed away with the new order of manufacture of lumber. He appears to have things which gradually supplanted them. prospered in his business, but the desire to Mr. Daniels became one of the leading agri- obtain cheaper land and more of it led him culturists of his township and, in connection in the course of time to leave his home in with general farming, devoted considerable the east and locate in the newly opened coun- of his time to live stock, being especially suc- try of southern Michigan. cessful in the raising of fine-wool sheep, hav- Henry Daniels, son of the above John ing been one of the first to introduce these and Zilpha Daniels, was born February 26, valuable animals into this part of the state. 1816, in New York, and when a youth ac- He was also an influential factor in public companied his parents to Jackson county, affairs, but never asked office at the hands with the pioneer history and subsequently of his fellow citizens. Nevertheless he was development of which the remainder of his made county superintendent of the poor, and life was identified. Rugged of body and as such served for a period of sixteen years. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 885 In business he was quite successful and by May 12, 1869, was solemnized his marriage good judgment and careful management with Miss Lovina Crawford, of Sandstone succeeded in acquiring a handsome estate township, daughter of Stephen C. and Sarah and a comfortable competence for his de- L. (Ingraham) Crawford, natives of New clining years. In personal appearance he was York and early settlers of Jackson county. large and commanding and impressed all Mrs. Daniels was born March 28, 1851, and with whom he came in contact as a man of is the mother of three children, Florence E., immense physical energy and powerful in- now the wife of Frederick T. Lockwood, of dividuality. Henry and Charlotte Daniels Jackson, Myron J., the only son, whose had three children, the first of whom died death occurred September 10, 1884, and in infancy; the second was John Jefferson, Sarah C., a member of the home circle. the subject of this sketch, and the third, the Mr. Daniels has devoted his life to agri- only daughter, Florence A., who was born cultural pursuits and for many years has October 20, 1852, and who died August 30, ranked with the extensive stock raisers and 1856. The mother of these children died farmers of his section. He is a man of ad- March 10, 1859, and later Mr. Daniels mar- vanced ideas in all that pertains to his chosen ried Mrs. Calista Bronson, of whom a sketch calling. Inheriting from a sturdy ancestry appears in this work. The death of Mr. a determined will and cool, calculating judg- Daniels took place on the 22d day of Feb- ment, he thinks well before engaging in an ruary, 1884. He lived well his days, rounded undertaking, but when he addresses himself out a full life of good deeds and wholesome to it, seldom stops short of its accomplish- influences, and his name is destined always ment. He is an advocate of the ideas being to occupy a conspicuous place among the carried out by the farmers' club movement sturdy pioneers and sterling citizens of Jack- and is broad in his political views. He votes son county. the Democratic ticket. Fraternally he is a Having thus referred to the antecedents menuber of the Knights of the Maccabees, of John Jefferson Daniels, it is fitting that a belonging to Central City Tent No.139. As brief resume of his own life and achieve already stated, Mr. Daniels is a representative ments should follow. Born March 5, 1845, of one of the oldest and most highly es- on the family homestead, whose huge cot- teemed families in this section of the state, tonwood trees a landmark for miles and having spent all his life at or near the around, he spent the years of his minority place of his birth, he has witnessed much of at home. He attended the school of his the growth and development of Jackson neighborhood and the Jackson high school, county. In his early life the country was . finishing his school life at Notre Dame, In- comparatively new, and as the years have diana. About the year 1866 he went on a passed he has taken a commendable interest prospecting tour through Illinois and Wis- in everything pertaining to the welfare of consin, but not finding an opening in these the region, doing everything in his power states that seemed favorable, he returned to for its progress and upbuilding. True to his native county and took charge of the every trust reposed in him, loyal in his home farm, on which he has since lived. On friendships, meeting all his obligations with are 886 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. promptness, and honorable in his relations gretted by scores of friends who loved her with the world, it is a compliment to class for her many good qualities. Her husband him with the successful men and leading cit- still lives at Bucyrus, where his children izens of his township and county. minister to his comfort. In closing this sketch it is proper to re- fer to a few facts in connection with Mrs. Daniels' family history. Her father was VOLNEY MONTELL HARRINGTON, born in Steuben county, New York, Octo- ber 13, 1815, and there married, September Among the enterprising farmers and 14, 1836, Sarah L. Ingraham, who was born prominent citizens of Henrietta township, July 20, 1818. Their children were S. Al- who have distinguished themselves by abil- fred, a resident of Jackson; Albert W., of ity to master opposing conditions and wrest Lawton, Oklahoma ;. Mortimer A., of Morti- from life a large measure of success and an mer, Illinois; Melissa, wife of James Jones, honorable name, the subject of this review of Parma ; Pauline A., wife of M. G. Carle- stands out clear and distinct. For many ton, of Grass Lake, who died in 1890; Ce-years he has been actively identified with the licia A., wife of C. H. Markham, of Han- agricultural interests of the county and to over; Lovina A., wife of J. J. Daniels; him as much as to any one man is due the Adah L., wife of S. Moser, of Bucyrus, Kan- present prosperous condition of the town- sas; Julius A., of Minneapolis, Minnesota, ship honored by his citizenship. and Juan D., of Olathe, Kansas. The Harringtons were pioneers of Jack- As early as 1836 Stephen Crawford and son county, immigrating from New York his wife came to this state and, being favor- to this part of the state in the early 'thirties. ably impressed with the locality, purchased | Charles Harrington, the subject's grandfa- a quarter section of wild land in Sandstone ther, was long a resident of Genesee county, township. Their life was that usual to pio- New York, and a farmer by occupation. He . neers of the section, living on this place un- earned a gallant record as a soldier in the til they had cleared most of it and established war for independence and at the close of a comfortable home. In 1869 they sold their that struggle married and settled in the property and migrated to Johnson county, county of Genesee, where he lived until his Kansas, where Mr. Crawford took up two removal to Michigan, about the year 1833. hundred and forty acres, on which he has Charles Harrington came west in a wagon since lived. For many years he raised stock, drawn by a yoke of oxen and the journey, corn and other crops, until, having acquired which was long, tedious and beset with many a competency, he turned the management of vicissitudes, tested the courage and endur- the place over to his children. Mr. Craw- ance of the family. Mr. Harrington entered ford and his wife revisited several times three hundred and sixty acres of land in what their old home in Michigan, and in 1886 cel- is now Summit township and until a habita- ebrated their golden wedding at the home of tion could be prepared the family were their daughter, Mrs. Daniels. In 1895 Mrs. obliged to live in the wagon, the experience, , Crawford died at her western home, re- the meanwhile, being anything but agree- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN887 . . able. In due time a log cabin was built, after Stephen, the seventh of the above chil- which the more strenuous labor of fellingdren, was born in Genesee county, New timber and clearing the land began, in which York, and at the age of nineteen accompa- task the father was ably assisted by his sons, nied his parents to Michigan. He assisted who were old and strong enough to work. his father in clearing the farm and providing In addition to his yoke of oxen, Mr. Har- for the family and remained at home until rington brought a couple of horses to the a young man of twenty-six, at which time new country, this being one of the first he purchased one hundred and twelve acres teams in the county. They proved of great of land in the township of Summit, one hun- value in many ways, facilitating his labor dred acres of which was in the condition that in the woods and fields and enabling him to nature made it. On this place he set up his accomplish much more work with quicker first domestic establishment in a little log results than could possibly be done by the use cabin, with the usual modest complement of of oxen. Mr. Harrington developed a good rude, hand-made furniture, assisted in his farm and made a comfortable home, in efforts by his wife, who before marriage bore which he spent the remainder of his life, dy- the name of Lovina McCain. Stephen Har- ing at a ripe old age some time in the 'for- rington was an industrious, hard-working ties. He was a typical pioneer of the early man, but at intervals he would vary his la- day, strong in body, resourceful in mind, of bors by hunting the numerous wild animals great energy and determination, and he sel- with which the forests bounded, being a dom addressed himself to any kind of work skillful shot and exceedingly fond of the without carrying it to completion. His good sport. He and his brother-in-law, William -, wife was a fit helpmeet and not only did the Worden, in a couple of winters killed sixty- cooking and attended to the various other four deer, to say nothing of other game that household duties, but also spun and wove fell before their rifles, such as turkeys, from wool and flax the strong, coarse cloth geese, ducks, squirrel, and at times wolves, which supplied the family with wearing ap- the latter being destroyed with peculiar sat- parel, besides making every article of cloth- isfaction as they were destructive to the ing with her own hands. The family of this farmers' live stock and when gaunt with excellent couple consisted of nine children, hunger proved dangerous foes to man him- namely: Charles, Betsey, Chester, Morilla, self. Mr. Harrington improved a fine farm Polly, Serena, Stephen, Henrietta and Mor- of one hundred and twenty acres and, after ris, all of whom secured homes in Jackson living on the same until 1861, sold the place county and became heads of families and and bought one hundred and eighty-seven well-to-do. Of the large family that once acres in section 5, Henrietta township, the gathered around the hearthstone in the pio- | latter only partly cleared. In due time, with neer cabin and made the evenings merry with the aid of his boys, he had his second farm their laughter and jocund mirth, not one is in a high state of cultivation and made it left to tell the tale, all having passed on to his home during the remainder of his life. that “mysterious bourne from which no trav- He was one of the successful farmers and eler ever returns." substantial citizens of the county, active, en- 888 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ergetic and resourceful, and his well-directed of Jackson county, Michigan, born at the old labors were rewarded with a comfortable home in Summit township, January 17, competence for his declining years. While 1841. He grew up familiar with the duties a resident of Summit, he held several town- of the farm and under its wholesome disci- ship offices and his good judgment gave con- pline early developed a strong body, a clear siderable weight to his opinions and advice mind and a well-defined purpose to make the in matters of business, especially in the ad- most of his opportunities and be of some use justment of differences among his neighbors. in the world. The common schools afforded Like his father, he was an uncompromising him a fair education, but he only pursued his a supporter of the Democratic party, and for studies until a youth in his teens, his service a many years did much to promote its suc- beyond that time being required in the home. cess in township and county affairs. Mrs. When a lad of ten he drove oxen and man- Harrington bore her husband seven children aged a plow and before reaching the age of and departed this life in 1857, he following twenty-one he was able to make a full hand her to the grave about twenty years later, with a cradle in the harvest field, a kind of dying on the roth day of February, 1877. labor which only very strong men can per- Their oldest child, a daughter by the name form successfully. On attaining his major- of Elizabeth, married Almer Farley, of New ity Volney and one of his brothers took York, and became the mother of seven chil- charge of the farm, the father turning its , dren. Mr. and Mrs. Farley spent the great-management over to them, the better to give er part of their married life in New York, his attention to the house of entertainment the former dying there, the latter in Michi- which he was then keeping. The latter, long gan. Volney Montell, of this review, is next known as the Old Log Tavern, stood on the to Elizabeth in order of birth and after him Harrington farm and for many years was a is Jack, a farmer and stockman of Henri- favorite stopping place for the traveling pub- etta township; he married Miss Emily Ridge, lic, especially for people who traveled the of this county, but, aside from his wife, has Jackson and Dansville road, near which the no family. Alice, the fourth of the family, building was situated. This country inn ac- . is not living; she married Charles Hurd, of quired considerable fame throughout Jack- Henrietta township, and bore him one son son county and it was seldom without a who lived in Henrietta township. Nellie, number of guests, many going long distances the next in succession, is the wife of Frank out of their way to enjoy its hospitality and Olney, also a resident of Henrietta and a good cheer. The elder Harrington was a farmer by occupation; Lovina, who lives in typical host, and nearly every evening saw the above township, is now Mrs. Frank Gib- a large crowd around the hearthstone, both bons, her husband being one of the success- neighbors and travelers, who frequently ful farmers and stock raisers of this part of spent the greater part of the night in agree- the county; the youngest of the seven chil- | able conversation or listened to the numer- dren was an infant that died before receiv- ous anecdotes which the jovial landlord de- ing a name. lighted to tell. The old inn has long since Volney Montell Harrington is a native disappeared, but remembrances of it still lin- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 889 ger in the minds of those who in the long ger and a careful, conservative financier, not ago partook of the bounties with which the given to speculation and quick returns, but board was spread or gently passed into the content with slower but surer gains which realms of dreamland beneath its lowly roof. come as a reward a reward of legitimate effort. After the father's death the home farm Among his neighbors and friends he is held came into the possession of the subject and in great esteem, his integrity being unim- his brother and the two ran it jointly until peachable and his character of that strong, 1894, when the place was divided. Volney virile type which never fails to beget and M. now has a fine farm of two hundred and retain public confidence. A friend and pa- sixty acres, the greater part in cultivation, tron of modern improvements, he has done and his beautiful country home is considered much to interest the people in public enter- one of the most valuable and attractive places prises and his energy and activity along these in the county. The present fine residence lines have marked influence in the commu- was erected in 1883 and the large, commodi- nity. Politically Mr. Harrington is firm in ous barn, one of the best buildings of the his allegiance to the Democratic party, hav- kind in the township of Henrietta, dates ing voted that ticket ever since old enough from the year 1894. Mr. Harrington has to exercise the rights of citizenship. When been successful as an agriculturist and stock a young man, he was elected commissioner raiser and at the same time his means have of highways, the duties of which he dis- been liberally expended in beautifying his charged for two years, and since then he has home and supplying it with the comforts served his township efficiently and accepta- and conveniences calculated to make rural bly as treasurer and supervisor, besides fill- life pleasant and desirable. He raises ing the varous official positions connected abundantly all the crops grown in this lati- with the local schools. tude and makes it a point to feed the greater The domestic life of Mr. Harrington part of his grain, finding live stock much dates from 1868, on March 20 of which year more profitable than the marketing of the he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah product. In the matter of live stock he is Bailey, whose parents, James and Harriett careful and judicious, keeping only the best Bailey, natives of England, came to Jackson breeds, and to these his attention is especially county in 1849 and settled in the township devoted. His success in raising Durham of Henrietta. Mr. Bailey bought a tract of and Jersey cattle has long been acknowl- | land, cleared a good farm and in the course edged and he also has a wide reputation in of years replaced the diminutive log cabin breeding and rearing fine blooded Poland in which his family originally lived with one China hogs, marketing every year a large of the finest brick residences in this part of number of these valuable animals. Of the the county. He was quite a successful farm- vegetable crops, potatoes are his favorite and er, also a reputable and popular citizen, and he seldom plants less than ten acres of these his death, on the roth of April, 1859, re- prolific tubers, and some years far in ex- moved from Henrietta township one of its cess of that area. leading men. Mrs. Bailey survived her hus- Mr. Harrington is a resourceful mana- band until 1873, when she too went to her 890 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. reward. Both were members of the Epis- in the township of Leoni on the 7th day of copal church and as such wielded strong in- April, 1862. The family of which he is a fluence for good among their neighbors and worthy member is of English origin, both friends, the latter still holding them in lov- of his parents having been born and reared ing remembrance. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey in the isle of Great Britain. His father was reared a family of children whose names Richard J. Lowden and his mother before are as follows: Eliza, Harriet, Samuel, her marriage bore the name of Sarah Lip- Sarah, wife of the subject, Samuel and scomb. Richard Lowden came to the Uni- . Mary, of whom the last named and Harriet ted States in 1854, settled in Michigan and are deceased. The marriage of Mr. and four years later his marriage with Miss Lip- Mrs. Harrington has been blessed with three scomb was duly solemnized in the state of offspring: Nettie, who died at the age of his adoption. The same year in which he four: Fred A., who married Miss Ettie was married he purchased forty acres of land Southwell; of this county, and is the father a short distance south of Eagle Lake, in of a son, Gordon W., and Ray, an intelligent Jackson county, but after holding it for a young man of nineteen, still a member of the limited period sold out and invested his home circle. The two sons were given ex- means in a two-hundred-acre tract situated cellent educational advantages, the younger in section 34, Henrietta township. The lat- graduating in 1902 from the business uni- ter place contained an old log cabin, which versity at Jackson. Mrs. Harrington holds had been erected many years before, and to the Episcopal faith, having been born and the amount of cleared land could hardly be reared in that church, and is still an earnest dignified by the term field. Mr. Lowden and devoted nember. While not identified soon changed the appearance of his land and with any religious organization himself, Mr. in due time a beautiful, well-tilled farm, Harrington has profound regard for the with all the accessories of civilized life, re- church and gives liberally of his means to its warded his faithful and well-directed toil. support. He also keeps in touch with the About the year 1871 he purchased an addi- benevolent and charitable interests of the tional seventy acres in the same section, day, is free-hearted and generous, with a which he improved, and it was on the latter hand ever open to minister to the distress of that he spent the remainder of his life, dying the deserving poor. No worthy person need- in 1873. Mr. Lowden was a stirring man, ing assistance ever appeals to him in vain hard working and industrious, and in the and all laudable endeavors for the moral main he met with encouraging success as an good of the community or for the general agriculturist. He was also an estimable, welfare of humanity are sure to enlist his law-abiding citizen, a great admirer of his sanction and material aid. adopted country and its institutions and, al- though quiet and unostentatious in demean- or, his influence did much to promote the JOSEPH R. LOWDEN. moral condition of the community. In pol- Prominent among the representative itics he advocated prohibition, in religion he farmers and stock raisers of Jackson county was a Methodist and all of his relations with is Joseph R. Lowden, whose birth occurred his fellow men were characterized by pro- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 891 bity, justice and a strict sense of personal binding after a cradler. After her hus- honor. His marriage was blessed with sev- band's death Mrs. Lowden, with the aid of en children, whose names are as follows: her sons, managed the farm quite success- George, deceased, married Hannah Krofft, fully until her second marriage, at which and for some years was engaged with the time the subject and a brother purchased the subject in the lumber business; Joseph R., homestead. They ran the farm jointly until of this review, is the second of the family, about 1883, when they sold out and went to and after him comes Frank, a farmer of Arkansas, where Joseph bought a large tract Henrietta, township, who is also a married of real estate and engaged in agriculture and man, his wife being formerly Miss Belle stock raising. Meeting with severe financial Reed, their union resulting in the birth of reverses which resulted in the loss of the three children; Mary, the next in succession, greater part of his property, he afterwards is the widow of the late George Walters, of turned his attention to the lumber trade, his this county, and at the present time makes success in which soon enabled him to re- her home with Joseph; Charles, the fifth in trieve his fortune and accumulate a hand- a order of birth, is not living; Walter mar- some surplus. Mr. Lowden succeeded in ried Miss Ella Fought, has a family of four building up a large and lucrative business children and resides in Howard City, this and for several years he had one of the ex- state, where he is engaged in business ; Anna, tensive lumber camps in the state of Ar- the youngest, is the wife of Bert Jewell, of kansas, giving employment to from fifty to Henrietta township, and the mother of two sixty men and shipping his product to the offspring. Some years after the death of her leading markets of the country. He con- husband Mrs. Lowden entered the marriage tinued the manufacture and sale of lumber relation with William Garred, of this coun- until 1891, when he disposed of the business ty, by whom she bore three children, Fred, at a liberal profit and, returning to Jackson who died at the age of eighteen, Jane, wife county, took charge of the Glenn farm in of William Ames, a farmer of Vevay town- Henrietta township, which he ran during the ship, Ingham county, and Chloe, who mar- three or four years following. In 1896 he ried Clarence Finch, of Jackson county. bought eighty acres in section 5, of the above Mr. and Mrs. Garred live on a farm in Ve- | township, and since then has added to his vay township, Ingham county, and are , holdings at different times, both in this and among the highly respected people of their Ingham county, until his real estate now neighborhood. amounts to two hundred acres, the greater The early life of Joseph R. Lowden was number of which are improved and in a high spent on the home farm and when quite a state of tillage. In 1902 he built one of the young boy he learned by practical experi- | best and most convenient barns in the neigh- ence the true definition of hard work. When borhood and at this writing a fine modern a lad of ten years he was able to manage a residence of beautiful design is in process of plow, while his brother, but little younger, construction, which when completed will be drove the ox team, and when twelve years one of the most attractive rural homes in the old he made a full hand in the harvest field, county of Jackson. 892 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Mr. Lowden has had a varied business judicious tact, keen judgment and executive experience and fortune has not always been ability of a high order. He is still connected lavish in showering her favors upon him. with the leading telephone interests of this Possessing a sanguine nature that refuses to part of the county and by means of this won- yield to discouragements and a determined derful discovery of modern science main- will that hesitates at no obstacles, however tains close relations with the leading citi- formidable, he has steadily pursued his zens of his own and other counties, convers- course onward and upward, winning de- ing with them from his own home, learning cided advantages with each step until at last daily of the world's doings, and thus keep- his efforts were crowned with a degree of ing in touch with the general trend of cur- success such as few under similar circum- rent thought and events. Mr. Lowden's po- stances attain. He is now one of the well-litical views are represented by the Prohibi- to-do, solid men of his township, with an tion party, the principles of which, of prac- ample competence at his command and a fu- tically applied, he believes to be the only ture before him in which much greater things true solution of the long discussed and much in the way of material results may be vexed liquor problem. He has never aspired achieved. Mr. Lowden carries on general to leadership or public distinction, much farming quite extensively, but markets little less has he been a seeker after the honors grain, feeding nearly all his crops to stock, and emoluments of office, contenting him- which he finds much more profitable than self with voting his principles, defending the the ordinary way. He pays especial atten- soundness of his opinions and living the tion to fine Durham cattle and Poland China quiet, independent life of a private citizen. hogs, in the raising and sale of which he A number of years ago Mr. Lowden united meets with encouraging success, realizing with the Methodist Episcopal church, the from this source alone quite a liberal income. doctrines of which he has since upheld and He also keeps on hand a number of fine the pure teachings of which have had not horses, for general purposes, satisfied that a little influence in moulding and developing in the long run it is more economical and his well-rounded, symmetrical character. satisfactory to raise a superior grade of ani- Personally he is popular with all classes and mals than it is to devote time and attention conditions of his fellow men, being liberal to poor and indifferent breeds. in ministering to the necessities of the poor Mr. Lowden has demonstrated a com- and unfortunate and earnest in upholding mendable public spirit in encouraging mod- all movements for the moral, intellectual and ern enterprises and improvements, being one social advancement of the community. He of the prime movers in organizing the local is one of the strong, energetic men of the telephone companies whose lines permeate times, a typical American in the best sense nearly every part of Jackson county. His of the term, and his influence has ever been activity in this enterprise brought him prom- exerted for the good of his kind. inently to the front and at one time he was Mr. Lowden has been twice married, the president of eight different telephone lines, first time, in 1878, to Miss Anna Waite, in the management of which he displayed | daughter of William Waite, who came to JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 893 a Michigan in an early day and figured in the of this sketch were spent on his father's pioneer history of Jackson county. This farm, under the wholesome discipline of union was terminated in 1880 by the death which he learned the lessons of industry and of Mrs. Lowden, after she had borne two thrift which had such a potent influence children, the older of whom, Lulu, became in molding his character and shaping his life the wife of Truman Randolph, a farmer of to useful purposes and noble ends. When a. Waterloo, their marriage resulting in the lad of ten he helped break ground by driving birth of a child by the name of Clare; Sarah, a yoke of oxen and a little later was put in the second daughter, married Homer Bent- charge of five yoke of these animals, which ley, a well-known farmer and reputable cit- he managed with consummate skill, an older izen of Blackman township. May 5, 1889, and stronger person holding the large plow Mr. Lowden was united in the bonds of wed- which they drew through the rough land of lock with Anna K. Weippert, of Jackson the newly cleared fields. In the winter time county, daughter of Fred Weippert, who he attended school in a little log cabin about was among the early settlers and highly re- three miles from his home, the way to which spectable citizens of Waterloo township. was through a deep woods, and before a path Mr. Weippert was of German descent, and could be broken “blazed” trees were the only for many years followed agriculture for a landmarks by which he directed his foot- livelihood, having been much more than steps. In order to begin his studies at the ordinarily successful in the accumulation of proper time, he was frequently obliged to temporal wealth. The subject's second mar- leave home before daylight and when the riage has been blessed with one son, Joseph weather was especially bad, which was often Earl, a promising lad now pursuing his the case, considerable time was required, but studies in the county schools. later he made sufficient advancement to com- plete the fundamental branches, which, with reading and study at home, enabled him to become quite well informed. Mr. Hankerd OWEN HANKERD. remained at home as his father's able and faithful helper until reaching the years of This gentleman stands distinctively for- manhood and it was not until the age of ward as one of the leading farmers of Hen- twenty-seven that he left the parental roof, rietta township, and as a citizen, alive to the though he looked after his own interests from best interests of the community, materially the time of attaining his majojrity. Mean- or otherwise, his presence has long been an while he came into possession of ninety acres influential force in promoting the public wel- of land in section 17, and in 1870 he pur- fare. Owen Hankerd is a native of Mich- chased another tract of eighty acres in sec- igan and was born February 3, 1843, in the tion 8, Henrietta township, which he began county of Washtenaw, being the son of that year to clear and improve. In 1873 he Michael and Margaret Hankerd, reference built a fine frame dwelling, one of the best to whom will be found on another page of the neighborhood, and the following year this volume. The early years of the subject | erected a barn which answered his purposes 894 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a a 1 until 1881, when the continued growth of William is a business man of Jackson, where his agricultural and live-stock interests made he has a large carpet store, the youngest of necessary a building of enlarged proportions. the living children being Sarah S., wife of By well directed industry Mr. Hankerd Mr. Hankerd, two others having died in in- succeeded in clearing and bringing his farm fancy. To Mr. and Mrs. Hankerd six chil- to a high state of cultivation and he has since dren have been born, namely: Frances, increased his real estate by one hundred and William, Eugene, Margaret, George and twenty additional acres, nearly all of which Genevieve. All are well educated, the two is fine, tillable land. His improvements have oldest being graduates of the St. John school kept pace with his prosperity along other in the city of Jackson. Frances is a musi- lines, one of his latest buildings being a large cian of recognized ability and for several and commodious barn, a frame structure years taught the art with marked success. thirty-six by sixty-eight feet in dimensions, Mr. Hankerd's sons operate the farm and erected in the year 1901 on the place last are young men of high character and sterling purchased. On this farm are also a comfort-worth, being much respected in the commun- able residence and other outbuildings in ex-ity for their correct conduct, courteous de- cellent condition, everything on the premises meanor and manly principles. Thus far indicating the enterprising spirit of an up-to- their courses in life have been eminently date American agriculturist, familiar with honorable and the parents manifest a par- every detail of the noble calling to which his donable pride in them, doing all at their com- life and energies are being devoted. mand to insure to each a career of useful- On the 3d day of October, 1877, was ness in years to come. solemnized the ceremony which united in the Mr. and Mrs. Hankerd were reared in bonds of matrimony Mr. Hankerd and Miss the Catholic church and have never departed Sarah Maloney, daughter of James and from the faith, being loyal to its teachings Francis Maloney. Mrs. Hankerd is a native and untiring in their efforts to instruct their of Jackson county, but her parents were born children according to its precepts. Mr. and married in Ireland; they left that coun- Hankerd is a Democrat and for a number of try a number of years ago, settling about years has been an influential force in local 1849 in New York, moving thence to Jack- | politics. He served two terms as township son county, Michigan, where they purchased treasurer, held the office of highway com- a a farm and spent the remainder of their days. missioner several years, and has always Mrs. Maloney died in 1858, her husband maintained a lively interest in the cause of dying some time during the late Civil war, popular education, being active in behalf of in which he participated. These parents the schools of the township and county. If reared a family of five children, the oldest Mr. Hankerd is noted for one thing more of whom is Thomas, a contractor and builder than another it is the generous, unbounded living in the city of Jackson; James, the sec- hospitality for which he has long been dis- ond of the number, resides in Troy, New tinguished. The doors of his attractive home York; Ellen married Thomas Guerin, but is swing open to all and once across the thres- now a widow, making her home in Detroit; hold the guest is made to feel at ease, the a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 895 . several inmates doing all within their power Maine, on the 22d of October, 1852, being a to sweeten the welcome and prolong the en- son of David and Sarah M. (Walker) Sears, tertainment Of the beautiful character, both representing sturdy old New England gentle spirit and sweet disposition of the wife stock of English-Scotch extraction. David and mother, the presiding genius of this al- Sears was for many years engaged in farm- most ideal home circle, much in the way of ing in Maine, whence, in 1855, he removed compliment might be said. She is exceeding with his family to Wisconsin, becoming a ly popular throughout the community, alive pioneer of Green county, where he was en- to all good works and charitable enterprises gaged in farming and stock growing until and her life has been fraught with great his death, save for an interval of three years blessings to all with whom she mingles. A passed in the city of Hillsdale, Michigan. He sincere Christian, she lives her religion and passed away in the year 1880, while his de- radiates its influence to everybody within the voted companion died in 1895, both having range of her wide acquaintance. In closing been members of the Free Baptist church. this brief review of the career of an honor- Wesley Sears remained on the homestead in able citizen and successful man, suffice it to Wisconsin until he had attained the age of state that few stand as high in the esteem of fifteen years, his educational advantages in the public or have shown themselves as the meanwhile having been in the district worthy the confidence they enjoy. He does schools. In 1866 he entered the preparatory with his might what his hands find to do, department of Hillsdale College, and event- attends to duty under all circumstances and wally completed the classical course, being always so deports himself as to meet the ap- graduated with the class of 1874 and receiv- proval of his fellow men, his conscience and | ing the degree of Bachelor of Arts, the de- his God. His relations with this world have gree of Master of Arts being conferred three been free and straightforward, his integrity years later. Mr. Sears entered the profession is unassailable and nothing savoring in the of teaching and thereafter, during nineteen least of dishonor has ever been associated, years, served as superintendent of various with the good name he bears. public schools, including those at Eaton Rapids, Mount Clemens, Flint, Hillsdale and Jackson. In 1887 he was made super- WESLEY SEARS. intendent of the Michigan state public school, Of the present register of deeds of Jack- at Coldwater, one of the noblest eleemosy- son county, it may well be said that he has nary institutions in the state. This position been one of the world's workers and that he retained until 1890, and for the ensuing such has been his accomplishment and such two years he was superintendent of the Jack- his effective labors in the field of education son city schools. He then entered the insur- and in official capacity that he is entitled to ance business as representative of a leading more than casual recognition. company and continued in this line of enter- The old Pine Tree state figures as the prise about six years. In 1896 he was place of Mr. Sears' nativity, since he was elected from the third ward to the board of born in the town of Knox, Waldo county, | aldermen, being chosen as his own successor 896 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. in 1898, ever doing all in his power to con- ALONZO SHERMAN PIXLEY. serve good government and foster legitimate municipal progress. In 1898 Mr. Sears was The family of which the subject of this elected to the office of register of deeds and review is an honored representative dates has since remained in tenure of the same, from colonial times and the name was inti- having been re-elected in 1900 and again in mately associated with the political history 1902. He has ever given allegiance to the and educational development of New Eng- Republican party, but has held all else sub- land during the years preceding and immedi- ordinate to definite patriotism, his desire ever ately following the war for independence. being to subserve the good of the people and The Pixleys came originally from England of the country, holding this above mere parti- and figured prominently in the early annals sanship. Fraternally Mr. Sears is an appre- of Massachusetts, both in civil and military ciative member of the time-honored order of affairs. As stated above, they were among Freemasonry, in which he has completed the the leaders of educational thought in the round of the York rite, being identified with colony, also held high public station and Jackson Lodge No. 17, Jackson Chapter No. during the war of the Revolution several 3, and Jackson Commandery No. 9, Knights members of the family gained renown in Templar. He is also affiliated with the the patriotic army. Silas Pixley, the sub- Knights of the Maccabees, holding member-ject's grandfather, was a native of the old ship in Central City Tent No. 139, the banner Bay state and there spent his life as a tiller tent of the state, and he is also a member of of the soil, owning a large farm in Great the Woodmen of the World. He is a mem- Barringtown township, Berkshire county. ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, in Among his immediate descendants was a son whose work he takes an active part, his wife by the name of Benoni, who was born in the having likewise been a devoted member of above township and county on the 25th of the church. June, 1808. Benoni Pixley grew to maturity On the 29th of December, 1880, Mr. on his father's estate, enjoyed the best edu- Sears was united in marriage to Miss Ellencational advantages of his day and when a O. Law, who was born in Birmingham, young man took up carpentry, at which in Michigan, on the ist of April, 1852, being a , due time he became a very efficient work- daughter of Rev. Hiram Law, a clergyman man. His son, the subject of this review, of the Methodist Episcopal church and who has an old volume entitled “New Guide to fell dead in the pulpit at Moserville, Mich- Carpentry," written by Peter Nicholson igan, when he was preaching to the congre- and printed in the year 1818. It treats fully gation, to which he had preached years be- on practical geometry as applied to all kinds fore. Mrs. Sears was summoned into eternal of carpenter work, contains many valuable rest on the 30th of March, 1899, and of her hints for builders and was no doubt con- four children two are living: Arthur W., sidered an authority in an early day. It is midshipman in the United States Naval ! thumb-marked and time-worn and gives Academy, at Annapolis; and Harold R., a evidence of the great care with which its student in the public schools. pages were perused by Benoni Pixley, who ALONZO S. PIXLEY. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 897 bought the book in his youth and retained county, in addition to which he also pur- it in his possession as long as he lived. chased forty acres in section 10, of the town- In the year 1833 Benoni Pixley started ship of Waterloo. At that time these two on horseback for the far west, making his townships had not taken their present names, way through Canada to Niagara river, but were designated as East and West which he crossed near the falls, and from Portage, the former being what is now there proceeded by the most direct route Henrietta, the latter Waterloo. Mr. Pix- to Detroit. Leaving that town, he penetrat- ley's land was purchased from the govern- ed the wilderness to the sparsely settled ment in 1837 by Samuel Denton and by him region of Washtenaw county, where he sold to Daniel Denton, who in turn dis- entered a quarter section of land, receiving posed of it in the year 1838, as stated above. in due time a patent for the same. Mr. The original patents (two in number), ) Pixley erected on his land the first frame bearing the signature of Martin Van Buren, house in the township, which being com- are now in possession of Alonzo S. Pixley, pleted, he addressed himself to the harder who prizes the instruments as valuable and more exacting labor of clearing and heirlooms of the early times. When Mr. . developing a farm. By dint of toil he soon Pixley moved to his home he found the succeeded in preparing between thirty anı! land just as nature had made it; dense forty acres for cultivation, on which, in ad- forests covered the country and amid their dition to the usual crops of grains and darkened depths and somber silence wild vegetables, he set out an orchard, one of animals made their lairs, while the scarcely the first successful attempts at fruit growing less wild red man was everywhere in evi- in the county of Washtenaw. While en- dence. Being a skillful mechanic, with a . gaged in making a home Mr. Pixley met complete outfit of tools, Mr. Pixley soon the young lady who afterwards became his prepared a comfortable frame dwelling for life companion, Miss Lucinda Hilton, whose his family and then addressed himself man- father, William Hilton, a native of one of fully to the task of clearing away the woods, the eastern states, served with an honorable so that the fertile soil could be cultivated. record in the war of 1812. The Hilton He brought with him a yoke of oxen and family is of English origin and was first two horses, the latter being one of the first represented in America in pre-Revolution teams of the kind in this part of the county, ary times. Mrs. Prixley came to Michigan and with these strong animals he made with a half sister by the name of Mrs. substantial progress in developing his farm. a . Davis and two years after her arrival she Among his other improvements was a small was married, the ceremony being solem- log building used for a shop, in which a few nized in the month of September, 1833. years later the first school in the district After living where he originally settled was taught. Subsequently a frame school until the fall of 1838, Benoni Pixley dis- house was built on James L. Heald's land, posed of his farm at a good figure and in- which is still standing, being now used for vested the proceeds in the southeast quarter the same purpose for which the little log of section 12, Henrietta township, Jackson / structure was originally intended, a shop. 57 898 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a On the 18th of July, 1844, a postoffice hood and citizenship made his example by the name of West Portage was establish- worthy of imitation of the younger people ed, with Benoni Pixley as postmaster. Prior who came within range of his influence. to that time he received his mail at Henri- Benoni and Lucinda Pixley reared eight etta, visiting the office once a week and pay- children, the majority of whom became ing postage on each letter to the amount heads of families and well-to-do in their of three, five and ten cents, according to various lines of life. Silas, the oldest of the the distance carried. The Portage Lake number, married Achsah Weston, was postoffice continued for eighteen years, farmer by occupation and died some years during which period Mr. Pixley was in ago, leaving a widow and two children to charge, proving a very capable and oblig- mourn his loss; Helen, an unmarried lady, , ing official. It was removed in 1861, since is still living at the old home; James E. which date the people of the community have died November 10, 1863; Alonzo S., of this received the mail at more convenient points. review, is the next in succession; Albert As a farmer Mr. Pixley took high rank and Byron, the fifth of the family, died Septem- as a public spirited citizen no man in this ber 12, 1863; George, who married Frances part of the county stood higher or more Silsbee, and had six children, departed this popular. He placed himself in comfortable life in 1896, two of his children also being financial circumstances and for many years deceased; he was a merchant at Munith, served as justice of the peace, a position also postmaster of that town and a man for which he appears to have been peculiar- whom to know was to respect and honor. ly fitted. He also held various other local Richard B. is a married man and the father a offices, including that of township treasurer, of two sons and the same number of daugh- and by reason of his good sense, sound ters, his wife, Augusta, being a daughter judgment and knowledge of the law his of Henry Reed, of Jackson ; Daniel H., the advice on matters of business had great in- youngest member of the family, is un- fluence with his neighbors and fellowmen. married and lives in the town of Hastings, A Democrat of the school of Jefferson and this state. Jackson, he early became a leader of the Alonzo Sherman Pixley was born De- party in the township of his residence and cember 11, 1845, on the place in Henrietta kept himself well informed and in close township where he now lives. After com- touch with the leading issues of the day un- pleting the public school course, he pursued til reaching a very advanced age. Few men his studies for some years in the Jackson of Jackson county were as well known as high school, the meanwhile, by a wide range this typical old pioneer and none lived to of reading, becoming well informed on gen- better purpose or exercised a more whole- eral topics. Possessing a studious nature, some influence in the community. He he early manifested a thirst for knowledge, squared his life according to the principles in consequence of which he eagerly read all of the Masonic fraternity, of which he was books that fell into his hands, thus adding for many years a zealous memeber, and his day by day to the fund of valuable knowl- strong individuality and high ideas of man- edge for which he has always been dis- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 899 tinguished. In the rugged school of experi- in the accumulation of wealth, being now in ence he learned the more practical affairs independent circumstances with a liberal of life, as he grew up familiar with the competence laid up against the day when varied duties of the farm and while still a advancing age and infirmities incident there- lad in his teens was able to do an adult's to render further manual labor impossible. work at almost any kind of manual labor. In a very large sense Mr. Pixley has On leaving school young Pixley returned been a leader of thought in his community, home and took charge of the farm, later his general intelligence and excellent judg- purchasing his brother's interest in the place, ment in business matters, together with his finally becoming possessor of the greater well-known integrity and high sense of part of the estate. Since then he has in- honor, winning the confidence of his fellow creased his holdings until he now owns a citizens of all parties, classes and conditions. valuable farm of two hundred and fifty Since old enough to exercise the preroga-- acres, which for fertility, productiveness and tives of citizenship, he has been an uncom- all the elements of an attractive rural home promising Democrat, always active in behalf is not surpassed by any similar area of land of his party and contributing greatly to its in the township of Henrietta. By a series of success in the township and county, to say improvements he has added greatly to the nothing of his influence in district, state and appearance of the place as well as to the national campaigns. In 1886 he was elect- value, the first of which was the building ed justice of the peace and as such won of a residence in 1870. Meanwhile his other more than local repute, much important buildings have kept pace with what he has litigation having come to his court from a done in the way of providing domestic com- distance. He also served eleven years as forts, his barns and other structures being township supervisor and to whatever public first class and fully up-to-date in all their station called, he honored the same by per- appointments. At the present time he has forming his duty ably and fearlessly re- in course of construction a fine modern gardless of consequence. True to every trust dwelling, a model of architecture which, and loyal in his friendships, his course has when completed, will be one of the most im- | been signally trustworthy and in every re- posing as well as one of the most luxurious lation with the world his dealings have been homes in the township of Henrietta. straightforward and honorable and his Mr. Pixley carries on general agricul- name above reproach. ture quite extensively, also devotes much As stated in preceding paragraphs, Mr. attention to the raising of fine horses, blood- Pixley is a great reader, a close and intelli- ed cattle, fine-wool sheep and the best breeds gent observer and he spends no little time in of swine obtainable, feeding the greater part keeping himself welll informed on of the products of his farm, which he long events of the day, also reads the best lit- since found much more profitable than the erature of the day, his acquaintance with the selling of his grain crops direct. By the same being both general and profound. Fra- exercise of sound judgment in the manage- ternally he is identified with Pleasant Lake ment of his affairs he has been successful | Lodge No. 185, Free and Accepted Masons, on the 900 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Jackson Chapter No. 3, Royal Arch Masons, good fellowship and generous hospitality Lodge No. 113, Benevolent and Protective make him a prime favorite in the commun- Order of Elks, and Munith Tent, Knights of ity and the people with whom he mingles the Maccabees, being a charter member of acknowledge his worth and are proud of his Tent No. 175 of the last named society and citizenship. for three years its chief executive officer. The subject is still enjoying a life of single blessedness, never having seen fit to assume PATRICK FARLEY. the duties and responsibilities of the matri- monial state. His personal popularity is The career of Patrick Farley, late suc- only bounded by the limits beyond which he cessful farmer and worthy citizen of Rives is unknown. Mr. Pixley takes great in- township, was a forcible illustration of what terest in the history of his neighborhood, industry and sterling manhood can accom- his long residence and wide acquaintance plish in triumphing over adverse circum- enabling him to acquire a knowledge of the stances and winning a high place in the es- locality which otherwise could not be ob- teem of the public. Mr. Farley was a native tained. He has in his possession many inter- of the beautiful and historic Emerald Isle, esting family relics and heirlooms, among where his birth occurred on the 17th day of them the land patent already referred to, March, 1830, his ancestors from time imme- old letters bearing date of the early times and morial having lived in that country. He was his father's commission postmaster, reared near the place of his birth until six- granted in the year 1844. In business af- teen years old, but at that age followed the fairs he is exceedingly practical, and his example of so many of his countrymen by wisdom and forethought enable him to cal- leaving Ireland and coming to the United culate with a high degree of accuracy the States, which country he was led to believe future outcome of any undertaking in which held out peculiar advantages to young men he may be engaged. As an example of this desiring to improve their condition and rise may be cited the planting of a large part of in the world. For some years after coming his farm a few years ago in beans, being fully to America he earned a livelihood as a farm satisfied that the crop when matured would hand in Columbia county, New York, and command a good price. The result more later became the owner of a small tract of than justified his expectations as he realized land there, which he cultivated until Novem- in four years from the sale of his crops the ber, 1856, when he sold his possessions and neat sum of forty-five hundred dollars, to migrated to Jackson county, Michigan, lo- say nothing of his income at the same time cating in Rives township. from other sources. Mr. Farley first purchased eighty acres of Mr. Pixley is a gentleman of pleasing land in section 17, which he cleared and presence, easily approachable and possesses otherwise improved, subsequently increasing in an eminent degree the happy faculty of his holdings from time to time until he had winning and retaining close and loyal friend- real estate to the amount of two hundred ships. His genial disposition, proverbial acres, besides other valuable property, ulti- as JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 901 mately becoming one of the most enterpris- tient toil and noble consecration to duty. By ing and successful agriculturists and stock well-directed industry Mr. Farley gradually raisers of the township, as well as one of it's extended the area of his cultivable land, re- most honorable and praiseworthy citizens. placed the little cabin dwelling with a larger He came to this county a poor man as far and much more comfortable and convenient as worldly wealth was concerned, and for a frame structure, erected commodious barns number of years he struggled heroically and other buildings and in due time came to against natural obstacles and adverse for- the front as one of the leading farmers in his tune, experiencing in full measure the vicis- section of the country. He also became situdes which usually attend those of limited widely known and highly respected as a pub- means in a new and undeveloped country. lic-spirited citizen, taking an active interest To clear his land and fit it for tillage and in all enterprises for the material and moral while doing so provide for the support of good of the community and assisting his fel- his family where even the bare necessities of low men by every means at his command. life were difficult to obtain, required hard He was an uncompromising supporter of the work and economical management such as Democratic party and did much to promote few people of the present generation realize. its welfare in local affairs, but never aspired When he began life in the backwoods a yoke to leadership nor sought public office at the of oxen and an ax, a few rude agricultural hands of his fellow men. In religion he was implements, with a modest supply of the a zealous Catholic and as such carried Chris- simplest kind of household furniture, repre- tianity into his daily concerns, making it the sented the sum total of his capital and under standard by which his life was governed. He such circumstances his progress was of ne- was born and reared in the church and to the cessity considerably hampered. What he day of his death remained true to its precepts lacked in wealth, however, was made up by and teachings, also contributed liberally to a vigorous constitution, superb health and the support of the local congregation of an energy that hesitated at no discourage- which he and his family were communicants. ment, and with these blessings in his favor Mr. Farley was a kind and obliging he resolutely faced the future with no doubt neighbor and his relations with the world in his mind as to the outcome. His good were always honorable and free from the wife, whom he had married about four years slightest suspicion of wrong-doing. A man before moving west, proved a strong and of sterling integrity and high moral worth, faithful helper, attending not only to her he exercised a wholesome influence among household duties, rearing and providing for his friends and acquaintances, all of whom the comfort of her children, but spinning and bore cheerful testimony to his manly char- weaving the cloth which supplied the family acter and never questioned the rectitude of with wearing apparel, besides frequently as- his motives. Mr. Farley departed this life sisting with the work in the woods and fields. on the 27th of June, 1881, his loss being She bore her burdens cheerfully, co-operated mourned by the entire community as that of with her husband in every way possible and an honorable, upright man and faithful, con- her whole life was a ceaseless round of pa- scientious Christian citizen, whose place 902 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. would be hard to fill. Since his departure, looks after the mother's interest; she is a Mrs. Farley has continued to live on the old young lady of intelligence and culture, a suc- farm with her son and daughter, who look cessful teacher and is popular with a large after her interest in every way possible and circle of friends; Elizabeth, the ninth in are no effort to make her remaining years order of birth, is now the wife of A. W. free from anxiety and care. She is a kind, Grandy, and the mother of two children, her large-hearted, motherly woman, whose chief husband being in the drug business at Rives , aim has been to do all the good she can to Junction. her family and to others with whom she comes in contact. Her home life is and al- ways has been beautiful in its simplicity and BENJAMIN F. MILES. hospitality and the gentle influence radiating from her pleasing personality makes better In the first half of the nineteenth cen- all who come within the range of its power. tury the conditions of life among the peo- Her maiden name was Julia Riley, and she ple of the northwestern states were very dif- was born in Ireland on the 7th day of June, ferent from those now existing: Daily toil, . 1825, her marriage with Mr. Farley being bread earned by the sweat of the brow—by solemnized according to the beautiful cere- the unflinching application of the physi- mony of the Catholic church, September 6, cal or mental faculties from youth to 1852. The fruits of this union are nine age—was ever the lot of the majority. children, the oldest, Mrs. Mary Cook, living The toilers in shops, factories in the state of Dakota, where her husband is the farms of today live in the enjoyment of engaged in agricultural pursuits; Julia, wife comforts which were held as unattainable of Patrick Dooling, has a family of three luxuries or perhaps were unknown to their children and lives on a farm in Rives town- predecessors of a half century ago. Yet to ship; John, the third of the number, died in them, in their generations, the conditions infancy, the fourth being a son by the name which seem to us so hard caused no more of James, whose death occurred at the age discontent than attends the lot of man every- of two years; Lawrence married Mabel where. They lived their day, made the most Hare, of this county, is the father of one of their opportunities and if their environ- child and follows farming and stock raising ments were circumscribed or unfavorable, in the township of Rives; William is also a their energies and hopefulness enabled them married man, his wife having formerly been to overcome it or bend it to suit their pur- Miss Adelia Deming; he has one child and poses. The pioneers were a strong, virile at the present time is engaged in mercantile people, optimistic in the main, and by na- pursuits in Dakota. Henry lives at home ture and training well adapted to the cir- with his mother and manages the farm, be- cumstances under which they lived and acted ing one of the successful agriculturists and their parts. They builded wiser than they stock raisers of Rives township, also one of knew, laying broad and deep a solid founda- its progressive and esteemed citizens; Mar- tion which renders firm and stable the super- garet is unmarried and, with her brother, structure erected thereon by their successors or on JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. SO3 of succeeding years. The majority of the frequently shot deer and other wild game, strong-armed, clear-brained, resourceful in this way keeping the table well supplied men of the early times have finished their la- with meat, having been an adept with the bors and gone hence, but many of their de- rifle and exceedingly fond of hunting. For , scendants still remain to reap the benefit of several years after the family's arrival Mr. their sowing and profit by the example of Miles had to go as far as Eaton Rapids for their industry, virtue and daring. Among flour and meal, while the nearest place where the representatives of a generation that con- provisions and groceries could be obtained tributed to the material development and was Detroit, a trip to which and return re- general prosperity of Jackson county was quired several days of slow, laborious travel. the late Benjamin Franklin Miles, of Rives Indians were numerous and roamed the township, a brief review of whose life and country at will, ofttimes stopping at Mr. achievements is herewith presented. Mr. Miles' cabin, to the no little consternation Miles was born February 19, 1822, in El- of the inmates as the red men were not al- mira, New York, of which state his father. ways peaceably inclined, especially when re- Nahum Miles, was also a native, his mother, fused anything they demanded. By long who bore the maiden name of Abigail Clark, continued industry the land of the pioneer coming from Vermont. The elder Miles was in due time cleared and converted into was a farmer, in connection with which call- a good farm, and as years went by he rose ing he labored a number of years as an iron to a commanding position in the community. worker, the latter pursuit being confined He was noted far and wide for his gener- altogether to his native state. In 1837 he osity and charity and his home was long disposed of his interests in New York and the favorite stopping place of every traveler moved his family to Michigan, making the or passerby seeking entertainment. Mr. journey overland by means of wagons, by means of wagons, Miles was quite popular with his neighbors drawn by five yoke of oxen, and bringing and by every honorable means within his with him, in addition to household furni- power sought to gain their esteem and grati- ture and a few agricultural implements, suf- tude, not for selfish purposes, but through ficient provisions to last until land could be an earnest desire to make himself useful, cleared and a crop raised. Buying one hun- being a true lover of humanity. He was dred and fifty acres of heavily timbered deeply religious, but could never reconcile land in Jackson county, he at once began the his conception of a kind, merciful Heav- work of its development, in which he was enly Father with the horrible doctrine of assisted by those of his sons old enough to everlasting punishment, accordingly he sub- be of practical help, all members of the fam- scribed to the beautiful creed of Universal- ily laboring diligently with the one object ism and lived to the end of his days in that in view of making a home. Mrs. Miles, in faith. The death of this good man and ex- addition to her general household duties, emplary citizen occurred March 3, 1849, manufactured the cloth and made the gar- his faithful wife having preceded him to the ments worn by her husband and children her husband and children other world August 10, 1844. Of the nine and one of her descendants states that she children born to Nahum and Abigail Miles, 904 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Benjamin Franklin, the subject of this re- self, started overland for the far California, view, was the youngest. He was a youth of a journey at that time fraught with numer- fifteen when the family moved west, and ous hardships and dangers. It was six made himself useful on the journey by driv- months before the little company reached ing the cattle that were brought along, be- their destination, during which time many sides assisting in many other ways to make vicissitudes were experienced and not a few the experience as pleasant and agreeable as thrilling adventures encountered, one of the possible. In the work of clearing the farm latter being a brush with a band of hostile he proved a strong and willing helper, and Indians in the vicinity of Salt Lake. After when the ground was ready for cultivatior considerable fighting the red skins proved it fell to him to manage the two or three victorious, the whites sustaining consid- yoke of oxen while his father held the plow. erable damage to their outfit besides losing Young Miles early became accustomed to nearly all their stock of provisions. On toil and right manfully did he bear his part reaching Salt Lake City they laid in a new in providing for the family and developing supply and proceeded on their way until ar- the farm. Growing up in a thickly wooded riving at their destination, meeting with no district, where all kinds of wild game were further opposition from the savages, but plentiful, he acquired great efficiency with experiencing considerable difficulty in cross- the gun and when not at work spent his leis- ing the mountains. Mr. Miles spent five ure in the woods, becoming one of the great- years and four months in the west, the est and most skillful sportsmen in this part greater part of the time in the California of the country. gold fields, where he met with only fair suc- On the 8th of October, 1846, Mr. Miles cess as a miner. He also drove a pack train was united in marriage with Miss Harriett over the mountains for a while and, coming Cronkhite, who was born September 15, in contact with all kinds of rough, lawless 1831, in Canada, being the daughter of characters, his experience was not without Isaac and Elizabeth (Sloat) Cronkhite, who interesting incidents and thrilling episodes, moved from that state to Jackson county, through all of which he escaped unharmed, in 1844, locating in Rives township. Mr. though frequently confronted by dangerous Cronkhite came to this state with his son situations. Becoming tired of life so far Henry, dying the same year of his arriva!, from civilization, Mr. Miles, in the year August 19, 1844. During the five years 1856, returned home via Cape Horn, a long, following his marriage Mr. Miles was en- tiresome, but otherwise uneventful voyage, gaged in agricultural pursuits, but at the after which he resumed farming on the expiration of that time he decided to go to home place, following the same until enter- the far west, where wealth could be ob- ing the army in 1863. He enlisted the win- tained by mining more easily than by the ter of that year in the Third Michigan Cav- slow, laborious process of tilling the soil. alry and, with others of the command, was Accordingly, in the spring of 1851, he bade taken from Jackson to Grand Rapids in open his family farewell and, with a company of sleighs. sleighs. The weather being bitterly cold gold seekers as ambitious and daring as him- and with nothing but their blankets to pro- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 905 tect them from the freezing wind and biting ture, all his actions being so straightfor- frosts, a number of the soldiers died from ward that the motives prompting them exposure, others suffering so much that could be easily perceived and understood they were totally unfit for service. Mr. by his fellow men. In a word, he was a Miles contracted a severe cold during this good man, upright in thought and conduct trying experience, which soon brought on a just in his dealings, manly in his deport- severe spell of sickness, in consequence of ment and his example is well worthy of imi- , which he was sent home within three sent home within three tation by those who would make the most months after his enlistment. When suf- of their opportunities and receive from life ficiently recovered, he rejoined his com- its general benefits, while disseminating mand at the front and served with an like benefits among others. honorable record until discharged, on The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Miles March 1, 1866. While Mr. Miles was ab- resulted in the birth of seven children, of sent fighting for his country his wife man- whom Nahum, a farmer of Rives township. aged the farm and looked after the interests is the oldest; he married Miss Kate Win- of the family, providing a comfortable liv- ters, a native of Indiana, has a family of six ing for herself and children, besides attend- children and is one of the prosperous men ing successfully to a number of business of the community in which he resides ; matters, among the more important of Jeannette, the second of the number, is the which was the selling of the home. Shortly wife of Jeremiah Bolton, of this county, after Mr. Miles' return from the service he and the mother of three children, her home purchased a farm of eighty-eight acres in being in the village of Leslie; Elizabeth sections 5 and 8, Rives township, which he married George Berry, has six children and made his home the remainder of his life lives in Courtland county, New York, where and from the cultivation of which a com- her husband is engaged in farming and fortable competence was realized. He was stock raising ; Lester is a contractor for ma- one of the leading agriculturists and stock sonry work in the city of Jackson, is a mar- raisers of the above township and as a ried man and has a family of two children, neighbor and citizen enjoyed the esteem and his wife having formerly been Miss Emma confidence of the community, having al- Stout; Erwin, the fifth in order of birth, ways maintained a lively interest in public met a tragic death at the age of twenty-five affairs and, to the extent of his ability, en- while digging a well, the sides of which couraged all enterprises for the general caved in, burying him beneath a mass of good. A man of sterling integrity and mor- earth, so that death almost instantly ensued; al worth, he exercised a wholesome in- he was a popular young man, greatly be- fluence among the people with whom he as- loved by all who knew him and almost idol- sociated, in consequence of which he had ized by his parents, and had he lived would many loyal friends and, as far as known, no doubt have achieved an honorable ca- few if any enemies. His business as well as reer; Vernon, the next in succession, is his social relations were characterized by a married and makes his home in the city of freedom from anything of a deceptive na- | Jackson ; Harriett, the last born, is the wife 906 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. of Walter Wilson and the mother of three band's death she has lived on the home farm, daughters, Gladys, Charlotte and Mary: which she still manages, the meanwhile Mr. and Mrs. Wilson live on a farm in Rives prospering in all of her undertakings, and township and are among the reputable peo- she is today classed with the enterprising, ple of their neighborhood. All the living well-to-do people of the township in which children of Mr. and Mrs. Miles are intelli- she resides. Although well advance in gent and well educated and have pleasant years, Mrs. Miles retains in a marked de- homes of their own. They are prospering gree the possession of her physical and men- in their various vocations and stand high tal powers, being exceedingly active and in the esteem of the people with whom their alert and appearing very much younger lots have been cast. than the large majority of women of her Benjamin Franklin Miles finished his age. She has ever lived with laudable pur- earthly career and went to his final reward poses in view, has been faithful to every on the 12th day of February, 1889. His trust, conscientious in the discharge of every death was greatly deplored, as it removed duty and it is not extravagant praise to say from the community one of its most esti- that in her the best elements of human na- mable, enterprising and honorable citizens. ture and the most striking characteristics In a preceding paragraph incidental refer- of noble womanhood find expression. Her ence is made to the praiseworthy manner in life, though filled to repletion with activity which Mrs. Miles provided for the support and strenuous endeavor, has been beautiful of herself and her five dependent children as well as successful; her children have during her husband's absence in the army. grown up under her kindly, fostering care In addition to managing the farm and at- to call her blessed, and now, in an atmos- tending to her domestic duties, she earned phere of love and affection, surrounded by considerable money as a seamstress, doing everything calculated to promote her com- a great deal of sewing for her neighbors, fort and minister to her happiness, she is but devoting her attention chiefly to the quietly spending the closing years with no making of clothing for the soldiers. She regrets as to the past and no fears as to the also manufactured a great many overalls future. and other articles of wearing apparel for workingmen, her pay for the former being one dollar per dozen, a small amount for so ANDREW CAMPBELL, D. V. S. much labor, yet by long-continued effort she not only made a comfortable living, but The profession of veterinary surgery is succeeded in laying aside quite a respect- one which in later years has enlisted the ef- able surplus. She kept her family together, forts of and called forth the most careful looked after the mental improvement of her preparation on the part of many men of children as well as to their material wants, distinctive ability, and the rank of the vo- and in a business way did much better than cation has been raised to a high and dignified a great many men under far more favorable standard. The city of Jackson is favored auspices would have done. Since her hus- | in having as an able and progressive rep- . JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 907 resentative of the profession Dr. Campbell, counties. For the past four years he has who has gained marked prestige in his prac- maintained his headquarters at 236 West tice and who is thoroughly informed in re- Pearl street, where he owns a well-equipped gard to all details of the science to which stable, with accommodations for about fif- he has devoted close study and investi- teen horses, while the sanitary provisions gation, and it is with pleasure that a brief and various hospital accessories are of the review of his career is here incorporated. best order, and the most scrupulous atten- Doctor Campbell comes of a stanch old tion is given to the treatment of the vari- Scottish lineage and shows the sterling ous diseases of the horse by the most ap- characteristics of of the true Scotchman, proved system of medication, while as a though he is himself a native of the domin- surgeon and doctor he has attained a high ion of Canada, having been born in Elgin reputation. He is a member of the Michigan a county, province of Ontario, on the 22d of Veterinary Medical Association, of which March, 1862, and being a son of Dugald he had the distinction of serving as presi- and Jane Campbell, both of whom were dent in the year 1898, and he at all times natives of Scotland. The subject received keeps in close touch with the advances made his early educational training in the public in his profession, being a close student of schools of his native province and later the best standard and periodical literature was matriculated in the Ontario Agricul- pertaining thereto and also making many tural College, where he completed the pre- personal and original researches in the scribed course and was graduated as domain of veterinary science. In politics he member of the class of 1881, with the de- | gives his allegiance to the Democratic gree of Bachelor of Science. It was largely party, but considers his professional work due to his studies and labors in connection worthy of his entire time and attention and with his course in this institution that he has thus held aloof from active work in the was led to adopt his present profession, and political field and has never desired official his success has certainly justified his choice preferment. Fraternally he is a master of vocation. In 1886 he entered the Ontario Mason and is also identified with both lodge Veterinary College, in Toronto, one of the and uniform rank of the Knights of Pythias. leading institutions of the sort on this conti- He is an enthusiastic sportsman, and his nent, and there was graduated in 1889, be- vacations are usually passed in making ex- ing thoroughly epuipped for the active prac- cursions into the wilds with rod and gun. tice of his profession. In 1891 he came to In the village of Eaton Rapids, on the Jackson, where he has since been established 18th of August, 1891, Doctor Campbell in practice and where he has gained a sup- was united in marriage to Miss Carrie D. port of distinctively representative order, Connor, who was born in Tompkins, Jack- his technical skill, ability and discrim- son county, being a daughter of Dennis Con- ination insuring him precedence from prac- nor, who is now a resident of Tompkins. tically the initiation of his professional Doctor and Mrs. Campbell have one child, work in this city, while his practice now Wilbur, who was born on the 6th of June, extends throughout this and adjoining 1896. a 908 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. PETER B. LOOMIS, SR. went as far to the southwest as the present state of Arkansas, having had headquarters It is signally consonant that in this work at Little Rock for some time, the place be- be incorporated at least a brief resume of ing then a straggling and unpretentious the life and labors of Mr. Loomis, who has frontier village of only a few rude houses. long been one of the prominent and in- After spending two years in the wild west fluential citizens of Jackson, and through Mr. Loomis returned to New York and whose loyal efforts and exceptional admin- established himself in the mercantile busi- istrative capacity the city and county have ness in the city of Rochester, where he re- reaped large benefits. A man of forceful mained four years, at the expiration of individuality and marked initiative power, which, in 1843, he came to Michigan and he has been well equipped for leadership, took up his residence in the village of while his probity of character and his genial Jackson, becoming one of the early merch- personality have gained to him uniform ants of the now opulent and attractive esteem and friendship in the city in which Central City of the state, which has ever he has so long made his home and of which since been his home and of which he may he is a distinguished citizen. A previously well be termed a pioneer. He was fairly published estimate of the man, with certain successful in his mercantile business, which additions and metaphrase, as seems fitting, he continued for a number of years. In is as follows: "In his active career Mr. 1850 he purchased the Kennedy grist-mill Loomis has been a merchant, manufacturer, and by energy and correct business methods banker, railroad manager and editor. Since he made the enterprise a successful one and his retirement from business, about the through it laid the foundation for still year 1880, he has diffused variety into his greater individual prosperity and preced- life by a trip to Japan, by serving as a mem- In 1856 he became associated with ber of the state board of corrections and S. W. Whitwell in the establishing of a charities and on the city board of public banking business, under the name of Loomis works, by editing a newspaper and by de- & Whitwell, and by a subsequent change in veloping projects to benefit, including the organization the title of the firm became General Welfare Association and the P. B. Loomis & Company. The bank was Loomis Park. later consolidated with the Thompson “Mr. Loomis is a native of the state of Bank, in which Mr. Loomis became one of New York, having been born in Amster- the principal stockholders, and the successor dam, Montgomery county, on the 14th of of this institution is the present Jackson April, 1820. At the age of sixteen years City Bank, which is one of the solid he became identified with the dry-goods financial institutions of the state, controll- business in his native town, but his dislike ing a large representative business, Mr. for the all-prevailing credit system then in Loomis' son, Peter B., Jr., being cashier vogue caused him to withdraw from this of the same. line of enterprise. He then joined a “When the citizens of Jackson began the government surveying party, with which he agitation of a railroad between Jackson and ence JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 909 011 Fort Wayne, Indiana, Mr. Loomis took an ever kept well informed the vital active part in furthering the project and questions and issues of the hour and has was made a member of the citizens' com- formulated his own opinions and been able mittee, while subsequently he became presi- | to successfully maintain them.” dent of the organization and carried to a successful termination the scheme which was placed in his hands. He also had much to do with the building of the Jackson, Lansing MARTIN G. LOENNECKER. & Saginaw road and the Grand River Valley line, to Grand Rapids, both of these In a recent appreciative editorial touch- being now divisions of the Michigan Cen. | ing the German element in our complex tral Railroad system. As a railroad man- social fabric a leading Chicago daily spoke ager he succeeded in effecting the operation as follows: "The German is thoughtful, of locomotives at less than half the former deliberate; the nation is fortunate in which average cost per mile, while he also secured he is numerous. His mind, profound, the hearing for Chief Arthur, of the thorough, painstaking and free from sudden Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, by emotion, acts as a balance wheel for its which peace was effected between the rail environment. Germany has supplied to the ways and engineers and a formidable strike United States splendid elements of citizen- averted in 1877, when strikes were of ship." None can doubt the truth of these general occurrence throughout the country. statements, for in nearly every section of “Mr. Loomis has been the popular the United States the German-American candidate for public office on several oc- figures as a valued and potent factor. The casions, and his interposition has ever inured subject of this review is a worthy represent- to the general good, for his ability and ative of the sons of the fatherland, and fidelity have proven invariably effective. his life has been one of signal usefulness He served as alderman, and was mayor of and honor, while he has commanded uni- Jackson, giving a most able and acceptable form confidence and esteem in the city of administration of the municipal govern- Jackson, where he has long made his home ment, and in 1859 he served as represent- and where he has gained prestige as a rep- ative of the second district in the state resentative citizen and business man and legislature. He was also a member of the been honored with positions of public trust city board of education for a number of and responsibility, among others that of years and in the early days was chief of the mayor of the city, in which capacity he gave local fire department. His unwillingness to a most able and acceptable administration. make or receive half promises or to stand He has been dependent upon his own re- on shaky platforms explains why he has sources from his youth, and through his in- never been, in the ordinary sense of the telligent efforts and determinate purpose term, a politician. His allegiance is given has achieved independence of a high degree to the Republican party, and in addition to of prosperity. being distinctively a man of affairs he has Mr. Loennecker is a native of the Grand 910 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Dukedom of Oldenburg, Germany, where 1896 the News came forth in support of the he was born on the 21st of May, 1845, Democratic party and its candidate, Mr. and there he received the advantages of the Bryan, and the subject of this sketch was excellent schools for which the German in that year the candidate of his party for empire is celebrated, completing what is the the office of state land commissioner, but equivalent of a high-school education in the met the defeat which attended the party United States. In 1863, at the age of ticket in general throughout the state. The eighteen, Mr. Loennecker severed the ties paper, which is most ably conducted and which bound him to home and fatherland whose policy has ever been liberal and duly and set forth to seek his fortunes in conservative, has ever since continued to , America, landing in the city of New York. support the principles exemplified in the He then came to the west and located in the Kansas City platform of the Democracy, city of Chicago, where he dealt in German and of the same Mr. Loennecker continued books until the great fire of 1871, which so as editor and proprietor until 1900, when nearly obliterated the city, and he then he disposed of the plant and business to the came to Jackson and established himself in Industrial News Company. He had made the manufacturing of cigars, beginning the paper a distinctive factor in political operations on a modest scale and by inde- and industrial circles and its circulation fatigable industry, fair dealing and the pro- has reached an aggregate of more than five duction of superior goods he has built up thousand copies. In 1887, as the candidate a magnificent business in the line and is one on the Democratic ticket, Mr. Loennecker of the leading cigar manufacturers in this was elected mayor of Jackson, and his ad- part of the state, controlling an excellent ministration was a wise, progressive and trade in both the wholesale and retail lines economical one, while many municipal im- and having a reputation for absolute re- provements were made during his regime, liability. including the erection and equipment of the In 1889 Mr. Loennecker established the city hospital, in whose behalf he exercised Industrial News, an independent weekly his energies and influence to the utmost, paper devoted especially to industrial and the hospital being secured principally trade interests, and within a short time after through private subscriptions on the part the inception of the enterprise the paper was of the public-spirited citizens. So satis- made the official state organ of the Farm- factory was his administration of the munic- ers' Alliance, and in the campaign of 1892 ipal government that he was chosen as his the paper espoused the cause of the People's own own successor as chief executive in the party, becoming an effective advocate of the election of 1888, while in 1896 he was again principles and policies advanced by this called to the mayoralty, as a candidate of organization. Mr. Loennecker was made the Democracy, and was re-elected in 1897 a delegate to the national convention of the and 1898, thus serving five terms in this party held that year in Omaha, and took important office, his long retention in which an active part in the furthering of the party offers the best assurance of his able service interests during the ensuing campaign. In and his strong hold on popular confidence JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 911 and esteem. Through a system of wise is a personal friend of William J. Bryan, economy inaugurated by Mr. Loennecker and during the campaign of 1909 ac- in his executive capacity the rate of tax- companied the presidential nominee on a ation in the city was materially reduced, and portion of his canvass in this district dur- that without sacrifice in the way of carry-ing the memorable campaign of that year. ing forward the public improvements de- His retirement from the newspaper busi- manded. The paving and macadamizing of ness was rendered imperative by reason of streets was pushed vigorously forward and his impaired health, and he has since given the institution of the system requiring the his entire attention to his cigar business. placing of cement sidewalks was introduced, Mr. Loennecker has also become quite fifty miles of the same having been con- largely interested in local real estate, in structed during his last administration of which he has made judicious investments, , three years. This plan contemplated and and he has erected several excellent resi- involved the paying of one-half the inci- dences in the northern part of the city. He dental expense by the property-owner, while is essentially broad-minded and public- the city bore the remainder of the expense, spirited and is ever ready to lend his in- and the citizens were prompt to avail them- fluence and aid in the promotion of all selves of the advantages thus afforded, legitimate enterprises for the general good while the average expenditure made on the of the community. part of the city in securing improvements Mr. Loennecker married Miss Marie along this line was about fifteen thousand Borchard, who was born in Prussia, and dollars annually. When Mr. Loennecker who came to America at the age of seven- was inducted into office Jackson was labor- teen years and was a resident of Buffalo at ing under the burden of a large bonded and the time of her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Hoating indebtedness, and largely through Loennecker have five children, namely: his efforts the floating debt was entirely | Louise; Annie, who is the wife of John W. eliminated, while a marked reduction was Weir, of Chicago; Gustave, who is fore- made in the bonded obligations, his policy man in his father's cigar manufactory; in municipal affairs, as in private business, Blanche Amanda, who remains at the being to make expenditures only when the parental home, and Julius, who is employed requisite funds are available, and thus he by the McCormick Harvesting Machine strenuously advocated the plan of avoid- Company. ing the extension of municipal credit through the issuing of bonds. In 1900 Mr. Loennecker was the Democratic candidate JOHN R. ROCKWELL. for congress from the second district, and he made an effective and spirited personal The statement that “The poor ye have canvass, but he was defeated, owing to with you always," needs no verification, and normal political exigencies, by the Repub- | in every community there devolves upon lican candidate, Hon. Henry C. Smith, who those more prosperous the obligation of had been nominated for a second term. He | making provision for the indigent and 912 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. afflicted, while the general character of that are sent. The board of county superintend- community can to a large degree be de- ents of poor for Jackson county at the time termined by the care and generosity brought of this writing is as follows in its personnel : to bear in providing for the imperative Burr Tuthill, of Liberty township, chair- needs of the unfortunate. Jackson county man; Michael L. Noon, of Leoni township; has never had reason to be ashamed of the and John R. Rockwell, secretary, this board conduct of its eleemosynary affairs, and at being appointed by the board of supervisors the present the important executive duties of the county. The county farm, which, with in this connection are in the efficient charge the various improvements, is valued at of Mr. Rockwell, who has entered upon his thirty thousand five hundred dollars, is lo- second term as superintendent of the poor cated four miles northwest of Jackson, in and who has made a record creditable Blackman township, and comprises one alike to himself and to the county. He was hundred and sixty acres of highly produc- elected to this office in 1899, for a term of tive land. In addition to the county house, three years, beginning January 1, 1900, and a substantial and well equipped structure, so satisfactory was his administration that an excellent hospital building has been he was naturally chosen as his own suc- provided, so that those who are ill may re- cessor at the expiration of his first term, his ceive the proper attention, and thus the second term, of three years, having been county has not been unmindful of the pre- initiated on the ist of January, 1903. cept that “the greatest of these is charity," During the year 1902 more than seven its provision for the poor within its gates hundred persons received aid from the of- being in harmony with the general pros- fice of the superintendent,-mainly in the perity and advanced status of the county. way of food and clothing, entailing an ex- The average nunber of inmates of the pense to the county of five thousand two county house is forty-four, while in 1902 hundred and eighty-six dollars and ninety- the number fell much below that of many seven cents, while in addition to this two years previous. The county farm is nearly thousand one hundred and sixty-eight dol- self-sustaining and its work is conducted lars and eighty-eight cents were expended by an experienced keeper, under the direct in caring for the insane wards of the county. supervision of the county superintendent. The superintendent of the poor has devolv- The corps of assistants at the county farm ing upon him the responsible duty of look- and house is at all times adequate and ing to the needs of the poor of the nineteen capable, and the present superintendent has townships of the county and also to those done much to improve the service and of the poor of the city of Jackson who have systematize the work, while he has gained , resided within its borders less than one the confidence and esteem of the people of year, after which time the city itself becomes the county and also of the unfortunate responsible. All orphaned and indigent persons who have been placed in his care. children are sent to various state institu- Mr. Rockwell is a native of the old tions provided for their care, but still re- Keystone state, having been born in the main wards of the county from which they town of Sterling, Wayne county, Pennsyl- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 913 vania, on the 6th of September, 1860, and been an active worker in its cause, having being a son of Samuel Rockwell, who served as delegate to various county, dis- sacrificed his life on the altar of his country trict and state conventions. He holds during the war of the Rebellion. He en- patriotism above mere partisanship and thus listed as a member of the Seventy-fifth is broad and liberal in his views as to mat- Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was ters of public policy, and his friends are as wounded in the battle of Fair Oaks, being numerous outside as inside the party ranks, taken to the hospital, where he died shortly and as a candidate for office he has received afterward, from the effect of his injuries, the support of many of opposing political his remains being laid to rest in the south. faith. His orphaned children, in number seven, were sent to the soldiers' orphan school at Harford, Pennsylvania, where the subject CHARLES A. BLAIR. of this sketch remained from the age of six until the age of sixteen, while his edu- It has been well said that if a son of a cational discipline in the meanwhile had great man achieve personal honors it will been of effective order. He taught school be through extraordinary effort, since rela- , for several years and from 1879 to 1883 tive comparisons are certain to be made, was principal of the Harford Soldiers' and to an extent he will stand in the shadow Orphan School. In the meanwhile he of the colossal dead. He of whom this studied law and was admitted to the bar of brief sketch is penned is now incumbent of Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, in 1884. the office of attorney-general of Michigan He removed with his family to Mitchell, and has long held high standing at the bar South Dakota, and for five months taught of the state, while his precedence has come in that vicinity and during the major in face of the fact that he is a son of Michi- portion of his residence in that state he was gan's distinguished “war governor,” the late colonel of the Dakota division of the Sons Hon. Austin Blair, one of Jackson's most of Veterans. He returned to Pennsylvania | honored citizens and one whose services in 1888, and in 1889 went to Waterloo, will ever be held in grateful remembrance Iowa, where he conducted a general in- in the commonwealth in which he held the surance and agency business for a few years, gubernatorial office during the war of the from which city he removed to Jackson and Rebellion, representing the most crucial continued the same business until his elec- epoch in the history of the nation. As a tion to the office which he holds at the special memoir of Governor Blair appears present time. on other pages of this work it will not be He was united in marriage, in 1883, to necessary to recapitulate in regard to the Allie S. Finney, of Forkston, Pennsylvania. genealogical history of the subject at this They have one daughter, Julia S., a student point. It may be said, however, that the in the Jackson high school. original progenitors of the family in In politics the subject accords a stanch America were Robert and Elizabeth (Ran- allegiance to the Democratic party and has kin) Blair, both of whom were of stanch 58 914 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Scottish ancestry, though they were born in tice before the federal supreme court. Mr. Londonderry, Ireland, whence they emi- Blair has ever recognized the fact that the grated to New England in 1717. Two law is a jealous mistress and will permit no generations of the family remained residents divided or lukewarm loyalty on the part of of Massachusetts, while representatives of its devotees, and thus he has been thoroughly the third generation removed to Caroline, en rapport with his profession from the Tompkins county, New York, whence ex- time of his admission to the bar and his Governor Austin Blair, of the fourth gen- aspirations have been solely in the line of eration, came to Jackson, Michigan, in attaining precedence through the same, andi 1841. On the 16th of February, 1849, he though he has held various official positions was united in marriage to Miss Sarah of trust and responsibility they have invari- Louise Ford, and they became the parents ably been of an order having direct bearing of five children, of whom four are living upon or association with the application of at the present time. the law. He has made his native city the Charles A. Blair was born in the city field of his endeavors and has here gained of Jackson, on the ioth of April, 1854, a large and representative practice, thus being the third child in order of birth. In setting at naught the application of the the Jackson high school he completed the aphorism that “a prophet is not without prescribed curriculum and was graduated as honor save in his own country.” In 1882 a member of the class of 1872, after which Mr. Blair was incumbent of the office of he was matriculated in the literary depart- city attorney, while in 1885-6 he was as- ment of the University of Michigan, where sistant prosecuting attorney of Jackson he completed the classical course and was county, and a decade later, on the 31st of graduated in June of the centennial year, December, 1896, Governor Rich appointed 1876. He was elected by the members of him prosecuting attorney. In 1899, when his class, in the senior year, as a class seer, candidate for district attorney, he was while by the faculty of the university he highly recommended for the office by the was selected as one of the commencement justices of the supreme court, and subse- orators. He also received in addition to the quently he was the nominee of his party regular diploma, conferring the degree of for the position of circuit judge, running Bachelor of Arts, a special diploma given in ahead of his ticket by eight hundred votes, recognition for proficiency in Latin and in face of the fact that the opposing candi- Greek. After leaving the university. Mr. date had made a most enviable record on Blair read law under the effective direction the circuit bench and that his own party of his father, who was still engaged in the phalanx in the county was far from being practice of his profession in Jackson, and well organized for harmonious and effective the son was admitted to the bar of Jackson work. Mr. Blair has been an ardent and county on the 5th of September, 1878, while active worker for the cause of the Republi- he simultaneously was admitted to practice can party, whose principles and policies he before the supreme court of the state. On deems best caculated to foster good govern- February 1, 1897, he was admitted to prac- ment and general prosperity, and for the JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 915 past ten years, without personal solicitation, to the arts and tricks of oratory in present- he has been chosen as delegate to the ing his cause, but his speeches are ever elo- various party conventions. Mr. Blair cast quent in the clearness of statement, force his initial presidential vote for Samuel J. of logic, earnestness and power. He al- Tilden, but since that time he has given an ways commands the attention of courts and unfaltering allegiance to the Republican juries and of his fellow practitioners, and party. In September, 1901, Mr. Blair was does not fail in that strict courtesy and re- elected a member of the board of education gard for professional ethics which should of the city of Jackson, of which position ever characterize the members of the bar. he is still incumbent. In November, 1902, On the 8th of October, 1879, Mr. he was elected to his present dignified of- Blair was united in marriage to Miss Effie fice of attorney-general of his native state, C. North, who was born in Blissfield, Len- assuming the duties of the office on the ist awee county, March 14, 1861, being a of January, 1903, and while he devotes a granddaughter of Cyrus D. Hanks, who portion of his time to the work involved in was one of the descendants of Nancy Hanks. this official position, in Lansing, the capital Mr. and Mrs. Blair became the parents of of the state, he still gives his attention to four children, of whom two are deceased. his large private practice in Jackson, and he George Fred is a midshipman in the class a commands the high regard of the people of of 1903 of the United States Naval Acad - the city and state and of his professional emy, at Annapolis, and receives his com- confreres, while through his efforts and mission in June of the present year (1903.) services he has added new laurels to the Helen Marie remains at the parental home. honored name which he bears. His re- ligious faith is that of the Unitarian church, and fraternally he is identified with the LOUIS BLESSING. Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, being affiliated with Jackson Lodge No. It is gratifying in this day and age to 113, of which he is past exalted ruler. Mr. meet a man who has 'the courage to face Blair is an enthusiastic devotee of the sports the battles of life with strong heart and afield and afloat and finds his chief recre- steady hand and to win in the stern con- ation in excursions with rod and gun, visit-flict by bringing to bear only those forces ing the northern portion of the state each with which nature has equipped him,-. - year on hunting and fishing trips, while he determined purpose, invincible integrity, also is prominently identified with the Jack- sturdy self-reliance and that self-respect son Country Club. which is begotten of worthy ambition and As a lawyer Mr. Blair is known to be a desire to do right under all circumstances. thoroughly informed in regard to to the These elemental attributes of character have science of jurisprudence and the minute been signally exemplified in the career of of the law. His careful and systematic | the honored subject of this sketch, who came . method of preparing cases has been a strong from the German fatherland and who, with- element in his success. He does not resort out the aid of a capitalistic reinforcement 916 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. or influential friends, has gained a notable of eighty-five years, his wife having passed , victory through the normal and legitimate away the same year at the age of seventy- channels of industrial activity, being now five years. They were of sterling character one of the prominent manufacturers of the and ever held the unqualified esteem of all city of Jackson, where he has maintained who knew them. They became the parents his home for nearly a half century. He has of nine children, of whom two lived to become one of the representative and in- years of maturity, while of the number but fluential business men of the Central City one is living at the present time. and his course has been such as to gain to Louis Blessing received his early edu- him not only distinctive prosperity but also cational discipline in the Jackson schools, the great reward implied in the confidence and a few years after coming to Jackson he and esteem of his fellow men. He has built began to fortify himself for an active busi- up a large and important industrial enter- ness career. in the spring of 1868 he prise, in the manufacture of paper and cigar entered upon an apprenticeship at the trade boxes, while he also is engaged in the of carpenter, becoming in due time a skilled manufacturing of improved machinery of artisan, and to this vocation he continued his own invention, the same being applied to here devote his attention until the year to the work of manufacturing boxes, and in 1885, having become one of the successful this department of his enterprise he has at- contractors and builders of the city. In tained a wide prestige, his machines being September of the year mentioned he began utilized in the most diverse sections of the the manufacture of cigar boxes, while two Union. As one of Jackson's substantial years later he equipped a department for the and honored citizens, it is incumbent that manufacturing of paper boxes. Through Mr. Blessing be accorded definite repre- enterprise and good management he soon sentation in this compilation. placed the business on a profitable and sub- Mr. Blessing was born in the beautiful stantial basis, and with the passing years old city of Ulm, in Wurtemberg, Germany, the same has been developed into one of the the date of his nativity having been March important and extensive manufacturing in- 6, 1851. He is a son of John and Agatha dustries of the city, which has long held Blessing, both of whom were likewise prestige as an industrial and commercial natives of that same province, where they center. A close observer and endowed were reared and educated and where the with distinctive mechanical ability, Mr. father was engaged in brewing until 1851, Blessing became impressed with the in- when he came with his family to America, adequacy of certain of the devices utilized locating in the city of Cleveland, Ohio, in connection with his manufacturing, and where they resided until 1856, when they this eventually led him into a series of ex- came to Jackson, where the subject has ever periments which resulted in the invention since maintained his home. The father of of the Blessing straw-board lining and dry- the subject devoted the major portion of ing machine, upon which he secured letters his life to the vocation of brewing, and he patent, and the mechanism is now utilized died in Jackson, in the year 1goo, at the age by box manufacturers throughout the most JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 917 diverse sections of the Union, its superi- farm property which he secured here has ority and facility in operation having gained remained consecutively in possession of the to it the most unequivocal endorsement family for the period of sixty-five years. wherever introduced. Another machine while Vandercook lake, one of the most at- invented and patented by Mr. Blessing is of tractive of the several beautiful little bodies equal importance and value, the same being of water in the county, was named in his a flange-bending machine for boxes, and honor. He wielded a potent influence in this likewise has met with most favorable connection with the development of many reception. The demands placed upon Mr. important lines of industry in the county, Blessing in supplying these improved de- was prominent in civic affairs and was held vices led him to add a machine shop to his in highest confidence and esteem in the com- box factory in the year 1893, and this munity to whose progress and material branch of the business has proved most suc- prosperity he contributed in so great a de- cessful, as is evident when we revert to the gree, while the family name has ever been fact that the aggregate sales of the two an honored one in the county and has stood machines now reaches the amount of more representative of the highest order of citi- than eighty thousand dollars, while the box zenship. It is essential that a tribute of factory controls a large and constantly in honor be paid in this publication to this creasing patronage, the trade extending well-known family, of which the subject of through Michigan and adjoining states. this review is a worthy representative, be- Mr. Elessing is known as a progressive ing one of the influential and public-spirited and able business man and public-spirited citizens of Jackson, in which city the major citizen, and he ever manifests a lively in- portion of his life has been passed. terest in all that conserves the welfare of Alfred E. Vandercock was born in the the city in which he has so long made his family homestead, on North Milwaukee home. In politics he supports those men he street, in the city of Jackson, on the ioth considers best fitted for office. He has of May, 1844, being a son of Henry H. and never sought the honors or emoluments of Harriet Louisa (Barnes) Vandercook, public office. both of whom were born in the state of New In September, 1884, in the city of Jack- York, the former being a representative of son, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. the stanch old Knickerbocker stock. He was Blessing to Miss Anna E. Noll, who was reared and educated in the old Empire state, born in Pennsylvania, and of this union have and there learned the trade of mill-wright. been born three children, Anna, Ella and to which he devoted his attention until 1835 Frank. or 1836, when he came to Michigan and took up his residence in what is now the city of Jackson, the place at the time being ALFRED E. VANDERCOOK. a mere straggling village in the midst of the Henry H. Vandercook became a resi- forest, and bearing the name of Jacksonburg. dent of Jackson county ere yet Michigan He worked for a time in the old Aetna mill, had been admitted to the Union, and the which stood near the present site of the 918 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Michigan Central Railroad station, and elaborate and attractive residences in the later he erected the Vandercook mill, lo- city at the time, the value placed upon the cated three miles south of Jackson, on the property at the time of his death being Grand river, having been the first to utilize twenty thousand dollars. He was permitted the water-power of the river.in that immedi- to enjoy this home only a few years, but it ate vicinity. He purchased the Chester was a source of marked pride to him and Bennett tract of land in Summit township, was one of the more elaborate places of the and developed one of the best farms in the city: About the grounds was constructed county, and which is still in possession of an iron fence of ornate design, and stone the family, as has been previously noted. walks were also a part of the equipment, On this had been platted a village, to which the stone having been shipped here from was given the name of Hudson, but the Steuben county, Ohio, and were a distinct place never developed into more than a li- novelty. The foundry and machine shops tle hamlet and the name and town are now of Vandercook & Lusk became one of the recalled only by reference to the public rec- best known establishments and the plows ords. After conducting his farm and mill manufactured held the highest rank for for a number of years Henry H. Vander- many years and were in demand in all farm- cook returned with his family to Jackson, ing sections of the state. Mr. Vandercook where he purchased a woolen and carding- was a member of the old volunteer fire de- mill, in company with his brother-in-law, partment of Jackson, and every worthy , Thomas E. Lusk, and which they converted , cause and object was certain to receive his into a foundry and machine shop, the first support and the benefit of his influence. He in the city and which proved the nucleus of was an unwavering advocate of the principles the present extensive establishment of Hol- and policies of the Democratic party, and ton & Weatherwax. Mr. Vandercook was both he and wife held membership in the an expert patternmaker, and he continuel Congregational church. This honored pio- to devote his attention to a great extent neer passed to his reward on the 4th of along this line, while his forceful individu- March, 1866, while his devoted wife was ality was exerted in the promotion of many summoned into eternal rest on the 3d of enterprises and undertakings which had January, 1870. Of their five living chil- marked bearing on the progress and sub- dren the following is a brief record: Alice stantial upbuilding of the city, in whose ad- is the wife of W. H. Fisher, of Hanniba!, vancement he took much pride and satis- Missouri; Alfred E.; Oscar lived in Jack- faction. He became the owner of a consid- son until 1874 and is now a resident of erable amount of real estate in the city, San Francisco; Charles H. is engaged in making valuable improvements, and for a the livery business in Jackson, in the firm time, in company with Esquire Buck, en- of Vandercook & Peek; and Jonah T. re- gaged in selling merchandise at the build- | sides on the old homestead, in Summit. ing now used as the Hawks-Anges depot. Alfred E. Vandercook was reared and His late homestead, located at East Main educated in Jackson, though as a boy he and Van Dorn streets, was one of the most passed a few years on the farm in Summit, JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 919 his parents returning to Jackson when he resented principally in the form of show was about nine years of age. His educa- tickets and other extraneous courtesies. The tional advantages were afforded in the pub- city water-works system was installed dur- lic schools, and he early began to assume ing his term as alderman, while his policy personal responsibilities, since as a boy he in regard to municipal affairs has ever been entered his father's office and became fa- a broad-minded and progressive one. In. miliar with all details of the foundry and 1898 he was made superintendent of public machine shops; and, after the death of his works, in which he continued for three father, he and his brother Oscar became in- years, retiring in March, 1902. He was se- terested principals in the business, which was lected for this office regardless of political conducted under the name of Vandercook lines, and during his regime much was ac- Brothers & Lusk until the retirement of Mr. complished in the way of municipal im- Lusk, after which the two brothers con- provements. New wells were supplied for tinued to successfully carry on the industry, the water-works, and the system was large- finally leasing the plant. Mr. Vandercook ly extended and improved. Mr. Vander- personally made the patterns utilized in the cook ever advocated the policy of bonding foundry, and the manufacturing was con- the city in a reasonable degree for the pur- fined largely to products made from his de- pose of securing needed public improve- signs. For seventeen years Mr. Vander- ments of a permanent nature, since the same cook was a traveling salesman for the Ben- would be of benefit to the future and the ex- nett Sewer Pipe Company, one of the im- pense be equalized by an extension of the portant industrial enterprises of Jackson, credit of the city. and gained a high reputation as a salesman On the 11th of April, 1867, Mr. Van- and one who retained the confidence and es- dercook was united in marriage to Miss teem of his customers in Michigan, Ohio Catherine G. Mundy, a daughter of W. E. and Indiana, and of the concern of which he Mundy, an honored pioneer of Jackson was a representative. county. Mrs. Vandercook was summoned Mr. Vandercook has accorded allegiance into the eternal life on the 27th of Decem- to the Democratic party and has been promi- ber, 1887, and is survived by two children, nent as a worker in its local ranks, while he Henry H., who is identified with the Peo- has been called upon to serve in various po- ple's Telephone Company, and George A., sitions of local trust and responsibility, his an assistant in the office of the city treas- personal popularity in his native county and On the 18th of December, 1891, the city being such as to gain him the support subject was united to Mrs. Virginia (Kent) of its people almost regardless of political Grosvenor, widow of Charles E. Grosvenor, affiliations. In 1867 he was elected from who was a well-known conductor on the the third ward on the board of aldermen, Michigan Central Railroad up to the time and was twice chosen his successor, serving of his death. Mrs. Vandercook was born for five consecutive years and doing excel- in the city of Jackson, being a daughter of lent work in the city's interests, while he Thomas J. and Jane (Sprague) Kent, her states facetiously that his salary was rep- father having come to this county from urer. 920 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Rome, New York, as a pioneer of the year Charles R. Durand was born December 1836. He was for years a successful stock 5, 1838, on a farm in Blackman township, dealer and liveryman of Jackson, where he in the immediate vicinity of the then village was also engaged in the grocery business of Jacksonburgh. He is a son of John for a number of years, and later he removed Thomas and Silence (Blackman) Durand, to Summit township, where he was engaged the former of whom was born near Batavia, in general farming until his death. Mr. and New York, and the latter near Ithaca, the Mrs. Vandercook are members of the First respective families having come to Jackson Congregational church, she having long county about the same time, her father, been active in the same, taking special in- Lemuel Blackman, being the original settler terest also in local charities and in the col- of Jackson. It should be noted in this con- lateral benevolence of the church. She nection that the first marriage solemnized holds well fortified opinions as to the most in Jackson was that of the parents of the consistent methods of extending aid along subject of this review, the ceremony being these lines. She is also closely identified performed in the year 1833, Judge William with the social life of the city and wherever R. DeLand officiating. The name of the found leaves agreeable impressions, a be- village was Jacksonburgh until about 1836, neficent influence modestly emanating from when the present title of the city was a charming personality. adopted. Slience D. (Blackman) Durand was the first school teacher in Jackson county. In the year 1831, six years prior CHARLES R. DURAND. to the admission of Michigan to the Union, she taught a small class of pupils in the As the years fall into the abyss of time, home of her father, while the next summer even as the autumnal leaves fall in the she utilized a room in the house of E. B. forest, the pioneers of Michigan are fast Chapman, and later, in the autum of 1832, passing to that "undiscovered country from her school was established in an old store whose bourne no traveler returns," and thus, building on Main street, this being prac- for the sake of historical information of an tically the first public school in the county, accurate character and in order that perma- while her previous labors had been in the nent record may be made of the vicissitudes instructing of the pupils in a more private encountered and the work accomplished, it way, payment for her services being made is essential that the narrative be written by subscription. At the close of the third while there yet remain those who were term she had about twenty pupils. familiar with the scenes and incidents of John T. Durand became one of the lead- the pioneer epoch. In view of these con- | ing men of the county, whither he came as ditions a compilation of this nature fulfills a young man, in the year 1830. He ac- a high mission, and in the case at hand it cumulated a considerable amount of real becomes a pleasure to offer a resume of the estate in the county and city, and was one life of one of the pioneer citizens and rep- of the first to hold the office of county sur- resentative of two of the earliest families. | veyor, as well as that of supervisor of CHARLES R. DURAND. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 921 Blackman township. He platted the Du-consin, the work being accomplished under rand addition to the city of Jackson. John the firm name of Dobey, Richard & Com- & T. Durand did much to advance the pros- pany, of which he and Archibald Richards perity and material progress of the city and were the financial backers. The contract county and ever commanded the unquali- proved a profitable one to the interested fied confidence and esteem of the people. He principles, but the tension involved through was a man of unswerving integrity in all the manifold responsibilities and exacting the relations of life and was endowed with duties devolving upon Mr. Durand was such marked business ability and a high order as to result in his suffering a severe attack of intellectuality. He gave his support to of nervous prostration, from the effects of the principles of the Whig and Republican which he did not recover for the period of parties and took a prominent part in local twelve years. Since then he has devoted his affairs of a public nature, while both he and attention principally to farming and to his wife held membership in the Congre- dealing in real estate, owning valuable gational church. He died at the age of properties in the county and a considerable seventy-five years, while his devoted wife amount of well improved realty in the city was summoned into eternal rest in 1889, at of Jackson, which has been his home during the venerable age of eighty-three years, the major portion of his long and signally having been revered and held in affectionate active and useful life, while he has at all regard as one of the noble pioneer women times retained the confidence and good will of the county. This worthy couple were of those with whom he has come in con- the parents of two children, Mary, who tact in either a business or social way, and married A. W. Green, and who now main- is known as one of the progressive and tains her home in Los Angeles, California, public-spirited citizens of his native county. and Charles R., who is the immediate sub-Mr. Durand owns and conducts the Hotel ject of this review. Blackman, which is now the only first-class Charles R. Durand received his early hostelry in the city, the same catering to a educational discipline in the pioneer schools large and appreciative patronage on the part of Jackson, having been thirteen years of of the traveling public. The hotel block age at the time when his parents removed was erected by the father of the subject, in from their farm to the village, which then 1859-60, and within the past year has been had about two thousand population. He extensively remodeled by Mr. Durand, at a secured his initial business training in the cost of twelve thousand dollars. The name office of his father, who was at the time given to the hotel is one of historic interest county surveyor and township supervisor. in the connection and the perpetuation of He was a member of the firm which had the name shows on appreciative spirit on the contract for the construction of the east the part of Mr. Durand. Russell Black- wing of the state prison, and in 1884 he man, son of Lemuel, erected the first hotel took a contract to construct twenty miles in Jackson, in the year 1831, the same being of the line of the Northern Pacific Rail- known as Blackman's tavern, its location road, between Superior and Ashland, Wis- | being on the site of the present Allen Ben- 922 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. nett block. Since that early date the name the father of the subject and by him sold to of Blackman has been identified with the the association. hotel enterprises of the city during the major On the 23d of December, 1889, was portion of the intervening years. The first solemnized the marriage of Mr. Durand to building was a log structure, and after this Miss Francis Porter, who was born in Jack- was destroyed by fire another one was erect- son, being a daughter of Benjamin Porter, ed on the same site, being of more preten- who is one of the influential and honored tious character, and this was long known pioneers of the county. Mrs. Durand has as the Marion House, while the name Black- distinctive talent and skill in music, and was man was fortunately and consistently re- one of the early and successful teachers of vived by the subject of this review in con- the “divine art” in Jackson, while she has nection with the present fine hotel. At the ever held a foremost position in connection time of the erection of the first building, in with the best social activities of the com- the spring of 1831, a lad of about twelve munity, being at the present time a member years, named William D. Thompson, was of both the Tuesday and the Friday Clubs, killed by a falling tree, his being the first in connection with which she has been one death to occur in the village. In addition of the princi . of the principal factors, being a woman of to the Blackman Tavern the firm of Ben- marked literary ability and appreciation and nett & Thompson also conducted one of the having done much to vitalize and render of early hotels of the village, while in 1835 ac- value the work of these and other social commodations to the public in the way of organizations, while her popularity in her entertainment were offered in a house con- home city is unexcelled, as she is a woman ducted by a named Bascom, the of gentle and gracious refinement and ut- structure being of logs and but partially most kindliness. Mr. and Mrs. Durand completed for some time after it was thus have no children. brought into requisition as a hotel. Mr. Durand gives his allegiance to the Republican party, but is not a strenuous partisan and he has never had political WILLIAM H. LOCKWOOD. ambition of a personal nature and has never held office. He has lent his aid and in- Holding worthy prestige among the suc- fluence to the upbuilding of his home city cessful farmers and stock raisers of Jackson and has been concerned in the establishing county and enjoying a high degree of popu- of various industrial enterprises here. He | larity as an enterprising citizen, it is signally was for several years president of the Jack- befitting to class William H. Lockwood, of son Driving Club, which was the virtual Leoni township, with the representative men successor of the Jackson County Fair As- of the community in which he resides. The sociation, and the grounds of the associ- family which he represents is an old and ation, notable as being among the best in honorable one and, like many others in this the state, were in part owned originally by part of Michigan, its history is traceable to . man JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 923 an early period in the annals of New York. sparing no pains in ministering to their The first of the Lockwoods to leave that state comfort. In due time he rose to conspicuous and locate in the newly settled country of station as a farmer and stock raiser, in addi- southern Michigan was Joseph B., the sub- tion to which he also dealt quite extensively ject's grandfather, who in an early day in all kinds of agricultural implements and moved to Jackson county and purchased a machinery, meeting with financial success tract of wild land in section 14, Leoni town- commensurate with the enterprise displayed ship. He cleared a farm, became quite suc- in all his undertakings. He early became cessful as an agriculturist and is remembered prominent in local affairs and such was the as a splendid type of the strong, self-reliant confidence reposed in his judgment and gen- pioneer, being noted for industry, energy eral business ability that for a number of and activity, not only in behalf of his own vears he was seldom without office of some interests but for the common good of his kind, having filled every position within the neighbors and fellow citizens as well. He power of the people of his township to be- labored diligently to make a home, provided stow. His experience as a public servant in comfortably for those dependent upon him, subordinate capacities, proving eminently and in a quiet way did much for the material satisfactory and he was subsequently hon- advancement of his community, having been ored with a higher official station, that of a conspicuous example of the strong, virile sheriff, in which he served the county very class of people who in the early days lived efficiently two terms. He also filled the of- the strenuous life and let actions rather than fice of United States marshal and as such words recommend them to the favorable displayed the same ability and strict atten- consideration of the world. Joseph B. Lock- tion to duty that characterized him in other wood and his wife Ann died on the farm positions to which he was called. Mr. Lock- which they originally reclaimed from the wood's official career met the high expecta- wilderness, leaving five children to mourn tions of his numerous friends and admirers their loss, all of whom have since lived out and it is not too much to say that for a long their days and gone to their reward. Among period he was easily one of the county's lead- these children was a son by the name of Da- ing public men. Popular with all parties, vid H., who accompanied his parents to this he never swerved a hair's breadth from the county when a youth, and here grew to ma- right as he saw and understood it and ture years, an honor to the family and a throughout life he made every other consid- credit to the community in which the greater eration subordinate to the one aim of dis- part of his life work was accomplished. Da- charging his duty. In his own township he vid H. Lockwood was reared a farmer and was in a large degree a moulder and direc- followed agriculture all his life, although at tor of public opinion and in matters of busi- different times identified with other enter- ness his advice was eagerly sought and his prises and frequently holding public posi- | good judgment relied upon. He was twice tions of honor and trust. As long as his married, the first time to Miss Elizabeth parents lived he remained with them, look- Watkins, of New York, who died in 1862 ing after their interests and in their old age after bearing him three children, viz: Bing- 924 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ham W., of Jackson; Clarence E., a farmer tellectual discipline as they should have been, and stock raiser of Leoni township, and notwithstanding which he mastered the ele- William H., whose name furnishes the cap-mentary branches, besides adding consider- tion of this review. The maiden name of the ably to his knowledge by general reading second wife, who still survives, was Hilah and home study. Austin; she is a native of Vermont, and the Mr. Lockwood's ancestors for several mother of the following sons and daughters: generations were tillers of the soil and, Stanley, a resident of Lansing, his wife hav- reared as he was under the wholesome influ- ing formerly been Miss Hattie Cook; Amy, ences of farm life, his liking for agriculture now the wife of Frank Wheaton, superin- increased as he grew in years and stature. tendent of schools at Perry, Michigan; Har- While-living with his grandparents he culti- riett, who is unmarried, lives with her moth- vated for a period of five years the home er, at Grass Lake; Joseph B. married Zoe place, and while thus engaged laid the foun- Cook and is a bookkeeper in Lansing; Floyd dation of his subsequent career as a farmer. B. also lives in that city ; Ruth, the youngest On February 17, 1884, he chose for a life living member of the family, is still at home; companion Miss Ida M. Waldroff, of Leoni Alta, the last born, died in childhood. township, the daughter of Gilbert M. and David H. Lockwood's useful and em- Cynthia (Barber) Waldroff, the father a inently honorable career terminated August native of Tompkins county, New York, the 12, 1891, when he quietly breathed his last mother born in Michigan Center. Mr. Wal- and joined the great majority in the temple droff came to Jackson county with his par- whose doors do not outward swing. His ents as early as 1840 and settled in Leoni death removed one of the notable men of his township where he grew to maturity as a day and generation in Jackson county and farmer. This vocation he has always fol- his name will go down to posterity in the lowed and he is now one of the oldest living hearts of the people, a monument more ap- settlers in this part of the country both as propriate and enduring than sculptured mar- to age and continuous residence, also one of ble or granite. Reverting to the personal the best known and most highly respected history of William H. Lockwood, it is citizens of the community. Four years after learned that he was born May 30, 1860, on his marriage Mr. Lockwood purchased his the old family homestead in Leoni township present farm, containing one hundred acres. and that with little exception his life thus He now has a beautiful and highly cultivated far has been spent within the bounds of Jack- farm, containing many substantial improve- son county. Several of his brothers and ments in the way of buildings, fences, etc., sisters taught school, but his own education and the excellent condition of everything on was considerably limited, one of the rea- the premises bespeaks the care and industry sons being the death of his mother, which with which he prosecutes his labors. The occurred when he was quite a small lad. place lies in sections 10 and 13 and is ad- After this change in the family he went to mirably situated for general agricultural live with his grandparents, who it appears purposes and stock raising, being well wa- were not as careful in the matter of his in- tered and drained, with a deep, fertile soil on JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 925 which are raised abundant crops of all the eral supporter of all legitimate movements grains, vegetables and fruits grown in this for the welfare of the community. He ad- section of the state. In many respects Mr. vocates a strict enforcement of the law, Lockwood is a model farmer and for years stands uncompromisingly for good order and he has been a close and careful student of ag- his influence has always been on the right ricultural science, being familiar with the na- side of every moral question. His life has ture of soils and their adaptability to the been fraught with much good to the peo- different crops, besides knowing by practical ple with whom he mingles and having lived experience how to obtain the most satisfac- as nearly as possible according to his high tory results from the labor and time ex- ideals of manhood and citizenship, the future pended. He devotes considerable attention and hereafter have nothing in store that he to horticulture, in which his success has been need fear. Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood have encouraging, and also realizes liberal finan- one daughter, Nellie Grace, a young lady cial returns from the sale of live stock, es- student in the Grass Lake high school. pecially cattle and horses, in the raising of which he has long enjoyed worthy prestige. Like his father before him, Mr. Lockwood takes a lively interest in public affairs, his ABRAM M. CRAWFORD, M. D. good judgment, business ability and tact especially fitting him for official station. He To the subject of this review is accorded served two years as township treasurer, two the distinction of being one of the oldest as years as a member of the board of review, well as one of the most successful physicians and is now filling the office of supervisor, to in the state of Michigan. He is also an which he was re-elected in 1903, and in all honored representative of one of the earli- of which positions his record has been that est pioneer families of Jackson county, the of a faithful and conscientious public ser- name he bears having been a household word vant. In politics he is a Republican and for throughout this section of the state for near- a number of years he has been one of the ly three score and ten years. Dr. Crawford party leaders in Leoni township, also being is a native of New is a native of New York, born in the city of widely known throughout the county as an Ithaca, on the 12th day of March, 1828. able and resourceful worker while cam- His father, Abraham Crawford, was a na- paigns are in progress. Fraternally he is a tive of Orange county, and his mother, Jane member of the Independent Order of Odd Scott, was born in the county of Stafford. Fellows, belonging to Lodge No. 4, in the Abraham Crawford was a shoemaker and , city of Jackson. He has been especially act- tanner and currier, being skilled in all three ive in the good work of this excellent broth- vocations. In 1836 he moved to Michigan, erhood, and endeavors to exemplify its locating in Leoni township, Jackson county, beautiful and sublime precepts in his rela- where he entered one hundred and sixty acres. tions with his fellow men. Personally Mr. of land and engaged in agriculture. «Mr. Lockwood is an excellent neighbor, a stead- Crawford came here via Detroit, moving fast friend, an enterprising citizen and a lib- from that place to his final destination by a 926 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. team, a part of the journey requiring a Dr. Abram M. Crawford was a lad of week's time and attended by not a few hard- eight years when his parents left New York ships. The land on which he settled was in and from 1836 to the present time his life the condition that nature had made it, and has been spent in the state of his adoption. much labor was required to remove the tim- Reared in close touch with nature in the ber and prepare the soil for tillage. After woods and fields, he early learned to dignify building a small log cabin of the most prim- honest toil and grew up with the idea ever itive pattern, Mr. Crawford addressed him- predominant that true success is only self manfully to the task before him and in achieved by industry and honorable endeav- due time succeeded in clearing a good farm, or. When old enough he bore his full share on which he subsequently erected a much of farm labor, and by this free, wholesome, more comfortable building than the orig-out-door exercise developed a strong phys- inal dwelling, besides making many other ique, also learned the valuable lesson of self substantial improvements. He became one reliance, both of which served him well in of the leading agriculturists of his township after life. In such schools as the county af- and by successfully managing his business forded he acquired a knowledge of the fun- affairs added to his real estate until his hold- damental branches of learning, but being of ings amounted to three hundred acres, the a studious nature and a great lover of books, greater part of which he reduced to cultiva- his intellectual discipline was continued un- tion. As a neighbor and citizen he was high- der his own direction long after he left the ly esteemed, being public spirited and pro- school room. gressive, and to him as much as to any other Young Crawford remained under the pa- man is the township of Leoni indebted for rental roof until twenty years old, at which the material prosperity which it now enjoys. time he decided to sever home ties for the In politics he was a representative Democrat purpose of preparing himself for his life of the old school and while taking an active work. Having chosen medicine as the pro- interest in the affairs of the county, he never fession best suited to his tastes and inclina- sought office nor aspired to leadership in tions, he began the study of the same in his party. Religiously he subscribed to the 1848, under the direction of Drs. Gorham Presbyterian creed, of which church he and and McNaughton, of Jackson, in whose of- wife were for many years faithful and con- fice he remained until entering Rush Medical sistent members. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford College at Chicago, some time the year fol- | have long since gone to their reward, leav- lowing. He was graduated from that insti- ing the memory of well-spent lives and tution in the spring of 1850 and immediately spotless reputations which their descendants after receiving his degree opened an office cherish as a priceless heritage. They were at Eaton Rapids and two years later went the parents of six children, the subject of to Lansing, where he soon built up a large this sketch being the youngest of the family and lucrative practice. After spending seven and the only one now living. The following successful years in the state capital and win- are the names of the five deceased: Ann, ning an honorable reputation in his profes- Margaret, Rachael, Alexander and Elsie. sion, Dr. Crawford was appointed surgeon JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 927 of the Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad, and tioners and the public and in the more gen- the better to discharge the duties of the posi- eral line of his work he stands among the tion he changed his location to St. Johns. foremost physicians in this section of the During his three years' residence at that state. His long professional career of over place, he not only met the high expectations a half century's duration has enabled him to of the management of the road, but enjoyed become familiar with every disease to which a large measure of success in general prac- the human body is heir, and much of his tice, besides taking an active interest in the most successful treatment has been the result material prosperity of the community. He of original investigation and research. In built the first brick residence in the town the sick room his presence at once begets and in many other ways contributed to its confidence and his large human sympathies growth and development, and he also be- and tender feelings, combined with profound came in no small degree a moulder of opin- knowledge, make him in many respects an ion in its intellectual circles. ideal family physician. The Doctor is now In 1857 the Doctor resigned his position the oldest practitioner in the county and, as with the road and engaged in the practice stated in a previous paragraph, one of the of his profession at Jackson, where he con- oldest in the state, both in point of age and tinued to reside until 1890, his business the continuous service. Notwithstanding his meanwhile assuming large proportions. He three score and fifteen years, he still retains easily stood in the front ranks of the city's much of the buoyancy and alert mentality as successful medical men, earned much more in the days of his prime. His professional than local repute as a learned and successful life presents a series of continued successes physician and became equally prominent as such as few achieve and he has also been an enterprising, public-spirited citizen. In quite fortunate in a more material way, hav- July, 1890, he left Jackson and moved to ing, by close attention to business and pru- Michigan Center, his present location, where dent management, accumulated a sufficiency he still practices with the success that at- of this world's goods to place him in inde- tended him in former years, though no long- pendent circumstances. He has long been er under the necessity of confining himself identified with the different medical associa- closely to business. tions of his part of the state and for years Dr. Crawford brought to his life work a was one of the leading spirits in the Jackson well-disciplined mind and has availed himself County Medical Society, of which organ- of every means within his power to increase ization he is now the oldest living member. his professional knowledge. He still keeps in The Doctor was made a Mason in 1849, since close touch with the trend of professional which time he has been an active worker in thought and has never ceased to be a student, the fraternity, belonging to Blue Lodge No. being thoroughly informed relative to the 17, at Jackson. While making every other latest discoveries in medical science and consideration subordinate to the claims of up-to-date in every department of practice. his profession, Dr. Crawford has not been As a surgeon his skill has long been recog- unmindful of the duties of citizenship. He nized and appreciated by his fellow practi- has ever maintained a lively interest in the a a 928 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. affairs of his county and state, gives his in- bore the name of Adaline Cooley, was born fluence to all worthy enterprises for the pub- at Attica, in the county of Wyoming. Mr. , lic good and keeps himself well informed Cooley was a farmer and followed that call- on the great political questions and issues ing all his life in the state of his nativity. of the day. He is a man of strong convic- He appears to have been quite prominent in tions, positive in the expression of his opin- local affairs, as he held various town offices ions, and throughout a long and eminently besides taking an active interest in promoting useful life has ever upheld the right as he the welfare of the community in which he sees and understands the right. lived. In politics he was a Democrat, in re- Dr. Crawford has been twice married, ligion a Methodist, and in all that went to the first time, in 1850, to Miss Juliette Mil- make up the honorable, conscientious man ler, of Lansing, who departed this life twen- and citizen he stood the best and most enter- ty years later; she bore him three children: prising of his contemporaries. By his first , Charles, who died at the age of two years; wife, whose name is given above, he was the Belle also died in childhood, and Mrs. Hat- father of seven children, namely: Frank, a tie Moore, of Marshall. The Doctor's pres- farmer and stock raiser of Blackman town- ent wife was formerly Mrs. Theresa Pal- ship, this county; Lucien, of this review; mer, a native of New York, the second union Martha, deceased; John, deceased; Fred- being without issue. erick, of Ontario county, New York; Lucina, deceased, and Mary, who lives in the county of Ontario. After the death of the mother of these sons and daughters, Mr. Cooley LUCIEN A. COOLEY. married Catherine Benson, who bore him four children, as follows: Addie, deceased; Change is constant and general; gener- Nellie, who lives in New York; Catherine, ations rise and pass away, in view of which of Ogdensburg, that state, and Orrion J., fact it is a duty to posterity as well as a pres- also a citizen of New York, living in On- ent gratification to place upon the printed tario county. page a true record of the lives of those now On the 16th day of September, 1842, in active in the busy affairs of the world. the city of Canandaigua, Ontario county, Among the citizens of Jackson county en- New York, Lucien A. Cooley first saw the titled to such specific mention is Lucien A. light of day. Owing to the limited school Cooley, a successful farmer and stock raiser facilities where he spent his childhood and of Leoni township, and a man whom to early youth, his education was limited, but know is to respect and honor. Like the ma- such opportunities for mental discipline as jority of people in this part of Michigan, presented themselves were well improved. Mr. Cooley hails from New York, in which Young Lucien remained at home until his state his ancestors, paternal and maternal, eighteenth year, at which time he started out settled in a very early day. John B. Cooley, to make his own way in the world, going the father, was a native of Ontario county first to La Salle county, Illinois, where he and the mother, who before her marriage worked one season on a farm for modest JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 929 wages. In less than a year he returned to the the general development of the township of ' parental roof, but after spending a short his residence and to him as much as to any time there again went in quest of his fortune, other man is due the prosperity which it now this time making his way as far west as enjoys. He has been a willing and active Texas and the Indian Territory. On this supporter of all enterprises for the public trip, which occupied about six months, he welfare, as a friend of the different agencies was with a friend by the name of John W. for the intellectual and moral improvement Taylor, a stock man whose object in going of the community, such as schools and so far was to find a favorable opening for churches, and his influence has ever been ex- the cattle business. Six months' experience erted in behalf of what tends to benefit his. in the wild west appears to have satisfied fellow men. . In politics he is a Democrat young Cooley, for at the expiration of that and deeply interested in the success of his period he again retraced his steps home party, but he has never had any aspirations in ward, returning some time in 1861 and re- the way of office holding or public distinc- maining until 1864. In the latter year, in tion. He is not identified with any religious company with his brother Frank, he came organization, but is a believer in Christian- to Jackson county, Michigan, and being ity and has a profound regard for the favorably impressed with the country and church, which he considers one of the most the indications of its future development, the potent agencies for man's individual good two purchased one hundred and sixty acres and society's permanent welfare. of land in sections 5 and 6, Leoni township. 5 On July 24, 1879, was solemnized the Mr. Cooley's place is admirably situated for ceremony which united Mr. Cooley and Miss agricultural purposes, and his buildings, Eva P. Scott in the holy bonds of matri- fences, etc., compare favorably with the best mony. Mrs. Cooley is the daughter of Jo- of such improvements in the township. In seph and Maria (Dalton) Scott, the father a connection with general farming, he raises native of Jackson county, Michigan, the considerable stock and also devotes much at- mother born in the state of New York. For tention to horticulture, especially the smaller many years Mr. Scott was a well-known fruits and berries, from which he receives farmer and estimable citizen of this county, 'every year no small part of his income. Ad- and his death, some time since, removed one ditional to his real estate in this county, he of the leading men of Rives township; his owns a valuable tract of woodland in north- widow makes her home at this time in the ern Michigan, the latter consisting of two city of Adrian. Mr. and Mrs. Cooley have hundred and seventy-five acres on which is a no children of their own, but are deeply in- vast quantity of as fine timber as that region terested in the welfare of the young people can boast. Doubtless this will prove ere long of their neighborhood, whom they assist and a source of considerable wealth, owing to the | encourage by every means at their command. constantly increasing demand for lumber, The subject's domestic life is all that he and it is not at all improbable that from it a could reasonably desire, he and his estimable valuable fortune will be realized. companion striving with mutual interest to Mr. Cooley has borne his full share in make the home an abode not only of content 59 930 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. to themselves, but of a generous hospitality for the land of promise across the Atlantic. to all who cross the threshold. Mrs. Cooley After a long but uneventful voyage on a sail- is a member of the Methodist church, the ing vessel, he finally landed in New York teachings of which she manifests in a life of city and for about one year thereafter sup- faith and good works. ported himself at any kind of manual labor he could find. At the expiration of that time he made his way to Stark county, Ohio, where he worked in a stone quarry until JAMES MYERS. 1859, in January of which year he came to Jackson county, Michigan, and purchased Prominent among the successful farmers one hundred and twenty acres of land in the and representative citizens of Jackson coun- township of Leoni, where his widow now ty was the late James Myers, of Leoni town- lives. The country at that time was new and ship, to a brief review of whose long and thinly populated and with the exception of a useful career this article is devoted. For rude log house and a small clearing, his land many years he was actively identified with was in the condition that nature had made it. the material growth and prosperity of his Mr. Myers early became accustomed to community and at his death was one of the toil, but all his industry and resources were county's oldest settlers, as well as one of its taxed to the utmost to remove the dense public-spirited men. Mr. Myers was a na- forest growth and fit his land for cultivation. tive of Ireland, born December 25, 1829, With the energy and determination which near the city of Dublin. Owing to the death were ever among his pronounced character- of his parents when he was quite young, but istics, he addressed himself to the task in little of his family history is known, but hand, labored early and late, experienced his from the most reliable information obtain- full share of the vicissitudes and hardships able his ancestors for several generations ap- peculiar to the pioneer period, and at length pear to have lived in the vicinity of the above was rewarded with a fine farm and comfort- city and to have been eminently respectable able home, besides winning recognition as a people, though in only moderate circum- prominent and enterprising citizen. In due stances. His early years on a small farm time he replaced the original log dwelling and in the rugged school of experience en- with a large and commodious frame edifice abled him to acquire a practical knowledge and, as opportunities presented themselves, of life and its responsibilities, and while still made judicious investments in real estate un- a mere lad he successfully overcame the til becoming the owner of four hundred acres many obstacles by which his youth was be- of valuable land, much of which he cleared set and laid well-matured pians for his fu- and otherwise improved. With rare fore- ture course of action. Left an orphan at ansight, he planned well for the future, set out age when boys most need parental love and several large orchards, the fruits of which he guidance, he was obliged to rely upon his lived to enjoy, and in many other ways in- own resources and when but fifteen he start- creased the value of his holdings, until he ed with a companion of about the same age came to be regarded as one of the leading JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 931 agriculturists of his township, as well as one the teachings of which had no small influ- of its most fortunate business men. He was ence in forming his strong, well-developed more than ordinarily successful in all his un- character. His wife and family also belong dertakings, dealt fairly and honorably with to the same religious body and at the present his fellow men and the ample competence he time are, as he formerly was, among the accumulated showed him the possessor of most liberal supporters of St. Mary's congre- fine ability as a manager and financier. gation in Jackson. Mr. Myers came to this country poor in Mr. Myers was a man of strict integrity, purse and a stranger in a strange land. He honest and upright in his relations with the began life at the bottom of the ladder, but world and to a marked degree enjoyed the always had high aims and laudable desires, confidence and high esteem of the people of and never ceased struggling until they were his community. Measured by the best ac- fully and completely realized. The many cepted standards of manhood, his life was difficulties in the way of his advancement successful and rich in beneficial results. He were, one by one, overcome; adverse circum- did his work faithfully and well, lived ac- stances were either surmounted or molded cording to his ideals of right, and his ex- to suit his purposes, and the goal of success ample is earnestly commended to the young finally reached. He could look back over a man with character yet in its formative pe- career of strenuous effort, in which a high riod and fortune still a matter of the future. sense of honor was ever an influential and He filled out the measure of his days, with controlling motive. As a farmer Mr. Myers a record of which his family and the public adopted modern methods and was always feel proud, and departed this life on the 7th progressive and up to date. He was equally of May, 1893, deeply lamented by all who successful as a stock raiser, and in the mat- knew him. ter of improvements generally set the ex- Elizabeth McFadden, who, July 29, ample which his neighbors and fellow citi- 1857, at Massillon, became the wife of zens of any enterprise were not slow in imi- James James Myers, was born in Stark county, tating. While always deeply interested in Ohio, the daughter of William and Sarah public and political questions, he never as- (Camp) McFadden, both native of Wayne pired to official preferment nor sought hon- county, that state. The father was a farmer, ors at the hands of his fellow men, preferring spent the greater part of his life in Ohio, the quiet and contented life of the farm to and reared a family of seven children, four any such distinction, and desiring to be of whom survive. The marriage of Mr. known only as a citizen. He was decided and Mrs. Myers was blessed with two chil- in his preference for Democratic principles dren; the older, a daughter by the name of and from his twenty-first year supported the Mary A., is now the wife of John A. Mc- party of that name, but, as stated above, al- Graw, a farmer who lives on a part of the ways kept himself in the back ground while | Myers homestead. Two children have been laboring for the success of others. Relig- | born to Mr. and Mrs. McGraw, namely: iously he was reared a Catholic and through- Elizabeth G. and Thomas James. Thomas out life remained loyal to the mother church, Bernard, the younger of the subject's chil- а a 932 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. dren, is an expert machinist in the employ one of signal usefulness and honor, while of the McCormick Harvesting Company, he is a scion of old and honorable families at Jackson. He also owns a farm in this of this now opulent and favored section of county and has important agricultural in- the sovereign commonwealth of Michigan, terests, which are looked after by tenants. so that a review of his genealogy and per- Since her husband's death the widow Myers sonal career is most consistently incorpor- has lived on the home place, in the manage- ated in this volume. ment of which she displays business ability Clark R. Fowler was born on his pres- of no mean order. She possesses many ex- ent homestead, in Spring Arbor township, cellent qualities of head and heart, is high- on the 9th of December, 1849, being a son ly esteemed in the community and her gen- of Justus and Olive R. (Miner) Fowler. uine worth as a neighbor and friend, to- Justus Fowler was born in the town of gether with her long continued residence, Fabius, Onondaga county, New York, on has made her widely known and deservedly the 26th of March, 1810, and was there popular. A lady of intelligence and good reared to manhood. He came to Michigan judgment, she contributed much to her hus- in 1838 and secured land in Spring Arbor band's success in material things, while in township. In the following year was sol- social circles and moral and religious work emnized his marriage to Miss Flora M. her influence has always been potent and Lake, at Tully, New York, and who was salutary. likewise a native of Onondaga county, New York. Mrs. Fowler's death occurred on the 2d of December, 1846. Of this union were CLARK R. FOWLER. born two sons, Henry H., who was born March 30, 1840, and who died January 15, It is always interesting to watch from 1863, of measles, while in the army; and the beginning the growth and development Charles W., who was born September 19, of a locality, to note the lines along which 1842, and who now maintains his home in marked progress has been made and to take Jackson. On the 12th of December, 1848, cognizance of those who have been factors in Justus Fowler consummated a second mar- the work of advancement and the establish- riage, being then united to Miss Olive R. ing of a prosperous community. The subject Miner, who was born in Wilna, Jefferson of this review, who is the owner of the Mt. county, New York, on the 6th of June, Hope Stock Farm, one of the finest rural| 1824, being a daughter of Anderson and demesnes in the county, and who is also Deliliah (Armstrong) Miner, with whom associated in the ownership of the Fowler she came to Jackson county in 1843, her Brothers' telephone line, has been a witness father taking up his farm near Liberty. of the development of Jackson county Mills, where he continued to reside until from the pioneer epoch, since he was born 1872, when he removed to Montcalm coun- on the farm where he now resides, more than ty, where he died in 1878, at the age of half a century ago, and has here passed eighty-three years. His widow survived practically his entire life, which has been him many years, her death occurring in the JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 933 same county, on the lith of September, Clark R. Fowler was reared on the 1893, at which time she had attained the homestead farm which he now owns and oc- venerable age of ninety-seven years, retain- cupies, and secured his early educational ing her faculties in a remarkable degree un- training in the public schools of this county. til within a very short time before her de- As a young man he learned the carpenter mise. Two sons represent the issue of the trade, to which he devoted his attention for marriage of Justus and Olive R. (Miner) a period of twelve years, at the expiration of Fowler, the elder being the immediate sub- which he again identified himself with the ject of this sketch, while the younger is line of industry to which he had been reared. Frank W., who was born on the 20th of Mount Hope Stock Farm, of which he is the January, 1852, and who is now associated owner, comprises two hundred and fifty with the subject in the telephone business, acres of as fine land as is to be found with- while he resides in Horton. Mrs. Fowler is in the borders of the county, and here Mr. still living with this younger son, being sev- Fowler has achieved a wide reputation as a enty-eight years of age. Her husband died successful breeder of the highest grade of on the 23d of January, 1883, while his mem- Wilkes horses, having many fine specimens ory is revered by all who knew him. He of the standard-bred stock in this famous was identified with the agricultural industry and popular line, while he maintains a until the close of his life and was a man of thorough system of registration. He also marked business acumen, becoming one of does a profitable business in the cultivation the influential citizens of the county. In of his farm, raising the diversified products politics he was originally aligned with the common to this section. In partnership Whig party, but later became a stanch ad- | with his brother Frank, Mr. Fowler was as- herent of the Republican party, whose sociated in the installing of what is known cause he espoused at practically the time of as the Fowler Brothers' telephone line, con- its organization. In religion he was a mem- nection being had with the city of Jackson ber of the Congregational church, while his and other points. In politics Mr. Fowler widow is identified with the Methodist Epis- gives an unwavering allegiance to the Re- copal church. The names of these honored publican party, and for the past several years pioneers well merit a place on the pages of has been incumbent of the office of justice this work, and this incidental tribute is of the peace. He is a man of marked ini- offered with a feeling of definite satisfac- tiative power and business ability, and his tion. Justus Fowler, Sr., the grandfather standing in the community is such as true of the subject, also came to Jackson county, worth always entails. when well advanced in years, taking up his On the 28th of January, 1874, Mr. Fow- residence in section 19, Liberty township, ler was united in marriage to Miss Ora E. in 1838, and there passing to his reward Culver, who was born at Elk Creek, Erie on the 19th of May, 1858, at the patriarchal county, Pennsylvania, on the 26th of Sep- age of ninety years. His wife, whose name tember, 1855, being a daughter of Loren was Mary Cole, died in the state of New and Rhoda (Peet) Culver, who were na- York, in 1832. tives of New York, whence they removed to 934 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Pennsylvania, where they maintained their have to do with one of the progressive and home until 1870, when they came to Jack- successful farmers and stock growers of son county, where Mr. Culver died in 1876, Jackson county and one who has achieved at the age of fifty-seven, his wife having success by worthy means, while there is no passed away in 1870, aged forty-four years. dearth of interesting information to be had Of their nine children only three are living in connection with his ancestral history, at the time of this writing. Mr. Culver though the data available is not as complete was a farmer by vocation and in politics was as could be wished. a stanch Republican, while both he and his George D. Pretty is a native son of the wife were members of the Baptist church. Wolverine state and has the distinction of Mr. and Mrs. Fowler are the parents of five having been born in its metropolis, Detroit, children, all of whom were born in the old the fair "City of the Straits." The date of homestead residence, in which their father his birth was October 10, 1863, and he is was born. Their names are Ola R., Henry a son of Dewitt and Catherine (Collins) H., Justin A., Verne C. and Mabel O. Ola Pretty, the former of whom was born in R. Fowler, the eldest of the children, was France, while the latter's birth occurred in united in marriage, on the 25th of Decem- Michigan. The father of the subject was ber, 1895, to Roy E. Crouch, who is a suc- but one year of age when brought from his cessful young farmer of this township, be- native land to Detroit, by a friend of the ing a son of David Edwin Crouch, concern family, his parents having died in France. ing whom individual mention is made on an- The maternal grandparents of Mr. Pretty other pages of this work. Of this marriage were William and Elizabeth (Spencer) have been born three children, Edwin C., Collins, the former having been born on Helen Fowler and Clara May. the island of Malta and having been a colonel in the British army prior to his emi- gration to America. He died near the city of Detroit and his wife died in Macomb GEORGE D. PRETTY. county. Dewitt Pretty was reared in De- troit, his education being mainly self ac- In a figurative sense the object of his- quired, and as a young man he became as- tory is to turn the accomplishment of years sociated with his cousin, August Walker, into an hour-glass, in order that all may in the purchase of a tract of land about be brought within the one view-range, and twenty-five miles inland from Detroit, and this holds good in biographical as well as later he became a real-estate dealer in the general history, since in reviewing the village of Macomb, where he was also en- career of any man who has wrought well gaged in mercantile pursuits. He came to in life recourse must be had also to genea- Jackson county in 1876 and for three years logical data, and thus is gained a wide fund was engaged in the mercantile business in of knowledge concerning the individual and Spring Arbor. At the expiration of this those who have preceded him on the stage period he purchased the fine farm of two of life's activities. In the case at hand we hundred and forty acres upon which he re- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 935 sided until his death, January 11, 1903. He was united in marriage to Miss Susie A. was also the owner of one hundred and Rauch, who was born in Monroe county, seventy-five acres at Snyder's Station. He Michigan, a daughter of Henry H. and was one of the substantial and honored citi- | Mary (Ackley) Rauch, the former of whom zens of the county and his success was to was born in the state of Pennsylvania, and be viewed with the more satisfaction from the latter in Monroe county, Michigan. In the fact that it was gained entirely through that county Mr. Rauch died, in 1891, at the his personal efforts. In politics he was a age of sixty-two years. His widow is still stanch Republican and in religion he was living, being in her sixty-fourth year. They formerly a member of the Methodist Episco- became the parents of thirteen children, of pal church, but latterly identified with the whom nine are living. Mr. and Mrs. Pretty Free Methodist organization, of which his have one child, Margaret Helen, who was wife also is a devoted member. They be- born on the IIth of May, 1901. came the parents of ten children, all of whom are living except one. George D. Pretty, to whom this sketch ENOCH EMERSON, M. D. is dedicated, was reared to the sturdy disci- pline of the farm and after completing the Devoted to the noble and humane work curriculum of the public schools prosecuted which his profession implies, Dr. Emerson his studies the farther in the seminary at has proved signally faithful to the respon- Spring Arbor. After completing his school sible duties devolving upon him and has not work he turned his attention to the vocation only earned the due reward of his efforts in to which he had been reared, and he has ever a temporal way but has also proven himself since been actively engaged in farming and worthy to exercise the important functions stock growing, being the owner of an excel- of his calling, through his ability, his abid- lent farm of eighty acres adjoining the ing sympathy and his earnest zeal in behalf homestead and the seventy-five-acre farm of his fellow men. His knowledge of the at Snyder's heretofore referred to. He is science of medicine and surgery is broad one of the principal stockholders of the and comprehensive, and the profession and creamery in the village of Concord and is public accord him an honorable place and chairman of its board of directors. In poli- | distinctive prestige among the medical prac- tics he is an advocate of the principles and titioners of Jackson county. He has been policies of the Republican party, but is also established in practice in the county since a stanch supporter of the Prohibition cause, 1886, having his residence and head- believing, however, that definite reform in quarters quarters in the pleasant the pleasant village of Spring the matter of selling intoxicating liquors Arbor, while he is also the owner of a must come through one of the dominating fine farm in the same township. His prac- political parties. He and his wife are tice extends over a wide radius of country zealous and valued members of the Free and he is held in the highest esteem both as Methodist church at Spring Arbor. a physician and a citizen. On the 28th of June, 1898, Mr. Pretty Dr. Emerson is a scion of stanch old 936 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. English stock and is himself a native of the forts have been attended with most gratify- dominion of Canada, having been born in ing success, while he has gained unmistak- the county of Essex, Ontario, on the 30th of able precedence as an able and discriminat- November, 1858, and being a son of Jona-ing member of the profession. He keeps than and Ann (Dawson) Emerson, both of in close touch with the advances made, hav- whom were born in county Durham, Eng- ing recourse ing recourse to the best standard and land, whence they came to Canada about periodical literature pertaining thereto, the year 1850, locating in Essex county, while he also holds membership in the Jack- where they passed the remainder of their son County Medical Society and the Michi- lives, Mr. Emerson having there been en- gan State Medical Society, taking a deep gaged in agricultural pursuits. He died in interest in the work of each. In politics 1879, at the age of sixty-three, while his the Doctor gives an allegiance to the Re- widow was summoned into eternal rest in publican party and fraternally he is identi- 1897, at the age of seventy-nine. Bothfied with the lodge of the Modern Wood- were devoted members of the church of men of America. He and wife are the England and were of sterling character. owners of a fine farm of three hundred and They became the parents of five sons and twenty acres, near Snyder's Station, and three daughters, all of whom are living, and this is maintained under a high state of , of whom the Doctor was the seventh in or- cultivation, being devoted to diversified der of birth. agriculture. Dr. Emerson was reared under the gra- On the Ith of November, 1891, was cious enviroments of a refined home and solemnized the marriage of Dr. Emerson to under the invigorating discipline of the Miss Alta McConnell, of Coldwater, Branch farm, and after completing a course of study county, Michigan, where she was born, be- , in the high school at Leamington, he con- ing a daughter of Henry A. and Mary tinued his studies in the Collegiate Insti- (Ellison) McConnell. The Doctor and wife tute at St. Catherines, Ontario. He put have two children, —Zella A. and Harold his scholastic acquirements to practical test E. Both are active in the social life of the when young, engaging in teaching in the community, and in their pleasant home a public schools of his native province, and gracious hospitality is ever in evidence. he continued to follow the pedagogic pro- fession for a period of five years, in the meanwhile formulating definite plans for his future life work. He took up the reading JOHN E. CONLAN, M. D. of medicine under the able preceptorage of Dr. Sutherland, of Leamington, and later The physician and surgeon, true to his entered the Detroit College of Medicine, noble calling and thoroughly devoted to its where he was graduated as a member of the duties, is one of humanity's greatest bene- class of 1886. In the same year Dr. Em- factors. Fortuitous circumstances, family erson established himself in practice in the prestige or the influence of friends may pave village of Spring Arbor, and there his ef- the way to a certain amount of public favor JOHN OONLAN M. D. MRS. MARGARET CONLAN. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 937 along other lines of endeavor, but in the do- resident of Henrietta until his death, which main of the healing art, where the law of the occurred in March, 1864. Mrs. Conlan sur- survival of the fittest is put to the severest vived her husband a number of years, de- test, merit alone must win the olive wreath parting this life in August, 1886, at the age of success. The subject of this sketch is one of fifty-nine years. She came to America in of the favored few to achieve distinction in childhood, was married in Washtenaw coun- this most exacting of the learned professions ty, and became the mother of seven chil- and it is meet that a review of his life and dren, the oldest of whom is the subject of accomplishments be accorded a place in this this review, the second being Catherine, wife volume devoted to Jackson county's repre- of Owen McCann, of Leslie, this state. Mrs. sentative nien. McCann died some years ago, leaving a hus- Dr. John E. Conlan is a native of Wash- band and one child to mourn her loss; Mary, tenaw county, Michigan, and the son of the third of the family, lives in the city of Arthur and Ellen (Geraghty) Conlan, both Jackson, the fourth, a son by the name of parents born in Ireland. Arthur Conlan Thomas, dying when but two years old; came to the United States when a small boy | Arthur, the next in order of birth, is a resi- and as early as 1834 made his way to North- dent of Jackson, after whom comes Joseph, field, Michigan, where he lived about two whose death occurred at the age of six, years withi an uncle, his father, John Conlan, Philip, the youngest, dying in his fourth joining him at the expiration of that time. year. The latter cleared a farm near Chelsea and The childhood and early youth of Dr. after cultivating it for some years sold out Conlan were spent on the home place and he and removed to Dexter township, Washte- received his elementary education in the pub- naw county, where his death subsequently | lic schools. He was a lad of fourteen when occurred. When a young man Arthur Con- | his father died, after which he assumed much lan took up agricultural pursuits in Sylvan of the responsibility of the farm's manage- township, Washtenaw county, but four years ment, also looking after his mother's inter- , later disposed of his farm and purchased one ests until reaching the years of manhood. hundred and sixty acres of wild land in the Actuated by a laudable desire for more thor- county of Jackson, to which he moved in the ough mental training than the public schools spring of 1853. This land lies in section 13, could impart, he subsequently pursued the Henrietta township, and when Mr. Conlan higher branches of learning in the Union took possession there was nothing on it in school at Ann Arbor, where he remained two the way of improvements, not even a shelter years, and at the end of that time entered the for his family. He hastily constructed a log medical department of the Michigan Uni- cabin, and for several years experienced all versity at Ann Arbor. the vicissitudes of pioneer life, the mean- Dr. Conlan took the full course in the while laboring diligently to clear his land latter institution, completing the same and and fit it for tillage. In due time he de- receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine veloped a good a good farm, became a well-known in 1878. Immediately after graduating he and highly esteemed citizen and remained a opened an office at Gasburg, where he soon 938 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. cumstances. built up a lucrative practice, remaining in class of 1903; Arthur, a student of the Union that town until 1889, when he changed his school in the city of Jackson, and Marguer- location to Munith, his present field of labor, | ite, who is pursuing her studies in the schools The Doctor brought to his life work a well- of Munith. a disciplined mind and high professional at- Dr. Conlan is a Republican in politics tainments and from the beginning his career and as such has been a prominent factor in has been a series of continued successes until party affairs throughout the county. In he now ranks with the ablest and most pop- recognition of his services as well as on ac- ular medical men in the county of Jackson. count of his fitness for the place, he was ap- He has a very extensive country practice and pointed in 1901 postmaster of Munith, the , he is now the possessor of a competence suffi- duties of which position has since discharged ciently ample to place him in independent cir- | in an able and satisfactory manner, proving Dr. Conlan is a close student in every respect a capable and popular offi- of medical science, familiar with all the cial. He has an able deputy in the person methods and details of modern practice of Miss Ida Angevine, his wife's sister. and keeps in close touch with the times Fraternally he belongs to Lodge No. 185, in all matters relating to the profession. Free' and Accepted Masons, also to Lodge He possesses many of the qualities of No. 113, Benevolent and Protective Order the ideal family physician, not the least of of Elks, Jackson, Michigan, besides being which are the sympathetic nature and genial identified with the Maccabees, Woodmen and presence that beget confidence on the part of A. (). O. Gleaners. The Doctor is a most patients and their friends, to say nothing of companionable gentleman and wherever his intimate knowledge and successful treat- known is the soul of good fellowship and the ment of the various diseases to which hu- life of the social circle. His genial manners manity is heir. He is also an accomplished make him popular with all classes and con- methods and details of modern practice, ditions of people and his friendships are has performed many operations requiring a strong, loyal and permanent. Few men in moderate degree of efficiency and skill. By the county are as widely and favorably the public at large he is regarded with great known and no one in his own community has favor, while the high esteem in which he is exercised a greater influence for the general held by his more intimate associates shows good or proved more worthy of public con- him the possessor of those sterling qualities fidence. of head and heart that never fail to win and Mrs. Conlan, who was born in Jackson retain strong friendships. county, September 10, 1857, is the daughter On the Sth of March, 1882, Dr. Conlan of Caleb and Susan (Lyon) Angevine, na- and Miss Margaret Angevine were united in tives of New York, who came to Jackson the bonds of holy wedlock, the union result-county in 1854 and settled in the township ing in the birth of three children, namely: of Rives where Mr. Angevine purchased Susie, a bright young lady attending St. land and became a leading farmer and ener- Mary's Academy, Monroe, Michigan, who getic man of affairs. Mrs. Conlan is the will graduate in the Latin course in the third of a family of five children, the names JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 939 ciety; was at the time of his death president of the Jackson County Mutual Fire Insurance Company; was worthy master of the Pleasant Lake Grange; held a prominent position in the Central Michigan Agricultural Society of Lansing, and his health com- pelled him to resign the presidency of the Farmers' Picnic Association. He always took a very active part in politics, voting with parties as his good judgment dictated. He leaves a wife and four daughters, two mar- ried and two unmarried, and all finely educated. Sarah, the eldest daughter, married George Griffith, of Springport, and Margaret married Dr. John E. Conlan, of Henrietta. Ida and Nettie, the two younger daughters, remain at home. of the others being as follows: Sarah, wife of George Griffith, living in the state of Ar- kansas; Ida, an unmarried lady who makes her home with the Doctor ; Nettie, deceased wife of Rev. F. C. Berger, of Grand Rap- ids, and an infant that died. Mrs. Conlan was educated in the common schools of her township and in the high schools of Jackson and Leslie. She was a popular and success- ful teacher for a number of years, including two years in the high school at Leslie. She is a member of Hive No. 648, Ladies of the Maccabees, and, with her husband, belongs to the Eastern Star chapter at Henrietta. The following obituary notices, referring to Mrs. Conlan's parents, will undoubtedly be of interest in this connection: The great reaper has gathered another worthy citizen and pioneer of Jackson county. Caleb Ange- vine sleeps the last, long sleep, and we feel it a great loss to the brotherhood of the farming public. He died after a year's illness of extreme pain and suffering, at his residence in the township of Rives, October 21, 1886, at the age of sixty-three years. Mr. Angevine was born in Chat- ham township, Columbia county, New York, No- vember 15, 1823, where his boyhood day's were spent, and obtained the rudiments of a country school edu- cation, and seed sown in his youthful brain that cropped out in after years to make his an eventful and useful life. He was married to Miss Susan Lyon in 1851, and in 1854 came to Michigan and set- tled on the farm he has owned for thirty-two years, then a wilderness, but now a garden, with fine build- ings and blooded stock, and when he was ready to enjoy the fruits of his labor death's relentless hand beckoned him away. He tenaciously hung to the farm all of this time except a period of about four years, which time he lived in the village of Leslie for the benefit of its educational facilities, and this accounts for his official connection with that township. Mr. Angevine has been closely identified with the prosperity and growth of Jackson county for thirty- two years. He was supervisor of Rives township for seven years and in Leslie township one year; has at different times held the office of president of the Jackson County Agricultural Society; also president of the Ingham County Agricultural So- * Susan Angevine, nee Lyon, was born in Dutchess county, New York, February 7, 1831, and died at her home in Leslie, Michigan, September 20, 1899, aged sixty-eight years, seven months and thirteen days. She was united in holy wedlock to Caleb Angevine of her native state, December 8, 1851, which union was blessed with five children, one of whom died in infancy. They came to Michigan in the spring of 1854 and settled in Rives, Jackson county, where they made their home untii 1876, when they moved to Leslie, Ingham county, Michigan, in order to edu- cate their daughter. In 1880 they returned to their former home in Rives township, until the decease of Mr. Angevine in 1886, when she again returned to Leslie, where she has since resided. The funeral services took place at her home on south Main street Saturday afternoon, Sept. 24th, attended by a large concourse of neighbors and friends who thus paid their tribute of respect to one who has always enjoyed the highest confidence and esteem of the community. Interment was made at East Rives cemetery. * * ERBERT O. SPRATT, Mr. Spratt, who is the present super- visor of Spring Arbor township, and who is one of the representative farmers and honored citizens of this section, is a native son of Jackson county, where he has al- ways made his home, being a member of a pioneer family,—in fact he is a scion of pioneer stock in both the paternal and ma- ternal lines. a 940 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Mr. Spratt was born in the village of and other crops commonly raised in the Concord, on the 5th of February, 1855, be locality. Mr. Spratt is a man of progressive ing a son of Gardner D. and Jane M. ideas and excellent judgment, and this is (Morrill) Spratt, both of whom were born conclusively shown in the general appear- in the old Green Mountain state. Gardner ance of his farm and is also manifested in D. Spratt came with his father, William the co-operation he invariably accords in the Spratt, to Jackson county in an early day, support of all measures and enterprises for and here his parents passed the remainder the general good of the community. He of their lives. The maternal grandparents exercises his franchise in support of the of the subject were Nathaniel and Hannah principles of the Democratic party, and has (Martin) Morrill, and they likewise were served in the office of justice of the peace, natives of Vermont, whence they came to of which he was incumbent for several years, Jackson county in 1842, this continuing to while he also served for a few terms as a be their home until they were called from member of the board of review. The high the scene of life's labors. Gardner D. esteem in which he is held in the community Spratt became one of the leading farmers was further manifested at the spring elec- and representative citizens of Concord town- tion of 1902, when he was chosen to the ship, where he was the owner of two hun- position of township supervisor, and in this dred and ten acres of land, and here he died capacity he rendered most effective and on the 17th of April, 1856, when the sub- commendable service, his course being such ject of this sketch was a little past one year as to command uniform approval and en- old. His widow has continued to live in dorsement, he being re-elected in 1903. Jackson county and is a well preserved lady Fraternally he is identified with Concord of seventy-five years. They became the Lodge No. 30, Free and Accepted Masons; parents of one child, Erbert O. Jackson Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, while Erbert O. Spratt was reared on the he is also identified with Jackson Command- homestead farm and after completing the ery, Knights Templar, being, an apprecia- course in the union school at Parma en- tive adherent of the time-honored order. teded Devlin's Business College, in Jackson, Further than this he is a member of the where he took a thorough course of study Modern Woodmen of America in the village and well fortified himself for the active of Spring Arbor, of which he is worthy ad- duties of life, realizing that success in con- visor at the time of this writing, while he nection with the art of agriculture demands is also a member of Concord Tent No. 509, the enlisting of the same business principles Knights of the Maccabees, in Concord. In which insure prosperity in other lines. His that village he is also a stockholder in the finely improved farm, which comprises two successful creamery company. hundred and sixteen acres, is located in On the 3d of July, 1879, Mr. Spratt was section 16, Spring Arbor township, and is united in marriage to Miss Julia O. Bright, one of the most attractive and well-handled who was born in Spring Arbor township, places in this part of the county, the prod- being a sister of George W. Bright, con- ucts of the same being the various cereals | cerning whom individual mention is made JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 941 etc. on another page of this work, with inci- im and Sophia (Androus) Hall, the lat- dental reference to the family genealogy. ter a sister of Warren D. Androus. The Mr. and Mrs. Spratt have two children, subject was reared in his native state, where Carrie L., who was graduated in Spring he secured a common school education, and Arbor Seminary, as a member of the class as a youth he followed a seafaring life for of 1901, and Burr G., who is a student in a time, while later he was engaged in vari- the same institution. ous pursuits,-lumbering, mechanical work, He became a skilled machinist and to this line of endeavor devoted many years of his life. In the early 'fifties Mr. Hall ALBION K. P. HALL. emigrated to what was then considered the far west, coming to Jackson, where he se- The honored subject of this memoir was cured employment in the machine shop of a representative of one of the sterling Vandercook & Lusk, this being one of the pioneer families of Jackson county and was pioneer concerns of the sort in the county. . personally identified with the industrial in- On the 15th of April, 1858, he was here terests of this section of the state for many united in marriage to Miss Sarah L. years, becoming a successful business man Androus, who was born September 22, and having been the owner of a fine farming 1835, in the town of Lyons, Wayne county, property in Summit township, where the New York, being a daughter of Warren D. closing years of his long and useful life and Lorinda (Barnes) Androus, both of were passed. IIe was a man of strong in- whom were natives of Maine, whence they dividuality, gained a definite success through removed to New York, where they con- his own efforts and upon no portion of his tinued to reside until abuot 1850, when they career rests a shadow of wrong or suspicion came to Michigan and took up their abode of equivocation in thought, word or deed. in Jackson, where they passed the remainder It needs scarcely be said that such are the of their lives, Mr. Androus here following men who particularly merit a tribute of re- the trade of lathing and plastering for many spect and honor in the compilation of works years. . They became the parents of nine of this nature, and in the present connection children. Her father was born September it is also gratifying to note the fact that 6, 1795, and his wife, Lorinda, was born his sons are carrying forward the good September 21, 1805. Of their nine chil- work inaugurated by him, retaining posses- dren the following is a record: Elizabeth sion of the old homestead farm and being R. married Charles Hornbeck and remained worthy successors of a worthy father. in New York; Saphronia is the widow of Mr. Hall was a native of the Pine Tree | Thomas E. Lusk, of Jackson; Abbie B. state, having been born in Augusta, the married Edward D. Brown, and both are capital city of Maine, on the 2d of Septem- now deceased; Mary L. died a maiden lady; ber, 1830, and he was summoned into eter- Sarah L. died on the 24th of August, 1902; nal rest on his homestead farm, on the 20 Lorinda L. became the wife of Wesley A. of April, 1901. He was the son of Ephra- | Jenkins and was living in Jackson at the 942 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. time of her death; Hannah 0. married age. They keep a herd of about twenty Thomas Hoops and now resides in Chicago; high-grade milch cows, and in every detail Warren S. married Ann Loud, and they are of the business the most scrupulous atten- residents of Summit township, and Lucy J. tion is given to cleanliness and perfect died in childhood. sanitary conditions, while the service is in In 1865 Mr. Hall removed to Tecumseh, every way maintained at the highest stand- this state, where he lived for a number of ard. In connection with general farming years, while later he retained his residence and the dairy business, the brothers also in the city of Muskegon, Michigan, until raise and place on the market large quanti- 1870, having devoted his attention to me- ties of small fruits. Mr. and Mrs. Hall chanical pursuits during the intervening were the parents of seven children, of whom years. In 1870 he returned to Jackson the following is a record, the family being county and in 1885 located on the farm, one of prominence in the community and where his children now reside, southwest well upholding the prestige of an honored of Jackson, the same having been known as name: Fred H. was born in Jackson, Feb- the Kibby farm and comprising fifty acres. ruary 18, 1862, is unmarried and resides He remodeled and greatly improved the on the homestead; Frank K. P. was born residence on the place, while he also erected on the 30th of August, 1863, and December the present fine barn and made many other 20, 1893, was united in marriage to Miss permanent improvements of the best order. Lucy L. Cooley, their three children being After taking up his residence here he con- Albion K. P., Clarence K. and Harriet L. tinued to follow the machinist's trade in Jennie C., who was born on the 16th of No- the city of Jackson, until 1891, when he re- vember, 1865, died on the 4th of January, tired from his trade and thereafter con- 1888. Thomas A., who was born on the 27th tinued to reside on his homestead farm until of April, 1870, is a machinist in Jackson. his death, commanding the uniform esteem He married, May 1, 1902, Miss Nellie S. and confidence of the people of the com- Daniels. Roy E., who was born February munity. Though he was public-spirited and 21, 1872, remains on the homestead. Eliz- progressive and took a deep interest in the abeth Deborah, who was born February 2, questions and issues of the hour, he never 1875, is also at the homestead, as is Mary sought the honors of public office. His Louise, who was born December 3, 1876. political support was given to the Republi- Fred H., Frank K. P., Roy, Elizabeth D. can party, of which he was a stanch and Mary L. reside on the homestead and adherent. co-operate in its management. Fred H. is In 1882 Mr. Hall and his sons purchased a Republican in politics and fraternally is of Milo Gallup his dairy business and milk identified with Jackson Lodge No. 17, Free route and this enterprise has ever since and Accepted Masons, in Jackson, where he been conducted by the sons, under the firm is also affiliated with Central City Tent No. name of Hall Brothers, the products of the 139, Knights of the Maccabees, and with dairy being sold in Jackson, where the firm Jackson Lodge No. 2569, Modern Wood- receives a large and representative patron- Frank K. P. is likewise a member of men. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 943 the same Masonic lodge and of the Ancient tion, went into Ohio and resided in that Order United Workmen, and also holds to state two years. In 1836, with his wife and the faith of the Republican party. two children, he came to Michigan and lo- cated in Jackson county, on property which he had purchased in the southern part of Summit township. There he remained until GEORGE W. ELLISON. 1863, carrying on general farming, when he sold the place to Allen D. Lyon, who is still Of the one hundred and fifty thousand the owner and occupant of the premises. people who resided in the state of Michigan At that time it was his purpose to retire in 1837, when it was admitted into the sis- from the active duties of life, and with this terhood of states, not many are now living. view he purchased property in the city of Most of those who still survive were mere Jackson and took up his abode there. One babies at that time, a few have moved to year of life in retirement sufficed to convince other localities, but the great majority of him that there was still vitality enough left those who were here and saw the first birth-in him to be useful to himself and to the day of the new state have passed into etern- world, and he determined to utilize it. Ac- ity. It would be interesting to know how cordingly he purchased the Bartholomew many of them are still living and residents farm, adjoining the one he had previously of Jackson county. Whether few or many, owned, and there he remained, an active, it is quite certain that the down of youth energetic man, sound in mind and body, per- does not still grace the cheek of any of them. sonally superintending and managing all his The subject of this review, George W. Elli- affairs, until April 3, 1891, when he died, son, of Summit township, is one of those being then in the eighty-third year of his who was here then and is here yet, but he age. As inay readily be suspected from this, remembers very little about the admission he was a man of great vitality and uncom- of the state, being then only about two years mon energy, wisely active, not only in his old. own personal affairs, but in all public mat- George W. Ellison is a native of Ohio, ters arising in the locality. He served as born in Ashtabula, August 21, 1835. His supervisor a number of terms and was for father, Owen Ellison, was born at Penn several years a justice of the peace of Sum- Yan, New York, April 17, 1810, while his mit township. Mr. and Mrs. Ellison were mother, Mary Ann (Bloomingdale) Elli- the parents of six children, viz: Jacob B. son, was a native of the same place. The enlisted in Company C, Eighth Michigan grandfather of the subject of this article Volunteer Infantry, attained the rank of first was also named George W., and was a vet- sergeant, and served until June 13, 1863, eran of the war of the Revolution. In 1834, when he was killed at the battle of James not long after his marriage, Owen Ellison, Island, South Carolina; George W. is the accompanied by his wife, left the place of subject of this review ; Owen is a practicing their nativity, in Yates county, New York, physician of Ironton, Ohio; Benjamin W. and, with a view of bettering their condi- is a resident of Gratiot county, Michigan; 944 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Charles died in infancy; Francis M. owns of seven children. Sarah (Ackerson) Reyn- the old homestead. olds, Mrs. Ellison's mother, was born During the boyhood of Mr. Ellison the April 10, 1813, and was married to John facilities for procuring an education in the Reynolds March 28, 1833. Her parents new state of Michigan were by no means all come to Michigan at about the same time that could be desired. Nevertheless he suc- as did the Reynolds family, and settled in ceeded in mastering the common school Napoleon township, where Mr. Ackerson ac- branches and, being of a studious disposi- quired considerable prominence, the post- tion, he used his leisure to good advantage office and railroad station being named in his in the acquisition of learning. He remained honor. He made a good farm and resided on the farm, aiding his father, until his there until past eighty years old, though his twenty-third year, when he purchased a place death occurred in Tompkins township. Mrs. of his own, the Reynolds place, on section Sarah Reynolds died on the 4th of July, 35, Summit township. 1891, aged seventy-seven years, after seeing Life on a farm is dull and monotonous all her children married and well settled in enough at best and is doubly so when life. Mr. Reynolds purchased the subject's coupled with the loneliness of bachelorhood. present farm of a Mr. McCullough in 1837. On the 13th day of June, 1858, George W. It comprised one hundred and sixty acres Ellison was united in marriage to Miss Anna and at that time was entirely unimproved. M. Reynolds, with whom he had grown up He soon érected a log house, in which he from infancy, both having often been rocked lived until his death, having converted in the same cradle. She was a native of New eighty acres of the place into a valu- York, born in Seneca, Ontario county, June able farm. Besides Mrs. Ellison, the 13, 1835. Her parents were John and Sarah Reynolds children to reach maturity (Ackerson) Reynolds, who were also na- were Mary N., the wife of Lafayette tives of the Empire state. The Reynolds Bunce, of Liberty township, and Isaac were of English ancestry, the Ackersons of H., a farmer of Pulaski township. In Sep- colonial Dutch stock. The grandfather of tember, 1836, about the time Michigan be- Mrs. Ellison, Isaac Reynolds, was a soldier came a state, the Reynolds family settled in in the war of the Revolution. He was born Michigan. Mr. Reynolds was by trade a in East Nottingham, Maryland, in 1775, carpenter and builder and when not em- and died in Seneca county, New York, Feb-ployed on his farm, worked at this calling. ruary 4, 1871. He was a son of Isaac and Through indiscreetly exposing himself in Ann Reynolds, grandson of Henry and the winter of 1842-3, he took a severe cold, Mary Reynolds, and great-grandson of which culminated in lung trouble, from the Joshua Reynolds. The latter was a native effects of which he died January 27, 1843. of England, but came to America and set- Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. tled on land belonging to William Penn. Ellison, all of whom are living, viz: Will- Isaac Reynolds married Mary Haynes in iam Seward, assistant superintendent of 1800, and settled in Seneca county, New the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, York, in 1803, where he reared a family at Battle Creek; Mary Ella is the wife of JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 945 Eii Bromley, Onondaga township, Ingham and Rachel (Provost) Van Gieson, were , county; Hattie is a dressmaker by trade likewise natives of that county, where they and is the wife of Eugene Brunley ; Nettie were reared and where their marriage was N. is the wife of Parker R. DeLand, of Na- solemnized, the father having been a shoe- poleon, and was a teacher for five years. maker by trade. În 1852 they emigrated to The farm on which is the home of the Michigan, taking up their abode in Washte- Ellisons comprises some two hundred and naw county, where Mr. Van Gieson pur- fifty acres of fine fertile land, and is situ- chased one hundred and twelve acres of tim- ated in Summit and Napoleon townships. bered land, in Bridgewater township, and While he has never engaged very actively in there reclaimed a good farm and became one politics, Mr. Ellison is a straight Republi- of the successful and highly esteemed hus- can and has been honored by his fellow citi- bandmen of the county. He and his wife zens with various local offices. He has passed the remainder of their lives on this served twenty years as justice of the peace homestead, both their deaths occurring at and has been recognized as one of the most the age of sixty years. Both were devoted efficient occupants of the office in the coun- and consistent members of the Dutch Re- ty. In religion he and his wife are members formed church, with which their ancestors of and regular attendants on the services of had been identified for several generations, the Methodist Episcopal church. while Mr. Van Gieson gave his allegiance to the Republican party from the time of its organization. This worthy couple became the parents of seven children, a brief record MARCELLUS VAN GIESON. of whom is as follows: Marcellus is the im- mediate subject of this review ; Ann is a res- The subject of these paragraphs may ident of Monroe county, New York; David well take pride in tracing his lineage back to is a resident of Newton, Iowa; Thomas that sturdy old Knickerbocker stock which makes his home in the village of Clinton, peopled the eastern part of New York and Lenawee county, Michigan; Mary died at the New Jersey in the initiative epoch of our age of fifty years; George is likewise a res- national history, and among the most patri- ident of Clinton, as is also Albert. cian families in the two states today are Marcellus Van Gieson passed his boy- those descended from the Holland ancestry. hood days in his native state of New Jersey, The subject is one of the representative and when he was about five years of age his farmers and honored citizens of Summit parents removed to Monroe county, New township, where he has maintained his home York, where he was reared to maturity, his for many years, and it is a pleasure to incor- educational advantages being such as were porate in this volume a review of his life, afforded in a somewhat irregular attendance with incidental genealogical data. in the common schools. He remained at the Marcellus Van Gieson was born in parental home until he had attained the age Pompton Plains, Passaic county, New Jer- | of twenty, when he assumed connubial re- sey, August 3, 1828. His parents, Thomas sponsibilities and prepared to establish a 60 946 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. home of his own. He and his bride came inception, but has never manifested any de- to Michigan with his parents in 1852 and sire for official preferment. He has achieved passed the first winter in Washtenaw coun- success through his own efforts and has ty, and in the spring of 1867 they came to gained a competency which places him in Jackson county, where Mr. Van Gieson pur- that position of independence for which chased two hundred acres of land, in Sum- every man is justified in striving. He and mit township, the same being ever since the his wife are zealous members of the Meth- scene of his active and well-directed en- odist Episcopal church, in whose work they deavors and his present home. The land, have taken an active part for many years. which was known as the George D. Brown In Monroe county, New York, on the place, was rough and few improvements had 24th of December, 1848, Mr. Van Gieson been made. With characteristic energy and was united in marriage to Miss Mary M. good judgment, Mr. Van Gieson set him- Madden, who has proved to him an able co- self vigorously to the task of improving his adjutor and helpmeet during their married farm and bringing it under effective culti- life of more than fifty years, their mutual vation, and its condition today well indicates sympathy tending to make easy the rough how great success attended his efforts, the places on the journey and to lighten the major portion of the land being eligible for clouds which must come to us all. Mrs. cultivation, while the buildings are all sub- Van Gieson was born in Clarkson, Monroe stantial and well adapted for the purposes county, New York, on the 7th of October, to which they are applied. In addition to 1830, being a daughter of Silas and Isabel carrying on his operations in the way of (Johnson) Madden, both of whom passed raising the various cereals adapted to the soil their entire lives in that county, the family and climate, together with large crops of being one of prominence and influence, while hay, Mr. Van Gieson has a fine peach or- the father of Mrs. Van Gieson was a suc- chard of ten acres and an apple orchard of cessful farmer of the county. He and his four acres, both of which give prolific yields, wife had ten children, concerning whom the while he also raises a considerable amount following is a record: Rev. Loren J. Mad- of the smaller fruits. On the place are al- den, a clergyman of the Free Will Baptist ways to be found good grades of live stock. church, died in middle life; Moses died at Of his original estate Mr. Van Gieson has the age of forty years; Timothy still re- disposed of all but one hundred and sixty sides in Monroe county; Mary M.; Hiram acres, which constitute his present home- died in California, at the age of forty-five stead, one of the valuable places of the town- years; Silas is a resident of Leoni township, ship. He has contributed materially to the Jackson county; Lovejoy resides in Mead- advancement of the interests and substantial ville, Missouri; John retains his home in progress of this section of the county and Monroe county, New York. and Elizabeth at all times has commanded the esteem and H. and Sophronia E. died in childhood. Mr. confidence of the community. In politics he and Mrs. Van Gieson became the parents of . has been a stanch advocate of the principles eight children, namely: Charles H., who is of the Republican party from the time of its a contractor and builder in Detroit, married JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 947 Miss Carrie Silsby; Elizabeth F. is the wife old stock of this order. In addition to work- of Calvin T. Smith, of Albion, Michigan; ing at his trade in Ohio he also owned a farm Arthur E. is a successful farmer of Liberty there. In 1852 he removed with his fam- township and married Miss Hattie Crego; ily to Michigan and located on a farm two Harry, who is engaged in farming in Sum- miles south of the capital city of Lansing, in mit township, married Miss Frances Jud-Ingham county, having there purchased one son; Bert, who is likewise a farmer of this hundred and sixty acres of land in the midst township, married Miss Jessie Slawson; of the virgin forest, where he set himself Frank and Minnie died in childhood, and vigorously to the task of effecting the re- Rachel Isabel is the wife of Frank Jennings, clamation of the place. He also erected a of Albion. All of the children received ex- log building which he utilized as a black- cellent educational advantages and all are smith shop, and through his trade he added an honor to their parents and to themselves. materially to the family income, as his serv- ices in the line were in much requisition by the settlers in the locality. Wild game was still plentiful, including deer and bear, and JAMES C. ELDER. through the use of his trusty rifle he did much to supply the family larder from this The subject of this review has now source. He developed a good farm and be- passed the psalmist's span of three score came one of the prosperous and honored cit- years and ten, and of this period more than izens of Ingham county, where he passed the half a century he has passed in the state of remainder of his life, his death there oc- Michigan, from which fact it becomes evi- | curring in the year 1867, at which time he dent that he is a representative of one of the was fifty-nine years of age. His wife had pioneer families of this favored common- passed away prior to the removal of the wealth, while he has long been one of the family to Michigan, and he later married , substantial and honored farmers and stock Miss Matilda Dearth, who survived him, growers of Tompkins township. eventually removing to the state of Kansas, James C. Elder is a native of the Buck- where she died a number of years later. The eye state, having been born in Medina coun- mother of the subject was a devoted member ty, Ohio, on the 30th of September, 1831, of the Methodist Episcopal church and was , and being a son of Thomas and Elizabeth a woman of noble character, ever mindful (Hoffman) Elder, both of whom were like- of the many duties which fell to her portion wise born in Ohio, where the respective fam- | in the early days, when it was the part of , ilies took up their abode in the pioneer epoch the average housewife to spin and weave and in the history of the state. Thomas Elder make the clothing for her family, besides was a blacksmith by trade and vocation and attending to other domestic economies. The was a man of strong mentality and mature father was originally a Whig in his political judgment, possessing in marked degree the proclivities, but identified himself with the sterling attributesso characteristic of the Republican party at the time of its organiza- Scottish race, , his lineage tracing back to fine.. tion and was ever afterward a stanch advo- a 948 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. cate of its principles. His first wife bore to ship, a portion of the tract having been him six children, while of the second mar- cieared, while other minor improvements riage thirteen children were born, and it is had been made. Here he has since main- worthy of note that all save one, who died tained his home, while he has placed the in infancy, attained years of maturity, while farm under a high state of productivity, of the total of nineteen fifteen are living at has erected a good residence and other sub- the present time. stantial farm buildings and made the home- James C. Elder, the immediate subject of stead one of the model farms of this section. this sketch, was the second in order of birth The facilities and conveniences which he and of the children and was a young man of his family enjoy today are much differen- twenty-two years when the family came to tiated from those available at the time they Michigan, his educational training having here took up their abode in the primitive log thus been secured in the common schools of house, when access to the farm was afforded his native state of Ohio. He continued to by ill constructed roads, when the forests be associated with his father in the work of in this section exceeded in acreage the culti- the homestead farm until he had attained the vated fields and when school facilities were age of twenty-six years, and he then pur- as yet somewhat crude and meager. Today chased a tract of forty-four acres adjoining he finds himself supplied with his mail each the home farm, the same being covered with day by the free rural delivery system, while a heavy growth of native timber, and soon his attractive home is also connected with after thus providing for the inception of his the outside world through telephonic serv- independent career he also assumed the dig- ice, and other accessories and facilities are nity of a man of family. On the 22d of of an equally advanced order. Mr. Elder July, 1957, he was united in marriage to has ever commanded the confidence and high Miss Maria Buck, who was born in Tomp- regard of the community and is known as kins county, New York, December 18, 1838, one of the sterling pioneer citizens of the being a daughter of Levi and Loretta (Pack-county. In politics he is a stanch adherent ard) Buck, who came from New York to of the Republican party, and he has served Michigan in 1840, locating in Lansing, as highway commisioner of his township, where Mr. Buck improved a farm, later be- while his interest in the cause of education coming a successful farmer of Jackson coun- led to his long retention in various school ty, where both he and his wife passed the offices, all of which he has held in his dis- , remainder of their lives, honored by all who trict. Mr. Elder is now practically retired knew them. Of them more specific mention from the active labors which marked so is made in the sketch of the life of their son, many years of his long and useful life, and James M. Buck, appearing on other pages the golden evening of his day is being passed of this work. Mr. Elder reclaimed his farm in that dignified ease and repose which is a to cultivation and there continued to reside just reward for his effective endeavors in until 1864, when he disposed of the property the past. The homestead farm is under the and came to Jackson county, purchasing sev- general care and supervision of his son-in- enty acres in section 22, Tompkins town- law, George Hawkins. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 949 cess. To Mr. and Mrs. Elder were born three prairies of South Dakota, near Mitchell, for children, viz: Lorette, who was born on the a short time, having located on a quarter sec- zoth of March, 1858, died at the age of tion of government land, and is candid twelve years. Addie, who was born on the enough to say that he found the place no 23d of February, 1865, is the wife of George paradise. He then went to Sanborn, O'Brien Hawkins, who has charge of the homestead county, Iowa, and there spent three years farm of the subject and who is one of the trying to enforce contentment upon himself, progressive and highly esteemed citizens of but with no very gratifying amount of suc- this section; he was born in Jackson coun- Then, returning to Michigan, he ty January 13, 1862, being a son of Stephen rented his father's farm and felt the first Hawkins, who came to Michigan from New thrill of real contentment for many years, York state in the pioneer days, and he and which was also accompanied by a measure his wife are the parents of three boys, Guy of prosperity as agreeable as it was welcome. S., who was born on the 28th of April, Frank M. Sanford was born in Tomp- 1889; Levi Buck, who was born on the 28th kins township, Jackson county, August 9, of September, 1891; and James Ward, who 1852. His parents were Truman M. and was born on the 27th of January, 1893, Helen C. (Snyder) Sanford, both native of there also being one deceased, Glenn E., who New York City. The early occupation of died aged five months. All of the children the subject's father was that of a commer- are attending school and are bright and act- cial traveler for a New York dry-goods ive boys. Amy, the youngest of the chil- house. After his marriage he decided that dren, was born on the 21st of February, life could be by no means congenial in the 1876, and died on the 17th of January, 1899, pursuit of the occupation he was following: having been a young woman of gentle and He therefore abandoned his sample cases gracious character and having held the af- and his rollicking companions and deter- fectionate regard of all who knew her. She mined to settle down to the delights of a was proficient in music, as is also her elder rural home on a Michigan farm. Accom- sister, Mrs. Hawkins, while both received panied by his wife, he came by the lakes to excellent educational advantages, the latter Detroit, then overland to Jackson county, having been a successful teacher in the pub- where he bought a piece of land partially lic schools prior to her marriage. cleared, half of section 30, Tompkins town- ship, and started in to become an agricult- urist. The same industry which had char- acterized him on the road he displayed in FRANK M. SANFORD. the clearing, with the result that within a reasonably short time his three hundred and Among those who have proven by prac- twenty acres of land was cleared and under tical experience that better places than Jack- | cultivation, and it did not take many years son county, Michigan, as an abiding place, to see the wisdom of his purchase. In 1871 are hard to find, is Frank M. Sanford, the he also invested in two hundred other subject of this review. In 1880 he tried the acres in Springport township, on which he 950 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. established his hoine and there he resided his parents and as such much of the hard until his death, which occurred in 1875. work of the farm devolved upon him. His His worthy wife survived him twenty-six father was a lover of learning and hence was years, expiring in 1901, in her native state, careful to see that whatever else might suffer whither she had gone after her husband's the boy should not be deficient in education. death. Nine children were born to Tru- He varied his time between labor and study man and Helen Sanford, viz: Mary mar- and profited satisfactorily by both. Until ried W. H. Chase, and they are residents of the time of his father's death, in 1875, he Chicago; Frank M. is the subject of this was the assistant and helper on the farm and sketch; Lyman D. married Ida Wilcox, re- for six years after the death of the latter he sides in Oil City, Pennsylvania, and they are managed and controlled the entire place. the parents of two sons; Seymour H. is a November 14, 1878, Mr. Sanford was united farmer, and was twice married, his first wife in marriage to Miss Minnie G. Townley, a being Nellie Baldwin and his second Mabel native of Jackson county, born September 1, Gordon; he has a family of three girls and 1858, her parents being George J. and Ellen one boy,and resides in Ingham county, Mich- (Adams) Townley, natives of New York, igan; Helen C. married Richard Peck, and who came to Michigan in 1836, and have ihey are the parents of two children and re- been residents of the state ever since. To side in East Bethany, New York; Truman Mr. and Mrs. Sanford seven children have M. married Fannie Townley and resided in been born, viz: Frank H., born May 18, Birmingham, Alabama, where they became 1880, is a student at the Michigan State the parents of two daughters; his death oc- Agricultural College; Helen, born October curred December 30, 1901 ; Harry T. died 22, 1881, died August 12, 1882; Bruce T., in the United States army in 1895; Edward born November 15, 1882, still resides be- B. married Elizabeth Campbell and resides neath the parental roof; Hugh S., born May in Oil City, Pennsylvania, they being the 21, 1887, died September 8, 1892; Harold parents of one son and one daughter. All D., born July 26, 1890, and Ellen A., born were well educated and are industrious, use- June 27, 1894, are attending school; baby ful citizens. Both parents were active mem- Dorothy, born February 9, 1900, is the pride bers of the Presbyterian church. The father of the family. was a man of much business sagacity and In 1896 Frank M. Sanford purchased very enterprising. During the four years two hundred acres of land, in Tompkins from 1864 to 1868 he conducted a dry goods township, parts of sections 30 and 31, being store at Parma with satisfactory success. He half of the tract originally owned by his fa- was always deeply interested in educational ther. Upon this place he established a home matters and it was at his home the meeting for his family, and there they are at present was held which resulted in the organization residing. He carries on mixed farming, al- of the local school district. In politics he ways keeping sufficient stock of various was a Democrat of the old Jacksonion kinds on the place to consume about all the school. farm produces. Grade Jersey cattle, Black- Frank M. Sanford was the oldest son of top sheep, high grade and Poland China 1 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 951 man. hogs comprise the greater part of his stock. a tract of wild land near the present capital He raises and nearly always has for sale a city of the commonwealth, Lansing, being few Wilkes horses which excel as roadsters. residents of Ingham county at the time the Mr. Sanford is not only a thorough farmer, capital was located in the city mentioned. but a man of education and intelligence. There the family continued to reside until Everything he does is characterized by en- the autunn of 1859, while in the meantime ergy and vital force. He and his worthy the father of the subject had reclaimed the wife are members of the Presbyterian church major portion of his land and placed it un- and take an active interest in all religious der cultivation. der cultivation. At the time noted he dis- work. He is a Democrat in politics, but was posed of his property and came to Jackson never so rabidly partisan as to be blind to the county. Here he purchased one hundred interests of the community or the state. He and seventy-five acres of land in Tompkins belongs to a number of fraternal societies, township, a portion of the tract having been a among then the Independent Order of Odd cleared, and here he continued to reside until Fellows, Modern Woodmen and the Mac-1864, when he traded the property for one cabees. In all that he has undertaken he has hundred and nine acres in sections 17 and been very successful and the record he has 18, same township. In 1872 he sold this made proves the innate worthiness of the farm and removed to Springport township, where he purchased sixty acres, in section 12, and upon which he passed the remainder , of his life, his death occurring on the It8h of August, 1883, at the age of seventy-one JAMES M. BUCK. years. His widow survives him and is now (1903) eighty-three years of age, and she This well-known and honored farmer finds a home with her children, who accord of Jackson county is a member of one of the her the utmost filial solicitude in the golden pioneer families of the state, where he has evening of her kindly and gracious life. In passed practically his entire life, being now politics Levi Buck was a stanch Republican the owner of a fine farm property in Tomp- from the time of the organization of the par- kins township and being known as one of ty, but he never sought official preferment. the progressive and successful men of the lo- He was a man of sterling integrity of char- cality. acter, industrious, unassuming and endowed Mr. Buck is a native of the state of New with excellent mental powers and good judg- York, having been born in Tompkins coun- ment, and he held the implicit confidence and ty, on the 26th of July, 1840, a son of Levi regard of all who knew him. He and his and Loretta (Packard) Buck, both repre- wife became the parents of four children, senting families early settled in the Empire concerning whom the following is a brief state, where they were born and reared. In record: Sally M. is the wife of James C. 1841, when the subject was less than a year Elder, a successful farmer of Tompkins old, his parents emigrated from New York township, and they became the parents of to the new state of Michigan and located on three children, of whom two are deceased; 952 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. James M., the immediate subject of this re- cilities indicating one phase of the many im- view, was the next in order of birth; Nancy provements he has witnessed in the county J. is the wife of Frank Brown, who is en- within the four decades of his residence here. gaged in agriculture in Tompkins township, He has attained prosperity through his own and Julia A. is the wife of John J. Brown, a efforts and has so guided and governed his resident of the city of Detroit. life at all times as to retain the unqualified James M. Buck was reared in Ingham confidence and esteem of those with whom and Jackson counties, receiving such educa- he has come in contact. In politics his par- tional advantages as were afforded in the tisanship is notable only by reason of its ab- public schools of the day and assisting in the sence, and he maintains that independent at- work of the farm from his boyhood up. He titude which implies the exercising of his continued to be associated with his father franchise in support of men and measures until the death of the latter and prior to his rather than following strict party lines. He death had for a number of years had the and his wife are zealous and valued mem- active supervision of the homestead farm.bers of the Methodist Episcopal church, be- In 1871 he purchased eighty acres of land ing identified with the church organization in this township, of which he disposed four in Tompkins township. years later, having rented the place and re- On the 28th of September, 1865, was sol- sided in Lansing during the major portion emnized the marriage of Mr. Buck to Miss of this interval. Upon disposing of the prop- Rebecca Dunn, a daughter of Jeremiah and erty, in 1874, he rented a farm in Tompkins Harriett Dunn, both of whom were born in and Springport townships, and continued to the state of New York, whence they emi- devote his attention to the cultivation of the grated to Michigan in the pioneer epoch, tak- same until 1877, and he then purchased the ing up their residence in Jackson county, place, of which he retained possession until where they passed the remainder of their April, 1898, when he sold the same and pur- lives, Mr. Dunn having been a successful , chased seventy acres in section 18, Tomp- farmer and honored citizen of this section of kins township, and here he has since main- the state. Mr. and Mrs. James Buck be- tained his home, having one of the well im- came the parents of one son, Charles, who proved, well conducted and valuable places | died at the age of five months. In 1874 they of the county. He rents the farm and is liv- adopted Mary Ferguson, who was then three ing practically retired from active labors, years of age, and she was carefully reared though he still resides on the place and main- in their home and has given them the fullest tains a general supervision of the same. The filia! affection and has been as dear to them permanent improvements are of excellent or- as an own child. In 1889 she was united in der, including a substantial and commodi- , marriage to Fred C. Adams, who is a suc- ous residence, good barn and other requisite cessful young farmer of this township, and buildings, while the advantages of the rural they have two children. Mrs. Adams is a free mail-delivery system and telephonic con- devoted member of the Methodist Episco- nection are enjoyed by the subject, these fa- pal church. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 953 JAMES HOPCRAFT. ter about five years had expired the family disposed of the original farm, a considerable Though the subject of this review was portion of which had been placed under ef- born in bonnie old England and has reason to fective cultivation, and Mr. Hopcraft then revert with pride to his stanch British an- effected the purchase of a tract of forty acres, cestral record, tracing back for many gen- in section 4, Tompkins township, clearing erations in Oxfordshire, he has passed prac- the same from its primitive condition as a tically his entire life in the United States, heavily timbered tract, and so ably directing while a more loyal and patriotic citizen is his efforts as to make his success cumula- not to be found within the confines of Jack- tive in character. tive in character. As rapidly as circum- son county, which has been his home for stances justified he added to the area of his nearly half a century. Mr. Hopcraft is one landed property, and the results of his good of the successful and representative farmers juilgment and strenuous labors are shown oi Tompkins township, and most consistent- | today in his finely improved estate of two ly is accorded recognition in this volume. hundred and ninety acres, whose well tilled James Hopcraft was born in Oxford- fields and gracious meadows stretch into the shire, England, on the 30th of December, pleasing perspective about his attractive res- 1848, being a son of Thomas and Hannah idence, which is one of the fine rural homes (Gardner) Hopcraft, both of whom were of the county. The major portion of this born and reared in that same section of the land has been cleared by and under the direc- “tight little isle" of England. In 1857 they tion of Mr. Hopcraft himself, and he has emigrated thence with their family to Amer- | been in a significant sense the artificer of his ica, arriving in due time in New York city, own fortune and is deserving of the pros- where they remained one year and then came perity which has crowned his efforts. He westward to Jackson county, Michigan, at began his labors with primitive accessories a period sufficiently early to entitle them to and equipments, his only team for a num- be considered pioneers of the county, though ber of years, being yokes of oxen. Mr. Hop- the father of the subject did not long sur- craft is a man of strong mentality and broad vive after his arrival here, his death occur- intellectual grasp, and has gained his knowl- ring in July, 1860. He purchased forty- | edge to a large degree through personal ap- three acres of wild land, in Tompkins town- plication, though he had initiated his edu- ship, but his death occurred before he had cational discipline in the schools of his na- made material progress in the way of re- tive land and had also attended school in a claiming the same to cultivation. Though desultory way after the family came to the subject was but twelve years of age when Jackson county. his father died, he sturdily took up the bat- The loved and devoted mother was tle of life on his own responsibility, both he spared to her children for many years after and his sisters beginning to work on their her husband had been summoned to his re- own responsibility from that time, while ward, and she died October 6, 1888, at the they thus materially aided their devoted age of seventy-seven years, secure in the af- mother in keeping the family together. Af- fectionate regard of all who knew her. She 954 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. and her husband were communicants of the On the 18th of March, 1876, was sol- church of England, and thus became identi- emnized the marriage of Mr. Hopcraft to fied with its American branch, the Protestant Miss Effie M. Hazelton, who was born in Episcopal, after coming to the United States, Ingham county, February 7, 1857, being a while of both it may well be said that they daughter of James and Sarah (Russell) "fought the good fight, they finished their Hazelton, the former of whom was born in course, they kept the faith," and that theirs Canada and the latter in Ireland, their mar- will ever be the “crowns of righteousness.” | riage having been celebrated in Michigan, Of their children the following is a brief while they were honored pioneers of Ingham record : Sarah became the wife of Zina county, where Mr. Hazelton was a success- Dolby, and died at her home in Onondaga, ful farmer and where he died; the mother in the year 1900, being survived by her hus- is yet living, aged sixty-seven years. The band and their two children; Ann, the wid- children of Mr. and Mrs. Hopcraft still ow of Frank Dack, resides in Tompkins abide beneath the home roof, and the sons township and has seven children; James, render effective aid to their father in connec- subject of this review, was the next in order tion with the work of the farm. Of the chil- of birth; Hannah is the wife of George dren, record is as follows: Clarence C. was Camamile, a successful farmer of Eaton born on the 14th of December, 1879; Her- county, and they have three children. bert J., December 15, 1873; Ida May, Au- Mr. Hopcraft devotės his attention to di- gust 10, 1888; Frank R., May 1, 1891; and versified agriculture and to the raising of Fred V., April 24, 1893. high-grade live stock, giving preference to the Durham type of cattle and buying and selling a considerable amount of stock each year, while he also raises the Ohio Improved FRANK E. DUNN. Chester hogs and the Shropshire sheep. During the winter of 1901-2 he fed on his Among the distinctively representative place one hundred and seventeen lambs seventeen lambs farmers and stock growers of Jackson coun- which proved to be the best placed on the ty is the subject of this review, who is the market in Eaton Rapids during that win- owner of a fine landed estate in Tompkins In politics he gives his support to the township, carrying on the various depart- Republican party, but has never sought of- ments of his enterprise with that discretion ficial preferment. He has been industrious and energy which are sure to find their nat- and unremitting in his application from his ural sequel in definite success. boyhood up, and his record has been one Frank E. Dunn is a native of Jackson which has commended him to the unquali- | county, which has been his home through- fied confidence and regard of all who knew out his entire life, and he is a representative him. He cared for his mother with true of the third generation of the family in the filial solicitude until she was summoned into county, which fact implies that he is a scion eternal rest, her home and his having ever of pioneer stock, while the name is one been one. which has ever been held in the highest hon- ter. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 955 a or in this favored section of the sovereign the age of twenty-three years he married and commonwealth of Michigan. He was born then rented a farm in Tompkins township, on the parental homestead farm in the town- while he later purchased a small farm in this ship of Springport, on the 27th of March, township, where he has since been engaged 1868, being a son of Robert R. and Laura in agricultural pursuits, being one of the rep- A. (Emerson) Dunn, the former of whom resentative citizens of the section and hold- was born in the state of New York and the ing the unqualified esteem of all who knew latter in that of Vermont, while their mar- him. In politics he is a stanch advocate of riage was solemnized in Jackson county. the principles and policies of the Demo- Jeremiah Dunn, grandfather of the subject, cratic party and his wife is a member of the was a successful farmer in New York, Methodist Episcopal church. Of their two . whence he came with his family to Michi- children the subject of this sketch is the gan in 1840, purchasing a tract of wild land younger. His sister Elizabeth is the wife in Bellevue township, Eaton county, and re- of Alfred Winegar, a resident of Parma claiming the same to cultivation. He even- township, and they have one son, Harry. tually disposed of this property and re- Prior to her marriage Mrs. Winegar was for moved over into Jackson county, where he two years a successful and popular teacher purchased one hundred and twenty acres in in the district schools, while the career of Parma township, remaining there several the subject in the pedagogic profession cov- years and then selling the place and purchas- ered a period of twelve years. Laura A. ing sixty-seven acres in Tompkins township, (Emerson) Dunn, mother of him whose where he passed the remainder of his life, name initiates this review, is a daughter of his death occurring in November, 1886, at William Emerson, who came from Vermont which time he was about seventy years of to Michigan in an early day, and is a de- age. His wife, whose maiden name was scendant of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Schoomaker, died October 3, 1885, at the Frank E. Dunn was reared on the home- age of seventy-one years. They were sterl- stead farm in Tompkins township, and after ing and honored pioneers of the county, re- receiving his preliminary educational disci- taining the high regard of all who knew pline in the district school he continued his them, and of their six children five are living studies in the public schools of the village of at the present time. Mr. Dunn was a stal- Parma, being a student in the high school wart Democrat in his political proclivities. as a member of the class of 1886, at which Robert R. Dunn, the second in order of birth time he was eighteen years of age. He then . of the six children of this worthy couple, put his acquirements to practical test by en- was a young man at the time of the family gaging in teaching, while he later continued removal to Michigan, and in the early days his studies for a few terms in Cleary's Busi- he became inured to the arduous toil in- ness College, at Ypsilanti. He continued volved in the clearing of the wild land and to follow the pedagogic profession for twelve in breaking the same for cultivation, having years, and his services in this capacity were done much of the latter part with the use of attended with most gratifying success, while a team composed of six yoke of oxen. At lie was known as one of the popular and able 956 , JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. teachers of his native county. While thus In politics Mr. 'Dunn gives an unequivocal engaged Mr. Dunn also devoted his atten- allegiance to the Republican party, and he tion to the study of law in the city of Jack- has iong been active in its local ranks, while son during his leisure hours. In 1894 he he is each year a delegate to the county and purchased forty acres of land in sections 6 state conventions, having attended his first and 8, Tompkins township, while two years state convention in 1890, in company with later he purchased an adjoining tract of six- Col. Charles V. DeLand, the honored editor ty-six acres, and his wife owns forty acres, in chief of this work, said convention hav- so that the area of his fine farm is now one ing been held in the city of Detroit. During hundred and forty-six acres. The major the year 1889 Mr. Dunn was in the employ portion of this land is under a high state of of the American Book Company, in whose cultivation and of marked productivity, be interests he traveled throughout all sections ing devoted to diversified agriculture and of northern Michigan, doing most effective to the raising of high-grade stock, in which work for the concern. Fraternally he is latter department of his enterprise he gives identified with Jackson Camp No. 2569, his preference to the short-horn type of cat- Modern Woodmen; Jackson Tent No. 139, tle, Blacktop sheep and Chester White Knights of the Maccabees, and the Masonic swine. Mr. Dunn added to his modern order, Lodge No. 194, and Chapter No. 50. frame residence, which is of attractive archi- He and his wife attend the Unitarian church tectural design and much larger than the in Jackson. average rural home in the county, and his On the 3d of June, 1892, Mr. Dunn was barns and other buildings are fair, the entire united in marriage to Miss Louise B. Grif- farm being regarded as a model place. In fith, who was born in Marshall, Michigan, , the year 1898 Mr. Dunn resumed teaching, May 18, 1868, being a daughter of Hosea being an instructor in the public schools of and Emma (Bashford) Griffith, who came the village of Parma for a period of six to this county from Vermont in the early months, and at the expiration of this time days, he being one of the honored and influ- he applied for a position as an official in the ential pioneer farmers of this section. Coles Michigan state prison, which is located in E. Bashford, an uncle of Mrs. Dunn on the the city of Jackson, where he remained a maternal side, was the first Republican gov- short time and then returned to his farm. ernor of the state of Wisconsin, and an- Two months later he was given his official other uncle, Levi Bashford, was a prom- appointment in the prison, where he re- inent and influential citizen of Arizona. mained two and one-half years, renting his Mrs. Dunn was a successful teacher for farm during this interval and making the some time prior to her marriage. It may change in vocation with the primary ob- be said that the home is a center of gracious ject of affording his children the advantages and cordial hospitality, Mr. and Mrs. Dunn of the excellent public schools of the city. enjoying the most unqualified popularity in In 1901 he returned to the farm, to whose the county where they have passed their en- cultivation he has since given his attention. tire lives. They have three children, Zesto JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 957 B., who was born on the 12th of October, where he has built up an excellent trade 1893: Coles E., who was born on the ist through fair dealing and enterprising meth- of April, 1898, and Frank E., Jr., who was ods. In April, 1895, Mr. Banister was ap- . born on the 16th of October, 1900. pointed postmaster at this point, and in this capacity he gave efficient and acceptable service during seven years. of consecutive tenure of the office. From the time of ALEXANDER C. BANISTER. reaching his majority he has taken an active interest in the cause of the Democratic party The subject of this sketch is a repre and he served several years as a member of sentative of the third generation of the Ban- the township central committee of his party, ister family in Jackson county, where he was of which he was further honored with the born and reared and where he has gained position of chairman. In 1901 he was prestige as a successful teacher in past years elected township clerk and is now serving and as a successful business man and hon- his third term in this office, while he has also ored citizen of the village of Tompkins, been school inspector and township treasurer where he conducts a general mercantile en- of his district and been shown other marks terprise and where he was incumbent of the of popular confidence and regard. Fratern- office of postmaster for seven years. ally he holds himself as an affiliate of Tomp- Alexander C. Banister was born on the kins Camp No. 9596, Modern Woodmen of old farm homestead, in section 16, Tomp- America. kins township, on the 26th of August, 1863, On the 31st of October, 1894, was sol- being a son of Charles L. and Margaret emnized the marriage of Mr. Banister to (Fenton) Banister, concerning whom more Miss Jennie M. Westren, who was born specific mention will be made in appending Tompkins township, June 27, 1870, being a paragraphs of this sketch. The subject was daughter of Samuel W. and Harriett (Whit- reared to the sturdy discipline of the farm ney) Westren. Her father was born in and received his educational training in the England, whence he emigrated to America public schools and in the normal schools at when a young man and became one of the Fenton and Flint, in which two places he honored pioneers of Jackson county, where continued his studies for several terms, mak- he took up his residence in the 'thirties, ing so good use of his advantages as to be- building a grist-mill in Tompkins Center come well equipped for the pedagogic pro- and operating the same for many years. Mr. fession. He remained on the homestead un- and Mrs. Banister have two children, both til he had attained his legal majority and of whom are attending school. Norwood thereafter successfully engaged in was born on the 17th of August, 1895, and teaching for a period of ten years. His next Gyneth on the 17th of May, 1897. undertaking was that involved in the estab- Charles L. Banister, the father of the lishment of his present mercantile enterprise subject, was born in Orleans county, New in the village of Tompkins, where he opened York, on the 29th of January, 1828, being his store on the ist of March, 1895, and a son of Asa and Lavina (Lennon) Banis- was 958 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ter, both of whom were likewise born in the Christine is the widow of Henry Clay and state of New York, the former having been resides at Dearborn, Wayne county, having a shoemaker by trade and vocation prior to had four children, of whom one is deceased; his emigration to Michigan, in 1832. He lo- Edwin and Edward are twins, the former re- cated in Lenawee county, purchasing sixty siding on the old homestead farm, in Tomp- acres of wild land in Fairfield township. kins township, while the latter is engaged in He reclaimed the major portion of this tract, | farming in Rives township; Edwin married where he continued to reside until 1839, twice, first to Miss H. Hewett and last with when he disposed of the property and pur- Miss Adelia Trefri, and has six children; chased one hundred acres in section 16, Edward married Miss Julia Raymond, who same township, the same being still covered has borne him seven children, and Altha, with the native timber and practically no who married Charles Hatfield, survives her improvements made, while the nearest mill | husband, as do also their four children. was at Albion, twenty-two miles distant. Charles L. Banister, father of him whose He cleared this farm and developed a valu- name initiates this sketch, was but four able property prior to his death, in 1872, years of age at the time when his parents at the venerable age of eighty-four years. removed from New York to Michigan, and He died at the home of his son Jacob, in here he was reared under the scenes and Dearborn township, Wayne county, where conditions of the pioneer epoch, remaining at he was visting at the time. His wife was home and assisting in the work of the farm summoned into eternal rest in 1867, at the until he had attained his legal majority, age of about sixty-eight years. They en- when he gave inception to his independent countered all the experiences incidental to career, securing work on a neighboring pioneer life and were folk of noble and earn- farm and receiving in compensation for his est characters, commanding the esteem of services twelve and one-half dollars a month. all who knew them. In politics Grandfather In 1850 he purchased sixty-three acres in Banister was a stanch Democrat. Of their section 16, Tompkins township, reclaiming nine children brief record is as follows: the same from the forest and later adding : Phoebe is the wife of John Lewis, of Tomp- thirty-eight acres to his place, which is now kins township, and they have one son; John, one of the valuable and well-improved farms who married, was a farmer in Texas, where of the county. On the 16th of October, he died in 1902, having reared eight chil- 1860, was solemnized his marriage to Miss dren; Charles L., father of the subject, will Margaret Fenton, who was born in Monroe be mentioned at greater length in another county, New York, on Christmas day, 1836, paragraph; Alexander, who was a success- being a daughter being a daughter of Peter and Grace ful farmer and fruit grower in California, Ann (McWilliams) Fenton, both of died in 1900, being survived by his wife, whom were born and reared in Scot- whose maiden name was Miss Rush, and land, whence they came to the United by their four children; Roann is the widow States within a few years after their of George Gould and resides on her farm marriage. Mr. Fenton, who in Tompkins township, having two children; stone-cutter by vocation, died in the state a a was a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 959 of New York, and in 1856 his widow came a cord. While he now has the facilities of to Jackson county, passing the remainder of the rural free mail-delivery system, when he her life in Tompkins township, where she located on his present farm mail was se- died in the year 1866. Both she and her cured only once a week, and frequently long- husband were devoted members of the Pres- er intervals elapsed. This indicates only byterian church. To Charles L. and Marga- one of the many changes and advancements ret (Fenton) Banister have been born eight he has witnessed in the county during the children: William L. remains at the paren- years of his long and useful life, while he tal home and has the practical management has done his part in the development of this of the farm. Alexander C., subject of this now favored and wealthy section of the sketch, was the next in order of birth ; Mag- Wolverine state. gie Jane died at the age of twenty-two years; Annie is the wife of Walter E. Gould, a farmer of Tompkins township, and they have one child; John, a farmer of Spring- NORMAN WILCOX. port township, this county, married Miss Jessie Ferguson and they have two children; Mr. Wilcox is known as one of the rep- Frank, who resides on a farm in Tompkins resentative farmers and stock growers of township, devotes his attention to teaching Jackson county, where he has resided from through the winter months, and is now his boyhood days, the family being one of township supervisor, while for five years he prominence in the middle pioneer epoch in served as township clerk. He married Miss this section, while the name has ever stood Ada Curtis ; Marriette is the wife of George for the utmost honor and for usefulness in E. Van Camp, of Jackson; and Hattie is the connection with the active duties of life. wife of Burr Town, a farmer of Tompkins Mr. Wilcox is a native of the old Buck- township. All of the children received good eye state, having been born in the city of educational advantages and four of the num- Massillon, Stark county, Ohio, on the 14th ber have been successful school teachers, of December, 1840, and being a while three of the daughters became profi- George and Azubah (Graves) Wilcox, na- cient in music. Charles L. Banister, the fa- tives of the state of New York. Their mar- ther of these children, is one of the honored | riage was solemnized in New York, and the pioneer citizens of the county and has al- father was engaged in canal work in Massil- ways been found true and loyal in all the re- lon until 1848, when he came to Jackson lations of life. In politics he has ever ac- county and took up his residence on a farm corded a stanch support to the Democratic in Springport township, reclaiming the same party but has never sought official prefer- and placing it under cultivation, and in this ment. In starting out for himself in the pio- county he thereafter continued to make his neer days he earned the money with which home until death, both he and his devoted to purchase his first ox team by splitting wife having passed their declining years in rails with an ax, at the rate of fifty cents per the home of the subject, who accorded to hundred and cordwood at twenty-five cents them the most unqualified filial solicitude. son of 960 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Here the father died on the 27th of January, grade of draft and standard-bred horses for 1888, at the age of eighty-two years, while sale, as well as the Durham type of cattle, his wiie was summoned into eternal rest on Blacktop and Shropshire sheep and Poland the 27th of January, 1892, at the age of China swine. In politics he gives a stanch eighty-four years. Both were consistent allegiance to the Republican party, but he members of the Methodist Episcopal church, has never been an aspirant for public office, and in politics the father gave his support though he is at all times loyal to the duties to the Republican party from the time of its of citizenship, in whatever phase they are organization until he was called from the presented. scenes of life's labors. He was a man who On the 13th of October, 1878, Mr. Wil- ever held a trust as inviolate, was true and cox was united in marriage to Miss Mary loyal in all the relations of life, and com- Hazelton, who was born in Ingham county, manded the confidence and regard which Michigan, on the 21st of August, 1861, be- such a character always begets in an ob- ing a daughter of James and Sarah Hazel- jective way. ton, the former being a native of the domin- Norman Wilcox, the immediate subject ion of Canada and the latter of Ireland, their of this review, was a lad of eight years at marriage having been solemnized in the state the time of his parents' removal to Jackson of Michigan. Mr. Hazelton was numbered county, and here he was reared to manhood, among the pioneer farmers of Onondaga receiving his educational discipline in the township, Ingham county, whence he later public schools and assisting his father in the removed to Tompkins township, where he work of the homestead farm from his boy- and his wife passed the remainder of their hood until he had attained years of ma- lives, he having been a successful and highly turity. In 1865 he purchased eighty acres respected farmer of the county. Mr. and of land in section 6, Tompkins township, the Mrs. Wilcox became the parents of three same being still covered with the native tim-children, namely: Asa, who is associated ber and no appreciative improvements hav- with his father in the work of the home- ing been made. He cleared this land, to stead; William, who died at the age of eight , which he subsequently added by the pur- years, after having been an invalid for four chase of an adjacent tract of one hundred years, requiring much of the attention of his and twenty acres, and he now has one of the devoted mother until death released him model farms for which this section of the from his suffering; and Homer, who is also state is so well known, having erected an at- at the paternal home, being now ten years tractive and commodious residence, good of age, while the elder son is twenty-four barns and other outbuildings and having years old. brought the land up to the maximum of pro- There were seven brothers and two sis- ductivity, being ably assisted in its culti- ters in the Wilcox family,—only two of vation and management by his eldest son, whom are living: Daniel, a resident of who is a young man of marked energy and Eaton Rapids, Michigan, and the subject. business ability. In addition to diversified Elisha was killed in the siege of Atlanta, agriculture Mr. Wilcox also raises a high-Georgia, and Harvey B. was killed at the WILLIAM P. FARRAND. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 961 battle of Franklin, Tennessee, being a mem- county, September 10, 1866. His parents ber of the Forty-second Illinois Volunteer were Joseph S. and Helen (Peake) Farrand; Infantry; Asa died in the service at Natchez, she was a native of Hudson, but of English Mississippi ; George enlisted in California ancestry, while he was a native of England. and was a prisoner of war, and received his He came to America when a young man, en- death wound at Atlanta, Georgia. gaged in business in the city of New York and was twice married, his second wife be- ing the mother of the subject and four other WILLIAM P. FARRAND. children. Frank, the twin brother of the subject, grew to manhood, married Helena A stranger driving through Jackson • Alger and they are now living on the island county has his attention frequently attracted of San Domingo, where he is the manager of to beautiful groves, handsome residences, an extensive sugar plantation. It is owned well-kept grounds, massive farm buildings by the Porvenir Sugar Company, who own and beautiful scenery, but the real feast for their own sugar works, of which Frank his vision does not come until after he enters Farrand also is the manager, and they con- Henrietta township and looks upon the su- vert their crops and those of several other perb and almost palatial residence of William plantations, each year, into sugar. The past P. Farrand, who is the subject of this biog- year the factory turned out upwards of raphy. There he sees a home whose equal eleven million pounds of sugar. He has re- is seldom seen in the rural districts. It is sided on the island since 1885 and his wife elegantly situated in the midst of spacious has been with him ever since their marriage. grounds covered by a grove of handsome They have one son, whom they have named spruce trees, surrounded by a broad drive- Carl. Arthur, the third son of the Farrand way, the whole enclosed by a well-built stone family, is one of the best known and most wall. The grounds are the largest in the prosperous business men in Hudson, New township and probably the best kept in the York. He is the owner of the old home- county. It is a home not soon forgotten by stead purchased by their father nearly sixty those who have once seen it; -indeed it is years ago. It adjoins the city of Hudson, looked upon as one of the landmarks of the the limits of the city extending on three sides It is supplied with all modern con- of a portion of it. Its owner is treasurer and veniences, including telephone and rural free manager of the Commercial Storage Com- delivery. Particularly is it noted for its hos- pany, one of the largest concerns of the pitality, its owner being recognized as one of kind in the Empire state, with a capacity of the best entertainers in the west. storing twenty thousand bales of cotton. He William P. Farrand, who is the owner of is also engaged in other lines of business, is this home, with the more than five hundred the owner of much valuable property and fertile acres which surround it, is a native possessed of an annual income that most of the state of New York. He was born on people would consider a fortune. Caroline the farm of his parents, adjoining the city Louise, the oldest daughter, married Hein- of Hudson, the county seat of Columbia rich Schumacher, a capitalist and banker of , state. 61 962 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. San Domingo, West India. He was born in were spent in the place of his nativity, Hud- Bremen, Germany, and went to San Do- son, New York, When sixteen years of age mingo as consul. Miss Farrand was there he made his first visit to Michigan and was visiting her brother's family and their meet- so favorably impressed with the common- ing resulted in their marriage. The young- wealth that he remained an entire year in est daughter, Helen, is the wife of Louis Jackson county. Returning home at the end Coart Du Bois, who is a graduate of Har- of that time he took charge of his father's vard College. They are now living in Lake estate and managed it very successfully for City, Colorado, where he is an assayer and some years, when in 1890 he again returned mining engineer. They have one son, Paul. to Jackson county, Michigan, and purchased Expense was not considered in the rearing the splendid farm which he now owns and and education of the family. The boys are upon which he resides. It comprises five thrifty and progressive and each of the girls hundred and sixty acres, parts of sections i is not only endowed with natural talent but and 12, Henrietta township, and is known as possessed of many accomplishments. The the "Old Belknapp Farm.” The property “ parents were people of refinement, learning was owned by the subject's uncle and has and wealth. The father had been twice mar- been in the Farrand family for more than ried, his first wife having been Elizabeth forty years. On this place the subject car- Carroll, whose death occurred after having ries on general farming, giving special at- borne him seven children. She died in 1860 tention to the raising of live stock of all and it was some three years after when he kinds, in which he deals extensively buying, again married. His second wife, the sub-selling and shipping. Large flocks of sheep ject's mother, died on the 2d of August, are pastured upon his place in summer and 1891. Her husband, after having lived fed and sheltered in winter. He has a splen- many years, retired from all business cares, did herd of Durham cattle and raises a good also expired at the family home in Hudson, many general-purpose horses, always hav- January 20, 1882. | Both were members of ing a few for sale. In connection with the the Episcopal church, religiously inclined, management of his farm, ever since taking and very much devoted to religious work. possession of it, he has dealt extensively in He had been a resident of New York since hay, shipping out each season many hun- 1840, most of the time engaged in the hay dreds of tons. He is a shrewd, careful busi- and grain business in New York city and ness man, watching the markets closely and amassed a large fortune before his retire almost intuitively deducing correct conclu- ment. He was the owner of six large vessels sions from prevailing conditions. The dif- which were used in the exportation of his ferent lines in which he is engaged bring goods and although the business was one of him in an annual income that is greater than much magnitude he was always familiar the entire possessions of some other people with it even to the most minute detail. He who pride themselves on possessing a com- was reputed to be one of the best buyers on fortable estate. His private library con- the New York board of trade. sists of many hundred volumes and is one The early years of William P. Farrand of the finest in the county. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 963 The maternal grandparents of the sub- Episcopal church. In politics Mr. Farrand ject had a family of twelve children, of is a Republican, but no office could tempt him whom Helen Peake, the subject's mother, to seek it. His own private business occu- was the youngest child. One maternal uncle pies all of his time and attention and he is of the subject was William I. Peake, a prom- very willing to let others do “the saving of inent merchant of New York city, who pre- the country” who have the leisure and taste vious to the Civil war had acquired a national for unselfish sacrifices of that character. The reputation. The Peake family is English only fraternal society to which he belongs is and traces its ancestry back to the reign of the Benevolent and Protective Order of King Edward I, in 1284. During the reign Elks, Lodge No. 113, Jackson. From the of Elizabeth, in 1598, a coat of arms was above it will be seen that William P. Far- granted to the Peake family, the design of rand is not only an intelligent, capable and which is still preserved by the members of thorough business man, but that his ances- the family in this country. In 1668 Sir try, both paternal and maternal, is all that William Peake, one of the subject's maternal could be desired. Henrietta township is ancestors, was lord mayor of London and proud of him as a citizen and Jackson coun- the progenitors of the family in America ty has long ago shown its appreciation of the came here about 1760, just previous to the family of which he is a member. breaking out of the French and Indian war, at the close of which France relinquished to England the possession of Canada. At that time two brothers named Peake came over, PAUL J. DARLING. one of them locating in Connecticut, the other in Virginia, and it is from the first of He to whom this sketch is dedicated is a the two that the subject's mother's family worthy scion of sterling pioneer stock and sprang. A massive seal, solid gold and is one of the successful and progressive hand-engraved, bearing the coat of arms of young farmers of Tompkins township, the Farrand family, is in the possession of where he has a fine property and where he is the subject and one of his highly-prized | held in the popular esteem which bespeaks family treasures. It is such an heir-loom as the genuine worthy of the subjective char- few residents of this country can own. The home of the subject is presided over Paul J. Darling was born on the parental by Mrs. Amelia G. Farrand, an aunt, a lady farmstead, in Tompkins township, this coun- of many accomplishments and the most un- ty, on the 22d of August, 1867, being a son bounded hospitality. She is the widow of of Amasa H. and Sophia (Blair) Darling. Frederick Farrand, who died in 1893, after The father of the subject was born in Con- having been a resident of Jackson county cord township, this county, on the 26th of | perhaps twenty-five years. They had one November, 1844, a son of Lewis and Jane son, Fredrick, born in 1862, who lived to (West) Darling. Lewis Darling was in his fifteenth year and died in 1879. The turn a son of Amasa Darling, who was born various members of the family belong to the in the state of New Hampshire, the family acter. 964 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. having been founded in New England in ly started the battle of life anew. With the the colonial epoch of our national history, assistance of his sons one hundred and sev- while the original American ancestors came enty-five acres of the land were cleared and hither from England. Amasa Darling, the broken the first summer, and eventually he great-grandfather of the subject, was reared effected the reclamation of the entire tract to maturity in the old Granite state, where with the exception of one hundred and twen- he married and reared his children, eventu- ty acres! Here he continued to make his ally removing to the vicinity of Lockport, home until he was called upon to obey the Niagara county, New York, where he was inexorable 'summons of death, passing to his engaged in agricultural pursuits for a num- reward on the 6th of January, 1875, in the ber of years. His son Lewis, grandfather fullness of years and well earned honors and of him whose name initiates this review, being known as one of the ablest business came to Michigan in the year 1833, making men and most upright citizens who wrested the long and weary overland trip with an ox success from the hands of fate by grappling team. He located a tract of government with the primeval forests of this section of land in Concord township, Jackson county, the Wolverine state. He was a man of in- and then returned to his home in New York, defatigable energy and spared himself no whence in the following year, 1834, he came toil, no matter how strenuous, while he had again to Jackson county, being accompanied the most supreme regard for the dignity of by his father and all the other members of honest endeavor and an equally insistent con- the family, and all located in Concord town- tempt for the man who endeavored to shirk ship, in the midst of the virgin forest, where the responsibility which canopies every hu- they began life in true pioneer style, setting man life. He was a Republican in politics to themselves the task of clearing the land and both he and his wife were prominent and rendering it available for cultivation. Spiritualists. She was summoned into Here Amasa Darling, the patriarch of the eternal rest in the spring of 1868. Of their family in the county, passed the remainder six children three died in infancy, while of his life, being eighty-four years of age those who lived to maturity were Horace, at the time of his death. Amasa and Martha Jane. The last men- Lewis Darling purchased large tracts of tioned is the wife of J. B. Christie, who lives land in Concord township, where he estab- in Rives Junction, Michigan, and of their lished a saw-mill in the early days, conduct- nine children all are deceased except two. ing his operations on a scale considered ex- After the death of their father Horace and tensive for the locality and period, and the Amasa Darling assumed charge of the home- maximum of success attended his efforts, so stead farm, eventually making an equitable that he became exceedingly wealthy. In division of the property. Amasa, father of 1857 he met with business reverses, entail- the subject, secured one hundred and twen- ing the loss of the major portion of his prop- ty acres of the old farm, and to this nucleus erty, and he then came to Tompkins town- he continued to add from time to time, as ship and effected the purchase of an entire prosperity attended his efforts, until he be- section of wild land, upon which he valiant- came the owner of a finely improved landed JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 965 estate of six hundred and thirty-six acres, fective cultivation. He carries on diversi- while like his father he exemplified day after fied farming and makes a specialty of rais- day the potentialities and results of hard and ing and dealing in live stock, while he is consecutive toil and endeavor, realizing that known as one of the alert and energetic from the same must ever spring the only true farmers of this section and as one who is and worthy success in connection with tem- in every way upholding the high standard poral affairs. In 1890, through normal ex- of the family name. In politics he main- igencies, he likewise encountered a modicum tains an independent attitude, while frater- of misfortune in his operations, and at that nally he is identified with the Knights of the time he disposed of a portion of his land in Maccabees. The third of the children is Jackson county. In the year 1888, when the Mahala, who became the wife of Lyman J. Dakotas were attracting so many settlers Mitchell, who died in 1900. She has one and when the enthusiasm as to the future son, Hugh D., and they reside in St. Jo- development of that great division of our seph county, this state. Each of the chil- national domain was at its height, he went dren received good educational advantages to North Dakota and there purchased six in the excellent public schools of their na- hundred and forty acres of land, later re- tive county, and all were students for a time turning to his home in Jackson county, where in the Michigan state normal school, at he remained until 1900, when he took up Ypsilanti, while Clare also prosecuted his his abode on his extensive farm in North studies for one term in the Northern Indi- Dakota, leaving the Michigan property in ana Normal School and Business College, at charge of his sons, who now own the same. Valparaiso. The subject of this sketch put The father has since maintained his home his scholastic acquirements to practical test, in Dakota, where he is being signally pros- and was a successful and popular teacher in pered in his business affairs. He is inde- the district schools during several winter pendent in politics. His devoted and cher- terms. ished wife was summoned into the land of Paul J. Darling has passed his entire life the leal in June, 1896, at the age of sixty- in Jackson county and has never swerved in She was born in Republic, his loyalty to the same nor in his allegiance Ohio, being a daughter of Thomas Blair, an to the great basic art of agriculture, under honored pioneer of Jackson county, where whose influences he was reared. Both he she was reared and educated. Amasa H. and his brother continued to be associated and Sophia (Blair) Darling became the with their father in his farming operations parents of three children, of whom the sub- for twelve years after our subject had at- ject of this sketch is the eldest. Clare D. tained his legal majority, all working to- married Miss Rose Rossman, no children gether under essentially partnership rela- having been born of this union. He is the tions and with the utmost harmony and re- owner of the old Darling homestead in ciprocal helpfulness. In 1900 the homestead Tompkins township, the same now compris- was divided, and the father removed to ing two hundred and thirty acres, while the North Dakota, as has already been stated, place is well improved and under most ef- and after this time our subject and his broth- three years. 1 966 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. er continued to work together with the same for placing his stock, but he has also made unity of interest even after the division of a study of the most available methods of the farm property, while they exemplify the feeding and otherwise caring for his stock. ideal fraternal relationship. Mr. Darling is In the line of swine he gives preference to now the owner of one hundred and eighty the Duroc type, while he raised Percheron acres of as fine land as is to be found in this draft horses and a high grade of cattle. In section of the state, while the improvements politics Mr. Darling has preferred to exer- are of the most substantial and modern de- cise his own judgment and to utilize his scription and our subject has brought to franchise in harmony with his convictions, bear a thorough system in carrying forward voting for men and measures rather than his farming and stock industries, realizing being guided along strict partisan lines. His that the best results are conserved not by independence is prompted by a spirit of true falling into the beaten path but rather by patriotism and by a desire to insure the availing himself of the most scientific meth- greatest good to the greatest number. He ods and the most careful business principles. takes an active interest in local affairs but His entire farm is eligible for cultivation does not permit the consideration of his and is maintained under the highest state name in connection with public office, al- of productivity under his effective manage though several years ago he was elected to ment, the various cereals and other crops the office of township supervisor, of which common to this locality being raised, while he remained incumbent for the period of five he also gives special attention to the raising vears, indicating beyond peradventure the and feeding of live stock. During the win-popular estimate placed upon his services. ter of 1902-3 he fed on his place five hun- During four years of this time he had the dred head of native lambs, having provided distinction of being the youngest member of exceptional facilities for the handling of the board, having been but twenty-seven sheep. He has erected a commodious sheep years of age at the time of his first election. stable, giving great care to its sanitary pro- Fraternally he is identified with Jackson visions, while he utilizes in the connection a Lodge No. 113, Benevolent and Protective unique device of his own invention, this be- Order of Elks, and Rives Tent No. 868, ing an elevated car which runs through the Knights of the Maccabees, while he also stable from the silo and above the pens, thus holds membership in the Grange and the saving materially in time and labor. In the Farmers' Club of Tompkins township. In spring of 1902 he sold a car-load of steers December, 1902, Mr. Darling purchased a whose average individual weight was four- half interest in an agricultural implement teen hundred and thirty-four pounds, and and machinery business in the village of he received from the same one thousand four Leslie. Leslie. He took up his residence in Leslie hundred and ninety-three dollars. He not in 1903, and while he will still maintain a only has given careful attention to the status general supervision of his farm he will op- of the stock markets at all times, so that he erate the same by lease to a responsible man. may arail himself of the best opportunities He is well known in his native county and JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 967 here he has so lived as to command as his son county and a scion of one of its honored own the unqualified confidence and regard pioneer families, and thus there are many of all who know him. salient points which render compatible a con- An important event in the career of Mr. sideration of his life history in this work. Darling was that which marked the observ- Horace W. Darling was born on the pa- ance of Washington's birthday in the year rental farmstead, in Concord township, this 1890, since on that anniversary he was uni- county, on the 26th of October, 1843, be- ted in marriage to Miss Emma Ingalls, who ing a son of Lewis and Jane (West) Darl- was born in Colunibia township, this county, | ing, both of whom were born in the state being a daughter of Aaron T. and Marietta of New York. In the year 1834, while yet (Annis) Ingalls, both of whom were born Michigan was under territorial government, in the state of New York, where they con- Lewis Darling came hither and purchased tinued to reside until 1852, when they came a quarter section of wild land in Spring Ar- with their family to Michigan, locating in bor township, this county, securing the same Columbia township, this county, where Mr. directly from the government. He then Ingalls was engaged in farming until about returned to New York where he remained 1856, when he removed to Ingham county, until the following year, when he once more where he has since been successfully engaged set forth for his new home in the sylvan in the same line of enterprise, his wife hav- wilds of Michigan. He soon afterward dis- ing passed away in 1896. They became the posed of his original claim and purchased parents of three children, Emma, Minnie one hundred and sixty acres in Concord and Aaron T., Jr., all of whom are living township, this tract likewise being in its and well established in homes of their own. primitive condition, covered with a dense Mr. and Mrs. Darling became the parents growth of magnificent burr oak and other of one son, Lewis, who was born on the 3d native timber. He cleared the major por- of April, 1892, and who died on the 24th tion of this place, upon which he made im- of May of the following year. Mr. Darling provements of the order common to the lo- is a Spiritualist in his religious belief. cality and period, and there he continued to reside until 1857, when he came to Tomp- kins township, where he had secured eight hundred acres of wild land, so that it may be HORACE W. DARLING. seen that he was a pioneer of pioneers and that he contributed materially to the devel- Among the alert and progressive farmers opment of this favored section of the state. of the younger generation in Jackson county He reclaimed four hundred acres of this is the subject of this sketch, whose fine prop- | large landed estate and became one of the erty is located in Tompkins township and extensive and influential farmers of the who exemplifies in his methods that keen county. In 1868 he disposed of his farm business and advanced policy and removed to the attractive village of through which alone can the maximum re- Concord, where he thereafter lived retired turns be secured. He is a native son of Jack- until his death, which occurred on the 6th acunien 968 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. of January, 1876, his devoted wife, who had College, as has already been intimated. He been his able coadjutor and helpmeet during continued to assist in the work of the home all the experiences and labors of the pio- | farm until he had attained his legal major- neer days, having passed away on the 6th of ity, when he purchased one hundred and May, 1867, at the age of forty-seven years. sixty acres of land in section 12, Tompkins He was sixty-four years of age at the time township, the greater portion of the same of his demise, and was a man who had ever being unreclaimed. He cleared and other- commanded unqualified confidence and es- wise improved this farm and there remained teem. In politics he was originally a Whig, until 1872, when he sold the property and but identified himself with the Republican forthwith effected the purchase of three hun- party at the time of its organization and ever dred and twenty acres in section II, same afterward remained a stalwart advocate of township, half of the same being still cov- its cause, though he never sought or held ered with the native timber. He has placed public office. To this worthy couple were the entire tract under effective cultivation born three children, namely: Horace W., and has developed one of the best farms in the immediate subject of this sketch; Amasa, the township, while thrift and prosperity now a successful farmer in North Dakota, are in evidence on every side, indicating the married Sophia Blair, and they have three control of a model farmer. In 1881 he children; Martha is the wife of Joseph erected his present spacious and attractive Christie, of Rives Junction, this county, and brick residence, one of the best farm dom- they have two children. Each of the chil-iciles in this section, while the barns on the dren received excellent educational advan- place are large and substantial and all other tages, our subject having completed his buildings and minor improvements of a per- scholastic discipline in Albion College, while manent nature are in harmony therewith. his brother Ainasa was a student in Notre In connection with diversified agriculture Dame College, at South Bend, Indiana. Mr. Darling devotes special attention to the Horace W. Darling was reared under the raising of high-grade live stock, particularly beneficent influences and surroundings of the the shorthorn type of cattle, in which line he home farm, and thus his knowledge of all has made a nunber of importations from practical details and methods has been Canada, having pure-blood, registered cat- gained through experience extending from tle and growing the same for breeding his boyhood to the present day, while his purposes. He has shipped cattle for alert mentality and good judgment have this purpose into all of the adjoining been brought into play in such a manner that and far west the Da- he has never fallen into beaten paths but kotas, his average sales of pure-blood has been ready to adopt those means and stock in this line each year reaching methods which his judgment prompted as an aggregate of fifty head, while he annually entailing the best returns from the efforts feeds many grade cattle. In April, 1902, put forth. He attended the district schools Mr. Darling sold two car-load of beef cat- in his boyhood and thereafter supplemented tle, the average weight of which was fifteen this discipline by a course of study in Albion hundred pounds a head, the shipment being states as as JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 969 sufficiently notable to call forth mention in Lewis B., who is a prosperous farmer resid- the Chicago stock report. He also raises ing near Eaton Rapids, Eaton county, mar- coarse-wool sheep and formerly had a large ried Miss Addie Harwood, and they have flock of the merino type. In the raising of two children, and Mary is the wife of Moses swine he gives preference to the full-blood Rossman, of Toledo, Ohio, and they like- Duroc Jersey type, finding by experience wise have two children. Both children were that the same are more prolific and fatten afforded the best of educational advantages, more easily than other breeds customarily Mrs. Rossman being a graduate of the State grown in this section of the Union. He Normal School at Ypsilanti, and also being also raises draft horses, usually having a few a talented musician. She taught school suc- for sale each year. Mr. Darling predicates cessfully for a few terms prior to her mar- that much of his success in the raising of riage. farm produce and live stock and selling the same to advantage has resulted from the close attention which he has given to the MILLARD F. SOUTHWORTH. market reports. His fine residence is equipped with telephone and has the facil- The name borne by the subject of this ities afforded by the rural free delivery of sketch is one which has been long and hon- mail, so that he may well consider that his orably identified with the annals of Jackson lines have fallen in pleasant places, when ac- county, and here he has passed his entire count is taken of his attractive home, his life, giving a constant allegiance to the great marked success and the many advantages basic art of agriculture, through which he enjoyed. Though never an aspirant for po- has won success and precedence, being one litical office, Mr. Darling is thoroughly loyal of the representative farmers and highly es- to the duties of citizenship and takes a pub- teemed citizens of Tompkins township. lic-spirited interest in all that touches the Mr. Southworth was born in Tompkins general welfare of the community. In pol- Center, this county, on the 16th of February, itics he maintains an independent attitude, 1851, and thus he has witnessed the marvel- supporting the policies and candidates meet- ous changes which the last half century has ing the approval of his judgment. Frater- brought in the county, while he has contrib- nally he is identified with the Ancient Order uted his quota to the work of development of United Workmen, at Onondaga, Michi- and progress. He is a son of John C. and . gan. Jeanette (Harris) Southworth, both of On the 5th of May, 1865, Mr. Darling whom were natives of the state of New was united in marriage to Miss Martha York, where the former was born on the Blair, who was born in Rives township, this 18th of November, 1812, and the latter on county, being a daughter of Thomas Blair, the 16th of August, 1816, while their mar- who was one of the prominent farmers of riage was solemnized on the 4th of May, that locality, whither he came from Ohio 1837. John C. Southworth came to Mich- in the year 1850. Of the children of Mr. igan in 1836, and after remaining here a and Mrs. Darling the following is a record : short time he returned to New York, where 970 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. he was soon afterward married. In 1839 teen years, where he also conducted an old- he came to Michigan once more, on this oc- time tavern, which was a favorite resort for casion being accompanied by his wife, and the wayfaring man of the day. In politics they located on a tract of land in Tompkins Mr. Southworth was a stanch adherent of township, this county, Mr. Southworth hav- the Democratic party and did effective work ing purchased, in 1840, eighty acres of wild in its cause. Fraternally he was identified land in section 21. Wild game was to be with the Masonic order. They became the had in abundance without wandering far parents of three children, namely: George from the little pioneer cabin, and the In- C., who was born on August 30, 1843, dians were more numerous in the locality and who died on the 7th of June, 1881, hav- than were the white settlers, while the near- ing been a successful farmer of Tompkins est grist-mill was at Ann Arbor, forty miles township at the time of his death; Millard distant. In clearing and breaking his land F. is the immediate subject of this sketch; Mr. Southworth at first utilized an ox team, and Ann Jeanette, who was born on the 29th and he was the first to bring a team of horses of July, 1856, died on the 31st of the follow- into the township. He reclaimed his orig- ing month. Both the sons received good ed- inal homestead of eighty acres and as pros- ucational advantages, George. having been a perity attended his efforts he purchased ad- student in the University of Michigan, at ditional land until he had accumulated two Ann Arbor, for one year. hundred and thirty acres, the major portion Millard Fillmore Southworth was reared of which he placed under cultivation, being on the pioneer homestead and early began to materially assisted by his sons. Here he con- assist in its development and cultivation, tinued to reside, a sterling and honored pio- while his early educational training was re- neer of the county, until his death, which ceived in the common schools of the locality occurred on the zoth of December, 1893, and period. As his father began to feel the while his cherished and devoted wife did not weight of advancing years, more and more long survive him, since she was summoned responsibility fell upon the shoulders of the into eternal rest on on the 15th of August, subject and he finally assumed the entire 1897. In the early days the mother of the management of the homestead farm, of subject spun and wove the wool and flax which he became the owner at the time of produced on the home farm, while to her his father's death. Here he has ever since fell also the work of making the major part continued to reside, and he has found am- of the clothing worn by the various members ple scope for his best efforts and has made of her family. A bed cover which was the farm one of the valuable places of the woven by her is still retained in the posses- county, while it is endeared to him through sion of the wife of her son, the subject. the gracious memories and associations of John C. Southworth was a man of prom- the past. One hundred and sixty acres of inence and influence in the community in the the farm are maintained under a high state pioneer epoch, and was the first postmaster of cultivation, being devoted to the various appointed at Tompkins Center, retaining cereals and other products common to the this incumbency for the long period of six- locality, while the balance is given over to JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 971 pasturage, save for that part which is still has attained prosperity through his identifi- covered with timber. Mr. Southworth raises cation with agricultural pursuits, is Mr. a high grade of live stock, in the feeding of Hatt, to a review of whose personal and which he utilizes much of the produce of the ancestral history we consistently give place farm, having given preference to the Dur- in this work. ham type of cattle, to coarse-wool sheep and Nathan M. Hatt was born in Tompkins to the Poland China swine, while he also county, New York, on the 7th of May, 1821, raises good horses of sufficient number to being a son of Isaac and Hannah (Palen) meet the demands of farm work, while he Hatt. Isaac Hatt was born in Orange coun- also has usually a number for sale. In poli- ty, New York, and was a son of James Hatt, a tics Mr. Southworth clings to the faith in who was also born in Orange county, from which he was reared and is known as a whence he came to the territory of Michi- stanch advocate of the principles and poli- gan in 1836, locating near Ann Arbor, cies of the Democratic party, though he has Washtenaw county, where he was engaged never sought or desired the honors or emol- in farming until his death. His wife, whose . uments of public office. maiden name was Elizabeth Meade, was a On the 5th of December, 1882, Mr. daughter of Isaac Meade, a soldier of the Southworth led to the hymeneal altar Miss Continental line during the war of the Rev- Lucy Adell Pulver, who was born in Tomp-olution. He lived in the state of New York kins township, this county, being a daughter until his death, and in Orange county was of Allen and Emily (Field) Pulver, the born his daughter Elizabeth. James and former of whom was born in the city of Al- Elizabeth Hatt became the parents of ten bany, New York, and the latter in Spring children, all of whom except William and Arbor, Michigan. The Pulver family came Zilla came to Michigan, these two continu- to Jackson county in the early days and the ing to abide in the Empire state. The names name is one well known and highly honored of the ten are here entered in order of birth: in the county. To Mr. and Mrs. South- Isaac, Polly, Hannah, Hulda, Phoebe, worth were born five children, the youngest James, William, Levi and Zilla. Isaac of whom, Hazel E., died on the 30th of No- | Meade was the father of one son, Nathan, vember, 1897, at the age of six months. The and of several daughters. Richard Palen, , other four children remain at the parental | the maternal grandfather of the subject of home, their names, in order of birth, being this review, married Zeruah Palmer, and as follows: Charles S., John A., George they lived in Cayuga county, New York, , C. and Nettie I. near the beautiful lake of the same name, for many years. Mr. Palen, who was a tail- or by trade, was later a farmer by vocation, NATHAN MEADE HATT. and he died in New York, while his wife la- ter joined her children in Jackson county, One of the venerable and honorable Michigan, her death occurring in Napoleon pioneers of Napoleon township, where he township. The children were seven in num- has resided from his boyhood and where he ber, namely: Henry, James, Ira, Hannah 972 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. (mother of the subject), Lovica, Sallie, and whom the following nine attained years of Polly, the last named being now the only maturity: Mary, Milo, Madison, Zilla, Bet- surviving member of the family, and living sy, Sylvester, Zeruah, Martha and William. at Francisco, Jackson county, she having at- William, the seventh child of James and tained the venerable age of ninety years. Elizabeth Hatt, married Emiline Seycoy, and The original ancestor of the Hatt family in they passed their lives in the state of New America was the great-grandfather of him York, becoming the parents of five children, whose name introduces this article and he Emiline, Emiline, Elizabeth, Annie, Phoebe and bore the name of James. He was born in Mary. Levi Hatt married Mary England and was a soldier in the British and they likewise came to Jackson county army, as was also his brother. They jumped and settled in Napoleon township. They overboard from one of the war vessels in had five children, Cinderella, Angeline, Eliz- service during the American revolution, and abeth, Levi and one whose name is unknown. both made good their escape, the brother Eli married Emeline Hall, and he became proceeding to Canada, where all trace of him a farmer of this county, where both died, was lost, so that the representatives of the their children being as follows: James, name in the United States are unmistakably Hulda Ann, Eli, Jr., Nathan and Jemima. descended from the common ancestor, Jam After the death of his first wife Eli Hatt Hatt. married a second time, and of this union Of the ten children of James Hatt, Jr., were also born five children. Zilla, the and his wife Elizabeth, more specific men- youngest of the children of James Hatt, tion is as follows: Isaac, the father of the died in childhood. subject, was the first in order of birth. Polly Isaac Hatt, father of the subject, was married John Laycock, and they passed their reared to manhood in the state of New York, last years in their pleasant home in Mich- and there was solemnized his marriage to igan Center, Mr. Laycock having been a suc- Miss Hannah Palen. He there continued to cessful farmer and well known pioneer. He be identified with agricultural pursuits until and his wife were the parents of five chil- 1833, when he came with his family to the dren, Matilda, William, Huldah, Brunner wilds of Michigan, making the long over- and Almeda. Hannah became the wife of land trip with horse teams and wagons and Jeremiah Smith, a school teacher, and they taking up his residence in the village of Ann came to Jackson county about 1835, here Arbor, Washtenaw county, where he re- passing the remainder of their lives. Their mained about one year, at the expiration of two children were Elizabeth and James. which he came over into Jackson county and Huldah, the fourth child, married Samuel purchased one hundred and twenty acres of Halford, who became a prosperous farmer government land, in section 28, Napoleon , of Napoleon township, and they had three township, the tract being an unbroken wil- children, James, Elizabeth and Emeline. derness and covered with heavy timber. The Phoebe died a maiden lady. James married first residence of the family was a pole Polly Palen, and lives at Franciso, Michigan. shanty, while the roof was covered with , To them were born seventeen children, of shakes, chopped and split out by hand. Mr. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 973 Hatt cleared and improved his farm and and Dudley. Isaac, Jr., married Miss Jen- , in due time distinct prosperity attended his nie Riley and they reside in Jackson, having efforts and he was one of the representative two children, Pearl and Effie. farmers of this section of the county at the Nathan M. Hatt was about twelve years time of his death, which occurred in 1866, of age at the time of the family removal to at which time he was sixty-seven years of Michigan, and thus he had received his early age. His devoted wife, who had been his educational training in his native county in earnest and faithful coadjutor, spinning and New York. He contributed from his boy- weaving to provide clothing for the family hood to the strenuous work involved in re- and sparing no effort to aid in developing claiming the homestead to cultivation, and a new home in the wilderness, survived him remained beneath the parental roof until by about ten years, her death occurring in nearly twenty-one years of age. In October, 1877, at the age of seventy-seven. Mr. 1845, in Washtenaw county, he was united , Hatt was a supporter of the Whig party un- in marriage to Miss Mary Hall, who was til the organization of the Republican, when born in Tompkins county, New York, in he became an adherent of the same. He was 1821, being a daughter of Jesse and Je- a man of industrious habits and utmost sin- mimah (Odell) Hall. Their children were cerity and kindliness, and held the esteem Caleb, Emeline, Annie, Arvilla, Nathan and of all who knew him. Levi, and of the number one is living at the Of the children of Isaac and Hannah present time. To Mr. and Mrs. Hatt have (Palen) Hatt the following is a brief rec- been born two sons. Uriah was born in Na- ord: Nathan M. is the immediate subject poleon township on the 13th of February, of this resume. Maryette is the widow of 1847, and is now a prosperous farmer of the a Mr. Carpenter, of Jackson, and has four same township. He married Miss Clara children, Josephine, Edgar, Dudley and Waterman and they have one son, Willie. Mary. Delila became the wife of Elisha P. Alnara was born on the homestead, on the Davis and both died in Jackson, having had 16th of September, 1855. On the 15th of two daughters, Emma and Eva. Almaran, October, 1879, he was united in marriage to who was a successful farmer of Summit Mrs. Lydia Goldsmith, widow of Horton township, died at sixty, being drowned. He Goldsmith. She was born in Lorain county, married Mary Crouch, who still resides in Ohio, being a daughter of Roswell and Al- the township mentioned, and they became meda Hewitt, and she died on the 27th of , the parents of three children, Mary, Delia July, 1881, being survived by her one child, and Almaran. James, who died November Mary L. Hatt, who was born February 7, 19, 1902, was a farmer of Napoleon town- 1881, and who remains at the parental home. ship, and his widow is still residing on the On the 18th of July, 1882, Almaran Hatt old homestead, her maiden name having been consummated a second marriage, being then Laura Warren. They had no no children. united to Miss Emma Spalding, who was Lydia is the wife of William Moultrop and born in Lorain county, Ohio, being a daugh- they reside in Hillsdale, Michigan, being the ter of Warren and Marietta (Kelly) Spald- parents of three children, Florence, Williaming, the former of whom was born in St. 974 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Lawrence county, New York, and the latter advancing years, having relegated to others in the province of Ontario, Canada. They the more arduous work which originally fell now reside with their daughter, Mrs. Man- to his portion. He gives his support to the ley, in Napoleon township. Mr. and Mrs. Mr. and Mrs. Republican party, with which he has been Hatt have one son, Roy B., who was born identified from its inception, and while he on the 25th of May, 1888. has never held or desired public office he has February 6, 1868, Nathan M. Hatt mar- taken a deep interest in local affairs and has ried Miss Jane Fulkerson, who was born in used his influence in a helpful way. None Seneca county, New York, where she was of the pioneers of the township is held in reared and where she became a practical higher regard and none more fully merits dressmaker and tailoress. Her father had this. removed to Lawrence county, Michigan, and in visiting him she was soon met and won by Mr. Hatt, to whom she has proven a most HORACE DEAN. estimable helpmate and companion. At about nineteen years Nathan M. Hatt One of the honored patriarchs and ster- purchased forty acres of land in Ingham ling pioneers of Jackson county is Mr. Dean, county, later trading this for land in Cal- who was numbered among the earliest set- houn county, while the latter he exchanged tlers of Napoleon township, where he has for eighty acres in section 31, Napoleon ever since maintained his home, while it was township, Jackson county, to which he added his to live up to the full tension of the pio- within the same year, while he later traded neer epoch and to contribute his quota to the the same for ninety-five acres in section 19, founding and upbuilding of this now attrac- same township, and also purchased the one tive and opulent section of the Wolverine hundred and sixty acres which constitutes state. He has passed the ninetieth milepost his present homestead, the same being situ- on the journey of life but is admirably pre- ated in section 29 and being one of the valu- served in his mental and physical faculties able farm properties of the county. The and is one to whose reminiscences of the place was partly improved when he came early days the representatives of the pres- into possession of the same and is now ent generation may listen with gratification equipped with excellent buildings and all the and profit, as he is one of the oldest citizens accessories of a model farm. Here he has of the county and one whose life has been made his home since 1886, about half of the one of signal usefulness and honor. place being maintained under cultivation of Mr. Dean claims the old Green Moun- diversified character, the principal crops be- tain state as the place of his nativity, having ing wheat, oats, corn, hay, beans and pota- been born in Windsor, Vermont, on the rith toes, together with some fruit, while he also of May, 18o9. He is a son of Noah and raises live stock of excellent grade and Sallie (Russell) Dean, the former of whom makes shipments of the same each year. He was likewise born in Windsor and the latter has always worked assiduously and now is in Montpelier, Vermont, while both were able to enjoy the rewards of his labors in his representatives of stanch New England an- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 975 cestry, the respective families having been became pioneers of the county. All three established in that section in the colonial located in Napoleon township, and here Mr. epoch of our national history. The father Dean took up one hundred and twenty acres of the subject was a son of Willard Dean, of government land in section 1, the same and he was reared to the sturdy discipline constituting his present homestead, which of the farm in his native county, where was has thus remained continuously in his pos- solemnized his marriage. There he contin- session from the time when the government ued to reside until 1816, when he removed deed to the property was executed in his to Washington county, New York, becom- favor, the same bearing the signature of ing the owner of a good farm in the vicin- President Jackson. At the time when he lo- ity of Hartford, and there he continued to cated in the township the present attractive reside until his death, at the age of eighty- village of Napoleon had only two houses, four years, his wife likewise dying on this each being constructed of logs and of the homestead, at the age of seventy-eight years. primitive type of familiar in the early days. In politics Mr. Dean was a stanch adherent On his place he made a clearing and there of the Whig party and both he and wife erected a frame house one story in height held the faith of the Baptist church. Of and eighteen by twenty-six feet in lateral di- their nine children he whose name initiates mensions, having personally assisted in cut- this sketch is the only survivor, the names, ting the timber utilized in its construction, in order of birth, having been as follows: while he then set to himself the task of re- Luthelia, Charles, Parnell, Willard, Horace, claiming his farm from the wilderness, the Eleanor, Sarah, James and Abigail. place being heavily timbered. During the Horace Dean was reared to the age of first winter passed in the county he was em- seven in his native county in Vermont, hav- ployed in connection with the building of a ing there received his early educational train- saw-mill in what is now the village of Brook- ing in the common schools. He then accom- lyn, this having been one of the first mills panied his parents on their removal to the in this section, while it was owned and op- state of New York, where he had limited erated by Calvin H. Swain. In connection educational advantages supplemental to with the work of clearing and cultivating those already his, and there he was reared his farm Mr. Dean for many years used ox to maturity on the farm, to whose strenuous teams, while other facilities were of a prim- labors he soon became inured. In 1832 heitive sort, as the history of the locality and severed the home ties and set forth to seek period well indicates. his fortunes in the territory of Michigan, In September, 1834, at Hartford, New which was at this time urging its prelim- York, Mr. Dean was united in marriage to inary claims for statehood. In company Miss Clarissa M. Shaw, who was born and with a party of New York people he came reared in Washington county, New York. by canal and lake boats to Detroit, from She accompanied her husband to their new which point he made the further journey to home in the midst of the wilds of Jackson Jackson county on foot, having as compan- county and proved to him a devoted com- ions Morgan and Lewis Case, who likewise panion and helpmeet during their happy 976 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a wedded life of more than half a century, her ferent church edifices in this locality. He is death having occurred on the inth of Janu- the sole survivor of those few devoted men ary, 1890, at which time she was in her and women who organized the church in seventy-eighth year. She labored zealously September, 1834. He has lived a life of con- and faithfully in connection with the domes- secutive and arduous labor and it is now his tic duties of the home and aided materially privilege to enjoy the fruits of his toil and in the attaining of the prosperity which endeavor in the golden evening of his long eventually crowned the efforts of her hus- and useful life. All the improvements on band and herself. She was a woman of no- his farm have been made under his super- ble character and held the affectionate re- vision, the present comfortable and com- gard of all who knew her. She was a de- modious residence having been erected in voted member of the Baptist church, of the year 1859. which Mr. Dean likewise has been a member Mr. and Mrs. Dean became the parents for the past seventy-six years. of three children, viz: Julius P., who has Mr. Dean's farm comprises one hundred had charge of the paternal homestead for and sixty acres, the original purchase having the past several years, married Miss Maria been one hundred and twenty, to which the Weeks, of Napoleon, and they have two chil- adjoining forty was added somewhat later, dren, Marion L., who married Miss Ida while he reclaimed from the forest one hun- Smith and now resides in the city of Lan- dred acres, the same being now under the sing; and Nora C., who is the wife of Harry highest state of cultivation, yielding bounti- Baxtell, of Flint, Michigan. Willard, the ful harvests in response to the efforts put second son of the subject, died at the age of forth. The farm is devoted to diversified nine years, and Horace died in infancy. agriculture, while live stock of the various sorts is also raised on the place, including the horses necessary for carrying on the general work of the farm. Mr. Dean has MRS. J. ANTOINETTE POPE. never wavered in his allegiance to the great basic art of agriculture and his success has She of whom this brief sketch is written justified the enlisting of his energies in this is a representative of one of the old and hon- a direction. In politics he has given an un- ored pioneer families of Jackson county, qualified support to the Republican party where she has passed her entire life, and here from the time of its inception, and it was his she has endeared herself to a wide circle of privilege to have been present at the birth friends, by reason of her gentle and noble of the party, in the city of Jackson, the claim character, her kindliness in all the relations to this honor by the county being well au- of life and the refining influence she has ex- thorized. He has never aspired to nor held erted upon all with whom she has come in public office. He is a zealous member of the contact. It is with distinctive pleasure that First Baptist church at Napoleon, and has we present in this work a review of her life always contributed liberally to church work, history, as well as that of her honored hus- having assisted in the erection of three dif- band, who is now deceased, while the readers JACOB S. POPE. MRS. J. ANTOINETTE POPE. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. . 977 a thereof will find satisfaction also in finding uated as a member of the class of 1861, re- the portraits of each in the work. ceiving the degree of Mistress of Arts and Mrs. Pope was born on the parental Sciences. She was for some time one of homestead farm, in Tompkins township, the most successful and popular teachers in Jackson county, Michigan, on the inth of the public schools of her native county, and February, 1838, being the youngest of the she has ever kept in touch with the best four children--two sons and two daughters standard and contemporaneous literature, - of David and Hannah (Perrine) Adams. having a cultured mind and finding some of The children are all living and all re- her best friends among her books. main resident of Jackson county. A con- On the ist of January, 1868, was sol- cise resume of the history of the Adams emnized the marriage of J. Antoinette Ad- family appears in connection with the sketch ams to Jacob S. Pope, who was a man who of the life of Mrs. Pope's brother, William ever commanded the most unequivocal con- H. Adams, of Tompkins township, appear- fidence and esteem in the community, while ing on other pages of this work, so that a at this point it is our privilege to enter a recapitulation thereof is not demanded at brief memoir as a tribute to one of the hon- this juncture, since from the index of this ored citizens of Jackson county. volume ready reference may be made to the Jacob Smith Pope was born in the prov- article in question. Mrs. Pope has, as before ince of Ontario, Canada, on the 18th of stated, passed her entire life in Jackson coun- March, 1838, and was but eighteen months ty, and her pleasant beautiful rural home- of age at the time of his parents' removal stead, in Springport township, is but three thence to Jackson county, Michigan, where miles distant from her birthplace, in Tomp- they settled on the farm which is now the kins township, while in these two divisions home of his widow, this continuing to be his of the county she has resided during the abiding place during the residue of his life. long and gratefully .guarded and appointed Here he was reared to maturity under the years of her life. She received her early ed- | invigorating and sturdy influences of the pio- ucational discipline in the primitive log neer epoch, and as his father was a semi-in- school house SO common to the pioneer valid and he the only child, the cares and epoch, the same being equipped with slab responsibilities involved in the reclaiming benches and seats, puncheon floor and yawn- | and cultivation of the homestead farm fell ing fireplace, and her reminiscences in re- lipon him very early in his life. He aided gard to the early days are graphic and sig- | in clearing the land from the state of nature nally interesting, and it is to be hoped that and in bringing the place into its present she will leave the same in perpetual record condition as one of the fine homesteads of as a valuable addition to the history of a one of the most attractive agricultural dis- time long past. After having thus availed tricts of a great and prosperous common- herself of the scholastic privileges afforded wealth. His education was derived princi- in her native township, Mrs. Pope was pally from the home school, though he was matriculated in Albion College, where she for a brief interval a student in Albion Col- completed a thorough course and was grad- lege, being soon recalled by reason of the ill- 62 978 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ness of his father, which rendered impera- Elizabeth (Smith) Pope, and his ancestry tive his presence on the farm. His was a was of Scotch and English derivation. He life of close application to business and was was a citizen of exalted character, standing one of self-control and self-denial. He lived “four square to every wind that blows” and more for others than for himself. What his life offered both lesson and incentive to more exalted commendation could be offered all who came within the sphere of his gra- than the few words thus expressed? He cious and kindly influence. He was without stood nobly by his parents in their declin- guile or dissimulation, and earnestness and ing years, caring for them tenderly and with sincerity marked him as their own. He POS- the deepest filial solicitude during periods of sessed strong intellectuality and his opinions protracted illness. In early life he gave his and convictions were always well fortified. heart to the service of the heavenly Father, Judging well the springs of human thought and to the church of his choice, the Metho- and action, he was a good judge of men, and dist Episcopal, he gave the best of his life. his charity and sense of duty prompted him . He was ever a faithful attendant at all serv- to ever lend a helping hand to all who ices of the church and neglected none of the needed, while on his altar the fire of intol- means of grace. Often during the last two erance was never enkindled. never enkindled. He held to years of his life when he would hear the high and humanitarian ideals, and from his church bell calling to the midweek prayer position nothing could dislodge him nor meeting, he would say, “If I were only disturb his faith. It may well be imagined strong enough, how I would like to go and how close, then, and how beautiful were the join in the service.” In all respects it may be ties which bound him and his devoted wife, said that his was the "faith that makes faith- who ever shared in his thoughts and aspira- ful," and he demanded the approval of con- tions during the long years of their happy science for every thought and action. His wedded life. Their home was to both the was a highly sensitive temperament and na- sacred and hallowed spot, and here it was ture, and thus he was signally appreciative their pleasure to extend a hearty welcome of the ideal side of life and of all refining to their wide circle of friends, both holding influences. He was passionately fond of the boon of friendship inviolable. Mr. Pope music, and possessed much talent in this was summoned into eternal rest on the 21st line, and for more than forty years of September, 1902, and the community he served as chorister of his home church. mourned his loss with a sense of personal be- Whatever work or service the church im- reavement. To his devoted wife the thought posed upon him was most faithfully exe- may come that “Memory is the only friend cited, and to him duty was ever the supreme that grief can call its own,” but in the home source of pleasure. He was generous almost hallowed by the associations of the past, she , to a fault, and was one who loved his God can not but find compensation in the thoughts and his fellow man, ever striving to walk of all the departed life had signified in its humbly in the footsteps of the divine Mas- gentleness and purity and hold firmly to the ter, the lowly Nazarene, whom he served. constant faith which exalted and glorified Mr. Pope was a son of Christopher and that life. The remains of this honored citi- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 979 zen were laid to rest in the Pope cemetery, in topher Pope was in no sense a politician, yet Tompkins township, by the side of those of he ever held his vote as sacred. With him his father and mother, and there a beautiful it was principle, not party. monument marks the sacred spot. Of this immediate family of Popes there is not a single representative now living, and of the line Mrs. Pope is now the only one DANIEL H. TOMPKINS. who bears the name in the west. The farm on which she now resides and which is one Daniel H. Tompkins was born in the of the attractive places in the county, has town of Mexico, Oswego county, New been owned by the Pope family for three York, on the 29th of September, 1830, be- generations. Like her husband, she has ing a son of William and Nancy (Bliss) long been devoted to church work, exempli- Tompkins, the former of whom was born in fying her faith in daily walk and conversa- Saratoga county, and the latter in Oswego tion. county, in which their marriage was A part of the farm on which Mrs. Pope solemnized. They continued to reside in now resides, and which is one of the attrac- Oswego county until 1836, when they came tive places of the county, is that on which to the west, making the journey by way of have lived and paşsed from time into etern- the great lakes to Toledo, Ohio, where the ity three generations of the Pope family. father purchased a yoke of oxen, a wagon The grandparents, Henry and Rhoda Pope, and a cow, and from that point he drove came to Michigan in 1838 or 1839, from through to Adrian, Lenawee county, Michi- Wayne county, New York, and located on gan, and thence came into Jackson county land which is now the south part of the farm and settled three miles west of the present as it now lays. The parents, Christopher viilage of Jefferson, Columbia township, and Elizabeth Pope, came in 1840, settling where he purchased one hundred and forty- where the home has since remained. They four acres of government land, the tract encountered all of the deprivations and ex- being covered with its native timber and periences incident to early pioneer life. The entirely unimproved. He cleared this farm bear, the wolf and the still wilder Indians and placed the major portion of the same were frequent visitors at the farm, but the under cultivation, and later traded the place newcomers possessed the courage and hope for another tract, of sixty-five acres, in the of the true pioneer, and by frugality and in- same township, the latter farm being par- dustry won at last a comfortable home. tially reclaimed and having a log house and They were among the charter members other primitive buildings, and here he passed of the first Methodist Episcopal church of the remainder of his signally honorable and Tompkins township, and Christopher Pope useful life, being held in high esteem as one was appointed and retained as class 'leader of the sterling pioneers of the county. He of the little band for many years. He was was originally a Whig in his political a man of strong convictions and fearless to adherency, but espoused the cause of the stand by whatever he felt to be right. Chris- | Republican party at the time of its organi- a 980 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a zation and ever afterward remained a stanch exceptionally rough and herculean effort was a advocate of its principles. He died in demanded in reclamation and improvement. January, 1872, his devoted wife having When the subject took possession of the been summoned into the life eternal at the place the improvements consisted of a small age of forty-four years. Of their fourteen log house and a stable, while about seven children all lived to attain years of maturity. acres of the land had been furrowed by the Harriet, Jane, Eliza, William, Sarah, Ann plowshare. By energy and good manage- and Laura are deceased; Daniel H. is the ment Mr. Tompkins has developed a valu- immediate subject of this sketch; John, able and productive farm, having about Albert and Edward are deceased; Obediah seventy acres under a high state of culti- is a representative farmer of Liberty town- vation, while he at all times has been pro- ship; Nancy is the wife of William Silk- gressive and industrious and has wrought worth and they reside in the village of Jef- out his own success through consecutive en- ferson, and Charles Sidney, the youngest, deavor and is well deserving the prosperity is likewise deceased, so that there are only attained and of the honored American title three survivors out of this large family. of a self-made man. He carries on a general Daniel H. Tompkins was a lad of six farming business, giving scrupulous care to at the time when his parents left their all departments of the same and thus gain- pleasant home in New York state and came ing the maximum returns for his enterprise. to Michigan to locate in the midst of a He has ever been essentially public-spirited veritable wilderness, denying themselves the and has given, a stalwart support to the many comforts and conveniences which had Democratic party, though he has never previously been theirs in order to attain a manifested desire for official preferment. greater prosperity if possible in the end. On the 4th of July, 1859, Mr. Tomp- On the pioneer farm he was reared to the kins celebrated more than the anniversary sturdy discipline implied, while he attended of the attaining of our national independ- school in a little shanty, which was three ence, since on that day was solemnized his miles distant and to and from which he marriage to Miss Sallie Ann Sanborn, who trudged his way through the forest, laying was born in Massena Springs, St. Lawrence thus the foundation for the broad fund of county, New York, coming of stanch New practical information which he has gained by England lineage on both sides. She is a personal application and active association daughter of Stephen and Hannah (Pike) with men and affairs. He remained on the Sanborn, the former of whom was born in home farm until he had attained his ma- New Hampshire and the latter in Vermont. jority, and thereafter continued to attend They resided for many years in St. Lawrence school during the winter terms, while he county, and there Mr. Sanborn died. His found employment on neighboring farms widow later came to Michigan, and she died during the summer seasons, while later he in Branch county. They became the parents began farming on shares. In April, 1861, of six children, all of whom are deceased ex- Mr. Thompson purchased eighty acres of cept Mrs. Tompkins and her brother Hora- land in Napoleon township. The land was tio, who is a resident of Lodi, California, JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 981 ness. as where he is engaged in the real-estate busi- houses, and here devoted his attention to his Of the six children of Mr. and Mrs. trade for some time, making chairs for use Tompkins brief record is follows: in the homes of the early settlers. After Eldora died at the age of twenty-two years, residing in the village for a short time he having been a young woman of beautiful located on the farm now owned and occu- character and one who was most popular in pied by the subject of this sketch. He se- the community in which she passed her life, cured one hundred and sixty acres of wild while the same facts hold true in regard to land, in section 34, and here erected a log her sister Flora, who died at the same age; house of the primitive type, it having been William, who is a successful young farmer located about one rod to the east of the of Napoleon township, married Miss Cora present comfortable and attractive residence, Morris, and they have five children, Heyno, which he erected about sixty years ago. He Imo, Zera, Willis and Glendale; Nora is the succeeded in reclaiming the major portion wife of Frank Hawley, and they reside in of his land, and the results of his earnest the town of Pullman, Washington; Blanche and indefatigable labors are shown in the is the wife of Herbert Hastings, a farmer well tilled fields and fine meadows of the of this township and agent for the Deering present day. He and his devoted wife en- . Harvesting Machine Company, and they dured the various vicissitudes and incon- have one child, Paul Theodore; and Inez, veniences incidental to the pioneer epoch, but the youngest, still remains at the parental they labored with a definite purpose in view home. Mrs. Tompkins died on May 18, and in due time success and prosperity at- 1903, after several months of illness. tended their efforts. Aaron R. Winchell's death occurred on his old homestead, his wife surviving him about fifteen years. He served for twenty-one years as justice of the DARWIN J. WINCHELL. peace, and his advice and counsel were held in high estimation in the community, for he Darwin J. Winchell was born in the vil- was a man of excellent intellectual powers lage of Napoleon, on the 18th of December, and good judgment, reading much and with 1839. being a son of Aaron R. and Lovica | discrimination and keeping himself well in- L. (Griffin) Winchell, the former of whom formed on the questions and issues of the was born in West Rutland, Vermont, on the hour. He took a deep interest in local af- 22d of August, 1810, while the latter was fairs and was originally a Whig in his polit- born in Sandy Hill, New York. The father ical proclivities, but finally transferred his was reared and educated in the old Green allegiance to the Democratic party, of whose Mountain state, where he learned the trade cause he was thereafter a stanch advocate of cabinetmaking, and there continued to re- until his death. In addition to the office side until about the year 1834, when he came mentioned he had also rendered effective to the wilds of Jackson county. He located service as a member of the constabulary of in what is now the village of Napoleon, its the county. He and his wife became the site at the time being marked by only two parents of two children, of whom the subject 982 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. of this review was the first born. His sis- lup) Lewis, the former of whom was born ter, Elmina, was born on the 16th of Au- in Seneca county, New York, on the 14th gust, 1857, and became the wife of Albert of January, 1817, while the latter was born Palmer, and died at the age of twenty-five. in Erie county, that state, on the 11th of , Darwin J. Winchell received his early March, 1817, their marriage being there sol- educational training in the district schools, emnized in the year 1840. In 1850 they and for one year continued his studies in the came to Michigan, taking up their residence school at Leoni, while he became inured to in the western part of Napoleon township, the sturdy work of the homestead while he where Mr. Lewis purchased eighty acres of was still a boy, and he was but eighteen land, partly reclaimed. There the family re- years of age at the time when he assumed tained their home for eighteen years, the the slipervision of the homestead. In 1873 place being now owned by Thomas Saunt, he located in the village of Napoleon, where and thereafter Mr. Lewis bought another he conducted a successful livery business for tract of seventy acres in the same town- the following twenty-two years, also having ship, where he resided fifteen years, at the a star route mail-service contract during expiration of which he purchased his pres- all those years. After retiring from this ent homestead, while in addition to this he business he returned to the homestead, some owns another tract, comprising forty acres. seven years ago, and has here given his at- He had followed the trade of carpenter in tention consecutively to general farming, be- New York, and devoted more or less atten- ing recognized as one of the progressive and tion to the same for a few years after taking prosperous farmers of this section of the up his abode in Jackson county. He has county and holding the unlimited esteem of never sought office but is a stanch adherent the community in which practically his en- of the Republican party, and is one of the tire life has been passed. His farm com- sterling pioneer citizens of the county. He prises one hundred and sixty acres, of which is a valued member of the First Baptist one hundred acres are maintained under a church in the village of Napoleon, his wife high state of cultivation. He gives his al- likewise having been a member of the same, legiance to the Democratic party but has her death occurring on the 18th of Janu- never been an aspirant for office, though his ary, 1892. Of their seven children the fol- interest in the cause of education has led him lowing is a brief record: Anson, who en- to consent to serve as a member of the school listed as a member of a Michigan regiment board of his district, while he has always during the war of the Rebellion, died at shown a true civic pride and has lent his aid West Point, Kentucky, in 1861, while in the and influence in support of enterprises and service; Eliza has never married and has projects advanced for the general welfare. constantly remained at the parental home; On the 23d of February, 1862, Mr. Win- Almira is the wife of the subject of this chell was united in marriage to Miss Almira sketch: Aurelia is the wife of Peter Stan- H. Lewis, who was born in Erie county, dish, of Jackson ; Helen is the wife of Mor- New York, on the 22d of October, 1844, be- ris H. Covert, a farmer of Napoleon town- ing a daughter of George and Philida (Gal- ship; Eugene died at the age of twenty-sev- a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 983 en and Emma is the wife of Adelbert Case, L. H. Field Company the subject is the a farmer of Napoleon. Mr. and Mrs. Win- president, while he also figures as the found- chell are the parents of three children, viz: er of the business. Reed G. resides in Jackson and is interested Leonard Hamilton Field comes of a in the Condensed Milk Company. He mar- stanch old New England stock, and is a ried Miss Hattie White, of Jackson, and representative of the twelfth generation re- they have four sons, Grant, Harry, Forrest corded in the specific history issued of the and Roland. Cora C. is the wife of John Field family in America, with whose annals Kane, who is successfully engaged in the the name has been identified from the early drug and general merchandise business in colonial epoch. Mr. Field was born in the village of Onsted, Lenawee county, and Conway, Franklin county, Massachusetts, , , they have one daughter, Iva L. Fay L. is on the 8th of July, 1838, being a son of associated with his father in the manage- William and Submit (Hamilton) Field, ment of the homestead. He married Miss both of whom passed their entire lives in Gertrude Ward and they have one son, Wil- the Old Bay state, the father having been , fred. He is a member of the Knights of the a farmer by vocation. The old family home- Maccabees in Napoleon, and in politics is a stead at Conway is still known as Field's Democrat, and is known as one of the able Hill, and has been held in the possession of and energetic young farmers of the county. the family for several generations. Mr. Mrs. Winchell is a member of the Baptist Field secured his early educational training church in Napoleon and takes a deep inter- in the village schools of his native town and est in its work. supplemented the same by a course in the Conway Academy. In 1856, at the age of eighteen years, he went to Northampton, Massachusetts, and took the position of LEONARD H. FIELD. errand boy in a general store of which his brother, Samuel G., soon afterward became In point of years of consecutive identi- proprietor. He remained with his brother fication with the general merchandise busi- until 1860, when he entered the employ of ness Mr. Field undoubtedly takes preced- a large firm at Savannah, Georgia, where he ence of all merchants between Detroit and remained until the outbreak of the Rebellion, Chicago, and his name represents a power in the following year, when, his sympathies in the business life of southern Michigan, naeurally being with the cause of the Union, while the extensive establishment with which he returned to the north in order to avoid he has so long been identified is one of the being called upon to serve in the Confeder- most important department stores in this ate army. He located at Springfield, Mass- section of the state and one which has ever achusetts, at this time, and there remained maintained the highest reputation for reli- about a year in the employ of J. T. Rock- ability and fair and honorable dealings, wood & Company. He then returned to representing one of the leading commercial | Northampton and secured a position in the a enterprises in the city of Jackson. Of the mercantile establishment of Stoddard & . & 984 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Lincoln, soon afterward becoming a member for the accommodation of the thirteen de- of the firm of Stone, Field & Wakefield, of partments of the business. Employment is that place, the business conducted by the afforded to an average of about seventy concern having been established by Mr. persons, and the annual business now ex- Stone a number of years previously. With- ceeds a quarter of a million dollars. Thir- in two years Mr. Field became sole pro- teen of the old employes of the concern were prietor, and there continued the business made stockholders in the company at the successfully until the autumn of 1869, when time of its organization, and thus the busi- he sold the same to his former partner, E. ness is conducted on a co-operative plan. E. Wakefield. Soon afterward he came to Mr. Field holds a high position in local busi- Jackson and here purchased the established ness circles and may well take pride in the dry-goods business of W.. R. & S. C. results of his well directed efforts since tak- Reynolds, the same figuring as the nucleus ing up his residence in Michigan's Central of the extensive general merchandise busi-City. He is a member of the directorate of ness which has been built up under his able the Union Bank since its organization and and effective supervision. With a brief in- is known as one of the representative busi- terim he has since been consecutively en- ness men and progressive and loyal citi- gaged in this line of enterprise in Jackson zens of Jackson. In politics he gives his for a period of thirty-four years, which fact allegiance to the Republican party and his amply justifies the statement previously religious faith is that of the Christian made as to his being now the oldest merch- Science church. ant in the line between Detroit and Chicago, On the roth of December, 1867, Mr. so far as consecutive identification is con- Field was united in marriage to Mrs. Alla cerned. On the ist of February, 1901, in Parkman (Rayner) Perkins, daughter of order to more fully meet the demands placed | Thomas L. and Eunice (Learned) Rayner, upon the setablishment by its large and rep- and widow of David W. Perkins, of Chi- resentative patronage, the business was in- cago. The children of this union are as corporated under the laws of the state, follows: William B., who is vice-president with a capital stock of hundred of the L. H. Field Company, as before noted; thousand dollars, while the title Mrs. William C. Carter, of Chicago; Ray- changed from L. H. Field its ner, who is identified with the Trask-Field present form,—the L. H. Field Company. Company, manufacturers of gasoline en- As before stated, Mr. Field is president of gines, in Jackson, and Leonard H., Jr., who the company, while his son William B. is is in the employ of the firm of Peabody & vice-president and general manager. The Sterns, architects, of Boston, Massachu- large and well appointed establishment of setts. The mother of these children passed the company is located at the corner of away on the 5th of November, 1892, and on Main and Jackson streets, and the extent of the 9th of September, 1896, Mr. Field was the stock carried and business transacted is united in marriage to Miss Mary Martell, indicated in the fact that a floor space of of Jackson. One child has been born to this about twenty-two thousand feet is utilized union, Martell. one was to JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 985 DUNCAN HYNDMAN, M. D. time, the subject of this review being the eldest, while it is interesting to record that The attractive village of Norvell, in the three of the number are successful practic- township of the same name, has an able rep ing physicians in Jackson county. resentative of the medical profession in the Dr. Duncan Hyndman was eleven years person of Dr. Hyndman, who is a Scots- of age at the time of his parents' emigration man and who has the canny characteristics to Canada, and he received his early educa- so typical of the sons of the land of hills and tional discipline in the schools of Elgin, heather. The Doctor was born in Argyle | Ontario, so improving his advantages in shire, Scotland, on the 8th of March, 1845, this line that he became eligible for peda- being a son of Peter and Margaret (Mc- gogic honors, having been a successful teach- Killop) Hyndman, both of whom were born er for several years in the schools of On- in the same section of Scotland, as were tario. He early formulated plans for his also both the paternal and maternal grand future career, his definite idea being to pre- fathers of the Doctor, John Hyndman and pare himself for the medical profession. It William McKillop, the respective families may be noted in the connection that in his , having been long identified with the history early school days he was a most intimate of Argyleshire and having had many able friend of the well known journalist and and influential representatives. novelist, Robert Parr, who long wrote under John Hyndman came to America in an the nom de plume of "Luke Sharp.” At early day and setled in Elgin county, prov- the age of twenty years Doctor Hyndman ince of Ontario, Canada, where he engaged entered the medical department of the West- in agricultural pursuits, and there he passed ern Reserve University, at Cleveland, Ohio, the remainder of his life, while grandfather where he was graduated as a member of McKillop was for many years engaged in the class of 1869, while he has since taken the revenue service in Great Britain. The several post-graduate courses and has at all father of the Doctor was born in Argyle-| times kept abreast of the advances made in shire, Scotland, in 1818, and the mother the sciences of medicine and surgery, while war born in the same county in 1827. They he is known as an able diagnostician, ready were married in Campbelltown, the same to anticipate complications and forefend them county, in 1844. The father was there by proper treatment, and thus he has been reared and educated, while he learned the most successful in his professional work, trade of tailor in his youth, in Glasgow, and while this success has been furthered by his followed the same for a long term of years. ever gracious bearing and abiding sympa- He remained in Elgin, Ontario, until the thy, which have endeared him to those to early 'seventies, when he joined the subject whom he has ministered. Shortly after his in Jackson county, and he and the mother graduation he came to Norvell, this county, of the Doctor are now living in Brooklyn, wliere he has ever since continued in the Jackson county. Peter and Margaret active practice of his profession, building Hyndman became the parents of eleven chil- up a large and representative practice in his dren, six of whom are living at the present chosen field and having the confidence and 986 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. high regard of all who know him. In poli- county. He conducts a very successful gen- tics he exercises his franchise in support of eral merchandise business and is also the the principles and policies of the Demo- owner of the Exchange Bank, one of the cratic party, and his religious faith is that solid financial institutions of the county. of the Presbyterian church, Mrs. Hyndman Mr. Culver is a native son of Jackson being an Episcopalian. He has taken an county, having been born on the parental active interest in educational affairs, and has homestead, in that part of Napoleon town- served for many years as a member of the ship which was later segregated therefrom board of education of Norvell. In 1898 the and designated as Norvell township, and the Doctor was nominated by his party for the date of his birth was February 15, 1840. legislature, and made a splendid race, being He is a son of Cyrus and Polly (Sherman) beaten by but one, vote. In 1902 he was Culver, being the eldest of their three chil-- urged to accept the nomination for state dren, all of whom are living. Cyrus Culver senator from the tenth senatorial district, was born in Chester, Massachusetts, on the consisting of Jackson and Washtenaw 19th of March, 1812, and his death occurred counties, in which his chances for election on his farm in Jackson county, on the 30th would have been excellent, but he declined of March, 1856. His wife was born in , the honor, preferring to devote his time and Schuyler county, New York, on the 3rd of attention to his profession. Fraternally he July, 1817, and she was summoned into is identified with the time-honored order of eternal rest on the 5th of July, 1853. Mar- Freemasonry, in which he has passed the tin Culver, the grandfather of the subject, , degrees of the lodge, chapter and council. was born in Massachusetts, whence he re- In 1869, Dr. Hyndman was united in moved with his family to the state of New marriage to Miss Alice Mason, who was York, where he continued to reside until born in Port Stanley, Ontario, Canada, be- 1838, when he came to Jackson county, ing a daughter of Samuel Mason, a native Michigan and settled on a tract of wild land of England, whence he emigrated to Can- | in what is now Norvell township, becoming ada in his youthful days. Dr. and Mrs. one of the honored and influential pioneers Hyndman have one son, Mason D., who is of the county. He was accompanied by his now attending the Collegiate Institute at St. three sons, and one of them, Marvin, lo- Thomas, Ontario. cated on an adjoining farm, where he passed the remainder of his life. He was the father of Mrs. Dorr Lawrence, who now resides in Chelsea, this county. Grandfather WILLIAM S. CULVER. Culver died in 1855, at the age of seventy- two years. Cyrus Culver became the owner The thriving and attractive village of of a fine farm of one hundred and twenty Brooklyn numbers the subject of this sketch acres, was a man of progressive ideas, was among its representative business men, and upright and honorable in all the relations his popularity indicates the confidence and of life and was one of the representative esteem in which he is held in his native citizens of this section of the county. He JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 987 on ca. . was a Democrat in his political proclivities who was born in 1729 and died in 1815. He and his wife was a consistent member of the married Miriam Gregory and they became Methodist church. the parents of six children, of whom the The maternal ancestry of the subject is second was Walker, who was born on the of distinguished order, and the family has 4th of January, 1761, and who died had many eminent representatives in Ameri- the 31st of of August, 1851. He The lineage is traced back to Henry married Anna Bennett and they had two Sherman, who died in Dedham, Essex coun- children, of whom the elder was Lemuel, ty, England, in 1589, while his wife, Agnes, the grandfather of Mr. Culver. Lemuel died in 1580, their children being five in Sherman was born on the ist of November, number, of whom the eldest was Henry, 1790, and his death occurred December 20, who married Susan Hills, who bore him ten 1826. He married Lydia Beardslee, who children, his death occurring in 1610. was born January 21, 1787, and who died Edmund, the fourth child of Henry and July 15, 1844. Of their five children, Polly, Susan Sherman, was born in 1575, and in the mother of the subject, was the eldest (the 1611 he married Judith Angin, five children dates of her birth and death have already being the issue of this union. He figures as been entered). Hon, Roger Sherman, who the first representative of the family in was born at Newton, Massachusetts, on the America, whither . he immigrated about 19th of April, 1721, died in New Haven, 1633, settling in Watertown (now Cam- Connecticut, July 23, 1793, having been bridge), Massachusetts, while later he re- one of the signers of the Declaration of sided for a time in Weathersfield, Connect- Independence. He was a descendant of icut, whence he finally removed to New John Sherman, the sixth child of Henry Haven, that state, where both he and his Sherman, mentioned in this connection wife passed the remainder of their lives. Hon. Charles T., General William T. and Their son Samuel was born in 1618, and in Hon. John Sherman were descended from 1640 he married Sarah Mitchell, who bore Samuel Sherman, of the second generation him nine children, his death occurring on in America, through the latter's fifth son, the 15th of April, 1700. He was a repre- Deacon John Sherman, who was born in sentative citizen of the Nutmeg state, and 1650. his remains were interred in the old Strat- William Sherman Culver, to whom this ford cemetery, in what is now Bridgeport. review is dedicated, received his early edu- Benjamin Sherman, the eighth child of cation in the common schools of Jackson Samuel and Sarah Sherman, is the next in county, while he continued to assist in the order of the direct line to the subject of this work of the homestead farm until the death review. He was born in 1661, and married of his father, being fourteen years of age at . Rebecca Phippeny, of Boston, Massachu- the time. He then, on the ist of March, setts, who bore him nine sons and five daugh- | 1854, secured a clerkship in the general ters. Enos, the fifth son, was born in Janu- store of A. P. Bates, in Brooklyn, retain- ary, 1697, and married Abigail Walker, one ing this position one year, at the expiration child being the issue of the union, Josiah, l of which he entered the employ of the firm 988 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. of Cook, Austin & Sherman, the last men- prestige, and its resources are such that it tioned being an uncle of his and the general is one of the stable financial institutions of manager of the business, which was like- the county and one which commands an ex- wise conducted in the village of Brooklyn. cellent patronage. Mr. Culver publishes He remained with this concern for a period quarterly statements of the condition of his of nine years, at the expiration of which, in banking business, and this procedure is 1864, he engaged in business on his own unique in the connection, as is evident when account, entering into partnership with we note the fact that it is the only private Henry C. Clark, now a resident of Ionia bank in the Union to follow this plan, which county, and conducting a general mercantile is that of the national and state banks. The business in Brooklyn, under the firm name bank has been successful from its initiation of Culver & Clark. This association con- and is on a most sound and prosperous tinued for twelve years and Mr. Culver then footing. purchased his partner's interest, and con- Mr. Culver is progressive and public- tinued the business under the title of Cul- spirited and his influence and aid are ever ver's Cash Store. In 1897 he effected the extended in support of measures and under- organization of a stock company, which takings for the general good of the com- was incorporated under the title of the W. munity and the advancement of the interests S. Culver Company, three of his clerks be- of his home town. In politics he pays coming members of the company, and under allegiance to the Democratic party, and this name the business has since been suc- while not a seeker of public office he has cessfully carried on, the trade being of a rendered effective service in various offices representative character and being derived of trust and responsibility, having been for from the wide radius of country tributary six years incumbent of the office of town- to the village. In 1866 Mr. Culver located ship treasurer, four years township clerk, his store in its present commodious quarters, and three years township supervisor. His and in 1884 he erected in the village the religious faith is that of the Protestant handsome and substantial brick block, on the Episcopal church, of which both he and his site of the old store, which bears his name, wife are communicants, taking a deep in- the same being one of the best in the town. terest in the various departments of church The mercantile establishment is well equip- work, and fraternally he is identified with ped and in the same is carried a large and the Masonic order, in which he has passed select stock of groceries, dry goods, boots the commandery degrees, and also to the and shoes, etc., while it is recognized as Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. the leading enterprise of the sort in the town. Mr. Culver has one of the most attractive In 1893 Mr. Culver purchased the fixtures homes in Brooklyn, the same being a com- and good will of the Farmers' Bank, of modious modern residence, on Chicago Colonel King, and forthwith established the street. Exchange Bank, as a private institution. On the 2d of January, 1862, Mr. Culver , Through his well directed management and was united in marriage to Miss Betty executive ability the bank has gained high Clark, who was born in Columbia township, JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 989 are this county, being a daughter of Archibald now deceased. Joseph Palmer, the Clark, one of the honored pioneers of Jack- grandfather of the Doctor, was a native of son county, where he took up his residence Connecticut, and a representative of one of in the 'thirties, coming here from Erie coun- the old and honored families of New Eng- ty, New York, and here passing the remain- land. He removed to the state of New der of his life. Mr. and Mrs. Culver be-York in the early part of the last century, came the parents of two children, namely: and there continued to reside until 1860, Lizzie, who became the wife of Bert W. when he joined his son David W., who had Amsden, and who died in March, 1892, taken up his residence in Michigan nearly leaving three children, and Louise, who is thirty years previously. In his native town- . the wife of William Parker, a member of ship in Connecticut there were seven persons the W. S. Culver Company. who bore the name of Joseph Palmer, and this led to the giving to each a nickname, in order to avoid confusion in identifying each of the number, and it was the fortune EMMETT N. PALMER, M. D. of Grandfather Palmer to merit and receive the sobriquet of “Honest Joe.” He was One of the representative members of for many years a successful and popular the medical fraternity in Jackson county is teacher in the common schools. He died Dr. Palmer, who is engaged in practice in in Washtenaw county, Michigan, in 1861, Brooklyn and who holds high rank in his at the age of seventy-three years. profession, while his ability and courtesy Colonel David W. Palmer was reared have won him the confidence and esteem of and educated in the state of New York, and all who know him. He is a man of high was about five years of age at the time intellectual and professional attainments when he accompanied his parents on their and has ever shown a loyal interest in ali removal to Madison county, New York, that concerns the progress and prosperity where he continued io reside until 1836, of the community in which he has main- when he emigrated to Michigan and located tained his home for more than thirty years, in Clinton, Lenawee county, where he was while he has been called upon to lend his engaged in teaching school for the ensuing services in positions of public trust and re- nine years, being a man of much ability and sponsibility being one of the successful pioneer peda- Emmett Newton Palmer was born on gogues of the new state. At the expiration the old homestead farm, in Bridgewater of the time noted he removed to Washtenaw township, Washtenaw county, Michigan, on county, where he purchased a quarter sec- the 9th of June, 1840, being the eldest son tion of land in Bridgewater township, de- of Colonel David W. and Fidelia (Randall) veloping a good farm and there continuing Palmer, the former of whom was born in his residence until he was called to the life Connecticut and the latter in the state of eternal, passing away in 1896, at the ven- New York. They became the parents of erable age of eighty-nine years. His abili- four sons and two daughters, of whom none ties and sterling character led to his diversi- 990 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. fying his interests and labors, and it should sity, at Ann Arbor, where he completed the be noted that for many years he was in- prescribed course and was graduated in cumbent of the office of justice of the justice of the peace, March, 1869, receiving his degree of Doctor while such was the confidence reposed in of Medicine. He forthwith entered upon him and such the appreciation of his services the active practice of his chosen profession, that he was retained in the office of township locating at Manchester, Washtenaw county, clerk for the long period of forty years. where he soon gained precedence through For a number of years he also held the po- his well directed and able efforts, and there sition of secretary of the Washtenaw Coun- he continued until 1872, when he came to ty Mutual Insurance Company. While a his present location, in the village of Brook- resident of the state of New York he had lyn, - where he controls a practice which been a member of the state militia, becom- ramifies throughout the surrounding coun- ing captain of his company, and after com- try and which is of representative character. ing to Michigan he continued to take an For three years he also conducted a drug active interest in military affairs, and in store in the village, but found that the de- 1836 he was appointed colonel of the Michi- mands placed upon him in connection with gan militia by the governor of the state. his regular professional duties rendered it In the state of New York Colonel Palmer expedient for him to withdraw from this married Miss Flora Randall, who there enterprise. He keeps in touch with the ad- died, leaving one son, Francis Marion, who vances made in both branches of his pro- is now a resident of Bridgewater. The fession, being a close student of the best subject of this sketch was the eldest son of standard and periodical literature pertain- the second marriage, as has been before ing thereto and being known as a physician noted. His mother was summoned into and surgeon of marked skill and ability, eternal rest in 1899, at the age of seventy- He is a member of the county, state and tri- nine years, both she and her husband hav- state medical societies. He served for ing been members of the Baptist church, seven years as a member of the surgical while the latter was a Democrat in his po- staff of the Lake Shore & Michigan South- litical proclivities. ern Railroad, while a resident of Man- Dr. Palmer received his preliminary edu- chester and Brooklyn, and for twenty-one cation in the common schools of Wash- years he served as health officer of Colum- tenaw county, and then entered the high bia township. For seven years he rendered school at Ypsilanti, where he continued his most efficient service in the office of county studies under the direction of Prof. Joseph examiner of schools, while he was a member Estabrook, who was one of the leading of the board of education of Brooklyn for educators of the state, having later been twelve years, and served nine years as presi- superintendent of public instruction for sev- dent of the village of Brooklyn, having eral years, and also regent of the state had no opposition for the position on the university. After leaving the high school occasion of his election in the last three the subject was matriculated in the medical years of his service. He is retained as department of the Michigan State Univer- | medical examiner for all the life insurance JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 991 companies doing business in this section of entered the medical department of his the county. In politics he is independent, father's alma mater, the University of and his religious faith is that of the Michigan, where he was graduated as a Universal church, of which Mrs. Palmer member of the class of 1875, this being the likewise is a member. They have a beauti- first class to be graduated after the course ful home in the village, and the same is a was extended to four instead of three years. center of gracious and refined hospitality. He received his degree and his professional On the 21st of August, 1870, was ability was shown at the time, since he was solemnized the marriage of Dr. Palmer to the successful competitor for the position Miss Nettie L. Williams, who was born and of house physician in the university hospital, reared in Washtenaw county, being a daugh- of the University of Michigan, where he ter of F. J. Williarns, one of the sterling did most efficient work for the two years pioneers of the county. She entered the succeeding his graduation. He then came "land of the leal” on the 18th of Septem- to the parental home and became associated ber, 1886, having been thirty-six years of with his father in practice, continuing for age at the time of her death. She left one one year, at the expiration of which, in son, Frederick W., of whom specific mention 1898, he enlisted in the Thirty-third Regi- will be made in an appending paragraph. ment of Michigan Volunteer Infantry, at On the 8th of October, 1890, Dr. Palmer the time of the Spanish war, and accompan- consummated a second marriage, being then ied the same to Cuba in the capacity of hos- united to Mrs. Myra Fay Ladd, who was pital steward. He was sent back from Cuba born in Norveil township, this county, be- to the United States with the first transport ing a daughter of James and Caroline of wounded soldiers, and was later honor- (Webster) Fay, and the issue of this union ably discharged from the service, and was is one daughter, Marian Fay. The Doctor appointed assistant surgeon at Camp Alger, is identified with the Masonic fraternity, in in Virginia, being later transferred to Camp which he has attained the Knight Templar Mead, near Philadelphia, whence he was degrees, and also with the Knights of the sent to Somerville, South Carolina, where Maccabees, while he is distinctively popular he remained until May, 1899, when he re- in the professional, business and social cir- signed his office. In September of the same cles of the community in which he has so year he was tendered a similar position in long made his home. connection with the service in the Philip- Frederick W. Palmer, M. D., the only pines, and started for the new Oriental po- son of the subject, is one of the finely quali- sessions of the United States in September, fied young physicians and surgeons of the 1899. There he was appointed assistant county, and his career has been somewhat surgeon, with the rank of captain, and had exceptional, by reason of his professional charge of the second largest hospital on the services in the Spanish-American war in the Islands at Nueva Caceras, continuing in this Philippines. He was born in Brooklyn on responsible position until his resignation, in the 15th of May, 1874, and after completing December, 1902. The young doctor had a the course in the Brooklyn high school he ( number of narrow escapes while assisting 992 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. in the removal of wounded from the battle he finally took up a tract of three hundred fields, and was severely wounded while in and sixty acres of government land in sec- the Philippines, while on another occasion tion 18, Tompkins township, Jackson coun- his life was saved by the friendly aid of ty, and also secured other land in the coun- two native Filipinos. After his return from ty, making a total of four hundred and the orient he rejoined his father in Brooklyn, twenty acres, the same being covered with and the two are now associated in practice, its native timber, while no improvements had the son proving a most able coadjutor and been made. The deed to the property bore being one of the popular young men of the the signature of Martin Van Buren, who county. was then President of the United States. After entering claim to this land he returned to his home in New York for his family, WILLIAM H. ADAMS. and in the following year they came through to their new home in the wilderness, bravely He of whom this brief sketch is given is facing the ordeal which involved the loss of one of the honored pioneer citizens of Jack the many advantages enjoyed in their old son county, where he has lived from his home and the enduring of many vicissitudes. boyhood days until he has attained the They came by boat on the lakes to Detroit psalmist's span of three score years and ten and thence made the trip to Jackson county and where he is known as a prosperous and with teams and wagons, which transported substantial farmer, having personally con- the members of the family and the small tributed his quota to the reclamation and de- supply of household goods absolutely re- velopment of this section of the Wolverinequired. Upon locating on their forest farm state and having gained success by individ- they were far removed from the source of ual and strenuous effort. supplies and the nearest mill was at Albion, William H. Adams, of Tompkins town- twenty miles distant, while all provisions had ship, was born in the town of Lyons, Wayne to be brought overland. Mr. Adams was county New York, on the 8th of September, one of the few settlers in the county who 1832, being a son of David and Hannah had horses, the major portion of the teams (Perrine) Adams, both of whom were born utilized being oxen. He cleared a large in the Empire state, the respective families amount of land and was known as one of having been established in America in the the most energetic and progressive pioneers colonial epoch. The father of the subject of the section, while he became one of the was a jeweler by trade and was also en- most influential men of the community. In gaged in the grocery business in Lyons prior 1837-8 he was associate judge of the cir- to his emigration to the wilds of the state cuit court, and for two years thereafter he of Michigan, in which he took up his resi- was warden of the Michigan state prison, dence prior to its admission to the Union. which had been shortly before located in In 1835 he came to this state and after mak- Jackson, he having been the third person ap- ing a preliminary survey of the advantages pointed to this responsible position. In and attractions offered in various localities, 1812 he returned to his farm, where he con- WILLIAM H. ADAMS. MRS. HARRIET ADAMS. MRS. CORNELIA ADAMS. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 993 tinued to reside until his death, which oc- ject of this review. Ellen is the widow of curred on the 27th of February, 1879, at George J. Townley, who was a successful which time he was about eighty years of age. farmer of this townsip and of whom an in- He served for the long period of thirty-one dividual memoir appears on other pages of years in the office of justice of the peace, and this work. Jane A. is the widow of Jacob was a man whose counsel and advice were S. Pope and she now resides with her sister, freely sought by all classes, for he was the Mrs. Townley. soul of kindliness and tolerance and was en- William H. Adams was but four years dowed with fine mentality and mature judg- of age at the time of his parents' removal ment. In politics he originally gave his sup- from New York state to this county, and port to the Whig party, but identified him- thus his earliest recollentions are of the self with the Republican party at the time of scenes and conditions of the pioneer era in its organization and was ever afterward a the locality in which he has ever since main- stalwart advocate of its principles. It will tained his residence, while he had the benefi- be remembered that it is to the distinction cent privileges of a home in which refine- of Jackson county that the “grand old par- ment and culture were in evidence, even ty" had its birth within its confines, the pre- though the domicile and its equipments were liminary organization of the Republican par- humble and unpretentious, while his educa- ty having been effected in the little city of tional opportunities aside from the direction Jackson in the year 1854. The mother of given by his parents were such as were af- the subject, a noble type of the pioneer wo- forded in the primitive log school-house of men who so well played their part in for- the locality and period. As a boy he had the warding the march of civilization in this privilege of guiding the unwieldy ox teams now favored and opulent section of the state, through the various maneuvers incidental to was summoned into eternal rest on the 5th breaking new land and placing it under of September, 1885, at the age of about cultivation, and it may be said that no slight eighty-one years. Both she and her hus- skill was demanded in directing the tortu- band were active and devoted members of ouis course of the animals through the midst the Methodist Episcopal church, and in the of snags, stones and stumps. He was able early days their home was ever open to the to supplement his education by attending itinerant clergymen and circuit riders of the school in the village of Albion for quite a church. while, the now thriving and attractive city This worthy couple became the parents then having a population of about five hun- of five children, of whom brief individual dred inhabitants. Mr. Adams continued to mention is here made: George P., who was assist in the work of the homestead farm un- born in the year 1826, married Miss Eliza- til he had attained the age of twenty years, beth Hewlett, who is now deceased, while winen he initiated his independent business he is at this time a resident of Tompkins career by purchasing a tract of eighty acres township. They had one child, William N. in section 5, Tompkins township, and he Helen, the second of the children, died in in- simultaneously assumed connubial responsi- fancy. William H. is the immediate sub- bilities, so that he and his wife started out 63 994 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ances. side by side to wrest success from the hands his friends are in number as his acquaint- of fate. They took up their residence on the farm and there remained until 1855, when On the 8th of September, 1852, was sol- he located in the city of Jackson, becoming eninized the marriage of Mr. Adams to keeper at the state prison, and being thus Miss Harriet M. Draper, who was born in employed until 1861, when he went to Kal- Erie county, New York, July 25, 1835, be- amazoo county, where he had charge of a ing a daughter of Milton Draper, who was farm of six hundred acres for the ensuing born and reared in the state of New York, two years, at the expiration of which he trav- whence he came to Michigan in the year eled throughout the state buying lumber for 1834, making the long overland trip with the Jackson Wagon Company, in whose em- Ox teams. He located in Rives township, ploy he continued for about one year. In this county, and became one of the honored 1864 Mr. Adams returned to his farm, and and iniluential farmers and pioneers of this here he has ever since continued to main- section, where he and his wife passed the tain his home, while he has developed one remainder of their lives. It may be said of the fine rural estates of this section, hav- that the family made their advent in the ing cleared the original eighty acres, to county in a rather unique equipage, since he which he has added by purchase of a con- brought his wife and baby to the new home tiguous tract so that he is now the owner of on a load of hay, while the plodding oxen one hundred and forty-six acres, the old furnished the motive power. Mr. and Mrs. home, all of which is under effective culti- . Adams became the parents of four children, vation and equipped with the best of per- concerning whom the following is a record : manent improvements, while he has also Lilly became the wife of William H. Ha- provided each of his children with a good ven, a farmer of Springport township, and farm. In politics Mr. Adams has been a to them were born three sons, one of whom stanch supporter of the Republican party is deceased, the living being Howard W. and from the time of its inception, and while he Claire. Mrs. Haven died at the age of for- has never sought public office he was called ty-five years. William D., a successful upon to serve as supervisor of his township, farmer of Tompkins township, married Miss in which position he rendered most effective Alice Davis, and of their ten children sev- service during a period of eleven years. He en are living. Oscar G., a well known farm- has always taken a deep interest in all that er of Springport township, married Miss concerned the general welfare and worthy Addie Jones, and of their eight children objects have found in him a warm supporter, three are deceased. Fred C., who is engaged while he has been particularly active in pro- in farming in Tompkins township, married moting the cause of education in his local- Miss Mary Buck, and they have two chil- ity. He and his wife are valued members dren. The loved and devoted wife of Mr. of the Methodist Episcopal church, as was Adams' youth remained by his side until the also his first wife. Mr. Adams is well known IIth of September, 1884, when death set its in the county and it may well be said that seal upon her mortal lips and she passed for- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 995 a ward to the “land of the leal.” On the 7th county, where he aided in the work of the of June, 1887, Mr. Adams married Miss farm and secured his educational discipline Cornelia Jameson, a daughter of James M. | in the public schools. When he was eighteen Jameson, who came to Jackson county from years of age his employer died and Mr. Rose Lyons, New York, in company with the fa- then went to the village of Pewamo, Ionia ther of the subject. He located in Spring-county, where he served an apprenticeship port township and became one of the suc- of three years at the trade of harnessmak- cessful farmers and influential citizens of the ing, becoming a skilled workman. At the county, having served as supervisor of that expiration of this period he went to the vil- township for several years. Mrs. Adams | lage of Lyons, same county, where he was was born in Springport, Jackson county, employed as driver of an omnibus by Henry April 21, 1842. She attended the local | Sering for eighteen months, at the expiration schools, and also at Albion and the State of which time he became associated with Normal, after which she taught school, and Frank Coon in the purchase of the livery then for nine years was employed in the business and 'bus line of his employer. office of the recorder of Jackson county. She They continued the enterprise in partnership died April 25, 1903. for three and one-half years and Mr. Rose then sold his interest in the business to his partner and purchased a farm of forty acres, in Portland township, that county, there JAMES H. ROSE. carrying on operations about three years and then renting the place and repurchasing Mr. Rose is a native of the city of Lon- the livery business in Lyons. A few years don, England, where he was born on the later he sold out and returned to the farm, 3d of April, 1855, being a son of where he resided about three years, and then and Elizabeth Rose, both of whom were disposed of the property and established born and reared in England. When the sub- himself in the harness business at Sebewa, ject was but three years of age his father | Ionia colinty, but shortly afterward he re- died and his mother subsequently became turned to Lyons, where for the ensuing four the wife of Alfred Webb, who came with years he was in the employ of Mark Fisk, his family to America in 1860, at which | who was conducting the livery business and time Mr. Rose was a lad of five years. They transfer line at that time. On the 13th of located in Pontiac, Oakland county, Michi- | March, 1893, Mr. Rose came to Rives gan, where Mr. Webb engaged in the butch- | Junction, Jackson county, where he estab- ering business until his death, which oc- lished himself in the harness business, and curred in December, 1901. His wife, the here he has ever since successfully carried mother of the subject, died when the latter on operations in this line, while he has ex- was but nine years of age, and he passed panded the scope of his enterprise and now | the remaining years of his boyhood and handles farming implements, carriages, early youth in the home of Robert Tone, wagons, etc., having built up a represent- Jr., a farmer of Portland township, Ionia | ative and profitable business and being 996 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. known as a thoroughly progressive and re- from the pioneer days, having come hither liable dealer and public-spirited citizen. He from the state of New York. Of the four has a pleasant home in the village, owning children of Mr. and Mrs. Rose the follow- his residence property, while he is also the ing is a brief record: Gilbert, who is twenty- owner of the well equipped store building two years of age at the time of this writ- in which his business is conducted. In ad-ing, is day telegraph operator at Wolverine, dition to this enterprise he is also engaged Sheboygan county, in the employ of the in the livery business, having the best facili- Michigan Central Railroad; Nina Belle re- ties for catering to all demands in this par- mains at the parental home; Robert is em- ticular line. ployed as a clerk in the general store of C. In politics Mr. Rose has ever been a W. Cook, in Rives Junction; and Carl J. is stanch advocate of the principles of the Re- | attending the public schools. Gilbert is a publican party, in whose cause he has been graduate of the high school at Lyons and , an active worker in a local way. January the other children have been accorded the 1, 1900, he was appointed a deputy sheriff best available educational advantages. Miss of the county, and in this capacity he is still Nina is a milliner by vocation. serving, proving a most capable official and being now entered upon his second term. He was school director of his district for the period of six years, and it was principally LORENZO DEWEY. through his efforts and influence that the new school building in the village was erec- Lorenzo Dewey is a native of the Em- ted, while he has at all times manifested a pire state of the Union, having been born in lively concern in all that touches the welfare | Dansville, Steuben county, New York, on of the community. Fraternally he is identi- the 13th of June, 1843, a son of Solomon , fied with the Knights of the Maccabees, be- T. and Mary Ann (Blake ) Dewey, both of ing affiliated with Rives Tent No. 868, at whom are likewise natives of the state of Rives Junction, of which he has served as New York, where the former was born on finance keeper for the past three years, his the 16th of September, 1808, and the latter wife being a member of the Ladies of the on the 27th of October, 1805. The father Maccabees. of the subject was twice married. On the On the 30th of October, 1879, in the Ist of September, 1831, he married Miss village of Lyons, Ionia county, Mr. Rose was Mary Ann Shorey, who died April 6, 1836, united in marriage to Miss Carrie Sherwood, and on the 13th of October, 1836, he wed- who was born in Monroe county, New ded the mother of the subject. Solomon York, October 30, 1860, being a daughter Dewey was reared to manhood in his native of Nathan B. Sherwood, who is a painter by state, and there learned the trade of carpen- trade and who is now living retired in ter, to which he devoted his attention for Lyons, where he has made his home for many years, in connection with farming. many years. He was a soldier in the Civil. On the 7th of May, 1844, he arrived with war and has been a resident of Michigan his family in Jackson county, having made JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 997 sons the journey from his old home in New York on the 16th of August, 1863, while his wife by way of the lakes to Detroit, and thence was summoned into eternal rest on the 20th coming to Jackson county with team and of October, 1875, both having been zealous wagon. He purchased one hundred and and worthy members of the Methodist twenty acres of land in sections 7 and 8, Episcopal church, while the father of the Waterloo township, this being the home- subject was a stanch advocate of the princi- stead now owned by our subject. The land ples of the Democratic party. Of his first . was still covered with its dense growth of marriage two were born, namely: native timber and the task which faced this Solomon M., who is now a successful farmer worthy pioneer was one which would have of Antrim county, Michigan, married daunted a less valiant soul, while the at- Martha Drew, who has borne him nine chil- tractions of his situation were not enhanced dren, and Samuel E., who first married by capitalistic reinforcement, since when he Loretta Fields and after her death Ella arrived in the county he had only one dollar Clemmons, was a farmer of Waterloo town- , in money left after making the required ship, this county, and later a resident of payment on his place and meeting other Stockbridge township. He died in 1896, , absolutely necessary expenses. This dollar while of his fourteen children eleven are he expended for postage, which at that time living at the present time. Solomon T. and was two shillings for each letter. Upon his Mary A. (Blake). Dewey became the par- pioneer farm he erected a rude log house ents of four children, viz: Schuyler S. is of the primitive sort, and here the family a resident of Fitchburg, Ingham county, took up their abode in the midst of the where he is engaged as a carpenter and sylvan wilds and the father then grappled joiner. He has been twice married, his first with the unsubdued forces of nature and union having been with Louisa Earl, after eventually succeeded in reclaiming his land whose death he married Mrs. Mary Stowell. to cultivation, the forest monarchs falling He has no children. Blake, who is likewise beneath the strokes of his sturdy ax, while a resident of Fitchburg, engaged in car- the ox teams was utilized in breaking and pentering and house moving, married Miss cultivating the land. The devoted wife and Alzina Craig, who died in 1900, leaving mother too found ample scope for her ef- three children. Lorenzo, the immediate forts, for upon her developed the domestic subject of this review, was the next in order duties of spinning and making the clothing of birth. Mary Ann is the wife of Edwin for the family and neighbors in addition to Hawley, a farmer of Bunker Hill township, the other cares of the household. Notwith- Ingham county, and they have two children. standing the privations and arduous toil, Lorenzo Dewey was not yet a year old happiness was present with its goodly bene. at the time when his parents took up their fices, and the humble home was not lacking abode on the farm which is now his home, in contentment and good cheer. Here the and here his entire life has been passed, parents remained until they were called from while he has been consecutively identified their labors to that home which is prepared with the great basic industry of agriculture, for the righteous, the father passing away in connection with which he has attained 998 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. marked success, while he has witnessed the (Lincoln) Croman, who was one of the development of this section into one of the prominent and influential farmers of Water- most attractive divisions of the great state loo township, where he died on the 15th of of Michigan. In his boyhood he drove the April, 1897, his wife passing away on the cumbersome ox teams used in breaking and 20th of January, 1885. They were the par- . cultivating the land, while he also gained ents of six children, namely: Mary, Anson, through experience in the manipulation of David, Henry, Ella and Clara, and of the the grain cradle, before the invention of the number all are still living but Henry. Mr, reaping and mowing machines. In later and Mrs. Dewey have four children, all of times he operated a threshing outfit, con- whom have received excellent educational tinuing in this line of enterprise for a score advantages, and their only daughter was for of years. Upon attaining his legal majority several terms a successful and popular teach- Mr. Dewey assumed the general supervision er in the district schools. Of the children, of the home farm. which comprises one record is as follows: Cora is the wife of hundred and eighty-nine acres of the most Henry Coulson, and resides with Mr. and fertile and productive land, the place being Mrs. Dewey, and they have one child, Mary well fenced and drained, while the other E.; Arthur U. married Miss Edith Shrey, permanent improvements are of excellent and Egbert A. and David also remain be- order, and the farm is devoted to diversified neath the parental roof. agriculture and to the raising of high grade live stock in the various lines. Mr. Dewey is broad-minded and public-spirited, and in political affairs he uses his own judgment GEORGE S. WEINHOLT. and votes in accordance with his con- victions, without regard to strict partisan The old Keystone state has contributed lines. He has been incumbent of the office to Jackson county not a few worthy and of justice of the peace for sixteen years and honored citizens, and there are now many his aim has ever been to discourage dispu- representatives of the stanch old Pennsyl- tation and dissension in his jurisdiction and vania German stock to be found in this sec- thus to make the office which he holds justi- tion, while notable among the number is the fy its name. subject of this sketch, who is one of the On the 26th of September, 1866, Mr. prosperous and highly esteemed farmers and Dewey was united in marriage to Miss stock growers of Waterloo township, his Mary Croman, who was born in Waterloo well improved place being located within six township, this county, September 27, 1843, miles of the village of Grass Lake. being a representative of one of its earliest George S. Weinholt was born in Lancas- pioneer families, her paternal grandfather ter county, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of Oc- having been the second person to make per- tober, 1831, being a son of George and manent settlement in the township, where he Mary (Solenberger) Weinholt, both rep- took up his abode in the year 1834. Mrs. resentatives of families early established in Dewey is a daughter of Abraham and Susan the Keystone state, where both passed their JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 999 entire lives, the father of our subject having valuable place of two hundred and three been a farmer by occupation, while in poli-acres, located in sections 5, 32 and 33, this tics he was originally a Whig and later a township. His physical infirmity in the loss Republican. Both he and his wife were de- of his arm has not proved a handicap to his voted members of the Lutheran church and success, as his present status clearly indi- were folk of sterling worth of character, liv- cates, and he is recognized as one of the pro- ing lives of signal honor and usefulness.gressive and able members of the county's They became the parents of nine children, prosperous agricultural coterie, while his namely: Daniel, George S., John, Samuel, farm is one of the model places of the sec- Philip, Michael, Mary, Elias and Katherine. tion. No man in the community is held in Of the number all are living except Mary higher regard. He has been a stalwart sup- and John. porter of the cause of the Republican party George S. Weinholt was reared on the from the time of its organization, and has homestead farm and is indebted to the com- been called upon to serve in various positions mon schools of the locality and period for of public trust and responsibility. For the his early educational training. He contin- long period of thirteen years he was incum- ued to assist his father in the work of the bent of the office of township treasurer, while farm until he had attained the age of twenty- he had the distinction of being treasurer of two years, and thereafter he was employed Jackson county for four years, giving a at farm work one year, at the expiration of most discriminating and capable adminis- which, in 1854, he was married. From that tration of the fiscal affairs entrusted to his time forward until the year 1865 he contin-charge and residing in the city of Jackson ued to be identified with the agricultural in- during his term of office. He also held the dustry in Pennsylvania, and then came to office of clerk of Waterloo township for one Jackson county, Michigan, locating in year, and in each of these capacities he gained Waterloo township, opening a general store unqualified popular endorsement. He has at Trist, Michigan, and carrying on business been active in the work of his party and has in this line about eight years. On the 4th of attended many of its county, congressional July, 1867, on the occasion of a celebration and state conventions as delegate. He and of the day in Waterloo township, Mr. Wein- | his wife have long been zealous and valued holt had the misfortune to meet with an members of the Lutheran church, being accident which necessitated the amputation identified with the church organization in of his left arm near the shoulder joint, the Waterloo township. injury which entailed this result being caused In Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in , by the premature explosion of a October, 1854, Mr. Weinholt was united in Upon closing out his mercantile business the marriage to Miss Lucetta Lutz, who was subject purchased sixty acres of land in sec- born in that county in February, 1837, be- tion 4, this township, where he continued to ing a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Weyle) be successfully engaged in farming until Lutz, who were likewise born and reared in 1902, when he disposed of the property and the Keystone state, where they passed their purchased his present well improved and entire lives, both being of stanch German cannon. IOCO JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. extraction. To Mr. and Mrs. Weinholt son of Orlando N. and Eunice (Buzzell) have been born seven children, viz: Kate Cook, both of whom were born in the state is the wife of Andrew Reithmiller, a farmer of New York. Orlando N. Cook was born of Waterloo township, and they are the par- on a farm in Ticonderoga county, that state, ents of five children. Mary is the wife of the property having been consecutively re- Emanuel Waltz, who is engaged in farming tained in the possession of the family from a in Leoni township, and they have six chil-period antecedent to the war of the Revolu- dren. George, who was a successful farmer tion. He was a son of Reuben Cook, who of Grass Lake township, married Miss Laura was likewise born on this old homestead, be- Kentz and they have one child. Elizabething a son of George Cook, who was a valiant is the wife of Louis Reithmiller, a farmer of soldier in the Continental line during the Waterloo township, and they are the par- war of the Revolution, having served under ents of four children. Joseph and George Ethan Allen and having thus been present at live in the city of Jackson; Joseph married the surrender of Fort Ticonderoga. He bore Miss Mary Strobel, no children having been the full patronymic of his father, George, born to their union. Sarah is the wife of Sr., who immigrated to America from Eng- Marvin Hoyt, a farmer of Grass Lake town- land about the middle of the eighteenth cen- ship, and they have two children. Penrose, tury. During the voyage to the new world . who has practical charge of the old home- he saved the life of a fellow passenger, Ellis stead farm, married Miss Laura Barber, and Patton, who, as a token of gratitude, deeded they have one child. to him an estate of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Ticonderoga county, New York, this being the old homestead to which reference has been made. The provision of CHARLES W. COOK. the donor was practically that of the old English system of entailment,—that is, the The name borne by the subject of this property was to descend by inheritance to the sketch, who is a successful merchant and eldest son of each successive generation, and honored and influential citizen of the village this stipulation has been carried out to the of Rives Junction, is one which has been present time. Reuben Cook, grandfather of . identified with the annals of American his- the subject, served as a soldier in the war of tory from the colonial epoch, while both in 1812, his birth having occurred February the war of the Revolution and that of 1812 15, 1787, and he took part in the battle of ancestors of Mr. Cook in the direct line were Plattsburg and other minor engagements. active participants, patriotism having been a In later years he removed to the western part dominating element in the family in all gen- of the state of New York, but he died in erations. Pittsford, Hillsdale county, Michigan, De- Charles W. Cook is a native of the old cember 19, 1870, in the home of his son Or- Empire state, having been born on a farm in lande, at the age of seventy-eight years. Machias township, Cattaraugus county, New Orlando N. Cook, father of the subject York, on the ist of June, 1839, and being a of this sketch, was born at Ticonderoga, Es- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1001 sex county, New York, on the 23d of March, who died at the age of thirty-five years; 1813, and remained beneath the parental George, who is å resident of the northwest ; roof until he had attained his legal majority, Amelia, who died aged about twenty-three when he removed to the western part of his years; Ophelia, who is the wife of J. C. Dye, native state, where was solemnized his mar- of South Haven, Michigan; and Perry N., riage to Miss Eunice Buzzell, a daughter of who resides in South Haven, this state. Enoch Buzzell, who was a son of Aaron George Cook has been an extensive traveler Buzzell, one of the first clergymen of the and successful speculator. He has passed Free-will Baptist church in America. He considerable time in the Klondike, where he lived in the state of Vermont and for more is the owner of a valuable mine, and he also than thirty years ministered to one congre- has mining property in the state of Montana. gation, having delivered the farewell sermon Orlando N. Cook, father of the subject, of his pastorate at the age of ninety-eight removed from New York to Ranson town- years, and a week later his death occurred ship, Hillsdale county, Michigan, in the a while he was riding on the back of his horse. year 1844, and there purchased a farm of He has been a man of wonderful vigor and one hundred and sixty acres, the same be- had never been ill in his life, and his end was ing entirely unreclaimed, while the section simply the “loosening of the silver cord” of was a veritable wilderness at the time, the life, and it may well be said that his strength Indians being more numerous than the white was as his days. The mother of the subject settlers, while wild game of all kinds was died February 15, 1903, at South Haven, still practically unmolested in its native Van Buren county, Michigan, having cele- haunts. The arduous task which confronted brated her eighty-sixth birthday anniversary this worthy pioneer was taken in hand with on the 4th of June, 1902. She was a true a energy and earnest determination, and with type of the noble pioneer women of the state the aid of our subject he cleared the greater of Michigan, whose early settlers were re- portion of his farm, upon which he made cruited largely from New York and New | excellent improvements as rapidly as his cir- England, and her life was one which should cumstances would justify. At the time of offer both lesson and inspiration, while her his location on this farm the nearest mill was children may well “rise up and call her at Tecumseh, forty miles distant, and six blessed.” To Orlando N. and Eunice (Buz- days were required to make the round trip zeil) Cook were born twelve children, name- with the ox team. After having improved ly: Francis, who died at the age of sixteen his farm he finally traded the same, about years; Orin, who died aged about twelve the year 1852, for another farm, near the years; Charles W., who is the immediate village of Hudson, Lenawee county, and a subject of this sketch; Mary Jane, deceased, few years before his death he sold this prop- who became the wife of Warren Rich and erty and removed to a farm in Allegan coun- who resided in Pittsford, Michigan; Bar- ty, where he passed the remainder of his life, , onet, who died at the age of ten years; passing to his reward on the 20th of Novem- Louisa, who died in infancy; Andrew, who ber, 1887, at the age of seventy-four years. is, a resident of Jefferson, Michigan; Laura, ! He was a man of simple ways and unpreten- I CO2 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. tious nature, inflexible in integrity and kind- and has erected several good buildings, for ly in his intercourse with his fellow men. residence and other purposes, while his pub- He was a zealous member of the Free-will lic spirit and his energy have done much to Baptist church, of which his widow has been further the interests of the village. In 1900, a member from her childhood days. In in association with Doctor Buell, Mr. Cook politics Mr. Cook supported the Freesoil constructed and installed an independent party until the organization of the Repub- telephone exchange, and its lines have now lican party, when he espoused its cause and been extended throughout the western part ever afterward accorded to it an unwavering of the county, seventy miles of wire being allegiance. utilized, while there are three local exchanges Charles W. Cook, to whom this sketch owned by the firm, aside from the one at is dedicated, was about five years of age at Rives Junction, while the total number of the time of his parents' removal to Michigan, instruments in use is about one hundred and and his early scholastic training was received twenty, the service being principally through in the pioneer schools of Hillsdale county, the farming community and offering facili- while he early began to assist his father in ties which are greatly appreciated. The en- the work of clearing and otherwise improv- terprise has been made a very successful one ing the homestead farm, while in his youth and no pains has been spared to make the ser- he learned the carpenter trade. At the age At the age vice perfect in every particular. In addi- of twenty-one he inaugurated his independ- tion to his store Mr. Cook has a well ent career, doing contract work at his trade equipped livery, and he caters to an appre- and also at the trade of masonry and contin- ciative patronage among the commercial uing to be thus engaged until the autumn of travelers who require accommodations in 1883, his field of operations being in Hills- this line. Mr. Cook cast his first presidential dale county up to this time, while he has vote for Abraham Lincoln, and has never been very successful as a contractor and since faltered in his allegiance to the Repub- builder. At the time noted he came to Rives lican party, in whose cause he has taken an Junction, Jackson county, and here pur- active interest. He has served four terms as chased ground and erected a commodious | justice of the peace, and has been a notary and substantial building, in which he opened public for sixteen years, while he was post- a large and comprehensive stock of general master of Rives Junction during the admin- merchandise, and here he has built up a large istration of President Harrison. He has and representative business, while to him is been a delegate to numerous county, con- accorded the implicit confidence and esteem gressional and state conventions of the of the community, for he is fair and upright “grand old party," and is still an ardent in his dealings and is known to be a capable worker in the ranks of the party. He has and progressive business man and one who won success through his own efforts and by observes the highest ethical principles. He worthy means, and the prosperity which is has purchased sixty or more town lots, in his is the just reward which crowns his partnership with his son-in-law, Dr. J. C. labors. Buell, since making his original investment On the Sth of October, 1862, was solem- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1003 nized the marriage of Mr. Cook to Miss at the age of three years. Ada, the youngest Emma A. Johnson, who was born in Pitts- of the children, is the wife of Dr. John C. ford township, Hillsdale county, Michigan, Buell, who has been successfully engaged in on the 9th of August, 1845, being a daugh- the practice of his profession at Rives Junc- ter of Stephen B. and Lydia (Beal) John- tion since 1896, and who is associated with son, both of whom were born and reared in the subject in the telephone business, as has Palmyra, New York, where their marriage been previously noted. He has made a spe- was solemnized. They came to Michigan incial study of electrical science and puts his an early day and settled in the township of knowledge to practical application in con- Pittsford, Hillsdale county, where Mr. John-nection with the telephone enterprise, thus son improved a good farm, which continued | insuring the maximum efficiency in the ser- to be his home until his death, his wife also vice. He was graduated in the medical de- dying on the old homestead. They were both partment of the University of Michigan as devoted members of the Methodist Episco- a member of the class of 1892 and is thor- pal church, and in politics he was a Repub- oughly fortified for the work of his chosen lican from the time of the inception of the profession, in which he has gained distinctive party. Of the four children of Mr. and Mrs. prestige since establishing himself in prac- Cook the following is a brief record: Nellie tice in Rives Junction. He and his wife re- is the wife of John J. Haywood, the leading side in the pleasant home of the subject and blacksmith of Rives Junction, and they have they have a winsome little daughter, Marian, two children, Morris and Lucile. Mrs. Hay- who was born on the 28th of April, 1899. wood is a very active and devoted member of the Baptist church, and is specially prominent in connection with the business affairs of the church in this village, her efforts having FRANK J. MOORE. been most effective in furthering its spiritual and temporal prosperity, while she is recog- Frank J. Moore claims the old Buckeye nized as a particularly earnest worker, be- state as the place of his nativity, having been ing a young woman of fine intellectual en- born in the city of Defiance, Ohio, on the dowments and attractive personality. Mil- 21st of May, 1860. He is a son of John L. ton married Miss Matie Kingsbury, a daugh- and Clara (Frisby) Moore, both of whom ter of a wealthy and influential farmer of were born and reared in Ohio, being repre- IaGrange county, Indiana, and they have sentatives of pioneer families of that state. one daughter, Altie. Milton has been in the Andrew Moore, grandfather of the subject, employ of one of the street railway com- was a native of Pennsylvania, where he grew panies of the city of Chicago for the past to manhood, and there he continued to re- nine years, holding the position of conductor, side until 1820, when he removed to Ohio, and he resides in a nice home on Cottage where he engaged in farming, and there he Grove avenue, that city, and is doing well, passed the residue of his life. John L. while he is an active worker in the ranks of Moore was reared and educated in Ohio, the Republican party. Herbert died in 1876, and there he was for a number of years en- 1004 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. gaged in agricultural pursuits, while he later faith was that of the Presbyterian church, of was engaged in the mercantile business in the which his wife also has long been a devoted city of Defiance. In 1860 he disposed of his member. They became the parents of four interests there and came to Michigan, the children, namely: LeGrand B., who was subject of this sketch being at the time about born on the 7th of October, 1847, and who two months of age, and the family took up resides on the old home farm; Charles O., their abode in Waterloo township, Jackson who was born on the 6th of November, 1854, county, where the father purchased one hun- and who died at the home in Michigan at dred and eighty-eight acres of land, a por- the age of ten years; Elma, who was born on ; , tion of which had been cleared, while the first the 29th of April, 1856, and who is now the home of the family was a log house of the wife of Edward Locher, a retired farmer, primitive type. John L. Moore improved residing in Petoskey, Michigan; they have this farm, erecting good buildings and re- two sons, Frank and John; and Frank J., claiming the major portion of the land to the youngest of the four children, and the cultivation, while he added to its area until immediate subject of this review. he became the owner of a fine farm of two Under the sturdy discipline of the home- hundred and forty acres, and here he con- stead farm in this township Frank J. Moore tinued to reside until he was summoned from was reared to years of maturity, and his edu- the scene of life's endeavors, his death oc- cational privileges were such as were af- curring on the 25th of June, 1896, at which forded in the public schools. He continued time he was eighty-one years of age. His to be associated in the work and manage- widow still resides on the old homestead, ment of the home farm until 1889, when he which is dear to her through the gracious purchased one hundred and sixty-three acres associations of the past, and she is now of excellent land, in section II, Waterloo seventy-eight years of age. John L. Moore township, the major portion of the tract be- was a man of excellent business ability and ing under cultivation, while the dwelling on sterling integrity of character, and to him the place at the time he assumed possession was accorded the fullest measure of popular was a log house of the pioneer type. On the confidence and esteem in the community in place the subject has made the best of which he so long lived and labored. In his permanent improvements, including a mod- early life he was a successful teacher, and in ern and commodious frame residence, all the later years he read widely and with which he erected in 1898 and which is discrimination and had a broad mental grasp, one of the attractive homes of this sec- keeping in touch with the questions and tion. He has brought his farm under events of the hour and taking a lively inter- the maximum condition of productivity, est in public affairs. He was a zealous ad- He was a zealous ad- raising the various products best suited vocate of the principles of the Democratic to this climate and soil, while he also party and was at various times incumbent realizes good returns from the stock-grow- of different township offices, ever exerting ing department of his enterprise, being at all his influence in the best interests of the com- times alert and progressive and not permit- munity in which he lived. His religious ting himself to grow apathetic in his efforts, a · JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1005 so that he is found ever ready to avail him- tages of civilization, for here his father took self of improved methods and improved ac- up his abode ere yet the state had been ad- cessories for the enhancing of the success of mitted to the Union, while our subject him- his farming industry. He is a wide-awake self was here ushered into the world in the and public-spirited citizen, enjoying un- pioneer epoch, so that his memory forms an equivocal esteem in the community and tak- indissoluble chain linking the primitive past ing a live interest in its welfare. He is a with the latter-day advancement and mate- stanch adherent of the Democratic party but rial prosperity. has not sought public office, though he served Joseph T. Baldwin was born on the pio- as highway commissioner in 1900. His in- neer homestead, in Sylvan township, Wash- terest in local educational work has been of tenaw county, Michigan, on the 20th of insistent and helpful character, and he is August, 1841, being a son of John A. and now school director of his district. Sylvia (Talbot) Baldwin, the former of On the 6th of December, 1888, Mr. whom was born in the state of New York Moore was united in marriage to Miss Paul- and the latter in Vermont, while their mar- ine Stadel, who was born and reared in Jack- riage was solemnized in the former state, son county. She is a daughter of Gottlieb | whither the mother of the subject accom- and Christina (Extine) Stadel, the former panied her parents when she was a child. In of whom is now a retired farmer of the New York state John A. Baldwin remained county mentioned. He was born in Ger- for a number of years after his marriage, many, whence he emigrated to America as a having been identified with the construction young man, and here he attained success and operation of the Erie canal and other- through his own efforts. His wife, who is wise employed in various occupations until dead, was of German descent, her birth hav- 1837, when he came with his family to ing occurred in the province of Wurtemberg. Michigan, making the trip by way of the Mr. and Mrs. Moore are the parents of three Great Lakes to Detroit, and thence coming children, namely: Florence M., who was overland to Washtenaw county, where he born on the 6th of November, 1890; Archi- purchased eighty acres of wild land in bald O., who was born on the 3d of Septem- Sylvan township. His initial effort was ber, 1896, and Verne J., who was born on in the clearing of a sufficient tract to the 3d of June, 1891. accommodate the little log cabin which he proceeded to erect for a family domi- cile, and here they established themselves in true pioneer style, in the midst of the JOSEPH T. BALDWIN. forest, through which wild beasts still made their way in practical freedom save as The life of Mr. Baldwin typifies in its ex- they fell victims to the rifles of the settlers periences much of the struggle the pioneers or the unerring shots of the Indians, who of the state of Michigan had to make in over- were still in distinctive evidence throughout coming the vast obstacles that lay between this section. Mr. Baldwin labored indefati- them and the full enjoyment of the advan- gably and succeeded in clearing his land and : 1006 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. placing it under cultivation, and upon this in this county. John A. and Sylvia Bald- place the family continued to reside about win became the parents of nine children, fifteen years, at the expiration of which they namely: Abel, who married Stella Fenton removed to Barry county, where they re- and has three children, is now a resident of mained three years, at the expiration of the state of Tennessee. Joseph T., the im- which they returned to the old homestead in mediate subject of this sketch, was the next Washtenaw county. In the early 'fifties the in order of birth; Harriet is the wife of father of the subject disposed of this farm William Showerman, a resident of Paw and came to the adjoining county of Jack- Paw, Van Buren county, and they have three son. He here effected the purchase of near- children; Hannah, who became the wife of ly five hundred acres of land, the same being Zopher Scidmore, died in Jackson county; located in sections 3, 4 and 10, Waterloo Lovinna is the wife of John Scidmore, and 4 township, the principle improvement on the resides in Jackson county; Daniel died at the place having been a log house, while a por- | age of twenty-eight years; Laura is the wife tion of the land had been cleared. With the of George Baldwin, of Leonidas, St. Joseph able co-operation of his sons Mr. Baldwin county, and they have one child; Sally is reclaimed the greater portion of this large the wife of Levi Palmer, of Jackson, no chil- landed property, developing one of the val- dren having been born of their union. The uable farins of the county, making improve- ninth child died in infancy. ments of the most substantial order and gain- The subject was reared under the sturdy ing precedence as a prosperous and substan- and invigorating discipline of the homestead tial business man and as one worthy of the farm, early beginning to assist in the work utmost confidence and esteem, for he was involved in the clearing and cultivation of animated by the highest principles and de- the land, among his duties as a lad being that manded the approval of conscience for every of driving oxen in breaking the land, while act of his life. Here he lived-in peace and he soon learned to handle the cradles with contentment until he was called to his re- which the grain was cut in those days. His ward in the life eternal, his death occurring educational privileges were such as were af- in April, 1883, at which time he was about forded forded in the district schools, which he at- seventy-two years of age. His devoted wife, tended during the winter months, assisting who had proved to him a true helpmeet, pre- in the work of the farm during the summer ceded him into eternal rest by fifteen years, seasons. At the age of twenty-one years he her death having occurred in 1868, at the began to work the home place on his own aged about fifty years. Both were consistent responsibility and two years later he pur- and valued members of the United Brethren chased one hundred acres of land in section church and in politics, after the dissolution 3, Waterloo township, the same being par- , of the Whig party, with which he had been tially cleared, while the dwelling on the same identified, Mr. Baldwin became a stalwart was a log structure. Here he has since con- Republican, having aligned himself with the tinued to make his home, having improved same at the time of its organization, while it his place and made it one of the model farms will be recalled that the party had its birth of the township, while by subsequent pur- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1007 chase he has increased its area to one hun- both members of the United Brethren dred and ninety-six and one-third acres, all church, as is also their daughter, the wife of being eligible for cultivation with the excep- the subject. To Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin have tion of ninety acres, which is still covered been born eight children, namely: Sarah is , with native timber. Mr. Baldwin is one of the wife of Benjamin Lantis, a farmer of the wheel-horses of the Republican party in Waterloo township, and they have three chil- , his township and has been a most important dren; George W., who is engaged in mail factor in furthering its cause in this section, service in the city of Jackson, married Jen- having been a delegate to many county, con- nie Kimball, and they have one child; Clara gressional and state conventions, while in remains at the parental home; Annie is the the early 'eighties he was elected to the office wife of Winnie Reynolds, of Grass Lake, of justice of the peace, in which he served this county, and they have one child; Lulu four years. In 1885 he was elected town- is the wife of Adolph Siegrist and they reside ship supervisor, of which office he continued in Grass Lake township; E. Guy and Lilly incumbent for five years, while no better evi- remain beneath the parental roof; and Al- dence of the esteem and confidence in which fred died at the age of ten months. Each he is held in the community can be asked of the children received good educational than that thus implied, since at the time of time of advantages, and George, who prosecuted his his administration the normal Democratic studies in the Grass Lake high school and majority in the county was about eighty the State Normal School, in Ypsilanti, was votes, which had to be overcome in addition for some time engaged in teaching in the dis- to calling forth the full vote of his own trict schools of the county. party men in the township. On the 28th of January, 1863, Mr. Bald- win was united in marriage to Miss Adelia Showerman, who was born in Jackson coun- THOMAS READY. ty, being a daughter of Peter and Sally (Croman) Showerman, the former of whom One of the representative agriculturists was born in the state of New York and the of Waterloo township and one who stands latter in Pennsylvania. They were married as a worthy scion of one of the honored pio- in the Empire state, where they continued to neer families of Jackson county is he whose reside until 1836, when they came to Jack- name appears above and who has passed son county, where Mr. Showerman took up practically his entire life in this township. government land, in Waterloo township, and Mr. Ready was born on the parental here he continued to be identified with agri- homestead, in Waterloo township, Jackson cultural pursuits until his death, having been county, on the 18th of June, 1856, and is one of the prominent and successful farm- son of Morris and Bridget (Loney) ers of the county. His wife likewise died on Ready, both of whom were born in the fair the old homestead. They became the par- Emerald Isle, from which America has re- ents of five children, of whom four are liv- cruited so many of her sterling citizens, ing at the present time. The parents were while their marriage was solemnized in a 1003 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Michigan. James Ready, grandfather of the was of the few horses to be found in this subject, emigrated with his family from Ire- section at that time. The grandfather of land to the United States in the year 1823, the subject continued to reside on the old residing for a time in the state of New York homestead farm until his death, in 1858, at and then removing to the south, where he the age of eighty-three years, and the father remained a few years. In the early 'thirties of the subject then assumed charge of the the family came to Michigan, the paternal farm, which he developed into one of the grandmother of the subject having died in model places of the section, placing it under Jackson county. The grandfather and fa- effective cultivation and eventually erecting ther located in the city of Detroit in an early a substantial and commodious residence, a day, and there the latter was employed for good barn and other requisite farm build- a number of years at his trade, that of tailor, ings, while he added forty acres to the orig- while his father became a resident of Jack- inal area of the place. Here he continued to son county in 1835. In the following year reside, honored and esteemed by all, until he he purchased two hundred and fifty-five acres was summoned to that "undiscovered coun- of government land in Waterloo township, try from whose bourne no traveler returns," and the subject still retains in his possession his death occurring on the ist of September, the deed to the property, this valuable and 1882, at the age of sixty-five years, while his interesting souvenir bearing the signature of loved and devoted wife soon followed him Martin Van Buren, then President of the into the life eternal, her death occurring in United States. A few years later than his the month of May of the following year, at father Morris Ready came to Jackson coun- which time she was sixty-five years of age, ty in company with his family and located while she was a communicant and zealous on the farm which his father had secured, member of the Catholic church. Morris the same being located in section 31, Water- Ready was a Democrat in his political pro- loo township, and on the banks of Portage clivities and was a man of alert mentality lake. The tract was at the time in its primi- and good business ability, while he won pros- , tive condition and covered with a heavy perity through his own efforts and ever growth of timber, while no improvements of commanded the confidence of those with any sort had been made. He erected a log whom he came in contact in the various asso- house of the type common to the period ciations of life. This worthy couple became and locality, the same being equipped with a the parents of two children, of whom the yawning fireplace in one end, and this being subject of this review is the elder. His sister, utilized both for heating and cooking pur- Ella, is the wife of John Ryan, a prosper- poses, while the meat supplied for the family ous farmer of Waterloo township, and they larder was mainly in the line of wild game, have three children. which was then plentiful. In initiating the Thomas Ready has passed practically work of reclamation the breaking of the his entire life on his present farm, which was ground was accomplished with an ox team, the place of his birth, and it may well be said while the family also had one pony, which that he has grown up with the country, while GEORGE J. TOWNLEY. MRS. GEORGE J. TOWNLEY. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1009 he has contributed his quota to the work of office he accords a stanch support to the development and advancement and has ever principles and policies of the Democratic been loyal to the interests of his native coun- party. ty, while he has proved a worthy successor On the 18th of April, 1888, Mr. Ready of his father and has carried forward the was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Sav- work which the latter so ably inaugurated in age, who was born in Washtenaw county, the early days. The subject secured his edu- Michigan, being a daughter of George and cational discipline in the public schools of Ellen (McGovern) Savage, both of whom the locality and through subsequent reading were born in Ireland, whence they emigrated and personal application has become a man to the United States in their youth, while of broad information and mature judgment, they became numbered among the pioneers while he carried on his operations according of Washtenaw county, where Mr. Savage to business principles and is one of the pro- gave his attention to agricultural pursuits gressive and energetic farmers of the coun- until his death, his wife also being now de- ty, while his estate is one of the extensive ceased. Of Mr. and Mrs. Ready's three . and best improved in this section. To the children, two are living at the present time, original homestead he has added by the pur- both of whom are attending school in the chase of two hundred and eleven acres of home district. Herbert was born on the 27th land in sections 29, 30 and 32, thus making of October, 1893, and Raymond on the 16th the aggregate area of his landed estate four of April, 1896, and both are bright and in- hundred and sixty-six acres, of which one teresting lads, representing the fourth gen- hundred and fifty acres are available for eration of the Ready family in Jackson cultivation, the balance being in timber and county. marsh land, while much of the latter portion will eventually become most productive, as its reclamation and improvement continue. GEORGE J. TOWNLEY. The place is devoted to diversified agriculture and to the raising of an excellent grade of The honored pioneer citizen and repre- live stock, in which latter department of his sentative of Tompkins township to whom enterprise Mr. Ready gives preference to the this memoir is dedicated passed practically Durham type of cattle, coarse-wool sheep his entire life in this county, having been a and Poland China swine, while he also raises mere lad at the time when his parents here each year a number of horses for general took up their abode, and during more than purposes. His attractive home has tele-half a century he here lived and labored to phonic facilities and he also enjoys the ad-goodly ends, while in his death, on the 8th vantages afforded by the rural free mail-de- of May, 1900, there passed away one who livery system. He takes marked interest in had ever retained the unqualified confidence all that concerns the well being of the com- and esteem of the community which repre- munity and the county in which he has sented his home during all these years. passed his life, and while he has never as- Mr. Townley was a native of the old pired to the honors or emoluments of public | Empire state of the Union, having been born 64 IOIO JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a in Ludlowville, Tompkins county, New work of the home farm until his parents had York, on the 2d of April, 1829, and being been summoned to "that undiscovered coun- a son of Nicholas and Hannah (Ackley) try from whose bourne no traveler returns," *Townley, boih of whom were born and and he then became the owner of the home- reared in that state, whence they came to stead, which is now one of the valuable and Michigan in the year 1836,—the year prior finely improved farms of the county, the to the admission of the state to the Union. same comprising at the present time two Nicholas Townley entered claim to two hun- hundred acres of fertile land, the major por- dred and forty acres of government land in tion of which is under effective cultivation, Jackson county, the same being located in and where his widow still resides, the place sections 19 and 38, Tompkins township, and being hallowed and endeared to her by the here he made a clearing and erected his little memories and associations of the past. He log cabin home, in which the family took up was a man of genial and kindly nature, lov- their abode in the midst of the forest, ing and devoted as a husband and father, through whose fastnesses still roamed the finding his greatest solace in the sacred pre- deer, bear, wolves and other wild beasts, cincts of the family circle and so living as while the Indians were not infrequent visi- to command as his own the unqualified re- tors to the little cabin homes of the settlers. gard of all with whom he came in contact. At the time when the Townley family lo- His life was unassuming but exemplified the cated here their nearest neighbor was five highest principles of rectitude and honor and miles distant, while they were called upon to the broadest tolerance and charity in judg- endure the various deprivations and vicissi- ment. He was a devoted member of the tudes which ever fall to the lot of the pio- | Methodist Episcopal church, as is also his neer. wife, and in politics he originally gave his George J. Townley was a lad of seven support to the Republican party, but later years at the time of his parents' removal to transferred his allegiance to the Prohibi- Michigan, and his it was to early become tion party, of whose noble principles he was inured to the sturdy discipline involved in thereafter a stalwart advocate. clearing the wild land and rendering it avail- On the 4th of October, 1854, Mr. Town- able for cultivation, the most strenuous ef- ley was united in marriage to Miss Ellen forts being put forth in order that the earth Adams, who was born in Wayne county, might in due time bring forth its increase New York, on the 16th of January, 1834, and the years in their flight might bear the being a daughter of David and Hannah record of increasing prosperity. His edu- | (Perrine) Adams, who were both natives of cational advantages were such as were to be Wayne county, New York, retaining their had in the little log school house of the pio- residence in Lyons, that county, until they neer epoch, the school being maintained pri- came to Michigan and numbered themselves marily by subscription and being most prim- with the pioneer settlers of Jackson county, itive in its equipments and methods of in- the father taking up a tract of land in Tomp- struction, as many still living can well tes- kins township, where both he and his wife tify. Mr. Townley continued to assist in the passed the remainder of their lives. He de- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. IOII veloped a good farm from the wild land and community and it is with pleåsure that a was one of the sterling and highly esteemed brief resume of the same is accorded a place citizens of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Town- in this volume. Abel McCloy is a native of ley became the parents of five children, con- Michigan and the son of Joseph and Marga- cerning whom the following is a brief rec- ret (McIntyre) McCloy, both parents born ord: Lewis A. married Bessie E. Tyler and and reared in the north of Ireland. Shortly they now reside in the state of Alabama, be- after his marriage Joseph McCloy came to ing the parents of five children; Minnie G. the United States and settled in New York, is the wife of Frank M. Sanford, a success- where he remained a few years, subsequent- ful farmer of Tompkins township, and they ly, in the spring of 1843, migrating to Wash- are the parents of five children; Fannie mar- tenaw county, Michigan. He made the trip ried Truman Mitchell Sanford, and is now a to his western home by wagon and was a resident of Birmingham, Alabama, her hus- long time en route, the journey being beset band being deceased and being survived by with many vicissitudes and not a few hard- two children; Nettie H. is the wife of Mont- ships which tested the strength as well as gomery C. Townley and they maintain their the patience of all concerned. Mr. McCloy home in the state of Arkansas, having three remained in the above county but a few children; and Frank A., who married Miss months, moving thence to Waterloo town- Ida E. Snow, resides in Nettleton, Craig- ship, in the county of Jackson, and locating head county, Arkansas, and they have one on a sixty-acre tract of land which he had child. All of the children received excellent purchased before leaving the state of New educational advantages, and Mrs. Sanford, York. On this place he built a small log the eldest daughter, is a talented musician. cabin, with the old-fashioned fire place which Mrs. Townley resides in her pleasant farm answered the two-fold purpose of heating home and the active management of the and cooking, and then addressed himself to place is entrusted to her care. She has the harder work of clearing his land and passed the major portion of her life in fitting it for cultivation. As time went by Tompkins township, and here she has the he added to his real estate until he owned affectionate regard of all who know her and two hundred and eighty acres, eighty-three is one of the honored pioneer ladies of the of which he reduced to tillage besides mak- county. ing making many valuable improvements in the way of buildings, thus becoming one of the leading farmers of the township as well ABEL MCCLOY. as one of its most enterprising and progres- sive men of affairs. In many respects Jo- The subject of this review has long seph McCloy was much more than an ordi- been a prominent figure in the business cir- nary man. From a small beginning he grad- cles of Jackson county, and few men are ually rose to a position of financial inde- as widely known or as highly esteemed. pendence and as a citizen with the good of His has been an active career, reflect active career, reflecting the community ever at heart, made his influ- credit upon himself and honor upon the ence felt in all movements having for their a ΙΟΙ 2 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. object the social advancement and moral band is engaged in farming and stock rais- welfare of his fellow men. In politics he was ing: Hugh, the next in succession, married originally, a Whig and an active worker in Susan Eunens and lives a retired life in the local affairs, but when that old party went county of Ingham, having accumulated a out of existence he became equally prom- | competence as an agriculturist; he is the fa- inent in upholding the principles of its suc- ther of four children, two of whom are de- cessor, the Republican party of today. ceased. . Abel McCloy, whose name intro- Reared according to the strict discipline of duces this article, is the fifth and youngest the Presbyterian church, he lived an earnest, of the family. He was born August 30, consecrated Christian life, and all of his re- 1843, in Washtenaw county, Michigan, but lations with the world were characterized grew to maturity in the county of Jackson, by a devotion to principle which marked the spending his early years on the homestead man of integrity and honor and won the in Waterloo township, and receiving his ed- confidence and esteem of all with whom he ucational training in the public schools. came in contact. Mrs. McCloy was also a During his minority he helped his father devout Presbyterian and early impressed with the work of the farm, and by reason of upon the minds and hearts of her children superb health, remarkable energy and great the love of truth and the necessity of correct physical strength, proved a most valuable conduct which had so much to do in mould- assistant. On reaching the age of twenty- ing their characters and preparing them for one he left home and engaged with the Mc- the stern duties of life. This good old couple Cormick Machine Company, entering the died on the homestead in Waterloo township employ of that concern under rather peculiar and left to their descendants a sacred mem- but very pleasing circumstances. One day ory which has been an inspiration to lauda- while passing by the McCloy farm, Mr. W. ble endeavor and a stimulus to upright cit- F. Cowan, agent of the McCormick Com- a izenship. They reared five children, the old- pany, chanced to see at work, with a team est of whom is Joseph, a veteran of the late and wagon, a tall, finely proportioned, bare- Civil war and a lawyer by profession; he footed young man, whose striking appear- served as captain in the Twelfth Michigan ance at once attracted his attention. Stop- Infantry, distinguished himself in many ping at the house, the agent made some in- campaigns and earned an honorable record quiries regarding the personable youth in as a brave and gallant defender of the union. the field and being prevailed upon to remain He married Miss Mary Stapleton and is the for dinner, he soon engaged the young man father of one child, Wirt, a resident of Cal- in conversation. Being pleased with his ifornia ; Jane, the second of the family, now frank, manly countenance, and the intelli- deceased, married David Leek, of Waterloo gence and sound sense of his talk, Mr. Cow- township, and became the mother of seven an made him a flattering proposition which children ; Mary, wife of Peter McIntyre, is Abel at once accepted. This was to enter the the third in order of birth; she has a family employ of the company as salesman at the of two children and lives in Stockbridge liberal compensation of seventy-five dollars township, Ingham county, where her hus- per month and expenses. As soon there- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1013 after as young McCloy could arrange his county, having been equally active in pro- affairs, he entered upon his new duties and moting the social and moral welfare of the so ably did he discharge the same that with community. He was one of the leading in a period of six weeks his salary was spirits in organizing the Munith Butter raised to one hundred dollars per month, Company, an important local industry, and with a corresponding increase of territory much of its success is due to his energetic ac- over which he was to travel. Mr. McCloy tion and efficient financial management. remained with the McCormick Company During his ten years' residence in Munith nineteen years, during which time he rep- he has been untiring in his efforts for the resented its interests in various parts of town's improvement, having erected a large Michigan, doing an extensive business and and beautiful modern residence besides using proving himself one of the most efficient and his best endeavors to induce others to im- faithful salesmen on the road. Meanwhile prove and make attractive their property. he continued to look after the home farm Reference has already been made to Mr. and manage his father's affairs until the lat- McCloy's large and growing agricultural in- ter's death, subsequently, in 1884, resigning terests, a matter in which he takes a pardon- his position the better to devote his attention able pride as no small share of his liberal to his agricultural interests, which for a income is derived from the beautiful and number of years had steadily grown in mag- highly improved farm of two hundred and nitude and importance. After remaining on eighty acres situated in the township of the farm until 1893, Mr. McCloy removed Waterloo. His farm buildings are modern to Munith, with the business interests of and complete in all their appointments and which he has been actively identified since as a practical husbandman, familiar with ag- 1884, having engaged in the grain business ricultural science, he is thoroughly up-to- at that date, and two years later opened a date, managing his place with consummate large hardware house in the town, the con- skill and realizing abundant returns from tinued increase in these lines of business the time and labor expended. His is also requiring his personal attention. The bet- widely known as a successful stockman, his ter to facilitate the handling and shipping of herds of fine blooded cattle being among the grain, he built, in 1884, a large elevator and best in the country, as are also his various this, in connection with farming, stock rais-breeds of horses, hogs and sheep, of which ing, the hardware trade and the buying and he keeps none but high grades, that always selling of all kinds of produce, he still car- command fancy prices in the markets. ries on, operating extensively along his vari- Mr. McCloy, on the roth day of April, ous lines of endeavor and standing today 1873, was united in marriage with Miss among the largest and most successful busi- Mary C. Henry, daughter of Lansing Hen- ness men in this section of the state. Pub- ry, of Rives township, a union that has been lic spirited in all the term implies, Mr. Mc- without issue. While not blessed with any Cloy has given his encouragement and finan- | children of their own, the subject and wife cial assistance to all worthy enterprises for opened their home some years ago to an or- the material advancement of his town and phan girl by the name of Hannah Rooney, 1014 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. whom they reared from childhood and upon his auditors, after which words came more whom they lavished the same wealth of love freely and he proceeded with a formidable and affection that would have been shown array of arguments, surprising everybody had she been of their own flesh and blood. with his logic and eloquence, himself more This young lady was given the best educa- than any one else. Since then his services tion obtainable, attending first the public have been in great demand on the hustings schools and later the Jackson Commercial and in every campaign where important is- College, from which in due time she was suies are at stake his voice is heard urging graduated with an honorable record. She is the party to its duty and pressing its claims an accomplished stenographer and typewrit- upon his fellow citizens. He is invariably er and at this time holds an important posi- chosen to represent his township in the vari- tion with Messrs. Parsons & Hobart, of the ous nominating conventions, county, district Detroit Chamber of Commerce. Another and state, and his commanding presence in young lady indebted to Mr. and Mrs. Mc- these bodies makes him an object of interest Cloy for a home and a start in life was Ma- while his influence is sure to be courted by tie Henry, now the wife of Charles Price, the contending candidates and fortunate the of this county. She lived with the subject one who succeeds in enlisting his support. for a number of years, received from him He has never had any political aspirations, and his good wife numberless tokens of love although well fitted by nature and training and esteem and her welfare is largely due to fill important public trusts, while his pow- to their unselfish efforts in her behalf. erful personality makes him a natural leader Mr. McCloy is not only one of the rep- resentative farmers and business men of his It is no disparagement to state that Mr. county, but he has long been an influential | McCloy is one of the most popular men in factor in its public and political affairs. Jackson county. A hale spirit well met, and Since his twenty-first year he has been a the prince of good fellowship, his amiable zealous supporter of the Republican party, manners and jovial disposition have won and as a campaigner few men in the county him hundreds of friends whose loyalty is have been as active and efficient. He is a among his most cherished possessions. Mr. clear, logical speaker and his addresses, McCloy is a man of heroic mould and im- sparkling with humor and interspersed with pressive presence, being over six feet in apt illustration and anecdotes, happily told, height, and he carries his three hundred and never fail to attract the interest of his hear- eleven pounds of avoirdupois with the ease He made his first appearance before a and dignity of one born to command. He is public assemblage at Tompkins Center in an attractive feature in any crowd or assem- the Greeley campaign. Though inexperi- blage and though large in stature and form, enced in the art of public discourse and his mind is in keeping with his bodily pow- greatly embarrassed, he nerved himself to ers, while his wealth of heart and affec- the task by telling a number of interesting tions dwarf his magnificent physical propor- incidents, perpetrated a few witty jokes, tions. In the true sense of the term Mr. thus enlisting the attention and sympathy of | McCloy is a typical western man and a of men. ers. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1015 splendid example of the sturdy class which has been spent, being honored and beloved he so worthily represents. He stands for by her neighbors and friends for her many progress and modern ideas, keeps in close admirable qualities of head and heart. She touch with the times, as well as informed on bore her husband six children, namely: Lee, the great national questions of the day and who farms the home place; Louise, wife of being a man of positive convictions it is not Otis Fulson, residing in Dundee, New York; difficult to ascertain his attitude towards the Adelia died at the age of eight; Eddie de- issues upon which men and parties divide. parted this life when seven years old; Fred His hospitality is as proverbial as his good J., of this review, and Frank, who died in nature and all who come within the range of early childhood. his influence bear willing testimony to his Fred J. Benson was born December 18, standing as a citizen. 1867, and spent his early life on the family homestead in Schuyler county, the mean- while acquiring a good practical education in the common schools, which he attended FRED J. BENSON. at intervals during his minority. Reared to agricultural pursuits, he demonstrated, while Energy and well directed endeavor have still a lad, not only a capacity for all kinds been strikingly displayed in the career of the of farm labor but also a willingness to put representative farmer and successful busi- his best efforts into whatever he might be ness man whose name furnishes the caption engaged, characteristics which have distin- of this sketch. Measured by years and ex- guished his career from youth to the pres- perience he is still young, but when consid- ent time. After remaining in his native ered in the light of the influence which he state until nearly twenty-three years of age, , has exercised in the community, he is much Mr. Benson came to Jackson county, Mich- older than the majority of those whose births igan, reaching his destination in the fall of antedate his own. Fred J. Benson hails 1890 and locating in the township of Henri- from Schuyler county, New York, and is the etta. On March 10, of the following year, son of John and Angeline Benson, the lat- he was united in marriage with Miss May ter before her marriage a Miss Silsbee. John A. Silsbee, an adopted daughter of Calvin Benson was a farmer and spent his life in and Mary Ann Silsbee, who were pioneers the state of New York, dying in the year of Jackson county, moving here in an early 1900 at his home in Schuyler county. He day from the state of New York, and be- was successful in his business affairs, ac- coming widely known as one of the leading cumulated a competency of this world's families in the township of Henrietta. The goods and as a citizen was esteemed by all six months following his marriage the sub- who knew him, having possessed in a ject spent in New York, returning to Jack- marked degree the sterling traits of char- son county at the expiration of that period acter that beget and retain public confidence and locating on a farm of one hundred and . Mrs. Benson is still living on the old home- twenty acres in section 23, of the above stead near which the greater part of her life township, where during the ensuing eleven 1016 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. years he prosecuted agriculture with suc- Benson owns a beautiful home in Munith, cess and financial profit. As a farmer and which is presided over with grace and dig- stock raiser he won worthy prestige and as nity by a wife who has encouraged him in all a public-spirited citizen, deeply interested in his business affairs and contributed not a whatever concerned the material prosperity little to his financial success and high stand- and moral welfare of his community, he rose ing in social circles. She was well raised, to a commanding position among his fellow received a good education, and her culture men. In the year 1902 Mr. Benson removed and refinement as well as her natural good- to the town of Munith and opened a meat ness of heart and kindness of disposition market, which he still manages, with a con- make her a favorite with the best society stantly increasing business, at the same time people of the community. Mrs. Benson's giving personal attention to his agricultural foster parents, the Silsbees, were among the pursuits which have also grown in magni- best and most highly respected people of the tude and importance. In the two-fold ca- county of Jackson. As already stated, they pacity of farmer and business man his suc- came to Henrietta township when the coun- cess has been marked, as is attested by the try was new and did much for its material competency now in his possession, nearly development, but they are best remembered every dollar of which is the result of his own for their influence and laudable efforts in industry and capable management. For giving moral tone to the community. Mr. some years past he has paid considerable at- and Mrs. Benson have been blessed with tention to live stock, which as a source of three children, the oldest of whom is Clay, wealth he has found much more profitable born February 24, 1892, now a student in than the various grain, fruit and vegetable | the schools of Munith. The other two, Lou- crops which his place só abundantly yields. ise and Lee, are twins, their birth having oc- As a breeder and raiser of fine cattle, sheep curred on the 2d day of October, 1895. and hogs, he has a wide reputation and there An intelligent and progressive man, is always a great demand for the horses from keeping pace with the times on all that per- his place which have long been noted for tains to public thought, Mr. Benson takes their excellent qualities as roadsters. an active interest in politics, supporting the In addition to his business and farming Republican party. He has no official as- interests Mr. Benson is identified with the pirations, however, preferring the energetic Munith Creamery Company, one of the life he now leads to any honors his fellow most important local enterprises of the town, citizens can bestow. In matters religious he being a large shareholder in the same and an has decided views and strong convictions, important factor in its management. He has being a devoted member of the Episcopal been active in promoting the prosperity of church, to which his wife also belongs. Mr. . the village along business and industrial Benson is a man of marked individuality lines, stands for progress and improvement and impresses all with whom he comes in when conducted legitimately, and all worthy contact by his energy and great personal enterprises have his encouragement and if force. He has already accomplished more necessary his liberal financial support. Mr. than most men of much longer lives and JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1017 from his present standing it is a matter of Arbor, a trip to which and return required easy prophecy to bespeak for him a future several days and hardships not a few. For of continuous prosperity and honor. some months a more lonely spot than the cabin in the midst of a dense forest can hardly be imagined. At night wolves and other wild animals made the woods resound GEORGE SOUTHWELL. with their dismal howling and frequently during the day Indians passed by, some- A prominent farmer and stock raiser and times on mischief bent, but aside from beg- for over eight years an honored citizen of ging an occasional meal and causing the Jackson county, the subject of this sketch children considerable anxiety and fright they is one of the few representatives of the pio- did not molest the family or attempt any neer period in this part of Michigan. Like kind of annoyance. Mr. Southwell was an many of the first settlers of this section of industrious man and he labored diligently the state, he is a New Yorker by birth, but early and late, frequently far into the night, traces his genealogy to an early period in the to clear his land and provide comfortably for history of New England, his paternal an- those dependent upon him. In due time, cestors having been among the pioneers of after many vicissitudes, his efforts were re- Vermont in colonial times. From the state warded with a well-improved farm and a in an early day representatives of the family comfortable home, the old log buildings moved to New York, and it was in the latter were replaced by modern structures of commonwealth that the subject's father, Ed- frame, additional land was purchased and in ward Southwell, first saw the light of day. the course of years the Southwells were Edward Southwell was born and reared in among the best known and most successful Seneca county and there, when a young man, people in the township of their residence. married Elizabeth Eighmey, whose ances- Here the head of the family died on the tors were among the early comers of that 29th of November, 1872, his wife having section of the country. After farming in been called away on the last day of the pre- New York until 1837, Mr. Southwell dis- ceding month while on a visit to her former posed of its interests and migrated to Mich- home in Seneca county, New York. Ed- igan, journeying as far as Detroit by way of ward and Elizabeth Southwell were greatly the lakes, thence to Jackson county by team, esteemed by their neighbors and are still reaching his destination in the summer of held in loving remembrance in the commu- the above year. Purchasing one hundred nity. They were consistent members of the and sixty acres of wild land in sections 31 United Brethren church and in a quiet way and 32, Henrietta township, he erected did much to promote the morals of the thereon a rude log cabin of the conventional neighborhood, their lives having been singu- type, after which the family began pioneer larly free from fault. Of their family of life in the true western style, the nearest eight children the subject of this sketch was neighbor being nearly two miles distant and the first born; Henry, the second, married the closest market place the town of Ann Polly English and lives near Brighton, this IOI8 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. state, being a farmer by occupation and the hind to lean against, while his feet dangled father of two children. Truman, a veteran a few inches from the floor. His educa- of the late Civil war, married Miranda Gar- tional experiences were of short duration, field, became the father of one child and died his time being required at home, and as he some years ago in the town of Munith. became older much of the work and respon- Laura A., widow of the late Jedediah Cook, sibility of the farm fell upon his shoulders. resides in the city of Jackson and has a fam- As a dutiful son he performed his task un- ily of three children; Louisa married Benja- complainingly, gaining strength and endur- min Coulston and died leaving a husband ance with the passing of years and in due and one child to mourn her loss; Asa, a time becoming energetic, self-reliant and farmer residing at Parma, Michigan, has a well fitted for the labors of life which he aft- family of four children, his wife having for- erwards assumed. Meanwhile he turned his merly been Miss Ella Abbott; Edward, the natural mechanical skill to good account by next in order of birth, is a citizen of Jack- learning carpentry and when not otherwise son, and Erastus, the youngest of the fam- engaged devoted considerable attention to ily, is engaged in agricultural pursuits in the trade, both at home and throughout the Henrietta township; he married Miss Cora neighborhood, becoming an efficient work- Hoy, of this county, the union being with- man and earning money enough to clothe out issue. himself and meet his personal expenses. George Southwell, a brief review of At the age of twenty-one the subject left whose career is outlined in the following parental roof and for twelve years there- paragraphs, was born in Seneca county, after followed his trade, during which time New York, November 25, 1835. While yet he earned an enviable reputation as a build- an infant his parents moved to their new In 1860 he purchased land in Ingham home in the wilds of Jackson county, Mich- county, all unimproved, but two years later igan, and as he grew in years and stature it exchanged it for one hundred and eleven fell to his lot to experience many of the acres in Henrietta township, Jackson coun- stirring vicissitudes of pioneer life. Being ty, Michigan, only a small part of which the oldest son, much of the farm work fell was ready for tillage. On this place he put to him as soon as he was old enough to take up a habitation of logs, a small but compara- his place in the woods and fields and when tively comfortable structure which in 1877 a mere lad he drove oxen to break ground, was replaced by the beautiful and imposing plowed, handled the scythe and cradle and modern frame dwelling still in use. Three became skilled in the use of all kinds of ag- years prior to the above date Mr. Southwell ricultural implements. erected a substantial barn, thirty by forty- Young Southwell attended school in a two feet in dimensions, which answered the little log building a short distance from his purposes intended until 1883, when a build- home and sat on a rough slab bench, while ing of enlarged capacity became necessary; conning his lessons in the old spelling book, accordingly in that year he erected a second a his back the meanwhile becoming tired al-building, seventy by twenty feet in area, most to breaking, because of nothing be- which is conceded to be one of the best con- er. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1019 structed and most convenient structures of five years; Nettie E. married Traverse Hoy, the kind in the neighborhood, Mr. South- a farmer of Henrietta township, and is the well doing nearly all the carpenter work mother of one child, Leo; Etta E., now Mrs. himself. The dwelling was also built after Fred Harrington, lives on a farm in Henri- his own plans and specifications and in the etta and has a son by the name of Gordon line of mechanical labor he has had to rely W. Bessie, the youngest of the subject's but little upon assistants, being a master of children, died when eight years old. The his trade. All of his buildings bear evidence two daughters living are intelligent, well- of superior workmanship, and the almost educated ladies, with pleasant homes and in- perfect condition in which they are kept be- teresting families. They are highly esteemed speaks the interest as well as the efficiency | by all who know them, move in the best so- which he displays in all of his undertakings.cial circles of the community and thus far In addition to his skill as a worker in wood their lives have been creditable to themselves Mr. Southwell is equally efficient in other and an honor to the fond father and mother lines of mechanism, being an accomplished | who spared no efforts in providing for their , blacksmith with a thoroughly equipped shop welfare. on his farm. Until within a comparatively Mr. Southwell's home is situated on a recent date he did all of his own blacksmith- rural mail route and connected by telephone ing and carpentry in connection with agri- with his neighbors and friends throughout culture and stock raising, but having ac- the county. It is an attractive place, with cum:ilated a sufficiency of this world's goods good taste displayed on every part of the to render further manual labor unnecessary, premises, and impresses the stranger pass- he abandoned his trades a few years ago, ing by as the dwelling of a family of no lit- rented his farm and is now living a prac- tle culture and refinement. As a farmer the tically retired life. subject has long enjoyed worthy prestige and The domestic life of Mr. Southwell dates as a raiser of fine horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, from November 25, 1862, at which time was also as a grower of superior qualities of solemnized his marriage with Miss Lydia E. fruits, he is not outranked by any of his Peak, daughter of Peter and Sophia (Parm- | neighbors and fellow citizens. As already ley) Peak, of New York. The Peak family stated, he has retired from life's active du- came to Michigan in 1847 and settled in Ing-ties, but still manages his business affairs, ham county, where Peter became a success- maintaining a lively interest in his farm, thus ful farmer and a representative citizen. mingling rest with the healthful recreation After the death of his wife, January 4, so conducive to happiness and longevity. 1882, he lived with his children until his Believing that man was put into this world own death, which took place on the 18th for enjoyment as well for strenuous effort, day of February, 1890. Mrs. Southwell Mr. Southwell tries to get from life all the was born May 21, 1845, in Seneca county, pleasures possible, and to this end he spends New York, and her marriage has been the heated seasons at his beautiful summer blessed with four children, the oldest, a son cottage at Pleasant Lake, where, in addition by the name of Wesley, dying at the age of to his family, he entertains the many friends a 1020 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. and acquaintances who see fit to accept his a resident, while his good standing as a cit- generous hospitality. His winter home is izen gave him a reputation beyond the little in the village of Munith, where he keeps locality where the greater part of his life open house which has long been a favorite was passed. rendezvous for the best society people of the The family of which the late William place, also for others who frequently cross A. Stowell was a worthy representative had the threshold for other than social purposes. its American origin in New York, a state Mr. Southwell has lived long and well which perhaps more than any other has con- and is now the oldest citizen of Henrietta tributed to the material prosperity, intel- township in point of continuous residence, lectual development and moral growth of having been here since the year 1837. He Michigan and other commonwealths of the has witnessed the remarkable growth of the great northwest. From the most reliable in- country and contributed of brain and muscle formation obtainable, the Stowells, from a to bringing about the evidences of advanced very remote period, appear to have been peo- civilization which now prevail. His has ple of strong mentality and corresponding also been a full life, into which few eddies physical energy and courage. The subject's or whirlpools have entered, being in the father, Lewis D. Stowell, was a man of main the calm, steady flow which betokens much more than ordinary powers of mind, prosperity and tends so potently to the de- which, disciplined by many years of study, velopment of strong, well rounded character led him to adopt teaching as a profession. and resourceful individuality. In politics, After following educational work for some he votes with the Republican party and in re- years in his native state, he finally, about ligion subscribes to the Methodist faith, a 1834, came to Michigan, locating in Wash- church of which his wife is also a faithful tenaw county, and the following year he en- and consistent member. Mr. Southwell has tered two hundred and forty acres of land never disturbed his quiet by aspiring to pub- which at that time of entry was in the prim- lic station, nor have the methods and wilesitive wild state that nature had made it. In of the modern partisan ever found favor in the midst of a dense gloomy forest, the deep recesses of which but few white men had penetrated, Mr. Stowell built his small cab- in home, and of nights listened to the dis- WILLIAM A. STOWELL. mal howling of the wolves which, impelled by hunger or following the fierce instincts For a number of years the gentleman of their savage nature, frequently gathered whose name furnishes the caption of this re- in numbers around the little domicile to the view was one of the prosperous farmers of no little disturbance of the inmates. Here Henrietta township, and in later life he he and his family lived, at first far removed achieved distinctive prestige in commercial from neighbors and still more remote from pursuits. His progressive methods contrib- a market place, the husband working some- uted in a material way to the advancement times far into the night while clearing his of the community of which he was so long land, the faithful wife attending to her sim- his eyes. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. IO21 ple household duties, also spinning, sewing memory still lingers in the community he and in many ways, of which housewives of helped establish nearly seventy years ago. the present day know little or nothing, min- The family of Lewis D. and Margaret istering to the comfort and welfare of those (Doolittle) Stowell consisted of six chil- dependent upon her. Mr. Stowell's abil- dren, viz: Henry, Lewis D., Medora, Will- ities being recognized by the few scattered iam A., Stephen and an infant that died settlers, he was induced to teach a term of before receiving a name, all having passed school shortly after his arrival and for a into that mysterious bourne from which no number of years thereafter he devoted the traveler ever returns. William A., the fourth winter seasons to educational work, receiv- of these children, was born in Jackson coun- ing but meager remuneration for his serv- ty, April 22, 1837, and spent the first six- ices. His wife was also educated far in ad- teen years of his life with his mother, part vance of the majority of the women of her of the time in Henrietta township and part day, and had taught several successful terms in the state of New York. He received a of school before leaving New York. After fair education in the country schools, but her husband's death, in 1845, she went back the greater part of his mental training was to her former home and during the ensuing directed by his parents at home, both, as al- five years supported her children principally ready stated, being teachers of much more by teaching, which profession she continued than average ability and well qualified to to follow until returning to Jackson county impart instruction to their children. When with her family in the autumn of 1850. a youth in his seventeenth year young Sto- Taking possession of the little farm in Hen- well left home to make his own way in the rietta township, she, with the assistance of world, later taking possession of twenty her sons, managed the same as long as she acres of land which fell to him from the lived, meanwhile having it cleared and oth- estate. On April 27, 1862, he took to him- erwise improved, displaying in her efforts self a wife and helpmate in the person of commendable zeal and good judgment. She Miss Julia A. Pixley, daughter of Richard became widely and favorably known as a B. and Julia (Sanderson) Pixley, of New lady of exceptional intelligence and sterling York, and immediately after the ceremony moral worth, reared her children to useful the young couple set up their first domestic and honorable stations in life and exercised establishment in the little log dwelling. a wholesome influence upon all with whom After living on the old place a few years she came in contact. Her character was Mr. Stowell sold it and purchased one hun- beautiful, her disposition gentle and sweet, dred acres of well improved land in the and as a member of the Universalist church township of Waterloo, which one year later she exemplified her religion in action as well was disposed of at a good figure and the as profession. Mr. Stowell was a member proceeds invested in a farm of one hundred of no church, but made Christianity a part and twenty acres in Henrietta township. of his every-day affairs. He was much re- This latter place was in a good state of culti- spected by his neighbors and friends and al- vation, but contained no improvements in the though dead for over fifty-eight years his way of buildings, consequently Mr. Stowell IO22 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. at once proceeded to provide the same. In While an energetic and thorough-going due time he had a comfortable frame dwell- farmer and a good business man, primarily ing in readiness for occupancy, after which interested in his own affairs, Mr. Stowell a substantial barn and other outbuildings was also public spirited and never forgot were erected, a series of improvements fol- nor neglected the duty he owed the commu- lowing in course until the farm became one nity. He ever took an active part in the of the excellent ones in the township as well growth and development of the township as one of the most beautiful and desirable and county, used his best endeavors to pro- homes. As a farmer Mr. Stowell displayed mote all local industries and enterprises and great energy and zeal and succeeded ad- by improving his own large properties, did mirably in all of his undertakings. In the much to encourage others in the same di- management of his business affairs mature rection, thus directly and indirectly contrib- judgment was ever paramount and so well uting greatly to the general welfare. Po- did he conduct his labors that in 1888 he litically he was a Democrat and at different was enabled to turn the farm over to his times his party honored him by an official son and retire with a comfortable compe- position, though he never asked such recog- tence to a beautiful home in the town of nition at the hands of his fellow citizens. Munith where he intended to spend the re- He served several terms as township treas- mainder of his life in the enjoyment of the urer and proved a safe and conservative cus- fruits of his toil. Not content to pass his todian of the public funds, every trust re- time doing nothing, Mr. Stowell shortly posed in him being faithfully guarded and after changing his abode to Munith kept up honorably discharged. Mr. Stowell was one handling farm machinery, harness and vari- of the most genial and companionable men, ous other lines of goods connected with ag- but he subordinated every other considera- riculture for about two years, and it was not tion to duty, leaving pleasure and social long until he found himself at the head of recreations as secondary matters. His life a flourishing business. The better to enable was filled repletion with with activity him to meet the demands of the trade in the and honorable endeavor, yet he derived village, he erected, in 1900, a large brick much satisfaction he went along store building and rented it one year, and and lightened many burdens by kind- then purchased the stock in the building. He ly words fitly spoken and by material possessed fine abilities as a financier and by assistance when such was necessary or ad- judiciously investing his surplus means from visable. As a citizen he discharged his ob- time to time in desirable real estate added ligation to the county, state and nation as very materially to his fortune. He owned became a true and loyal American, respect several large farms in different parts of the ing the government, having faith in its in- county, the value of which has steadily in- stitutions and at all times standing for strict creased, and in addition thereto purchased enforcement of the laws to the end that so- a number of pieces of property in Munith ciety might be bettered and a healthier moral which now represent far more than the sum sentiment be diffused throughout the body originally invested. politic. Mr. Stowell lived a full life fraught to as JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1023 at the with great good to this world, and his death, Since her husband's death Mrs. Stowell on the Sth day of August, 1902, removed has lived a life of honorable retirement at from the county one of its broad-minded, Munith with her niece, being widely known progressive men of affairs. in the coinmunity and highly esteemed for Three children blessed the marriage of her many estimable qualities of head and Mr. and Mrs. Stowell: William L., the heart. Her life has been singularly blessed oldest, is in business at Munith in the es- in many ways and in turn she has devoted tablishment his father formerly occupied ; a large measure of her time to the good of he married Margaret Ford, of this county, others, being liberal in her charities and al- who has borne him one child; Lewis D. lives ways ready by word or deed to minister to on the home farm in Henrietta township and the comfort and happiness of the poor and Margaret, the youngest of the family, died , , unfortunate. In her daily walk and conver- age of two years. sation she exemplifies much of the beauty Mrs. Stowell's parents, Richard B. and and goodness of noble American woman- Julia (Sanderson) Pixley, moved from hood and all within the range of her ac- New York to Michigan in 1836 and settled quaintances have been made better by her in Henrietta township on a tract of wild land influence and example. which Mr. Pixley subsequently converted into a good farm. Later he sold the place and purchased two hundred and forty acres near the town of Gasburg, which he also BENJAMIN COULSTON. developed and on which he spent the rest of his days, dying April 1, 1870, Mrs. Pix- The gentleman whose career is briefly ley having departed this life August 14, outlined in the following paragraphs is one 1866. Their children, six in number, were of the leading farmers of Henrietta town- named as follows: Oscar G., Frances E., ship and a representative of the sterling class a Julia A., Charles R., Lyman W. and Cassi- of citizens whose intelligence, energy and us M., only one of whom, Mrs. Julia Sto- well-directed industry have contributed so well, is now living. Mr. Pixley was a car- much to the material prosperity and moral penter by trade and built a great many growth of Jackson county. A native of the houses, barns and other edifices in Jackson grand old Keystone state, he inherits many county, among the number being the famous of the traits of his sturdy German ancestry Belknap residence in the township of Hen- and throughout life he has demonstrated rietta. He was a skilled workman and for fine business ability and a capacity to man- many years his services were in great de- age successfully large interests. James mand, not only in his own county, but Coulston, the subject's father, was born in throughout the counties adjacent thereto. Pennsylvania, of German parentage, and In politics he was first a Whig and later a there married, when a young man, Miss Republican and in religion he belonged to Emmeline Castlebury, who bore him seven the Presbyterian church, as did also his children, Benjamin being the oldest of the wife. number. Jane, who married Addison Suy- 1024 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. one. landt. a farmer of Henrietta township, was wife and mother did her cooking and for the second of the family; she died some several years after moving to the country years ago, leaving, besides a husband, three her lot was by no means an easy or enviable children to mourn her untimely loss; Mary, also deceased, was the wife of Alfred Van- Mr. Coulston improved his land, made derlyn, a farmer and stock raiser of Henri- a comfortable home and in due time became etta, and the mother of three children ; Par- quite well-to-do, also earning the reputation ley married Mrs. Elmira Simmons, has two of a kind, obliging neighbor and an honor- children and lives in the village of Munith, able, straightforward man and an excellent owning a farm in the above township; Ella, citizen. He was one of the leading Demo- the fifth of the family, lives in Henrietta crats of his township, an active politician, township, and his been three times married, held the office of township clerk, and was a first to Frank Gregory, then to Charles Pix- commissioned notary public, besides serving ley, and finally to her present husband, Will- | in various other public capacities. Frater- iam Coin; she is the mother of five children, nally he belonged to the Masonic order and two by her first marriage and three by her for many years was identified with the Meth- second, the third being without issue; Alice, odist church, his wife subscribing to the now Mrs. Frank Davenport, lives at Grass Episcopal faith. Mr. Coulston died in the Lake, where her husband is extensively en- month of July, 1900, and was followed to gaged as a horse dealer ; -Chester is a mar- the grave by a large concourse of his friends ried man with a family of two children, and fellow citizens, having been popular in whose mother was formerly Miss Lottie the community and widely known through- Lane. He went west some years ago and at out the county. His widow is still living at this time resides at Jamestown, North Da- the ripe old age of eighty-seven, and for one kota. In early life James Coulston learned of her years is remarkably bright and alert, harnessmaking and worked at the trade in retaining in a marked degree the possession his native state until his removal, in 1851, of her faculties, mental and physical. In to Ohio, where he was engaged a few years days gone by she labored zealously for her in the manufacture of flour. In 1855 he children and sacrified much for their wel- disposed of his mill and migrated to Mich- fare and now they vie with each other in igan, locating in Jackson, where he pur- ministering to her comfort, repaying her as chased residence property and opened a boot far as it lies in their power to do so for the and shoe store, which business he continued great love and devotion of which they were during the eight years following. At the formerly the recipients. expiration of that time he sold his stock Benjamin Coulston was born August 7, and bought eighty acres of land in section 1849, in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, 24, Henrietta township, moving his family and in early boyhood worked with his fa- from their city home into a rude log cabin, ther in the latter's harness shop. He made nearly the whole end of which was taken up himself quite useful in many ways, first in by a large fire place. By means of this fire preparing wax ends and later became pro- place and a brick oven outdoors, the good ficient as a harnessmaker, though never in- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1025 tending to follow the trade as a means for jority of successful agriculturists, Mr. Coul- obtaining a livelihood. He attended the pub- ston realizes the value of live stock as a lic schools of his native state for a short source of income and for a number of years time, later pursued his studies in Ohio, and he has made this branch of farming especial- after coming to Michigan was in the schools ly profitable. He devotes considerable at- of Jackson several years, laying aside his tention to blooded cattle of the Durham books when the family moved to the farm. breed, raising quite a number of these val- His youth and young manhood in the coun- uable animals, also buying them when young try was productive of great good, in that and selling when the market is favor- he became familiar with farm labor and laid able. In the matter of fine-wooled sheep the foundation of a sturdy physique which he has a well-earned reputation, and he also enabled him to grapple with the stern prob- raises the best breeds of swine. His horses lems of life when in due time he was called are of the best stock, keeping none but first- upon to meet and solve them. Until twenty- class animals, which he long since found one he assisted his father and contributed to much cheaper and far more satisfactory the support of the family, but on attaining than spending time with indifferent or low- his majority he took charge of the farm and grade animals. managed the same during the ensuing ten Mr. Coulston's farm is admirably situ- years while his father was absent in Cali- | ated and for general agricultural purposes fornia. While thus engaged he did well and and stock raising is not excelled by any other demonstrated aptitude as an agriculturist, place in the neighborhood. By excellent also became efficient in matters of business, management and well-directed industry he as success in farming depends quite as much has made it pay so well that his own labor on able management as it does on manual is no longer needed in its operation, having labor. accumulated a fortune of sufficient magni- Some time in the early 'sixties the sub- tude to enable him to turn the hard work. ject bought the homestead and since then over to other hands. In 1893 he built a he has added to its area until he now has one beautiful and attractive home in Munith and of the largest and best cultivated farms in since that time has lived in the town, though the township of Henrietta, owning four hun- still giving personal attention to the manage- dred and ten acres in a body, the greater partment of his large agricultural and live-stock fine tillable land, in productiveness second to interests. For a number of years he has a that of no like number of acres in the coun- been an influential factor in the public affairs ty. The improvements on this place are of his township, serving two years as treas- among the best in the community, there be- urer of the same and holding the office of ing a substantial and comfortable dwelling, | justice of the peace two terms, in both of well supplied with modern conveniences, a which capacities his duties were discharged good barn and outbuildings, while the fences in a manner highly satisfactory to all con- as well as the splendid condition of the fields cerned. He is a zealous Democrat, active . bear evidence of the method and care with in behalf of his party, and as an adviser in which the place is operated. Like the ma- its councils or a worker with the rank and 65 1026 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. file, has made his influence felt throughout present wife, Mary Carr, who was born and the county in every local, state and national reared in Ingham county, Michigan, the campaign, within the last twenty years. He union being without issue. She is a lady of is generally selected as a delegate to the vari- many excellent qualities a member of the ous nominating conventions and takes no Presbyterian church and is popular with her small part in the management of these friends and neighbors of Munith and vicin- bodies, but not as an office seeker, never hav- ity. In concluding this brief review, suffice ing aspired to political honors of any kind, it brierly to state that Mr. Coulston is per- , although by nature and training well qual-sonally one of the most popular men of the ified to fill any public position within the community in which he lives and enterpris- power of the people of his county to bestow. ing to the extent of lending his influence and Mr. Coulston's fraternal relations are repre- when necessary his financial assistance to the sented by the Masonic brotherhood and the encouragement of all objects for the public Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, 1 good. being a leading spirit in both organizations and at various times an honored official. Mr. Coulston, in 1871, was united in SQUIRE HOLT. marriage to Miss Louisa Southwell, a young lady of exemplary character and excellent The subject of this review was born Jan- repute whom he had known from early child- uary 14, 1838, in Orleans county, New hood. Mrs. Coulston was born in Henri-York, the son of Silas and Emily (Hick) etta township, the daughter of Edward Holt, the father a native of Massachusetts, Southwell, a successful farmer who came to the mother of Connecticut. These parents Jackson county in an early day from his na- were married in New York and by occupa- tive state of New York. After a brief but tion Silas was a carpenter and builder, in happy married life of fourteen years' dura- connection with which he also devoted con- tion, Mr. Coulston's home was invaded by siderable attention to agriculture. In 1843 the death angel who took therefrom his lov- he moved his family, consisting of nine chil- ing and faithful companion, the event occur- dren, to Michigan, arriving at Detroit via ring in 1894. Mrs. Coulston bore her hus- the great lakes, thence by rail to the town band one son, an intelligent young man of oi Dexter, near which place he settled on a twenty-three, engaged in merchandising and tract of land purchased by himself from the undertaking at Munith. After completing government some years previously. After the pụblic school course he was graduated building a rude log cabin on his land, Silas from the commercial college of Jackson, la- | Holt found his means exhausted, the sum to- ter took a full course in embalming in the tal of cash in his possession at that time be- city of Chicago, and, as indicated above, is ing a single shilling which he treasured with now one of the leading business men of zealous care. . The country was wild, all Munith, being in partnership with a cousin kinds of game plentiful, Indians still roamed by the name of L. C. Coulston. the forests and for some years the family, al- In the year 1897 the subject married his though fairly well provided for, endured JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1027 many trials and hardships. Mr. Holt did Rominer, the second son, died in September, what carpentry work he could procure in the 1902, aged seventy-five years; he married neighborhood and when not thus engaged Harriet Hopkins, followed farming and devoted his time to the clearing of his land stock raising in this state and in Kansas and and preparing it for tillage. The good wife departed this life at the town of Stockbridge, spun the cloth needed for wearing apparel, Ingham county, his wife also being deceased; made the clothes worn by the family, knit Mary, widow of Manly Gray, is the third of stockings, mittens, etc., and in many other the family; she lives in Mason, Michigan, ways assisted in getting a start, her whole and is the mother of four children, two liv- life being consecrated uncomplainingly to ing; Byron, a veteran of the late Civil war, the comfort and welfare of her husband and is a farmer, living in the county of Ingham; children. In these years Mr. Holt had sixty he married Minerva Felton and has a family acres in cultivation and from that time for- of six children; Samantha, the next in suc- ward the prospects of the family grew con- cession, has been twice married, first to a tinually brighter and more hopeful. Mrs. man by the name of Hopkins, afterwards to Holt departed this life in 1869 and in the M. J. Titus, the latter also deceased; she is early 'seventies Mr. Holt sold out, from the mother of six children, five of whom are which time until his death, in 1879, he made living, and makes her home in the town of his home with one of his children. By rea- Mason, this state; Almira, widow of H. H. son of his mechanical skill he became quite Burrell, lives with her daughter in Morris, a useful man in the community during early | Michigan, her children being six in number; , days. He not only built houses, but made Squire, the subject of this sketch, is the sev- many articles of furniture for the neighbors enth of the family, the eighth being Harriett, and when deaths occurred manufactured the wife of George Lord, a retired farmer, living burial caskets to order. It is said that he in Stockbridge, their family consisting of supplied coffins for a large area of territory, two offspring: John C., the ninth and being kept quite busy at this kind of work youngest, lives in Ingham county, on a farm during certain seasons of the year when adjoining the old family homestead; his first sickness prevailed throughout the country. wife was Etha Whipple, after whose death , In politics he was first a Whig and later a he married Sarah Bradfield. Republican and he always took an active Squire Holt remained with his father un- part in the affairs of his county, especially til a young man of twenty-two, when he took in the matter of public schools, having been charge of the home farm for one year. On a friend and earnest advocate of public edu- March 29, 1860, he entered the marriage re- cation. lation with Miss Hannah J. Lord, daughter Silas and Emily Holt reared to maturity of Lucius and Anna (Yereance) Lord, na- nine children, namely: Gustavus, a resi- : tives respectively of New York and New dent of Ingham county and a successful | Jersey. These parents were married in the farmer; his wife, who bore the maiden name former state and in 1839 came to Michigan, of Martha Babcock, bore him six children, locating in Ingham county where Mr. Lord three of whom are living at the present time; purchased land, developed a large farm and 1028 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ness, one. became a well-known and popular citizen. tion of his term of service and several at- His wife died in 1856 and in 1878 he was tempts were subsequently made, but for reunited to her in the world beyond, depart- reasons unknown they proved unavailing. A ing this life at the home of his daughter, letter addressed to President Lincoln relative Mrs. Holt. To Mr. and Mrs. Holt three to the matter received his endorsement and children have been born: Estelle, who died by him it was forwarded to the commanding in August, 1874, at the age of five; Elmer general, but probably became lost en route, also died when five years old, the date of his as nothing in the way of reply was ever re- demise being the month of May, 1881; ceived. Mr. Holt's military experience was Emma, born in 1861, married Frank Olds replete with duty faithfully performed and , and lives in the town of Munith, where her from the time of entering the service until husband is engaged in the hardware busi- leaving the same his record was an honorable It has always been a matter of regret After his marriage Squire Holt farmed that he did not receive his discharge, being in Ingham county until the breaking out of clearly entitled to honorable dismissal, but the war, when he entered the service of his the mistake, like similar occurrences, must country, enlisting, September 15, 1862, in be accounted for on the ground of pure neg- Company B, Twenty-sixth Michigan In- ligence. After the war Mr. Holt resumed fantry, under Captain S. B. Birch. He was farming in Ingham county, where he lived with his regiment until May, 1864, during until 1872, at which time he sold out and which time he participated in a number of purchased one hundred and twenty acres in campaigns and bloody battles, receiving at Henrietta township, Jackson county, only a Spottsylvania Court House, Virginia, a part of which was cleared. He improved the painful wound which obliged him for a num- latter place, erected good buildings and lived ber of months to receive hospital treatment. thereon until 1889, when he bought a beauti- When sufficiently recovered he rejoined his ful residence property in Munith. After command and later joined the Reserve spending thirteen years in the town of Mu- Corps, with which he continued until the nith, Mr. Holt, in the spring of 1902, re- close of the war, spending in all over three turned to the farm, but not to engage actively years in active service, during which time he in the pursuit of agriculture as he rents his took part, under General Grant, in the terri- land and devotes his time and attention prin- ble fighting in the Wilderness, at Cold Har- cipally to live stock. He has earned quite a bor and around Richmond which eventually reputation as a raiser of fine cattle and terminated in the collapse of the Rebellion Poland China hogs, his income from the sale at Appomattox. It was Mr. Holt's privilege of his animals adding very materially to the to hear the last speech ever made by Abra- comfortable fortune already in his posses- ham Lincoln and he was in Washington city sion. Mr. Holt is one of the leading citizens when the good President fell by the hand of of his township and for many years has been the coward assassin. Through the negli- an active participant in county affairs. In gence of certain minor officers Mr. Holt was politics he is a pronounced Republican and in not able to procure a discharge at the expira- | religion has long been a consistent member JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1029 were of the Methodist church, Mrs. Hoit also be brother, Percy, who is the third child of the longing to that communion. Fraternally the family and the subject of this article; ; subject is a zealous worker in the Grand Benjamin is now a resident of Cheslsea, Army of the Republic, being identified with Michigan. The coming of the oldest the post at Stockbridge. child, Deborah, to this state to make it her home paved the way for the other members of the family to follow. In 1857, B. Percy came out and three years later, in B. PERCY HAWLEY. 1860, the father sold his farm of two hun- dred and twenty-six acres, in Greene coun- B. Percy Hawley is a native of New ty, and with his wife and the other two York, born in New Baltimore, Greene children also came to enjoy life and pros- county, July 15, 1837. His parents were perity in the west. His first wife, the James P. and Nancy (Van Slyke) Hawley, mother of B. Percy, having died in 1845, the former being a native of Connecticut he some years later married Elizabeth Bed- and the latter of Greene county, her ances- dell and she was his companion on the trip tors being of the original Dutch. The to the new home in Michigan. He pur- paternal grandparents Scott and chased a farm of one hundred and twenty Deborah (Pratt) Hawley, natives of Con- acres, the Holland place, in Napoleon town- necticut. The The year of his birth is given as ship, on which he and his wife continued 1780, that of her's 1777. It is shown by to reside up to the time of their deaths, the family record that they were married which event occurred many years ago. May 13, 1798. Of the eight children born The education of B. Percy Hawley was to them one, Sarah, who married Nathan secured in the common schools of his native Coe, is still living, in New York City. state and the chief labor of his life up to The maternal grandparents were Barent the time he was twenty years of age, when and Jennie (Brink) Van Slyke, natives of he came to Michigan, was working on a New York, of Dutch ancestry, which for farm. His advent into Jackson county was many generations had inhabited the Mo- in April and he readily found employment hawk Valley. At the time of his death, in as a farm hand. Later he turned his at- 1839, he was sixty-four years old. They tention to such other employment as he were the parents of four children, two sons could procure, but was vigilant, industrious and two daughters, all of whom have long and prudent with his earnings. When he since followed their parents into eternity. had provided sufficient means, he purchased To the parents of the subject, James P. a team and began farming on his own be- and Nancy Hawley, four children were half. He rented land, paying for its use born, viz: Deborah, who married Henry with a part of the crop, and year by year Hoag, came to Michigan in 1855 and has made money for himself and the land resided here ever since, her present resi- January 19, 1860, Mr. Hawley dence being Stockbridge; Ezra for many was united in marriage to Miss Mary R. years has made his home with his younger Hawley, a native of the village of owner. 1030 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. . Napoleon, born January 19, 1838, and the operated a wagon and blacksmith shop, but only child of Charles and Emily (Griffin) his chief business in the village for ten Hawley, natives of New York, the former years was the operation of a steam flour- of Lewis county and the latter of Washing- ing mill. Later he, in partnership with ton county. He came to Michigan as early Wallace Hawley, erected a grist-mill and as 1834, was by trade a carpenter, settled in connection therewith a cider-mill and in the village of Napoleon and engaged in they operated both jointly for three the manufacture of cradles for cutting years. He then purchased the interest of grain. He also owned a farm, which he his partner and from that time until he managed well and profitably. Her death sold he operated the plant alone. After occurred July 7, 1880, followed six years disposing of his milling business, he went later by his demise, which occurred Sep- to Colorado, lived in that state for two tember 9, 1886. He was born May 9, 1811, years, most of the time being engaged in while the date of her birth is September farming, and on his return to Michigan 13, 1813. Both were well known and purchased fifty acres of land on section 30, highly esteemed in the city of Jackson and Napoleon township, and has devoted him- throughout the eastern part of the county. self exclusively to farming ever since. In In politics he was a very zealous Republi- politics he is not a pronounced partisan. can. To Mr. and Mrs. B. Percy Hawley He was elected and served as township were born three children, viz: Erwin D., treasurer and has held a number of other born February 7, 1861, lives at Golden, minor offices, but office holding is not and Colorado, where he is the manager of the never was agreeable to him. Farmers' Milling Company, he married good qualities which he is known to possess Frances E. Earl and they are the parents are well appreciated by his fellow citizens of three children, Lulu E., Dita A. and J. and few persons possess the confidence and Percy; Arthur L., born June 16, 1865, esteem of the community as he does. His married Lydia Keileback, and resides at popularity is only limited by his acquaint- Quincy, Michigan, where he conducts a ance and that is by no means circumscribed. flouring-mill; Homer, born July 19, 1869, is also a miller by trade, but is now engaged in the insurance business at Denver, GLASGOW BROTHERS. Colorado. He married Lena Hutchinson. Immediately after his marriage, in One of the foremost stores in southern 1860, Mr. Hawley purchased a tract of Michigan is the department store of Glas- forty acres situated half a mile west of the gow Brothers in Jackson. Founded in 1884 village of Napoleon. It was partially im- as Glasgow Bros. & Dock, in 1897 John B. proved and upon it he erected a comfort- Glawgow and Edward Dock retired, since able home. During the five years of his which time it has been known as Glasgow residence thereon he made other substantial Brothers. Its departments include dry goods, improvements, then sold and moved to the carpets, clothing, shoes, millinery, crockery, village of Napoleon. For a long time he | furniture, house furnishings and toys. The many JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1031 Benjamin J. Glasgow received his dry his education in the public schools and the goods education with C. P. Dibble & Son, college conducted by his father, being grad- of Marshall, P. R. Sobin & Company, and uated in the latter as a member of the class L. H. Field, of Jackson, and James Nall, Jr., of 1887. He began teaching in the college & Company, of Detroit. Albert S. Glasgow the same year, and ever since continued so to received his dry goods education with P. R. | do, while he assumed the management of the Sobin & Company and L. H. Field, of Jack- institution at the time of his father's death, son, and Marshall Field & Company of Chi- as before noted. The college building is cago. Although devoting most of his time commodious and specially well adapted for to the store, the latter is also president of the the uses to which it is given, having been American Condensed Milk Company of erected for the purpose by General Devlin, Jackson, which is doing a profitable and while thoroughness is made the imperative rapidly increasing business. demand in all departments, the best of in- structors being retained and the satisfactory progress of the student being thus insured, while the college derives its support from all HARRY C. DEVLIN. sections of the state and from many outside localities. Devlin's Business College has for more Mr. Devlin was made captain of a local than thirty years occupied à position of company of militia in 1886, and served in prominence and importance in connection that capacity for several years, while at the with the educational affairs of Jackson coun- present time he is captain of Devlin's Zou- ty, the same having been founded by the hon- aves, an organization connected with the col- ored father of the subject of this sketch, lege and one which is maintained at a high while the latter succeeded to the control of standard of proficiency in tactical work. The the enterprise and has been most fortunate in Zouaves have won several prizes, both state maintaining its high standard and prestige, and national, in competitive drills, among the institution taking rank among the best the number being the first prize in the inter- of similar order throughout the Union and state contest held in the city of Indianapolis, affording the best of facilities for training Indiana, in 1891. Many young men who re- young men and women for commercial pur-ceived their military training at the Devlin suits and general business and office work. College are now holding positions as captains Capt. Harry C. Devlin is a native of and lieutenants in the National Guard and Michigan, having been born in the city of the United States army. Capt. Devlin re- Sturgis, St. Joseph county, and being a son calls with pleasure the fact that among those of General George M. and Alice R. Devlin, who received military discipline under his the former of whom was the founder of the direction is one who is a captain in the Philip- college which bears his name, while he was pines, another who holds a similar position long one of the honored and influential citi- in one of the eastern states, and a third who zens of Jackson, where his death occurred in is a lieutenant in the United States army in 1895, The subject of this review received the south. Captain Devlin was assistant 1032 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. quartermaster-general on the staff of Gov- when he disposed of the place and came to ernor Rich for two years, and has always Tompkins township, purchasing here one maintained a deep interest in military affairs, hundred and twenty-six acres, in sections 17 as did also his father, who served with dis- and 18, where he developed one of the val- tinction in the war of the Rebellion. He uable farms of the county. He sold the has passed the major portion of his life in place to his son William, of this sketch, in Jackson and is distinctively popular in edu- 1899, and then took up his residence in the cational, military, business and social circles. village of Onondaga, Ingham county, where At Brockton, Massachusetts, Captain Dev- he lived retired until his death, which oc- lin was united in marriage to Miss Effie L. curred on the 8th of September, 1901, at Stacy, and they have two children, George which time he was seventy-five years of age. and Stacy He was a stanch Democrat in his political adherency. His widow still resides in her pleasant home in the village mentioned. WILLIAM A. FORD. This worthy and honored couple became the parents of five children, viz: Caroline is the Jackson county has been the home of wife of William H. McKitchen, and they re- Mr. Ford from the time of his birth, and as side in the village of Grass Lake, this coun- nearly a half century has elapsed since his ty, having one child; George A. married parents located in the county, it becomes Miss Vern Wheelock and they reside in evident that he is a scion of pioneer stock, Gratiot county, Michigan; Marian L. is the while he has personally wrought out a dis- wife of Sylvester Sebring, of Jackson; Will- tinctive success through the application of iam A., subject of this sketch, was the next his energies and abilities in connection with in order of birth; and Minnie died at the age the great basic art of agriculture and is of about two and one-half years. known as one of the representative farmers William A. Ford was reared on the home and citizens of Tompkins township. farm and early became inured to the various William A. Ford was born on the home- duties involved in its cultivation and im- stead farm in Waterloo township, this coun- provement, while he received excellent edu- ty, on the 17th of June, 1863, being a son of cational advantages in the public schools of Edward W. and Susan (Patchen) Ford, the the county. At the age of twenty-six years former of whom was born in the state of he inaugurated his independent career by New York and the latter in Connecticut. purchasing a farm of one hundred and They were married in New York and there eighty acres in section 21, Tompkins town- retained their residence until the year 1857, ship, this being in the year 1889, and here when they came to Jackson county. Here he has since resided, while he has made the father of the subject purchased a tract many excellent improvements on the place of wild land in Waterloo township, reclaim- and developed the same into one of the model ing the greater portion of the same and plac- farms of the township, while he is also the ing it under effective cultivation, and there owner of the old homestead, so that the ag- he continued to make his home until 1871, (gregate area of his landed estate is now three W. A. FORD. H MRS. NELLIE T. FORD JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1033 a hundred and eighteen acres. On his home of this grave responsibility is the best at- place, in 1896, he erected a fine barn, the testation of the real worth of the man. same being thirty-six by seventy-six feet in Emulius A. Parks is a native of Waterloo dimensions. In addition to diversified agri- township, Jackson county, Michigan, born | , culture, Mr. Ford devotes special attention | November 23, 1855. His parents were to the raising and feeding of high-grade live Daniel and Eliza A. (Sales) Parks. Both stock,—cattle, sheep, swine and horses, and were natives of the state of New York, in all departments of his farm enterprise he where their forefathers had resided for has shown marked discrimination and dis- many generations. The paternal grand- cernment, and is known as a wide-awake and father of the subject was Daniel Parks, a capable business man, while to him is ac- resident of the same section of New York corded the fullest meed of popular confi- in which the Sales family resided. About dence and esteem in his native county. In 1832 both families decided to come to politics he is a stalwart Democrat, and fra- Michigan and some weeks thereafter they ternally he is identified with Onondaga were comfortably domiciled in Washtenaw Lodge No. 296, Free and Accepted Masons. county. . Daniel Parks purchased forty On the 8th of October, 1888, Mr. Ford acres of government land and to its im- was united in marriage to Miss Nellie provements and cultivation the family Wood, who was born and reared in this turned its attention. The home was county, having been a daughter of the late typical one of the frontier of the time. It Jotham and Leonora (King) Wood, of was built of logs, daubed with mud, to Tompkins township. Mrs. Ford was sum- Mrs. Ford was sum- keep out the wind, with a large hospitable moned into eternal rest on the 5th of De- fireplace in one end, the most cheerful object cember, 1897, and is survived by three chil- in sight. Indians were constantly encoun- dren, Marion, who was born March 29, tered, but they were friendly and caused 1890; Marjorie, December 14, 1896, and the early settlers very little trouble. Oxen William A., Jr., November 27, 1897. Mar- were the chief beasts of burden and roads jorie died at the age of thirteen months. were almost unknown. Industry character- ized the family, as in the clearing and the field they were busy, while in the house the hum of the spinning wheel and the rattle EMULIUS A. PARKS. of the shuttle could be heard away into the night. Both parents were skillful at The subject of this biography is the the loom and made it a source of very oldest son and third child of a family of material profit. Here the family lived un- . When he was barely twenty-one til long after the mother's death, and when years of age both his parents died, and his the children all went out into the world orphaned brothers and sisters had from to work for themselves the father gave up that forward no one but him to look to the home and resided with his children un- for maintenance, direction and advice. til his death, which occurred in Waterloo The manner in which he acquitted himself | township, Jackson county. He is a de- seven. 1034 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. vout and consistent member of the United To the parents of the subject seven Brethren church. children were born, viz: Camille married After having served his father faith- Wesley Berry, of Stockbridge, and they are fully and well on the family homestead the parents of five children; Addie died of during the years of his minority, when typhoid fever at the age of twenty-one twenty-one years of age Daniel Parks, years; Emulius is the subject of this father of the subject, purchased forty acres biography; Gilbert is a graduate of Detroit of land, a part of section 16, Waterloo Medical College, and is engaged in the township, Jackson county, and about this practice of his profession in New Castle, time he was united in marriage to Miss California; he married Miss Addie West, Eliza A. Sales. After erecting and furnish- but enjoyed marital happiness only a few ing a comfortable log house upon their land, years when she died; his second wife was in 1852, the young people took up their Miss Dota Burns and to them two children residence thereon and devoted themselves have been born; Edward L. is a farmer of to clearing and improving the place. As Waterloo township, and married Carrie their means and opportunities permitted, Barber, the result of this union being three , they added to the size of their farm until children; Amanda died at the age of two it comprised one hundred and seventy acres, years; Edith married Gardner Snyder, of one hundred of which he had himself Kalamazoo, Michigan, and they are the cleared and put under cultivation. Although parents of eight children, six of whom are the father of five young and helpless chil- living. All received a good common school dren at the time, early in 1863, when the education and are comfortably situated. Macedonian cry went out from Washing- Farming has been the life work of Emu- ton for more troops to suppress the rebel- lius A. Parks. He is the oldest son and at lion, he could no longer resist the appeal. the death of his parents, in 1876-7, the care He enlisted as a private in the Twentieth and training of his younger brothers and Michigan Volunteer Infantry and served sisters devolved upon him. Nobly did he until the close of the war. He participated meet the grave responsibility and well did in many hard-fought battles and numerous he perform the arduous duties exacted of skirmishes, receiving no injury whatever him. The worthy, useful and prosperous , in any of them. In the summer of 1865 lives each of these children are now leading he was honorably discharged and returned sound the praise of him who was to them to his home in Jackson county, where he at once brother and parent. He continued applied himself to the labors of his farm to reside upon and cultivate the old home- until his death, which occurred in July, stead and as each of his brothers and sis- 1876. His wife survived him one year, ters became of age he purchased their in- expiring in 1877, the cause of death in both terest in the farm, paying them full value cases being typhoid fever. Both were mem- for their inheritance. He has since added bers of the United Brethren church and forty more the farm, which each was active in religious and charitable makes it now two hundred and ten acres work. In politics he was a Republican. in extent. He has remodeled the house, to the acres JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1035 making of it a handsome, comfortable to general farming. His crops are wheat, home, and the barn has also undergone oats, rye, hay, beans and potatoes. Much alterations, which make it more convenient of the produce of the farm is fed to the and commodious than it was. He has in- live stock on the place. His live stock con- vested in a feed-mill, to which he has sists of full blooded Poland China hogs, harnessed the wind, which is made to pre- and he makes many sales for breeding pare the feed for his live stock. The place purposes, Durham cattle, coarse-wool sheep, is now better fenced and better drained than general purpose horses and Norman mares. it ever was before. The home of the family has telephone con- January 20, 1879, Emulius A. Parks nection and rural free delivery regularly was united in marriage to Miss Ella A. furnishes the various members of the Croman, a native of Jackson county, born household with their mail. In politics Mr. in September, 1859. Her parents were Parks is a Republican and takes an active Abraham and Susan (Lincoln) Croman, interest in each successive campaign in the natives of Pennsylvania, who early in life interest of his party, and is especially in- came with their parents to Michigan and terested in the cause of education. He has located in Jackson county. The paternal served two terms as a member of the coun- grandfather of Mrs. Parks was one of the ty board of supervisors, ty board of supervisors, running ahead of very first settlers in Waterloo township. his party ticket. He is one of the best He secured a large tract of government known, highly respected and most popular land, which was, after his death, divided citizens of his part of the county and the among his children, and upon the portion usefulness and worth of his life amply at- assigned to him Abraham, father of Mrs. test how deserving he is of the regard and Parks, resided until his death. He was one esteem of his fellow citizens. of the sturdy pioneers who have so largely contributed to make Jackson county what it is today. To bless an already happy home, eight children have been born to Mr. and J. GOTTLIEB HEYDLAUFF. Mrs. Parks, viz: Delavan, William, Daniel, Susie, Clara, Mary, Willie and Vernie. J. Gottlieb Heydlauff was born in Wiliam and Clara are dead, Delavan is a Wurtemberg, Germany, October 23, 1837. school teacher of Waterloo township and His parents were Andrew and Katharine the younger sons and daughters are still (Riethmuller) Heydlauff, who were also attending school. The parents were active natives of Germany, as had been all of their members of the United Brethren church, ancestors from time immemorial. They of which he has been the organist for were good people, industrious and thrifty, twenty-five years and during the past two whose chief characteristic was a stolid con- years he has also been superintendent of tentment with the life which they led and the Sunday school. the hard lot which fortune assigned them. On his productive and well improved By the time Gottlieb had reached the eached the age of farm, Emulius A. Parks devotes himself twenty years he had completed his term of 1036 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. acres. enlistment in the German army and was the Michigan Volunteer Infantry. The battles, possessor of a very liberal education for a great and small, in which the subject par- lad of his position in life. He had read ticipated number thirty-eight. He was much, particularly regarding the great Re- with his regiment from its first entrance public across the water, which determined on the field of action clear through to the him to embrace the first opportunity of be- close of hostilities and saw much hard ser- coming an American. Accordingly, in vice. During the entire four years he was 1857, he secured passage on a small and never in the hospital and there were very not very. seaworthy sailing vessel and made few occasions on which he was not ready the trip across the Atlantic. They were for duty. He was mustered out of the forty-three days on the ocean and many service at Jeffersonville, Indiana, and dis- a time during those memorable days did charged there July 8, 1865, and returned it seem certain that their ship would touch to Jackson county. He returned with suf- the bottom before she did the shores of ficient means to aid him in purchasing a America, They finally landed in New valuable home, and he bought a farm fairly York, then he came on to Michigan, where well improved, in Waterloo township, for four years he worked by the month for comprising one hundred and sixty-five various farmers. His advent into America This place has been his home and could scarcely have been at a more inauspi- the home of his family ever since. He has cious time. The panic of 1857 was at its increased its size until it now comprises height, all the industries of the land were four hundred acres, one hundred and sixty paralyzed, labor was idle and thousands of which are clear and under cultivation. were either living on charity or begging Since he purchased it the farm has been their bread. When employment was se- splendidly improved, a large, substantial cured, it was meagerly and grudgingly re- barn having been erected in 1880, a splendid munerated. These were the conditions modern residence in 1889, and the fencing which prevailed when the feet of J. Gott- and drainage are all that could be desired. lieb Heydlauff first pressed the free soil of January 14, 1866, J. Gottlieb Heyd- America. At the end of four years' hard lauff was was united in marriage to Miss work on American farms, he found himself Katharine Moeckel, a native of Jackson little better off than when he began. But county, born May 20, 1843. Her parents he had acquired a knowledge of the country, are George and Elizabeth (Freyermuth) of the people and of their language, which Moeckel, natives of Germany, but early was more valuable to him than considerable pioneer residents of Waterloo township, money. Then came the war. July 5, 1861, where the father is numbered among the less than three months after the first shot most substantial farmers of that part of was fired on Fort Sumter, found Gottlieb Jackson county. They have lived in the Heydlauff a Federal soldier, not only will- ' county since the early 'thirties. To Mr. ing but anxious to fight the battles of his and Mrs. Heydlauff nine children have adopted country. He enlisted in Company been born, viz: Clara married George Rank, B, Captain Sibley, Sixteenth Regiment, l of Grass Lake, and they have one child; 7 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1037 Louise married Harry Pratt, a hardware while she was born in New York, April merchant of Dexter, Michigan; Charlotte 5, 1835. The paternal grandfather of the married Fred Schnackenberg, a hardware subject was Owen McIntee, a native of merchant of Munith, this county, and they Ireland who immigrated to America and lo- have one child; Rosa married David Kyes, cated in New Jersey about 1820. There he principal of the high school at Cass City, remained until 1837, when, with his family, Michigan; Emma married Fred Walz, a he came to Michigan, traveling overland, farmer of Grass Lake township, and they and located in Lindon township, Washte- have two children; Victor is the owner and naw county. There he secured one hun- operator of a large cattle ranch near As-dred and sixty-three acres of government sinniboin, Canada; Carl, a farmer who re- land, wholly unimproved, which he pro- sides upon and works the home place, mar- ceeded to convert into a farm. The prim- ried Bernice Morehouse; Walter died at itive log cabin was the first home of the the age of seventeen; Cornelia makes her family on the place. The title to this tract home with her parents, but at present is of land is still in the family and it is owned attending school at Cass City, Michigan. and operated by one of the descendants They are all well educated, two of them, of the sturdy original settler. . Victor and Rosa, having been teachers, and During the lifetime of Owen McIntee all are worthy and exemplary citizens. the place was cleared up and splendidly im- In religion Mr. and Mrs. Heydlauff are proved. A good residence and substantial members of the Lutheran church in Water- farm buildings were erected and under his loo township. In politics he is a Republi- wise direction and unflagging industry the can, and although he served one term as farm became a most productive and valua- justice of the peace, he evidently is living ble piece of property, its size being in- in a Democratic township, for he made one creased to two hundred acres. Here the race for supervisor and was defeated, de parents devoted their lives to the care and spite the fact that he ran sixty ahead of proper training of their children and when his ticket. The family home is supplied those who lived had gone out into the world with all modern conveniences, including to do for themselves they still made the old telephone and rural free delivery. homestead their place of abode until their death. Both were members of the Catholic church, zealous and very devoted to the faith of their fathers. They were the par- EUGENE MCINTEE. ents of six children, viz: Daniel, John, Ann, Eugene, William and Mary. Three are Eugene McIntee is a native of Jackson dead and three are living, Ann, Eugene and county, Michigan, born in Waterloo town- | Mary being the survivors. The parents had ship, November 26, 1859. His parents | the well-known Hibernian love for letters were Daniel and Catharine (Geraughty) | and were careful to see that the children McIntee, he born on the island of York, improved every opportunity for securing off the coast of New Jersey, April 20, 1832, an education. With the ready wit and 1038 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. quick intelligence characteristic of the Irish Catharine McIntee, viz: Eugene, the sub- race, coupled with the aggressive enthusiasmject of this sketch; Ellen, wife of George which seems to pervade the atmosphere of Simmons, a farmer of Washtenaw county; America, the children acquired a acquired a very Mary T., wife of William O'Brien, a farmer thorough knowledge of all the branches of Leoni township, and the parents of six taught in the common schools. The father children; William A. is a resident of the died in 1876, at the remarkable age of one state of Montana; Anna became the wife hundred and ten years. In politics he was of Joseph C. Dougherty, lived in Chicago, a Democrat and was a man of genial, and had one child, but the mother is now kindly disposition, whose friends were only dead; Margaret and Maria, now residents limited by the number of his acquain- of Chicago, were given a good business tances. education and are each holding a position Daniel McIntee, father of the subject of of responsibility. The others also were this article, was only five years old when well educated and are now very comfortably the family came to Michigan. When not settled in life. attending school he was helping his father The farm which at present is owned and in the clearing and after leaving school operated by Eugene McIntee is the same continued to work with his father until he upon which he was born forty-four years was twenty-eight years old. In 1853, in ago. . He attended the public schools and partnership with his brother John, he pur- received a good common school education. chased four hundred acres of land, the When not occupied with his studies he was greater part of section 30, Waterloo town- helping his father on the farm. When old ship, Jackson county. Upon this place a enough and strong enough, every species residence was built, and when Daniel Mc- of labor on the place necessary to be done Intee married Miss Catharine Geraughty was engaged in by him. He remained on it was to this home he brought his bride and the homestead assisting his father until he it was also upon this farm and in this home was twenty-eight years old, and outside of the subject of this article, Eugene McIntee, four years that he was employed in Ingham the oldest child of the family, was born. In county his entire life has been spent in 1860 the brothers divided their land, each Jackson county. On November 28, 1888, taking two hundred acres. Daniel built a Eugene McIntee was united in marriage to new residence in 1880 and year after year Miss Mary J. Fleming, a native of Jackson continued to make improvements on the county, born November 18, 1860. Her farm. He died January 17, 1883, while a parents were Patrick and Margaret (Mar- little more than seven years later his faith- key) Fleming, natives of Ireland, who came ful wife departed this life, November 13, to Michigan in an early day, and located 1890. Both were devout members of the in Henrietta township, where he purchased Catholic church. In politics he was land and engaged in farming. He is dead, Democrat, a man of wide acquaintance and but his wife is still living, residing at the popular wherever he was known. old home. Seven children were born to Daniel and After the death of his mother Eugene a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1039 McIntee returned to Jackson county from riage, moved to Michigan, locating in Ingham county, where he had been living Waterloo township, Jackson county, and for four years, and purchased the old home from that time to the present that locality place, upon which he moved and there he has been the home of the family. Life in has resided since. One hundred acres of the the primeval forests of Michigan before the farm are in a fine state of cultivation. He territory became one of the states of the carries on general farming and stock raising Union was by no means all that could be and takes considerable interest in dairying. desired. The number of Indians prowling He breeds and feeds Jersey cattle, Poland around were a constant source of anxiety China hogs, fine-wool sheep and general to the new residents, white settlements purpose horses. His home is connected were widely scattered, there were practic- by telephone and rural free delivery reg- ally no roads and the nearest flouring-mill ularly furnishes the family its mail. The was at Ann Arbor. The first home of the parents are both members of the Catholic family was a log cabin, which was not church and Mr. McIntee is a member of large, but was quite comfortable. The Tent No. 475, Knights of the Maccabees, original tract of land was soon cleared up at Munith. In politics he is a Democrat, and cultivated. Its owner yearned for an is at present a justice of the peace and he increase of his possessions and within a has also filled a number of township offices. very few years added two hundred acres It was chiefly through his instrumentality more to his farm. He devoted himself to that rural free delivery was secured for his the clearing, improving and cultivation of locality. He is a man of ability and in this land and each successive year found fluence, whose standing in the neighbor- him better situated financially than he had hood where he was born and reared is of been the years previous. The family ex- the highest penses were not large, for by the skill of the industrious wife and mother nearly every garment used by the parents and chil- ROBERT RYAN. dren were not only made but fabricated from the original material by Mrs. Ryan. Robert. Ryan is a native of Jackson She spun, wove and knit, and made and county, Michigan, born in Waterloo town- mended, so that neither the factory, the ship, December 5, 1854. His parents were tailor nor the clothing merchant received Michael and Laura A. (Mary) Ryan, he much patronage from them. To Mr. and a native of Ireland and she of New Mrs. Michael Ryan seven children were York, and they were married in the latter | born, viz: Roxana married Casper Knauf, state. He came from the land of his nativ- a prosperous farmer of Ingham county; ity in early life and grew to manhood in Andrew, a farmer of Henrietta township; the Empire state. Farming was the occu- Farming was the occu- Libby is the wife of Eugene Healey, one pation which he followed and desiring a bet- of the progressive farmers of Henrietta ter field for the exercise of his labor than township, and they are the parents of six he found in New York, he, soon after mar- children; James also resides in Henrietta 1040 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. township, and is a thrifty farmer; John, a Robert Ryan was united in marriage to resident of Waterloo township and a suc- Miss Sarah Cavender, a native of Jackson cessful farmer, married Ellen Rady, and county, born December 10, 1865. Her they are the parents of three children; Rob- parents are Christopher and Jane (Burney) ert is the subject of this biography; Mary Cavender, natives of New York, who came J. resides with her brother James in Hen- to Michigan at an early date, and located rietta township. The advantages of a in Waterloo township, where they have good common school education were given since resided. He is a successful farmer to each and each is now very comfortably and a man of much influence in the county. situated financially and otherwise. The To Mr. and Mrs. Ryan four children have faithful mother passed to her eternal re- been born, all boys, viz: Osmer, born June ward in March, 1891. Her husband sur- 2, 1893; Omer, born May 25, 1895; Carl, vived her a little more than seven years, born August 7, 1897; Clair, born October his death occurring in August, 1898, after 27, 1899. The subject and his wife are both having resided in Jackson county more than devout members of the Catholic church and three score years. Few people in the coun- their children are all being brought up in ty were more sincerely mourned at their that faith. death or were more generally respected About the time of his marriage Robert during their life-time than were Michael Ryan purchased forty acres of land, a part Ryan and his faithful wife. Both were of section 5, Waterloo township, and on devout members of the Catholic church, and this tract of land he and his family have it was in the faith of that church which has since resided. He carries on fixed farming, ministered to the spiritual wants of her which includes stock raising and some children for more than nineteen centuries dairying. Durham cattle, general purpose that they died. In politics he was a Demo- horses, Blacktop sheep and Poland China crat, active and zealous in behalf of his hogs are the species of domestic animals to party and well posted regarding its princi- which he devotes his attention. In politics ples. he is a Democrat, prominent in the counsels Robert Ryan is the sixth of a family of his party, but has never sought any po- of seven children. He had three brothers litical preferment for himself. He is a man older than himself and the most kindly of excellent judgment, prudent in all the brotherly relations existed between them. affairs of life and by excellent management Early in life each of them decided to fol- has been eminently successful. low agricultural pursuits. They worked together most harmoniously, each year di- viding the proceeds of their industry with JOHN R. SCIDMORE. the utmost fairness and to the entire satis- faction of all, until after the marriage of Waterloo township has a number of the youngest brother, Robert, the subject prominent and respectable residents who of this review. April 27, 1892, when he have made it their home for upwards of than thirty-seven years old, half a century, some of them all their lives; was more JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1041 but none of the leading citizens of that tinued to be the home of many of them township is better entitled to a distinguished from that time to the present. On this place in the history of Jackson county than place the subject of this review was born the subject of this review, John R. Scid- and it was upon it that his parents and more. Though now in his fifty-third year, grandparents died many years ago. A11 his home has never been beyond the view the male members of the family were Whigs of the spot wherein he was born, November during the existence of that party, and later 29, 1850, and although surrounded by joined the ranks of the Republicans. hundreds of people who have seen his every A family of ten children were born to action from childhood, he is possessed of Abram Scidmore, father of the subject, a reputation that individuals of far greater who has been twice married. To the first distinction might well envy. The ancestry union eight children were born and to the . of the Scidmores were originally English, latter two. Zopher was the oldest child, but the progenitor of the family in this of whose interesting career a sketch will be country came to America in colonial times, found in another part of this volume; the establishing his home in Saratoga county, second was Isaac, who died' early in life; New York, where many of his descendants Mary Jane, the oldest daughter, married still reside. The parents of the subject were John C. Welch, a farmer of Grass Lake Abram and Caroline (Williams) Scidmore, township, are very comfortably situated both natives of New York, he of Saratoga and are the parents of seven children ; county and she of Allegany county. The Henrietta, the second daughter, died before grandparents of the subject emigrated with reaching maturity; John R. is the subject their respective families to Michigan while of this memoir; Frank L. married Anna it was still a territory, and located in Jack- | Peckham, a prosperous farmer of Ottawa son county, establishing their home and county, Kansas, and four children have been continued to make it their abiding place born to them, of whom three are living; until their death. Reuben Scidmore, grand- | Fred F., a stockman, farmer and capitalist father of the subject, was one of the very of Kansas, one of the principal stockholders earliest settlers in Waterloo township. He of a bank of which he is cashier, married came here in 1836 with his wife and chil- Mary Armstrong and they are the parents dren, including Abram, father of the sub- of three sons; Arthur W., a successful ject, who was then about twenty years of practicing physician of Three Rivers, age. He immediately procured from the Michigan, married Louisa Parsons; Reu- government one hundred and sixty acres ben is married and resides at Tacoma, of land, a part of section 10, then dense Washington. All are well educated and woods, and proceeded to convert it into a leading useful lives. farm. The work was necessarily slow and . Upon the old homestead in Waterloo the task arduous, but the ultimate success | township township John R. Scidmore was reared, is well attested by the condition today of his life differing little from that of other the homestead. The title to this land is boys of the locality and the times. He was still in the Scidmore family and it has con- industrious, thrifty, intelligent and persever- 66 1042 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. state. ing in his youth, and by the exercise of a very thorough and comprehensive knowl- these most commendable traits of character edge of conditions prevailing in each par- laid the foundation for a useful life by se- ticular locality, the result being that they curing a good education, later supplement- returned to Jackson county, Michigan, much ing it by extensive reading and the acquisi- better satisfied than they ever were before. In tion of much useful knowledge. He as- politics the subject is a Republican, and sisted in the labors of the farm during the takes an active interest in the success of his lifetime of his father and by the time he party. He is a charter member of the arived at the age of twenty-six had accumu- Knights of the Maccabees tent at Grass lated some money and property. On the Lake. The family home is supplied with . 25th day of January, 1876, John R. Scid- telephone and enjoys the benefit of rural more was united in marriage to Mis free delivery, and its owner is known Lovinna I. Baldwin, a native of Barry throughout the locality as a man of broad, county, born January 12, 1849, and the liberal views on all questions, possessed of daughter of John A. Baldwin, of York fine sensibilities and quick sympathies which . One child was born to this union, a are invariably backed by a wise head and a little son who gladdened the household for generous hand. nine years. They had named him Clair A. and the fond parents were very hopeful of a bright future for their little son, when his young life went out in death in his tenth J. SEDGWICK LEECE. year. About 1885, the subject secured one The subject of this biography, J. Sedg- hundred and fifty-five acres of the old home, wick Leece, of Henrietta township, is de- to which he soon after added until he is at scended from many generations of farmers present the owner of two hundred and and at no time since he passed the romantic sixty-five acres. It is all well improved period of boyhood has he had the least and well fenced. He carries on general temptation to abandon the calling of his . farming, also raising horses, cattle, sheep ancestors. ancestors. Mr. Leece is a native of Michi- and hogs. The chief crop to which he de- gan, born in Henrietta township August 11, votes his broad acres is corn and every | 1868. His parents were Joseph and Ann bushel which he raises is fed upon the place, (Sedgwick) Leece, natives of England, as the greater part of it going into his hogs. had been their ancestors for many gener- He considers that there are no money mak- ations. They were married at Hawkshead, ers for the farmers equal to corn and hogs. | Lancastershire, England, and soon after In 1901 the subject and his older brother embraced the opportunity to come with his Zopher, made a tour of the west, traveling parents and six of the other ten children overland through the Indian territory, of the Leece family to the United States. Texas, Kansas, New Mexico and up into The paternal grandparents of the subject Colorado. They devoted plenty of time to were Thomas and Margaret Leece, who, seeing all that was to be seen and securing with their seven children and daughter-in- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1043 law, landed in New York city in 1854, were born, viz: Mary, Henry T., Joseph, after a voyage of five weeks in a sailing Margaret, Agnes and J. Sedgwick. The vessel. He was a man who in his native | latter is the subject of this review, and land was skilled as a shoemaker, but divided Mary, Henry and Joseph died in 1863, of his time between that calling and cultivating diphtheria, the three deaths occurring with- a small farm. They remained in the city in a period of twelve days; Margaret was a of Albany three weeks, familiarizing them- teacher in the public schools of the county selves with the conditions of the country, a number of years and is now at home; and then set out for Michigan. They first | Agnes is the wife of Frederick Jump, a located in Waterloo township, where they | farmer at Villisca, Montgomery county, remained some time, and in 1859 took up Iowa, and they are the parents of five chil- their permanent residence in Henrietta | dren. Joseph Leece, father of this family, township. Here Thomas Leece departed died May 3, 1888, at the age of sixty years; ; this life in November, 1860, being survived his wife survives him and now resides on by his wife for fifteen years, she expiring the old homestead. In religion they were in January, 1875. very devout members of the Episcopal At the time the remainder of the family church. He was a man of domestic tastes came to Michigan from Albany, in 1854, and fine sensibilities, loving his home and the subject's parents took up their residence ready to make almost any sacrifice in the in Livingston county, Michigan, where they interest of his family. He was a Democrat remained five years, meeting with much suc- in politics, but never could be induced to cess in their new field of labor and accumu- become a candidate for any public position. lating some money. Such favorable re- On the farm which he now owns and ports had been received from the other operates J. Sedgwick Leece was born and members of the family in Michigan that in reared. He attended the public schools and 1860 they moved to that commonwealth profited by the instruction there received and purchased eighty acres of land in to the extent of securing a good common Henrietta township, a part of section 2, school education. He was nineteen years upon which they established their home. old at the death of his father and immedi- The tract was later increased by purchase, ately thereafter took upon himself the en- so that it now comprises one hundred and tire charge of the farm. Under his direction twenty acres. The first home was a primi- | many improvements have been made which tive one of logs and the first domestic have added greatly to the value of the place animals they could afford to own, with as well as to the comfort and convenience which to do the farm work, were a yoke of the family. In 1889 he erected a sub- of cattle. However, despite the advan- stantial and commodious residence and four tages under which they were obliged to years later put up a large barn suitable to labor the land was cleared, placed under a the requirements of the place. Other fine state of cultivation and splendidly im- necessary buildings were erected a few proved. years after, so that at the present time there To Joseph and Ann Leece six children are few farms in the locality that are bet- 1044 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a man en- ter improved in the line of buildings. A view of whose career the following lines are large and well constructed windmill supplies devoted. William Hayes is a native of the power for the operation of a feed grinder state of New York, born in Saratoga county and furnishes the house and barns with September 29, 1826. His parents were abundance of water for all purposes. In William and Maria (Alsdorf) Hayes. Will- 1892 Mr. Leece built a house for his hogs iam Hayes was a native of Ireland, who im- that is a model in the way of convenience migrated to America in 1799, while still a for the man in charge of the stock and mere youth, and devoted his time and comfort for the animals. Fifty hogs may Fifty hogs may attention to farming. He grew to be be housed within it very comfortably. The of intelligence, thrift and home of the subject on the premises is terprise and after his marriage accumu- equipped with a telephone and supplied lated considerable property. In politics with mail by rural free delivery. he was a Democrat and actively aided in the November 22, 1898, J. Sedgwick Leece success of that party. Both he and his wife was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. were members of the Baptist church. To Garfield, a native of Jackson county, born them six children were born, of whom Will- February 12, 1878. Her parents are iam, the subject of this review, is the oldest. William R. and Addie (Giddings) Garfield, The others are Elias T., Sylvester, Sophia, old residents of Michigan. The paternal Solomon and Martha. Sophia and Sylvester grandfather of Mrs. Leece came to this state were twins and of the six, Sylvester and long before its admission into the Union, lo- Solomon are now deceased. Each received cated in Rives township and followed farm- a good common-school education, and those ing until his death. The family is one of the that are living are in comfortable financial best known and most highly respected in the circumstances and prosperous. In Decem- northern part of Jackson county. To gen-ber, 1852, the father died. eral farming the subject devotes his atten- Until he was twenty-two years of age, tion, raising and feeding Durham cattle, a the subject remained with his father on the good grade of coarse-wool sheep, Chester | farm, devoting himself to every species of , White hogs and general purpose horses. In agricultural labor. He then went to the city all of his agricultural operations from the of New York, where he secured a position very beginning he has been most successful. in a mercantile establishment as clerk, and , In politics he is a Democrat and an active remained there until called back to the farm worker in the interest of his party. by the death of his father. In 1853 he came to Michigan, stopping some time at Detroit, then coming to Jackson county, where he purchased forty acres of land, a part of sec- WILLIAM HAYES. tion 10, Henrietta township. The conditions existing here at that time were by no means Conspicuous among the silver-haired inviting, the region being wild and sparsely veterans of a time long past is the venerable settled. and highly respected citizen to a brief re- May 8, 1853, William Hayes was united JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1045 in marriage to Miss Ruth M. Daggett, a na- rietta township, William Hayes and his tive of New York, born May 24, 1833, and bride, soon after their marriage, took up a daughter of Eliphus F. and Ruth (Robin-their abode. Through their industry the son) Daggett, both natives of the Empire place was soon cleared and improved and as state, where they had been reared, educated their means permitted was added to, until it and married. They came to Michigan in now comprises one hundred and ten acres of 1834, by way of the lakes to Detroit and by rich, productive land, the greater part of it wagon to Jackson county. Here they in- being under cultivation. He is carrying on vested in eighty acres of government land, mixed farming, paying special attention to which they proceeded to transform from a live stock. Shropshire sheep, Jersey cattle, wilderness into a productive farm. The Poland China hogs and horses for general patent for this land, issued by the govern- purposes are the different kinds of stock bred ment and signed by Martin Van Buren, and fed on the place. He has a comfortable, President of the United States, is still in the commodious and well-furnished residence, possession of Mrs. Hayes. So few were the supplied with telephone and rural free deliv- roads in the region at that time that the ery, a very startling contrast to the condi- owner of the land, to obviate the danger of tions which prevailed fifty years ago when getting lost in the wilderness, was obliged he and his good wife began housekeeping in to "hlaze" the trees along the trail from the their little log cabin in the wilderness. only highway in the vicinity to the humble William and Ruth Hayes are the parents home he had erected. Probably the first of four children, viz: Lydia is the wife of Sunday school ever organized in Jackson | Isaac Leese, a farmer of Henrietta township, county was that which was opened in the and they are the parents of seven children; ; vicinity of the Daggett home, in 1835, in Rosa died at the age of twelve years; Jessie a log house, most of the pupils being brought married Charles Poxon, a farmer, and they to the edifice in big wagons drawn by ox live in Ingham county; Phoebe resides at teams. Mrs. Hayes remembers the occasion home with her parents. Each of the three very well, she at that time being a very little children has received a liberal education. girl and one of the pupils in attendance. But Jessie was a teacher in the public schools of the life of privation the early pioneers were the county for eleven years. Phoebe is a obliged to endure was not suited to the Dag- | graduate of the State Normal School at getts, so they only remained a few months, Ypsilanti, and has taught school eleven returning to their former home in New years, much of the time in the Springport York, where the next twelve years were high school. She is a thorough musician spent. In 1852 they came back to Michigan, and has devoted some time to instructing took up their abode upon the land they had pupils in instrumental music. Both parents abandoned years before and have resided are religiously inclined, but do not belong to here ever since. Mrs. Daggett died in 1869, the same religious denomination. He is a being survived by her husband twenty-four member of the Baptist church, while his wife years, his death occurring in 1893. is a member of and an active worker in the On his modest little tract of land in Hen- Methodist Episcopal church, their diverging 1046 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. c views, however, in this regard, never inter- clearing of the land Mr. Harr next devoted fering with domestic harmony. In politics himself and with the assistance of his family Mr. Hayes is a Democrat, firm in the faith he was soon in possession of a well-tilled, and active in the work of his party. He has fertile and valuable farm. There he and the served his township as treasurer, highway members of his family resided until his commissioner and at the present time is dis- death, which occurred in 1870. His resi- charging the duties of justice of the peace. dence of thirty-four years in Jackson coun- ty had made for him many warm friends and acquaintances. He was successful in all of his undertakings and died well beloved JOHN G. HARR. throughout that section of country in which he lived. The subject of this biography, John G. Jacob Harr, father of the subject, grew to Harr, of Henrietta township, was for many manhood under his father's roof, received a years a successful teacher of Jackson coun- good education and devoted himself to the ty, and liked the calling sufficiently well to duties of the farm. In 1851 he was united have made it his life work, but having dis- in marriage to Miss Caroline Artz and soon covered a way of making much more money, a thereafter purchased a tract of land in for the time and talent expended, he showed Waterloo township, upon which, however, his wisdom in abandoning a calling where he resided only a short time when he sold it the compensation is rarely if ever commen- and purchased two hundred acres, a part of surate with the services required. section 24, Henrietta township. This place John G. Harr is a native of Jackson he cleared and improved and for many years county, Michigan, born in Henrietta town- it continued to be the family home. After ship, April 26, 1867. His parents were the death of his wife's father he purchased Jacob and Caroline (Artz) Harr, natives of the interest of the heirs in the Artz home- Wurtemberg, Germany, Both came stead in Waterloo township. The family America from the land of their nativity, in moved to this place, but remained there only childhood, with their parents. The paternal a few years, when they returned to the old grandfather of the subject was John Jacob | home in Henrietta township. There the Harr, who immigrated to America in 1835 worthy mother died January 15, 1892, and and a year later located in Waterloo town- eight years later, October 27, 1900, the hus- ship, Jackson county, Michigan. He pur- band and father passed away. Both were chased a tract of land from the government, known and highly respected. In religion a part of section 27. It was wholly unim- they were Lutherans and in politics he was proved and the first task he set himself to a Democrat. was the erection of a residence for the fam- Thirteen children were born to Mr. and ily. It was a primitive one of logs, with the Mrs. Jacob Harr, viz: Mary married David inevitable big fire-place of those days and, Croman, of Munith, and they are the parents although it could not lay much claim to of four children: Emma is the wife of John beauty, it was quite comfortable. To the | Donahue, a farmer of Tuscola county, a to JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1047 Michigan, and they are the parents of three self. In 1901, a year after his father's death, , children, two living; Emanuel W., a produce he purchased the interest of the other heirs dealer in Munith, married Kitty Eckard, in the old homestead in Henrietta township, and they are the parents of two children; and has continued to live upon and operate Carrie married Lewis Eckard, who reside this place up to the present time. in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, and they are the March 28, 1894, John G. Harr was uni- parents of four children; Samuel married ted in marriage to Miss Paulina Moeckel, a Pauline Rothman, resides on the old home- native of Jackson county, born September stead in Waterloo township, and they are the 8, 1869. Her parents are Charles and Do- parents of three children; John G. is the rothy (Mayer) Moeckel, the mother a na- subject of this sketch; Charles, a farmer of tive of Jackson county but an old resident of Henrietta township, married Belle Vander- Waterloo township; the father was of Ger- lyn, and they are the parents of three chil- man birth and came to Jackson county when dren; Clara married Daniel Vanderlyn, a only four years old. There he still lives, en- farmer of Henrietta township, and they are joying the respect and friendship of all his the parents of three children; Fred, who re- neighbors and a very wide circle of acquain- sides in Munith, married Lizzie Lee and they tances. To Mr. and Mrs. John G. Harr have one child. Each received a satisfac-three children have been born, viz: Theron : tory education; three, Carrie, Clara and John L., born May 5, 1897; Harold H., born G., were school teachers, while the girls were April 12, 1901, and Ralph, born December proficient in music and each member of the 30, 1902. The parents are regular attend- family is very comfortably settled in life. . ants upon the services of the Methodist Epis- The early life of John G. Harr was spent copal church at Munith. In politics he is a upon his father's farm. He worked hard Democrat, but has never sought political . and studied faithfully, remaining with the preferment. He has, however, being inter- family and assisting in the work of the farm ested in educational work, served two terms until he attained his twentieth year. By as school inspector and two terms as direc- working in the summer months, thereby de- In 1902 he was elected a member of fraying his expenses while attending school the county board of supervisors and is serv- for two years, he succeeded in qualifying ing in that capacity at present. The oniy himself for teaching, which profession he fraternal society to which he belongs is that followed very successfully for seven years. of the gleaners, Charity Arbor No. 344. He at length discovered that cultivating corn On his fine, fertile and well operated and other crops was a much more remunera- farm, John G. Harr devotes himself to what tive avocation than cultivating the minds of is known as mixed farming. Very little of pupils in the school room, and so he gave up the produce of the place finds its way to the profession of teaching for all time. In market otherwise than in the way of live 1891 he rented his father's farm in Henri- stock. The place is always well stocked with etta township and for ten years operated it pure-bred Durham cattle, Delaine sheep, very profitably for both the owner and him- Poland China hogs and Poland China hogs and general-purpose tor. 1048 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. horses. The farm comprises three hundred chased sixty-eight acres of land in section and twenty acres, ninety-five of which is un- Io, a portion of the place having been der cultivation, the greater part of the re- cleared. Here he developed a good farm, mainder being timber. upon which he continued to reside until his death, which occurred on the 13th of De- cember, 1897, at which time he was seventy- HENRY MILLER. five years of age. He was a man of spotless integrity, honest and industrious, and Any biographical history of Jackson though his life was simple and unostenta- county may well accord recognition to Mr. tious he was ever true to himself and to the Miller, who has here passed his entire life duties which devolved upon him, and his and who is now one of the successful and in- name is worthy of a place on the scroll of fluential farmers and stock growers of the honored pioneers of Jackson county. He Tompkins township. In his youth he was identified himself with the Republican party familiar with the scenes and incidents of pio- at the time of its organization and ever aft- neer life, his father having been an early erward was a stanch advocate of its cause. settler in the county, whither he came more His widow, who was ever his loyal and than a half century ago. Much of the pri- trusted helpmeet, still resides on the old meval forest in this section still remained un- homestead with the subject, being seventy- touched by the hand of man, wild game was seven years of age at the time of this writ- still plentiful, Indians were numerous in the ing, in 1903. They became the parents of county and the average home of the settler seven children, of whom three died in in- was a log cabin of the most primitive type. fancy. Eliza died at the age of sixteen Henry Miller was born on the little years; Henry, subject of this sketch, was the homestead farm in Spring Arbor township, next in order of birth; John, who was inti- this county, on the 15th of August, 1856, mately associated with his brother Henry being a son of Jacob and Maggie (Delaney) from boyhood up, the two having been able Miller, the former of whom was of stanchcoadjutors in the conducting of the home- German lineage and the latter of Irish ex- stead farm after the father's death and even traction. In 1848 In 1848 Jacob Miller emigrated prior thereto, while their relations were those from Germany to the United States and lo- of utmost mutual esteem and fraternal af- cated in the state of New York, where he fection, committed suicide on the 7th of Sep- was engaged in the saw-milling business for tember, 1900, during a temporary mental ab- , some time. In 1851 he came to Michigan berration, the shock and bereavement being and took up his residence in Jackson coun- the greatest the subject has ever been called ty, purchasing sixty-eight acres of land in upon to bear, while all who knew him re- Spring Arbor township, and reclaiming the gretted the death of one who had ever com- same from the wilderness. Here he contin- manded their high regard; Catherine is the ued to be engaged in farming until 1861, wife of M. Edson McAllister and they re- when he disposed of the property and re- side in the village of Eaton Rapids, this moved to Tompkins township, where he pur- state. HENRY MILLER. MRS. HENRY MILLER AND DAUGHTER. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1049 The subject of this review may be con- and measures rather than following strict sistently said to have grown up with the partisan lines. country, and in his boyhood he began to lend On New Year's day of the year 1900 his aid in reclaiming the pioneer farm and Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss carrying on the various branches of its Alice G. Hogle, a daughter of Gilbert and work, driving an ox team in breaking the Mary (Leighton) Hogle, a prosperous and new ground, while, with his brother John, he well-known farmer of Sandstone township, as a lad assumed the joint responsibility of and they have had two children, one of getting out cordwood and taking the same to whom, Irene, born February 17, 1901, died Jackson for sale, it being necessary for the March 14, 1901; the other being Viola, who family to conserve economy in every possi- was born on the lith of January, 1902. ble way while bringing the farm into such Mrs. Miller was born in Jackson county, a condition as to yield the requisite income. Michigan, August 12, 1872, and was edu- During fourteen winters he and his brother cated in the common schools and in the Par- were thus engaged in taking cordwood from ma public schools. She is a member of the the farm to the metropolis of the county. Methodist Episcopal church at Parma. Her With the advancement of all lines of indus- father, who is a farmer, was born in Mich- try in the county, with the march of devel- | igan in 1839 and her mother was born in opment and progress, came a greater meas- New York in 1844 and died in 1880. ure of prosperity, and Mr. Miller now has one of the well improved and highly pro- ductive farms of the county, the same com- prising two hundred and ninety-three acres. EMANUEL HAWLEY. He has erected a substantial and attractive farm residence, while the other buildings on Emanuel Hawley is a native of England, the place are in harmony therewith and well born in Westmorelandshire, August 30, equipped for the several uses to which they | 1837. His parents were Joseph and Eliza- are applied. The farm is devoted to the beth (Bracken) Hawley, whose ancestry raising of the various products best adapted was English probably as far back as the to the soil and climate of this section and Norman invasion. In his home in England also to the raising of an excellent grade of Joseph Hawley learned to cut, fit and make live stock in the various lines, while Mr. Mil-boots and shoes. While his parents lived ler is known as a man of unbending integrity he remained in his native land, but on the and as a citizen who takes an intelligent and death of his father, Emanuel Hawley, he helpful interest in all that touches the gen- decided to become a citizen of the United eral welfare, while to him is accorded the States. Accordingly, in 1843, he secured fullest measure of respect and confidence in passage and, with his entire family, came to the county in which has been passed his en- America. Locating in Washtenaw county, tire life. In politics he gives his allegiance with only a few hundred dollars in his pock- to the Republican party, but in local affairs et, he purchased forty acres of land in Lin- he exercises his franchise in support of men den township, upon which there had been 1050 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Olis. erected a modest log house, and there he es- blacksmith and farmer of Henrietta town- tablished his home. This home, however, ship, and they became the parents of three was not wholly to his taste, so when an op- children, only one of whom survives; the portunity offered he was only too ready to mother died November 15, 1875; Edwin, a sell, and moving over into Jackson county, successful farmer of Bunker Hill township, in 1846, he purchased one hundred and Ingham county, married Mary A. Dewey eighty-eight acres, a part of section 4, Wa- and they are the parents of two children, terloo township. This land was wholly un- Robert and Joseph. All of the children were improved, but it did not long remain so after well educated and those living are prosper- it came into his possession. With the assist- Both parents are now dead. The ance of some of his neighbors he put up a mother, who was born June 21, 1808, died log house, the most popular edifice in those March 24, 1879, while the father, who was days, and moved his family on the premises, born March 8, 1811, expired January 18, and in this the family passed the first years 1891. At the age of seventy-six, in 1887, of their life in America. he decided that it was time for him to re- When it came to clearing the land Mr. tire from the management of the farm and Hawley did not consider himself an expert from active business cares. He procured a in wielding an ax or pulling a cross-cut saw. home in Stockbridge, married again, and He therefore unpacked his tools, procured made that village his residence until the some leather and in the dense woods of Jack- end of his career. In politics he was a very son county opened up what was probably the ardent Republican, but never aspired to of- first boot and shoe manufacturing establish- fice. At the time of his death his estate was ment in this part of Michigan. But, though quite valuable, including not less than five the people wanted shoes, money was exceed- hundred acres of as fine land as there is in ingly scarce. This difficulty, however, was the state. He and his first wife, the mother easily overcome, for the shoemaker had land of his children, were both devout members to be cleared. Arrangements were made of the Protestant Episcopal church. whereby shoes were made and paid for by Emanuel Hawley was but six years old labor in Mr. Hawley's clearing. It is said when the Atlantic ocean was placed between that many a stalwart youth and many a him and the place of his birth. South cen- comely maiden at that time paid for their tral Michigan was a wilderness when his footwear by labor in the Hawley clearing: youthful eyes first looked upon it. He helped . When his boys grew older, with their assist- his father in the clearing and when oppor- ance, Mr. Hawley increased the size of the tunity offered attended school, though the cultivated land, erected better buildings and opportunities for procuring an education at generally improved the place. It remained that time were limited. As soon as Emanuel the home of the family until 1887. was old enough to work, his strength and To Joseph Hawley and wife four chil- activity were made use of and the lessons dren were born, viz: Joseph died February of industry he learned in his youth have 27, 1848; Emanuel is the subject of this me- served a good purpose for him all his life. moir; Mary married John McConechie, a He remained at work on his father's farm OWNED BY HENRY MILLER. JACKSON COUNTY, 1051 , . . MICHIGANuntil he was thirty-one years old, when he time having title to nearly one thousand and his brother Edwin, in partnership, un- acres, but most of this he has disposed of, dertook the operation of the farm under the with the exception of the four hundred and direction of their father. This arrangement thirty-six acres upon which he resides. The continued a number of years to the entire first home he prepared for himself was a log satisfaction of all concerned. house; when he became better situated finan- December 29, 1867, Emanuel Hawley cially, he built a brick residence and after was united in marriage to Miss Betsey Stev- occupying that until 1879, he had it torn enson, a native of Lancastershire, England, down and erected a handsome frame struc- , born February 18, 1840. Her parents were ture in which the family now resides. It is Reuben and Jane (Stevenson) Stevenson, a delightful home, richly furnished, and fav- natives of the same locality, where they con- ored with rural free delivery of mail. Al- tinuously resided until their deaths, some though the land is rented, the family pre- years ago. When Betsey Stevenson was fers to live on the farm. They tried life in fifteen years of age she accompanied her | Stockbridge, but wearied of it in a short aunt, Mrs. Winters, to the United States. | time. Many substantial improvements have . They located in Michigan and here her meet- been made upon the place in recent years, by ing with the subject occurred, which resulted the erection of barns, stables and sheds, one in a most happy and congenial marriage. barn, the last one built, being thirty-two by To this union three children were born, viz: ninety feet. The owner of the place is him- Mary, born September 2, 1870, died March self a thorough farmer and has taken special 18, 1886; Joseph E., born November 23, care to see that the place is well kept up and 1871, died June 18, 1885; Margaret J., born well cultivated. December 30, 1875, was married April 16, 1902, to Charles A. Stephens, who has an interest in the farm with his father-in-law. In politics Emanuel Hawley is a Republican, WILLIAM T. WILLMORE. active and zealous in the interests of the cause, but has never aspired to or cared to William T. Willmore is a native of fill any public office. The family are regu- Waterloo township, Jackson county, Mich- lar attendants on the services of the United | igan, born December 22, 1874. His par- Brethren church. ents were Johanan and Eliza (Barker) Will- In 1887, when Joseph Hawley, father of more, the father a native of Pennsylvania the subject, retired from the farm, the old and the mother of Michigan. Thomas Will- homestead was divided and two hundred more, the paternal grandfather of the sub- and seventy acres of it was granted to Eman-ject, came to Michigan among the early pio- uel. This, with one hundred and sixty-six neers and located near Dexter, in Washte- acres he already possessed, increased his real naw county. Later he purchased eighty estate holding's to four hundred and thirty- | acres of land in Waterloo township, Jack- six acres. He has owned various tracts of son county, a part of section 4, to which he land in Ingham and other counties, at one moved his family and established a home a 1052 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. thereon. The first residence of the family having a store in the city of Jackson five was a primitive log house. Through indus- years of the time, when he retired, since try the tract was cleared, improved and put when he and his wife have made their home under cultivation, and by the exercise of in Stockbridge, Michigan. Both are mem- economy the size of the farm steadily in-bers of the Episcopal church. In politics he creased, until it expanded to five hundred is a Republican and served two terms on the and fifty acres and the family was one of the board of supervisors when he resided in Ing- most prosperous in the locality. In 1873 ham county. He was also president of the Thomas Willmore, admonished by advanc- | village board of Stockbridge. Although ing years, decided it was time for him to re- taking an active part in politics the greater tire from active labor and business cares. part of his life, he was too much engrossed He moved to the city of Jackson and there in his own private affairs to care for public enjoyed a life of ease and comfort until his position. He is a Royal Arch Mason and death, which occurred in 1897. Seven chil- takes much interest in the affairs of the fra- dren were born to him and his wife, viz: ternity. Mr. and Mrs. Willmore are the Sarah, Johanan, Joseph, Esther, Victoria parents of five children, viz: Nellie, Will- Q., Anna and Fannie. Johanan is the father iam T., Charles, Sylvia and Minnie. The of the subject and Joseph is dead. Those two younger daughters still reside with their living are all useful, industrious citizens and parents; Charles died at the age of two blessed with abundance. years; William is the subject of this sketch, Johanan Willmore grew to manhood on and Nellie is the wife of Dr. Bert Green, a his father's farm in Waterloo township. dentist of Stockbridge, and they are the par- . A common school education was all that ents of two children. Each was favored with was accorded him, but, coupled with much a good education and the girls are all ac- native ability and many sterling qualities, complished in music. it sufficed to make him very successful in In his native township of Waterloo the all that he undertook. Some time after at- greater part of the life of William T. Will- taining his majority he was united in mar- more has been spent. He resided for a time riage to Miss Eliza Barker and soon there- in the village of Stockbridge, when his fa- after they took up their residence on what is ther was in business there, but returned to , known as the Derby farm in Stockbridge his native haunts before he attained his ma- township, Ingham county. They remained jority. His education was not neglected, all there two years, when he was invited by his the learning that the district schools af- father to return to Waterloo township and forded being imparted to him before he take charge of the old home farm. There reached his twentieth year. Careful, pru- the family lived until 1885, when they moved dent and painstaking in all that he did, he to Stockbridge and Mr. Willmore engaged was recognized by all as a man, even before in the mercantile business. He purchased a he ceased to be a boy. In 1894 he became stock of clothing and gents' furnishing goods the possessor of two hundred and ninety- and soon enjoyed a most prosperous trade. four acres of land and as if that were not He continued in that business until 1899, ) enough for the exercise of his talents and in- , JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1053 a a dustry, he rented fifty-three acres more from GEORGE H. MAYER. a relative. This he has managed with all the skill and energy of the most experienced The subject of this review, George H. agriculturist in the state. He carries on Mayer, of Henrietta township, is still what is termed mixed farming, raises crops young man, but he is a remarkably success- of all kinds of grain, and breeds, raises and ful one. He buys and sells live stock and in feeds horses, cattle and hogs, besides giving that particular line of business much de- a good deal of attention to dairying. The pends upon the knowledge the dealer pos- home on the farm is a pleasant, well-fur- sesses of human nature and of domestic ani- nished edifice, connected with the outside mals, coupled with a familiarity with market world by telephone and regularly supplied quotations. The success which the subject with the family mail by rural free delivery. has achieved as a dealer and shipper of live In 1901 he erected a substantial and com- stock shows clearly that he is thoroughly modious barn on the premises. familiar with his business and that he is en- March 8, 1899, William T. Willmore gaged in a calling for which he is well fitted. was united in marriage to Miss Emma George H. Mayer is a native of Jackson Springman, a native of Ingham county, county, Michigan, born in Waterloo town- born in August, 1875. Her parents were ship, May 19, 1866. His parents were John and Catharine Springman, natives of Christian and Mary (Weyman) Mayer, na- , Germany, who came to Washtenaw county tives of Germany who came to the United in an early day. John Springman is one of States in 1846, located in the state of New the most successful farmers in the south part | York, where they remained ten years, and in , of Ingham county. Immediately after mar- 1856 came with their family to Michigan, riage, Mr. and Mrs. Willmore went to re- locating in Waterloo township, Jackson side on their extensive Waterloo township county. There he bought a small tract of farn. He is a member of the Masonic fra- land, improved it and lived upon it a few ternity at Stockbridge and in politics is a years, when he sold it at a good profit and Republican. invested in one hundred and twenty acres in At the time the progenitor of the Will- the same township. This he also improved, more family in Michigan arrived in the ter- cultivated and resided upon a few years, ritory with his wife and children, in 1832, when he was successful in finding a purchas- he was poor indeed. It is told of him, and er for it also, greatly increasing his assets by no means to his discredit, that at one by the sale. In 1871 he invested in two hun- time, when the provisions of the family were dred and twenty-four acres, also in Water- running low, he took a bushel and a half of loo township, which he improved, cultivated wheat in a sack, carried it on his back to and lived upon until 1893, when it also was Dexter, thirty-five miles away, to have it sold, realizing its owner a handsome sum. ground into flour. Resting only while the His little speculations in real estate, coupled mill was in operation with his grist, when with the profit which year by year he se- it was ready, he again shouldered the sack cured from his farms, left him in very com- and retraced his weary steps homeward. fortable financial circumstances, so he re- 1054 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. tired from active business cares, purchased prosperous career as a dealer in and shipper a home in Munith and there he and his good of live stock. At first his business was con- wife are spending the evening of their life ducted on a small scale, but later he went in quiet contentment. He is a man of con- into it quite extensively. He has a farm of siderable learning, both in his native lan-eighty acres, which he purchased in 1899, guage and that of his adopted country, and a part of section 13; Henrietta township, devotes much of his time now to that most which he uses for headquarters for all his pleasant of diversions, reading. Since he be- | purchases. He handles cattle, sheep, hogs came a citizen of the United States he has and poultry, and the aggregate amount of always been a Republican. Both he and his business done by him each year, for several wife are members of the Lutheran church. years past, will foot up fully one hundred Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. thousand dollars. The greater part of the Mayer, only seven of whom, however, are stock purchased by him is shipped to Buf- now living, viz: Fred, a farmer of Water- falo and Detroit, and both there and in his loo township, married Sarah Reithmiller and own locality he is recognized as one of the they are the parents of three children; Eliz- leading live-stock dealers in the state. abeth married George Waltz, a farmer of June 3, 1888, George H. Mayer was uni- Waterloo township, and they are the parents ted in marriage to Miss Lillie Hoyt, a na- of four children; George H. is the subject tive of Jackson county, born August 17, of this review; John, who resides in Munith, 1871. Her parents are Albert and Fanny married Clara Sutton and they are the par- (F'inch) Hoyt. He came to Michigan with ents of two children; Charles is unmar- his parents when a small boy and was reared ried and resides with his parents in Munith; and educated in the state and as he grew to William married Mamie Crane, resides in | maturity learned the carpenter trade, which Munith, and they are the parents of two he has followed many years. The family children; Edward, a stone mason of Munith, now resides in Lawton, Michigan. To Mr. married Sarah Smith and they are the par- and Mrs. Mayer two children have been ents of three children. Each member of the born, Marjorie, now twelve years old, and family received a good common school edu- Glenn, nine years of age, and both attending , cation and are very comfortably settled in school. They are bright, intelligent, well- life. bred children, beloved at home and abroad When only fifteen years of age George for their winning ways and amiable disposi- H. Mayer hired out as a farm hand and for tions. The family residence on the farm has four years, in all kinds of weather, worked been enlarged and remodeled since the place by the month. His savings during those came into possession of its present owner four years enabled him to open up in busi- and is now a handsome home. Recently a ness for himself at Munith, in a meat market. most substantial barn, thirty-two by seventy- This business he conducted for eight years four feet, with modern hip roof and the lat- most profitably and the knowledge and in- est conveniences for housing and caring for sight it gave him into the purchase of live stock, was erected on the premises and stock for his market started him upon a most numerous other improvements have been a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1055 made, which, coupled with its natural ad- went to Ingham county and there lived un- vantages, make this a model little farm. til his return to Jackson county, in 1856. Four different lines of telephone connect the That year he purchased a quarter section of residence with the outside world. land in Waterloo 'township, parts of sections Mr. Mayer is a member of the Masonic 7 and 8, which was wholly unimproved. fraternity, Lodge No. 185, Pleasant Lake, This he subjected to a similar regenerating and of the Odd Fellows, Unadilla Lodge process as his first purchase, with precisely No. 49, Stockbridge. In politics he is a Re- similar results. He erected a handsome, com- publican, but is too much engrossed in busi- fortable residence, large, substantial barns ness to give it much more attention than the and other necessary farm buildings, making casting of his ballot at each election. He and the place one of the most valuable tracts of his wife are both members of the Methodist land in that part of the county. Later he Episcopal church and take much interest in added by purchase to the size of his posses- religious and charitable work. sions, making them two hundred acres, and there he lived and prospered until the time of his death, in 1876. In politics he was a Democrat, a man who was well known and AVA SUYLANDT. highly respected. His first wife, the mother of ten of his children, died March 23, 1852, The subject of this review, Ava Suy- and some years later he married Roxana landt, of Waterloo township, Jackson coun- Tate, to which union two children were ty, is a native of this state, having been born born, who are yet living. Their mother ex- in Putnam township, Livingston county, Au- pired in 1890. The twelve children born gut 7, 1847. James and Lydia (Brigham) to James Suylandt by both the marriages he Suylandt were his parents and they were na- contracted are as follows: Lydia Jane mar- tives of the Empire state. The father be- ried John Weatherby, and they reside in came a boatman on the Erie canal soon after the city of Jackson and are the parents of that waterway was established and later was three children; James A., a farmer of Henri- given charge of a vessel as captain. He etta township, was twice married, first to followed the vocation until 1836, when he Jane Coulson, and second to Rebecca Coul- came to Michigan, bringing his family, by son; by his first marriage he has four chil- way of the canal and lakes, to Detroit. He dren; David M., deceased; John B., who re- , selected a tract of government land in Hen- | sides in Denver, Colorado, married Harri- rietta township, Jackson county, which he dine Hubbard, and they are the parents of purchased and without much delay had a log two children; Kingsley M. served as a sol- house built thereon and his family comfort- dier in the war of the Rebellion until its ably established therein. He cleared the close, but is now deceased; Hiram also place and after converting it into a produc- | served in the Civil war, returned home at tive farm he sold it at quite a remunerative the close, married, became the father of two price. Then he moved to Livingston county children, one of whom is living, and the fa- and remained there some years, when he ther is now at the Soldiers' Home at Grand a 1036 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Rapids, Michigan; Brigham, a prosperous father, John Stevens, was one of the earli- farmer of Waterloo township, married Ma- est settlers of the state. One child, an rion Hudler, and they are the parents of one adopted daughter, whom they have named son; Franklin died at the age of four years; ; Ethel Ina, is the joy of Mr. and Mrs. Suy- Ava is the subject of this sketch; William landt. The date of her birth is December H. was for some time a teacher in the public II, 1892, and she is an interesting, winsome schools, but is now a merchant at Munith; girl, now attending school. Charles G. devoted some years to teaching, On his fertile, well-equipped farm in studied medicine, and is now a practicing Waterloo township Ava Suylandt conducts physician at Gladwin, Michigan; he married general farming. The crops grown upon Miss May Haynes, and they are the parents the place are seldom marketed as they are of two children; Alice R. married Henry harvested, being generally converted into Wolfer, who is the present warden of the cash in the form of cattle, horses, hogs, sheep Minnesota state prison at Stillwater, and or wool. In cattle he is partial to Polled they are the parents of four children. They Angus and Durhams. Politically the sub- were all well reared and accorded the ad- ject is a Democrat, but the candidate who is vantages of a very thorough common school the most worthy is most likely to receive education and those who survive are living his support. He and his wife are both very useful, honorable lives. deeply interested in religious and charitable From early youth to mature manhood work, being active members of the Meth- the life of Ava Suylandt, on his father's odist Episcopal church, in the Sunday school farm, differed little from that of the aver- of which Mrs. Suylandt has long been a age youth under similar circumstances. He teacher. engaged in farm work of all kinds eight or nine months out of each year and the re- mainder of the time, during the winter sea- WILLIAM DIXON. son, was devoted to acquiring an education. Hard work during the summer was an in- In the life story of the subject of this centive to hard study during the winter, with sketch, William Dixon, there are no striking the result that the mental and physical de chapters or startling incidents. It is merely velopment of the youth was very nicely bal- a record of a life true to its highest ideals anced. January 1, 1882, Ava Suylandt and and fraught with much that should stimu- Miss Della Stevens were united in marriage. late the youth just starting in the world as She is a native of Michigan, born March 16, an independent factor. Mr. Dixon is a na- 1858, and is the daughter of Harvey and tive of Ireland, having been born in the Amanda (Hall) Stevens, both natives of county of Monahan, in the province of Ul- New York. He is a farmer of Henrietta ster, October 8, 1856. His parents were township, who by good management and the James and Ann (McCrumb) Dixon, who exercise of commendable industry has won were born and reared in the north of Ire- a place among the most distinguished and land, as had their ancestors for many genera- successful agriculturists of the county. His tions. Early in 1861 James Dixon decided JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1057 an to immigrate to the United States. He ac- of getting a start in life, before he had yet cordingly secured passage on ocean attained his majority, with the consent of steamer and on the 4th of March, 1861, the his father, he rented a farm in Napoleon very day that Abraham Lincoln was inaugu- township and applied himself industriously rated President of the United States, he to its cultivation. This he continued to do landed in the city of New York. In 1862 year after year until 1893 when he found the family came out from the Emerald Isle himself in possession of sufficient means to and after residing in New York three years purchase land of his own. He bought one they moved to Michigan. The father made hundred and sixty acres in Henrietta town- an investment in one hundred and twenty ship, a part of section 24, the same upon , acres of land in Tompkins township, Jack- which the family still resides. son county. Here they remained for six- December 24, 1877, William Dixon was teen years, clearing and cultivating the land united in marriage to Miss Cora M. Blair, a meanwhile and transforming it into a fine native of Jackson county, born June 17, fertile farm. In 1871 they sold the farm. 1858. Her parents are Peter and Isabel After a residence of two years in Kalkaskia (Perkey) Blair, natives of Maryland and a ( county, Michigan, they returned to Jackson Ohio, respectively. They emigrated to county and made their home in Napoleon Michigan and located in Tompkins town- township until the death of the father, James ship, where they still reside. Mr. Blair is Dixon, which occurred February 4, 1898. one of the successful agriculturists of the His wife is still living, residing with her county. To Mr. and Mrs. Dixon four chil- sister in Liberty township. In politics Mr. dren were born, all of whom are still under Dixon was a Republican and both parents the parental roof, viz: Anna B., Altie M., were members of the Episcopal church. To Thomas H. and Daniel M. The children them six children were born, viz: Rebec- are intelligent and well educated and give ca, William, Joseph, Jennie, George and fair promise of a future of usefulness. In Lillian. Rebecca and Jennie are dead and politics the father is a Republican and has William is the subject of this memoir. All served two terms as highway commissioner received the advantages of a good educa- in Henrietta township. He is a Knight of tion under the excellent common school sys- the Maccabees and a member of the Ori- tem of America. entals. Only six years of age when he made the On his well improved and excellently voyage across the Atlantic and nine when managed farm in Henrietta township Will- the family moved to Michigan, William iam Dixon is engaged in general farming. Dixon has spent the greater part of his use- He raises crops of all kinds indigenous to ful life in this state. When not engaged with this latitude, but has been particularly suc- his studies, he helped his father in the clear- cessful with potatoes, of which he raises a ing and on the farm until he was twenty very large crop each year. Dairying also years of age. Desiring to be making some- commands much of his attention and he is thing for himself and anxious to be laying a stockholder in the creamery of Munith. by a portion of his earnings for the purpose At the present time he has ten excellent milk 67 1058 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. cows on his place and only very rarely does ner and currier. After several years' resi- he permit the number to fall below that. dence at Grass Lake he moved his family to His home, while neither elaborate nor showy, | Lodi, Washtenaw county, and for a period is comfortable and commodious, connected of eight years worked at his chosen calling with the outside world by telephone, and the in that town, returning at the expiration of family mail is delivered to them by that very that time to his former location in Jackson popular modern contrivance, rural free de- county. Six years later he changed his res- livery. The family enjoys an enviable pop- idence from Grass Lake to Leoni township, ularity in all the country round, but the gen- where he purchased a farm of one hundred eral favorite is Dan, the youngest son, a lad and forty acres, on which he lived until the of eight years, who has a good voice and is spring of 1890, when he abandoned agri- a most graceful dancer. He sings all the cultural pursuits and retired to the city of popular songs and is as artistic in dancing Jackson, where his death occurred in the a jig or clog as if he had been bred to the month of March, 1892. Mrs. Scofield pre- stage. No entertainment in the vicinity of ceded her husband to the grave, departing his home is complete without "a turn” or two this life in January, 1887. The family of from little Dan Dixon. John and Mary Scofield originally consisted of ten children, two of whom died young. Oliver J., the oldest, is a resident of But- ternut, Wisconsin, where he follows agri- HENRY SCOFIELD. cultural pursuits; Mary E., wife of Elmore Ellithorp, lives in Champaign, Illinois; Al- This gentleman is one of the representa- mira, widow of Chandler Whipple, makes tive farmers of Jackson county and has long her home in Paw Paw, Michigan; Henry, enjoyed distinctive precedence not only in the subject of this review, is the next in or- the line of his calling, but as a worthy and der of birth, and after him comes Mrs. Mar- enterprising citizen, who has done much to garet E. Bowen, of Houston, Texas; Frank- promote the material prosperity of the town- lin W. is a farmer, living at Stockton, Cali- ship of his residence. Briefly, a review of fornia; Emma, who married Charles Town- his life is as follows: Mr. Scofield is a na- | send, also lives in that state, her home be- tive of Washtenaw county, Michigan, and a ing in the town of Golden Run; Herbert, son of John and Mary (Johnson) Scofield, the youngest of the surviving children, is a who moved to this state in an early day and miller working at his trade in Seattle, Wash- settled at Grass Lake in the county of Jack- ington; Rhoda and Caroline are the names These parents were born and reared of the deceased members of the family. in New York, and they lived in Steuben Henry Scofield was born September 14, county, that state, until their removal, some 1838, at Lodi, Michigan, and received his time in the 'thirties, to their new home in the educational training in the public schools. west. By occupation John Scofield was a He spent his childhood and youth in the shoemaker, in addition to which trade he counties of Washtenaw and Jackson and un- also worked for a number of years as a tan- til attaining his majority followed different son. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1059 vocations, the meantime, by careful disci- her husband is bookkeeper for a large busi- pline, preparing himself for the duties and ness house; Etta, the youngest of the fam- responsibilities of life. In 1862 he went to ily, is the wife of Arthur Ellithorp, a farmer, Chicago, where he remained during the fif- stock raiser and popular citizen of Leoni teen years following, the greater part of township. which time he ran a meat market and did a Mr. Scofield has achieved marked suc- satisfactory business. Returning to Jack- cess as a farmer and now owns two hundred son county in 1877, Mr. Scofield took charge and eighty-five acres of fine tillable land in of the home farm in Leoni township, which the township of Leoni, nearly all improved he cultivated until 1891, the meanwhile and very valuable. In his business affairs looking after his parents' interests until their he is prompt and methodical, not given to respective deaths. In 1891 he built the Sco- speculation, being satisfied with gradual but field House in Jackson, a well-known and sure gains, which in the end is the most cer- popular hotel which he leased for a term of tain way to permanent prosperity. He oc- years and later ran it himself until his re- cupies a prominent position among the lead- turn, in 1902, to Leoni township, where he ing agriculturists and stock raisers of the has since been engaged in farming and township and county and as a citizen is en- stock raising. In the meantime he spent terprising and progressive as well as public about three years in Chicago, with the object spirited and popular. In his own commu- in view of embarking in some kind of busi- nity his sterling worth is duly recognized ness, but not finding the outlook favorable and appreciated, and the high esteem in he returned to his native state and here he which he is held shows him the possessor of has continued to live and prosper to the these commendable qualities which never present day. The domestic history of Mr. fail to win and retain friendships and confi- Scofield dates from 1859, in October of dences. . Mr. Scofield's integrity is unas- which year he was united in marriage with sailable, his personal honor above reproach Adelia, daughter of Jeremiah and Emmeline and in all of his relations with the world (Rodgers) Lockwood, of Monroe county, his record has been free from the slightest New York. These parents came to Michi- suspicion of questionable transaction. In gan about 1839 and settled in Macomb politics he is an ardent Republican, takes an county, removing ten years later to the years later to the active interest in the success of his party county of Jackson and taking up their resi- and uses all honorable means to that end, dence at Grass Lake, near which village Mr. although not a partisan in the sense the term Lockwood purchased land and engaged in is generally understood and accepted. He . farming. Mr. and Mrs. Scofield have three stands high in the Masonic fraternity, be- children, the oldest of whom is Minnie A., | longing to Blue Lodge No. 9, at Grass Lake, the wife of A. L. Whipple, a postal clerk liv- Chapter No. 16, at the same place, and Com- ing in Chicago. Mrs. Whipple is the mother mandery No. 9, at Jackson, besides being of one child by the name of Etta. Ada, the identified with the Benevolent and Protec- second daughter, married Burdette Whip- tive Order of Elks in the latter city. He is ple and is also a resident of Chicago, where also a member of the Pythian brotherhood 1060 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. and in religion subscribes to the Methodist Some time after his death Mrs. Pickett came creed, of which church his wife is also a to Michigan and spent the remainder of her sincere and faithful communicant. days with her son, the subject of this review, dying in Jackson county in the month of Au- gust, 1876. James K. Pickett was an excel- lent citizen and stood high in the esteem of the people of his community. He filled vari- WILLIAM E. PICKETT. ous township offices, was an active and influ- ential worker in the Democratic party and, The subject of this review has long been with his wife, belonged to the Christian (or recognized as one of the successful farmers | Disciple) church. Of his family of seven and representatives of the township in which children, the subject of this review is the the greater part of his life has been spent, only living representative, the others dying and he is also an influential factor in all that some in New York, others in the state of pertains to the social welfare and moral ad- Michigan. Their names are as foliows: vancement of his community. A native of Ephraim, Joseph, Sarah, Goodwin, Daniel Wyoming county, New York, William E. and Emeline, William E. being the sixth in Pickett was born on the 28th of May, 1829, order of birth. being the son of James K. and Elizabeth Until his eighteenth year Mr. Pickett re- (Havens) Pickett, both descendants of old mained at home assisting his father with the families that settled many years ago in the work of the farm and of winter seasons at- Empire state. In early life James K. Pick- | tending the public schools. At the above age ett was a sailor and for a period of twelve he began life for himself as a farm laborer a years followed the sea, meeting with many at small wages and was thus engaged for adventures. He served in the United States several years, proving in every situation an navy during the early French and English industrious, faithful and reliable hand. La- war and at one time fell into the hands of ter he purchased a threshing outfit, and for the British, by whom he was closely confined some time devoted considerable attention to for a year in one of the vile prison ships threshing grain, a business which proved which in an early day proved so destructive quite remunerative as his services were in to the health and lives of captive American great demand throughout his own county seamen. He left home when a mere youth and in parts of counties adjoining. and twelve eventful years went by before In the year 1855 Mr. Pickett disposed he was permitted to revisit the scenes of his of his property in New York and moved to childhood. Returning as a man full grown, Jackson county, Michigan, purchasing one he was recognized by his mother only by hundred and sixty acres of land in section means of a disabled arm, the result of a pain- | 26, Henrietta township, the greater part of ful accident in his youth. Abandoning sea- the place covered with a dense forest, to re- faring life, Mr. Pickett turned his attention move which much hard labor was required. to agriculture and followed the same the Here he began farming under rather ad- rest of his life in the state of New York. verse circumstances, his dwelling being an a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1061 a old log cabin, which had been erected in an Mr. Pickett is judicious in business, pos- early day, while a yoke of oxen and an ax sesses good judgment in matters of finance constituted the greater part of his personal and manifests utility of a high order in the property. With this meager outfit he ad- management of his large agricultural and dressed himself to the improvement of his live stock interests. In former years he la- land and in the course of time his labors bored hard and economized closely in order were amply rewarded, as he developed not to obtain a substantial start in the world, but only one of the finest farms in the township, having accumulated an ample competence he but at intervals increased his holdings until is no longer under the necessity of such his real estate now amounts to two hundred strenuous effort, consequently he is now and forty acres, the greater part in a high resting somewhat from his toil and enjoying a state of cultivation. much of the fruits thereof in a life of hon- Mr. Pickett has kept pace with the orable retirement. Mr. Pickett has long been growth of the country and for many years an influential force in the public affairs of he has been recognized as one of the town- his township, and at different times has held ship’s enterprising and successful agricult- important local positions such as township urists, also enjoying worthy prestige as a treasurer and highway commissioner, in both public-spirited citizen and progressive man of which he discharged his duties ably and to of affairs. In addition to general farming, the satisfaction of all concerned. In state which he carries on quite extensively, he de- and national affairs he votes the Democratic voted much attention to live stock and fruit ticket, but in local politics his attitude is gen- growing, from both of which sources he re- erally independent, supporting the best alizes every year large pecuniary returns. qualified candidate regardless of party ties. In the matter of live stock, he makes a Mr. Pickett's domestic life, which dates specialty of fine Durham cattle and regis- from 1858, was peculiarly fortunate and tered Poland China hogs, raising and selling | happy, having been blessed with an intelli- the latter principally for breeding purposes. gent, loving and faithful companion, who He is also interested in horses, but not as a co-operated with him in his endeavors, min- means of income, keeping on hand at all istered to his comfort in many ways and con- times a number of fine animals for his own tributed not a little to the material success Mr. Pickett's orchard is one of the with which his career has been crowned. finest and most prolific in the township, only Towards the last of February, 1858, he was the best varieties of fruits being raised and united in marriage with Miss Susan Nash, the trees being selected with the most dis-daughter of Cotton Nash, the father a na- criminating care. To him horticulture has tive of New York and an early settler of not only been the source of considerable in- Ohio, from which state he moved many come, but a pleasure as well, as he finds a years ago to Jackson county, Michigan, lo- peculiar fascination in this, one of the most cating in the township of Henrietta, where delightful and profitable branches of hus- his family became widely and favorably bandry. known. Mrs. Pickett bore her husband two use. 1062 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. children and departed this life on the 3d day rebuilding he was greatly assisted by his of December, 1901. She was a lady of beau- neighbors and friends throughout the com- tiful character and high social standing, a munity, all of whom generously donated devoted wife and loving mother, and her time and material, so that within a compara- loss was deeply deplored not only by her tively brief period the family was again family and immediate friends but by the en- sheltered in a new and much more comfort- tire community throughout which she had able and convenient structure than the for- long been known and honored. The older mer dwelling. Some idea of Mr. Pickett's of Mr. Pickett's children, a daughter by the worth and personal popularity may be name of Annette, married Everet Larkins, learned from the free and hearty manner in of this county, a union blessed with two off-which his friends co-operated to make good spring, Susan and Minnie, who, since their the loss of his home, many of them sacri- mother's untimely death, in 1889, have made ficing for the time being their own interests their home with the subject. Frances, the in the kind and neighborly work. This man- second daughter, is the wife of Henry Bar- | ifestation of their warm regard has bound tig, a farmer of Henrietta township, and them to him as with cords of steel and as has a beautiful home not far from her fa- long as life lasts these strong friendships ther's house. In addition to the above Mr. will go on increasing day by day into bonds Pickett has an adopted son whom he has of permanent union which death itself can- cared for since infancy as one of his own not sever. flesh and blood. The name of this protege Mr. Pickett's home is situated on a rural is Charles, and now, as a young man of mail route and connected by telephone with twenty-seven, he is assisting his foster fa- the leading farms of the county, also with ther in running the home. He wedded Miss nearly all the cities and towns in this part Nina E. Main, of Jackson county, who has of the state. He bore no small share in in- borne him one child, a daughter by the name augurating and bringing about these use- of Florence J. ful public improvements, to say nothing of The career of Mr. Pickett, while in the his abiding interest in many other enter- main successful and fortunate, has not been prises for the material welfare and moral without its complement sorrow and loss. advancement of his township and county. The death of his faithful wife left him heart- He is a broad-minded man, of liberal ideas, sore and desolate indeed, and the mound be- courteous in his relations with his fellow neath which the form of his beloved wife men and ever ready to lend the weight of his is resting in dreamless sleep covers many of influence to all legitimate undertakings for his sweetest and most cherished hopes. In the general good. Fraternally he is identi- other ways he has also met with some of fied with the Masonic brotherhood, belong- life's reverses, one of which was the de- | ing to Lodge No. 185 at Pleasant Lake, hav- structive fire of his house and contents on ing been initiated into the order in 1865, in the 7th day of June, 1879, an event which Jackson, from which time to the present his caused considerable pecuniary loss, to say life has been in harmony with its principles nothing of the inconvenience entailed. In and precepts. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1063 WILLIAM B. DEAN. a farm of eighty acres in Livonia township, Washtenaw county, twenty miles west of Among the enterprising citizens of Jack- | Detroit. In journeying from the latter son county who owe their success and ad- place to their destination near the town of vancement in life to their own efforts is Will- | Plymouth much of the way lay through a iam B. Dean, of Henrietta township. He low, unbroken country and to keep the wag- enjoys worthy prestige in all lines of agri- on going Mr. Dean was obliged to carry a culture, has won more than local repute as pole with which to pry the wheels from the a stock raiser and for a number of years has mud into which they would almost con- been one of the foremost fruit growers in stantly mire. In 1841 William Dean traded southern Michigan. Mr. Dean springs from his original purchase for one hundred and good old Revolutionary stock, and his gen- twenty acres of land in Bunker Hill town- ealogy is traceable to an early period in the ship, Ingham county, receiving a difference history of New York, his paternal ancestors of three hundred dollars in money, and im- having settled in that state long before the mediately thereafter, with his wife, four colonial struggle for independence. His sons and one daughter, removed to Stock- great-grandfather, David Dean, a native of bridge, where he remained one year on a New York, bore distinguished part in the farm belonging to Judge Bowdish, mean- Revolutionary war under General Washing-time erecting a small log dwelling on his ton and was one of the gallant and sturdy own place, into which the family moved in patriots that endured such excruciating suf- | November of the year following. The land fering during the long, cold winter at Val- on which Mr. Dean located had been pur- ley Forge. He also participated in many of chased from the government by one George the noted battles of that memorable period Rider, but the primitive cabin referred to and after seven years of earnest endeavor was the first attempt at improvement. The witnessed the final surrender of the haughty country was very sparsely populated, the Briton and saw the rights of man vindi- nearest neighbors lived over two miles dis- cated. tant and at the time of making his settlement Among the children of David Dean was Mr. Dean was the twentieth voter in the a son by the name of William B., whose township of Bunker Hill. As soon as prac- birth occurred in Orange county, New York, ticable Mr. Dean and his son cut logs which December 20, 1793. In after years the fam- were converted into lumber at the Davidson ily emigrated to the town of Penfield, in the saw-mill in Henrietta township, Jackson same state, where William worked for some county, the winter after their arrival and time on the Erie Canal, assisting while thus with this material the first frame house in engaged in the construction of the celebrated Bunker Hill township was built, about 1839. locks of Lockport. He was married near This was by far the largest and most pre- Canadaigua, about the year 1824, to Miss tentious structure at that time in the com- Sarah McComber and later, in the fall of munity and for many years it was noted as 1830, with his wife and three children and the abode of a generous hospitality which his parents, moved to Michigan, settling on the good husband and wife liberally dis- 1064 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. pensed to all who claimed it. The Dean . Hill township, September 3, 1864, and he home became a favorite stopping place for is remembered by a grateful posterity not the traveling public and during the pioneer only as an enterprising farmer and ex- period it was known to every passer-by as a. emplary Christian gentleman, but also as a sure place of refuge. The inmates being patriot, as he served as a soldier in the war strict Presbyterians, the house proved an of 1812 and upheld the honor of the stars especially grateful retreat for ministers of and stripes in several of the hard-fought that church and others and for a number of battles of that struggle. To William B. and years preachers having appointments in that Sarah Ann Dean were born seven children, part of the country made it a point to spend whose names are as follows: David, Sarah : considerable time within its hospitable walls Ann, Jonathan, Lydia, Almon, William B. and partake of the good cheer for which the and Palmer, of whom three are living. Mrs. home was noted. In the early days before Dean was the daughter of Jonathan Mc- houses of worship had been erected Mr. Comber, a native of New York and an early Dean proffered his barn for religious serv- settler of Jackson county. The McCombers ices and meetings were held therein from moved to this state about the same time the time to time by ministers of different de- Deans made their first settlement and here nominations. In these exercises he was al- the father and mother spent the remainder ways a leading spirit and by his godly con- of their days, both dying a number of years versation and the wholesome influence of his ago. singularly pure life he did much for the Jonathan Dean, third child and second cause of religion in that section of the coun- son of William B. and Sarah Ann Dean, try. William B. Dean was one of the noted was born May 25, 1832, in Plymouth, Ing- men of his day and generation in Ingham ham county, Michigan, and grew to maturi- county and his name will go down to pos- ty on his father's farm. In early life he fol- terity as a true lover of humanity and a ben- lowed boating on the Saginaw river, but la- efactor of his kind. Measured by the stand- ter turned his attention to agricultural pur- ard of material things, his life was a suc- suits, purchasing of his father eighty acres cess in that he labored diligently and ac- of wild land in Bunker Hill township, which cumulated a fair competence, but when con- in due time he cleared and improved. He sidered in its more important bearing on the became one of the enterprising farmers of mind and morals of the community it bore the above township, also took high rank as far richer fruitage than can possibly be a citizen and man of affairs and continued to reckoned in mere temporal wealth. Highly live on his original purchase until 1892, esteemed by his neighbors and fellow citi- when he sold out to his son and changed zens, he bore well his part, lived to good and his abode to the town of Mason. After re- , noble ends and dying left to his family and maining there two years he bought a fine friends the heritage of a spotless reputation farm of one hundred and forty acres in the and a character above the slightest suspicion township of Rives, and on the latter place of dishonor. The death of this estimable he has since lived and prospered, being one man took place on the homestead in Bunker of the oldest as well as one of the most sub- a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1065 stantial residents of the county at the pres- his contemporaries, and as a citizen with ent time. the public welfare at heart he has long been Jonathan Dean was married in Bunker an influential factor in the affairs of his Hill township, Ingham county, to Miss Mary township and county. Cross, a union blessed with five children, William B. Dean was born in the south- namely: William B., whose name intro- ern part of Ingham county, Michigan, on duced this sketch; Jessie, now the wife of the 13th day of October, 1862. Reared to J. L. Cross and the mother of two off- agricultural pursuits and early made familiar spring, Estelle and Paul; Annie, who mar- with the varied duties of farm life, he grew ried Charles Ripley, of Henrietta township, to the full stature of manhood imbued with and whose family consists of two children, the idea that life to be successful must be Dean and Blair, the latter deceased; Amy, lived with great objects and noble purposes still a member of the home circle, and John, ever in view. When old enough to be of who also resides under the parental roof. service to his father he took his place in the Mr. Dean provided well for the educational fields and being the first born of the family discipline of his children, all of whom are much of the labor and responsibility of the intelligent and far in advance of the major- farm naturally fell to him. Meanwhile he ity in mental culture and general knowledge. entered the public schools, in which he ac- Amy, the youngest daughter, was educated quired a good practical education, and on in the Mason high school and for six years laying aside the branches therein studied has been one of the county's most efficient continued his mental discipline by a wide and popular teachers; she is also quite a pro- range of reading at home, thus broadening ficient musician and as a teacher of the art his mind and keeping in close touch with the has a wide reputation. In his younger days leading questions and events of the day. a Jonathan Dean was a Whig, but since the Young Dean remained on the home place dissolution of that old historic party, he has until attaining his majority and, as already , been unwavering in his allegiance to its stated, proved an able and valued assistant successor, the Republican party. In matters to his father in carrying on the work of the religious he subscribes to the Methodist doc- farm. After spending a short time in the trine, a church to which his wife also be- city of Ypsilanti, he returned to Jackson longs, both being active workers and he a county and on the 23rd of December, 1884, liberal supporter of the congregation with he was united in marriage with Miss Joseph- which they are identified. Sufficient has al- ine Ferguson, daughter of Spencer and Al- ready been said to form a correct estimate mira (Grinnell) Ferguson, both parents na- of the high social standing of the Dean fam- tives of York state, the mother a niece of ily in the community. The name is an hon- President John Quincy Adams. The Fer- orable one and as far as known no one bear- gusons were an old family of New York, as ing it has ever tarnished its luster by un- were also the Grinnells, the latter for many worthy conduct or disreputable practice. In years influential influential and wealthy farmers. . all that constitutes true manhood Jonathan About the year 186 About the year 1863 Spencer Ferguson Dean occupies a conspicuous place among moved to Jackson county, Michigan, and lo- 1066 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. cated near the county seat where he became a one hundred and fifty barrels of cider an- successful farmer and stock raiser. Laternually. His orchard embraces an area of he purchased a home in Henrietta township, ten acres and, as stated above, he spares no on which he and his wife spent the rest of pains or expense in keeping it in prime con- their lives, both being highly respected in dition, tending his trees with the closest at- the community and popular with a large cir- tention and seldom failing to realize large cle of friends and acquaintances. Mr. Dean returns from the time and labor thus ex- after his marriage continued the pursuit of pended. His average sale of green fruits agriculture on the home place until 1892, amounts to over three hundred barrels year- when he bought eighty acres of his father, ly and the quality is such that it always com- subsequently increasing this area by the pur- mands the highest market price, the demand chase of an additional twenty acres. His for the same being far in excess of the farm is admirably situated for agricultural supply. and live stock purposes, in both of which he In the fall of 1900 Mr. Dean suffered has met with a large measure of financial quite a severe loss in the destruction of his success, ranking at this time with the most barn by fire, but with his accustomed energy progressive farmers of the county, while as he at once set about to replace it with another a raiser of fine horses, cattle, sheep and hogs building of enlarged proportions, in which he has no superior in the township of his endeavor he was nobly assisted by his neigh- residence. He displays good taste as well bors and friends, all of whom contributed as untiring energy in the management of his generously to make good the loss. This con- farm and his business affairs and, though cert of action on the part of the community comparatively a young man, he has by stren- speaks well for the high personal esteem in uous endeavor forged to the front until he which Mr. Dean is held, as it also reflects stands today among the best known and honorably upon a neighborhood where re- most progressive citizens of the county. Suc- verses are met with such hearty mutual co- cessful far in advance of the majority of operation and such spontaneous good will. farmers, Mr. Dean does not depend upon As to the subject's personal popularity it is the mere tilling of the soil or the marketing unnecessary to speak only in a general way. of domestic animals for all of his income, All who know him respect him for his ster- the larger share being derived from another ling worth and to come within the range of source, fruit growing, to which he devotes his influence is to be made familiar with a much of his attention. He has one of the strong, earnest, conscientious mind that sub- largest and most carefully selected orchards ordinates every other consideration to duty in the county, his varieties of apples being and honor. Public-spirited and progressive, especially fine and wonderfully prolific. In he never loses sight of his obligations to the addition to large sales of the natural fruit common good, consequently all enterprises he has an evaporator with which he prepares with such an object in view are sure to en- for market every year about six thousand list his influence and material support. Like bushels of the dried product, besides manu- the majority of intelligent and enterprising facturing and selling upon an average of citizens, he takes an active interest in poli- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1067 was tics, not as a partisan or office seeker, but to The names of the others are J. B., aged the end that good laws shall be enacted by | eleven, Bernice, six years old, and Master the party which in his judgment is best quali- Wellington B., a promising young gentle- fied to make and enforce the same. Believ- man who carries his two years with a dignity ing the Republican party best adapted to becoming much older heads. meet this and other equally laudable ends, he gives it his earnest support and is now one of its recognized leaders in the township of his residence. While not an aspirant for JACOB CALL. official honors, Mr. Dean has been elected to various position of trust, having served two Nearly four score and five years have years as township treasurer and four years come and gone since the venerable subject as township clerk, discharging his duties in of this review first saw the light of day both capacities to the satisfaction of the in New York, having been born in Colum- people irrespective of political creed. Fra- bia county, that state, on the 17th of Janu- ternally he is a member of the Order of Mac- ary, 1819. His father, Christopher Call, cabees, belonging to Munith Tent No. 475, also a native of the same commonwealth, at Munith, Michigan. a successful farmer and prominent In the year 1902 Mr. Dean took charge citizen who spent nearly all his life in the of the elevator at Munith and is now man- above county, as did also the mother, who ager of the grain business at that point con- before her marriage bore the name of Mary ducted by S. M. Isbell & Company, of Jack- Simmons. These parents reared a family In this, as in his other business rela- of five children, of whom Jacob was the tions, he displays sound judgment, wise first born, the others being Charles, Henry, forethought and judicious tact and it is no Charlotte and Leah, all but Henry living. exaggeration to claim that much of the suc- The early life of Jacob Call was spent on cess of the company which he represents is the home farm in New York and in such directly attributable not alone to those quali- schools as his county afforded he received ties, but also to the large place he holds in a fair English education. When a lad of the confidence and good will of the public. twelve he began earning money of his own Mr. and Mrs. Dean have an interesting by working for the farmers of the neighbor- family of five children, all intelligent, well | hood, the meanwhile, as opportunities pre- educated, and of liberal culture. The oldest sented themselves, pursuing his studies of is Blanche A., who attended school at St. winter seasons, and in this way he spent the Louis, Michigan, where in addition to rigid | time until reaching the years of young intellectual discipline she also became accom- manhood. He remained in his native state plished in music. She is now at home, as is until his marriage, in 1848, to Miss Marion also the second in order of birth, Miss Beu- Ford, daughter of Warren Ford, of Colum- lah, who, like her sister, has a high order of bia county, and during the ensuing four musical talent, which has been developed years lived at Bridgeport, Connecticut, re- under the direction of competent instructors. moving from that place, in 1855, to Jack- son. 1068 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. son county, Michigan, and locating in the stated above, his success as an agricultur- township of Waterloo. On coming to this ist won him a place among the leading county Mr. Call purchased one hundred and farmers of his township and he also enjoys forty acres of land, a part of which was distinctive precedence in the matter of live cleared, and from that time forward bent stock, having for a number of years given al his energies to the improvement of his especial attention to Shropshire sheep, place, which under his well-directed labors Jersey swine, several grades of fine cattle soon became one of the best cultivated and and a superior class of horses for general most valuable farms in the above township. purposes. He feeds the greater part of his His early experience as a tiller of the soil grain crops, and in addition to the income in a state where agriculture was conducted from the sale of domestic animals realizes after the most systematic manner, enabled handsome returns from the large orchard him to labor to great advantage and being which he set out a number of years ago, a man of progressive ideas as well as in- having long been a practical and successful dustry, he acquired among his neighbors fruit grower. a reputation which gave him worthy pres- In early manhood Mr. Call was a Jack- tige in all things relating to his chosen sonian Democrat, and for many years sup- calling. In due time the greater part of his ported the party very zealously, participa- land was cleared of its forest growth and ting actively in local politics and contribut- reduced to a high state of cultivation, in ing greatly to the success of the ticket in addition to which he also erected good his township and county. When the De- buildings, among them being a fine modern mócracy departed from its original princi- dwelling completed in the year 1871. Mr. ples in 1872 by nominating Horace Greeley Call's ideas ran in the direction of the for the presidency and adopting a platform aesthetic, as well as the useful, and he at variance with time-honored traditions, spared no pains in making his home he abandoned the party and gave his sup- attractive, setting out of a large number of port to the opposition. Since then he has fine shade trees such as cedar, fir, balsam, been pronounced in his allegiance to the etc., with which other carefully arranged Republican party and is now one of its vegetation now give the place a most beauti- strongest adherents in the township of ful appearance, and marking it as the dwell- Waterloo, keeping himself well posted upon ing of a man of intelligence and refined the issues of the day and wielding an in- tastes. Mr. Call came west a poor man, fluence which adds much to the strength of but, blessed with strong bodily powers, good the cause in his community. health and great energy and determination, Mr. Call early manifested a lively in- he soon overcame the obstacles which be- terest in behalf of popular education and set his pathway, rose superior to unfavor- | has always been a warm friend and earnest , able enviroments and laid the foundation advocate of the public school system. For of a prosperity which in due season resulted a period of seventeen years he was officially in a sufficiency of material wealth to place identified with the schools of his township him in independent circumstances. As and in that capacity labored zealously to JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1069 promote their efficiency. Through his ef- market place to their very doors. The forts the standard of excellence was raised, family of Mr. and Mrs. Call originally con- better teachers secured and more substan- sisted of six children, the oldest of whom, tial progress made, the school system of a son by the name of Edgar, is deceased; Waterloo at this time comparing favorably he was a successful farmer of Henrietta with that of any other section of this part township, a popular citizen and the father , of the state. of five children, having married Miss Alice Mr. Call has always stood for progress Fields, of this county, who survives him. in material things and in the matter of in- Charles, the second son, married Mary ternal improvements no man in the town- Mooney and is the father of two children ; ship has been more active or effective. He he lives in Jackson and at the present time was untiring in his efforts in behalf of the is a member of the city police force. first railroad through this part of the state Marian, the next in order of birth, was the and during its construction labored with wife of William Moore and the mother of might and main for a station, foreseeing two offspring; she died some years ago, a the great advantage to the community if leaving her husband and children to mourn it could be secured in a favorable locality. | her loss; Dora, the fourth of the family To this end he co-operated zealously with and the youngest living, resides in Jack- others as public spirited as himself and in son, the other two dying in infancy un- due time his influence with the company named. was rewarded, the station at Munith and Of recent years Mr. Call has not done the subsequent growth of the town result- much manual labor, having reached an age ing from his efforts. He was the leader of when most men rest from their toil and this important movement and to him more enjoy its fruits. For one of his years he than to any one individual is the above is quite active physically and mentally, still flourishing village indebted for its pros- manages his business affairs with the clear perity, also the surrounding country for its | brain and sound judgment of his prime and continued growth and steady advance in in looking after his farms takes sufficient the value of landed property since the com- exercise to keep time from hanging heavily pletion of the road. . Mr. Call feels upon him. His long life has been a bless- deservedly proud of the part he took in this | ing to the world as well as to his family matter and there has been no disposition and now as his years grow fewer and the on the part of the public to minimize his end approaches he is surrounded by loving efforts or in any way to detract from the relatives and warm friends, who spare no honors that have crowned his labors for efforts in ministering to his comfort and the general welfare. In a very large sense happiness. Blessed with an ample earthly he may be considered a benefactor of the store and cheered by a lively hope in an public, as he made many sacrifices in its be-all-wise Father, having long been a zealous half and for several years subordinated member of the Methodist church, he lives every other consideration to the one idea , in quiet and content, still doing with his of benefiting his fellow men by bringing a might what his hands find to do for the 1070 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. good of his fellow men. Mrs. Call is also once proceeded to improve it and in due a Methodist and in every respect a sincere, time had one of the best farms in that part devoted Christian whose character is above of the county. He erected good buildings, reproach and whose co-operation in all good planted a large orchard, raised fine live works has contributed greatly to her hus- stock and in the course of a few years be- band's success in material things as well as came one of the most enterprising men of to his reputation as an honorable, upright the community. Mr. Olds was self-made, man and worthy citizen. beginning life with no means beyond an ax and a yoke of oxen, but his energy, in- dustry and laudable ambition to succeed more than made up for his lack of material FRANK W. OLDS. capital. His wife, a fit companion and help- meet for such a husband, proved an able Frank W. Olds, for many years a suc- and faithful assistant during their early cessful farmer and stock raiser, now one of married life and while raising her family the leading business men of Munith, is a knew not by practical experience the mean- native of Washtenaw county, Michigan, ing of leisure or idleness. She spun, knit, and the son of Norman A. and Clarissa sewed, made all the clothing for the family (Lindley) Olds. The father was born in and for many long years her life was a Vermont, and the mother in the state of ceaseless round of patient toil and unselfish New York. Norman Olds, Sr., the sub- devotion to the welfare of those dependent ject's grandfather, was also a Vermonter, upon her. After acquiring an ample com- but many years ago moved to Niagara petence for their declining years this estim- county, New York, where he spent the re- able old couple rested from their labors and mainder of his life as an enterprising tiller are now living in retirement on the home- of the soil. Of his nine children Norman stead in Blackman township. Norman A. A. was the seventh and all were born before Olds has been an influential factor in the the family left the Green Mountain state. affairs of his community ever since moving Norman A. Olds was born September to the county, thirty-eight years ago, and I, 1823, accompanied his parents to New few men of Blackman are as widely known York when a youth and there remained un- and as highly esteemed. He is a zealous til 1850, when he came to Michigan and Republican in politics and, although quite purchased a farm of eighty acres in Scio an old man, still retains much of the physical township, Washtenaw county. After clear- , and mental vigor of his prime and keeps ing and otherwise improving his place and in close touch with the trend of current living on the same about fifteen years, he events. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Olds sold' out and bought one hundred and consists of six children, the oldest being twenty acres in Blackman township, Jack- Dora, a lady of fifty-three years; she mar- son county, whither he removed in 1865. ried Charles Morris, a carpenter and ma- The latter place was only partially cleared chinist, is the mother of one child, and at when Mr. Olds took possession and he at this time lives in the state of California. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1071 Frank W., of this review, is the second in conducted with a constantly increasing order of birth, after whom is Ida, wife of trade, being at the time the leader in that Henry Glispie, of Tompkins township; line of business. He carries a full assort- Mrs. Glispie resides on a fine farm and ment of hardware, in addition to which he has a family of three living children, one also handles agricultural implements, being deceased. Alexander, the fifth in wagons, buggies and vehicles of all kinds, succession, is a citizen of California, en- besides conducting a thoroughly stocked gaged in the stock business, owning a large bazaar which has a large and lucrative ranch in one of the most favored sections of patronage. From a modest beginning Mr. the state. Clara, the youngest of the family, Olds has gradually built up a business is the wife of Andrew Harris, and lives in which in volume and importance is now the city of Jackson, where her husband is second to that of no other in the town. His proprietor of a popular sanitarium. career presents a series of continued suc- Frank W. Olds, the immediate subject cesses such as few men under similar -cir- of this sketch, was born September 3, 1853, sumstances attain and the present indica- in Scio township, Washtenaw county, and tions point to a future of still greater remained with his parents until eighteen promise. Mr. Olds has not only reached years old, the meanwhile of winter seasons a commanding position in the business cir- receiving a fair education in the public cles of the community, but as an enterpris- schools. He was reared to honest toil and ing, public spirited citizen he ranks with the while at home helped with the farm work progressive men of his town and county. and contributed his share to the family's Since moving to Munith he has maintained a support. At the above age he started out lively interest in the town's affairs and for himself and during the four years fol- through his efforts its material growth has lowing was in the employ of the Michigan greatly increased, to say nothing of its in- Central and Flint & Pere Marquette rail- | Auence in promoting the social and moral road companies, at the expiration of which welfare of the place. Politically he is a time he resigned his position to take charge Republican and as such has been a potent of a large farm in Henrietta township, be- factor in the party in his township where longing to a man by the name of Holt. for a number of years he has been recog- Meanwhile, on the 28th of August, 1878, nized as a leader in local affairs. At the he was united in marriage with Miss Emma present time he is serving as deputy sheriff Holt, daughter of Squire and Hannah of Jackson county and so efficiently has (Lord) Holt, of New York, and immedi- he discharged the duties of the position that ately thereafter the young couple set up his friends predict for him higher official their domestic establishment on the above honors at no distant day. Mr. Olds enjoys farm where they lived and prospered dur- a large measure of popularity and has the ing the ensuing twenty years. In Febru- confidence of the public irrespective of po- ary, 1899, Mr. Olds abandoned agricultural | litical affiliation. He is well qualified to fill pursuits and opened a hardware house in important station, being intellectually keen the town of Munith, which he has since and alert, and true to every trust confided 1072 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. to his care. He has managed his own OREN A. CARLEY. large and growing interests with the con- summate skill which betokens a broad mind Until quite recently the subject of this and wise forethought, and the place he now sketch was one of the leading farmers and occupies in public esteem is prophetic of stock raisers of Henrietta township, but continued prosperity in the years to come. having acquired a comfortable competence, Mr. and Mrs. Olds are the parents of he is now living a life of honorable retire- five children, whose names are as follows: ment in the town of Munith, enjoying as Allie J., an employe of the Detroit Stove only successful men can enjoy the well- Works; Nellie, who married Clarence Shoe- earned fruits of his many years of endeavor. maker, a telegraph operator stationed at La Oren A. Carley was born February 8, 1844, Crosse, Indiana; Harry, a youth of fifteen, in Syracuse, New York, being the third in still under the parental roof; Lutie, aged a family of five children whose parents were ten, and Loine, four years old. Mr. Olds James and Julia Ann (Hoyt) Carley, the was careful to provide his children with father a native of England and the mother good educational advantages and they in of New York state. When a youth of six- turn availed themselves of every opportun- teen James Carley came to the United ity for intellectual culture. Allie is a well States with his parents and grew to matur- educated and accomplished young business ity in New York, where he remained until man with a bright future before him; he going to the far west in 1849. In that year achieved honorable repute as a teacher, and he joined the tide of emigration to Cal- Nellie is a lady of varied culture, especially ifornia in search of gold, sailing from New proficient in music. · Mrs. Olds is a member York city via Cape Horn, thence úp the of the Methodist church, deeply interested Pacific to San Francisco, reaching that place in all the good work in which her congre- after a long and tedious voyage of nine gation is engaged and is well known and months duration. He spent five years popular with the best society circles of the among the mines of California with fair town of her residence. Mr. Olds is not financial results and at the expiration of identified with any religious organization, that time came to Jackson county, Michi- but he has profound respect for the church gan, to rejoin his wife and family, who and contributes liberally of his means to had moved hither during his absence in the its support. He is also interested in the far west. . Mrs. Carley's maiden name was charitable and benevolent enterprises of the Hoyt, she being the daughter of Keeler community and never withholds assistance Hoyt, who early in the 'forties bought one from a needy person or worthy object, pro- hundred acres of land in Waterloo township, viding the claims of each are legitimate. As in which Mr. Carley's family located as . a citizen he is progressive in all the term stated above. Mrs. Carley came to her new implies and as a neighbor and friend has home via the lakes in 1853, her family at so stamped his individuality upon the com- the time consisting of five children, the munity as to make his presence felt in its oldest only thirteen years of age. The fol- affairs. lowing year she was reunited to her hus- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1073 band, who a little later bought land in the cient stone and brick layer. After remaining township of Henrietta and cleared a small at home until his twenty-fourth year he farm of about fifty acres. This was the started out to make his own way in the home of the family as long as the parents world, his trade being decidedly in his favor, lived, the mother dying in January, 1883, and for some time thereafter he was never the father in the month of June, 1897. at a loss for remunerative employment. James and Julia Ann Carley were highly Having earned sufficient means to en- esteemed by their neighbors, being industri- able him to buy a home of his own, Mr. ous and of marked piety, their respective Carley, about the year 1867, invested in fathers having been well known ministers forty acres of wild land in section 23, Hen- of the Methodist Episcopal church. They rietta township, to which he subsequently were reared in that communion, adhered made additions until his real estate amount- strictly to its precepts and their lives ed to one hundred and fourteen arces, the beautifully exemplified the faith they pro- greater portion of which he cleared and fessed. Of their five children Edward, a otherwise improved. Later he increased soldier of the Civil war, killed June 17, his holdings from time to time, making 1862, in the battle of James Island, was the fortunate investments at favorable oppor- oldest; Celia, the second, also deceased, tunities, the land meanwhile advancing in married the late Charles Styles, for a num- value as the country became more thickly ber of years proprietor of a hotel at populated, his improvements also keeping Pleasant Lake, and had a family of two pace with the growth of the country. At children. As stated in a preceding para- the present time Mr. Carley owns graph, Oren A., of this review, is the third body of land, three hundred and twenty in order of birth, the fourth being Melissa, acres in all, which he has improved with widow of Joseph Aldrich, living in Kansas, good buildings and in many other ways, the her family consisting of three children: farm now ranking with the best in the coun- Amanda, the youngest of the number, is | ty. His first dwelling was a round-log not living; she married Nicholas Neider- cabin, of the type common to this part of lander, a blacksmith of Jackson, and was the state not many years ago, but in due the mother of two children. time it gave place to a larger and much The childhood and youth of Oren A. more comfortable and convenient frame Carley was without experience of special structure, which in turn was replaced in note, having been spent on the home farm, 1898 by the elegant modern residence now the rugged duties and healthful discipline in use. In 1877 Mr. Carley built a good of which had not a little influence in mould- frame barn, which answered the purposes ing his character and fixing the future bent of the farm until the continued increase in of his life. He obtained a common school crops and live stock rendered a building education and assisted his father until of enlarged proportions necessary. Accord- young manhood, when he took up the trade ingly in 1884 a third and still larger one of masonry, in due time becoming an effi- was erected, the various buildings attesting a fine 68 1074 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. the magnitude of the subject's agricultural have a family of three children, the oldest interest and the energy which he displays being Edward, who farms the home place; in all of his undertakings. he married Miss Eda Waltz and is the father As a farmer Mr. Carley's success has of one daughter by the name of Lerna, been most encouraging, he being today | aged two years. Alton, the second son, among the most enterprising men of his also engaged in agricultural pursuits in calling in the county. He raises abundantly Henrietta township, married Miss Tina Har- all the farm crops grown in this latitude, ris, who has presented him two offspring, feeding the greater part to his live stock, Geneva and Russell; Jesse, the youngest of in the raising of which he has for years the family, is a youth of nineteen and is enjoyed worthy prestige among his fellow still under the parental roof. agriculturists of Henrietta township, also Mr. Carley is a Republican in politics devoting considerable attention to fruit and an active worker in his party. He growing: served several terms as justice of the peace On the 26th day of December, 1869, and proved a capable as well as popular was solemnized the ceremony which united public servant, many important cases hav- in the holy bonds of wedlock Oren A. Car- ing been tried in his court, his decisions in ley and Miss Mary Calkin, daughter of the main proving satisfactory to all con- Lorenzo and Catherine (Hampton) Calkin, cerned. He is identified with the Masonic both parents born in New York, the mother fraternity, Henrietta Lodge No. 85, and, being a second cousin of the late Gen. Wade like all good and intelligent members of the Hampton, ex-United States senator from order, tries to square his life according to South Carolina, and for many years one its principles and precepts. Religiously he of the most distinguished generals and is a Methodist, to which church his wife statesmen of the South. The Hampton also belongs, both being zealous members family has long been noted in our national not only in their congregation but along history, which with its high social stand- the lines of charity and benevolence as well. ing has made the name familiar in the north- In 1902 Mr. Carley turned his farm over ern as well as in the southern section of the to his oldest son and moved to Munith union. Mrs. Carley's father came to Michi- where he has since lived in quiet and con- gan in an early day and was one of the tent, owning a fine home, which has become pioneers of Kalamazoo county, living on a one of the popular resorts of the best peo- farm in that part of the state until retiring ple of the town. Although retired, he is in 1893 to the city of Grand Rapids, where by no means inactive, as he still devotes his death occurred November 23, 1900. considerable time to his business affairs, Mrs. Calkin bore her husband five children making frequent visits to his farm, besides and departed this life in 1867. The fol- keeping his village property in excellent lowing are the names of the children born condition, adding continually to its beauty to Lorenzo and Catherine Calkin: Elsie; and attractiveness. He reads much, is Mary, wife of Mr. Carley; Orlando, Edith well informed on general topics and his May and Elbert. Mr. and Mrs. Carley | judgment in matters of agriculture and in JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1075 dred years. business affairs gives weight and influence son Peter reverted in allegiance to England to his opinions. With the people of his in the war of 1812, in which he served, town and township he is popular and the having participated in the battle of Lundy's high esteem in which he is held attests his Lane. After the war he settled in St. standing and trustworthiness as a man and Lawrence county, New York, where he en- enterprising public spirit as a citizen. gaged in agricultural pursuits, and there he continued to make his home during the greater portion of his remaining life, attain- ing the patriarchal age of nearly one hun- WILLIAM F. RAVEN. He resided for a time in Ontario, Canada, and there the father of Among the representative farmers and our subject was born and he took part in dairymen of Columbia township, where he the Canadian rebellion of 1837, after which owns a fine landed estate of nearly three he returned to New York state, where he hundred acres, is Mr. Raven, who comes and his four brothers took up adjoining of ancestry long identified with the annals tracts of land, in St. Lawrence county. He of American history. there continued to be identified with the Mr. Raven is a native of the old Empire great basic art of agriculture until his death, state, having been born on the parental in 1891, prospering in his efforts and being homestead farm, in St. Lawrence county, held in high estimation by all who knew New York, on the 12th of July, 1852, a him. His wife passed away in 1875, their son of Henry and Clarinda (Sweet) Raven, children having been twelve in number, the former of whom was born in Merrick- while seven are living at the present time, ville, province of Ontario, Canada, while the subject of this sketch having been the the latter was born in the state of Vermont.seventh in order of birth. His maternal Peter Raven, the paternal grandfather of grandfather, Josiah Sweet, was a native of our subject, was born in the state of New Vermont and came of old Puritan stock, York, being a son of John Raven, who came his ancestors having landed at Plymouth to America from Lincolnshire, England, at Rock in the seventeenth century. the time of the Revolution, having been The subject of this review passed the pressed into the military service of his native first ten years of his life in his native county, country. After reaching this land he de- and thereafter was for a time a resident of serted from the British army and joined the Herkimer and Oneida counties. His early Continental forces, with which he rendered education was received in the public schools valiant service in securing the independ of the locality and period, and was supple- ence of the nation. In recognition of these mented by a course of study in Fairfield services he was given a grant of land by Academy, where he was graduated as a the government, the same being located member of the class of 1873. Between his about eight miles north of the present city public school and academic courses he had of Troy, New York, where he passed | learned the printer's trade, and for some practically the remainder of his life. His | nine months he was employed as a com- a 1076 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. to positor in an establishment on Fulton street, Democratic party, taking an intelligent and New York city. Thereafter he secured lively interest in the questions of the hour, employment in connection with a lumber and in the community he commands the business at Ilion, New York, being thus unequivocal confidence and esteem of all engaged for four years, at the expiration of who know him and wields no slight in- which, in 1877, he came to Michigan and fluence in local affairs. after looking about the state in search of On the 5th of March, 1888, Mr. Raven a suitable location finally took up his resi- was united in marriage to Miss Eleanora dence in the township of Cambridge, Lena- Case, who was born in Lenawee county, wee county, where he made his home for Michigan, a daughter of Herman R. Case, the ensuing two years. He then, in 1880, a native of Connecticut, who came effected the purchase of the Hoag farm of Michigan in the pioneer epoch. Mr. and one hundred and thirty acres, in section 15, Mrs. Raven have seven children, all of Columbia township, Jackson county, the whom are at home save the eldest, who is same being most eligibly situated a short attending the Agricultural College, at Lans- distance to the northeast of Clark's lake. ing, their names, in order of birth, being as Since that time he has added to the area of follows: Paulina, Hermon, Marion, Will- his farm until he now has a finely improved | iam, Emmett, Julia and Ayesha. and valuable landed estate of nearly three hundred acres. In addition to diversified farming he is now making a specialty of ZOPHER SCIDMORE. the dairy business, keeping a high grade of Jersey cattle and being known as one of the There are few Americans who are per- most progressive, practical and successful mitted to enjoy the distinction of having dairymen of this section. He takes a loyal resided for than three score years in the interest in public affairs of a local nature same neighborhood where they were born. and has been a member of the school board American communities change much more of this district for the past eight years, rapidly than those of older settled countries while in 1901 he was called upon to serve in and for many reasons, chief among which the office of township treasurer, giving a is a restless desire to secure the location that discriminating and most acceptable ad- will afford best returns for the labor, talents ministration of the fiscal affairs in his or capital expended. Evidently very little charge. Fraternally he is a popular mem- of this restless desire enters into the com- ber of the Masonic order, in which he has position of Zopher Scidmore, the subject passed the capitular degrees and also of the of this memoir. He was born in Waterloo adjunct body, the Order of the Eastern township, Jackson county, Michigan, in Star, as well as the Knights of the Macca- 1841, and with the exception of an absence bees and the Grange. Mrs. Raven is identi- of about two years, has resided in the lo- fied also with the Eastern Star, the Ladies cality ever since. He has traveled a good of the Maccabees and the Grange. In poli- deal, especially throughout the west, but has tics the subject is a stanch adherent of the never yet found a place which suited him JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1077 more. quite so well as the locality in which he was Eight children were born to the first union born. The Scidmore family are of English and two to the last. The father died in ancestry, their original progenitor in this 1876. country having crossed the Atlantic in The arduous labors of the farm occu- colonial times and located in Saratoga pied the greater part of the years of the boy- county, New York. There the family re- hood and early manhood of Zopher Scid- sided until Reuben Scidmore, grandfather He was the oldest child of a family of the subject, with his family, including of ten and hence had little chance of shirk- Abram, his son, then about twenty years ing his duty toward the other members of of age, immigrated to Michigan in 1836, the family, even if he was so disposed. He and established himself as one of the early had few opportunities of acquiring an edu- pioneers of Waterloo township. He pro- cation, but availed himself of those in a cured from the government a tract of one manner that proved him a thorough student, hundred and sixty acres of land, located in bright in intellect and wise even beyond his section 10, to which he procured a patent years. When he attained the age of twenty- . which bore the signature of Andrew Jack- five, he started out into the world on his son, and the title to that land is still in the own behalf, devoting himself most of the possession of the Scidmores. The tract time to the cultivation of the soil, and was added to by further purchases until its steadily accumulating property. Later he dimensions swelled to the extent of four purchased part of the old homestead and as hundred acres. It was later divided, some his means permitted kept adding to it until of the children receiving a portion, but the at the present his farm comprises two hun- original tract is now owned by John Bald- dred and twenty-five acres, well improved, win. In another part of this volume under fenced and splendidly cultivated. He lived the heading, John R. Scidmore, may be continuously for thirty-three years upon this found further details regarding the family. farm until, in 1901, he sold and moved to Abram Scidmore was not long in Michi- Grass Lake, where he has since lived retired gan when he was convinced that wedded from the cares and activity of business life. life was far 'preferable and having found In 1869 Zopher Scidmore was united in a congenial companion in the person of marriage to Miss Hannah Baldwin, whose Miss Caroline Williams, who was also a father was James Baldwin, an old and native of New York, having been born in highly respected citizen of Jackson county. Allegany county, they were married and The union proved a most congenial one. established themselves at housekeeping up- They lived happily together for a period of on the old homestead. With them Reuben twenty-one years and until the death of the Scidmore resided until his death. In 1867 true and faithful wife, which occurred in Abram's wife died and some years there- September, 1890. October 4, 1893, at Chi- after he married again, his bride on this cago, he again approached the matrimonial occasion being Mrs. Hannah (Swartz) | altar, this time accompanied by Mrs. Hat- Stewart, widow of widow of James Stewart. She tie Thurston, a native of Monroe county, is still living, a resident of Grass Lake. | New York, and widow of Voltaire Thurs- 1078 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ton, of Grass Lake. Mrs. Scidmore is a James and Parmelia (Bigelow) Halladay, daughter of Thomas Royston, a native of who were born, reared and married in the England. She was married young in Mon- above locality, where they continued to live roe county, to George Peckham and soon for more than half a century. The paternal after came to Hanover, Jackson county, grandfather of the subject was Mathew where he was a farmer. He died at Michi- Halladay, a native of Connecticut, who gan Center after twelve years of wedded moved to Ontario county, New York, and life. She then married Mr. Thurston and lived there many years. The subject's ma- resided with him on a farm six miles from ternal grandfather was Timothy Bigelow, Grass Lake. He died of consumption on a native of the state of New York and a the farm. Mrs. Scidmore has one daughter, farmer, the greater part of whose life was Anna, the wife of Frank Scidmore, younger spent in Ontario county. For twenty years brother of Zopher, and they reside in Ottawa after his marriage the father of the sub- county, Kansas. ject lived upon and cultivated the old Bige- Accompanied by his brother, John R. low farm. People who have reached the Scidmore, Zopher made, in 1901, a tour of sixtieth milestone of their lives seldom care several of the western and southwestern to leave the place of their nativity, but the states, including Kansas, the Indian terri- father of the subject was three-score years tory, Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. old when he, with his family, located in , , They traveled overland, by easy stages, Washtenaw county, Michigan. On his saw much and enjoyed all that they saw. farm near Clinton he died in 1880, while They received a far better insight into the his good wife survived him thirteen years, , conditions which prevail in the regions over expiring in the year 1893. During his life- which they traveled than could be obtained time in Michigan he dealt in stock as well in any other way, and although never dis- as managed the operations of his farm and satisfied with their Michigan home, came in each particular line he was gratifyingly back fully reconciled to an existence in the successful. In early life he was a Whig in state during their remaining days. The politics, but later became liberal and con- family have all been Republicans and those servative. He filled a number of township living are still of that political faith. In his offices, among them that of justice of the business and farming the subject has been peace. He and his wife were members of quite successful, the greater part of the com- the Methodist Episcopal church when they fortable fortune he has accumulated having resided in New York, but later joined the been won by his own labor, time and talents. Congregational church, in which faith they died. Seven children ware born to the parents EDGAR A. HALLADAY. of the subject, viz: Elizabeth married Wes- ley Sawyer, but both are now deceased; Edgar A. Halladay is a native of New Addison P., now deceased, was married York, born near Port Gibson, Ontatio coun- twice, his first wife being Eliza Howland, ty, March 31, 1840. His parents were the second Rosetta Chamberlain; Judith 1 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1079 a owns and occupies the old homestead, in sought or held public position. He and his Washtenaw county, and is married; James, wife were members or the Congregational who is a farmer, near Clinton, Michigan, church and displayed a deep interest in all married Sarah Richmond; Timothy B., a church and charitable work. They were resident of Norvell township, married the parents of ten children, viz: Selden R., : Jennie Blanchard; Charlotte is deceased, and who resides at Muskegon, Michigan, is a Edgar A. is the subject of this memoir. millwright and saw-filer; Henry N., who The education of Edgar A. Halladay resides at Adrian, Michigan, is a contractor was secured in the common schools of his and builder; Philinda, deceased, was a resi- native county in New York and the early dent of Toledo, Ohio; Francis was years of his life were spent upon the farm. soldier during the Civil war, a member of He remained in the employ of his father Company C, Seventeenth Regiment Michi- until he was twenty-five years of age and gan Volunteers, and was killed at the bat- on April 5, 1866, was united in marriage tle of Antietam, in October, 1862; Mary to Miss Mary A. King, a most worthy and A. is the wife of the subject of this review; estimable lady who is a native of Wash- Harriet A. resides in Franklin, Michigan; tenaw county, Michigan, born November Adelaide is deceased; Munson R. lives in 21, 1844, the daughter of Rufus S. and Clinton, Michigan; John R. is the manager Mary S. (Nicholas) King. Her father of a life insurance agency at Indianapolis, was born in Connecticut and her mother is Indiana; Ella resides at Bridgewater, a native of Oneida county, New York, Michigan. where they were married, some time there- Two children have been born to Mr. and after coming, by wagon, to Michigan, be- Mrs. E. A. Halladay, viz: Addie B. mar- ing accompanied on the trip by his parents. ried H. R. Kemp, resides in Bridgewater, They invested in improved land, built a log Michigan, and they are the parents of two cabin home and devoted themselves to the sons, Harry and Glen; Ettie M. married improvement of the land and the cultivation A. B. McLachlin, who resides at Deerfield, of the soil during the remainder of their Michigan, being station agent and operator lives. All are now deceased except Mrs. at that point for the Lake Shore & Michi- King, mother of Mrs. Halladay, who is gan Southern Railroad, and they are the spending her old age in comfort with her parents of a son, Leon, and a daughter. children. Rufus King, father of Mrs. Having resided in Washtenaw county two Halladay, was a man of much mechanical years after his marriage, the subject moved ingenuity, his constructive genius being a to North Adams, Hillsdale county, where constant source of astonishment to all of he purchased one hundred and twenty acres his fellow settlers. He could make any- of well improved land, which he cultivated thing, from an ax handle to a wagon, and for five years. By that time his parents his talents were frequently drawn upon by were getting old and their health was not his neighbors, for skilled mechanics were all that could be desired, so at their sug- not very plentiful among the early settlers. gestion the subject sold his farm and moved In politics he was a Republican, but never to the old homestead in Washtenaw county, 1080 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. took charge of the farm for his father and string of pelts as his remuneration for the cultivated it for five years. . He then came night's toilsome amusement. On one OC- to Jackson county and located in Napoleon casion he acknowledges to have been really township, buying a splendid farm of one frightened by a deer. He was then only hundred and sixty-one acres, known as the about sixteen years old and encountered a Evergreen farm, and there he and his large buck which developed an inclination family have resided since that time. In to fight With blazing eyes it darted 1878 he erected upon the place a residence straight for the young hunter, who aimed of fair size and handsome proportions and directly for the animal's breast and fired. since then has put up barns, stables and The shot did not seem to have been effective other buildings necessary for farm use. and the hunter jumped behind a sappling The farm is a valuable tract of land, highly for protection, it being the only shelter in improved and exceedingly productive. Up- sight, and awaited the assault of the in- on it he caries on general farming and stock furiated animal. He knew at the time that raising. It is also well set out to fruit of he was frightened, but he did not realize all kinds. Ever a firm believer in the until after it was all over how badly. Just principles of the Republican party, Mr. as the buck struck the sappling it dropped Halladay votes that ticket, but has no per- dead. The shot had been effective, the sonal ambition to be gratified in the line bullet penetrating the animal's heart. of politics. He is a member of, and an at- Jonathan Krofft is a native of New tendant upon, the services of the Presby- | York, born in Delaware county, October terian church at Brooklyn. 22, 1832, and is the son of John and Triphina (Cutton) Krofft, also natives of New York. The family moved to Michi- gan in 1836 and located in Jackson county, JONATHAN KROFFT. at Michigan Center. At that time Adrian was the nearest market and the nearest The venerable subject of this review, point at which flour could be procured. Jonathan Krofft, of Henrietta township, The first gristmill erected in Jackson coun- was only a boy when he came to Michigan ty was built at Michigan Center by John with his parents in 1836, but he readily Krofft, father of the subject, and he also imbibed the enthusiasm of the early hunt- aided in the construction of the dam and ers and by the time he was ten years old the placing of the machinery. The first was familiar with the haunts of wild game home of the family was a log cabin, on a in nearly all parts of the county. At the age tract of forty acres of land which the head of eleven, his rifle was his constant com- of the household had purchased from the panion and he was only a little past that age government. It was cleared, improved and when he slaughtered his first deer. Many converted into a comfortable little farm, a night he has spent in the woods, traveling which in later years was added to until it many as twenty miles hunting coons, re- became of very fair dimensions. From there turning home in the morning with a fine the children went out into the world to a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1081 provide for themselves and it was upon that ent and future, he lives much in the past, place the parents died many years ago. and there is nothing in which he takes more Jonathan Krofft was industrious and delight than reciting the many interesting by the time he was prepared to settle down experiences of his early life and giving to in life had accumulated sufficient to give the younger generation an account of the him a good start. December 20, 1854, he conditions which prevailed and events that was united in marriage to Miss Parmelia transpired on the land which they now live. Bacon, a native of New York, born August I, 1834. Her parents were John and Han- nah (Lent) Bacon, also natives of New York, who had immigrated to Michigan FRANK BROWN. and located in Jackson county, in 1844. He was a farmer and one of the well-to-do Frank Brown is a native of Jackson farmers of the locality. To Mr. and Mrs. county, Michigan, having been born on his Krofft six children were born. Eva M., father's farm in Tompkins township, June the oldest child, became the wife of Dexter 30, 1846. His parents were John S. and Wind, and they are the parents of three Caroline (Hosford) Brown, both natives children and reside in Howell, Michigan. of Lyons, Wayne county, New York, and The second daughter, Hannah, married the subject's grandfather, Jeremiah Brown, John Williams, a farmer, and they are the was a wealthy farmer of the same locality. parents of four children and reside in Ar- In 1838, soon after Michigan became a state, kansas. Hattie became the wife of Horace the latter came to this commonwealth with Smith and they resided in Battle Creek, his family, locating in Jackson county and Michigan. Charles W., the only son, mar- purchasing several hundred of ried Maud Finney, and they are the parents government land in Springport township. of two children; he follows farming, re- There he built a modest home, cleared a siding upon and cultivating the old home portion of his land and resided until his place. Vina is the wife of Edward Reed, death, which occurred a number of years a farmer residing in Arkansas, and to them thereafter. three children have been born. All the About the time of the family removal children who are living are comfortably to Michigan, John S., the subject's father, situated and are satisfactorily prosperous. also determined to come, but being a man While hunting has been one of the most of mature years and wisely discreet, he con- fruitful sources of amusement for Jona- | cluded to turn the trip into a wedding tour. than Krofft, tilling of the soil and caring Accordingly, February 28, 1838, John S. for live stock has been the business of his Brown and Caroline Hosford became hus- life. He is the owner of a good farm, fairly band and wife and immediately set out for improved and supplied with proper build- their new home in Michigan. Arriving in ings. On this place he is spending the de- | Jackson county, they purchased a nice tract clining years of a busy and successful of government land in Tompkins township, While deeply interested in the pres- a part of section 7. He built a modest home, acres a career. 1082 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. cleared his land, cultivated his farm and flight. April 20, 1872, he was united in reared his children in comfort and happi- marriage to Miss Nancy J. Buck, a native ness during the next nineteen years. He of Ingham county, born September 19, died September 21, 1857, being survived by 1848. Her parents were Levi and Loretta his worthy wife a little more than thirty (Packard) Buck, both natives of New years, her death occurring September 26, York, who immigrated to Michigan in 1887. They were the parents of eight chil- 1840, located on a tract of government dren, viz: Susan, Adelaide, Luther C., De- land they had purchased, near Lansing, Witt C., Frank, John J., Willard and Caro- which he cleared, improved and converted line L. All are now deceased except Frank, into a fine, fertile farm. At the time of his who is the subject of this memoir, and John death, which occurred August 18, 1883, he J., who is a resident of Detroit, where he is was one of the most successful and influen- an influential carpenter and builder. The tial farmers of the locality in which he lived. parents were both members of the Unitar- His wife who is still living, makes her home ian church and devout in their attendance with her children. Of the four offspring upon all religious duties. He was quite born to them, three survive, viz: Marie is active in politics, affiliated with the Demo- the wife of James C. Elder, a farmer of cratic party and at different times during Tompkins township, and they have one child his life held a number of the offices of the living, Addie J., now the wife of George township. Howkins; James, who is represented else- Although in his boyhood days in Michi- where in this volume, and Mrs. Brown. gan the subject of education was not given Very soon after his marriage Mr. Brown as much attention as it is at present, Frank rented a farm of two hundred and forty Brown became well versed in all the com- acres in Eaton county, and continued to re- mon school branches of learning. Although side thereon for nineteen consecutive years. only eleven years old at the time of his His management of the place was very satis- father's death, his brother, Luther C., factory to the owner and during this period being the oldest surviving son, much of the of time he accumulated sufficient means to necessary work of the farm devolved upon enable him to purchase the old homestead in the subject, under the direction of his Tompkins township, upon which he was widowed mother. In 1862, Luther enlisted | born. In 1892 he took possession of his . in Company E, Twentieth Michigan Volun- purchase and it has been his home and that teers, and served until the close of the war. of his family ever since. The only real sad- This caused the entire responsibility for the ness that has crept into the lives of Mr. and management of the farm to devolve upon Mrs. Brown has been in the loss of their the subject, but the emergency was met children. Their first born died in infancy. bravely. Frank Brown continued to culti-Then, December 22, 1876, a little daughter vate the old home farm for his mother un- came, whom they named Lelia M. She grew til he was twenty-five years old, when he and thrived mentally and physically and considered it was high time to leave the brought a new joy into the life of the house- parental nest and try his own wings in hold. March 28, 1888, another child was JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1083 born to them, but its sojourn on earth was occurred July 24, 1884. The maternal also brief. In their sorrow the bereaved grandfather of the subject was Ebenezer parents bowed their heads, but their affliction Dorr, a native of Vermont, who came to was tempered in the hope the future held out Washtenaw county, Michigan, long years to them for the survival of their little daugh- before it ceased to be a territory, took land ter, Lelia, then twelve years old. Their from the government and made Michigan anguish, however, was only deferred a few his home until his death, which occurred years, as on July 24, 1895, the grim de- many years ago. stroyer came and took her also, she being at Hon. J. Russell Fisk was born in Tomp- the time a beautiful maiden, then only a little kins township, Jackson county, Michigan, past her eighteenth year. The delightful April 8, 1867. His parents were Eli and music of her youthful laughter has ever Jane (Dorr) Fish, both natives of Washte- since been silent in the otherwise happy naw county, Michigan. His birth occurred home. May 19, 1836, while she was born Decem- The farm which Mr. and Mrs. Brown ber 1, 1835. They were reared and educated own and occupies comprises one hundred in their native county and there they were and fifty-four acres, the greater part of which married January 1, 1860. In 1862 they has been under cultivation for upwards of came to Jackson county, selected a tract of sixty years. It has been well tilled, well eighty acres of land, a part of section 29, cultivated and is as productive today as when Tompkins township, purchased it, built a the virgin forest was swept from its bosom. modest residence thereon and soon estab- The residence is supplied with a telephone lished themselves at housekeeping: They and the family mail is brought regularly to cleared and improved the place, built barns the door by rural free delivery. Its owner and other necessary buildings and in course takes an active part in politics, viewing the of time increased the size of their possession situation from a Democratic standpoint. He by purchasing one hundred and twenty acres is a Mason and has advanced to the chapter, adjoining. Some years later one hundred holding his membership at Onondaga and and sixty more acres were added, increasing Springport. the size of the farm to three hundred and sixty acres. This last increase, however, was made through the instrumentality of Rus- HON. J. RUSSELL FISK. sell, the subject of this review. On this superb farm, well equipped with all that is Hon. J. Russell Fisk, while a native of necessary for its proper operation, the fam- Michigan, as were also his parents, is de- | ily resides. In politics Eli Fisk is an active scended from Vermont and Connecticut | Republican. He has served as justice of the grandparents. His paternal grandfather | peace, and discharged the duties of a num- . was John Fisk, a native of New York city, ber of township offices. He is in truth a who came to Washtenaw county, Michigan, self-made man, having achieved his success in the early 'thirties, was a successful farm- | wholly through his own exertions. er, and remained there until his death, which To Eli and Jane (Dorr) Fisk, parents of a 1084 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. the subject hereof, six children have been produced in this latitude. Most of the crops born, viz: Irene married E. J. Fenn, a farm- raised are converted into live stock before er in Sandstone township, where he is also being placed upon the market. They have a township clerk, and they are the parents of fine flock of coarse-wool, full-blood, Shrop- two children, a boy and girl; Effie J. resides shire sheep, devote some attention to the at home with her parents; J. Russell is the breeding and feeding of hogs, raise general subject of this sketch; Anna L. lives at home purpose horses for the market and also keep with her parents; Millie and Marcus S. both upon the place at all times a numerous herd died in infancy. The four children who are of grade cattle. They are generally blessed living each received a good education. Irene with good crops, because by the exercise of is a graduate of the Parma high school. common sense and industry they take the On the farm where he was born Hon. J. proper course to secure them and in all of Russell Fisk was reared to manhood. He their undertakings few farmers of the lo- attended school, where he was a diligent stu- cality are more successful. dent and an apt pupil, and while his education Fraternally Mr. Fisk is a member of is by no means elaborate, it is thorough in all Rives Tent No. 846, Knights of the Macca- of the branches undertaken by him. From bees, while in politics he is a Republican and early youth he was accustomed to farm work for some years has been recognized as one of and early decided to follow agricultural pur- the leaders of his party in the county. At suits as his vocation. So well had he con- the opening of the local campaign in 1892 ducted himself and so industrious had he he received the nomination for member of been that when he attained his twenty-first the state legislature. His candidacy was not year his father unhesitatingly took him into a matter of choice with him, but having been partnership with himself in the operation of placed upon the ticket by his party he felt it the farm and the last quarter section of land his duty to use every honorable means to that had been added to the place was secured compass his election. His majority was a and paid for by their joint exertions. very comfortable one and in the legislative On the 8th day of May, 1890, J. Rus- session of 1903 he served his constituents , sell Fisk was united in marriage to Miss Jen- not only with marked ability but even with nie E. Tompkins, a native of Ingham county, distinction. born September 20, 1864. Her parents are “During the days which tried inen’s William and Cordelia (Cranmore) Tomp- souls," when the fate of the nation hung in kins, of Spring Arbor township. Both par- the balance during the war of the Rebellion, , ents were natives of New York and both are the Fisk fainily were ardent and zealous in deceased. Two children have been born to the cause of the union. Eli Fisk, the sub- Mr. and Mrs. Fisk, viz: Edith M., born ject's father, was a private soldier in Com- March 28, 1891, and Alice L., born April pany E, Fifteenth Regiment, Michigan Vol- 23, 1899. unteers, and served until the close of the war. In partnership with his father, the sub- His two brothers, George L. and Henry ject carries on general farming, and also Fisk, were also in the Federal military ser- raises fruit and all kinds of crops usually vice at the time. The latter was killed on JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1085 Strawberry Plains, Tennessee, during the as abundance of game pervaded the forests, siege of Knoxville. He left a widow and the family larder was kept well supplied with two sons, one of whom, Charles H., served the choicest meats. Here the family resided as a member of the state legislature and is until the parents were called away by death, now a practicing attorney. Hon. J. Rus- many years ago, and the younger members sell Fisk has attained a financial and business of the family went out into the world to pro- success of which he may well feel proud and vide homes for themselves. In politics John the success that has attended his first effort Losey was a Whig and after the disintegra- in politics should be quite encouraging to tion of that party he became a Republican. him. Soon after taking up his abode in Michi- gan, Michael Losey invested in eighty acres WILSON D. LOSEY. of land, cleared a portion of it and made other necessary improvements thereon. Wilson D. Losey, the subject of this re- Later he added another eighty acres to the view, is a native of Jackson county, Michi- tract and the improvement were continued gan, born in Tompkins township, April 1, and extended. He built a home thereon and 1850. His parents were Michael and Han- soon thereafter was married to Miss Han- nah (Bradford) Losey, both natives of nah Bradford. They established themselves Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather of in the new home on the farm, and there their the subject was John Losey, also a native of children were born. They were the parents Pennsylvania, and a farmer by occupation. of eight children, viz: Lucretia married About 1832 John Losey decided to come William Vedder, a farmer of Tompkins into the then new country of Michigan and township; Concurrence married H. Draper, establish a home for himself and family. by whom he had five children, and some time They came to Jackson county and located in after his death took for her second husband Tompkins township, where the father of the George Herrington; they were the parents family purchased a tract of unimproved of five children, and reside in the city of land, built thereon a modest home and pro- | Jackson, but own a well improved farm in ceeded to convert his purchase into a farm. Sandstone township; Lucinda is the wife of For all their hauling and farm work they John Vedder, a prosperous farmer of Sand- were obliged to use ox teams and in the sub- stone township, and they are the parents of jugation of the forest the ax was the chief four children; Wilson D. is the subject of weapon. this review; John died at the age of twelve John Losey and wife were the parents of years; Lygurius, is a graduate of two col- nine children, of whom Michael, father of leges and is now engaged in the mercantile the subject, was the fifth. At the time the business at Minneapolis, Minnesota; he mar- family came from Pennsylvania to the terri- ried Mrs. Hattie Griffith and is the father of tory Michael was about twenty years of age. . two sons; Jennie, widow of Frank Griffin, is He proved a valuable assistant to his father, the mother of four children and resides at not only in the clearing and in the field, but Battle Creek, Michigan; Edith is the wife of in the woods. Both were expert hunters and ] Frank Kienast, a farmer of Rives township, 1086 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. and they are the parents of four children. proficient in music, Vernie and Elmer are The mother of this interesting family died graduates of the Jackson Business College in 1860 and three years later the father mar- and De Los is attending school. Each has ried again, his second wife being Mary received a good education and all still reside Thompson. They lived happily together un- at home with their parents. til 1898, when she too passed away, her hus- The farm owned by the father and oc- band surviving her only one year, being cupied by the family is three hundred and called to his eternal rest in July, 1899. He twenty acres in extent and is one of the best was always a very ardent Republican and for improved and most fertile in the locality. nearly fifty years was a member of the Ad- Much of the attention of the owner is de- ventist church. voted to live stock, horses, cattle, hogs, and On the Jackson county farm where he sheep. He acts upon the principle that poor was born, Wilson D. Losey was reared, and stock eats as much as stock that is superior about the first job with which he was en- and yields less for what is consumed, hence trusted was driving and caring for a yoke he wastes no time with inferior grades. He of oxen. Before long other and heavier 'has full-blooded Durham cattle and some work was given him until in time there was grades, general purpose and draft horses, a no labor on the farm in which he was not number always for sale; Merino and Delaine skilled. Meanwhile his education was not sheep, and Ohio Improved Chester and neglected, as he had all the advantages the Poland China hogs. From his dairy an common school afforded and he profited well average of two hundred pounds of butter is by his opportunities and instructions. After put upon the market each month the year attaining his majority he went up into the round. A fine home adorns a sightly location lumber camps of northern Michigan and on the farm and several substantial, com- labored five years at logging and lumbering. | modious barns and stables supply shelter On his return to Jackson county, when he and storage for the stock and grain. The had arrived at the age of twenty-six years, family enjoys telephone connection with the he was given entire charge of his father's outside world and rural free delivery sup- farm and managed it most successfully. plies them regularly with their letters and On the 12th day of April, 1876, Wilson literature. They are regular attendants up- D. Losey was united in marriage to on the services of the Adventist church of Miss Ethel May Gilkes, a native of Jackson. He is a Republican and being of Livingston county, Michigan, born the an ardent temperament he could not be 14th of April, 1857. Her parents are otherwise than an active one. He is a mem- are Thomas and Mariam (Britton) Gilkes, ber of the Maccabees, Rives Tent No. 868, natives, he of England and she of Michigan. and of the Ancient Order of United Work- He came to Michigan in an early day and men, Lodge No. 5, at Jackson. He has located in Livingston county, where he was served as highway commissioner, was an agriculturist. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson D. member of the board of review and, being Losey are the parents of four children, Lot- | interested in education, has filled all of the tie, Vernie, Elmer and DeLos. Lottie is very various positions of the school board. a a JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1087 LEMAN H. DEWEY. They were the parents of eight children, all of whom received a good education, grew Leman H. Dewey, the subject of this to maturity and led useful, honorable lives. review, while a native New Englander, is Leman H. Dewey was the second child not a typical “Down East Yankee,” though of the family and received a fair common a he possesses many of the very best charac- school education in his native, state, which teristics of that particular people. His was supplemented by more thorough in- parents were Solomon S. and Polly (Wood) struction after the removal of the family to Dewey and the ancestors, traced back for New York. Until after he reached his ma- seven generations, disclose a residence in jority he knew very little of life other than New England of several hundred years. It that of the farm. Later he engaged in dif- also discloses the fact that Admiral George ferent avocations, in each of which he was Dewey is a branch of the same family tree. eminently successful. Providence and thrift The original settler of that name in New characterized his conduct in all his business England was an emigrant from Wales, relations, with the result that in the year Mr. Dewey's grandfather, Aseph, was born 1865 he came to Michigan, “viewed the in Connecticut and had eight children, landscape o'er," was satisfied with the pros- Zelotus, Erastus, Aseph, Lyman, Elias, Solo- pects, selected a farm which he desired to mon, Roxanna and Jerusha. The grand purchase, knowing that he had not the money father afterward moved to Massachusetts to pay for it, and returned to New York on and settled on the banks of the Housatonic one of the most agreeable missions that can river. occupy the time of a worthy young man. Leman H. Dewey was born in Berk- Oct. 12, 1865, Leman H. Dewey was shire county, Massachusetts, August 30, united in marriage to Miss Persis A. My- 1826, and there resided until he was four- rick, in Genesee county, New York. She teen years old. His father was a farmer, as was a native of Genesee county, born April were the other male members of the family 27, 1845, the daughter of Lawson B. and for many generations. In 1840 Solomon Aurelia (Danforth) Myrick, natives of Ver- S. Dewey, the subject's father, sold his mont who had moved to New York in an possessions in Massachusetts, moved to New early day, where he became one of the most York and located in Syracuse, where he substantial and prosperous agriculturists of purchased a farm and on which he continued his county. The subject's grandfather, Sam- to reside until the time of his death, in 1861, uel Myrick, was a second lieutenant under , his wife having preceded him into eternity | General Washington in the patriot army, some nine years. During their residence in during the war for independence, enlisting the Empire state they were very successful from the state of Vermont. The Danforth in all of their undertakings and the closing family is one of the oldest in the state and years of their lives were spent in ease and can trace its ancestry back to that memorable comfort. Both were religiously inclined day, December 20, 1620, when the “May- and members of church, she of the Presby- flower” landed its little band of pilgrims on , terian and he of the Methodist Episcopal. the bleak and frozen shores of Massachu- 1088 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. a setts. Many of the ancestors of Mrs. Dewey ship and they are the parents of three chil- on the maternal side perished in the early dren; Lawson is a miner of British Colum- Indian wars, and numerous stories have been bia and has amassed a fortune; Lester E. handed down in the family relating to the married Ida Sperling, a farmer in Iowa, and exploits of those intrepid Indian fighters. they are the parents of five children, one de- One dauntless champion of the cause of the ceased; Alta has been a successful teacher, white settlers is said to have escaped after but is at present employed in the city of being taken prisoner, by making good use Jackson; Charles A. is a miner in Wardner, of a pair of skates. Others saved their Idaho, meeting with gratifying success; both scalps by being expert swimmers. Mrs. the other children, Clyde C. and Clara E., Dewey is a kind, matronly lady whose every are still at home, the latter attending school. act and every utterance discloses a worthy Both parents are members of the Wesleyan parentage and a breeding that must have Methodist church and take much interest in been equally worthy. Her father died in the religious work. In politics he is a Republi- state of New York in December, 1856. He can and has wielded considerable influence was survived by his faithful wife many in the councils of his party, but never sought years. She came to Michigan and lived office or cared for political preferment of here for a length of time, but eventually any kind. His career has been a most ex- moved to Kansas, where she died March 6, emplary one, active and honorable in every 1885. relation of life. Within a short time after their marriage in New York Leman H. Dewey and his bride came to Jackson county, Michigan, and located in Tompkins township, where he pur- ANTHONY J. PATCH. shased a farm of eighty acres of land, a part of section 22. It was partially cleared, He to whom this sketch is dedicated has but otherwise little improved. This he con- served most efficiently and acceptably as verted into a fertile tract and then added by county treasurer and has also been incumbent a purchase ten more acres. A good residence, of other positions of public trust and re- fine barns and other farm buildings now sponsibility, while he is one of the well adorn the place. The home is nicely situ- known and popular citizens of Jackson, ated and well furnished, but one of the price where he has maintained his home since less little pieces of furniture is an old fash- 1883, being now supervisor of the third ioned "Yankee clock," made wholly of wood, ward. even to the wheels, which has followed the Mr. Patch is a native of the Wolverine fortunes of the family for more than a hun- state, having been born on a farm in Somer- dred years. It was given to Mrs. Dewey by set township, Hillsdale county, Michigan, on her mother and is still a most perfect time- the 27th of May, 1852, and being a son of keeper. To Mr. and Mrs. Dewey seven chil- | Benjamin and Lois A. Patch. In 1865 his dren have been born, viz: Aurilla married parents removed from Hillsdale county to John Churchill, a farmer of Rives town- Liberty township, Jackson county, where his JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1089 father continued to devote his attention to No. 9, Knights Templar. He is also a mem- agricultural pursuits, becoming one of the ber of Jackson Lodge No. 113, Benevolent successful and representative farmers of that and Protective Order of Elks, and Central section of the county. The father died April City Tent No. 139, Knights of the Macca- 9, 1890, while the mother lives on the old bees. homestead. The subject was thus reared In Liberty township, this county, on the to the sturdy discipline of the farm, early 27th of May, 1877, Mr. Patch was united beginning to contribute his share to the work in marriage to Miss Lectie A. Crum, daugh- , thereof, while his educational advantages ter of John and Anna Crum, and they are were such as were afforded in the district the parents of three children, Vie, Lacerne schools of Hillsdale and Jackson counties, and Charles W. his attendance being confined to the winter terms while he devoted his time during the summers to working on the farm. In 1883 he left the farm and came to the city of ELMORE L. GRIFFIN. Jackson, where he was connected with the police department about a year, later en- He to whom this review is dedicated is gaging in the liquor business, which he con- a representative of the third generation of tinued about twelve years. the family in Jackson county, with whose In politics Mr. Patch has ever been annals the name became identified in the arrayed with the Republican party, of whose early pioneer epoch, and he is now num- principles and policies he is a stalwart ad- bered among the substantial and honored vocate, while he has been an active worker business men of his native township, that of in the party cause. In 1896 he was elected In 1896 he was elected Napoleon, where he was born on the ist of supervisor of the third ward of the Central May, 1849, being one of those sterling citi- City, and was chosen as his own successor zens whose life records are such as to justify in the succeeding two years, while in 1898 the compilation of works of this nature. and 1900 he was elected to the responsible Mr. Griffin is a son of Joshua Carpenter office of county treasurer, giving a most dis- Griffin, who was born at Sandy Hill, Wash- criminating administration of the fiscal af- ington county, New York, in the year 1817, fairs of the county. In the spring of 1903 | being a son of Oliver and Lovisa (Carpen- he was again elected supervisor of his ward, ter) Griffin, the former being of Welsh and and is incumbent of this position at the the latter of English extraction. They were time of this writing. For six years Mr. numbered among the early settlers of New Fatch was a member of the National Guard York, whence they came as pioneers to Jack- of the state, and fraternally he is identified son county, locating in Napoleon township, with Michigan Lodge No. 50, Free and Ac- whence they later removed to the village of cepted Masons, into which he was initiated Mason, Ingham county, where they passed in 1882; Jackson Chapter No. 3, Royal Arch the remainder of their lives, Grandfather Masons; Jackson Council No 32, Royal and Griffin having been a shoemaker by trade Select Masters; and Jackson Commandery and vocation. He and his wife became the 69 1090 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. parents of seven children, namely: Joshua to Jackson county in the fall of 1835, settling C., father of the subject of this sketch, near the old South Jackson church, but a Rosalvo, who is a retired farmer and carriage few years later removed to another farm near manufacturer, residing in Mason; Lavina, Jackson, where he made a valuable farm up- who became the wife of Tobias Miller, both on which he lived till his death, at about being now deceased; Lovisa, who became fifty-five. His widow survived several years. . the wife of Aaron Winchell, both dying in The children to reach maturity were one son, Napoleon township; Emily became the wife Corodon S., who was killed at Fair Oaks of Charles L. Hawley and both are now de- as a member of the Second Michigan Infan- ceased; Almeda is the widow of Henry Haw- try: Julia; Elizabeth, who married Stephen ley and resides in the village of Napoleon, Lewis and died young; Martha, who died and Margaret is the wife of a Mr. DeMuth, one year after her marriage to Oscar San- of California. The father of the subject ford; Abigail married Edwin Church and was a boy at the time of his parents' removal lives at Northfield, Minnesota, with a sister, to Jackson county, where they took up their Lucy G., wife of Rev. James F. Hill, a Bap- abode about the year 1835, having thus been tist minister. A few years after marriage numbered among the very early settlers in Mr. Griffin had been so prospered in his this section of the state. The journey from earnest and indefatigable efforts that he felt New York was made with an ox team, and justified in purchasing an additional tract transportation across Lake Erie was ef- of one hundred and sixty acres, of which fected by using a large scow. The family about half had been cleared, while he per- took up their residence near the old stone sonally reclaimed the remainder, this second quarry in the vicinity of the present village farm having adjoined his original purchase. of Napoleon, and there Joshua C. Griffin was When he took up his residence on his little reared to maturity, his educational advan- homestead Indians were still numerous in tages having been perforce very limited after this locality and he always maintained friend- the removal to the wilds of the territory of ly relations with them, doing considerable Michigan. He worked by the month in this trading with these aborigines, while bear, section for several years and then invested deer, wolves and other wild animals were his savings in forty acres of land in section plentiful. For a number of years after Mr. . 32, Napoleon township, the same being cov- Griffin located on his forty-acre farm his ered with a dense growth of native timber, nearest neighbor was a quarter of a mile dis- so that it was no light task which faced him tant, while the next in the proximity was in here hewing out a farm in the forest wilds.much farther removed, and it may be re- October 2, 1845, he was married to Miss called that the neighbors kept up their fires Julia Ann Burge, who was born in Antwerp, by borrowing coals from each other in case of Jefferson county, New York, April 2, 1826, emergency, since matches were an unknown being a daughter of Seth and Lucy (Smith) | thing at that time. In 1863 Mr. Griffin built Burge, who were likewise early settlers of the present substantial brick residence stand- Jackson county. After some three or four ing on the homestead, the barn having been years passed in Ohio the Burge family came built about two years previously, while many JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1091 other excellent improvements were made un- of the advantages of the public schools en- der his effective regime. He devoted his at- tered Kalamazoo College, and was there tention to diversified agriculture and also was graduated as a member of the class of 1874. quite extensively engaged in the raising of Later he began the study of medicine under cattle, sheep and horses. He identified him- the preceptorship of Dr. Cyrus Smith, a lead- self with the Republican party at the time ing physician and surgeon of Jackson, but of its organization, having been a delegate he had prosecuted his technical reading only to the original convention, held in an oak a short time when his father was seriously grove in the present city of Jackson, and he injured by falling from an apple tree, and ever afterward remained a stanch adherent the subject accompanied him to Ann Arbor of the party, though he never sought official for treatment, no pains being spared to ef- preferment. He was a man of utmost pro- fect his recovery, but he died about five years bity of character and held the uniform con- later as the result of his injuries, his younger fidence and esteem of the people of the coun- son having given up his professional studies ty in which he so long lived and labored. to devote his attention to the sufferer, for His death occurred on the 8th of July, 1881. whom he cared with the utmost filial solici- His widow now resides in the village of Na- tude until his father was summoned into poleon, in the pleasant home of her son El- eternal rest. In 1886 Mr. Griffin went to more. She has long been a devoted member Fairmount, North Dakota, where he engaged of the First Baptist church, of this village, in the hardware and agricultural-implement and has taken an active interest in its work business and also in the jewelry business, be- in the various departments. Of her three ing there successfully identified with these children we record that Ursulus A. is a resi- lines of enterprise for a period of seven dent of Los Angeles, California, being a re- years, at the expiration of which, in 1893, tired contractor and real-estate dealer. He he disposed of his interests and returned to married Miss Eva Crafts and they have Jackson county, purchasing the old home- three children, Mabel, who is the wife of stead of two hundred acres, in Napoleon Leland Prescott, of Butte, Montana, Erwin, township. There he continued to reside for who remains with his parents, and Gordon. the ensuing two years, and he then located Elmore L. was the second in order of birth in the village of Napoleon, where he pur- . Arrah Belle is the wife of F. E. Crafts, of chased of F. E. Curtis his present business, Fairmount, Richland county, North Dako- that of a dealer in hand-picked beans, which , ta, and they have four children, Clarence, represents one of the important industries Harold and Bernice and Lucille, twins. of the county, which is one of the centers of Ursulus Griffin was educated in the East- the bean-growing business in the Union. In man Business College in the city of Pough- 1901 Mr. Griffin erected his present elevator, keepsie, New York, and Mrs. Crafts, the which has a capacity for the handling of one only sister, completed a course in the Jack- thousand bushels of beans daily, and this son high school. is recognized as one of the best and most Elmore L. Griffin was reared on the complete elevators of the sort in the United homestead farm and after availing himself States, while the business conducted is one 1092 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. of extensive proportions. The machinery of native of Rhode Island, who was reared and the elevator is operated by a twelve-horse- grew to manhood in his native state. In power gasoline engine, and the facilities are early life he received a fair common-school such as to conserve economy and facility, education and when old enough began work- the arrangement of the elevator being such ing in a cotton factory in Providence. As that one man can do as much work in a given soon as he found himself in a position to time as could be accomplished by four men justify it, he was united in marriage to Miss in the average elevator. Mr. Griffin also Miranda Vickery, a native of the same state handles hard and soft coal and is the local and a woman richly gifted by virtues. After representative of the Hartford Fire Insur- marriage he continued his work in the mill ance Company. He has proved himself a and through the providence and good man- man of distinctive ability and business acu- agement of his estimable wife succeeded in men and his success has been notable. While saving from his earnings enough money to he has never been an aspirant for public of justify them in effecting a removal. fice he has rendered efficient service in the Accordingly, about the year 1836, one cause of the Republican party, which has year before Michigan was admitted into the ever held his allegiance, and fraternally he is union, Varnum J. Tefft left the dust, grime a valued member of Napoleon Lodge No. and unwholesome atmosphere of the Prov- 301, Free and Accepted Masons. Mrs. Grif- idence cotton factory behind, and established fin is a member of the First Baptist church himself and his family on a quarter section of Napoleon and takes an active part in the of government land in the township of various departments of its work, as does she Spring Arbor, a part of section 21. There also in the social activities of the village. he erected a comfortable home, cleared and On the ist of September, 1886, Mr. Grif- improved the land and, before long, was in fin was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth possession of a splendid farm. On this farm Hill, of Wellsville, New York, and they are the subject of this review was born, reared the parents of three children, Stuart, who and grew to manhood. Mr. and Mrs. Tefft was born on the 23d of June, 1890; Julia, were the parents of ten children, seven of who was born on the 23d of April, 1895, whom are still living, and of these, five are and Miriam, who was born January 11, residents of Jackson county, viz: William 1897. Mr. Griffin is one of the representa- J., of the city of Jackson; George S., of tive and influential business men and public- Spring Arbor township; Oscar E., of Con- spirited citizens of his native county, and cord; Henry N., the subject of this article, , his circle of friends is limited only by that and Angeline, wife of Porter S. Herrington, of his acquaintances. of Jackson. Mr. Tefft filled with distinction a number of the offices of the township and was highway commissioner at the time of HON, HENRY N. TEFFT. his death, May 27, 1854; Mrs. Tefft died Henry N. Tefft was born on his father's April 6, 1851. farm in Spring Arbor township, August 23, The opportunities for securing an edu- 1842. His father was Varnum J. Tefft, a cation during the boyhood of Henry N. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1093 Tefft were by no means abundant. District lower house of the state legislature from the schools were rarely in session more than second district of Jackson county and was three months and these included the most elected by nearly three hundred plurality. extreme winter weather. Nevertheless, he He served in the legislature session of 1897 managed to acquire a fair common school with distinction, but belonging to the minor- education, which was supplemented by at- ity party in the house, he had little oppor- tendance a number of terms at a seminary. tunity of accomplishing what he or his party July 4, 1861, he enlisted in the First Regi- clesired in the way of legislation. So well ment Michigan Volunteer Infantry and did he discharge the duties of the position, served three years and three months in the however, and so satisfactory were his leg- Federal service. With his regiment he took islative acts to his constituents that they part in many of the hottest engagements of nominated him in 1902 for the position of the Rebellion, among them those of the state senator from the counties of Jackson Peninsular campaign, March 17 to Septem- and Washtenaw, but the entire ticket was de- ber 2, 1862, and the battles of the Wilderness. feated, which, considering the political com- , He was honorably discharged from the serv- plexion of the district, was no surprise to ice September 12, 1864, after having been a anyone. In 1899 he purchased the farm soldier for twenty-seven months. whereon he now resides in Hanover town- Returning home to Jackson county, Mr. ship and moved his family thereto, and from Tefft again applied himself to agricultural that time until the present it has been his pursuits. On the 24th day of December, home. Physically and mentally, despite the 1868, he was united in marriage to Miss hard work he has done and the energy and Mary E. Anderson, a native of Michigan, activity he has displayed, he is still remark- born August 3, 1844, the daughter of Will- ably well preserved. It is very easy to per- iam and Cynthia (Wilder) Anderson, na- ceive that many years of real usefulness are tives of New York, who came to Michigan still before him. as early as 1836, and located in Spring Ar- bor township. To Mr. and Mrs. Tefft three children have been born, viz: Arthur A., at home; Ora C., wife of Rufus Cox, of Spring CHARLES H. BEEBE. Arbor township; Burton R., employed as clerk in a store at Hanover. This well-known and essentially repre- Pursuing the business of agriculture in sentative farmer of Blackman township is a his native township, Henry N. Tefft pros- scion of two of the sterling pioneer families pered, and reared and educated his children. of the county, within whose borders he has Despite the activities of his life, he found passed practically his entire life, and from time to devote some attention to politics. He both an individual and an ancestral view- is a very pronounced Democrat and for point he is thus well entitled to consideration twelve years served the people of his town- in a work of the province assigned to the one ship as justice of the peace. In the cam- at hand. Mr. Beebe was born on the old paign of 1896 he was a candidate for the homestead farm in Blackman township, on a 1094 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. the 20th of January, 1842, being a son of esteem of all who knew him. He was sum- Elisha P. and Diadema (Jackson) Beebe, moned into eternal rest on the ioth of Jan- both of whom were born in the city of Syra- vary, 1890, in the fullness of years and well cuse, New York. The father of the subject earned honors. was born in the year 1813, and was reared Anson Jackson, the maternal grandfa- and educated in his native city, where he ther of the subject of this sketch, came from learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, and Syracuse, New York, to Jackson county in where he continued to reside until he had at- 1834 or 1835, his wife having died in the tained the age of about twenty-three years, old Empire state. He secured a large tract when he came to Jackson county, locating of government land in Blackman township, in what was then the little village of Jack- being one of the first settlers in this now fav- sonburg, where he devoted his attention to ored section of the county. Here he erected the work of his trade as opportunity pre- a log cabin in the midst of the forest and sented. Thereafter he resided on the farm with the passing years the results of his la- of Anson Jackson, whose daughter Diadema bors were manifested in the transformation he married. They for a time resided on a wrought, since he cleared a large amount farm west of the Jackson homestead and la- of his land and placed it under cultivation. ter removed to the old place on which the During his later life he resided for a num- subject of this sketch was born, the same be- ber of years in the village of Eaton Rapids, ing located in section 8, Blackman township. Eaton county, where his death occurred , Here Elisha P. Beebe secured a tract of when past eighty, his remains being now in- eighty acres, while his wife became the own- terred in the Bond cemetery in Blackman er of forty acres of her father's homestead. township. Of the eight children of this The entire tract was wild and covered with honored pioneer only three are living at the a heavy growth of the native timber, but he present time, Diadema Beebe, the mother of set himself valiantly to the task of reclaim- the subject; Marian, widow of David Perine, ing the land and eventually brought the who resides with the former on the old Bee- same under effective cultivation, while he be homestead; and George, who resides near also continued to work at his trade at such Elgin, Illinois. Elisha P. and Diadema times as his services in the line were in (Jackson) Beebe became the parents of four requisition in the pioneer community. He children, namely: George Edgar, who is was a man of excellent mentality and pro- a resident of Platte, South Dakota; Charles gressive ideas and became one of the influ- H., who is the immediate subject of this ential citizens of the township, ever showing sketch; Mary, who died at the age of four- a lively interest in public affairs of a local teen years, and Helen, who is the wife of nature and being specially active in the pro- William Mayo, a successful farmer of Black- motion of educational affairs. In politics man township. he was a stanch advocate of the principles Charles H. Beebe was reared to the and policies of the Democratic party. He sturdy discipline of the old homestead farm was a man of unbending integrity and ever upon which his mother still resides, and his commanded the unequivocal confidence and educational advantages were such as were JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1095 afforded in the public schools of the local- iel, who are residents of the city of Jackson. ity and period. He continued to assist in William Mayo, father of Mrs. Beebe, the work of the home farm until he had at- was born on the 17th of August, 1810, and tained the age of twenty-four years, when in 1833 he emigrated to America in company he assumed marital responsibilities, his mar- with his wife and their one child. They riage to Miss Sarah Caroline Mayo having first located in Dexter township, Washte- been solemnized on the 15th of May, 1866. naw county, Michigan, but soon afterward Mrs. Beebe is likewise a native of Blackman took up their abode in Ann Arbor, that coun- township, being a daughter of William and ty, whence they came over into Jackson Sarah (Plant) Mayo, both of whom were county and resided one year in Sandstone born in Buckinghamshire, England, where township, from which section of the county , they were married. In the year 1833 they In the year 1833 they they removed to Blackman township, locat- came to America and located in Jackson ing on the old homestead to which reference county, Mr. Mayo purchasing forty acres has already been made in this context. To of land in Blackman township and reclaim- Mr. and Mrs. Beebe have been born seven ing the greater portion of the same from the children, concerning whom brief mention is virgin wilderness. He eventually sold this as follows: Minnie is the wife of John Van place and purchased one hundred and sixty Horne, of Blackman township, and they have acres in section 7, same township, where he one child, Floyd; Frederick is a resident of continued to be engaged in agricultural pur- Jackson; Herbert remains at the parental suits until he took up his residence in Jack- home; Archibald, who married Miss Helen son, where he had his home for the ensuing Chanter, is engaged in farming in Black- seventeen years, having there lived retired man township; Lee married Ilo Allen and is until the time of his death, which occurred likewise a successful farmer of this town- on the oth of December, 1882, his cherished ship, and Flora and Roy remain beneath the and devoted wife having preceded him into parental roof. eternal rest by only a few months, her de- Shortly after his marriage Mr. Beebe re- mise occurring on the 5th of July of the moved to Rice county, Minnesota, purchas- same year. Mr. Mayo gave his allegiance to ing sixty acres of land near Morristown, the Democratic party. This worthy couple where he remained one year, at the expira- became the parents of ten children, namely: tion of which he went to Pine Bend, Dakota George, who is a member of the police force county, that state, in which locality he was of Minneapolis, Minnesota; John, who is a engaged in farming for the ensuing three retired contractor, residing in the city of years, then returning to his native county. Portland, Oregon; Mary and James, who Here he effected the purchase of forty acres are deceased; Sarah C., who is the wife of in section 5, Blackman township, the place the subject of this review ; Helen, who is the being partially improved. There he contin- wife of L. C. Hoyt, of Rives township; ued to reside until 1875, when he purchased William, who resides in Blackman town- his present well improved and valuable farm ship: Flora, who is the wife of Harry Har- of one hundred and twenty acres, in sections mon, of Hillsdale county; Joseph and Dan- 7 and 18, same township, while he has added 1096 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1 to the original area of the farm until he now the 20th of January, 1852. He was born owns two hundred and five acres in the town- in Rhode Island, and on the 13th of August, ship, while of the original place ninety-five 1839, he was united in marriage to Miss acres are maintained under most effective Phoebe Murray, of Connecticut, a relative cultivation. It stands to Mr. Beebe's credit of Brigadier General Murray, who fought and honor that he has attained prosperity under Wolfe in the battle of Quebec, Cana- and definite success through his own efforts, da. Jeremiah Jackson was a sergeant in the since he started out in life with no further English army and came to the United States reinforcement than that implied in a stout from Canada after the war, and he and his heart, willing hands and a determination to three sons, John, aged eighteen, Jeremiah, win independence through honest and earn- sixteen, and Nathan, fourteen, all enlisted est endeavor. He has shown distinctive busi- for service in the Continental line during the ness acumen and has been an excellent man- Revolution, continuing in the ranks until the ager, and today is known as one of the sub- close of the war and having been with Wash- stantial and progressive farmers and stock ington at Valley Forge. Phoebe (Murray) growers of his native county and as a citizen Jackson died on the 4th of January, 1842. well worthy of the high regard which is so Major Anson W. Jackson, who was a cap- uniformly accorded him. In politics he is tain in the war of 1812 and a member of arrayed as a stanch supporter of the Demo- the organization known as the minute men, cratic party, and while he has not been ambi- was made a major in the state militia of New tious for official preferment he served for York in 1833. In 1836 he left his home in several years as a member of the board of re- the Empire state and came to Jackson coun- view of his township. ty, Michigan, settling on a tract of wild land Major Anson W. Jackson, the maternal in sections 4 and 5, Blackman township, grandfather of the subject, was born in the while of his later life mention has already state of New Hampshire, on the 3d of Oc- been made in this connection. tober, 1773, and his wife, whose maiden name was Hannah Brook, was born in Her- kimer county, New York, on the ist of Feb- ruary, 1780. His father, Jeremiah Jackson, REV. JOHN W. MALANEY. was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, having gone forth as a member of the Con- The Holy Roman Catholic church has tinental army from Rhode Island, while he been the avant courier of civilization and its lived for some time at Great Barrington, effective conservator. Its emissaries have Massachusetts. After the close of the great dared all and endured all in forwarding the struggle which determined the independence cause of the divine Master upon earth, hold- of the nation he removed to Montgomery | ing no obstacle as insuperable, no privation county, New York, whence, in 1796, he re- as too severe, no temporal danger too great moved to Onondaga county, that state, and to swerve them from their course in bring- there devoted the remainder of his life to ag- ing the word of God unto all sorts and con- ricultural pursuits, his death occurring on ditions of men. Naught but honor and ap- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1097 preciation can be accorded to the self-ab- tember of the same year (1880) that of St. negating members of the priesthood of the Mary's was organized, with Father Malaney church, for they have proved fruitful trees in charge. The task which faced the priest in the fair garden of God and not barren was one involving the most strenuous per- cumberers of the earth, ever striving to sonal effort, the maximum of executive and make their lives prolific in good to mankind administrative ability, the power to infuse and exemplifying the kindly virtues of pa- courage and enthusiasm in his little flock and tience, toleration and utmost unselfishness. above all the unremitting devotion to the Among those who have consecrated their more purely pastoral functions. At the in- lives to the priesthood and have proved wor- ception the number of families represented thy to minister in holy places is Father Ma- in the parish was only one hundred and nine- laney, who is in pastoral charge of the im- teen, but today the results of the earnest and portant parish of St. Mary's church in the effective labors of the young and able pastor city of Jackson. He is known in the city are shown in no uncertain way, and under his and county and has the high regard of all administration the parish has had a most who know him and the affection of his flock. successful growth in both a spiritual and That he should be accorded a tribute of spe- temporal way, the congregation now having cific character in this compilation is self-evi- four hundred and fifty families, while the dent. fine church edifice, erected at a cost of thirty Father Malaney is a native of the old thousand dollars, indicates beyond peradven- Buckeye state, having been born in the city ture the earnest co-operation the pastor has of Sandusky, Ohio, on the 23d of October, received on the part of his people. In addi- 1856, being a son of William and Ann Ma- tion to the church building a substantial and laney, natives of Ireland. The early educa- commodious structure has been erected for tional discipline of Father Malaney was se- the school, which is conducted by the sisters, cured in the public and parochial schools of and the parochial residence is in harmony his native city, and at the age of fifteen years with the other buildings. The success which he became a student in Mount St. Mary's has attended his efforts can not but be most Seminary, in the city of Cincinnati, entering gratifying to Father Malaney, and he is fully the same in 1869. Here he completed the appreciative of the devotion and self-abne- prescribed course, covering a period of near- gating spirit manifested by his parishioners, ly twelve years, and in February, 1880, he as are they of the noble labor which he has was ordained to the priesthood by Rt. Rev. put forth and which has eventuated in so dis- C. H. Borgess, bishop of the diocese of De- tinctive success. Father Malaney is a man troit, Michigan. Immediately after receiv- , of high scholarship and is an earnest and ing holy orders Father Malaney was sent to convincing speaker, while his gracious per- Jackson to fill the place of Father Buyse, rec- sonality has gained to him the unequivocal tor of St. John's church, during the latter's friendship of all with whom he has come in absence in Europe. In the meanwhile the contact. St. Mary's church will remain as Bishop had decided that it was expedient to a perpetual monument to his zeal and devo- establish a new parish in Jackson, and in Sep- tion and it is the hope of the people of Jack- 1098 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. son that he may long remain to minister over very much of himself. For three days last its affairs, for his abiding sympathy, his un- week a Patriot interviewer was on the look- varying kindliness in all the relations of life out for His Honor, with the intention of and his earnest consecration to the noble asking him some questions of a personal na- work of the holy mother church can not but ture. It was finally ascertained that he had make his efforts a continual power for good. taken to the tall timber, and this compelled He has vitalized all departments of the the substitution in the matter of interview- church work and may well feel pride in all ing, of a man who has known him for many that has been accomplished. years. 'Sam Pickles is as square a man as ever stood in shoe-leather,' was the response to the first interrogation. “There isn't a par- ticle of meanness in his composition. He is SAMUEL PICKLES. the style of man who gets the good will of people because he deserves it. Ever since “Success treads on the heels of every he came to Jackson he has had a hand in right effort," said Samuel Smiles, and amid about all of the first-class buildings which all the theorizing as to the cause of success, have been erected not only in this city but there can be no doubt that this aphorism has also in the tributary territory. When he its origin in the fact, that character is the came to Jackson he at first followed his real basis of success in any field of thought | trade of stone-cutter. trade of stone-cutter. He is a native of the or action. He of whom we now write is the old Yorkshire town of Halifax, where he present mayor of Jackson and his adminis- was born on the 13th of June, 1858. His tration has shown fidelity, business acumen first work in Jackson was as foreman for a and progressive policy. His is a well- Fort Wayne firm, Geek & Company. This rounded character and fully justifies the rep- is the firm which built the Bloomfield House, utation of inflexible integrity, keen business and Mr. Pickles had charge of the work. ability, broad and liberal views and distinct When this job was finished he formed a individuality. partnership with Andrew Butler and pur- In regard to Mr. Pickles' career in Jack- chased the interests of Geek & Company in son a somewhat facetious, though signally this city. A few years later he bought out appreciative, article was published in the Mr. Butler and since that time he has been Jackson Morning Patriot of comparatively about the only stone contractor of the first recent date, and is well worthy of reproduc- class between Chicago and Detroit. Some tion in full in this connection: “In 1882 “ of the buildings he has put up? As I said, Samuel Pickles came to Jackson from En- he has had something to do with the build- gland. Last April he may have disappointed ing of pretty much every first-class structure some folk by being elected mayor of this city. in this territory. The Carter Building, the If this was rather more rapid action than was postoffice, the Atheneum building, the to be expected of a former British subject, Brooks-Eslow block and the parish house of there was no one to blame but Samuel St. Paul's church are some of them in this Pickles. He is not a man given to talking city. He has had the contracts for stone . JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1099 work on many of the new buildings of the it needs scarcely to be said that he has his University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor; and views and convictions at all times amply the State School for Feeble Minded, at La- fortified. peer, the new jail and court house at Paw Paw, St. Joseph's academy at Adrian, and the court house at Mason, are some of the BENJAMIN F. KING. important contracts which he has had, eith- er for the stone work or for the entire struc- The capable and popular chief of the fire ture. department of Jackson has made a record “ 'I can't imagine how Sam ever got which stands to the high credit of himself into politics. Possibly it was an accident, and the important service over which he has but he gradually became entangled. First charge, and on this score alone it is appro- he was chosen supervisor of the eighth ward, priate that he be given representation in this then he was elected alderman, then school work, while a further reason is that he is a trustee in old district No. 17, and then he native of the city and a scion of one of the was elected mayor. Mr. Pickles may have old families of the county. been a Republican nominee, but he has not Mr. King was born in the parental home- been a mayor for the people of that party any stead, in Michigan's “Central City,” on the more than for the people who didn't vote 5th of November, 1864, being a son of Ben- for him. He has been the mayor of the jamin F. and Susan (Sullivan) King. Ben- whole city of Jackson, and he will be so as jamin F., Sr., was born in the state of New long as he holds down the job.'' York, whence as a boy he accompanied his The foregoing colloquial account indi- | parents to Jackson county. His father, Pay- cates in a quite effective way the standing of son King, settled in Rives township, becom- the mayor in the city of his home, and yet it ing one of the prosperous farmers of that is incumbent that the same be supplemented section of the county, and he died in Jack- with other data. Mr. Pickles was reared in son, at the age of seventy-two years. He his native city, where he received his edu- had two sons, Benjamin F. and Alonzo, the cational discipline and where also he learned latter having been employed in the train the trade of stone-cutting, becoming an ex- service of the Michigan Central Railroad and pert artisan and developing his executive having died in middle life. The father of and business talents, which have brought the subject was reared on the farm and in him to the forefront in connection with this his youth learned the carpenter trade, which same line of industrial enterprise. he continued to follow until his death, at the He continued to be employed as a jour- age of sixty-four years. He resided in Jack- neyman at his trade in his native land until son for many years and became well known 1882, when he came to the United States and as a contractor and builder, while he ever first located in Jackson, as has been previ- held the confidence and esteem of those who ously noted. He is a Republican in his po- knew him. He was a member of the old litical proclivities and takes a deep interest volunteer fire department of the city, and in the questions and issues of the hour, while thus his son, the chief of the metropolitan ܕ IIOO JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. department of the present, may be said to four full-pay men, and under the discrim- have inherited a predilection for fighting the inating direction of Chief King the entire fiery element. The mother of the subject service has been brought up to the highest is still living and maintains her home in state of efficiency, comparing more than fav- Jackson. Benjamin F. and Susan King be- orably with that of much larger cities, and came the parents of six sons and one daugh-while he is a strict disciplinarian he has the ter, of whom the subject of this review was entire confidence and regard of his subord- the second in order of birth, and all are still inates, who know that he himself spares no living personal labor or incidental hazard in his Benjamin F. King, Jr., was reared to efforts to protect life and property. He de- maturity in his native city and received his mands of the men no more devotion to duty educational discipline in the public schools. than he is himself ready to exemplify. The At the age of eighteen he entered upon an department has four houses, and there are apprenticeship at the tinner's trade, in the es- three engine companies, one hose company, tablishment of the firm of Hitchcock & Fi- one chemical company and two truck com- field, in whose hardware department he also panies, the equipment throughout being thor- acted as salesman for some time. After re- oughly modern, the engine companies hav- maining with the firm for three years Mr. ing combination chemical and hose wagons, King entered the Jackson shops of the Mich- while an aerial truck is a valuable feature of igan Central Railroad, where he remained the department. The sum of thirty-three four years, becoming a skilled machinist. thousand dollars covers the annual expense In 1884 the future chief first became of maintaining the department, and the aver- identified with the fire department, having age number of alarms turned in each year served for the first two years as pipeman on is about one hundred and forty. The best a chemical engine, the department having evidence of the efficiency of the service is been reorganized on a salary basis the same indicated by the verdict of the Fire Under- year in which he became connected there- writers' Association, which gives Jackson with Mr. King aided in the installation of second place of all cities in the state in mat- the fire-alarm system, and in 1886 he was ter of adequate fire protection. The depart- placed in charge of this valuable and im- ment has been signally fortunate in the mat- portant branch of the service, retaining the ter of escaping serious accidents, there hav- incumbency for the period of eleven years, | ing been no death as the result of accident. within which many improvements were Chief King devotes his entire attention to made. At the initiation the city had only his official duties and is enthusiastic in his fifteen fire-alarm boxes, but the increasing work. He is a member of the International demands have been fully met and the sys- | Association of Fire Fighters and also of the tem has grown until there are now sixty-five Michigan Association. In politics he is a boxes in use, so that all parts of the city have stanch adherent of the Republican party, but ample facilities in this line. In 1897 Mr. has never taken an active part in public af- King was made chief of the entire depart- fairs along this line. He greatly enjoys ment, which has at the present time thirty- | athletic sports, especially the "national JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. I101 game," base ball, and his summer vacation later to Berrien county, where the father of periods are passed in his attractive cottage the subject purchased a tract of land and at Clark's lake, where he also has a fine gas- thereafter devoted his attention to agricult- oline launch, with which he wiles away many ural pursuits and there passed the remainder a pleasant hour, in the entertaining of his of life, his death, as that of his companion, many friends. Fraternally he is identified occurring when well advanced in years. with the local lodges of the Benevolent and Alonzo was reared under the sturdy disci- Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of pline of the farm, and his educational ad- the Maccabees. vantages were only such as were afforded by On the 5th of August, 1890, Mr. King the public schools. When the tocsin of war was united in marriage to Miss Mary Do- sounded and the loyal sons of the republic neen, of Jackson, and of this union has been were called upon to tender their services in born one son, Benjamin F., Jr. defense of the integrity of the Union, Mr. Vincent, who was then a youth of seventeen, promptly manifested his patriotism in a prac- tical way. In September, 1861, he enlisted . ALONZO VINCENT. as a private in Company D, Sixty-sixth Illi- nois Volunteer Infantry, which gained a high Among those who have been incumbent reputation under the title of the “Western of the responsible and peculiarly exacting Sharpshooters,” Company D, which was office of warden of the Michigan state prison commanded by Captain Piper, having been from the time of its establishment to the recruited in the state of Michigan. The reg- present there is none who has shown more iment was assigned to the Army of the Ten- distinctive fitness for the position than the nessee and its service was principally in the present warden, Mr. Vincent, whose hand- | line of sharpshooting, participating in many ling of the affairs of this great penitentiary notable battles of the greatest internecine has been marked with discrimination, firm- war in the annals of history. Among other ness, kindliness and effective discipline, so engagements may be mentioned Fort Donel- that he has gained the highest endorsement. son, Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, Iuka, sec- In this compilation, touching the representa- ond Corinth, the Atlanta campaign and the tive citizens of Jackson county in both the succeeding march to the sea with Sherman, past and present, there is thus evident con- and through the Carolinas to Washington, sistency in incorporating a brief review of where it participated in the grand review of the career of this able and honored state the victorious armies. At Danville, Missis- official. sippi, Mr. Vincent was captured by guer- Alonzo Vincent is a native of the old rillas, and from December until March was Empire state, having been born in Jefferson prisoner, first in Alabama, and later at Jack- county, New York, on the 16th of January, son, Mississippi, being there paroled and , 1844, and being a son of Albert Vincent, who finally exchanged. For fifteen months he removed from New York to Michigan, first was in the division quartermaster's depart- locating in Marshall, Calhoun county, and ment, having charge of issuing rations. He 1 I IO2 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. returned to Berrien county, and in 1870 iden- subject, who bears the full patronymic, was tified himself with the hotel business, with born in Connecticut, where he continued to which he has since been connected and in reside until his death, while it was his to which he has attained marked success. He have been a patriot soldier of the Continental conducted a hotel at Coloma, later for line during the war of the Revolution. His eighteen years one at Benton Harbor, and children were as follows: James, Daniel, for eight years was in charge of the Hotel Benjamin, Othniel, Polly and Lucinda. Whitconib, in St. Joseph, this being one of Daniel Preston, father of the subject, was the most popular commercial and summer- born in the state of Connecticut, on the 21st resort hotels in the state, catering to a large of March, 1788, and was reared to maturity patronage, and which he still owns. No in his native state, whence he eventually re- Michigan Boniface stands higher among ho- moved to New York, locating in Steuben tel or commercial men, the elements of a county. On the 13th of October, 1811, he superior entertainer being large in Mr. Vin- was united in marriage to Miss Annie Boyce, cent's composition. He has ever been a who was born in Washington county, New stanch adherent of the Republican party and York, on the 13th of May, 1792. They has been an active worker in its cause. In came to Jackson county, Michigan, in 1845 December, 1901, he was appointed by the and located in Waterloo township, where board of control of the state prison to his Mr. Preston purchased one hundred and six- present position of warden, to succeed War- ty acres of land, the same being entirely un- den Chamberlain, who had died in the city reclaimed, while the settlers were few and of Chicago a few weeks previously. Fra- widely widely separated in this section at the time, ternally Mr. Vincent is identified with the and practically no roads had been con- Grand Army of the Republic. structed. He made a clearing in the midst In January, 1866, Mr. Vincent was uni- of the virgin forest and on the same erected ted in marriage to Miss Elmina Enos, of a substantial house of hewed logs, and he Van Buren county, and they have two chil- then turned his attention to clearing his land dren, Maud H., wife of Clarence Blake, who and rendering it eligible for cultivation. He conducts the Hotel Whitcomb, at St. Jo- died on this homestead on the 14th of Sep- seph, and Marie, who remains at the paren- tember, 1846, his wife surviving him by tal home. about a decade and passing away on the rith of September, 1857. Both were members of the Baptist church and were people of OTHNIEL PRESTON. sterling character, worthy representatives of that pioneer element which laid broad and The honored pioneer of Jackson county deep the foundation of Jackson county's whose name initiates this paragraph comes prosperity and precedence. This estimable of stanch old New England stock, the orig-couple became the parents of twelve children, inal ancestor in the new world having set- concerning whom the following is brief data : tled in that section in the early colonial Philander died in Bunker Hill township epoch. Othniel Preston, grandfather of the when seventy years of age. Sidney, who . JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. I 103 was a successful farmer, died in Albion, Ann Arbor. Washtenaw county, later re- Michigan. He was also a valiant soldier in moving to a farm near Sylvan, that county, the war of the Rebellion. Sophronia became where he purchased a tract of eighty acres, the wife of Nathan Keeler, and both are the major portion of which he reclaimed now deceased. John, who was a farmer of within his twelve years' residence there. He Waterloo township, died in the village of then came to Jackson county and purchased Grass Lake, at eighty years of age. Ira, a farm of eighty acres in Waterloo town- who likewise devoted his active life to agri- ship, where he continued to reside until his cultural pursuits, died in Elsie, Clinton coun- death, which occurred in April, 1860, his de- ty. Betsy became the wife of Seneca Dun- voted wife having passed away on the 4th ham, and both are now deceased. Daniel of February, 1849. They became the par- is a farmer of Columbia township. Othniel ents of eight children, of whom Mrs. Pres- was the next in order of birth. David was ton is now the only survivor, she having been for some time a farmer of Waterloo town- the youngest. Of the others brief record is ship, but eventually removed to the state of as follows: Emeline, who became the wife New York, where he died. Julia Ann, the of Eli Hatt, is deceased; Ann, the wife of widow of Theodore Wellman, resides in the Norton Waite, died in Clinton county, as village of Leslie, Ingham county. Jane is did also he; Mary became the wife of Nathan the widow of Henry Towne and is a resi- Hatt and her death occurred in Napoleon dent of Columbia township, Jackson coun- township; Arvilla became the wife of Jo- ty. Nancy is the wife of Calvin Conklin and seph Philo, and both are deceased ; Levi, who she resides in Hersey, Michigan. died in Waterloo township, was a successful Othniel Preston, to whom this sketch is farmer, as was also Nathan; Caleb died in dedicated, was twenty years of age at the Clinton county; and Polly is the wife of the time of his parents' removal to Jackson coun- subject of this review. Mr. and Mrs. Pres- ty, his birth occurring July 30, 1825. His ton have had five children, concerning whom educational advantages were necessarily lim- specific mention 'is made in the following ited during this interval, being confined to a paragraph. desultory attendance in the little log school Elizabeth A. became the wife of George house. He remained beneath the parental Keeber, and she died on the 8th of January, rooftree until the time of his marriage, which 1875, having had no children. Mary F. was solemnized on the 3d of July, 1848, is the wife of Jay D. Reed, a farmer of Co- when Miss Polly Hall became his wife. She lumbia township, no children having been was born in Yates county, New York, on born of their union. Nancy O. is the wife the 4th of March, 1826, being a daughter of Charles F. Vining, a farmer of Colum- of Jesse and Jennie (Odell) Hall, the for- bia township, and they have had seven chil- mer of whom was born in Hector, Tompkins dren, Clair S., Day P., Emmett, Cecil, county, New York, and the latter in Dutchess | Wright, Elton and Devere, the last named county. Mr. Hall was engaged in farming being deceased. Alfred L. C. married Miss in Yates county until 1834, when he came Cora Redner, and they have three children, with his family to Michigan and located near Claude, Maude and Jay D. Alfred is en- I104 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. gaged in farming on a portion of the old Preston was for fourteen years incumbent homestead and is one of the prosperous and of the office of highway commissioner, in progressive agriculturists of Napoleon town- which capacity he did most effective serv- ship. George M. was married to Miss Effie ice in improving the roads of the territory Lena Meeks, daughter of William and Lu- under his jurisdiction, and he also served as cinda (Wheaton) Meeks. Mrs. Meeks died | township treasurer and as a member of the and her husband now resides at Wolf Lake, school board. Since coming to Napoleon this county. George M. and Mrs. Preston township he served for many years as school have two children, Clyde Early and Emma director of his district and was a member of C. George M. received his educational dis- the building committee at the time of the cipline in the public schools of the county, erection of the present school house. His and continued to assist in the work of the interest in local affairs has been insistent and homestead until the time of his marriage. helpful, and he has ever retained the appre- He then purchased his present farm of eigh- ciative regard of all with whom he has been ty-five acres, in sections 5 and 6, Napoleon thrown in contact in the various relations , township, where he has since been success- of life. From the time of attaining his ma- fully engaged in agricultural pursuits, be- jority he has given an unswerving support ing known as one of the progressive and to the principles and policies of the Demo- public-spirited citizens of this section. cratic party. His religious faith is that of After his marriage Othniel Preston lo- the Methodist Episcopal church, and both cated on a farm in Waterloo township, he and wife are valued members of the where he secured a tract of eighty acres of church in the village of Napoleon. At the new and rough land, which he brought un- time of the Civil war Mr. Preston tendered der effective cultivation and upon which he his services in defense of the Union, but the made excellent improvements. This con- enlistment was refused on account of disa- tinued to be the family home for about a bility. He is one of the county's honored score of years, at the expiration of which, pioneers and loyal citizens, and is deserving in 1863, he disposed of the property and of the unequivocal success which he has at- purchased one hundred acres in section 5, tained through well-directed effort. Napoleon township, known as the Miller place. This farm had been quite well im- proved, though the dwelling was a log house of the primitive type, the same being utilized JAMES H. PHILLIPS. by Mr. Preston until 1868, when he erected his present substantial and attractive resi- The name borne by the subject of this dence, while he has made other excellent im- sketch has been prominently identified with provements. He owned at one time one the annals of Jackson county ever since the hundred and ninety-five acres, but gave to early days when was inaugurated the work his sons ninety-five acres, so that he retains of reclaiming the sylvan wilds of this sec- in his homestead the original one hundred. tion of the state, and here he is now the , While a resident of Waterloo township Mr. owner of an extensive and valuable es- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1105 . tate, is one of the progressive and public- provision for his family and to hire assist- spirited citizens of the county, while he car- ance in the work of improving his farm. ries on his farming and stock-growing in- He assisted in the erection of the original dustry with that discrimination and energy building of the state prison, in what was which have been the conservators of his then the village of Jacksonburg, and did prosperity, enabling him to gain distinctive much other work at this trade in that now success through personal endeavor. attractive city. He developed one of the valu- James H. Phillips was born on his pres- able farms of the county and here continued ent home farm, on the 24th of December, to reside until his death, which occurred in 1842, so that he was welcomed as a Christ- 1861, at which time he was sixty-four years mas guest in the pioneer homestead. He of age. His widow survived him about is a son of Amos H. and Maria (Welling- thirty years, her death occurring in Febru- ton) Phillips, both of whom were born and ary, 1891, at which time she had attained , reared in Steuben county, New York, where the venerable age of eighty-three years. In their marriage was solemnized. There the politics he was originally an adherent of the father was engaged in the work of his trade, Whig party, but at the organization of the that of carpenter, until 1838, when he came Republican party he espoused its cause, with his family to Michigan, the overland which he thereafter supported. This pioneer journey being made with a wagon and three couple became the parents of eight children: horses, by means of which transportation Hubbard, who was a successful farmer, was afforded for the members of the family married Miss Antoinette Lee, and both are and the small supply of household goods now deceased; Maria became the wife of absolutely demanded in the new home in a Jesse Fletcher, and both are dead; Lyman, new and sparsely settled region, Michigan who was engaged in farming in Columbia having been admitted to statehood only the township, is deceased, having married Gert- year preceding their arrival within its rude Hasbrook, who still resides on the borders. Mr. Phillips lived for the first home place; Amos, a farmer of Napoleon year on a rented farm and then purchased township, married Phæbe Jane Spade; one hundred and twenty acres in section Alonzo died at the age of nineteen; the next 31, Napoleon township, the same being an two were twins and died in infancy; and integral part of the homestead now owned the subject of this sketch is the youngest of by his son James. No improvements had the family. been made on the land, which was covered James H. Phillips was reared to man- with a dense growth of native timber, and hood on the old homestead, in connection after erecting a small frame house Mr. with whose improvement and management Phillips set vigorouly to work to clear his he has labored assiduously from his youth, farm and render it available for cultivation, and his educational advantages were such , while incidentally he devoted a considerable as were afforded in the common school of portion of his time to the work of his trade, the locality. He gave to his parents the in which his services were in much demand. utmost filial solicitude until both were sum- Through this means he was able to make moned into eternal rest, having never left 70 1106 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. the home roof. On the 12th of January, particularly to the raising of live stock, in , 1861, Mr. Phillips was united in marriage which department of his business he has met to Miss Amanda Goldsmith, who was born with gratifying success, having shown much in Monroe county, New York, being a discrimination in the breeding of the vari- daughter of David and Chloe (Sanford) ous lines and in properly caring for his Goldsmith, both of whem were born and stock, so that he has secured the maximum reared in New York, whence they came to returns for his efforts. While essentially Jackson county in 1852, here passing the loyal to all the duties of citizenship and remainder of their lives. Mr. Goldsmith taking a lively interest in public affairs, Mr. was a well known carpenter and contractor. Phillips has never figured as an aspirant for Of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Phillips public office, though he accords a stanch the following is a brief record: Lafayette, allegiance to the Republican party, of whose who married Miss Ellen Bagg, is a farmer cause he has been a supporter from the time in Midland county, Michigan; Kittie died of attaining his majority. He is well known , at the age of nine; Cora is the wife of in the county and it may be well said that Frederick Long, who is associated with her his friends are in number as his acquaint- father in his farming operations; Alvin and His pleasant home is a center of Alice were twins, the latter having died at gracious hospitality, and there a cordial the age of five months, while Alvin, who welcome is ever assured to his many friends. married Miss Lydia Snuggs, is identified Mr. and Mrs. Phillips lead earnest Chris- with the management of the homestead tian lives, she holding membership with the farm; Maude is the wife of Edward Snuggs Baptist church at Clark's Lake. and they reside in Columbia township; and Imo is the wife of Charles Gothan, of Jack- ances. son. concerns one The subject has remained on the home- CHRISTOPHER WESLEY TATE. stead since his marriage and has made many fine improvements on the place, which is one The following record of the model farms of this section. Mr. Phil- who is a representative of stanch pioneer lips learned the trade of blacksmith and has a stock in Jackson county and one who is well equipped forge on his farm, where he known as a successful farmer of Napoleon does the work required in this line in con- township, where he has passed practically nection with his farming enterprise, his his entire life and where he is held in the facility at the trade proving of marked | utmost confidence and esteem by all who value to him. In the home farm are com- know him. Mr. Tate was born on the prised two hundred and fifty-five acres of homestead farm in section 4, Napoleon fertile and productive land, while Mr. Phil- | township, on Christmas day, 1842, being a , lips is also the owner of another farm of son of John and Ruth (Thompson) Tate, three hundred and fifty-two acres in Sum- both of whom were born and reared in mit township. While he carries on diversi- Yorkshire, England, each being a represent- fied farming he devotes his attention more ative of a long line of English ancestors. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. II07 There their marriage was solemnized and cause and continued an ardent advocate of there the father of the subject was identi- its principles until his death, though he was fied with agricultural pursuits until 1823, never an aspirant for public office. He be- when he came with his wife to America, came well known in the county and was making the voyage on a sailing vessel and honored as one of its sterling pioneers. He reaching the port of New York city after and wife were both earnest and consistent having been on the deep for a period of six members of the Methodist Episcopal church. weeks. They settled in Onedia county, New This worthy couple became the parents of York, where they remained about six years, six children, concerning whom specific at the expiration of which they emigrated mention is as follows: John, who married to the territory of Michigan and took up Ann Huldah Hatt, died in 1893, at the age their abode on a tract of wild land north of seventy-six years, having been engaged of the present village of Clinton, Washtenaw in farming; Mary died at the age of nine- county, where Mr. Tate reclaimed a con- teen years; Thompson, who remained a siderable portion of his land, remaining on bachelor, died in middle life; George, who this farm about six years and then dispos- resides on the homestead farm, in Napoleon ing of the property and finally coming to township, married Huldah M. Ordway; Napoleon township, Jackson county, where Mary Ann died at the age of seventeen; he entered claim to one hundred and sixty Christopher Wesley is the immediate sub- acres of government land, the same being ject of this review. practically in the midst of a sylvan wilder- Christopher Wesley Tate was reared to ness, the forest still standing in its native the sturdy discipline of the farm and early strength, with here and there a clearing became inuired to the various duties involved made by the enterprising pioneers, while the in its improvement and cultivation, while settlers were in the general case far removed to the common schools of the locality from each other, from a comparative stand- he is indebted for the educational advan- point. All kinds of wild game were still tages which he received. He continued to to be had in abundance, while the Indians remain with his parents until they were were frequent visitors to the cabins of the called to that “undiscovered country from settlers. Mr. Tate erected a frame house whose bourne no traveler returns," and since on his new farm, and there he resided until that time he has continued to reside on a his death, which occurred in July, 1861. portion of the old homestead, having a finely His devoted wife did not long survive him, | improved farm of one hundred and two since she was sumnioned into eternal rest acres, about sixty of which are maintained in June of the following year. Mr. Tate under a high state of cultivation, the prin- cleared a large amount of land and through cipal products being wheat, oats, corn, hay his earnest, indefatigable efforts was duly and beans, while he also devotes somewhat prospered in temporal affairs. In poli- of his attention to the raising of horses, tics he gave his support to the Democratic cattle and sheep. In earlier years Mr. Tate party up to the time of the organization of learned the blacksmith trade, to which he the Republican party, when he espoused its has given more or less of his time, his skill ΙΙο8 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. in this line having proved of marked value this well known and popular pioneer of to him in connection with the work of his Jackson county, and not only is he one of farm. For nearly a quarter of a century the substantial and representative farmers Mr. Tate has operated a threshing outfit, of the county, but his place is a favorite keeping his equipment up to the highest resort during the summer seasons, since the standard at all times and controlling an ex- lake affords unlimited attractions for recre- cellent business. He has attained marked ation, fishing and retreat from the ranks of success and is known as a progressive and the “madding crowd," the lake mentioned far-sighted business man and loyal and being one of the most beautiful of the public-spirited citizen, well deserving of the several fine ones to be found in this section, unequivocal confidence and esteem so uni- while the inducements to the lovers of the formly accorded him in the community in piscatorial art are unrivaled. which his entire life has been passed. In Andrew R. Clemons was born in what politics he gives his allegiance to the Dem- is now the city of Marshall, Michigan, on ocratic party, but he has never been afflicted the Sth of August, 1838, being a son of , with political ambition in the way of desir- Jonathan and Laura (Lester) Clemons, ing public office of any description. both of whom were born and reared in On the 7th of May, 1876, Mr. Tate was Whitehall, Washington county, New York, united in marriage to Miss Matilda Peel, where their marriage was solemnized. In who was born in Germany, whence she came that locality the father of the subject was to the United States in 1873, and of tiis engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1838, union have been born four children: George when he came to Michigan and located in W., who remains at the parental home, and Calhoun county, having erected the first is associated with his father in his farming frame house in Marshall, while the subject and threshing enterprises; John is also at of this sketch has the distinction of having home and identified with the work of the been the second white child born in that farm; Louise Emma is the wife of John city. Jonathan Clemons purchased a tract Jewell, of Sharon, Kalkaska county, Michi- of government land in that locality, the gan, and they have two children, Minnie same being covered with a dense growth of and Matilda L., and Minnie Etta, the native timber. Here he improved a good youngest of the subject's children, is at children, is at farm, upon which he retained his residence home, while she is prosecuting her studies for about a quarter of a century, at the ex- in the public schools. piration of which he came to the adjoining county of Jackson and located just south of the village of Michigan Center, in Leoni township, where he purchased a farm. Here ANDREW R. CLEMONS. he continued to be engaged in agricultural pursuits about five years, at the expiration Attractively located along the eastern of which he took up his residence in the shore of Ackerson lake, in Napoleon town- | village mentioned and there passed the re- ship, is situated the fine farm property of mainder of his life, his death occurring when JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1109 he was eighty-seven years of age. . The improvements and being under an excellent mother of the subject died in Napoleon state of cultivation. Mr. Clemons has never township, fifteen years later, at the age of been afraid of hard work, and the results of eighty-six years. Jonathan Clemons was an his efforts are shown in the prosperity industrious man and one of sterling integ- which he today enjoys, while he devotes his rity of character, and commanded unquali- attention to diversified farming and also fied confidence and esteem in the community. raises a considerable amount of live stock. He was a stanch Democrat in his political For the past quarter of a century he has proclivities and both he and his wife were offered facilities for those desirous of avail- consistent members of the Methodist Episco- ing themselves of the attraction of Acker- pal church. He was twice married and be- son lake, having excellent boats for rent, came the father of fourteen children, tine while he now makes excellent provisions for following being a brief record concerning camping parties and also has several cot- those who attained to years of maturity, tages to rent to those who desire to remain the first four mentioned having been born of for a time on the banks of the beautiful lit- the first marriage: Joel, Erastus, Horatio tle lake during the summer season. The and Eliza are now deceased, all having be- resort is one of the most popular in the coun- come residents of Michigan; Hosea, a re- ty and all who come hither manifest hearty tired farmer, now resides in Jackson; he appreciation of the many courtesies shown was a valiant soldier in a Michigan regiment them by the genial and whole-souled subject. during the war of the Rebellion; Susan While he has never been an aspirant for married and died in young womanhood; office Mr. Clemons takes a lively interest a John is engaged in farming near James- in local affairs, while he accords an un- town, Kansas; Julia is the widow of L. T. equivocal allegiance to equivocal allegiance to the Democratic Nobles and resides in Clayton, Lenawee party, of whose cause he has been a supporter county, Michigan; and Andrew R., who is from the time of obtaining his right of the immediate subject of this review. franchise. The portion of the subject in his boy- On the 7th of August, 1859, was solem- hood was that of assiduous and unremitting nized the marriage of Mr. Clemons to Miss toil in connection with the work of the farm, Louisa Howard, who was born on their pres- and owing to this fact, as well as to the ent home farm, on the both of October, lack of advantages in the pioneer locality, 1843, being a daughter of Lemi and Mary his educational discipline in his youth was (Mount) Howard, the former of whom very limited in extent. He remained at the was born at Canastota, Madison county, parental home until he had attained his New York, while the latter was born in legal majority and he soon afterward was Herkimer county, that state, on the oth of married, and then located on the old | May, 1815. In 1837, in which year the Howard homestead, on which his wife was state was admitted to the Union, this worthy born and which is their present place of couple came to Michigan and took up their abode, the farm being now one of the model now one of the model abode in the midst of the forests of Jack- places of this section, having the best of son county, locating on the present home- IIIO JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. acres. stead of the subject and his wife, Mr. youth to the present, when his age is nearly Howard having purchased the land from that of the psalmist's span of three score the government. No roads had been con- years and ten. He has been a resident of structed in this section, the settlers were Jackson county from his childhood and is few and widely separated, and the problema representative of one of its honored pioneer which faced this honored pioneer was that families, while he can speak with authority of literally hewing out a farm in the midst in regard to the various transactions which of the wilderness. His strength was as his have marked the development of this section days and he succeeded in clearing and im- from a forest wilderness to its present proving the place, which has always re- status as one of the most opulent and attract- mained in the possession of the family, Mrs. ive divisions of the Wolverine state, since Clemons being the only child. The govern- he has witnessed the marvelous changes that ment deed to the property, signed by Presi- have been wrought and has done his part dent Van Buren, is still in the possession in promoting the work of progress, and it of the subject and the title has never passed is thus a pleasure to enter a record of his by deed. Mr. Howard died on the old career in this volume. He is one of the homestead, in 1858, aged sixty-eight years, representative and highly esteemed farmers and his devoted wife is still living at the old of Napoleon township, where he is the owner homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Clemons have of a well improved farm of one hundred . two children: Franklin L., who is engaged in farming on the adjoining farm; he mar- James H. Hatt was born in Seneca coun- ried Miss Jennie Nichols, and they became ty, New York, in the midst of the beautiful the parents of five children, all of whom lake district of that sovereign common- are living except one, their names, in order wealth, the date of his nativity being June of birth, being as follows: Andrew R., 22, 1835, while he is a son of Eli and Chauncy (deceased,) Mary, Emanuel H., Emeline (Hall) Hatt, both of whom were and Franklin C. Charles H. Clemons, the born and reared in that same county, where younger son of the subject, remains at the their marriage was solemnized, and there parental home and is associated with his the father of the subject was engaged in father in his farming operations. agricultural pursuits until 1838, when he came with his family to the new state of Michigan, locating near the present village of Dexter, Washtenaw county, where he JAMES H. HATT. remained several years, at the expiration of which he came over into the contiguous The old aphorism, “Labor omnia vincit" county of Jackson and purchased a tract of ” —“Labor conquers all,"—is most perti- wild land in Waterloo township, where he - nently exemplified as a truth by the career developed a good farm, upon which he con- of the subject of this review, for he has won tinued to reside until his death, which oc- success through strenuous effort and has curred when he was about fifty-five years been unflagging in his endeavors from his old. His first wife, the mother of the sub- > JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. IIII ject, also died on this homestead, while his ship, the only improvement worthy of note widow, whose name was Mrs. Eleanor King, being a log house which had been erected by still survives. Mr. Hatt was a stanch Whig the former owner. Here Mr. Hatt continued until the dissolution of that party and there- to reside for twenty years, developing the after was affiliated with the Republican farm and making it one of the excellently party until the close of his life. His re- improved places of the township. At the ligious views were in harmony with the faith expiration of the period, in 1887, he traded of the Baptist church, of whose services he his farm for his present homestead, which was an attendant, his wife holding member- comprises one hundred acres and is located ship in the same. Of the first marriage were in sections 29 and 30, while about seventy born six children, namely: James H.; acres are maintained under a high state of Huldah Ann, who is the widow of John Tate cultivation. He has made many improve- and who resides at Clark Lake; Nathan, ments, having substantial and well equipped who married Eleanor King Hatt, his step- buildings, while everything about the place mother, and who is a successful farmer near bespeaks thrift and prosperity. Mr. Hatt Stockbridge; Eli, who married Mary Miles raises the various cereals common to the lo- and who is engaged in farming in Napoleon cality, and also makes a specialty of growing township; Jemima, who married John Jack- beans and potatoes, while it may be noted son, of Clark Lake; and Edward, who mar- that Jackson county is one of the most ex- ried Rachel Arnold, is engaged in farming tensive bean-producing sections of the Union. in Lenawee county. Five children were born In politics he gives his allegiance to the Re- of the second marriage, viz: Marvin is a publican party, and while he has never farmer of Livingston county; Loretta is the aspired to official preferment he has not re- wife of Henry Doan, of Gladwin, Michigan; fused to exert his energies for the public Esther is the wife of John Stoddel, of Ionia good in such offices as he has been called county; Herbert died in childhood, and upon to fill, having served effectively as Ernest is a farmer of Livingston county. constable and pathmaster. James H. Hatt was reared on the home In 1865, Mr. Hatt was united in mar- farm, and hard work was his portion from riage to Miss Elsie Van Nortwick, who was his boyhood, since he early began to con- born in Napoleon township, being a daugh- tribute to the labors of reclaiming and culti- ter of Isaac Van Nortwick, an honored pio- vating the farm, while his educational privi- neer of the county. She was summoned into leges were such as were afforded by a some- eternal rest in September, 1872. Of this what irregular attendance in the district union were born three children, of whom only schools. He continued to assist in the work one survives, Bertha, who is the wife of of the farm and remained beneath the paren- Clifford Chapman, a prosperous farmer of tal roof until he had attained his majority, this township. They have one daughter, when he not only initiated an independent Marian. On the 22d of October, 1873, Mr. career but also assumed marital responsibili- Hatt was united to Miss Jane Van Nortwick, ties. After his marriage Mr. Hatt purchased a cousin of the first wife, who was born at ninety-five acres of land in Napoleon town- Covert, Seneca county, New York, being a III2 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. daughter of John and Mary (Swick) Van (West) Saunt, both of whom were born in Nortwick, the former of whom was like- Leicestershire, England, where they were wise born in the Empire state, while his wife reared and where their marriage occurred. was a native of New Jersey. He died in New In 1847 they emigrated to America, making . , York in 1843, and his wife passed away in the voyage on a sailing vessel and reaching 1850. They became the parents of three their destination after the expiration of six children, namely: Jane, the wife of the sub-weeks, landing in the port of New York in ject; Sebring, who is a resident of Grand April of the year mentioned. From the Rapids, and Francis M. national metropolis they proceeded to Madi- To Mr. and Mrs. Hatt have been born son county, where they resided four years, two sons, Elmer, who is associated with his at the expiration of which they came to father in the work of the home farm and Jackson county, Michigan, and numbered in the operation of a threshing outfit dur- themselves among the pioneers of Napoleon ing the season. He married Miss Emma township, the subject of this sketch having Cahoon, and they have one child, Florence; been less than a year old at the time. The Clarence also remains at the parental home. father came hither in company with his brother John, and engaged in general farm labor until his death in May, 1855, at the THOMAS SAUNT. age of thirty-nine. His wife survived him many years, her death occurring in It is proper to judge of the success and the home of her son Thomas, in April, 1884, of the status of a man's life by the estimation at which time she was fifty-nine years of age. in which he is held by his fellow citizens. Of the seven children of this worthy couple They see him at his work, in his family the following is a brief record. John is a circle, hear his views on public questions, successful farmer of Napoleon township; observe the outcome of his code of morals, Ann is the widow of Charles H. Whitney witness how he conducts himself in all the and resides in Liberty township; Mary died relations of society and civilization and thus in childhood; Joseph is a prosperous farmer become competent to pass upon his charac- of Columbia township; Thomas is the im- After a long course of years of such mediate subject of this sketch, and his twin daily observation it would be out of the sister, Mary, was first married to D. R. question for a man's neighbors not to know Fisher, after his death to James Hosey, and his worth, for it is significantly true that after the demise of her second husband she actions speak louder than words. Mr. Saunt became the wife of William Hucksley and has passed nearly his entire life in Jackson they now reside in Athens, Calhoun county; county and the confidence and esteem in and Alfred. Henry, the youngest of the which he is held afford the best voucher as family, is a prominent farmer of Columbia to his sterling qualities. township, so that the second generation of Thomas Saunt was born in Madison the family is still well represented in Michi- county, New York, on the 20th of Octo- gan and particularly in Jackson county. ber, 1852, being a son of Thomas and Mary Owing to the early death of his father a ter. JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. III3 as Thomas Saunt was denied the early edu- After his marriage Mr. Saunt was en- cational advantages which would otherwise gaged in farming on a leased place for a have undoubtedly been his, and under the few years and then bought forty acres of conditions his schooling was limited. At the land in section 6, Napoleon township, where age of eleven he began working by the he continued his efforts successfully for the month on various farms in this section, and ensuing five and one half years, at the ex- continued in the employ of others until he piration of which he purchased his present had attained the age of twenty-six, about well-improved farm of sixty-three acres, which time occurred an important event in still retaining the other, while the home- his career, since on the 4th of May, 1879, stead, formerly known the Robert he was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Barnes place, is practically all under effect- Kilmer, who was born in Napoleon town- ive cultivation, as are also about thirty acres ship, a daughter of William and Abigail of the original home farm. These proper- (Riley) Kilmer, who came hither from the ties are devoted to diversified crops best state of New York, settling on a farm in suited to the soil and climate and the owner this township, where they passed the re- also devotes considerable attention to the mainder of their lives. Mrs. Kilmer's death raising of cattle, sheep and horses, while his occurred in February, 1871, while he died prosperity from the start has been conserved in June, 1893, having become one of the by industry, thrift and discriminating man- prosperous and influential farmers of the agement. Mr. Saunt is known as a stanch township. They became the parents of five advocate of the principles of the Republican children, namely: Leonie, who first married party, though he has never sought political Benjamin Foster and after his death be- preferment. Fraternally he is identified came the wife of James Forbes, their home with Napoleon Lodge No. 301, Free and Ac- being at the present time in Lawton, Michi- cepted Masons, and also with the auxiliary gan; William S., who is an engineer on the chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, Michigan Central Railroad, with head- of which his wife is a member. He has quarters and home in Jackson, married Miss been the architect of his own fortunes and Celia Talmadge and they have one son, his courage and good cheer have never Claude; Eugenia became the wife of Eugene flagged, his genial personality and integrity Lewis and after his death married Dr. Das- of purpose having gained and retained to com Green, their home being in Jackson, him the esteem and friendship of the com- while they have one daughter, Ethel; Car- munity in which he has passed essentially rie, the next in order of birth, is the wife the entire span of his life. of the subject of this sketch, and Bertie died at the age of two years. To Mr. and Mrs. Saunt were born two children, Mattie be- AUGUSTUS C. CLARK. came the wife of Bruce Tompkins, and her death occurred in October, 1900; Forrest E. When it is stated that the subject of this remains at the parental home and assists in review has resided for nearly sixty years on the management of the work of the farm. the farm which is now his home, it becomes II14 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. evident that this sketch will treat of one of bringing his family to Michigan Augustus C. the pioneers of the county, while further Clark came by way of the lakes to Detroit, than this he has here passed practically his and thence by team and wagon to Michigan entire life, his father having become a resi- | Center, and shortly after purchased two dent of the county in 1841, while he of hundred acres of land in Napoleon town- whom this article is written was born at a ship, the farm of the subject being a later date, his mother at the time being at portion of it. Here he located in the verit- her old home in the state of New York, able wilderness, the forest trees being as whither she had returned for a visit. Mr. yet practically untouched, save as the scat- Clark is one of the well known and sub- tered settlers had made their clearings and stantial farmers of Napoleon township and ushered in the march of civilization. No is a man of sterling character, so that the roads had been constructed and the wild fullest measure of popular confidence and beasts still infested the locality, where also regard has not been denied him in the lo- the dusky red men were in distinctive evi- cality where he has lived and labored during dence. On his pioneer farm Mr. Clark the course of so many years. erected a double log house, and this primi- Augustus C. Clark was born in the town tive dwelling continued to be the family of Ellicottville, Cattaraugus county, New home for a number of years, after which a York, on the 16th of March, 1846, being more pretentious residence was erected. a son of Augustus C. and Jemima (Litch- Mr. Clark reclaimed a good farm and here field) Clark, the former of whom was born passed the remainder of his life, which was in New York, on the 29th of July, 1816, one of signal honor and usefulness. He while the latter was born near the city of died on the 25th of July, 1898. He was a Boston, Massachusetts, in December, 1813, man of fine mentality and inflexible integ- their marriage having been solemnized in rity, and no citizen of this section was held 1841, in Cattaraugus county, New York, in higher esteem. in higher esteem. He took an active interest whither she had accompanied her parents in public affairs of a local nature, and was when she was a child. The father had called upon to serve in various offices of come on a prospecting tour to Michigan as trust and responsibility, having been treas- early as 1836 and at that time had visited urer of the township, constable and deputy Jackson county and became most favorably sheriff, as well as holding other official po- impressed with its prospects for future de- sitions. In politics he was a stanch advo- velopment, and thus he was led to cast in cate of the principles of the Democratic his lot with that of its pioneers in the year party. His wife died on the 25th of Janu- | of his marriage. He was a son of Archi- ary, 1900. This couple became the parents bald and Chloe Clark, the former of whom of seven children, concerning whom the died in New York, while the latter came to following is a record: Emeline, a maiden Michigan with her son Augustus C., re- lady, resides on the old homestead; Oscar , maining here for some time and then return- died at the age of sixteen; Augustus C.; ing to New York, her death occurring at Ellen S. is the widow of Martin Hyde and Grand Island, Erie county, tiiat state. Upon resides on a farm in Columbia township; JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. I115 Reuben L., who resides in Jackson, has maintained a deep interest in the cause of been twice married, having first been united education and has served as a member of to Mary M. Moad and after her death to the school board of his district. Fratern- Myrtle Lawton; Eugene B. died at the age ally both he and his son are identified with of sixteen, and Ida is the wife of Amos Napoleon Lodge No. 301, Free and Ac- Preston, of Columbia township. cepted Masons, and also with the Order of Augustus C. Clark was reared on the the Eastern Star, of which Mrs. Clark is homestead and early began to lend material likewise a member. assistance in its work, while his educational In Ellicottville, New York, his native training was secured in the common schools, place, Mr. Clark was united in marriage, which he attended in a somewhat desultory on the 24th of January, 1865, to his cousin, way, and he has resided from his childhood Miss Almanza Vaughn, who was there to the present on the farm which is now born and reared, being a daughter of Joseph his home and which is dear to him through M. and Polly (Litchfield) Vaughn, the the memories and associations of the past. former of whom was born in the state of In short this has been his home for fifty- Pennsylvania, in 1808, while the latter was seven years, which represents his life span, born near Boston, Massachusetts, in 1811. while he retains a definite memory of the They were married in Ellicottville, and pioneer days, and recalls the fact that his there Mr. Vaughn died in January, 1870, devoted mother not only attended to all the while his widow is still living there. They usual domestic economies of the home in became the parents of eleven children, and the early days, but also spun and wove the of them the following is data : Abraham, flax and made clothing for the family, while who was a soldier in the war of the Re- she also did the same with the wool. The bellion, died in the city of Washington, in subject owns the old homestead which he 1865, as a result of military service. Lu- has under most effective cultivation, while cinda became the wife of Fayette Bixby the permanent improvements are in har- and died in Great Valley, New York ; mony with the prosperity which he has at- Jessie is the wife of Alonzo Searls, of tained. In addition to securing prolific Ellicottville . Joseph is a successful farmer yields of the various cereals commonly of near Franklinville, Cattaraugus county, grown in this locality, he also devotes con- New York. Almanza. Laura M. became siderable attention to the raising of live the wife of Robert Kelly, of Ionia county, stock of excellent grade, while his farm has Michigan, where he died, and she later mar- a good orchard and also produces each ried Alexander Pelham, also deceased, and season a considerable amount of the smaller she resides in that county. George D., a fruits. While he is thoroughly public- blacksmith in his native town of Ellicott- spirited, Mr. Clark has never sought the ville, is also identified with agricultural honors or emoluments of public office, pursuits in that vicinity. Lydia, who is though he gives an intelligent and un- not married, still resides in that village. swerving support to the principles and poli- Frederick resides on the old homestead cies of the Democratic party, while he has | farm near there. Hattie is the wife of III6 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. John French, of that place. Chloe, the ried and removed to Somerset, Niagara youngest of the children, is the wife of county, New York, and there lived until Frederick Bailey, of New York. 1832, when he came to Michigan and took Of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Clark up a section of government land in Jack- the following is a brief record: Elmer M. son county, a quarter for each of his three is associated with his father in the manage- sons and one in Somerset, Hillsdale county, ment of the home farm; Frederick died in for himself. He was one of those who infancy; Florence M. remains at the parental gave the name Somerset to the new town- home; Hattie J. also died in infancy; and ship in Hillsdale county. The following Homer J. died at two years of age. year he returned with the other members of the family. Some twenty years later he removed to Omro, Wisconsin, all of the family accompanying him except the two WALLACE E. KENNEDY. older sons, Allen and Chauncey. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Chaun- The native of Michigan is as proud of cey Kennedy, viz: Allen; Chauncey, who the commonwealth of his birth as any man grew to manhood but is now deceased; on earth. He has many and very substan- Belden, deceased; Sylvester, who resides in . tial reasons for being so. It is a productive Oregon; Susan, who lives in Colorado; state; it is inhabited by progressive people; Hila, who lives in Washington; Alma is ; it has kept pace with its neighors in the dead, and Aurelia, of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. matter of national advancement; it is suf- Allen Kennedy in 1833 took possession ficiently liberal in politics not to be unalter- of the land which Wallace E. now owns in ably attached to one party, though norm- Liberty township, and which had been se- ally Republican; its climate is healthful; its cured by his father the preceding year. It air salubrious and the opportunities for in- was wholly unimproved, no ax having yet dividual advancement in Michigan are at touched the primeval forest. No roads or least equal to those of any other state. even paths, except those made by wild game, Wallace E. Kennedy is a native of were to be encountered anywhere in the lo- Michigan. He was born March 14, 1844, cality, and trees were “blazed” as a guide on the farm which he now owns, occupies to persons going from one settlement to and operates. His parents were Allen and another, to obviate the possibility of getting Jane (Haight) Kennedy, the former being lost in the woods. The first residence on a native of Hartford, Connecticut, and the the place was a one-room log house, rudely latter of Somerset, New York. The constructed, but affording ample shelter and paternal grandfather was Chauncey Ken- quite comfortable. To this humble home on nedy, also named for his father, a native the borders of civilization Allen Kennedy of Scotland, who as a boy came to America brought his wife and three children and it with his parents about the close of the war was in this home that Wallace E. was born. of the Revolution and settled in Connecti- It took several years to accomplish the cut. There he grew to manhood and mar- clearing of the land, but in time, when the JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1117 common sons grew to sufficient size and strength to The boyhood of Wallace E. Kennedy help, it was accomplished, sixty acres being was devoted to labor on his father's farm, reserved for timber. Mr. Kennedy was by the monotony of such industry being varied . trade a mason and during the early days of by a few months' attendance each winter the settlement of the country worked much upon the district school. In this way a fair of the time at his trade, much of the work school education was secured, done by him being still in existence. In coupled with a thorough and practical politics he was a Republican and in religion knowledge of farming. December 16, 1864, a member of the Methodist Episcopal he was united in marriage to Miss Clara church, while Mrs. Kennedy was a Quaker. Chapman, a native of Liberty township, Mr. Kennedy was well known throughout Jackson county. Her parents were Horace the county and won the esteem and respect E. and Lydia A. (Eaton) Chapman, both of all with whom he came in contact. He natives of the state of New York, he hav- was twice married; to the first union five ing been born in Steuben county and she children were born, viz: Mary L., who mar- in Livingston. Soon after their marriage ried Silas Turk, and both are now dead; they moved to Michigan, in 1836, and lo- Hila R. married Sylvester Kennedy and now cated in Calhoun county. A few years resides at Seaside, Oregon; Hiram A. mar- later they came to Liberty township and ried Ida Wilcox, and resides at Minneapo- | improved a farm. The wife and mother lis, Minnesota, where he is successful as a died in January, 1891, he passing away veterinary surgeon; Wallace E. ; Francelia nearly ten years later, in December, 1900, , C. is the wife of William Varney and re- the last twenty-one years of his life having sides in Portland, Oregon. Mrs. Jane | been passed at his daughter's, Mrs. Ken- (Haight) Kennedy died in June. 1847, and nedy, where he died. They were the par- some years later Allen Kennedy was united ents of two children: Charles M. is engaged in marriage to Miss Mary Hoard, of Hills- in the mercantile business at North Adams, dale county, and to this union six children Hillsdale county; he married Ella Irish, and were born, viz: Almond, a farmer, married they are the parents of one daughter, May. Emily Perrin and resides at Liberty Mills; Clara is the wife of Mr. Kennedy. To Mr. Orlando Z. married Matilda Pitts and re- and Mrs. Kennedy there have been born sides at North Adams, Hillsdale county; three children, viz: Evarts A. graduated Andes L. married Alvin Foote and resides from the Jackson high school in 1884 and at Somerset Center ; Alonzo died in child- taught for three years in the district hood; Morris M. married Minnie Cole; he schools. He married Nellie Gibbons, is a was an employe of the Lake Shore Railroad farmer and mail carrier, and they reside in and was killed on that road at Ligonier, Columbia township, and are the parents of Indiana, in 1900; Byron A. married Sadie two children, Lysle and Ethel. Cora Mae Draper, and resides in Summit township. married Rev. Wesley McReynolds, of the Allen Kennedy died January 10, 1875. His Christian church. He is president of the widow is still living in Somerset Center, and Christian College at Defiance, Ohio, in is in the ninetieth year of her age. which institution of learning she is in charge ΙΙΙ8 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. er. of the musical department. She graduated Temperance Unions of Jackson county. It in Hillsdale College in 1886, and is an ac- was organized in 1887 and from then to the complished musician, and taught private present time she has taken an active inter- classes in both vocal and instrumental est in its work. music before her marriage; Dow C. is a student in the Jackson high school. With the exception of about three years, WILLIAM CROFOOT. from 1872 to 1875, when he resided at Liberty Mills, Mr. Kennedy has lived all A life devoted to the welfare, comfort his life upon his present farm, He devotes and happiness of others, regardless of its himself to general farming and stock rais- success or failure in material accomplish- ing, giving most of his attention to the latter ments, is somewhat more than human and branch. He has been especially successful only a little short of the divine. Such a with Merino sheep, keeping a flock of two life is that of the subject of this review, hundred. The subject has had years of ex- William Crofoot, of Liberty township. He perience in breeding, growing, handling and is a native of Ney York, born in Cayuga exhibiting the celebrated fine-wool line of county, September 17, 1837, and was the sheep and has won deserved distinction as oldest of six children. His parents were a thoroughly practical and successful breed- John C. and Betsey A. (Aldrich) Crofoot, He formerly bought large numbers of both natives of New York, who were born, them in Vermont, distributing them among reared and married in that state. He was by growers in Michigan and in later years trade a cooper at a time when that calling makes extensive shipments of rams to the was considered quite a lucrative vocation. ranchmen of the west. In politics he is a In 1845 the family moved to Lenawee coun- pronounced Republican. He has served ty, Michigan, and after a residence of two , eight years as justice of the peace and three years moved to Mendon, St. Joseph county, as member of the county board of super- where they remained for eight years. At visors. He was one of the organizers of the expiration of that time they came to the Farmers' Club, of which body he was Jackson county, and have been residents of president for eight years, and in all educa- this county to the present time. John C. tional affairs he is deeply interested, having Crofoot enlisted in the Union army during served a number of years as a member of the the Civil war and served until his death. school board. When Tent No. 583, Knights The mother survived until 1898, residing of the Maccabees, was organized at Cement continuously with the subject. John and City, he became a charter member and he has Betsey Crofoot were the parents of six chil- served as commander three years. He also dren, viz: William, popularly known as belongs to the Grange at Cement City. Mrs. “Billie;" Henrietta P. married Stephen Kennedy is a member of the Universalist Clayford, and resides in St. Louis, Michi- church, is deeply interested in all church gan; Lydia A. married Christopher Van and charitable work, and it at the present Gieson, has been a widow a number of time president of the Woman's Christian and now resides in Bunker Hill, Ingham years JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1119 county; Smith is a farmer and resides in tendency toward the religious and hence is Henrietta township; Jane is the widow of a member of the Episcopal church of Liber- Truman Titus and resides in Jackson; Anis ty. That he might devote himself to his A. married Samuel Victory, but is now de- brothers and sisters, he never married or de- ceased. sired to engage in anything that might Hard work upon his father's farm did divert him from doing what he considered not materially interfere with the early edu- his whole duty by them. His standing in cation of William Crofoot. He was a boy the community is of the very highest, being of generous impulses, kind and self-sac- beloved by all classes and conditions. - rificing, but always disposed to make all that he possibly could out of every opportunity offered; hence, while the labors of the farm were never neglected, he nevertheless man- BENJAMIN F. DUNN. aged to secure a thorough common school education. At the age of twenty he worked In discriminating between those who by the month for neighboring farmers and should find a place in a local and biographi- when he had accumulated sufficient means cal work the editor can make no mistake in purchased a team of his own and went to following popular opinion and choosing farming on his own behalf in Henrietta one who has been honored by his fellow citi- township. For six years he worked in this zens with the most responsible offices. Ben- way, paying the owner of the land a share jamin F. Dunn, the present supervisor of of the crop for rent. His first purchase of Liberty township, is a native of the state, real estate was one hundred and ninety- born at Somerset, Hillsdale county, June 18, seven acres in Henrietta township, which he 1846. His father was Adam S. Dunn, born improved and cultivated for nearly thirty | December 7, 1813, at Groveland, Genesee years, when he moved to Parma township, county, New York, where he was reared, where he remained for four years. The educated and married Mary A. Roberts, a place which he now owns, occupies and oper- native of Niagara county, New York, born ates was purchased in 1895. It comprises March 13, 1816. The paternal grandfather one hundred and twenty acres, known as of the subject was Levi Dunn, who was born the Pelham place, and one hundred and four in New Jersey, May 7, 1773, and his father are under cultivation. He raises wheat, was Simeon, one of six brothers who came corn, oats, beans and hay and at all seasons from Scotland in the latter part of the colo- of the year has his farm well stocked with nial period and settled along the Atlantic cattle, horses, hogs and sheep. Farming coast in the colonies of New Jersey, Mary- has been the business of his life and he has | land and North Carolina. Simeon located succeeded in making it remunerative. In | in the first mentioned colony, married, be- politics he is a Republican, but has never came the father of a worthy family and died been induced to become a candidate for or there blessed with abundance of material accept any public position. Being a wealth and the high esteem of a large circle man of strict morals, he has a natural of friends and acquaintances. Levi Dunn, a I I20 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. when he had grown to manhood, moved to ocrat and took an active interest in all public Genesee county, New York, where he mar- affairs. He served as justice of the peace ried Miss Sarah Holtslander, and there was for twenty-four years and was also highway born to them an interesting family of four commissioner. He and his wife were mem- sons, Samuel, Benjamin, Adam and Simeon. bers of and attendants upon the services of After the death of their father, December the Congregational church at Somerset. I, 1829, all of the children, accompanied by January 3, 1893, Mary A. (Roberts) Dunn their mother, moved to Michigan, in 1833, departed this life, after having been an in- and located upon a tract of land, purchased | habitant of Michigan for nearly three score from the government, near Somerset, Hills and ten years. Six children were born to dale county, where the faithful mother this union, viz: Endres, born August 28, breathed her last, in July, 1840. Samuel, 1843, died September 27, 1847; Benjamin the eldest son, died in 1852, near Fort Lar- F.; Amy A., born November 29, 1848, mar- amie, on his way to California; Benjamin ried John O'Dell, and died January 24, 1882; remained at Somerset and has passed into | Henry C., born February 10, 1851, married eternity; Adam died at Somerset April 1, Eva J. Holtslander, and died October 13, 1883; Simeon is still living near Somerset. 1887; Rachel born February 8, 1853, mar- Soon after coming to the state, Adam ried P. A. Hubbard, and died August 29, Dunn invested in a tract of government land, 1885; Set!, born December 1, 1859, died near Somerset, Hillsdale county, compris- June 26, 1378. ing one hundred and sixty acres. His labor Benjamin F. Dunn was favored with a was the erection of a log cabin, intended for thorough common school education, supple- his future home. He then returned to New mented by an attendance of two years at York, where he taught that winter, and in the high school of Adrian. Farming has the spring of 1834 was married and returned been the only vocation he has followed and to the little log cabin with his bride. He having concentrated his thoughts and ener- cleared and improved his land, cultivated gies upon that one calling, he has, as might and lived upon it for about seven years, have been expected, been exceedingly suc- when, meeting with an opportunity to sell, cessful. Until he reached the age of twenty- he in 1852 moved to Liberty township, Jack- five years he remained beneath the parental son county. A piece of land partially im- roof, assisting his father with the manage- proved, that had been purchased from the ment and labor of the farm. February 27, government by John Hess, he found for sale. 1872, he was united in marriage to Miss M. It comprised one hundred and sixty acres Amelia Morous, a native of Hudson, Mich- and was a part of sections 35 and 36. This igan, born October 2, 1849. Her parents are he converted into a well-tilled farm, which William W. and Sarah J. (Foster) Morous, he continued to cultivate until within two both natives of New York. They came to years of his death, when he retired from all | Michigan in 1840, located at Hudson, where business cares. He was a man whose stand- they resided sixteen years, then moved to ing in the community in which he lived so Somerset, where they are yet living. To this long was most enviable. He was a Dem- venerable couple four children were born, JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. II21 viz: Tamson F. married George Crane, and JAMES FRANK. resides in Mountain Grove, Missouri; Will- iam F. is a retired farmer of Jackson; Adell The newspaper press of any city invari- married William Alley, of Somerset, Michi- ably stands as an index of its material pros- gan. perity and civic status, and the Central City During the first two years of the married of Michigan has long had an able represen- life of Mr. and Mrs. Dunn they made their tative of its interests in the Patriot, which home in Columbia township, when they has figured as an exponent of Democratic moved to Somerset, Hillsdale county, where principles and policies and wielded a wide they resided for seven years. From there influence in the connection from the time of they, in 1882, moved to the old homestead its inception. The paper has prospered with and have since resided on the farm which the growth of the city and the enterprise they now own, occupy and operate. Seven which it today represents is one of the most children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. important of the sort in the state, with due Dunn, viz: Gertrude, who died in child- relative consideration of the population of hood; Frank M. is in the employ of the the city which figures as its headquarters. Michigan Central, at Jackson; Adam S. is The Patriot Company now publishes two a farmer of Somerset, and married Lula M. daily editions, the Morning Patriot and the White; William W. married Theo B. Cary, Evening Press, and also the Semi-Weekly and is clerking in Jackson; Florence A. is a Patriot, and of each of these the subject of student in the Jackson high school; Wil- this sketch is managing editor, while he is bur B. and Francis. The home is a com- The home is a com- known as a thoroughly well-trained news- fortable one, handsomely situated and taste- , paper man, a forceful, terse and facile fully furnished and the farm is fertile and has writer, and as an executive well qualified for every appearance of being well managed and directing the editorial policy of the im- carefully cultivated. The chief grain raised portant enterprise over which he is thus upon the place is wheat, although consider- placed in charge in the capacity noted. . able corn and other crops are produced. The James Frank is a native of the province owner raises many horses and some other of Ontario, Canada, having been born in the stock, cattle and hogs. Mr. Dunn is a Dem- town of Berlin, on the 7th of April, 1863. ocrat and is serving his third year as super- He was there reared to the age of thirteen visor. He has also served as justice of the years, when his mother died, and he then peace, and highway commissioner, and for passed two years on a farm in that locality, twenty years has been a member of the school in the meanwhile continuing his studies in board. He has been a member of Liberty the public schools. At the expiration of the Lodge No. 209, Free and Accepted Masons, period mentioned he returned to his native since 1867, while both he and his wife are town and began his novitiate in connection members of Bell Chapter No. 164, Order of with the “art preservative of all arts,” en- the Eastern Star, at Liberty. Mrs. Dunn istering the office of the Berlin Telegraph in an active member of the Somerset Congre- the exalted and time-honored capacity of gational church. "devil,” his father having been employed a 71 II 22 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. as a compositor in this office for a long term papers of the county in the general historical of years. The subject learned the printer's department of this publication, and from the trade in the Telegraph office, being later position which the author of this history has employed elsewhere. Finally he went to the held in connection with editorial work on the city of Detroit, where he "held a case” in newspapers of the city of Jackson, it is need- the office of the Detroit Free Press, which less to say that his contribution in the con- has long held prestige as the leading Demo- nection is one of significant value. cratic paper of the state. of the state. He remained with Mr. Frank has been essentially public the Free Fress one year, at the expiration spirited in his attitude, and aside from their of which, in the autumn of 1882, he came to political efficiency he has made the papers Jackson, where he secured employment in under his charge distinctively able expon- the office of the Patriot, with which he has ents of local interest, the Patriot and Press ever since been identified. In the meanwhile both laboring for the advancement of all he had spared no pains to add to his technical | legitimate interests in the way of municipal and practical knowledge of newspaper work improvements, proper care in the adminis- in all its branches, and his advancement has tration of the city government and for the been the result of his own efforts. It is a conservation of the best interests of the far cry from the individual obscurity of a city and county in all lines. At three differ- composing room to the position of managing ent periods Mr. Frank has served as a mem- a editor of thoroughly metropolitan daily ber of the board of public works, this being papers, and yet this represents the progress an office of appointment on the part of the made by Mr. Frank since the time when he mayor, with incidental approval by the city cast in his lot with the Patriot. Upon coming council. The labor organizations of the city here he became a compositor in the news de- consistently demanded representation on this partment of the paper, was later given the important municipal board, and the first ap- cases on advertising composition, was then pointment of Mr. Frank was made in com- made foreman of the composisg rooms; his pliance with this demand, and at that time next advancement was to the position of re- he was the youngest member of the board. porter, from which he was promoted to the He proved a most efficient worker in the con- office of city editor, while in 1892 he was nection and strenuously advocated public made managing editor of the papers, of improvements of a permanent nature as de- which position he has since remained in- manded in connection with the growth and cumbent, having had an editorial experience increased importance of the city, believing of fourteen years, while it stands to his credit that the policy of securing municipal credit that he has maintained the high literary and is perfectly justified, since by this means the technical standard of a paper which has en- burden of paying for improvements enjoyed listed the services of many able and well- by those of later days is paid in part by known newspaper men, one or more of them, not throwing the entire burden upon whom have attained national reputation in those in whose time the improvements were this line. The history of the Patriot is duly accomplished. He also believes that undue set forth in a chapter devoted to the news- latitude should not be given in such a con- JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. I123 nection and that there is a conservative Knights of the Maccabees, while he is pop- , standpoint from which the best results may ular in both the business and social circles be secured. In March, 1903, Mr. Frank re- of his home city. Mr. Frank is known as a signed his position on the board, after giv- loyal friend of the laboring class and has ing eight years of efficient service, his with been a close student of the labor problems drawal being prompted by the exigent de- and conditions of the country. He is a mands placed upon him in his newspaper prominent member of the Typographical work, to which he is enthusiastically de- Union, and brought about the reorganization voted. He is unswerving in his allegiance to of the local union after the surrender of the the Democratic party and is an active worker old charter, and he was made the first presi- in the cause, attending the various conven- dent of the new organiaztion. tions as a delegate and having served on the In 1883, at Mitchell, Ontario, Canada, congressional committee of the party for Mr. Frank was united in marriage to Miss this district. Fraternally he is identified Sarah Robb, and they are the parents of five with the Benevolent and Protective Order children, Harold, Margaret, Irene, and Ken- of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the neth and Katherine (twins). are BENTLEY HISTORICAL LIBRARY 3 9015 07121 8005