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PIEFkE.,57'~ ~c,. ~[tE greatest of English historians, MACAULAY, and one of the most brilliant writers ol
'"F' "   -      the present century, has said: "The history of a country is best told in a record of the
7Be/ ^^_tll     lives of its people." In conformity with this idea the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIHICAL
K*~/.~~-'lrj       ALBUM of this county has been prepared. Instead of going to musty records, and
^^^^J'..& ^^^' 1taking therefrom dry statistical matter that can be appreciated by but few, our
@   >   corps of writers have gone to the people, the men and women who have, by their
enterprise and industry, brought the county to a rank second to none among those
comprising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of their life
struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelli* l J,  gent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the
imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by
industry and economy have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited
_~J I~ -rl[,  advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an
f^I',S [.[ A,.; influence extending throughout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who
43S2Kw     ' have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and whose names have
\'~~y.4 C become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed, and
>% fy     records how that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of many, very
manv, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued "the even tenor of their way," content
to have it said of them as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of mercy-"they have done what
they could."  It tells how that many in the pride and strength of young manhood left the plow and the
anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at their country's
call went forth valiantly "to do or die," and-how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace
once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not
be lost upon those who follow after.
Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the fact
that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records, and which would otherwise be
inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work and every opportunity possible
given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, and the publishers flatter themselves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition to the biographical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given.
The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in this volume. For this the
publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some refused to give the
information necessary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent. Occasionally some member of
the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition the support of the interested
one would be withheld. In a few instances men could never be found, though repeated calls were made
at their residence or place of business.


CHAPMAN BROS.


CHICAGO, May, 1890








OF THE


GOVERNORS-  k


OF 1\4ICFIIGAN,~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AND OF THE
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37D I
COPYRlrxHTED
BY            I
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1885.




V*4~W S 












C7




FIRST PRESIDENT.


J9


A_____________________________.  I ---.._\ __   _____   --
^fC ~ lC^~t~~lC~yt^ ^l^^'^1^^^^^'^^_^  /
^^^ ^ ^ '^  '^ ^ ^^^^^^'^ ^ ^^ ^t^ ^ C t  j
J '  i  C  ^'is?- lacv?>t ^ ^ — ^ ( ^]  1 


HE Father of our Country was,''4 l I i   W l born in Westmorland Co., Va.,
1    I L t [,'Feb. 22, 1732. His parents
were Augustine and    Mary
(Ball) Washington. The family
/    to which he belonged has not
\^ 'l~v labeen satisfactorily traced in.Fl   il J   England.  His great-grand1o;Wi,(   father, John Washington, emigrated to Virginia about 1657,
a \    and  became   a  prosperous,.       planter.  He had two sons,
Lawrence and       John.   The
former married Mildred Warner
and had three children, John,
a G ~j  Augustine and Mildred.  Augustjj ~  tine, the father of George, first
married Jane Butler, who bore
[  him four children, two of whom,
Lawrence and Augustine, reached
maturity. Of six children by his
second marriage, George was the
eldest, the others being Betty,
Samuel, John Augustine, Charles
and Mildred.
Augustine Washington, the father of George, died
in I743, leaving a large landed property. To his
eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on
the Patomac, afterwards known as Mount Vernon,
and to George he left the parental residence. George
received only such education as the neighborhood
schools afforded, save for a short time after he left
school, when he received  private instruction in
mathemat;cs.  His spelling was rather defective.


Remarkable stories are told of his great physica,
strength and development at an early age. He was
an acknowledged leader among his companions, and
was early noted for that nobleness of character, fairness and veracity which characterized his whole life.
When George was I4 years old he had a desire to go to
sea, and a midshipman's warrant was secured for him,
but through the opposition of his mother the idea was
abandoned.  Two years later he was appointed
surveyor to the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. In
this business he spent three years in a rough frontier
life, gaining experience which afterwards proved very
essential to him. In 175, though only 19 years of
age, he was appointed adjutant with the rank of
major in the Virginia militia, then being trained for
active service against the French and Indians. Soon
after this he sailed to the West Indies with his brother
Lawrence, who went there to restore his health. They
soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence
died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter
who did not long survive him. On her denmise the
estate of Mount Vernon was given to George.
Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddie, as Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia was
reorganized, and the province divided into four military districts, of which the northern was assigned to
Washington as adjutant general. Shortly after this
a very perilous mission was assigned him and accepted, which others had refused. This was to proceed to the French post near Lake Erie in Northwestern Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed
was between 500 and 600 miles. Winter was at hand,
and the journey was to be made without military
escort, through a territory occupied by Indians. The




26


GEOR GE WA S~HINVG TON.


20  GEORGE  WASHING-7TN


trip was a perilous one, and several times he came near
losing his life, yet he returned in safety and furnished
a full and useful report of his expedition. A regiment
of 300 men was raised in Virginia and put in command of Col. Joshua Fry, and Major Washington was
commissioned lieutenant-colonel.  Active war was
then begun against the French and Indians, in which
Washington took a most important part. In the
memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as Braddock's defeat, Washington was almost the only officer
of distinction who escaped from the calamities of the
day with life and honor. The other aids of Braddock
were disabled early in the action, and Washington
alone was left in that capacity on the field. In a letter
to his brother he says: "I had four bullets through
my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped
unhurt, though death was leveling my companions
on every side." An Indian sharpshooter said he was
not born to be killed by a bullet, for he had taken
direct aim at him seventeen times, and failed to hit
him.
After having been five years in the military service,
and vainly sought promotion in the royal army, he
took advantage of the fall of Fort Duquesne and the
expulsion of the French from the valley of the Ohio,
to resign his commission. Soon after he entered the
Legislature, where, although not a leader, he took an
active and important part.  January 17, I759, he
married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy
widow of John Parke Custis.
When the British Parliament had closed the port
if Boston, the cry went up throughout the provinces
that "The cause of Boston is the cause of us all."
It was then, at the suggestion of Virginia, that a Congress of all the colonies was called to meet at Philadelphia,Sept. 5, 1774, to secure their common liberties,
peaceably if possible. To this Congress Col. Washington was sent as a delegate. On May 10, I775, the
Congress re-assembled, when the hostile intentions of
England were plainly apparent. The battles of Concord and Lexington had been fought. Among the
first acts of this Congress was the election of a commander-in-chief of the colonial forces. This high and
responsible office was conferred upon Washington,
who was still a member of the Congress. He accepted
it on June 19, but upon the express condition that he
receive no salary. He would keep an exact account
of expenses and expect Congress lo pay them and
nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch to
trace the military acts of Washington, to whom the
fortunes and liberties of the people of this country
were so long confided. The war was conducted by
him under every possible disadvantage, and while his
forces often met with reverses, yet he overcame every
obstacle, and after seven years of heroic devotion
and matchless skill he gained liberty for the greatest
nation of earth. On Dec. 23, 1783, Washington, in
a parting address of surpassing beauty, resigned his


commission as commander-in-chief of the army to
to the Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He
retired immediately to Mount Vernon and resumed
his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all
connection with public life.
Ii February,I7 89, Washington was unanimously
elected President. In his presidential career he was
subject to the peculiar trials incidental to a new
government; trials from lack of confidence on the part
of other governments; trials from want of harmony
between the different sections of our own country;
trials from the impoverished condition of the country,
owing to the war and want of credit; trials from the
beginnings of party strife. He was no partisan. His
clear judgment could discern the golden mean; and
while perhaps this alone kept our government from
sinking at the very outset, it left him exposed to
attacks from both sides, which were often bitter and
very annoying.
At the expiration of his first term he was unanimously re-elected. At the end of this term many
were anxious that he be re-elected, but he absolutely
refused a third nomination. On the fourth of March,
1797, at the expiraton of his second term as President, he returned to his home, hoping to pass there
his few remaining years free from the annoyances of
public life. Later in the year, however, his repose
seemed likely to be interrupted by war with France.
At the prospect of such a war he was again urged to
take command of the armies. He chose his sulbordinate officers and left to them the charge of matters in the field, which he superintended from his
home. In accepting the command he made the
reservation that he was not to be in the field until
it was necessary. In the midst of these preparations
his life was suddenly cut off. December 1 2, he took
a severe cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling
in his throat, produced inflammation, and terminated
fatally on the night of the fourteenth. On the eighteenth his body was borne with military honors to its
final resting place, and interred in the family vault at
Mount Vernon.
Of the character of Washington it is impossible to
speak but in terms of the highest respect and admiration.  The more we see of the operations of
our government, and the more deeply we feel the
difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common interest,
the more highly we must estimate the force of his talent and character, which have been able to challenge
the reverence of all parties, and principles, and nations, and to win a fame as extended as the limits
of the globe, and which we cannot but believe will
be as lasting as the existence of man.
The person of Washington was unusally tan, erect
and well proportioned. His muscular strength was
great. His features were of a beautiful symmetry.
He commanded respect without any appearance of
haughtiness, and ever serious without being dull.




a




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S E COND PR ESIDEN T.


23


pdl!                                                Ai L                    (3


~:  -t "If. K tl..tl I t.  It..1t~, J,., t  E,:   iJ t ss 44C  tss.s, A-) r;3 i 


tl     "lr   OHN   ADAMS, the     second.. '.. 3'  /-^. ^President and the first Vicei  M"CT BI if President of the United States,
was born in Braintree (now
@;jX.-     Quincy),Mass., and about ten
(fc ^  "  mRiles from Boston, Oct. I9,
e   _  I' 1735. His great-grandfather, Henry
i   /I A\dams, emigrated from  England
t;"~~ii about 1640, with a family of eight; 1-,!I ~ sons, and settled at Braintree. The
parents of John were John and
Susannah (Boylston) Adams. His
father was a farmer of limited
j('w  means, to which he added the business of shoemaking.  He gave his
eldest son, John, a classical education at Harvard College.    John
graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the
school in Worcester, Mass.  This he found but a
'sci ool of affliction," from which he endeavored to
gain.elief by devoting himself, in addition, to the
study of law. For this purpose he placed himself
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. He
had thought seriously of the clerical profession
but seems to have been turned from this by what he
termed " the frightful engines of ecclesiastical councils, cf diabolical malice, and Calvanistic good nature,"
of the operations of which he had been a witness in
Iis native town.  He was well fitted for the legal
i;rofession, possessing a clear, sonorous voice, being
ready and fluent of speech, and having quick percep-:ive powers. He gradually gained practice, and in
1764 married Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister,
and a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his
i!arriage, (1765), the attempt of Parliamentary taxa'ion turned him from law to politics. He took initial
3teps toward holdi.n a. town meeting, and the resolu

tions he offered on the subject became very populai
throughout the Province, and were adopted word for
word by over forty different towns. He moved to Bos,
ton in 1768, and became one of the most courageous
and prominent advocatesof the popular cause, and
was chosen a member of the General Court (the Leglislature) in 1770.
Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first delegates
from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congress,
which met in I774. Here he distinguished himselt
by his capacity for business and for debate, and advocated the movement for independence against the
majority of the members. In May, 1776, he mcved
and carried a resolution in Congress that the Colonies
should assume the duties of self-government. He
was a prominent member of the committee of five
appointed June ii, to prepare a declaration of independence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, but
on Adams devolved the task of battling it through
Congress in a three days debate.
On the day after the Declaration of Independence
was passed, while his soul was yet warm with th2
glow of excited feeling, he wrote a letter to his wife
which, as we read it now, seems to have been dictated
by the spirit of prophecy. "Yesterday," he says, "the
greatest question was decided that ever was debated
in America; and greater, perhaps, never was or wil
be decided among men. A resolution   as passed
without one dissenting colony, 'that these United
States are, and of right ought to be, free and inde.
pendent states.' The day is passed. The fourth of
July, I776, will be a memorable epoch in the history
of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated
by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary
festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of
deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to Almighty
God. It ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows.


I




24.IOH.Z ADAM;S.


24.H         A A S


=


games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminAtions
from one end of the continent to the other, from this
time forward for ever. You will think me transported
with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of
the toil, and blood and treasure, that it will cost to
maintain this declaration, and support and defend
these States; yet, through all the gloom, I can see the
rays of light and glory. I can see that the end is
worth more than all the means; and that posterity
will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I
hope we shall not."
In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed a
delegate to France and to co-operate with Bemjamin
Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then in Paris, in
the endeavor to obtain assistance in arms and money
from the French Government. This was a severe trial
to his patriotism, as it separated him from his home,
compelled him to cross the ocean in winter, and exposed him to great peril of capture by the British cruisers, who were seeking him. He left France June 17,
1779. In September of the same year he was again
chosen to goto Paris, and there hold himself in readiness to negotiate a treaty of peace and of commerce
with Great Britian, as soon as the British Cabinet
might be found willing to listen to such proposels. He
sailed for France in November, from there he went to
Holland, where he negotiated important loans and
formed important commercial treaties
Finally a treaty of peace with England was signed
Jan. 21, 1783. The re-action from the excitement,
toil and anxiety through which Mr. Adams had passed
threw him into a fever. After suffering from a continued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated he
was advised to go to England to drink the waters of
Bath. While in England, still drooping and desponding, he received dispatches from his own government
urging the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to
negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health was
delicate, yet he immediately set out, and through
storm, on sea, on horseback and foot,he made the trip.
February 24, 1785; Congress appointed Mr. Adams
envoy to the Court of St. James. Here he met face
to face the King of England, who had so long regarded him  as a traitor.  As England did not
condescend to appoint a minister to the United
States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he was accomplishing but little, he sought permission to return to
his own country, where he arrived in June, 1788.
When Washington was first chosen President, John
Adams, rendered illustiious by his signal services at
home and abroad, was chosen Vice President. Again
at the second election of Washington as President,
Adams was chosen Vice President. In 1796, Washington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams was
elected President,though not without much opposition.
Serving in this office four years,he was succeeded by
Mr. Jefferson, his opponent in politics.
While Mr. Adams was Vice President the great




French Revolution shook the continent of Europe,
and it was upon this point which he was at issue with
the majority of his countrymen led by Mr. Jefferson.
Mr. Adams felt no sympathy with the French people
in their struggle, for he had no confidence in their
power of self-government, and he utterly abhored the
classof atheist philosophers who he claimed caused it.
On the other hand Jefferson's sympathies were strongly
enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence originated the alienation between these distinguished
men, and two powerful parties were thus soon organized, Adams at the head of the one whose sympathies
were with England and Jefferson led the other in
sympathy with France.
The world has seldom seen a spectacle of more
moral beauty and grandeur, than was presented by the
old age of Mr. Adams. The violence of party feeling
had died away, and he had begun to receive that just
appreciation which, to most men, is not accorded till
after death. No one could look upon his venerable
form, and think of what he had done and suffered,
and how he had given up all the prime and strength
of his life to the public good, without the deepest
emotion of gratitude and respect. It was his peculiar
good fortune to witness the complete success of the
institution which he had been so active in creating and
supporting. In 1824, his cup of happiness was filled
to the brim, by seeing his son elevated to the highest
station in the gift of the people.
The fourth of July, I82-6, which completed the half
century since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, arrived, and there were but three of the
signers of that immortal instrument left upon the
earth to hail its morning light.  And, as it is
well known, on that day two of these finished their
earthly pilgrimage, a coincidence so remarkable as
to seem miraculous.  For a few days before Mr.
Adams had been rapidly failing, and on the morning
of the fourth he found himself too weak to rise from
his bed. On being requested to name a toast for the
customary celebration of the day, he exclaimed " INDEPENDENCE FOREVER." When the day was ushered
in, by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannons,
he was asked by one of his attendants if he knew
what day it was? He replied, "O yes; it is the glorious fourth of July-God bless it-God bless you all."
In the course of the day he said, "It is a great and
glorious day."  The last words he uttered were,
"Jefferson survives." But he had, at one o'clock, resigned his spirit into the hands of his God.
The personal appearance and manners of Mr.
Adams were not particularly prepossessing. His face,
as his portrait manifests,was intellectual ard expres.
sive, but his figure was low -and ungraceful, and his
manners were frequently abrupt and uncourteous.
He had neither the lofty dignity of Washington, nor
tlie engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked
the manners and address of Jefferson,




I
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4::r /.




THIlRD PRESIDENT.


27


HOVMIAS JEFFERSON was
) -..1 i ] }lborn April 2, I743, at ShadI      w | [( ell, Albermarle county, Va.
o{~ i,  A^  1His l)are'nts were Peter and
- C _)o~ s~  l]jane ( Randolph) Jefferson,
^~^^^o ~  vthe former a native of Wales,
2^^^    and the latter born in LonJrl^ll  don. To them were born six
daughters and two sons, of
w whom Thomas was the elder.
When 14 years of age his
father died. He received a
most liberal education, having been kept diligently at school
from the time he was five years of
age. In 1760 he entered William.nd Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat
of the Colonial Court, and it was the obode of fashion
a.id splendor.  Young Jefferson, who was then 17
years old, lived somewhat expensively, kecping fine
horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet he
was earnestly devoted to his studies, and irreproachaable i1 his morals. It is strange, however, under
such influences,that he was not ruined. In the second year of his college course, moved by some unexplained inward impulse, he discarded his horses,
society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had
previously given much time. He often devoted fifteen
hours a day to haid study, allowing himself for exercise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out
of the city and back again. He thus attained very
high intellectual culture, alike excellence in philosophy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and
Greek authors he read with facility. A more finished
scholar has seldom gone forth from college halls; and


there was not to be found, perhaps, in all Virginia, a
more pureminded, upright, gentlemanly young man.
Immlediately upon leaving college he began the
study of law. For the short time he continued in the
practice of his profession he rose rapidly and distinguished himself by his energy and accuteness as a
lawyer.  But the times called for greater action.
The policy of England had awakened the spirit of
resistance of the American Colonies, and the enlarged
views which Jefferson had ever entertained, soon led
him into active political life. In 1769 he was chosen
a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses..In
1772 he married Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beautifill, wealthy and highly accomplished young widow
Upon Mr. Jefferson's large estate at Shadwell, thlre
was a majestic swell of land, called Monticello, whicl
commanded a prospect of wonderful extent and
beauty. This spot Mr. Jefferson selected for his new
home; and here he reared a mansion of modest yet
elegant architecture, which, next to Mount Vernon
became the most distinguished resort in our land.
In 1775 lie was sent to the Cclonial Congress.
where, though a silent member, his abilities as a
writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he
was,laced upon a number of important committees,
and was chairman of the one appointed for the drawing up of a declaration of independence. This committee consisted of Thoilas Jefferson, John Adams,
Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R.
Livingston. Jefferson, as chairman, was appointed
to draw up the paper. Franklin and Adams suggested
a few verbal changes before it was submitted to Congress. On June 28, a few slight changes were made
in it by Congress, and it was passed and signed July
4, 1776. What must have been the feelings of that




28


THOMAS JEFFERSON.


man-what the emotions that swelled his breastwho was charged with the preparation of that Declaration, which, while it made known the wrongs of
America, was also to publish her to the world, free,
toverign and independent. It is one of the most remarkable papers ever written; and did no other effort
of the mind of its author exist, that alone would be
sufficient to stamp his name with immortality.
Ill 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to
Patrick Henry, as Governor of Virginia. At one time
the British officer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to
Monticello, to capture the Governor. Scarcely five
minutes elapsed after the hurried escape of Mr. Jefferson and his family, ere his mansion was in possession of the British troops. His wife's health, never
very good, was much injured by this excitement, and
in the summer of I782 she died.
Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in I783.
Two years later he was appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to France. Returning to the United States
in September, 1789, he became Secretary of State
in Washington's cabinet.  This position he resigned
Jan. J, 1794. In 1797, he was chosen Vice President, and four years later was elected President over
Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President. In
I804 he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity,
and George Clinton, Vice President.
The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second adminstration was disturbed by an event which threatened the
tranquility and peace of the Union; this was the conspiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated in the late election
to the Vice Presidency, and led on by an unprincipled
ambition, this extraordinary man formed the plan of a
military expedition into the Spanish territories on our
southwestern frontier, for the purpose of forming there
a new republic. This has been generally supposed
was a mere pretext; and although it has not been
generally known what his real plans were, there is no
doubt that they were of a far more dangerous
character.
In I809, at the expiration of the second term for
which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he determined
to retire from political life. For a period of nearly
Afrty years, he had been continually before the pubtic, and all that time had been employed in offices of
the greatest trust and responsibility. Having thus devoted the best part of his life to the service of his
country, he now felt desirous of that rest which his
declining years required, and upon the organization of
the new administration, in March, 1809, he bid farewell forever to public life, and retired to Monticello.
Mr. Jefferson was profuse in his hospitality. Whole
families came in their coaches with their horses,fathers and mothers, boys and girls, babies and
nurses,-and remained three and even six months.
Life at Monticello, for years, resembled that at a
fashionable watering-place.
The fourth of July, I826, being the fiftieth anniver

-


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sary of the Declaration of American Independence:
great preparations were made in every part of th:
Union for its celebration, as the nation's jubilee, and
the citizens of Washington, to add to the solemnity
of the occasion, invited Mr. Jefferson, as the framer.
and one of the few surviving signers of the Declaration, to participate in their festivities.  But an illness, which had been of several weeks duration, and
had been continually increasing, compelled him to
decline the invitation.
On the second of July, the disease under whic'l
he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced
state that his medical attendants, entertained nc
hope of his recovery. From this time he was perfectly
sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the next
day, which was Monday, he asked of those around
him, the day of the month, and on being told it was
the third of July, he expressed the earnest wish tha;
he might be permitted to breathe the air of the fiftietl:
anniversary. His prayer was heard-that day, whose
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land,
burst upon his eyes, and then they were closed forever. And what a noble consumlnation of a noble
life! To die on that day,-the birthday of a nation,- -
the day which his own name and his own act had
rendered glorious; to die amidst the rejoicings and
festivities of a whole nation, who looked up to him,
as the author, under God, of their greatest blessings,
was all that was wanting to fill up the record his life.
Almost at the same hour of his death, the kindred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear
him company, left the scene of his earthly honors,
Hand in hand they had stood forth, the champions of
freedom; hand in hand, during the dark and desperate struggle of the Revolution, they had cheered and
animated their desponding countrymen; for half a
century they had labored together for the good of
the country; and now hand in hand they depart.
In their lives they had been united in the same great
cause of liberty, and in their deaths they were not
divided.
In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather
above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes
were light, his hair originally red, in after life became
white and silvery; his complexion was fair, his fore.
head broad, and his whole countenance intelligent and
thoughtful. He possessed great fortitude of mind as
well as personal courage; and his command of temper was such that his oldest and most intimate friends
never recollected to have seen him in a passion.
His manners, though dignified, were simple and unaffected, and his hospitality was so unbounded that
all found at his house a ready welcome. In conversation he was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic; and
his language was remarkably pure and correct. He
was a finished classical scholar, and in his writings is
discernable the care with which he formed his style
upon the best models of antiquity.




a




-%7-4 k%' "-YIP;
A




FOURTH PRE:SIDENT.


a~~~~rrr~~~~~~ns  n2?ID~~~~~~~~~~~~~sog~ —1-1
N~~~h~~N_^NV~~~~Y V W VN _ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ __~~~VC~~C~~~N VI~~~N - -


AMES MADISON, "Father
-<~^i~  ~ ~  | ~ ' lof the  Constitution,' and fourth
^^AW^^    IS was born March i6, 1757, and
President of the United States,
0@1 %^^(Ce~i^ ^ died at his home in Virginia,
/(~i),@'   June 28, 1836. lThe name of
e  S "'xf_ James Madison is inseparably conkf/i~- 'l nected with most of the important
"Kp~v^1 events in that heroic period of our
-l, country during which the founda-?   tions of this great republic were
laid. He was the last of the founders
of the Constitution of the United
V\\1  States to be called to his eternal
reward.
/  The Madison family were among
the early emigrants to the New World,
landing upon the shores of the Chesapeake but 15 years after the settle~[ y  ment of Jamestown. The father of
James Madison was an      opulent
planter, residing upon a very fine estate called "Montpelier," Orange Co.,
Va. The mansion was situated in
the midst of scenery highly picturesque and romantic, on the west side
of South-west Mountain, at the foot of
Blue Ridge. It was but 25 miles from the home of
Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and
political attachment existed between these illustrious
men, from their early youth until death.
The early education of Mr. Madison was conducted
mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of
r8 he was sent to Princeton College, in New Jersey.
Here he applied himself to stutdy with the most irn

prudent zeal; allowing himself, for months, but three
hours' sleep out of the 24. His health thus became so
seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor
of constitution. He graduated in I77 1, with a feeble
body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a
mind highly disciplined and richly stored with learning
which embellished and gave proficiency to his subsf
(lent career.
Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study of
law and a course of extensive and systematic reading.
This educational course, the spirit of the times in
which he lived, and the society with which he asso.
ciated, all combined to inspire hin  with a strong
love of liberty, and to train him for his life-woik of
a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of
mind, and his frail health leading him to think that
his life was not to be long, he directed especial attention to theological studies. Endowed with a mind
singularly free from passion and prejudice, and with
almost unequalled powers of reasoning, he weighed
all the arguments for and against revealed religion,
until his faith became so established as never to
be shaken.
In the spring of 1776, when 26 years of age, he
was elected a member of the Virginia Convention, to
frame the constitution of the State.  The next year
(1777), he was a candidate for the General Assembly.
He refused to treat the whisky-lovir.g voters, and
consequently lost his election; but those who had
witnessed the talent, energy and public spirit of the
modest young mnan, enlisted themselves in his behalf,
and he was appointed to the Executive Council.
Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were
Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison remained
nmemer of the Council; and their appreciation of hil




32


JA1MES IMADISON.


intellectual, social and moral worth, contributed not
a little to his subsequent eminence.  In the year
1780, he was elected a member of the Continental
Congress. Here he met the most illustrious men in
our land, and he was immediately assigned to one of
the most conspicuous positions among them.
For three years Mr. Madison continued in Congress, one of its most active and influential members.
In the year 1784, his term having expired, he was
elected a member of the Virginia Legislature.
No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no national government, with no power to form treaties
which would be binding, or to enforce law. There
was not any State more prominent than Virginia in
the declaration, that an efficient national government
must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison
carried a resolution through the General Assembly of
Virginia, inviting the other States to appoint commissioners to meet in convention at Annapolis to discuss
this subject. Five States only were represented. The
convention, however, issued another call, drawn up
by Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their
delegates to Philadelphia, in May, 1787, to draft
a Constitution for the United States, to take the place
of that Confederate League. The delegates met at
the time appointed. Every State but Rhode Island
was represented. George Washington was chosen
president of the convention; and the present Constitution of the United States was then and there formed.
There was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more active in framing this immortal document than the mind
and the pen of James Madison.
The Constitution, adopted by a vote 8 to 79, was
to be presented to the several States for acceptance.
But grave solicitude was felt. Should it be rejected
we should be left but a conglomeration of independent
States, with but little power at home and little respect
abroad. Mr. Madison was selected by the convention to draw up an address to the people of the United
States, expounding the principles of the Constitution,
and urging its adoption. There was great opposition
to it at first, but it at length triumphed over all, and
went into effect in 1789.
Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Representatives in the first Congress, and soon became the
avowed leader of the Republican party.  While in
New York attending Congress, he met Mrs Todd, a
young widow of remarkable power of fascination,
whom he married. She was in person and character
queenly, and probably no lady has thus far occupied
so prominent a position in the very peculiar society
which has constituted our republican court as Mrs.
Madison.
Mr. Madison served as Secretary of State under
Jefferson, and at the close of his administration
was chosen President. At this time the encroachments of England had brought us to the verge of war.




I


-- - -`- -Y` --- —--
--


British orders in council destioyed our commerce, and
our flag was exposed to constant insult. Mr. Madison
was a man of peace. Scholarly in his taste, retiring
in his disposition, war had no charms for him. But the
meekest spirit can be roused. It makes one's blood
boil, even now, to think of an American ship brought
to, upon the ocean, by the guns of an English cruiser.
A young lieutenant steps on board and orders the
crew to be paraded before him. With great nonchalance he selects any number whom he may please to
designate as British subjects; orders them dozwn the
ship's side into his boat; and places them on the gundeck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the
battles of England. This right of search and impressment, no efforts of our Government could induce
the British cabinet to relinquish.
On the I8th of June, 1812, President Madison gave
his approval to an act of Congress declaring war
against Great Britain.  Notwithstanding the bitter
hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country
in general approved; and Mr. Madison, on the 4th
of March, 1813, was re-elected by a large majority,
and entered upon his second term of office. This is
not the place to describe the various adventures of
this war on the land and on the water.  Our infan'.
navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grappling with the most formidable power which ever
swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest
by the appearance of a British fleet, early in February,
1813, in Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole
coast of the United States under blockade.
The Emperor of Russia offered his services as me
ditator. America accepted; England refused. A British force of five thousand men landed on the banks
of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into Chesapeake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of Bladensburg, upon Washington.
The straggling little city of Washington was thrown
into consternation. The cannon of the brief conflict
at Bladensburg echoed through the streets of the
metropolis. The whole populaticn fled from the city.
The President, leaving Mrs. Madison in the White
House, with her carriage drawn up at the door to
await his speedy return, hurried to meet the officers
in a council of war. iHe met our troops utterly routed,
and he could not go back without danger of being
captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential
Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in
Washington were in flames.
The war closed after two years of fighting, and on
Feb. 13, I815,the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent.
On the 4th of March, 1817, his second term of
office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair
to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his Leautiful home at Montpelier, and there passed the remainder of his days. On June 28, 1836, then at the
age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madison died July 12, I849.






0








0-42-7'



FIFTH PRESIDENT.


35


e,~;^'T,    ]A. r  AMES  MONROE, the fifth
_ '(  '     &1 '^  I I Presidentof The United States,
S  S —^! Kl  bwas born in Westmoreland Co.,
~"  Abet    Va., April 28, 1758. His early
Agsa.~.    life was passed at the place of
nativity. His ancestors had for
ei many years resided in the provf   'fi l[ ince in which he was born. When,
l~'l)  [ "at I7o years of age, in the process
of completing his education at
'i, William and Mary College, the Coj  lonial Congress assembled at Philadelphia to deliberate upon the unjust and manifold.oppressions of
Great Britian, declared the separation of the Colonies, and l)romulgated the Declaration of Indelendence. Had he been born ten years before it is highly
probable that he would have been one of the signers
of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left
school and enlisted among the patriots.
He joined the army when everything looked hopeless and gloomy. The number of deserters increased
from day to day. The invading armies came pouring
in; and the tories not only favored the cause of the
mother country, but disheartened the new recruits,
who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of contending with an enemy whom they had been taught
to deem invincible. To such brave spirits as James
Monroe, who went right onward, undismayed through
difficulty and danger, the United States owe their
political emancipation. The young cadet joined the
ranks, and espoused the cause of his injured country,
with a firm determination to live or die with her strife


for liberty.  Firmly yet sadly he shared in the melancholy retreat from Harleam Heights and White
Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it fled
before its foes through New Jersey.  In four months
after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots
had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of
Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the act of charging upon the enemy he received a wound in the left
shoulder.
As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was promoted a captain of infantry; and, having recovered
from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however,
receded from the line of promotion, by becoming an
officer in the staff of Lord Sterling. During the campaigns of I777 and 1778, in the actions of Brandy
wine, Germantown and Monmouth, he continued
aid-de camp; but becoming desirous to regain his
position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a
regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed
owing to the exhausted condition of the State. Upon
this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at
that period Governor, and pursued, with considerable
ardor, the study of common law. He did not, however.
entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag;
but on the invasions of the enemy, served as a volun
teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits.
In 1782, he was elected from King George county,
a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that
body he was elevated to a seat in the Executive
Council. He was thus honored with the confidence
of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age; and having
at this early period displayed some of that ability
and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwards
employed with unremittirg energy for the public good,




36


JAMES MONROE.


he was in the succeeding year chosen a member of
the Congress of the United States.
Deeply as Mr. Monroe felt the imperfections of the old
Confederacy, he was opposed to the new Constitution,
thinking, with many others of the Republican party,
that it gave too much power to the Central Government,
and not enough to the individual States. Still he retained the esteem of his friends who were its warm
supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition
secured its adoption. In 1789, he became a member
cf the United States Senate; which office he held for
four years. Every month the line of distinction between the two great parties which divided the nation,
the Federal and the Republican, was growing more
distinct. The two prominent ideas which now separated them were, that the Republican party was in
sympathy with France, and also in favor of such a
strict construction of the Constitution as to give the
Central Government as little power, and the State
Governments as much power, as the Constitution would
warrant. The Federalists sympathized with England,
and were in favor of a liberal construction of the Constitution, which would give as much power to the
Central Government as that document could possibly
authorize.
The leading Federalists and Republicans were
alike noble men, consecrating all their energies to the
good of the nation. Two more honest men or more
'ure patriots than John Adams the Federalist, and
James Monroe the Republican, never breathed.  In
building up this majestic nation, which is destined
to eclipse all Grecian and Assyrian greatness, the combination of their antagonism was needed to create the
light equilibrium. And yet each in his day was denounced as almost a demon.
Washington was then President. England had espoused the cause of the Bourbons against the principles of the French Revolution. All Europe was drawn
into the conflict.  We were feeble and far away.
Washington issued a proclamation of neutrality between these contending powers. France had helped
us in the struggle for our liberties. All the despotisms
of Europe were now combined to prevent the French
from escaping from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse
than that which we had endured. Col. Monroe, more
magnanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at
whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in
their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous
and noble nature. He violently opposed the President's proclamation as ungrateful and wanting in
magnanimity.
Washington, who could appreciate such a character,
developed his calm, serene, almost divine greatness,
by appointing that very James Monroe, who was denouncing the policy of the Government, as the minister
of that Government to the Republic of France. Mr.
Monroe was welcomed by the National Convention
in France with the most enthusiastic demonstrations.


Shortly after his return to this country, Mr. Monroe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the
office for three yeats. He was again sent to France to
co-operate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaining
the vast territory then known as the Province of
Louisiana, which France had but shortly before obtained from Spain. Their united efforts were successful. For the comparatively small sum of fifteen
millions of dollars, the entire territory of Orleans and
district of Louisiana were added to the United States.
This was probably the largest transer of real estate
which was ever made in all the history of the world.
From France Mr. Monroe went to England to obtain from that country some recognition of our
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those
odious impressments of our seamen.  but England was unrelenting. He again returned to England on the same mission, but could receive no
redress. He returned to his home and was again
chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon resigned
to accept the position of Secretary of State under
Madison. While in this office war with England was
declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and during
these trying times, the duties of the War Department
were also put upon him. He was truly the armorbearer of President Madison, and the most efficient
business man in his cabinet. Upon the return of
peace he resigned the Department of War, but continued in the office of Secretary of State until the expliration of Mr. Madison's adminstration. At the elec
tion held the previous autumn Mr. Monroe himself had
been chosen President with but little opposition, and
upon March 4, 1817, was inaugurated. Four years
later he was elected for a second term.
Among the important measures of his Presidency
were the cession of Florida to the United States; the
Missouri Compromise, and the " Monroe doctrine.'
This famous doctrine, since known as the " Monroe
doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1823. At that
time the United States had recognized the independence of the South American states, and did not -xish
to have European powers longer attempting to subdue portions of the American Continent. The doctrine
is as follows: "That we should consider any attempt
on the part of European powers to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous
to our peace and safety," and "that we could not
view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing
or controlling American governnents or provinces in
any other light than as a manifestation by European
powers of an unfriendly disposition toward the United
States." This doctrine immediately affected the course
of foreign governments, and has become the approved
sentiment of the United States.
At the end of his second term Mr. Monroe retired
to his home in Virginia, where he lived until I830,
when he went to New York to live with his son-inlaw, In that city he died on the 4th of July, I831




0




Ir




SIXTH PRESIDENT.


^iS^'T^X a   OHN QUINCY ADAMS, the
1 iAS lt fsixth President of the United
^11^ ^it~Y%31 | 9     lStlates, was born in the rural
r  hoime of his honored father,
i^S ^ 'John Adams, in QtLincy, Mass.,
( );.  01on the I I th cf July, 7 67. His
\ @^  mother, a woman of exalted
/ (?^\  worth, watched over his childhood
- 0   during the almost constant absence of his father.  When but
K"l^   v j6  ^eight years of age, he stood with
/    ' his mother on an eminence, listenK  ilg to the Looming of the great battle on Bunker's Hill, and gazing on
u upon the smoke and flaimes billowing uIp from  the conflagration of
Charlestown.;(|     When but eleven years old he
took a tearful adieu of his mother,
to sail with his father for Europe,
through a neet ot hostile British cruisers. The bright,
animated boy spent a year and a half in Palis, where
his father was associated with Franklin and Lee as
minister pienipotentiary. His intelligence attracted
the notice of these distinguished men, and he received
from them flattering marks of attention.
Mr. John Adamns had scarcely returned to this
couttry, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. Again
4ona Quincy accompanied his father.  At Paris he
applied himself with great diligence, for six months,
to 3tudy; then accompained his father to Holland,
where he entered, first a school in Amsterdam, then
the University at Leyden. Albout a year from this
time, in 178I, when the manly Loy was but fourteen
yea-s of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our minister to the Russian court, as his private secretary.
Tn this school of incessant labor and of enobling
culture he spent fourteen months, and then returned
to Holland through Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and
Bremen.  This long journey he took alone, in the
winter, when in his sixteenth year. Again he resumed
his studies, under a private tutor, at Hague. Thence,


in the spring of 1782, he accompanied his father t:
Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming acquaintance
with the mlost distinguished men on tile Con'inelit;
examining arcnitectural remains, galleries of paintings,
and all renowned works of art. At Paris lie again
became associated with the most illustrlious menDi  of
all lands in the contemllplations of the loftiest temporal
themes which can engross the human mind.  Aft a
a short visit to England lie returned to Paris, anno
consecrated all his energies to study until May, 1785,
when he returned to America. To a brilliant young
man of eighteen, who had seen imuch of the world,
and who was familiar withil the etiquette of courts, a
residence with his father in London, under such circumstances, must ha\ve been extremely attractive
but with judgment very rare in one of his age, he preferred to return to America to compllete his education
in an American college.  He wished then to study
law, that with an honorable profession, he might b.
able to obtain an independent support.
U pon. leaving Harvard College, at the age of twenthe studied law for three years. In June. ^794, being then but twenty-seven years of ape, he waa appointed by Washington, resident minister at the
Nethlerlands. Sailing from Boston in July, he reacheci
London in October, where he was immediately admit.
ted to the deliberations of Messrs. Jay and Pinckney,
assisting them in negotiating a commercial treaty with
Great Britian.  After thus spending a fortnight ir,
London, he proceeded to the Hague.
In July, 1797, he left the Hague to go to Portugal a:
minister plenipotentiary.  On his way to Portugal,
lupon arriving in London, he met with despatches
directing him to the court of Beiiin, but requestir-g
him to remain in London until he should receive his
instructions.  While wa.iting he was married to aAmerican lady to whom he had been previously en.
gaged, —Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughter
of Mr. Joshua Johnson, American consul in london;
a lady endownd with that beatuty and those accomplishment which eminently fitted her to irove in the
elevated sphere for which she wvs destined.


0




40o


JOHN Q UINC Y A DA MS.


40                 JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.


He reached Berlin with his wife in November, I797;
where he remained until July, 1799, when, having fulfilled all the purposes of his mission, he solicited his
recall.
Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen to
ihe Senate of Massachusetts, from Boston, and then
was elected Senator of the United States for six years,
from the 4th of March, I804.  His reputation, his
ability and his experience, placed him immediately
among the most prominent and influential members
of that body. Especially did he sustain the Government in its measures of resistance to the encroachments of England, destroying our commerce and insulting our flag. There was no man in America more
familiar with the arrogance of the British court upon
these points, and no one more resolved to present
a firm resistance.
In I809, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the Presidential chair, and he immediately nominated John
Quincy Adams minister to St. Petersburg. Resigning his professorship in Harvard College, he embarked
at Boston, in August, I809.
While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense student. He devoted his attention to the language and
history of Russia; to the Chinese trade; to the
European system of weights, measures, and coins; to
the climate and astronomical observations; while he
Kept up a familiar acquaintance with the Greek and
Latin classics. In all the universities of Europe, a
more accomplished scholar could scarcely be found.
All through life the Bible constituted an important
part of his studies. It was his rule to read five
chapters every day.
On the 4th of March, I8I7, Mr. Monroe took the
Presidential chair, and immediately appointed Mr.
Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his numerous friends in public and private life in Europe, he
sailed in June, I8i9, for the United States. On the
I8th of August, he again crossed the threshold of his
home in Quincy. During the eight years of Mr. Monroe's administration, Mr. Adams continued Secretary
of State.
Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's second
term of office, new candidates began to be presented
for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. Adams brought
forward his name. It was an exciting campaign.
Party spirit was never more bitter. Two hundred and
sixty electoral votes were cast. Andrew Jackson received ninety-nine; John Quincy Adams, eighty-four;
William H. Crawford, forty-one; Henry Clay, thirtyseven. As there was no choice by the people, the
question went to the House of Representatives. Mr.
Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and
he was elected.
The friends of all the disappointed candidates now
combined in a venomous and persistent assault upon
Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in
t&he past history of our country than the abuse which


was poured in one uninterrupted stream, upon this
high-minded, upright, patriotic man. There never was
an administration more pure in principles, more conscientiously devoted to the best interests of the country, than that of John Quincy Adams; and never, perhaps, was there an administration more unscrupulously and outrageously assailed.
Mr. Adams was, to a very remarkable degree, abstemious and temperate in his habits; always rising
early, and taking much exercise. When at his home in
Quincy, he has been known to walk, before breakfast.
seven miles to Boston. In Washington, it was said
that he was the first man up in the city, lighting his
own fire and applying himself to work in his library
often long before dawn.
On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired
from the Presidency, and was succeeded by Andrew
Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice President. The slavery question now began to assume
portentous magnitude.  Mr. Adams returned to
Quincy and to his studies, which he pursued with unabated zeal. But he was not long permitted to remain in retirement. In November, 1830, he was
elected representative to Congress.  For seventeen
years, antil his death, he occupied the post as representative, towering above all his peers, ever ready to
do brave battle' for freedom, and winning the title of
"the old man eloquent." Upon taking his seat in
the House,.he announced that he should hold himself bound to no party. Probably there never was a
member more devoted to his duties. He was usually
the first in his place in the morning, and the last to
leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could
be brought forward and escape his scrutiny.  The
battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, against
the proslavery party in the Government, was sublime
in its moral daring and heroism. For persisting in
presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery, he
was threatened with indictment by the grand jury,
with expulsion from the House, with assassination;
but no threats could intimidate him, and his final
triumph was complete.
It has been said of President Adams, that when his
body was bent and his hair silvered by the lapse of
fourscore years, yielding to the simple faith of a little
child, he was accustomed to repeat every night, before
he slept, the prayer which his mother taught him in
his infant years.
On the 2Ist of February, I848, he rose on the floor
of Congress, with a paper in his hand, to address the
speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken by paralysis, and was caught in the arms of those around him.
For a time he was senseless, as he was conveyed to
the sofa in the rotunda. With reviving consciousness, he opened his eyes, looked calmly around and
said " This is the endof earth;"then after a moment's
pause he added, "I am content."  These were the
last words of the grand "Old Man Eloquent.".     a
i-I         I..  I                                I      I




I








SE VELTH PRESSILENT.


4.3


i  J, -      11" iL t   U   4"   f
I - P~'ii-"~"B4c;-~Y~~'~ ~ ~ ~^~;~ ~ ~ ~ 8,ji-2..-X^        NDREW      JACKSON, the
I ~/l     seventh President of the
i  ": L.  Waxhaw settlement, N. C.,
(      s0~   kb March 15, 1767, a few days
after his father's death. His
parents were poor enigrants
from  Ireland, and took up
}i  their abode iln Waxhaw settlement, where they lived in
YI \f C I  deepest poverty.
Andrew, or Andy, as he was
universally called, grew up a very
rough, rude, turbulent boy.  His
I  features were coarse, his form ungainly; and there was but very
little in his character, made visible, which was attractive.
When only thirteen years old he joined the volunteers of Carolina against the British invasion.  In
I78r, he and his brother Robert were captured and
imprisoned for a time at Camden.  A British officer
ordered him to brush his mud-spattered boots. " I am
a prisoner of war, not your servant," was the reply of
the dauntless boy.
The brute drew his sword, and aimed a desperate
tlow at the head of the helpless young prisoner.
Andrew raised his hand, and thus received two fearful gashes,-one on the hand and the other upon the
head. The officer then turned to his brother Robert
with the same demand. He also refused, and received a blow from the keen-edged sabre, which quite
disabled him, and which probably soon after caused
his death. They suffered much other ill-treatment, and
were finally stricken with the small-pox.  Their
mother was successful in obtaining their exchange,


and took her sick boys home. After a long illn.:sc
Andrew recovered, and the death of his mother soon
left him entirely friendless.
Andrew supported himself in various ways, s -zh as
working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and
clerking in a general store, until 1784, when he
entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, however,
gave more attention to the wild amusements of the
times than to his studies. In 1788, he was appointed
solicitor for the western district of North Carolina, of
which Tennessee was then a part.  This involved
many long and tedioas journeys amid dangers of
every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear,
and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish
with the Sharp Knife.
In I791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who
supposed herself divorced from her former husband.
Great was the surprise of both parties, two years later,
to find that the conditions of the divorce had just been
definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage
ceremony was performed a second time, but the occurrence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr.
Jackson into disfavor.
During these years he worked hard at his profession, and frequently had one or more duels on hand,
one of which, when he killed Dickenson, was especially disgraceful.
In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee then
containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, the
people met in convention at Knoxville to frame a constitution. Five were sent from each of the eleven
counties. Andrew Jackson was one of the delegates.
The new State was entitled to but one member in.
the National House of Representatives. Andrew Jack-1
son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he
rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then held its




   w      -  1.      I    - I    -"    I   -   I   ,   I              I       -      I


44


ANDREl fW JACXSON.


s,-sions,-a distance of about eight hundred miles.
Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Democratic party.  Jefferson was his idol.  He admired
Bonaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr.
Jackson took his seat, Gen. Washington, whose
second term of office was then expi:ing, delivered his
last speech to Congress. A committee drew up a
complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson
did not approve of the address, and was one of the
twelve who voted against it. He was not willing to
say that Gen. Washington's adminstration had been
' wise, firm and patriotic."
Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States
Senate in 7 97, but soon resigned and returned home.
Soon after he was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court
of his State, which position he held for six years.
When the war of 1812 with Great Britian commenced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair.
Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there was
an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jackson, who
\ould do credit to a commission if one were conferred upon him. Just at that time Gen. Jackson
offered his services and those of twenty-five hundred
volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troops
were assembled at Nashville.
As the British were hourly expected to make an attack upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wilkinson was
in command, he was ordered to descend the river
with fifteen hundred troops to aid Wilkinson.  The
expedition reached Natchez; and after a delay of several weeks there, without accomplishing anything,
the men were ordered back to their homes. But the
energy Gen. Jackson had displayed, and his entire
devotion to the comrfort of his soldiers, won him
golden opinions; and he became the most popular
man in the State. It was in this expedition that his
toughness gave him the nickname of " Old Hickory."
Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip Col.
Thomas H. Benton, for a remark that gentleman
made about his taking a part as second in a duel, in
which a younger brother of Benton's was engaged,
he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was
iingering upon a bed of suffering news came that the
Indians, who had combined under Tecumseh from
Florida to the Lakes, to exterminate the white settlers, were committing the most awfll ravages. Decisive action became necessary. Gen. Jackson, with
his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in
a sling, and unable to mount his horse without assistance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an
army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Alabama.
The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on
one of the bends of the Tallauoosa River, near the center of Alabama, about fifty miles below Fort Strother.
With an army of two thousand men, Gen. Jackson
traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven
days. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or
Horse-shoe, on the 27th of March. 1814. The bend


of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres of
tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow
neck the Indians had constructed a formidable breastwork of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors,
with an ample suply of artms were assembled.
The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly desperate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. When
bleeding and dying, they would fight those who endeavored to spare their lives. From ten in the morning until dark, the battle raged. The carnage was
awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the
river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as
they swam. Nearly everyone of the nine hundred warrios were killed  A few probably, in the night, swam
the river and escaped. This ended the war.  The
power of the Creeks was broken forever. This bold
plunge into the wilderness, with its terriffic slaughter,
so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants
of the bands camie to the camp, begging for peace.
This closing of the Creek war enabled us to concentrate all our militia upon the British, who were the
allies of the Indians  No man of less resolute will
than Gen. Jackson could have conducted this Indian
campaign to so successful an issue  Immediately he
was appointed major-general.
Late in August, with an army of two thousand
men, on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson came to
Mobile. A British fleet came from Pensacola, landed
a force upon the beach, anchored near the little fort,
and from both ship and shore commenced a furious
assault The battle was long and doubtful. At length
one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired.
Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his little
army, he moved his troops to New Orleans,
And the battle of New Orleans which soon ensued,
was in reality a very arduous campaign.  This won
for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name.  Here his
troops, which numbered about four thousand men,
won a signal victory over the British army of about
nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, while the
loss of the British was two thousand six hundred.
The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be mentioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in T824,
he was defeated by Mr. Adams. He was, however,
successful in the election of i828, and was re-elected
for a second term in 1832. In 1829, just before he
assumed the reins of the government, he met with
the most terrible affliction of his life in the death of
his wife, whom he had loved with a devotion which has
perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of
her death he never recovered.
His administration was one of the most memorable
in the annals of our country; applauded by one party,
condemned by the other. No man had more bitter
enemies or warmer friends. At the expiration of his
two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where
he died June 8, I845. The last years of Mr. Jackson's life were that of a devoted Christian man.




0


w    .   r




"I" -;?- Joyce






EIGHTH PRESIDENT.




(r2?r~-II P?14 B~~' 4.


ARTIN VAN BUREN, the
eighth  President of the
\lflt  ^ irUnited States, was born at
*!|l i|  Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5,
I782. He died at the same
place, July 24, 1862.  His
body rests in the cemetery
at Kinderhook. Above it is
a plain granite shaft fifteen feet
high, bearing a simple inscription
about half way up on one face.
The lot is unfenced, unbordered
or unbounded by shrub or flower.
'There is but little in the life of Martin Van Buren
of romantic interest. He fought no battles, engaged
i.i no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in
political and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many
signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those
incidents which give zest to biography. His ancestors, as his name indicates, were of D)utch origin,
and were among the earliest emigrants from Holland
to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer,
residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother,
also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intelligence and exemplary piety.
He was decidedly a precocious boy, developing unusual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At the
age of fourteen, he had finished his academic studies
in his native village, and commenced the study of
law. As he had not a collegiate education, seven
years of study in a law-office were required of him
before he could be admitted to the bar. Inspired with
a lofty ambition, and conscious of his powers, he pursued his studies with indefatigable industry. After
spending six years in an office in his native village,


he went to the city of New York, and prosecuted his
studies for the seventh year.
In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years of
age, commenced the practice of law in his native village. The great conflict between the Federal and
Republican party was then at its height.  Mr. Van
Buren was from the beginning a politician. He had,
perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listenklg to the
many discussions which had been carried on in his
father's hotel.  He was in cordial sympathy with
Jefferson, and earnestly and eloquently espoused the
cause of State Rights; though at that time the Federal party held the supremacy both in his town
and State.
His success and increasing ruputation led him
after six years of practice, to remove to Hudson, th,
county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years
constantly gaining strength by contending in the.
courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned
the bar of his State.
Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mr.
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for
beauty and accomplishments.  After twelve short
years she sank into the grave, the victim of consumption, leaving her husband and four sons to weep over
her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was
an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record
of those years is barren in items of public interest.
In T8 2, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to
the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to
Mr. Madison's adminstration. In I815, he was appointed Attorney-General, and the next year moved
to Albany, the capital of the State.
While he was acknowledged as one of the most
prominent leaders of the Diemocratic party, he had








48


IMA RTIN VA N B UR E ArEN


8                MA.-iN  V   Ii L1REZV


I


the moral courage to avow that true democracy did
not require that "universal suffrage" which admits
the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right of
governing the State. In true consistency with his
democratic principles, he contended that, while the
path leading to the privilege of voting should be open
to every man without distinction, no one should be
invested with that sacred prerogative, unless he were
in some degree qualified for it by intelligence, virtue
and some property interests in the welfare of the
State.
In I82I he was elected a member of the United
States Senate; and in the same year, he took a seat
in the convention to revise the constitution of his
aative State. His course in this convention secured
the approval of men of all parties. No one could
doubt the singleness of his endeavors to promote the
interests of all classes in the community.  In the
Senate of the United States, he rose at once to a
conspicuous position as an active and useful legislator.
In I827, John Quincy Adams being then in the
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected to
zhe Senate. He had been from the beginning a determined opposer of the Administration, adopting the
"State Rights" view in opposition to what was
deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams.
Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governorof
the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his
seat in the Senate.  Probably no one in the United
States contributed so much towards ejecting John Q.
Adams from the Presidential chair, and placing in it
Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether
entitled to the reputation or not, he certainly was regarded throughout the United States as one of the
most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians.
It was supposed that no one knew so well as he how
to touch the secret springs of action; how to pull all
the wires to put his machinery in motion; and how to
organize a political army which would, secretly and
stealthily accomplish the most gigantic results.  By
these powers it is said that he outwitted Mr. Adams,
Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results which
few thought then could be accomplished.
When Andrew Jackson was elected President he
appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. This
position he resigned in I831, and was immediately
appointed Minister to England, where he went the
same autumn. The Senate, however, when it met,
refused to ratify the nomination, and he returned


home, apparently untroubled; was nominated Vice
President in the place of Calhoun, at the re-election
of President Jackson; and with smiles for all and
frowns for none, he took his place at the head of that
Senate which had refused to confirm his nomination
as ambassador.
His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of
President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favorite; and this, probably more than any other cause,
secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief Executive. On the 2oth of May, I836, Mr. Van Buren received the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen.
Jackson as President of the United States, He was
elected by a handsome majority, to the delight of the
retiring President. "Leaving New York out of the
canvass," says Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. Van
Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen.
Jackson as though the Constitution had conferred
upon him the power to appoint a successor."
His administration was filled with exciting events.
The insurrection in Canada, which threatened to in
volve this country in war with England, the agitation
of the slavery question, and finally the great commercial panic which spread over the country, all were
trials to his wisdom. The financial distress was attributed to the management of the Democratic party,
and brought the President into such disfavor that he
failed of re-election.
With the exception of being nominated for the
Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats, in I848,
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until
his death.
He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits.
and living within his income, had now fortunately a
competence for his declining years. His unblemished
character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned
patriotism, and the distinguished positions which he
had occupied in the government of our country, secured to him not only the homage of his party, but
the respect ot the whole community. It was on the
4th of March, I841, that Mr. Van Buren retired from
the presidency. From his fine estate at Lindenwald,
he still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics
of the country. From this time until his death, on
the 24th of July, I862, at the age of eighty years, he
resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, of
culture and of wealth; enjoying in a healthy old
age, probably far more happiness than he had before
experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life.








" t/, ) 9. -           o




NINTH PRESIDENT.


ST,.,It


1.11 -

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11-1-11-1-1


/X    A     t^  ILLIAM HENRY HARRISON, the ninth President of
'-.y.k  @the United States, was born
- 2.N 0 at Berkeley, Va., Feb. 9, 1773 -His father, Benjamin Harrison, was in comparatively op~-,~'  ~ulent circurnstances, and was
KJI~  1   one of the most distinguished
I^^X(    Smen of his day. He was an
i   intimate friend of George
Washington, A as early elected
a member of the Continental
Congress, and was conspicuous
among the patriots of Virginia in
resisting the encroachments of the
British crown. In the celebrated
K 1~   Congress of I775, Benjamin Harrison and John Hancock were
both candidates for the office of
il s> speaker.
Mr Harrison was subsequently
chosen Governor of Virginia, and
was twice re-elected.  His son,
William Henry, of course enjoyed
in childhood all the advantages which wealth and
intellectual and cultivated society could give. Having received a thorough common-school education, he
entered Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated
with honor soon after the death of his father.  He
zhen repaired to Philadelphia to study medicine under
the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of
Robert Morris, both of whom were, with his father,
signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Upon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and notwithstanding the remonstrances of his friends, he
abandoned his medical studies and entered the army,
having obtained a commission of Ensign from Presi

dent Washington.  He was then but I9 years old.
From that time he passed gradually upward in rank
until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose
death he resigned his commission. He was then appointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. This
Territory was then entitled to but one member in
Congress and Capt. Harrison was chosen to fill that
position.
In the spring of 800o the North-western Territory
was divided by Congress into two portions.  The
eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced
in the State of Ohio, was called "The Territory
north-west of the Ohio." The western portion, which
included what is now called Indiana, Illinois and
Wisconsin, was called the "Indiana Territory." William Henry Harrison, then 27 years of age, was appointed by John Adams, Governor of the Indiana
Territory, and immediately after, also Governor of
Upper Louisiana. He was thus ruler over almost as
extensive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. He
was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was invested with powers nearly dictatorial over the now
rapidly increasing white population. The ability and
fidelity with which he discharged these responsible
duties may be inferred from the fact that he was four
times appointed to this office-first by John Adams,
twice by Thomas Jefferson and afterwards by President Madison.
Whenhe began his adminstration there were but
three white settlements in that almost boundless region,
now crowded with cities and resounding with all the
tumult of wealth and traffic. One of these settlements
was on the Ohio, nearly opposite Louisville; one at
Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the third a French
settlement.
The vast wilderness over which Gov. H-larrisol
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. Abou'




52


WILLIAM H rENRPY  HiARRISON.


_2            WILA   ZIN  Yt  HA RS N.


the year 1806, two extraordinary men, twin brothers,
of the Shawnese tribe, rose among them.  One of
these was called Tecumseh, or "The Crouching
Panther;" the other, Olliwacheca, or "The Prophet."
Tecumseh was not only an Indian warrior, but a man
of great sagacity, far-reaching foresight and indomitable perseverance in any enterprise in which he might
engage. He was inspired with the highest enthusiasm,
and had long regarded with dread and with hatred
the encroachment of the whites upon the huntinggrounds of his fathers. His brother, the Prophet, was
anorator, who could sway the feelings of the untutored
Indian as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath which
they dwelt.
But the Prophet was not merely an orator: he was,
in the superstitious minds of the Indians, invested
with the superhuman dignity of a medicine-man or a
magician. With an enthusiasm unsurpassed by Peter
the Hermit rousing Europe to the crusades, he went
from tribe to tribe, assuming that he was specially sent
by the Great Spirit.
Gov. Harrison made many attempts to conciliate
the Indians, but at last the war came, and at Tippecanoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter.
October 28, 18I2, his army began its march. When
near the Prophet's town three Indlans of rank made
their appearance and inquired why Gov. Harrison was
approaching them in so hostile an attitude. After a
short conference, arrangements were made for a meeting the next day, to agree upon terms of peace.
But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted with
the Indian character to be deceived by such protestations. Selecting a favorable spot for his night's encampment, he took every precaution against surprise.
His troops were posted in a hollow square, and slept
upon their arms.
The troops threw themselves upon the ground for
rest; but every man had his accourtrements on, his
loaded musket by his side, and his bayonet fixed. The
wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock in
the morning, had risen, and was sitting in conversation with his aids by the embers of a waning fire. It
was a chill, cloudy morning with a drizzling rain. In
the darkness, the Indians had crept as near as possible, and just then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all
the desperation which superstition and passion most
highly inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the
little army. The savages had been amply provided
with guns and ammunition by the English. Their
war-whoop was accompained by a shower of bullets.
The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the
light aided the Indians in their aim. With hidemus yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doubting a
speedy and an entire victory.  But Gen. Harrison's
troops stood as immovable as the rocks around them
until day dawned: they then made a simultaneous
charge with the bayonet, and swept every thing before them, and completely routing the foe.


Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked
to the utmost. The British descending from the Canadas, were of themselves a very formidable force; but
with their savage allies, rushing like wolves from the
forest, searching out every remote farm-house, burning, plundering, scalping, torturing, the wide frontier
was plunged into a state of consternation which even
the most vivid imagination can but faintly conceive,
The war-whoop was resounding everywhere in the
forest. The horizon was illuminated with the conflagration of the cabins of the settlers. Gen Hull had made
the ignominious surrender of his forces at Detroit.
Under these despairing circumstances, Gov. Harrison
was appointed by President Madison commander-inchief of the North-western army, with orders to retake
Detroit, and to protect the frontiers.
It would be difficult to place a man in a situation
demanding more energy, sagacity and courage; but
General Harrison was found equal to the pQsitionl
and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the re.
sponsibilities.
He won the love of his soldiers by always sharing
with them their fatigue. His whole baggage, while
pursuing the foe up the Thames, was carried in a
valise; and his bedding consisted of a single blanket
lashed over his saddle. Thirty-five British officers,
his prisoners of war, supped with him after the battle.
The only fare he could give them was beef roasted
before the fire, without bread or salt.
In i8i6, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member of
the National House of Representatives, to represent
the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an
active member; and whenever he spoke, it was with
force of reason and power of eloquence, which arrested
the attention of all the members.
In 1819, Harrison was elected to the Senate of
Ohio; and in 1824, as one of the presidential electors
of that State, he gave his vote for Henry Clay.  The
same year he was chosen to the United States Senate.
In 1836, the friends of Gen. Harrison brought him
forward as a candidate for the Presidency against
Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of
Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re-nominated by his
party, and Mr. Harrison was unanimously nominated
by the Whigs, with John Tyler for the Vice Presidency.
The contest was very animated. Gen. Jackson gave
all his influence to prevent Harrison's election; but
his triumph was signal.
The cabinet which be formed, with Daniel Webster
at its head as Secretary of State, was one of the most
brilliant with which any President had ever been
surrounded. Never were the prospects of an administration more flattering, or the hopes of the country
more sanguine. In the midst of these bright and
joyous prospects, Gen. Harrison was seized by a
pleurisy-fever and after a few days of violent sickness, died on the 4th of April; just one month after
his inauguration as President of the United States.




It
I










TENTH PRESIDENT.


55


OHN    TYLER, the tenth,    - ~,,Presidentof the United States.
He was born in Charles-city
Co., Va., March 29, I79o. He
was the favored child of affluence and high social position. At the early age of
N;Yl ~twelve, John entered William
*i99x/?  and Mary College and graduated with much honor when
l  but seventeen years old. After
graduating, he devoted himself with great assiduity to the
study of law, partly with his
father and partly with Edmund
Randolph, one of the most distin-:  ~ l guished lawyers of Virginia.
At nineteen years of age, ne
commenced the practice of law.
a    His success was rapid and astonishing.  It is said that three
months had not elapsed ere there
was scarcely a case on the docket of the court in which he was
not retained. When but twenty-one years of age, he
was almost unanimously elected to a seat in the State
Legislature.  He connected himself with the Demo-:ratic party, and warmly advocated the measures of
Jefferson and Madison. For five successive years he
was elected to the Legislature, receiving nearly the
unanimous vote or his county.
When but twenty-six years of age, he was elected
a member of Congress. Here he acted earnestly and
ably with the Democratic party, opposing a national
bank, internal improvements by the General Qovern

ment, a protective tariff, and advocating a strict construction of the Constitution, and the most careful
vigilance over State rights.  His labors in Congress
were so arduous that before the close of his second
term he found it necessary to resign and retire to his
estate in Charles-city Co., to recruit his health. He,
however, soon after consented to take his seat in the
State Legislature, where his influence was powerful
in promoting public works of great utility.  With a
reputation thus canstantly increasing, he was chosen
by a very large majority of votes, Governor of his
native State. His administration was signally a successful one. His popularity secured his re-election.
John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed
man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of the
United States. A portion of the Democratic party
was displeased with Mr. Randolph's wayward course,
and brought forward John Tyler as his opponent,
considering him the only man in Virginia of sufficient
popularity to succeed against the renowned orator of
Roanoke. Mr. Tyler was the victor.
In accordance with his professions, upon taking his
seat in the Senate, he joined the ranks of the opposition. He opposed the tariff; he spoke against and
voted against the bank as unconstitutional; he strenuously opposed all restrictions upon slavery, resisting all projects of internal improvements by the General Government, and avowed his sympathy with Mr.
Calhoun's view of nullification; he declared that Gen.
Jackson, by his opposition to the nullifiers, had
abandoned the principles of the Democratic party.
Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress,-a record
in perfect accordance with the principles which he
had always avowed.
Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice of
his profession. There was a:plit i:a the Democratic




56


JOHN T YLER.


56                     ]OHN TYLER.


party. His friends still regarded him as a true Jeffersonian, gave him a dinner, and showered compliments upon him. He had now attained the age of
forty-six. His career had been very brilliant. In consequence of his devotion to public business, his private affairs had fallen into some disorder; and it was
not without satisfaction that he resumed the practice
of law, and devoted himself to the culture of his plantation. Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg,
for the better education of his children; and he again
took his seat in the Legislature of Virginia.
By the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national
convention at Harrisburg to nominate a President in
I839. The majority of votes were given to Gen. Harrison, a genuine Whig, much to the disappointment of
the South, who wished for Henry Clay. To conciliate the Southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the
convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice President. It was well known that he was not in sympathy with the Whig party in the North: but the Vice
President has but very little power in the Government, his main and almost only duty being to preside over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it happened that a Whig President, and, in reality, a
Democratic Vice President were chosen.
In 1841, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice President of the United States. In one short month from
that time, President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler
thus found himself, to his own surprise and that of
the whole Nation, an occupant of the Presidential
chair. This was a new test of the stability of our
institutions, as it was the first time in the history of our
country that such an event had occured. Mr. Tyler
was at home in Williamsburg when he received the
unexpected tidings of the death of President Harrison. He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of
April was inaugurated to the high and responsible
office. He was placed in a position of exceeding
delicacy and difficulty. All his long life he had been
opposed to the main principles of the party which had
brought him into power. He had ever been a consistent, honest man, with an unblemished record.
Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should
he retain them, and thus surround himself with counsellors whose views were antagonistic to his own? or,
on the other hand, should he turn against the party
which had elected him and select a cabinet in harrrony with himself, and which would oppose all those
views which the Whigs deemed essential to the public welfare? This was his fearful dilemma. He invited the cabinet which President Harrison had
"elected to retain their seats. He reccommended a
day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and
bless us.
The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for the
incorporation of a fiscal bank of the United States.
The President, after ten days' delay, returned it with
his veto.  He suggested, however, that he would


approve of a bil drawn up upon such a plan as he
proposed. Such a bill was accordingly prepared, and
privately submitted to him. He gave it his approval.
It was passed without alteration, and he sent it back
with his veto. Here commenced the open rupture.
It is said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this measure by a published letter from the Hon. John M.
Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who severely
touched the pride of the President.
The opposition now exultingly received the President into their arms. The party which elected him
denounced him bitterly. All the members of his
cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster, resigned. The Whigs
of Congress, both the Senate and the House, held a
meeting and issued an address to the people of the
United States, proclaiming that all political alliance
between the Whigs and President Tyler were at
an end.
Still the President attempted to conciliate.  He
appointed a new cabinet of distinguished Whigs and
Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong party
men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary to resign,
forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. Thus
the four years of Mr. Tyler's unfortunate administration passed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The
land was filled with murmurs and vituperation. Whigs
and Democrats alike assailed him. More and more.
however, he brought himself into sympathy with his
old friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his term,
he gave his whole influence to the support of Mr.
Polk, the Democratie candidate for his successor.
On the 4th of March, i845, he retired from the
harassments of office, to the regret of neither party, and
probably to his own unspeakable relief. His first wife,
Miss Letitia Christian, died in Washington, in 1842;
and in June, I844, President Tyler was again married,
at New York, to Miss Julia Gardiner, a young lady of
many personal and intellectual accomplishments.
The remainder of his days Mr. Tyler passed mainly
in retirement at his beautiful home,-Sherwood Forest, Charles-city Co., Va. A polished gentleman in
his manners, richly furnished with information from
books and experience in the world, and possessing
brilliant powers of conversation, his family circle was
the scene of unasual attractions.  With sufficient
means for the exercise of a generous hospitality, he
might have enjoyed a serene old age with the few
friends who gathered around him, were it not for the
storms of civil war which his own principles and
policy had helped to introduce.
When the great Rebellion rose, which the Staterights and nullifying doctrines of Mr. John C. Calhoun had inaugurated, President Tyler renounced his
allegiance to the United States, and joined the Confederates. He was chosen a member of their Congress;
and while engaged in active measures to destroy, by
force of arms, the Government over which he had
once presided, he was taken sick and soon died.








& QC- <! -. 0IC
0




ELE VENfTH PRESIDErNT


5:9


AMES K. POLK, the eleventh,^, /,  |P  -President of the United States,
~'~. A   N. C., Nov. 2, 1795. His parents were Samuel and Jane
(Knox) Polk, the former a son
~ <nN    of Col. Thomas Polk, who located
at the above place, as one of the
J^' ~{ Sfirst pioneers, in I735 -In the year io6,-with his wife
and children, and soon after followed by most of the members of
the Polk farnly, Samuel Polk emi\/   grated some two or three hundred
miles farther west, to the rich valley
/ of the Duck River.  Here in the
midst of the wilderness, in a region
which was subsequently called Maury Co., they reared their log huts,
and established their homes. In the
hard toil of a new farm in the wilderness, James K. Polk spent the
early years of his childhood and
youth. His father, adding the pursuit of a surveyor to that of a farmer,
gradually increased in wealth until
he became one of the leading men of the region. His
mother was a superior woman, of strong common
sense and earnest piety.
Very early in life, James developed a taste for
reading and expressed the strongest desire to obtain
a liberal education. His mother's training had made
him methodical in his habits, had taught him punctuality and industry, and had inspired him with lofty
principles of morality. His health was frail; and his
father, fearing that he might not be able to endure a


sedentary life, got a situation for him behind the
counter, hoping to fit him for commercial pursuits.
This was to James a bitter disappointment. He
had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks
were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this
uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when at his
earnest solicitation his father removed him, and made
arrangements for him to prosecute his studies. Soon
after he sent him to Murfreesboro Academy. With
ardor which could scarcely be surpassed, he pressed
forward in his studies, and in less than two and a half
years, in the autumn of I8I5, entered the sophomore
class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel
Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of
scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allowing
himself to be absent from a recitation or a religious
service.
He graduated in 1818, with the highest honors, beo
ing deemed the best scholar of his class, both in
mathematics and the classics. He was then twentythree years of age. Mr. Polk's health was at this
time much impaired by the assiduity with which he
had prosecuted his studies. After a short season of
relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered  the
office of Felix Grundy, to study law. Here Mr. Polk
renewed his acquaintance with Andrew Jackson, who
resided on his plantation, the Hermitage, but a few
miles from Nashville.  They had probably beer)
slightly acquainted before.
Mr. Polk's father was a Jeffersonian Republican,
and James K. Polk ever adhered to the same political faith. He was a popular public speaker, and was
constantly called upon to address the meetings of his
party friends. His skill as a speaker was such that
he was popularly called the Napoleon of the stump.
He was a man of unblemished morals, genial ar-d




6o


JAMES K POLK.


II        ~                      c                          - 


zourtecus in his bearing, and with that sympathetic
nature in the joy s and griefs of others which ever gave
him troops of friends. In 1823, Mr. Polk was elected
to the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his
strong influence towards the election of his friend,
Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of the United States.
In January, I824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah
Childress, of Rutherford Co., Tenn. His bride was
altogether worthy of him,-a lady of beauty and culture. In the fall of I825, Mr. Polk was chosen a
member of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave
to his constituents may be inferred from the fact, that
for fourteen successive years, until i839, he was continued. in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew,
only that he might accept the Gubernatorial chair
of ' ennessee.  In Congress he was a laborious
member, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was
always in his seat, always courteous; and whenever
he spoke it was always to the point, and without any
ambitious rhetorical display.
During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was
Speaker of the House, Strong passions were roused,
and stormy scenes were witnessed; but Mr. Polk performed his arduous duties to a very general satisfaction, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was
passed by the House as he withdrew on the 4th of
March, 1839.
In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a
candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was
elected by a large majority, and on the I4th of October, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. In I84I,
his term of office expired, and he was again the candidate of the Democratic party, but was defeated.
On the 4th of March, I845, Mr. Polk was inaugurated President of the United States. The verdict of
the countryin favor of the annexation of Texas, exerted
its influence upon Congress; and the last act of the
administration of President Tyler was to affix his signature to a joint resolution of Congress, passed on the
3d of March, approving of the annexation of Texas to
the American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas
as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister,
Almonte, immediately demanded his passports and
left the country, declaring the act of the annexation
to be an act hostile to Mexico.
In his first message, President Polk urged that
Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be received into the Union on the same footing with the
other States. In the meantime, Gen. Taylor was sent


with an army into Texas to hold the country. He was
sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the
western boundary of Texas. Then he was sent nearly
two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande,
where he erected batteries which commanded the
Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated on
the western banks.
The anticipated collision soon took place, and war
was declared against Mexico by President Polk. The
war was pushed forward by Mr. Polk's administration
with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first
called one of "observation," then of "occupation,'
then of "invasion," was sent forward to Monterey. The
feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly
and awfully slaughtered.  The day of judgement
alone can reveal the misery which this war caused.
It was by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration
that the war was brought on.
'To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico was
prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands.
We now consented to peace upon the condition that
Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas,
all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower California. This new demand embraced, exclusive of
Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles.  This
was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the
size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen
majestic States to be added to the Union. There were
some Americans who thought it all right: there were
others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution
of this war, we expended twenty thousand lives and
more than a hundred million of dollars.  Of this
money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico.
On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired from
office, having served one term.  The next day was
Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated
as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to the Capitol in the
same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same evening, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to
Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age.
He had ever been strictly temperate in all his habits,
and his health was good.  With an ample fortune,
a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties
of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years
of tranquility and happiness were before him. But the
cholera-that fearful scourge —was then sweeping up
the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted,
and died on the I5th of June, I849, in the fifty-fourth
year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen.








I
NJ




TWELFTHTI  PRESIDENTT,


63


TWLFH.REIDNT          6 


AIR -                   a~~~~h,
AM.M.=1111mm   mma   ffm'  -:46VASSIMMOSM             ---    EM11",~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~lal


o ~ ~~~J           JI              l 
gmam!'"Ma~ammmmom  IN -—! I    a -


ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth
4 ypi -'     t | President of the United States,
was born on the 24th of Nov.,
a   I784, in Orange Co., Va. His
w  father, Colonel Taylor, was,    0^^^ 1a Virginian of note, and a distinguished patriot and soldier of
the Revolution. When Zachary
was an infant, his father with his
wife and two children, emigrated
to iKentucky, where he settled in
V(ii n  the pathless wilderness, a few
miles from Louisville. In this frontl ier home, away from civilization and
all its refinements, young Zachary
could enjoy but few social and educational advantages. When six years of age he attended a common
school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy,
rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of character He was strong, feailess and self-reliant, and
manifested a strong desire to enter the army to fight
the Indians who were ravaging the frontiers. There
is little to be recorded of the uneventful years of his
childhood on his father's large but lonely plantation.
In i808, his father succeeded in obtaining for him
the commission of lieutenant in the United States
army; and he joined the troops which were stationed
at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after
this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady
from one of the first families of Maryland.
Immediately after the declaration of war with England, in 1812, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been
promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort
Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above
Vincennes. This fort had been built in the wilderness by Gen. Harrison,on his march to Tippecanoe.
It was one of the first points of attack by the Indians,
led by Tecumseh. Its garrison consisted of a broken




company of infantry numbering fifty men, many of
whom were sick.
Early in the autumn of 1812, the Indians, stealthily,
and in large numbers, moved upon the fort.  Tlhi.r
approach was first indicated by the murder of two
soldiers just outside of the stockade.  Capt. Taylor
made every possible preparation to meet the anticipated assault. On the 4th of September, a band of
forty painted and plumed savages came to the fort,
waving a white flag, and informed Capt. Taylor that
in the morning their chief would come to have a talk
with him. It was evident that their object was merely
to ascertain the state of things at the fort, and Capt.
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, kept
them at a distance.
The sun went down; the savages disappeared, the
garrison slept upon their arms.  One hour before
midnight the war-whoop burst from a thousand lips
in the forest around, followed by the discharge of
musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick
and well, sprang to his post. Every man knew that
defeat was not merely death, but in the case of capture, death by the most agonizing and prolonged torture. No pen can describe, no immagination can
conceive the scenes which ensued. The savages succeeded in setting fire to one of the block-houses.
Until six o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict
continued. The savages then, baffled at every point,
and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired.  Capt.
Taylor, for this gallant defence, was promoted to the
rank of major by brevet.
Until the close of the war, Major Taylor was placed
in such situations that he saw but little more of active
service. He was sent far away into the depths of the
wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on Fox River, which
empties into Green Bay. Here there was but little
to be done but to wear away the tedious hours as one
best could. There were no books, no society, no in



64


ZACCHAR Y TA Y LO e.


- ~~


-


tellectual stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful
years rolled on  Gradually he rose to the rank of
colonel. In the Black-Hawk war, which resulted in
the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col Taylor
took a subordinate but a brave and efficient part.
For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged in
the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and in
employments so obscure, that his name was unknown
beyond the limits of his own immediate acquaintance.
In the year I836, he was sent to Florida to compel
the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and retire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty,
hac promised they should do. The services rendered
heie secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of
the Government; and as a reward, he was elevated
to -.he rank of brigadier-general by brevet; and soon
after, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief command of the United States troops in Florida.
After two years of such wearisome employment
amidst the everglades of the peninsula, Gen. Taylor
obtained, at his own request, a change of command,
and was stationed over the Department of the Southwest. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi,
Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headquarters
at Fort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family
to a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue.
Here he remained for five years, buried, as it were,
from the world, but faithfully discharging every duty
imposed upon him.
In I846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the land
between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the latter river
being the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed
by the United States. Soon the war with Mexico
was brought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la
Palma, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the
Mexicans. The rank of major-general by brevet
was then conferred upon Gen. Taylor, and his name
was received with enthusiasm almost everywhere in
the Nation. Then came the battles of Monterey and
Buena Vista in which he won signal victories over
forces much larger than he commanded.
His careless habits of dress and his unaffected
simplicity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops,
the sobriquet of "Old Rough and Ready.'
The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista:pread the wildest enthusiasm over the country. 'Ihe
name of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lips. The
Whig party decided to take advantage of this wonderful popularity in bringing forward the unpolished, unlettered, honest soldier as their candidate for the
Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the announcement, and for a time would not listen to it; declaring that he was not at all qualified for such an
office. So little interest had he taken in politics that,
for forty years, he had not cast a vote.  It was not
without chagrin that several distinguished statesmen
who had been long years in the public service found
4.'Lir claims set aside in behalf of one whose name


I


I


--
1


had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo
Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena
Vista. It is said that Daniel Webster, in his haste remarked, "It is a nomination not fit to be made."
Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine
writer His friends took possession of him, and prepared such few communications as it was needful
should be presented to the public. The popularity of
the successful warrior swept the land. He was triumphantly elected over two opposing candidates,Gen. Cass and Ex-President Martin Van Buren.
Though he selected an excellent cabinet, the good
old man found himself in a very uncongenial position,
and was, at times, sorely perplexed and harassed.
His mental sufferings were very severe, and probably
tended to hasten his death.  The pro-slavery party
was pushing its claims with tireless energy; expeditions were fitting out to capture Cuba; California was
pleading for admission to the Union, while slavery
stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found
the political conflicts in Washington to be far more
trying to the nerves than battles with Mexicans or
Indians.
In the midst of all these troubles, Gen. Taylor,
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little
over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of
but little over five days, died on the 9th of July, I850.
His last words were, "I am not afraid to die. I am
ready. I have endeavored to do my duty." He died
universally respected and beloved. An honest, unpretending man, he had been steadily growing in the
affections of the people; and the Nation bitterly lamented his death.
Gen. Scott, who was thoroughly acquainted with
Gen. Taylor, gave the following graphic and truthful
description of his character:- "With a good store of
common sense, Gen. Taylor's mind had not been enlarged and refreshed by reading, or much converse
with the world. Rigidity of ideas was the consequence. The frontiers and small military posts had
been his home. Hence he was quite ignorant for his
rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance.  His simplicity was child-like, and with innumerable prejudices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to the
tender age. Thus, if a man, however respectable,
chanced to wear a coat of an unusual color, or his hat
a little on one side of his head; or an officer to leave
a corner of his handkerchief dangling from an outside pocket,-in any such case, this critic held the
offender to be a coxcomb (perhaps something worse),
whom he would not, to use his oft repeated phrase,
'touch with a pair of tongs.'
"Any allusion to literature beyond good old Dilworth's spelling-book, on the part of one wearing a
sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter
unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In short,
few men have ever had a more comfortable, labor:
saving contempt for learning of every kind."


i








K~I




THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT.


67


III
~,- -~,

L>YMILLBAR  FILLMnIYIIER4
X -  4&^Tf^^' f
WWJ<JiM.44-^


4
71   -
-t~ 
_~iltI


":~ '"!X ILLARD FILLMORE, thirteenth President of the United
States, was born at Summer
Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y, on
the 7th of January, I8oo. His
~i!      /V  father was a farmer, and ow~      /     ^~5;_  ing to misfortune, in humble cir{i0, }    cumstances. Of his mother, the
daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard,
9'] f - - of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been;:i|  said that she possessed an intellect
of very high order, united with much
I ersonal loveliness, sweetness ofdispositon, graceful manners and exquisite sensibilities.  She died in
1831; having lived to see her son a
young man of distinguished promise, though she was not permitted to witness the high
dignity which he finally attained.
In consequence of the secluded home and limited
means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender advantages for education in his early years. The common schools, which he occasionally attended  were
very imperfect institutions; and books were scarce
and expensive. There was nothing then in his character to indicate the brilliant career upon which he
was about to enter. He was a plain farmer's boy;
intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred
influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible,
and had laid the foundations of an upright character.
When fourteen years of age, his father sent him
some hundred miles from home, to the then wilds of
Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier.
Near the mill there was a small villiage, where some


enterprising man had commenced the collection of a
village library. This proved an inestimable blessing
to young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in reading. Soon every leisure moment was occupied with
books. His thirst for knowledge became insatiate
and the selections which he made were continually
more elevating and instructive. He read history,
biography, oratory, and thus gradually there was enkindled in his heart a desire to be something more
than a mere worker with his hands; and he was becoming, almost unknown to himself, a well-informed,
educated man.
The young clothier had now attained the age of
nineteen years, and was of fine personal appearance
and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so happened that
there was a gentleman in the neighborhood of ample
pecuniary means and of benevolence,-Judge Walter
Wood,-who was struck with the iprepossessing a)pearance of young Fillmore. He made his acquaintance, and was so much impressed with his ability and
attainments that he advised him to abandon his
trade and devote himself to the study of the law. The
young man replied, that he had no means of his own,
no friends to help him and that his previous education had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood had
so much confidence in him that he kindly offered to
take him into his own office, and to loan him such
money as he needed. Most gratefully the generous
offer was accepted.
There is in many minds a strange delusion about
a collegiate education. A young man is supposed to
be liberally educated if he has graduated at some college. But many a boy loiters through university hal'.
<nd then enters a law office, who is by no means as




68A3                      IMMILLARD
well prepared to prosecute his legal studies as was
Millard Fillmore when he graduated at the clothingmill at the end of four years of manual labor, during
which every leisure moment had been devoted to intense mental culture.
In I823, when twenty-three years of age, he was
admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then
went to the village of Aurora, and commenced the
practice of law. In this secluded, peaceful region,
his practice of course was limited, and there was no
opportunity for a sudden rise in fortune or in fame.
Here, in the year 1826, he married a lady of great
moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station
she might be called to fill,-Miss Abigail Powers.
His elevation of character, his untiring industry,
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advocate,
gradually attracted attention; and he was invited to
enter into partnership under highly advantageous
circumstances, with an elder member of the bar in
Buffalo. Just before removing to Buffalo, in 1829,
he took his seat in the House of Assembly, of the
State of New York, as a representative from Erie
County. Though he had never taken a very active
part in politics, his vote and his sympathies were with
the Whig party. The State was then Democratic,
and he found himself in a helpless minority in the
Legislature, still the testimony comes from all parties,
that his courtesy, ability and integrity, won, to a very
unusual degr e the respect of his associates.
In the autumn of I832, he was elected to a seat in
the United States Congress. He entered that troubled
arena in some of the most tumultuous hours of our
national history. The great conflict respecting the
national bank and the removal of the deposits, was
then raging.
His term of two years closed; and he returned to
his profession, which he pursued with increasing reputation and success.  After a lapse of two years
he again became a candidate for Congress; was reelected, and took his seat in 1837.  His past experience as a representative gave him strength and
confidence. The first term of service in Congress to
any man can be but little more than an introduction.
He was now prepared for active duty. All his energies were brought to bear upon the public good. Every
measure received his impress.
Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and
his popularity filled the State, and in the year I847,
he was elected Comptroller of the State.


FILL MORE.




Mr. Fillmore had attained the age of forty-seven
years. His labors at the bar, in the Legislature, in
Congress and as Comptroller, had given him very considerable fame. The Whigs were casting about to
find suitable candidates for President and Vice-President at the approaching election.  Far away, on the
waters of the Rio Grande, there was a rough old
soldier, who had fought one or two successful battles
with the Mexicans, which had caused his name to be
proclaimed in trumpet-tones all over the land.  But
it was necessary to associate with him on the same
ticket some man of reputation as a statesman.
Under the influence of these considerations, the
names of Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore became
the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for
President and Vice-Peesident. The Whig ticket was
signally triumphant. On the 4th of March, I849,
Gen. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard
Fillmore Vice-President, of the United States.
On the 9th of July, I850, President Taylor, but
about one year and four months after his inauguration, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Constitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus became President.  He appointed a very able cabinet, of which
the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State.
Mr. Fillmore had very serious difficulties to contend
with, since the opposition had a majority in both
Houses. He did everything in his power to conciliate
the South; but the pro-slavery party in the South felt
the inadequacyof all measuresof transient conciliation.
The population of the free States was so rapidly increasing over that of the slave States that it was inevitable that the power of the Government should
soon pass into the hands of.the free States. The
famous compromise measures were adopted under Mr.
Fillmcre's adminstration, and the Japan Expedition
was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1853, Mr. Fillmore, having served one term, retired.
In i856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Presidency by the " Know Nothing " party, but was beaten
by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in
retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war,
he was mostly silent. It was generally supposed that
his sympathies were rather with those who were endeavoring to overthrow our institutions.  President
Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any
cordial words of cheer to the one party or the other.
He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe
old age, and died in Buffalo. N. Y., March 8, I874.










I
f




FO URTEENTH PRESIDENT.


7r


F RANKLINB-Rd Pl9 -RiH.AIt, It.     A -)-,W-l7 E.  - &  A -44 14- -t):CG441 Y  "".
i~~~ ~~-~~~-~~  \~~~ ~~S=I~~P~~ I~P  3-~~t~22'


RANKLIN     PIERCE, the
fourteenth President of the. United States, was born in
Hillsborough, N. H., Nov.
23, I804. His father was a
-~",J~       Revolutionary soldier, who,
with his own strong arm,
j K 1   hewed out a home in the
wilderness. He was a man
of inflexible integrity; of
strong, though uncultivated
mind, and an uncompromis4    ing Democrat.  The mother of
Franklin Pierce was all that a son
could desire,-an intelligent, prudent, affectionate, Christian woman. Franklin was the sixth of eight children.
Franklin was a very bright and handsome boy, generous, warm-hearted and brave. He won alike the
love of old and young. The boys on the play ground
loved him. His teachers loved him. The neighbors
looked upon him with pride and affection.  He was
by instinct a gentleman; always speaking kind words,
doing kind deeds, with a peculiar unstudied tact
which taught him what was agreeable. Without developing any precocity of genius, or any unnatural
devotion to books, he was a good scholar; in body,
in mind, in affections, a finely-developed boy.
When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, he
entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me He was
one of the most popular young men in the college.
The purity of his moral character, the unvarying
courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar. and


genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite.
There was something very peculiarly winning in his
address, and it was evidently not in the slightest degree studied: it was the simple outgushing of his
own magnanimous and loving nature.
Upon graduating, in the year I824, Franklin Pierce
commenced the study of law in the office of Judge
Woodbury, one of the most distinguished lawyers of
the State, and a man of great private worth.  The
eminent social qualities of the young lawyer, his
father's prominence as a public man, and the brilliant
political career into which Judge Woodbury was entering, all tended to entice Mr. Pierce into the facinating yet perilous path of political life.  With all
the ardor of his nature he espoused the cause of Gen.
Jackson for the Presidency.  He commenced the
practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected
to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here
he served for four years. The last two years he was
chosen speaker of the house by a very large vote.
In I833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was elected
a member of Congress. Without taking an active
part in debates, he was faithful and laborious in duty,
and ever rising in the estimation of those with whom
he was associatad.
In i837, being then but thirty-three years of age,
he was elected to the Senate of the United States;
taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced
his administration. He was the youngest memberin
the Senate. In the year 1834, he married Miss Jane
Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accomplishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every
station with which her husband was honoied. Of the






72                    ERANKLIN PIERCE.


-- --— 


three sons who were born to them, all now sleep with
their parents in the grave.
In the year i838, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame
and increasing business as a lawyer, took up 'his
residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire.
President Polk, upon his accession to office, appointed
Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States; but
the offer was declined, in consequence of numerous
professional engagements at home, and the precariuos
state of Mrs. Pierce's health.  He also, about the
same time declined the nomination for governor by the
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr.
Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of
brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his
troops, at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, I847.
He took an important part in this war, proving himself a brave and true soldier.
When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his native
State, he was received enthusiastically by the advocates of the Mexican war, and coldly by his opponents. He resumed the practice of his profession,
very frequently taking an active part in political questions, giving his cordial support to the pro-slavery
wing of the Democratic party.  The compromise
measures met cordially with his approval; and he
strenuously advocated the enforcement of the infamous fugitive-slave law, which so shocked the religious
sensibilities of the North. He thus became distinguished as a "Northern man with Southern principles.'
The strong partisans of slavery in the South consequently regarded him as a man whom they could
safely trust in office to carry out their plans.
On the 2th of June, 1852, the Democratic convention met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the
Presidency. For four days they continued in session,
and in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a
two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been thrown
for Gen. Pierce.  Then the Virginia delegation
brought forward his name.  There were fourteen
more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantly
gained strength, until, at the forty-ninth ballot, he
received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all
other candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was
the Whig candidate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with
great unanimity. Only four States-Vermont, Massachusetts, Kentucky and Tennessee-cast their
electoral votes against him Gen. Franklin Pierce
was therefore inaugurated President of the United
States on the 4th of March, 1853.


His administration proved one of the most stormy our
country had ever experienced. The controversy between slavery and freedom was then approaching its
culminating point. It became evident that there was
an "irrepressible conflict " between them, and that
this Nation could not long exist " half slave and half
free." President Pierce, during the whole of his administration, did every thing he could to conciliate
the South; but it was all in vain. The conflict every
year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution
of the Union were borne to the North on every South.
ern breeze.
Such was the condition of affairs when President
Pierce approached the close of his four-years' term
of office. The North had become thoroughly alienated from him. The anti-slavery sentiment, goaded
by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all
the intellectual ability and social worth of President
Pierce were forgotten in deep reprehension of his administrative acts. The slaveholders of the South, also,
unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advocated those measures of Government which they approved, and perhaps, also, feeling that he had
rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be
able acceptably to serve them, ungratefully dropped
him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him.
On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce retired to his home in Concord. Of three children, two
had died, and his only surviving child had been
killed before his eyes by a railroad accident; and his
wife, one of the most estimable and accomplished of
ladies, was rapidly sinking in consumption.  The
hour of dreadful gloom soon caile, and he was left
alone in the world, without wife or child.
When the terrible Rebellion burst forth, which divided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr.
Pierce remained steadfast in the principles which he
had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to
that pro-slavery party with which he had ever been
allied. He declined to do anything, either by voice
or pen, to strengthen the hand of the National Government. He continued to reside in Concord until
the time of his death, which occurred in October,
1869. He was one of the most genial and social of
men, an honored communicant of the Episcopal
Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors.  Generous to a fault, he contributed liberally for the alleviation of suffering and want, and many of his townspeople were often gladened by his material bounty.














IIFTEENTHL PRESIDErNT


75
-I.-~


I
-OW      0.                        -4      f00>
fig- *l^at                "t~A   >   >>>>        t
j.


i, ari  }f  AMES BUCHANAN, the fif_.,?  Il 1 [ ]teenth President of the United
~~%jI rl     V ~States, was born in a small
(I ':/.  frontier town, at the foot of the
eastern ridge of the Allegha'\~'~(~   nies, in Franklin Co., Penn., on
' [  - 9the 23d of April, I791. The place
1(W:11l / where the humble cabin of his
}}? ~{  father stood was called  Stony
Batter. It was a wild and roin mantic spot in a gorge of the mountains, with towering summits rising
grandly all around.    His father
was a native of the north of Ireland;
a poor man, who had emigrated in
I783, with little property save his
own strong arms. Five years afterwards he married
Elizabeth Spear, the daughter of a respectable farmer,
and, with his young bride, plunged into the wilderness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a
clearing with his axe, and settled down there to perform his obscure part in the drama of life. In this secluded home, where James was born, he remained
for eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual
advantages. When James was eight years of age, his
father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where
his son was placed at school, and commenced a
course of study in English, Latin and Greek.  His
progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he
entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle.  Here he developed remarkable talent, and took his stand among
the first scholars in the institution. His application
to study was intense, and yet his native powers en



abled him to master the most abstruse subjects with
facility.
In the year 8Io9, he graduated with the highest
honors of his class. He was then eighteen years of
age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, fond of
athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with
an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately
commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster,
and was admitted to the bar in 1812, when he was
but twenty-one years of age. Very rapidly he rose
in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand
with the ablest lawyers of the State.  When but
twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he successfully defended before the State Senate one of the
judges of the State, who was tried upon articles of
impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally
admitted that he stood at the head of the bar; and
there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lucrative practice.
In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for
ten years he remained a member of the Lower House.
During the vacations of Congress, he occasionally
tried some important case.  In  I83I, he retired
altogether from the toils of his profession, having acquired an ample fortune.
Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presidency,
appointed Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia.  The
duties of his mission he performed with ability, which
gave satisfaction to all parties. Upon his return, in
I833, he was elected to a seat in the United States
Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster.
Clay, Wright and Calhoun. He advocated the measures proposed by President Jackson, of ml:;ikring repri



76


jAMES B UCHA NAIV.


76 ----~~~~~~~~~~ JAMES  BUCHANAN.?~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


sals against France. to enforce the payment of our
claims against that country; and defended the course
of the President in his unprecedented and wholesale
removal from office of those who were not the supporters of his administration. Upon this question he
was brought into direct collision with Henry Clay.
He also, with voice and vote, advocated expunging
from the journal of the Senate the vote of censure
against Gen. Jackson for removing the deposits.
Earnestly he opposed the abolition of slavery in the
District of Columbia, and urged the prohibition of the
circulation of anti-slavery documents by the United
States mails.
As to petitions on the subject of slavery, he advocated that they should be respectfully received; and
that the reply should be returned, that Congress had
no power to legislate upon the subject. " Congress,"
said he, "might as well undertake to interfere with
slavery under a foreign government as in any of the
States where it now exists."
Upon Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, Mr.
Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such,
took his share of the responsibility in the conduct of
the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed that crossing
the Nueces by the American troops into the disputed
territory was not wrong, but for the Mexicans to cross
the Rio Grande into that territory was a declaration
of war. No candid man can read with pleasure the
account of the course our Government pursued in that
movement.
Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with
the party devoted to the perpetuation and extension
of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind
to bear against the Wilmot Proviso.  He gave his
cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1850,
which included the fugitive-slave law.  Mr. Pierce,
uplon his election to the Presidency, honored Mr.
Buchanan with the mission to England.
In the year 1856, a national Democratic convention nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presidency. The
political conflict was one of the most severe in which
our country has ever engaged. All the friends of
slavery were on one side; all the advocates of its restriction and final abolition, on the other.  Mr. Fremont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, re-:eived 14 electoral votes.  Mr. Buchanan received
174, and was elected.  The popular vote stood
T,340,618, for Fremont, 1,224,750 for Buchanan. On
March 4th, I857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated.
Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four
years were wanting to fill up his threescore years and
ten. His own friends, those with whom he had been
allied in political principles and action for years, were
seeking the destruction of the Government, that they
might rear upon the ruins of our free institutions a
nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery.
In this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly bewildered He could not, with his long-avowed prin

ciples, consistently oppose the State-rights party in
their assumptions. As President of the United States,
bound by his oath faithfully to administer the laws,
he could not, without perjury of the grossest kind,
unite with those endeavoring to overthrow the republic. He therefore did nothing.
The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administration
nominated Abraham Lincoln as their standard bearer
in the next Presidential canvass.  The pro-slavery
party declared, that if he were elected, and the control of the Government were thus taken from their
hands, they would secede from the Union, taking
with them, as they retired, the National Capitol at
Washington, and the lion's share of the territory of
the United States.
Mr. Buchanan's sympathy with the pro-slavery
party was such, that he had been willing to offerthem
far more than they had ventured to claim.  All the
South had professed to ask of the North was nonintervention upon the subject of slavery.  Mr. Buchanan had been ready to offer them the active cooperation of the Government to defend and extend
the institution.
As the storni increased in violence, the slaveholders
claiming the right to secede, and Mr. Buchanan avowing that Congress had no power to prevent it, one of
the most pitiable exhibitions of governmental imbecilitv was exhibited the world has ever seen. He
declared that Congress had no power to enforce its
laws in any State which had withdrawn, or which
was attempting to withdraw from the Union. This
was not the doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with
his hand upon his sword-hilt, he exclaimed, "The
Union must and shall be preserved!"
South Carolina seceded in December, i860; nearly
three months before the inauguration of President
Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless despair.
The rebel flag was raised in Charleston: Fort Sumpter
was besieged; our forts, navy-yards and arsenals
were seized; our depots of military stores were plundered; and our custom-houses and post-offices were
appropriated by the rebels.
The energy of the rebels, and the imbecility of our
Executive, were alike marvelous. The Nation looked
on in agony, waiting for the slow weeks to glide away,
and close the administration, so terrible in its weakness At length the long-looked-for hour of deliverance came, when Abraham Lincoln was to receive the
scepter.
The administration of President Buchanan was
certainly the most calamitous our country has experienced. His best friends cannot recall it with
pleasure. And still more deplorable it is for his fame,
that in that dreadful conflict; which rolled its billows
of flame and blood over our whole land, no word came
from his lips to indicate his wish that our country's
banner should triumph over the flag of the rebellion.
He died at his Wheatland retreat, June i, I868.












SIXTEENTH P   1'ESIDE ANT. 


79.lDjr   l   BRAHAM     LINCOLN, the
1%%t/^\^  sixteenth President of the
f g United States, was born in
2J $11    1\BI  Hardin Co., Ky., Feb. 12,
J  ap y    1809. About the year 780, a
wLincoln left Virginia with his
efatf mily and moved into the then
PwildsofKentucky. Only two years
lwho e t after this emigration, still a young
man, while working one day in a
O  c  n field, was stealthily approached 1by
of an Indian and shot dead. His widow
was left in extreme poverty with five
little children, three boys and two
girls. Thomas, the youngest of the
orwt boys, was four years of age at his
@  father's death.  This Thomas was
the father of Abraham Lincoln, the
President of the United States
whose naume must henceforth forever be enrolled
with the most prominent in the annals of our world.
Of course no record has been kept of the life
of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among
the poorest of the poor. His home was a wretched
log-cabin; his food the coarsest and the meanest.
Education h had none; he could never either read
or write. As soon as he was able to do anything for
himself, he was compelled to leave the cabin of his
starving mother, and push out into the world, a friend-.ess, wandering boy, seeking work. He hired himselfout, and thus spent the whole of his youth as a
lahorer in the fields of others.
When twenty-eight years of age he built a logcabin of his own, and married Nancy Hanks, the
daughter of another family of poor Kentucky emigrants, who had also come from Virginia.  Their
second child was Abraham Lincoln, the subject of
this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble
woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created to adorn
a palace, doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel.
" All that I am, or hope to be," exclaims the grateful son " I owe to my angel-mother. "
When he was eight years of age, his father sold his


cabin and small farm, and moved to Indiana. Where
two years later his mother died.
Abraham soon became the scribe of the uneducated
comlmunity around him. He could not have had a
better school than this to teach him to put thoughts
into words. He also became an eager reader. The
books he could obtain were few; but these he read
and re-read until they were almost committed to
memory.
As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly family
was the usual lot of humanity. There were joys and
griefs, weddings 'and funerals.  Abraham's sister
Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was married when a child of but fourteen years of age, and
soon died. The family was gradually scattered. Mr.
Thomas Lincoln sold out his squatter's claim in 1830,
and emigrated to Macon Co., Ill.
Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age.
With vigorous hands he aided his father in rearing
another log-cabin. Abraham worked diligently at this
until he saw the family comfortably settled, and their
small lot of enclosed prairie planted with corn, when
he announced to his father his intention to leave
home, and to go out into the world and seek his fortune. Little did he or his friends imagine how brilliant that fortune was to be.  He saw the value of
education and was intensely earnest to improve his
mind to the utmost of his power. He saw the ruin
which  ardent spirits were causing, and became
strictly temperate; refusing to allow a drop of intoxicating liquor to pass his lips. And he had read in
God's word, " Thou shalt not take the name of the
Lord thy God in vain;" and a profane expression he
was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. His
morals were pure, and he was uncontaminated by a
single vice.
Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired laborer
among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield,
where he was employed in building a large flat-boat.
In this he took a herd of swine, floated them down
the Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence by the Mississippi to New Orleans. Whatever Abraham  Lincoln undertook, he performed so faithfully as to give
great satisfacticn to his employers.  In this adven





80~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


APRXlrAIIAM LI.ZVOLzV.


8o,..  AIJRAZ M L ~_INCOLN.


ture his employers were so well pleased, that upon
his return they placed a store and mill under his care.
In I832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk war, he
enlisted and was chosen captain of a company. He
returned to Sangamon County, and although only 23
years of age, was a candidate for the Legislature, but
was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew
Jackson the appointment of Postmlaster of New Salem,
His only post-office was his hat. All the letters he
received he carried there ready to deliver to those
he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon
made this his business. In 1834 he again became a
candidate for the Legislature, and was elected  Mr.
Stuart, of Springfield, advised him to study law. He
walked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of
Mr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and
began his legal studies. When the Legislature assembled he trudged on foot with his pack on his back
one hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In
1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature.  Here it
was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In i839 he removed to Springfield and began the practice of law.
His success with the jury was so great that he was
soon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit.
In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr.
Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, on the slavery question.
In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois,
in I856, he took an active part, and at once became
one of the leaders in that party.  Mr. Lincoln's
speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the contest in I858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most
notable part of his history. The issue was on the;lavery question, and he took the broad ground of.he Declaration of Independence, that all men are
created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this contest, but won a far higher prize.
The great Republican Convention met at Chicago
on the I6th of June, i86o.  The delegates and
strangers who crowded the city amounted to twentyfive thousand. An immense building called "The
Wigwam," was reared to accommodate the Convention. There were eleven candidates for whom votes
were thrown. William H. Seward, a man whose fame
as a statesman had long filled the land, was the most
)rominent. It was generally supposed he would be
tlhe nominee, Abraham Lincoln, however, received
the nomination on the third ballot. Little did he then
dream of the weary years of toil and care, and the
bloody death, to which that nomination doomed hilm:
and as little did he dream that he was to render services
to his country, which would fix upon him the eyes of
the whole civilized world, and which would give him
a place in the affections of his countrymen, second
cnly, if second, to that of Washington.
Election day came and Mr. Lincoln received r80
electoral votes out of 203 cast, and was, therefore,
constitutionally elected President of the United States.
The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this good


and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was
greater than upon any other man ever elected to this
high position. In February, i861, Mr. Lincoln started
for Washington, stopping in all the large cities on his
way making speeches. The whole journey was frought
with much danger. Many of the Southern States had
already seceded, and several attempts at assassination
were afterwards brought to light. A gang in Baltimore had arranged, upon his arrival to" get up a row,"
and in the confusion to make sure of his death with
revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled
the plot. A secret and special train was provided to
take him from Harrisburg, through Baltimore, at an
unexpected hour of the night. The train started at
half-past ten; and to prevent any possible communication on the part ot the Secessionists with their Confederate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train had
started the telegraph-wires were cut.  Mr. Lincoln
reached Washington in safety and was inaugurated,
although great anxiety was felt by all loyal people.
In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave
to Mr. Seward the Department of State, and to other
prominent opponents before the convention he gave
important positions.
During no other administration have the duties
devolving upon the President been so manifold, and
the responsibilities so great, as those which fell to
the lot of President Lincoln.  Knowing this, and
feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in
his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, he
learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in
determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his
trials, both personal and national  Contrary to his
own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the
most courageous of men. He went directly into the
rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving,
with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he
had left Springfield, in I86I, however, plans had been
made for his assassination,and he at last fell a victim
to one of them. April 14, 1865, he, with Gen. Grant,
was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater.  It
was announced that they would be present.  Gen.
Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feeling, witi his characteristic kindliness of heart, that
it would be a disappointment if he should fail them,
very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to
the play an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth
entered the box where the President and family were
seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died the
next morning at seven o'clock.
Never before, in the history of the world was a nation
plunged into such deep grief by the death of its ruler.
Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless
anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was
in tears. His was a life which will fitly become a
model. His name as the savior of his country w'il
live with that of Washington's, its father; his co'ntrymen being unable to decide which is the greater.




I








t:


sE'T VZ, VYri',;zVwi -i- fR~I.8


83.  NDREW    JOHNSON, seventeenth President of the United
i'States.  The early life of
'c"~  "')JL~  g Andrew Johnson contains but
-. 0  x^ ~ the record of poverty, destitu"~ ^   / a  ttion and friendlessness.  He
~  i  ~ was born December 29, i8o8,
IJ   in Raleigh, N. C. His parents,
belonging to the class of the
4 "poor whites " of the South, were
in such circumstances, that they
could not confer even the slightl]i/  est advantages of education upon
their child. When Andrew was five
I   years of age, his father accidentally
lost his life while herorically endeavoring to save a
friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew
was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by the
labor of his mother, who obtained her living with
her own hands.
He then, having never attended a school one day,
and being unable either to read or write, was apprenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gentleman
was in the habit of going to the tailor's shop occasionally, and reading to the boys at work there. He often
read from the speeches of distinguished British statesmen. Andrew, who was endowed with a mind of more
than ordinary native ability, became much interested
in these speeches; his ambition was roused, and he
was inspired with a strong desire to learn to read.
He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and
with the assistance of some of his fellow-workmen,
learned his letters. He then called upon the gentleman to borrow the book of speeches.  The owner,


pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the book;
but assisted him in learning to combine the letters
into words. Under such difficulties he pressed orI
ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve hours
at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest
and recreation to devote such time as he could to
reading.
He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at
Greenville, where he married a young lady who pos
sessed some education. Under her instructions he
learned to write and cipher. He became prominent
in the village debating society, and a favorite with
the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he or
ganized a working man's party, which elected him
alderman, and in 1830 elected him mayor, which
position he held three years.
He now began to take a lively interest in political
affairs; identifying himself with the working-classes,
to which he belonged.  In I835, he was elected a
member of the House of Representatives of Tennessee. He was then just twenty-seven years of age.
He became a very active member of the legislature,
gave his adhesion to the Democratic party, and in
1840 "stumped the State," advocating Martin tan
Buren's claims to the Presidency, in opposition to thos,
of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much
readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased
his reputation.
In i841, he was elected State Senator; in I843, he
was elected a member of Congress, and by successive
elections, held that important post for ten years. In
i853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and
was re-elected in I855. In all these responsible posi.
tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abi;




84


ANDRE W JOOHNSON.


ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the working classes.  In 1857, vr. Johnson was elected
United States Senator.
Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated
the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his
reason, that he thought this annexation would probably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable
sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom,
and become merged in a population congenial to
themselves." In 1850, he also supported the compromise measures, the two essential features of which
were, that the white people of the Territories should
be permitted to decide for themselves whether they
would enslave the colored people or not, and that
the cree States of the North should return to the
South persons who attempted to escape from slavery.
Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of his lowly origin:
on the contrary, he often took pride in avowing that
he owed his distinction to his own exertions.  "Sir,"
said he on the floor of the Senate, " I  do not forget
that I am a mechanic; neither do I forget that Adamn
was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Savior was the son of a carpenter."
In the Charleston- Baltimore convention of I 8w-, Iie
was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for tlhe
Presidency. In I86i, when the purpose of the Southzrn Democracy became apparent, he took a decided
stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery
must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever
cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly
imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of
Tennesee.  Tennessee having seceded from  the
Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, 1862, appointed him Military Governor of the State, and he
established the most stringent military rule.  His
numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In
1864, he was elected Vice-President of the United
States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April I15,
i865, became President. In a speech two days later
he said, "The American people must be taught, if
they do not already feel, that treason is a crime and
must be punished; that the  Government will not
always bear with its enemies; that it is strong not
only to protect, but to punish. * * The people
must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of
crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole
administration, the history of which is so well known,
was in utter inconsistency with, and the most violent


I


I


---— ~ ------------- ---


opposition to. the principles laid down in that speech.
In his loose policy of reconstruction and general
amnesty, he was opposed by Congress; and he char.
acterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly
defied it, in everything possible, to the utmost. In
the beginning of i868, on account of "high crimes
and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the
removal of Secretary Stanton, in violation of the Tenure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were preferred against him, and the trial began March 23.
It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three
months. A test article of the impeachment was at
length submitted to the court for its action.  It was
certain that as the court voted upon that article so
would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced
the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was necessary to his condemnation, he was pronounced acquitted, notwithstanding the great majority against
him. The change of one vote from the not guilty
side would have sustained the impeachment.
The President, for the remainder of his term, was
but little regarded. He continued, though impotently
his conflict with Congress. His own party did not
think it expedient to renominate him for the Presidency. The Natioa rallied, with enthusiasm unparalleled since the days of Washington, around the name
of (Gen. Grant.  Andrew Johnson was forgotten.
The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the
President's chair. Notwithstanding this, never was
there presented to a man a better opportunity to immortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a
nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home
in Greenville, Tenn., taking no very active part in
politics until 1875, On Jan. 26, after an exciting
struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Tennessee, United States Senator in the forty-fourth Congress, and took his seat in that body, at the special
session convened by President Grant, on the 5th of
March. On the 27th of July, I875, the ex-President
made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter
Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was
apparently in his usual vigorous health, but on reaching the residence of his child the following day, was
stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious.
He rallied occasionally, but finally passed away at
2 A. hi., July 31, aged sixty-seven years.  His funeral was attended at Geenville, on the 3d of August,
with every demonstration of respect.


I








N




EIGHTEENTHi PRESIDENT.


87


IL ys"S'-  I SS   (      T


X. ^T  t      LYSSES    S. GRANT, the
eighteenth President of the,  I^N   i {United States, was born on
the 29th of April, 1822, of
eI  Christian parents, in a humble
~ - home, at Point Pleasant, on the
banks of the Ohio. Shortly after
his father moved to George.
town, Brown Co., O. In this remote frontier hamlet, Ulysses
received a common-school education.    At the age of seventeen, in the year I839, he entered
v  the Military Academy at West
I   Point. Here he was regarded as a
3oiid, sensible young man of fair abilities, and of
sturdy, honest character. HIe took respectable rank
as a scholar. In June, I843, he graduated, about the
middle in his class, and was sent as lieutenant of infantry to one of the distant military posts in the Misscuri Territory. Two years he past in these dreary
solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating
Indians.
The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was
sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi.  His first
battle was at Palo Alto. There was no chance here
for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at
Resaca de la Palma, his second battle. At the battle
Df Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that
he performed a signal service of daring and skillful
horsemanship. His brigade had exhausted its ammunition. A messenger must be sent for more, along
a route exposed to the bullets of the foe.  Lieut.
Grant, adopting an expedient learned of the Indians,
grasped the mane of his horse, and hanging upon one
side of the aniroal, ran the gauntlet in entire safety.


From Monterey he was sent, with the fourth infantry,
to aid Gen. Scott, at the siege of Vera Cruz.  In
preparation for the march to the city of Mexico, he
was appointed quartermaster of his regiment. At the
battle of Molino del Rey, he was promoted to a
first lieutenancy, and was brevetted captain at Chapultepec.
At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant returned with his regiment to New York, and was again
sent to one of the military posts on the frontier. The
discovery of gold in California causing an immense
tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt.
Grant was sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in
Oregon, for the protection of the interests of the immigrants. Life was wearisome in those wilds. Capt.
Grant resigned his commission and returned to the
States; and having married, entered upon the cultivation of a small farm near St. Louis, Mo. He had but
little skill as a farmer.  Finding his toil not remunerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into
the leather business, with a younger brother, at Galena, Ill. This was in the year i860. As the tidings
of the rebels firing on Fort Sumpter reached the ears
of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said,"Uncle Sam has educated me for the army; though
I have served him through one war, I do not feel that
I have yet repaid the debt. I am still ready to discharge
my obligations. I shall therefore buckle on my sword
and see Uncle Sam through this war too."
He went into the streets, raised a company of volunteers, and led them as their captain to Springfield,
the capital of the State, where their services were
offered to Gov. Yates. The Governor, impressed by
the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Capt.
Grant, gave him a desk in his office, to assist in the
volunteer organization that was being formed in the
State in behalf of the Government. On the i5th of




88


ULYSSES S. GRA NT.


-- --






June, 1861, Capt. Grant received a commission as
Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. His merits as a West Point graduate, who
had served for 15 years in the regular army, were such
that he was soon promoted to the rank of BrigadierGeneral and was placed in command at Cairo. The
rebels raised their banner at Paducah, near the mouth
of the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds appeared in the breeze ere Gen. Grant was there. The
rebels fled.  Their banner fell, and the star and
stripes were urfurled in its stead.
He entered the service with great determination
and immediately began active duty. This was the beginning, and until the surrender of Lee at Richmond
he was ever pushing the enemy with great vigor and
effectiveness. At Belmont, a few days later, he surprised and routed the rebels, then at Fort Henry
won another victory. Then came the brilliant fight
at Fort Donelson. The nation was electrified by the
victory, and the brave leader of the boys in blue was
immediately made a Major-General, and the military
listrict of Tennessee was assigned to him.
Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well how
to secure the results pf victory.  He immediately
pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then came the
terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and the
siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. Pemberton made an
unconditional surrender of the city with over thirty
thousand men and one-hundred and seventy-two cannon. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most
severe blow which the rebels had thus far encountered,
and opened up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf.
Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and proceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown from
his horse, and received severe injuries, from which he
was laid up for months. He then rushed to the aid
of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas at Chattanooga, and
by a wonderful series of strategic and technical measures put the Union Army in fighting condition. Then
followed the bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout
Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels
were routed with great loss. This won for him unbounded praise in the North. On the 4th of February, I864, Congress revived the grade of lieutenantgeneral, and the rank was conferred on Gen. Grant.
He repaired to Washington to receive his credentials
and enter upon fltb duties of his new office.




I


I


Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge of
the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed National
troops for an attack upon Richmond, the nominal
capital of the Rebellion, and endeavor there to destroy the rebel armies which would be promptly assembled from all quarters for its defence. The whole
continent seemed to tremble under the tramp of these
majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle field.
Steamers were crowded with troops. Railway trains
were burdened with closely packed thousands. His
plans were comprehensive and involved a series of
campaigns, which were executed with remarkable energy and ability, and were consummated at the surrender of Lee, April 9, I865.
The war was ended. The Union was saved. The
almost unanimous voice of the Nation declared Gen.
Grant to be the most prominent instrument in its salvation. T'rhe eminent services he had thus rendered
the country brought him conspicuously forward as the
Republican candidate for the Presidential chair.
At the Republican Convention held at Chicago.
May 2I, i868, he was unanimously nominated for the
Presidency, and at the autumn election received a
majority of the popular vote, and 214 out of 294
electoral votes.
The National Convention of the Republican party
which met at Philadelphia on the 5th of June, I872,
placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second term
by a unanimous vote. The selection was emphatically indorsed by the people five months later, 292
electoral votes being cast for him.
Soon after the close of his second term, Gen. Grant
started upon his famous trip around the world. He
visited almost every country of the civilized world,
and was everywhere received with such ovations
and demonstrations of respect and honor, private
as well as public and official, as were never before
bestowed upon any citizen of the United States.
He was the most prominent candidate before the
Republican National Convention in I880 for a renomination for President. He went to New York and
embarked in the brokerage business under the firm
nameof Grant & Ward. The latter proved a villain,
wrecked Grant's fortune, and for larceny was sent to
the penitentiary. The General was attacked with
cancer in the throat, but suffered in his stoic-like
manner, never complaining. He was re-instated as
General of the Army and retired by Congress. The
cancer soon finished its deadly work, and July 23,
I885, the nation went in mourning over the death of
the illustrious General.














0






NVINETEENTH PRESIDENT.


91


RUfTi`4r"tQRP B6 HAkYEB      g>
W #........................ am\,D......e..^ 1E3P St ''^yi^J~jW~
+~    ~cc             '2I +~
^1.IJ~ilJM      ^   A~,k^I/


Xq,.o _          UTHERFORI B. HAYES,
/v  M I I, lthe nineteenth President of
 the Unlted States, was born in
Delaware, 0., Oct. 4, 182 2, almost three months after the,.2t death of his father, Rutherford
(,S  s Hayes.  His ancestry on both
the paternal and maternal sides,
was of the most honorable char\./,' acter. It can be traced, it is said,
as far back as 1280, when Hayes and
f  Rutherford were two Scottish chieftains, fighting side by side with
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert
Bruce. Both families belonged to the
nobility, owned extensive estates,
and had a large following. Misfortune ov ereaking the family, George Hayes left Scotland in i6So0, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son
George was, born in Windsor, and remained there
during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, married Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his marriage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. Ezekiel,
son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufacturer of scythes at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes,
son of Ezekiel aid grandfather of President Hayes, was
born in New Haven, in August, 175 6. He was a farmer,
blacksmith and tavern-keeper.  He emigrated to
Vermont at an unknown date, settling in Brattleboro,
where he established a hotel. Here his son Rutherford Hayes the father of President Hayes, was


born. He was married, in September, 1813, to Sophia
Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emigrated thither from Connecticut, they having been
amon)g the wealthiest and best families of Norwich.
Her ancestry on the male side are traced back te
1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders
of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers
in the Revolutionary War.
The father of President Hayes was an industrious
frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a me
chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a stocking, or do almost anything else that he choose to
undertake. He was a member of the Church, active
in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and conducted his business on Christian principles. After
the close of the war of I812, for reasons inexplicable
to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio.
The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day
when there were no canals, steamers, nor railways.
was a very serious affair. A tour of inspection was
first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes deter
mined to move to Delaware, where the family arrived
in 1817. He died July 22, 1822, a victim of malaril.i
fever, less than three months before the birth of th::
son,of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore bcreavement, found the support she so much needed in
her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the
household from the day of its departure from Vermont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted
some time before as an act of charity.
Mrs. Hayes at this period was very weak, and the








RUTITEP'PORD P1., -T  YE.Sfl


subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he
was not expected to live beyond a month or two at
most. As the months went by he grew weaker and
weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of inquiringfrom time to time " if Mrs. Hayes' baby died
last night." On one occasion a neighbor, who was on
f miliar terms with the family, after alluding to the
loy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of
ilm, said in a bantering way, " That's right! Stick to
him. You have got him along so far, and I shouldn't
wonder if he would really come to something yet."
"You reed not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. "You
tvait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him
President of the United States yet." The boy lived,
in spite of the universal predictions of his speedy
death; and when, in I825, his older brother was
drowned, he became, if possible, still dearer to his
mother.
The boy was seven years old before he wint to
school. His education, however, was not neglected.
He probably learned as much from his mother and
Cister as he would have done at school. His sports
were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being
his sister and her associates. These circumstances
tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of disposition, and that delicate consideration for the feelings
of others, which are marked traits of his character.
His uncle Sardis Birchard took the deepest interest
in his education; and as the boy's health had improved, and he was making good progress in his
studies, he proposed to send him to college. His preparation commenced with a tutor at home; b.it he
was afterwards sent for one year to a professor in the
Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Conn. He entered Kenyon College in 1838, at the age of sixteen,
and was graduated at the head of his class in 1842.
Immediately after his graduation he began the
study of law in the office of Thomas Sparrow, Esq:,
in Columbus. Finding his opportunities for study in
Columbus somewhat limited, he determined to enter
the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., where he remained two years.
In 1845, after graduating at the Law School, he was
admitted to the bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly.
afterward went into practice as an attorney-at-law
with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he remained three years, acquiring but a limited practice,
and apparently unambitious of distinction in his profession. 
In 1849 he moved to Cincinnati, where his ambition found a new stimulus. For several years, however, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at
this period, had a powerful influence upon his subsequent life. One of these was his marrage with Miss
Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of
Chilicothe; the other was his introduction to the Cincinnati Literary Club, a body embracing among its
members such men as Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase,


Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many
others hardly less distinguished in after life.  The
marriage was a fortunate one in every respect, as
everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our
Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced
and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and no one did
more than she to reflect honor upon American woman
hood. The Literary Cluu brought Mr. Hayes into
constant association with young men of high character and noble aims, and lured him to display the
qualities so long hidden by his bashfulness and
modesty.
In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judge of
the Court of Common Pleas; but he declined to accept the nomination. Two years later, the office of
city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Council
elected him for the unexpired term.
In I86i, when the Rebellion broke out, he was athe zenith of his professional life. His rank at the
bar was among the the first. But the news of the
attack on Fort Sumpter found him eager to take 'in
arms for the defense of his country.
His military record was bright and illustrious.  In
October, I86i, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and
in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of the 79th Ohio
regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades
and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, he
was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle
of South Mountain he received a wound, and while
faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude
that won admiration from all.
Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, after
his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, and placed
in command of the celebrated Kanawha division,
and for gallant and meritorious services in the battles
of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he wa3
promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetted
Major-General, "forgallant and distinguished services
during the campaigns of 1864, in West Virginia." In
the course of his arduous services, four horses were
shot from under him, and he was wounded four times,
In I864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, from
the Second Ohio District, which had long been Democratic. He was not present during the campaign,
and after his election was importuned to resign his
commission in the army; but he finally declared, "I
shall never come to Washington until I can come by
the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866.
In i867, Gen Hayes was elected Governorof Ohio,
over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular Democrat.
In 1869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton.
He was elected Governor for the third term in 1875.
In 1876 he was the standard bearer of the Republican Party in the Presidential contest, and after a
hard long contest was chosen President, and was in
augurated Monday, March 5, I875. He served his
full term, not, hcwever, with satisfaction to his party.
but his administration was an average on.?












I






TWENTIE TIT PRESIDENT.


I~~a_  ii           ~~~L~~jl~i~a",                 I       ~~~h~At:
1                                              a~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~J


g Xf@2@4.)-A AMES A, GARIELD, twelln1~     |! ~i_ tieth President of the United
%M Statce, was born Nov. I9,
~ EM,/ [/Ad 1 83r, i1 the woods of Orange,
O.] [;-.~ k  Cuyahoga Co., 0  His parents were Abram and Eliza
(Ballou) Garfield, both of New
il England ancestry and from famiii~i_'ll  lies well known in the early his/  tory of that section of our country, but had moved to the Western
Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settlement.
The house in which James A. was
born was not unlike the houses of
[   poor Ohio farmers of that day. It., d about 20 X 30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces be-,veen the logs filled with clay. His father was a:iard working farmer, and he soon had his fields
leared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built.
'he household comprised the father and mother and:heir four children-Mehetabel, Thomas, Mary and
lames. In May, I823, the father, from a cold con-.racted in helping to put out a forest fire, died. At
this time James was about eighteen months old, and
Phomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, can
cell how much James was indebted to his brother's
ceil and self-sacrifice during the twenty years succeeding his father's death, but undoubtedly very
much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sistcrs live in Solon, 0., near their birthplace.
The early educational advantages young Garfield
enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of
them. He labored at farm work for others, did carpenter work, chopped wood, or did anything that
would bring in a few dollars to aid his widowed
mother in het struggles to keep the little family to

I
I


gether. Nor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of his
origin, and he never forgot the friends of his struggiing- childhood, youth and manhood, neither did they
ever forget him. When in the highest seats of honor
the humblest fiiend of his boyhood was as kindly
greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was sure of the
sympathy of one who had known all the bitterness
of wanit and the sweetness of bread earned by the
sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, plain,
modest gentleman.
The highest ambition of young Garfield until h.
was about sixteen years old was to be a captain of
a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious to go aboard
a vessel, which his mother strongly opposed. She
finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with the
understanding, however, that he should try to obtair
some other kind of employment. He walked all the
way to Cleveland. This was his first visit to the city
After making many applications for work, and trying
to get aboard a lake vessel, and not meeting with
success, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos
Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal. He re.mained at this work but a short time when he wen:
home, and attended the seminary at Chester for
about three years, when he entered Hiram and the
Eclectic Institute, teaching a few terms of school in
the meantime, and doing other work. This school
was started by the Disciples of Christ in 1850, of
which church he was then a member. He became
janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his way.
He then became both teacher and pupil. He soon
"exhausted Hiram " and needed more; hence, in the
fall of 1854, he entered Williams College, from which
he graduated in I856, taking one of the highest honors of his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram
College as its President. As above stated, he early
united with the Christian or Diciples Church at
Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous member, often preaching in its pulpit and places where
he happened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, President of
Yale College, says of him in reference to his religion;




96


JAM9S A. GAR~FIELD.


96                     JAMISS A. GARFIELD.


"President Garfield was more than a man of
strong moral and religious convictions. His whole
history, from boyhood to the last, shows that duty to
man and to God, and devotion to Christ and life and
faith and spiritual commission were controlling springs
of his being, and to a more than usual degree. In
jay judgment there is no more interesting feature of
his character than his loyal allegiance to the body of
Christians in which he was trained, and the fervent
sympathy which he ever showed in their Christian
communion. Not many of the few 'wise and mighty
and noble who are called' show a similar loyalty to
the less stately and cultured Christian conimunions
in which they have been reared. Too often itis true
that as they step upward in social and political significance they step upward from one degree to
another in some of the many types of fashionable
Christianity.  President Garfield adhered to the
church of his mother, the church in which he was
trained, and in which le served as a pillar and an
evangelist, and yet with the largest and most unsectarian charity for all 'who loveour Lord in sincerity.'"
Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss
Lucretia Rudolph, Nov. 11, 1858, who proved herself
worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved and
mourned. To them were born seven children, five of
whom are still living, four boys and one girl.
Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in I856,
in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three
rears later he began to speak at county mass-meet'11.gs, and became the favorite speaker wherever he
v as. During this year he was elected to the Ohio
Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland,
and in i86r was admitted to the bar. The great
Rebellion broke out in the early part of this year,
and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he had
talked, and enlisted to defend the old flag. He received his commission as Lieut.-Colonel of the Fortysecond Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Aug.
14, I86I. He was immediately put into active service, and before he had ever seen a gun fired in action,
was placed in command of four regiments of infantry
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the
work of driving out of his native State the officer
(Humphrey Marshall) reputed to be the ablest of
those, not educated to war whom Kentucky had given
to the Rebellion. This work was bravely and speedily accomplished, although against great odds. President Lincoln, on his success commissioned him
Brigadier-General, Jan. io, 1862; and as " he had
been the youngest man in the Ohio Senate two years
before, so now he was the youngest General in the
army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh,
in its operations around Corinth and its march through
Alalama. He was then detailed as a memberof the
General Court-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John
Porter. He was then ordered to report to Gen. Rosecrans, and was assigned to the "Chief of Staff."
The military Wstory of Gen. Garfield closed with


his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he wor
the stars of the Major-General.
Without an effort on his part Gemi Garfield wa,:
elected to Congress in the fall of 1862 from the
Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of Ohio
had been represented in Congress for sixty years
mainly by two men-Elisha Whittlesey and Joshua
R. Giddings. It was not without a struggle that he
resigned his place in the army. At the time he entered Congress he was the youngest member in that
body.  There he   remained by successive reelections until he was elected President in I880.
Of his labors in Congress Senator Hoar says: " Since
the year 1864 you cannot think of a question which
has been debated in Congress, or discussed before a
tribunel of the American people, in regard to which
you will not find, if you wish instruction, the argument on one side stated, in almost every instance
better than by anybody else, in some speech made in
the House of Representatives or on the hustings by
Mr. Garfield."
Upon Jan. 14, I880, Gen. Garfield was elected to
the U. S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of the
same year, was nominated as the candidate of his
party for President at the great Chicago Convention.
He was elected in the following November, and on
March 4, i88i, was inaugurated. Probably no administration ever opened its existence under brighter
auspices than that of President Gaifield, and every
day it grew in favo: with the people, and by the first
of July he had completed all the initiatory and preliminary work of his administration and was preparing to leave the city to meet his friends at Williams
College. While on his way and at the depot, in cornpany with Secretary Blaine, a man stepped behind
him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back.
The President tottered and fell, and as he did so the
assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the
left coat sleeve of his victim, but inflicting nofurthel
injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was
" the shot that was heard round the world " Never
before in the history of the Nation had anything oc.
curred which so nearly froze the blood of the peop'.
for the moment, as this awful deed. He was smit.
ten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, and
was at the summit of his power and hope. Foreighty
days, all during the hot months of July and August,
he lingered and suffered. He, however, remained
master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent
bearing was teaching the country and the world the
noblest of human lessons-how to live grandly in the
very clutch of death. Great in life, he was surpassingly great in death. He passed serenely away Sept.
19, 1883, at Elleron, N. J, on the very bank of the
ocean, where he had been taken shortly previous. The
world wept at his death, as it never had done on the
death of any other man who had ever lived upon ito
The murderer was duly tried, found guilty and executed, in one year after he committed the foul deed.




I






4--4   I                    r






T WIENTY-FIRST PRESIDENT.


99


_y       ' HESTER      A.  ARTHUR,
twenty-first Presi.._,ifL f the
United States was born in
"''?  i axFranklinCourty, Vermont, on
the fiftht ofOct ober, 830, and is
-^ —   the oldest of a family of two
sons and five daughters. His
I  i1 7  father was the Rev. Dr. William
l^^s   Arthur, a Baptist clrgyman, who
emigrated to t'.s country fro'n
the county Ant:im, Ireland, in
his 18th year, and died in 1875, in
Newtonville, neai Albany, after a
long and successful ministry.
Young Arthur was educated at
' Union College, S( henectady, where
rj he excelled in all his studies. After his graduation he taught school
[ h in Vermont for two years, and at
the expiration of that time came to
New York, with $500 in his pocket,
and eatered the office of ex-Judge
[   E. D. Culver as student. After
being admitted to the bar he formed
a partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate,
Henry D. Gardiner, with the intention of practicing
in the West, and for three months they roamed about
in the Western States in search of an eligible site,
but in the end returned to New York, where they
hung out their shingle, and entered upon a successful career almost from the start. General Arthur
soon afterward inarr;ed the daughter of Lieutenant


Herndon, of the United States Navy, who was lost at
sea. Congress voted a gold medal to his widow in
recognition of the bravery he displayed on that occasion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. Arthur:s
nomination to the Vice Presidency, leaving two
children.
Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celebrity
in his first great case, the famous Lemmon suit,
brought to recover possession of eight slaves who had
beeni declared free by Judge Paine, of the Superior
Court of New York City. It was in 1852 that Jon,
athan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to New York with
his slaves, intending to ship them to Texas, when
they were discovered and freed. The Judge decided
that they could not be held by the owner under the
Fugitive Slave Law. A howl of rage went up from
the South, and the Virginia Legislature authorized the
Attorney General of that State to assist in an appeal.
Wm. M. Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed
to represent the People, and they won their case,
which then went to the Supreme Court of the United
States. Charles O'Conor here espoused the cause
of the slave-holders, but he too was beaten by Messrs
Evarts and Arthur, and a long step was taken toward
the emancipation of the black race.
Another great service was rendered by General
Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jennings,
a respectable colored woman, was put off a Fourth
Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare,
General Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a
verdict of $500 damages. The next day the company issued an order to admit colored persons to ride
on their cars, and the other car companies quickly






loo00                  CHESLTER A. AR2fTHUR.


followed their example. Before that the Sixth Avenue Company ran a few special cars for colored persons and the other lines refused to let them ride at all.
General Arthur was a delegate to the Convention
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party.
Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of the
Second Brigade of the State of New York, and Governor Morgan, of that State, appointed him Engineerin-Chief of his staff. In i86r, he was made Inspector General, and soon afterward became Quartermlaster-General. In each of these offices he rendered
great service to the Government during the war. At
the end of Governor Morgan's term he resumed the
practice of the law, forming a partnership with Mr.
Ransom, and then Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney
of New York, was added to the firm. The legal practice of this well-known firm was very large and lucrative, each of the gentlemen composing it were able
lawyers, and possessed a splendid local reputation, if
not indeed one of national extent.
He always took a leading part in State and city
politics. He was appointed Collector of the Port of
New York by President Grant, Nov. 21 I872, to succeed Thomas Murphy, and held the office until July,
20, 1878, when he was succeeded by Collector Merritt.
Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential
ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the famous
National Republican Convention held at Chicago in
June, i880. This was perhaps the greatest political
convention that ever assembled on the continent. It
was composed of the 12ading politicians of the Republican party, all able men, and each stood firm and
fought vigorously and with signal tenacity for their
respective candidates that were before the convention for the nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield received the nomination for President and Gen. Arthur
for Vice-President. The campaign which followed
was one of the most animated known in the history of
our country. Gen. Hancock, the standard-bearer of
the Democratic party, was a popular man, and his
party made a valiant fight for his election.
Finally the election came and the country's choice,vas Garfield and Arthur. They were inaugurated
March 4, I88f, as President. and Vice-President.
A few months only had passed ere the newly chosen
President was the victim of the assassin's bullet. Then
came terrible weeks of suffering,-those moments of
anxious suspense, whet the hearts of all civilized na

tions were throbbing in unison, longing for the recovery of the noble, the good President. The remarkable patience that he manifested during those hours
and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible suffering man has often been called upon to endure, was
seemingly more than human. It was certainly Godlike. During all this period of deepest anxiety Mr.
Arthur's every move was watched, and be it said to his
credit that his every action displayed only an earnest
desire that the suffering Garfield might recover, to
serve the remainder of the term he had so auspiciously begun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested
in deed or look of this man, even though the most
honored position in the world was at any moment
likely to fall to him.
At last God in his mercy relieved President Garfield from further suffering, and the world, as never
before in its history over the death of any other
man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty of
the Vice President to assume the responsibilities of
the high office, and he took the oath in New York.
Sept. 20, i881. The position was an embarrassing
one to him, made doubly so from the facts that all
eyes were, on him, anxious to know what he would do,
what policy he would pursue, and who he would select as advisers. The duties of the office had been
greatly neglected during the President's long illness,
and many important measures were to be immediately
decided by him; and still farther to embarrass him he
did not fail to realize under what circumstances he
became President, and knew the feelings of many on
this point. Under these trying circumstances President
Arthur took the reins of the Government in his own
hands; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of
affairs, he happily surprised the nation, acting so
wisely that but few criticised his administration.
He served the nation well and faitlfully, until the
close of his administration, March 4, 1885, and was
a popular candidate before his party for a second
term. His name was ably presented before the convention at Chicago, and was received with great
favor, and doubtless but for the personal popularity
of one of the opposing candidates, he would have
been selected as the standard-bearer of his party
for another campaign. He retired to private life carrying with him the best wishes of the American people, whom he had served in a manner satisfactory
to thce  and with c-;i:t q hi:vcSlf.












~~k~~rL&7 6%~~~~~CY6~~~7U4J_.




TWENTnirY-SECOND, PRESIDENTT


103


-- ~~~~~-TWNTYSEON   PRESIDENT.         103 -

TEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND, the twenty- second President of the United States, was
born in 1837, in the obscure
town of Caldwell, Essex Co.,
N. J., and in a little two-and-acB\L^^^^  half-story white house which is still
standing, characteristically to mark
the humble birth-place of one of
Amnerica's great men in striking contrast with the Old World, where all
men high in office must be high in
origin and born in the cradle of
wealth. When the subject of this
sketch was three years of age, his
father, who was a Presbyterian minister, with a large family and a small salary, moved,
by way of the Hudson River and Erie Canal, to
Fayetteville, in search of an increased income and a
larger field of work. Fayetteville was then the most
straggling of country villages, about five miles from
Pompey Hill, where Governor Seymour was born.
At the last mentioned place young Grover commenced going to school in the " good, old-fashioned
way," and presumably distinguished himself after the
manner of all village boys, in doing the things he
ought not to do. Such is the distinguishing trait of
all geniuses and independent thinkers. When he
arrived at the age of 14 years, he had outgrown the
capacity of the village school and expressed a most


emphatic desire to be sent to an academy. To this
his father decidedly objected. Academies in those
days cost money; besides, his father wanted him to
become self-supporting by the quickest possible
means, and this at that time in Fayette-zille seemed
to be a position in a country store, where his father
and the large family on his hands had considerable
inftilen-ce. Grover was to be paid $o5 for his services
the first year, and if he proved trustworthy he was to
receive $roo the second year. Here -the lad commenced his career as salesman, and in two years he
had earned so good a reputation for trustworthiness
that his employers desired to retain him for an in.
definite length of time. Otherwise he did not exhibit as yet any particular " flashes of genius" or
eccentricities of talent. He was simply a good boy.
But instead of remaining with this firm in Fayetteville, he went with the family in their removal to
Clinton, where he had an opportunity of attending a
high school. Here he industriously pursued his
studies until the family removed with him to a point
o0 Black River known as the " Holland Patent," a
village of 500 or 600 people, 15 miles north of Utica,
N. Y. At this place his father died, after preaching
but three Sundays. This event broke up the family,
and Grover set out for New York City to accept, at a
small salary, the position of " under-teacher " in an
asylum for the blind. He taught faithfully for two
years, and although he obtained a good reputation in
this capacity, he concluded that teaching was not his






r10o


S. GROVER CLEVELAND.


-II — _ -




calling for life, and, reversing the traditional order,
he left the city to seek his fortune, instead of going
to a city. He first thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as
there was some charm in that name for him; but
before proceeding to that place he went to Buffalo to
ask the advice of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted
stock-breeder of that place.  The latter did not
speak enthusiastically. "What is It you want to do,
my boy?" he asked. "Well, sir, I want to study
law," was the reply. "Good gracious!" remarked
the old gentleman; " do you, indeeJ? What ever put
that into ycur head? How much money have you
got?" "Well, sir, to tell the truth, I haven't got
any.






I


--     ---------- --                             ~  -   -~~~~~~~~~~~ ---


After a long consultation, his uncle offered him a
place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at $50 a
year, whil lie could "look around." One day soon
afterward he boldly walked into the office of Rogers,
Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and told them what he
wanted. A number of young men were already engaged in the office, but Grover's persistency won, and
ne was finally permitted to come as an office boy and
have the use of the law library, for the nominal sum
of $3 or $4 a week. Out of this he had to pay for
Ihis board and washing. The walk to and from his
uncle's was a long and rugged one; and, although
the first winter was a memorably severe one, his
shoes were out of repair and his overcoat-he had
r.one-yet he was nevertheless prompt and regular.
On the first day of his service here, his senior employer threw down a copy of Blackstone before him
with a bang that made the dust fly, saying "That's
where they all begin." A titter ran around the little
(ircle of clerks and students, as they thought that
was enough to scare young Grover out of his plans;
but in due time he mastered that cumbersome volume.
Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleveland
exhibited a talent for executiveness rather than for
chasing principles through all their metaphysical
possibilities. "Let us quit talking and go and do
t," was practically his motto.
The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland was
elected was that of Sheriff of Erie Co., N. Y., in
which Buffalo is situated; and in such capacity it fell
to his duty to inflict capital punishment upon two
criminals. In 1881 he was elected Mayor of the
City of Buffalo, oa the Democratic' ticket, with espedal reference to the bringing albot;r;ainr reforms




in the administration of the municipal affairs of that
city. In this office, as well as that of Sheriff, his
performance of duty has generally been considered
fair, with possibly a few exceptions which were ferreted out and magnified during the last Presidential
campaign. As a specimen of his plain language in
a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an ini?i'itous street-cleaning contract: "This is a time io;
plain speech, and my objection to your action si:all
be plainly stated. I regard it as the culmination of
a mos: bare-faced, impudent and shaneless scheme
to betray the interests of the people and to worsthan squander the people's money." The New York
Sun afterward very highly commended Mr. Cleveland's administration as Mayor of Buffalo, and thereupon recommended him for Governor of the Empire
State. To the latter office he was elected in 1882,
and his administration of the affairs of State was
generally satisfactory. The mistakes he made, if
any, were made very public throughout the nation
after he was nominated for President of the United
States. For this high office he was nominated July
II, i884, by the National Democratic Convention at
Chicago, when other competitors were Thomas F.
Bayard, Roswell P. Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks,
Benjamin F. Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc.: and he
was elected by the people, by a majority of about a
thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Republican statesman, James G. Blaine. President Cleveland resigned his office as Governor of New York in
January, 1885, in order to prepare for his duties as
the Chief Executive of the United States, in which
capacity his term commenced at noon on the 4th of
March, I885. For his Cabinet officers he selected
the following gentlemen:  For Secretary of State,
Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware; Secretary of the
Treasury, Daniel Manning, of New York; Secretary
of War, William C. Endicott, of Massachusetts;
Secretary of the Navy, William C. Whitney, of New
York; Secretary of the Interior, L. Q. C. Lamar, of
Mississippi; Postmaster-General, William F. Vilas,
of Wisconsin; Attorney-General, A. H. Garland, of
Arkansas.
The silver question precipitated a controversy between those who were in favor of the continuance of
silver coinage and those who were opposed, Mr.
Cleveland answering for the latter, even before his;inauguratiorn




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TWENrUTY-THIRD PREnESIIDENT.


107


~~~~^ —~  TWNY-HR  PRSDET           107 _._.


twenty-thircld Iresident, is
II   the descendant of one of the
I    historical families of this
c LLE _j 2         country. The head of the
family was a lMajor General
*.@~ t t       IIHarrison, one of Oliver
Cromwell's trusted followers and fighters. In the zenith of Cromt    well's power it became the duty of this
IHarrison to participate in the trial of.    Charles I, and afterward to sign the, death warrant of the king. He subsequently paid for this with his life, being,   hung Oct. 13, 16G0.  His descendants
came to America, and the next of the
family that appears in history is Benjao...in 'Tarrison, of Virginia, great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, and
after whom  he was named.   Benjamin Harrison
was a member of the Continental Congress during
the years i774-5-6, and was one of the original
signers of the )eclaration of Independence. He
was three times elected Governor of Virginia.
Gen. William Henry larrison, the son of the


distinguished patriot of the Revolution, after a successful career as a soldier during the War of 1812,
and with.a clean record as Governor of the Northwestern Territory, was elected President of the
United States in 1840. His career was cut short
by death within one month after his innuguration.
President Harrison was born at North Bend,
Itamilton Co., Ohio, Aug. 20, 1833. His life up to
the time of his graduation by the Miami University,
at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventful one of a country lad of a family of small means. His father was
able to give him a good education, and nothing
more. He became engaged while at college to thdaughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of a female schoo6
at Oxford. After graduating he determined to enter upon the study of the law. He went to Cin
cinnati and then read law for two years. At the
expiration of that time young Harrison receiv:-d tl.
only inheritance of his life; his aunt dying left Iina
a lot valued at $800. He regarded this legacy as a
fortune, and decided to get married at once, takl
this money and go to some Eastern town an o9egin the practice of law. He sold his lot, and with
the money in his pocket, he started out wita his
young wife to fight for a place in the world. t[e






108                                libEiJAMi t itAliilSON.


-~ --- —-L-rU" --- —--------— ~ --- —------


-   -~~~~~~~~~ —   --  - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~   - 1


decided to go to Indianapolis, which was even at
that time a town of promise. He met with slight
encouragement at first, making scarcely anything
the first year. He worked diligently, applying himself closely to his calling, built up an extensive
practice and took a leading rank in the legal proiession. He is the father of two children.
In 1860 Mr. Harrison was nominated for the
position of Supreme Court Reporter, and then began his experience as a stump speaker  lie canvassed the State thoroughly, and was elected by a
handsome majority. In 1862 he raised the 17th
Indiana Infantry, and was chosen its Colonel. His
regiment was composed of the rawest of material,
out Col. Harrison employed all his time at first
mastering military tactics and drilling his men,
when he therefore came to move toward the East
with Sherman his regiment was one of the best
drilled and organized in the army. At Resaca he
especially distinguished himself, and for his bravery
rmt Peachtree Creek he was made a Brigadier General, Gen. H-ooker speaking of him in the most
complimentary terms.
During the absence of Gen. Harrison in the field
he Supreme Court declared the office of the Supreme Court Reporter vacant, and another person
was elected to the position. From the time of leaving Indiana with his regiment until the fall of 1864
he had taken no leave of absence, but having been
nominated that year for the same office, he got a
thirty-day leave of absence, and during that time
made a brilliant canvass of the State, and was elected
for another term. He then started to rejoin Slerman, but on the way was stricken down with scarlet
fever, and after a most trying siege made his way
to the front in time to participate in the closing:ncidents of the war.
In 1868 Gen. Harrison declined o re-election as
-eporter, and resumed the practice of lawo In 1876
he was a candidate for Governor. Although defeated, the brilliant campaign he made won for him
a National reputation, and he was much sought, especiaLy in the East, to make speeches. In 1880,
as usual, he took an active part in the campaign,
and was elected to the United States Senate. Here
he served six years, and was known as one of the
ablest men, best lawyers and strongest debaters in


that body. With the expiration of his Senatorial
term he returned to the practice of his profession,
becoming the head of one of the strongest firms in
the State.
The political campaign of 1888 was one of the
most memorable in the history of our country. The
convention which assembled in Chicago in June and
named Mr. Harrison as the chief standard bearer
of the Republican party, was great in every particular, and on this account, and the attitude it assumed upon the vital questions of the day, chief
among which was the tariff, awoke a deep interest
in the campaign throughout the Nation. Shortly
after the nomination delegations began to visit Mr.
Harrison at Indianapolis, his home. This movement became popular, and from all sections of the
country societies, clubs and delegations journeyed
thither to pay their respects to the distinguished
statesman.  The popularity of these was greatly
increased on account of the remarkable speeches
made by Mr. Harrison. He spoke daily all through
the summer and autumn to these visiting delegations, and so varied, masterly and eloquent were
his speeches that they at once placed him in the
foremost rank of American orators and statesmen.
On account of his eloquence as a speaker and his
power as a debater, he was called upon at an uncommonly early age to take part in the discussion
of the great questions that then began to agitate
the country. He was an uncompromising anti
slavery man, and was matched against some of t'e
most eminent Demcratic speakers of his State.
No man who felt the touch of his blade desired to
be pitted with him again. With all his eloquence
as an orator he never spoke for oratorical effect.
but his words always went like bullets to the mark
lie is purely American in his ideas and is a spler
did type of the American statesman. Gifted witl,
quick perception, a logical mind and a ready tongue.
he is one of the most distinguished impromptu
speakers in the Nation. Many of these speeches
sparkled with the rarest of eloquence and contained
arguments of greatest weight. Many of his terse
statements have already become aphorisms. Original in thought9 precise in logic, terse in statement,
yet withal faultless in eloquence, he is recognized as
the sound statesman and brilliant orator o& the day




(t)                                                  )~~~~- 




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9x^4eV)LS          e           CLAArl
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GO VERNORS OF MICIIIGA N.


I05


STEuPp    Nt T. MASN
-^i&Qo^Qfy^^ ^e ^z,2^^  ^^  ^ c -  sp1^' 


TEPHEN T. MASON, the
l: fi~~l;.  first Governorof Michigan, was
' '[-i X-C/,a S. ason of Gen. John T. MAason,
S  I.._[ ^of Kentucky, but was born in
Virginia, in 1812. At the age
of 19 he was appointed Secre<     \</e _  tary of Michigan Territory, and
served in that capacity during the
administration of Gov. George B.?d  Porter. Upon the death of Gov.
Porter, which occurred on the 6th of
July, I834, Mr. Mason became Acting Governor. In October, 1835, he
'(y  was elected Governor under the State
organization, and immediately entered upon the performance of the
duties of the office, although the
State was not yet admitted into the Union. After
the State was admitted into the Union, Governor
Mason was re-elected to the position, and served with
credit to himself and to the advantage of the State.
He died Jan. 4, I843. The principal event during
Governor Mason's official career, was that arising from
the disputed southern boundary of the State.
Michigan claimed for her southern boundary a line
running east across the peninsula from the extreme
southern point of Lake Michigan, extending through
Lake Erie, to the Pennsylvania line.  This she
claimed as a vested right-a right accruing to her by
compact. This compact was the ordinance of 1787,
the parties to which were the original 13 States, and
the territory northwest of the Ohio; and, by the succession of parties under statutory amendments to the
ordinance and laws of Congress-the United States on
the one part, and each Territory northwest of the
Ohio, as far as affected by their provisions, on the




other. Michigan, therefore, claimed it under the prior
grant, or assignation of boundary.
Ohio, on the other hand, claimed that the ordinance
had been superseded by the Constitution of the
United States, and that Congress had a right to regulate the boundary. It was also claimed that the
Constitution of the State of Ohio having described a
different line, and Congress having admitted the State
under that Constitution, without mentioning the subject of the line in dispute, Congress had thereby given
its consent to the line as laid down by the Constitution of Ohio.  This claim was urged by Ohio at
some periods of the controversy, but at others she appeared to regard the question unsettled, by the fact
that she insisted upon Congress taking action in regard to the boundary. Accordingly, we find that, in
1812, Congress authorized the Surveyor-General to
survey a line, agreeably to the act, to enable the people
of Ohio to form a Constitution and State government.
Owing to Indian hostilities, however, the line was not
run till i8i8.  In I820, the question in dispute
underwent a rigid examination by the Committee on
Public Lands. The claim of Ohio was strenuously
urged by her delegation, and as ably opposed by Mr.
Woodbridge, the then delegate from Michigan. The
result was that the committee decided unanimously
in favor of Michigan; but, in the hurry of business,
no action was taken by Congress, and the question
remained open till Michigan organized her State government.
The Territory in dispute is about five miles in
width at the west end, and about eight miles in width
at the east end, and extends along the whole northern line of Ohio, west of Lake Erie. The line claimed
by Michigan was known as the " Fulton line," and
that claimed by Ohio was known as the " Harris line,"




ro6                    STEPHEN T. MA SON.


-— c --- —---
---


=


fronm the names of the surveyors. The territory was
valuable for its rich agricultural lands; but the chief
value consisted in the fact that the harbor on the
Maumee River, where now stands the flourishing city
of Toledo, was included within its limits  The town
originally bore the name of Swan Creek, afterwards
Port Lawrence, then Vestula, and then Toledo.
In February, 1835, the Legislature of Ohio passed
an act extending the jurisdiction of the State over
the territory in question; erected townships and
directed them to hold elections in April following. It
also directed Governor Lucus to appoint three commissioners to survey and re-mark the Harris line; and
named the first of April as the day to commence the
survey. Acting Governor Mason, however, anticipated
this action on the part of the Ohio Legislature, sent
a special message to the Legislative Council, apprising it of Governor Lucas' message, and advised iinmediate action by that body to anticipate and counteract
the proceedings of Ohio. Accordingly, on the I2th
of February, the council passed an act making it a
criminal offence, punishable by a heavy fine, or imprisonment, for any one to attempt to exercise any
official functions, or accept any office within the jurisdiction of Michigan, under or by virture of any authority not derived from the Territory, or the United
States. On the 9th of March, Governor Mason wrote
General Brown, then in command of the Michigan
militia, directing him to hold himself in readiness to
meet the enemy in the field in case any attempt was
made on the part of Ohio to carry out the provisions
of that act of the Legislature. On the 3Ist of March,
Governor Lucus, with his commissioners, arrived at
Perrysburgh, on their way to commence re-surveying
the Harris line. He was accompanied by General
Bell and staff, of the Ohio Militia, who proceeded to
muster a volunteer force of about 600 men.  This
was soon accomplished, and the force fully armed and
equipped. The force then went into camp at Fort
Miami, to await the Governor's orders.
In the meantime, Governor Mason, with General
Brown and staff, had raised a force 800 to 1200
strong, and were in possession of Toledo.  General
Brown's Staff consisted of Captain Henry Smith, of
Monroe, Inspector; Major J. J. Ullman, of Constantine, Quartermaster; William E. Broadman, of
Detroit, and Alpheus Felcb, of Monroe, Aids-decamo. When Governor Lucas observed the determined bearing of the Michigan braves, and took note




of their number, he found it convenient to content
himself for a time with " watching over the border."
Several days were passed in this exhilarating employment, and just as Governor Lucas had made up his
mind to do something rash, two commissioners arrived from Washington on a mission of peace. They
remonstrated with Gov. Lucus, and reminded him of
the consequences to himself and his State if he persisted in his attempt to gain possession of the disputed
territory by force.  After several conferences with
both governors, the commissioners submitted propositions for their consideration.
Governor Lucas at once accepted the propositions,
and disbanded his forces. Governor Mason, on the
other hand, refused to accede to the arrangement, and
declined to compromise the rights of his people by a
surrender of possession and jurisdiction. When Governor Lucus disbanded his forces, however, Governor
Mason partially followed suit, but still held himself
in readiness to meet any emergency that might arise.
Governor Lucus now supposed that his way was
clear, and that he could re-mark the Harris line without being molested, and ordered the commissioners
to proceed with their work.
In the meantime, Governor Mason kept a watchful eye upon the proceedings.  General Brown sent
scouts through the woods to watch their movements,
and report when operations were commenced. When
the surveying party got within the county of Lenawee, the under-sheriff of that county, armed with a
warrant, and accompanied by a posse, suddenly made
his appearance, and succeeded in arresting a portion
of the party. The rest, including the commissioners,
took to their heels, and were soon beyond the disputed territory. They reached Perrysburgh the following day in a highly demoralized condition, and
reported they had been attacked by an overwhelming force of Michigan malitia, under command of
General Brown.
This summary breaking up of the surveying party
produced the most tremendous excitement throughout
Ohio. Governor Lucas called an extra session of the
Legislature. But little remains to be said in reference
to the " war." The question continued for some time
to agitate the minds of the opposing parties; and the
action of Congress was impatiently awaited. Michigan
was admitted into the Union on the condition that
she give to Ohio the disputed territory, and accept
in return the Northern Peninsula, which she did.


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SECOND GO VERNOR OF MICHIGAN.


og09


/ iS           ILLIAM    WOODBRIDGE,.1    <\v      Hasecond Governor of Michigan,
was born at Norwich, Conn.,
@t:;e: ' a  Aug. 20, 1780, and died at, Detroit Oct. 20, I86I. He
was of a family of three brothers
| m  and two sisters. His father,
J   j Dudley Woodbridge, removed to
i   Marietta, Ohio, about I790. The
'  life of Wm. Woodbridge, by Chas.
Lauman, from which this sketch
(' islargelycom piled, mentions nothing concerning his early education
beyond the fact that it was such as
i   was afforded by the average school
^   of the time, except a year with the
French   colonists at Gallipolis,
where he acquired a knowledge of
i  the French language. It should
be borne in mind, however, that
y^   home education at that time was
an indispensable feature in the
training of the young. To this and
and to a few studies well mastered,
is due that strong mental discipline which has served
as a basis for many of the grand intellects that have
adorned and helped to make our National history.
Mr. Woodbridge studied law at Marietta, having
as a fellow student an intimate personal friend, a
young man subsequently distinguished, but known
at that time simply as Lewis Cass. He graduated at
the law school in Connecticut, after a course there of
nearly three years, and began to practice at Marietta
in I806. In June, 806, he married, at Hartford, Connecticut, Juleanna, daughter of John Trumbell, a
distinguished author and judge; and author of the


peom McFingal, which, during a dark period of the
Revolution, wrought such a magic change upon the
spirits of the colonists. He was happy in his domes 
tic relations until the death of Mrs. W., Feb. 2, 19, i860.
Our written biographies necessarily speak more
fully of men, because of their active participation in
public affairs, but human actions are stamped upon
the page of time and when the scroll shall be unrolled
the influence of good women upon the history of the
world will be read side by side with the deeds of men.
How much success and renown in life many men owe
to their wives is probably little known. Mrs. W. enjoyed the best means of early education that the
country afforded, and her intellectual genius enabled
her to improve her advantages. During her life, side
by side with the highest type of domestic and social
graces, she manifested a keen intellectuality that
formed the crown of a faultless character. She was
a natural poet, and wrote quite a large number of fine
verses, some of which are preserved in a printed
memorial essay written upon the occasion of her
death. In this essay, it is said of her "to contribute
even in matters of minor importance, to elevate the
reputation and add to the well being of her husband
in the various stations he was called upon to fill, gave
her the highest satisfaction" She was an invalid
during the latter portion of her life, but was patient
and cheerful to the end.
In I807, Mr. W. was chosen a representative to the
General Assembly of Ohio, and in 1809 was elected to
the Senate, continuing a member by re-election until
his removal from the State. He also held, by appointment, during the time the office of Prosecuting
Attorney for his county. He took a leading part in
the Legislature, and in 1812 drew up a declaration and
resolutions, which passed the two houses unaminously






110 


WYILLIAM~i WOODBRIDGE.




I TO                     WIL LIAA~[ WOOBBIUD GE.




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and attracted great attention, endorsing, in strongest
and most emphatic terms, the war measures of President Madison. During the period from I804 to I814
the two law students, Woodbridge and Cass, had become widely separated. The latter was Governor of
the Territory of Michigan under the historic "Governor
and Judges" plan, with the indispensable requisite of a
Secretary of the Territorry. This latter position was,
in i814, without solicitation on his part, tendered to
Mr. W.   lie accepted the position with some hesitation, and entered upon its duties as soon as he could
make the necessary arrangements for leaving Ohio.
The office of Secretary involved also the duties of
collectorof customs at the port of Detroit, and during
the frequent absences of the Governor, the dischargeof
of his duties, also including those of Superintendent
of Indian Affairs. Mr. W. officiated as Governor for
about two years out of the eight years that he held the
office of Secretary Under the administration of"Governor and Judges," which the people of the Territory
preferred for economical reasons, to continue some time
after their numbers entitled themi to a more popular
representative system, they were allowed no delegate
in Congress. Mr. W., as a sort of informal agent of
the people, by correspondence and also by a visit to
the National capital, so clearly set forth the demand
for representation by a delegate, that an act was
passedin Congress in 1819g authorizing one tobe chosen.
Under this act Mr. W. was elected by the concurrence
of all parties. His first action in Congress was to secure
the passage of a bill recognizing and confirming the
old French land titles in the Territory according to
the terms of the treaty of peace with Great Britain
at the close of the Revolution; and another for the
construction of a Government road through the "black
swamps" from the Miami River to Detroit, thus opening a means of land transit between Ohio and Michigan. He was influential in securing the passage of
bills for the construction of Government roads from
Detroit to Chicago, and Detroit to Fort Gratiot, and
for the improvement of La Plaisance Bay. The expedition for the exploration of the country around
Lake Superior and in the valley of the Upper Mississippi, projected by Governor Cass, was set on foot
by means of representations made to the head of the
department by Mr. W. While in Congress he strenuously maintained the right of Michigan to the strip
of territory now forming the northern boundary of
Ohio, which formed the subject of such grave dispute
between Ohio and Michigan at the time of the admission of the latter into the Union. lie served
but one term as delegate to Congress, declining further service on account of personal and
family considerations. Mr. W. continued to discharge
the duties of Secretary of the Territory up to the time
its Government passed into the "second grade."
In i824, he was appointed one of a board of
commissioners for adjusting private land claims in




i_


the Territory, and was engaged also in the practice of
his profession, having the best law library in the Territory. In 1828, upon the recommendation of the
Governor, Judges and others, he was appointed by the
President, J. Q. Adams, to succeed Hon. James Witherell, who had resigned as a Judge of what is conventionally called the "Supreme Court" of the Territory.
This court was apparently a continuation of the Territorial Court, under the "first grade" or "Governor and
Judges" systemr. Although it was supreme in its judicial functions within the Territory, its powers and
duties were of a very general character.
In 1832, the term of his appointment as Judge expiring, President Jackson appointed a successor, it is
supposed on political grounds, much to the disappointment of the public and the bar of the Territory. The
partisan feeling of the time extended into the Territory, and its people began to think of assuming the
dignity of a State government. Party lines becoming very sharply drawn, he identified himself with
the Whigs and was elected a member of the Convention of 1835, which formed the first State Constitution.
In 1837 he was elected a member of th-e State Senate.
This sketch has purposely dealt somewhat in detail
with what may be called Judge W's. earlier career,
because it is closelv identified with the early history of the State, and the development of its political system. Since the organization of the State Government the history of Michigan is more familiar, and
hence no review of Judge AW's career as Governor
and Senator will be attempted. He was elected Governor in I839, under a popular impression that the
affairs of the State had not been prudently admiinistered by the Democrats. He served as Governor but
little more than a year, when he was elected to the
Senate of the United States.
His term in the Senate practically closed his political life, although he was strongly urged by many
prominent men for the Whig nonmination for Vice
President in 1848.
Soon after his appointment as Judge in 1 828, Governor W. took up his residence on a tract of land
which he owned in the township of Spring Wells, a
short distance below what awas then the corporate limits of Detroit, where he resided during the remainder
of his life. Both in his public papers and private
communications, Governor W, shows himself a master of langtiage; he is fruitful in simile and illustration, logical in arrangement, happy in the choice and
treatment of topics, and terse and vigorous in expression. Judge W. was a Congregationalist. His opinions
on all subjects were decided; he was earnest and
energetic, courteous and dignified, and at times exhibited a vein of fine humor that was the more attractive because not too often allowed to come to the
surface. His letters and addresses show a deep and
earnest affection not only for his ancestral home, but
the home of his adoption and for friends and family.






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GO VERIVORS OF MICHICEIGAN.


I13


GO~~~~~~ VENR OF MIHGN                _1


I
__JOHN    S. BARRY!_
~U~"  &


v    ISS,,/  SGOHN  STEWARI       BAR RY,
_.:~  1@^/:i[2- l      1Governor of Michig'an from
Jan. 3, 842, to Jan. 5, 1846,
~t'  '1~:M  - /]~~}~ a and from Jan- 7, 850o, to Jan.
i         -  "4  I, 1852, 2was born at Amherst,
N. H., Jan. 29, 1802. His par<e1 '   ents, John and Ellen (Steward)
Barry, early removed to Rockinghlami, Vt., where he remained until
hle became of age, working on his
e   father's farm, and  pursuing  his
$  studies at the same time. He married Mary Kidder, of Grafton, Vt.,
and in 1824 went to Georgia, Vt.,
where he had charge of an academy
for two years, meanwhile studying
law. He afterward practiced law in
that State. While he was in Georgia he was for some
time a member of the Governor's staff, with the title
of Governor's Aid, and at a somewhat earlier period
was Captain of a compainy of State militia. In 1831
hIe removed to Michigan, and settled at White Pigeon,
where he engaged in mercantile business with I. W.
Willard.


stantine and continued his mercantile pursuits. He
became Justice of the Peace at White Pigeon, Mich.
in 1831, and held the office until the year 1835
Mr. Barry's first public office was that of a member
of the first constitutional convention, which assembled
and fiamed the constitution upon which Michigan
was admitted into the Union. He took an importar.t
and prominent part in the proceedings of that body.
and showed himself to be a man of far more than
ordinary ability.
Upon Michigan being admitted into the Union,
Mr. Barry was chosen State Senator, and so favorably
were his associates impressed with his abilities at the
first session of the Legislature that they looked to hini
as a party leader, and that he should head the State
ticket at the following election. Accordingly he received the nomination for Governor at the hands
of his party assembled in convention.  He was
elected, and so popular was his administration that, in
I842, he was again elected.  During these years
Michigan was embarrassed by great financial difficulties, and it was through his wisdom and sound judgment that the State was finally placed upon a solid
financial basis.
During the first year of Gov. Barry's first term, the
University at Ann Arbor was opened for the reception


Four years after, 1834, Mr. Barry removed to Con



I 14               JOHN STE WARD BARR Y.


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of students. The Michigan Central and Michigan
Southern railroads were being rapidly constructed, and
general progress was everywhere noticeable. In 1842,
the number of pupils reported as attending the public
schools was nearly fifty-eight thousand.  In 1843, a
State land office was established at Marshall, which
was invested with the charge and disposition of all
the lands belonging to the State  In I844, the taxable property of the State was found to be over
twenty-eight millions of dollars, the tax being at the
rate of two mills on the dollar. The expenses of the
State were only seventy thousand dollars, while the
income from the railroads was nearly three hundred
thousand dollars. At this time the University of
Michigan had become so prosperous that its income
was ample to pay the interest on the University debt;
and the amount of money which the State was able
to loan the several progressing railroads was one
hundred and twenty thousand dollars. Efforts were
made to increase the efficiency of the common schools
with good results  In I845, when Gov. Barry's second term expired, the population of the State was
more than three hundred thousand.
The constitution of the State forbade more than two
consecutive terms, but he was called upon to fill the
position again in 85 o-the only instance of the kind
in the history of the State. He was a member of the
Territorial Legislature, of the Constitutional Convention, and afterward of the State House of Representatives.
During Mr. Barry's third term as Governor the Normal School was established at Ypsilanti, which was
endowed with lands and placed in charge of a board
of education consisting of six persons. A new constitution for the government of the State was also
adopted and the ' Great Railway Conspiracy Case "
was tried. This grew out of a series of lawless acts
which had been committed upon the property of the
Michigan Central Railroad Company, along the line
of their road, and finally the burning of the depot
at Detroit, in I85o.
At a setting of the grand jury of Wayne County,
April 24, I85i, 37 men of the 50 under arrest for this
crime were indicted. May 20, following, the accused
parties appeared at the Circuit Court of Wayne, of
which Warner Wing was resident judge. The Railroad Company employed ten eminent lawyers, including David Stuart, John Van Arman, James A.
Van Dyke, Jacob M. Howard, Alex. D. Fraser, Daniel Goodwin and William Gray. The defendants were
represented by six members of the State bar, led by
William H. Seward, of New York. The trial occupied
four months, during which time the plaintiffs examined 246 witnesses in 27 days, and the defendants
249 in 40 days. Mr. Van Dyke addressed the jury
for the prosecution; William H. Seward for the
defense.
The great lawyer was convinced of the innocence


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of his clients, nor did the verdict of that jury and the
sentence of that judge remove his firm belief that his
clients were the victims of purchased treachery,
rather than so many sacrifices to justice.
The verdict of" guilty" was rendered at 9 o'clock
P. M., Sept. 25, I85 I. On the 26th the prisoners were
put forward to receive sentence, when many of them
protested their entire innocence, after which the presiding judge condemned 12 of the number to the following terms of imprisonment, with hard labor, within
the State's prison, situate in their county: Ammi
Filley, ten years; Orlando L. Williams, ten years;
Aaron Mount, eight years; Andrew J. Freeland, eight
years; Eben Farliham, eight years; William Corvin,
eight years; Richard Price, eight years; Evan Price,
eight years; Lyman Champlin, five years; Willard
W. Champlin, five years; Erastus Champlin, five
years; Erastus Smith, five years.
In i840, Gov. Barry became deeply interested in
the cultivation of the sugar beet, and visited Europe
to obtain information in reference to its culture.
He was twice Presidential Elector, and his last
public service was that of a delegate to the National
Democratic Convention held in Chicago in 1864.
He was a man who, throughout life, maintained a
high character for integrity and fidelity to the trusts
bestowed upon him, whether of a public or a private
nature, and he is acknowledged by all to have been
one of the most efficient and popular Governors the
Slate has ever had.
Gov. Barry was a man of incorruptible integrity.
His opinions, which he reached by the most thorough
investigation, he held tenaciously. His strong convictions and outspoken honesty made it impossible for
him to take an undefined position when a principle
was involved. His attachments and prejudices were
strong, yet he was never accused of favoritism in his
administration of public affairs. As a speaker he was
not remarkable. Solidity, rather than brilliancy, characterized his oratory, which is described as argumentative and instructive, but cold, hard, and entirely
wanting in rhetorical ornament. He was never eloquent, seldom humorous or sarcastic, and in manner
rather awkward.
Although Mr. Barry's educational advantages were
so limited, he was a life-long student. He mastered
both ancient and modern languages, and acquired a
thorough knowledge of history. No man owed less
to political intrigue as a means of gaining position. He was a true statesman, and gained plublic esteem by his solid worth. His political connections
were always with the Democratic party, and his opinions were usually extreme.
Mr. Barry retired to private life after the beginning
of the ascendency of the Republican party, and carried on his mercantile business at Constantine.  He
died Jan. 14, 1870, his wife's death having occurred a
year previous, March 30, 869. They left no children.














GO VERNORS OF AMICHIGA N.


I 17


I ~::   LPHEUS FELCH, the third
mgSWov^   Governor of Michigan, was
\.$:' Boborn in Limerick, Maine, Sep^^^  ^^     ^ gtember 28, 1806.  His grandi ^    IG^  a father, Abijah Felch, was a soldier in the Revolution; and
-g when a young man, having with
others obtained a grant of land be-;l tween the Great and Little Ossipee
l K Rivers, in Maine, moved to that region when it was yet a wilderness.
The father of Mr. Felch embarked in
mercantile life at Limerick. He was
the first to engage in that business in
that section, and continued it until
v^r   his death. The death of the father,
I   followed within a year by the death of
the mother, left the subject of this sketch, then three
years old, to the care of relatives, and he found a
home with his paternal grandfather, where he remained until his death. Mr Felch received his early
education in the district school and a neighboring
academy. In 182i he became a student at Phillips
Exter Academy, and, subsequently, entered Bowdoin
College, graduated with the class of 1827. He at
once began the study of law and was admitted to
practice at Bangor, Me., in I830.
He began the practice of his profession at Houlton,
Me., where he remained until 1833. The severity
of the climate impaired his health, never very good,
and he found it necessary to seek a change of climate.
He disposed of his library and started to seek
a new home. His intention was to join his friend,


Sargent S. Prentiss, at Vicksburg, Miss., but on his
arrival at Cincinnati, Mr. Felch was attacked by
cholera, and when he had recovered sufficiently to
permit of his traveling, found that the danger of the
disease was too great to permit a journey down the
river. He therefore determined to come to Michigan. He first began to practice in this State at Monroe, where he continued until 1843, when he removed
to Ann Arbor. He was elected to the State Legislature in 1835, and continued a member of that body
during the years I836 and I837. While he held this
office, the general banking law of the State was enact.
ed, and went into operation. After mature delibera
tion, he became convinced that the proposed system
of banking could not prove beneficial to the public
interests; and that, instead of relieving the people
from the pecuniary difficulties under which they were
laboring, it would result in still further embarrassment. He, therefore, opposed the bill, and pointed
out to the House the disasters which, in his opinion,
were sure to follow its passage. The public mind,
however, was so favorably impressed by the measure
that no other member, in either branch of the Legislature, raised a dissenting voice, and but two voted with
him in opposition to the bill. Early in 1838, he was
appointed one of the Bank Commissioners of the
State, and held that office for moie than a year. During this time, the new banking law had given birth to
that numerous progeny known as "wild-cat" banks.
Almost every village had its bank. The country was
flooded with depressed "wild-cat" money. The examinations of the Bank Commissioners brought to
light frauds at every point, which were fearlessly re





118                     ALPHEUS FELCH.


I ~   1  


ported to the Legislature, and were followed by criminal prosecutions of the guilty parties, and the closing
of many of their institutions. The duties of the office were most laborious, and in I839 Mr. Felch resigned. The chartered right of almost every bank
had, in the meantime, been declared forfeited and
the law repealed. It was subsequently decided to
be constitutional by the Supreme Court of the State.
In the year 1842 Governor Felch was appointed
to the office of Auditor General of the State; but
after holding the office only a few weeks, was commissioned by the Governor as one of the Judges of the
Supreme Court, to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Judge Fletcher. In January, I843, he was
elected to the United States Senate for an unexpired
term. In 1845 he was elected Governorof Michigan,
and entered upon his duties at the commencement of
the next year.  In I847 he was elected a Senator
in Congress for six years; and at once retired from
the office of Governor, by resignation, which took
effect March 4, 1847, when his Senatorial term commenced. While a member of the Senate he acted on
the Committee on Public Lands, and for four years
was its Chairman.  He filled the honorable position
of Senator with becoming dignity, and with great
credit to the State of Michigan.
During Governor Felch's administration the two
railroads belonging to the State were sold to private
corporations, —the Central for $2,000,000, and the
Southern for $500,000.  The exports of the State
amounted in 1846 to $4,647,608. The total capacity
of vessels enrolled in the collection district at Detroit
was 26,928 tons, the steam vessels having 8,400 and
the sailing vessels 18,528 tons, the whole giving employment to I8,oo0 seamen. In I847, there were 39
counties in the State, containing 435 townships; and
275 of these townships were supplied with good libraries, containing an aggregate of 37,000 volumes.
At the close of his Senatorial term, in March, 1853,
Mr. Felch was appointed, by President Pierce, one of
the Commissioners to adjust and settle the Spanish


and Mexican land claims in California, under the
treaty of Gaudalupe Hidalgo, and an act of Congress
passed for that purpose. He went to California in
May, 1853, and was made President of the Commission. The duties of this office were of the most important and delicate character. The interest of the
new State, and the fortunes of many of its citizens,
both the native Mexican population and the recent
American immigration; the right of the Pueblos to
their common lands, and of the Catholic Church to
the lands of the Missions,-the most valuable of the
State,-wereinvolved in the adjudications of this Commission. In March, 1856, their labors were brought
to a close by the final disposition of all the claims
which were presented. The record of their proceedings,-the testimony which was given in each case,
and the decision of the Commissioners thereon,consisting of some forty large volumes, was deposited
in the Department of the Interior at Washington.
In June of that year, Governor Felch returned to
Ann Arbor, where he has since been engaged plincipally in legal business.  Since his return he has
been nominated for Governor and also for U. S. Senator, and twice for Judge of the Supreme Court. But
the Democratic party, to which he has always been
attached, being in the minority, he failed of an election. In i873 he withdrew from the active practice
of law, and, with the exception of a tour in Europe,
in 1875 has since led a life of retirement at his home
in Ann Arbor. In 1877 the University of Michigan
conferred upon him the degree of LL. D. For
many years he was one of the Regents of Michigan
University, and in the spring of 1879 was appointed
Tappan Professor of Law in the same. Mr. Felch is
the oldest surviving member of the Legislature from
Monroe Co., the oldest and only surviving Bank Comnlissioner of the State, the oldest surviving Auditor
General of the State, the oldest surviving Governor of
the State, the oldest surviving Judge of the Supreme
Court of Michigan, and the oldest surviving United
States Senator from  the State of Michigan.








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0-            I             roc-=:. : 'I'l, il.  ", -                               'k
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GO VERNORS.


121


~,:  o   ILLIAM     L.  GREENLY,
PlB..) ~  Governor of Michigan for the
year i847, was born at Hamil^'..xgo^Kq  ton, Madison Co., N. Y., Sept.
18, 1813. He graduated at Union  College, Schenectady, in
1831, studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1834. In
1836, having removed to Michigan, he settled in Adrian, where
he has since resided. The year
following his arrival in Michigan
he was elected State Senator and
9   served in that capacity until 1839.
In 1845 he was elected Lieut. Governor and became acting Governor
by the resignation of Gov. Felch,
who was elected to the United
States Senate.
The war with Mexico was brought
to a successful termination during Gov. Greenly's
administration. We regret to say that there are only
few records extant of the action of Michigan troops
in the Mexican war. That many went there and
fought well are points conceded; but their names and
nativity are hidden away in United States archives


and where it is almost impossible to find them.
The soldiers of this State deserve much of the
credit of the memorable achievements of Co. K, 3d
Dragoons, and Cos. A, E, and G of the U. S. Inf.
The two former of these companies, recruited in this
State, were reduced to one-third their original number.
In May, I846,the Governor of Michigan was notified by the War Department of the United States to
enroll a regiment of volunteers, to be held in readiness for service whenever demanded. At his summons I3 independent volunteer companies, I of
infantry and two of cavalry, at once fell into line. Of
the infantry four companies were from Detroit, bearing the honored names of Montgomery, Lafayette,
Scott and Brady upon their banners. Of the remainder Monroe tendered two, Lenawee County three,
St. Clair, Berrien and Hillsdale each one, and Wayne
County an additional company. Of these alone the
veteran Bradys were accepted and ordered into service. In addition to them ten companies, making the
First Regiment of Michigan Volunteers, springing
from various parts of the State, but embodying to a
great degree the material of which the first volunteers
was formed, were not called for until October following. This regiment was soon in readiness and proceeded by orders from Government to the seat of war,
















4,                                                                         000,




GO VERNORS.


T2cL;Fit  TQ)T~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
E~~~~rr~~~~~yo~~~~~r~~~~as  ~~~~~~'pr~~~~~~~sorq.~~~-Jl


DWIECgHiT-><-_


~d \.... HE  HON. EPAPHRODI-;. I~~ r     f!]   TUS RANSOM, the Seventh
d 7 I A^     Governor of Michigan, was a
native of Massachusetts. In
that State he received a col/$^  ^; legiate education, studied law,
and was admitted to the bar.
j   Removing to Michigan about
the time of its admission to the
e > u n Union, he took up his residence
at Kalamazoo.
Mr. Ransom served with marked
ability for a number of years in the
State Legislature, and in 837 he was appointed Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. In 1843 he
was promoted to Chief Justice, which office he retained until I845, when he resigned.
Shortly afterwards he became deeply interested in
the building of plank roads in the western portion of
th& State, and in this business lost the greater portion
of the property which he had accumulated by years
of toil and industry.
Mr. Ransom became Governor of the State of
Michigan in the fall of i847, and served during one
term, performing the duties of the office in a truly
statesmanlike manner. He subsequently became
President of the Michigan Agricultural Society, in
which position he displayed the same ability that


shone forth so prominently in his acts as Governor.
He held the office of Regent of the Michigan University several times, and ever advocated a liberal policy
in its management.
Subsequently he was appointed receiver of the
land office in one of the districts in Kansas, by President Buchanan, to which State he had removed, and
where he died before the expiration of his term of
office.
We sum up the events and affairs of the State under Gov. Ransom's administration as follows: The
Asylum for the Insane was establised, as also the
Asylum for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind. Both of
these institutes were liberally endowed with lands,
and each of them placed in charge of a board of five
trustees. The appropriation in I849 for the deaf and
dumb and blind amounted to $81,5oo. On the first
of March, 1848, the first telegraph line was completed from New York to Detroit, and the first dispatch transmitted on that day. The following figures
show the progress in agriculture: The land reported
as under cultivation in 1848 was 1,437,460 acres; of
wheat there were produced 4,749,300 bushels; other
grains, 8,197,767 bushels; wool, 1,645,756 pounds;
maple sugar, 1,774,369 pounds; horses, 52,305; cattle, 210,268; swine, I52,541; sheep, 610,534; while
the flour mills numbered 228, and the lumber mills
amounted to 730. I847, an act was passed removing
the Legislature from Detroit to Lansing, and temporary buildings for the use of the Legislature wereimmediately erected, at a cost of $12,450.








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GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN.


I29


itf O-ut:- 2W5 B p K R  T I
^^^^.^,^^^.^Fwa6 gA^ l&  all ^Vf


r  OBERT     Mc CLELLAND,
8-^^^^ | lGovernor of Michigan from
^ tl    t tJan. I, 852, to March 8, 1853,.Ad(..   / was born at Greencastle, Frank' i(?, lin Co., Penn., Aug. i, 1807.
' tli"' nAmong his ancestors were several
X i:i^  officers of rank in the Revolutioni[ f~Jl ary war, and some of his family coni^l  nections were distinguished in the
{ war of 18I2, and that with Mexico.
His father was an eminent physician
and surgeon who studied under Dr.
\g   Benj. Rush, of Philadelphia, and
X   practiced his profession successfully
until six months before his death, at
the age of 84 years. Although Mr.
McClelland's family had been in good circumstances, when he was 17 years old he was thrown
upon his own resources. After taking the asual preli:minary studies, and teaching school to obtain the
means, he entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle,
Penn., from which he graduated among the first in
his class, in I829. He then resumed teaching, and
Lhaving completed the course of study for the legal
profession, was admitted to the bar at Chambersburg,
Penn., in 183I. Soon afterward he removed to the
city of Pittsburgh, where he practiced for almost a
year.
In I833, Mr. McClelland removed to Monroe, in




the Territory of Michigan, where, after a severe examination, he became a member of the bar of Michigan, and engaged in practice with bright prospect of
success. In 1835, a convention was called to frame
a constitution for the proposed State of Michigan, of
which Mr. McClelland was elected a member. He
took a prominent part in its deliberations and ranked
among its ablest debaters.  He was appointed the
first Bank Commissioner of the State, by Gov. Mason,
and received an offer of the Attorney Generalship, but
declined both of these offices in order to attend to his
professional duties.
In I838, Mr. McClelland was elected to the State
Legislature, in which he soon became distinguished
as the head of several important committees, Speaker
pro tempore, and as an active, zealous and efficient
member. In I840, Gen. Harrison, as a candidate for
the Presidency, swept the country with an overwhelming majority, and at the same time the State of Michigan was carried by the Whigs under the popular cry
of " Woodbridge and reform" against the Democratic
party. At this time Mr. McClelland stood among the
acknowledged leaders of the latter organization; was
elected a member of the State House of Representatives, and with others adopted a plan to regain a lost
authority and prestige.
This party soon came again into power in the State,
and having been returned to the State Legislature M;.
McClelland's leadership was acknowledged by his'
election as Speaker of the House of Representatives




1                     Ro eOQBERT ilMcCLELL~ZAND


=                             A.~ —_ —_ —


__IC ---
i. — 1_1 --- —------
~_ -C- -- I _ ---II_ --- —-__ --- —--— ~~11~~~ —~~~1


in 1843. Down to this time Michigan had constituted one congressional district. The late Hon. Jacob
M, Howard had been elected against Hon. Alpheus
Felch by a strong majority; but, in 1843, so thoroughly
had the Democratic party recovered from its defeat
of 1840 that Mro McClelland, as a candidate for Congre.s, carried Detroit district by a majority of about
2,5.Co. Mr. McClelland soon toc', a prominent position in Congress among the veterans of that bodyo
During his first term he was placed on Committee on
Commerce, and organized and carried through what
were known as the "Harbor bills." The continued
confidence of his constituency was manifested in his
election to the 29th Congress. At the opening of this
session he had acquired a National reputation, and so
'a-xorably was he known as a parlimentarian that his
name was mentioned for Speaker of the House of Representativeso He declined the offer in favor of J. Wo
Davis, of Indiana, who was elected. During this term
he became Chairman of Committee on Commerce, in
which position his reports and advocacy of important
measures at once attracted public attention. The
members of this committee, as an evidence of the esteem in which they held his services and of their
personal regard for him, presented him fith a cane
which he retains as a souvenir of the donors, and of
his labors in Congress.
In I847, Mr. McClelland was re-elected to Con.
gress, and at the opening of the 3oth Congress became a member of the Committee on Fore.gn, Relations. While acting in this capacity, what was known
as the " French Spoliation Bill" came under his special charge, and his management of the same was such
as to command universal approbation.  While in
Congress, Mr. McClelland was an advocate of the
right of petition as maintained by John Q. Adams,
when the petition, was clothed in decorous language
and presented in the proper mannero  This he regarded as the citizens'constitutional right which should
not be impaired by any doctrines of temporary expediency. He also voted for the adoption of Mr. Giddings's bill for the abolishing of slavery in the District
of Columbiao Mr. McClelland was one of the few
Democrats associated with David Wilmot, of Penntylvania, in bringing forward the celebrated "Wilmot
Froviso, with a view to prevent further extension of
slavery in new territory which might be acquired by
the United States. He and Mr. Wilmot were together at the time in Washington, and on intimate:nd confidential termso Mr. McClelland was in sev1.ral National conventions and in the Baltimore contention, which nominated Gen. Cass for President,
' 1848, doing valiant service that year for the election of that distinguished statesman. On leaving
Congress, in I848, Mr. McClelland returned to the
practice of his profession at Monroe. In I850 a
convention of the State of Michigan was called to
revise the State constitution. He was elected a


member and was regarded therein as among the ablest
and most experienced leaders. His clear judgment
and wise moderation were conspicuous, both in the
committee room and on the floor, in debate. In I850,
he was President of the Democratic State convention
which adopted resolutions in support of Henry Clay's
famous compromise measures, of which Mr. McClelland was a strong advocateo He was a member of
the Democratic National convention in I85 2 and in
that year, in company with Gen. Cass and Governor
Felchl he made a thorough canvass of the State.
He continued earnestly to advocate the Clay compromise measures, and took an active part in the
canvass which resulted in the election of Gen. Pierce
to the Presidency.
In i85 r, the new State constitution took effect and
it was necessary that a Governor should be elected
for one year in order to prevent an interregnum, and
to bring the State Government into operation ufnder
the new constitutiono Mr. McClelland was elected
Governor, and in the fall of 1852 was re-elected for
a term of two years, from JanO i, I8530 His administration was regarded as wise, prudent and conciliatory, and was as popular as could be expected at a
time when party spirit ran higho There was really
no opposition, and when he resigned, in March, 1853,
the State Treasury was well filled, and the State
otherwise prosperous. So widely and favorably had
Mr. McClelland become known as a statesman that on
the organization of thecabinet by President Pierce, in
March, I 85 3, he was made Secretary of the Interior, in
which capacity he served most creditably during four
years of the Pierce administrationo He thoroughly
re-organ-ized his department and reduced the expenditure-. He adopted a course with the Indians which
relieved them from the impositions and annoyances
of the traders, and produced harmony and civilization
among them. During his administration there was
neither complaint from the tribes nor corruption among
agents, and he left the department in perfect order
and system. In I867, Michigan again called a convention to revise the State constitution, Mr. McClelland was a member and here again his long experience made him conspicuous as a prudent adviser, a
sagacious parliamentary leader. As a lawyer he was
terse and pointed in argument, clear, candid and impressive in his addresses to the juryo His sincerity
and earnestness, with which was occasionally mingled
a pleasant humor, made him an able and effective
advocate. In speaking before the people on political
subjects he was especially forcible and happy. In
I870 he made the tour of Europe, which, through his
extensive personal acquaintance with European diplomates, he was enabled to enjoy much more than
most travelers,
Mr. McClelland married, in I837, Miss Sarah
E. Sabin, of Williamstown, Mass. They have had
six children, two of whom now survive.








A




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GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN.


I33


-A- t- V59 z~jc —S


A&NDREW LA t= 3ONa


'j,-I,   I,  "  '1  "  I  ll o k1~i 11- K  N"- -,- -,,",, 


a   X\('W\   NDREW PARSONS, GoverI:/:~2A/    ll Mnor of Michigan from March
~"'~~ ~ - ~~, '~ ~ ~~81, i853 to Jan. 3, t855, was
<,... i~ f  born in the town of Hoosick,
~1~   ~(e County of Rensselaer, and
State of New York, on the 22d
-,~   $ day of July, 1817, and died June
J17[ 6, i855, at the early age of 38
l ~   years. He was the son of John
V Parsons, born at Newburyport,
Mass., Oct. 2, 1782, and who was the
son of Andrew Parsons, a Revolutionary
-     soldier, who was the son of Phineas
Parsons, the son of Samuel Parsons,
a descendant of Walter Parsons, born
i  in Ireland in 1290.
Of this name and family, some one hundred and
thirty years ago, Bishop Gilson remarked in his edition of Camden's Britannia: "The honorable family
of Parsons have been advanced to the dignity of
Viscounts and more lately Earls of Ross."
The following are descendants of these families:
Sir John Parsons, born 148I, was Mayor of Hereford;
Robert Parsons, born in I546, lived near Bridgewater,
England. He was educated at Ballial College, Oxford, and was a noted writer and defender of the
Romish faith. He established an English College at
Rome and another at Valladolia. Frances Parsons,
born in 1556, was Vicar of Rothwell, in Notingham;
Bartholomew  Parsons, born in i6I8, was another
lioted member of the family. In I634,Thomas Parsons
was knighted by Charles I. Joseph and Benjamin,
brothers, were born in Great Torrington, England,


and accompanied their father and others to New
England about I630. 'Samuel Parsons, born at Salisbury, Mass., in I707, graduated at Harvard College in
17 30, ordained at Rye, N. H., Nov. 3, 1736, married
Mary Jones, daughter of Samuel Jones, of Bostor,
Oct. 9, 1739, died Jan. 4, 1789, at the age of 82, in
the 53rd year of his ministry. The grandfather of Mary
Jones was Capt. John Adams, of Boston, grandson
of Henry, of Braintree, who was among the first settlers of Massachusetts, and from whom a numerous
race of the name are descended, including two Presidents of the United States. The Parsons have become very numerous and are found throughout New
England, and many of the descedants are scattered
in all parts of the United States, and especially in
the Middle and Western States. Governor Andrew
Parsons came to Michigan in I835, at the age of 17
years, and spent the first summer at Lower Ann
Arbor, where for a few months he taught school which
he was compelled to abandon from ill health
He was one of the large number of men of sterling
worth, who came from the East to Michigan when it
was an infant State, or, even prior to its assuming
the dignity of a State, and who, by their wisdom,
enterprise and energy, have developed its wonderful
natural resources, until to-day it ranks with the proudest States of the Union. These brave men came to
Michigan with nothing to aid them in the conquest
of the wilderness save courageous hearts and strong
and willing hands. They gloriously conquered, however, and to them is due all honor for the labors
so nobly performed, for the solid and sure foundation
which they laid of a great Commonwealth.






134                                 ANADRE IV
In the fall of 1835, he explored the Grand River
Valley in a frail canoe, the whole length of the river,
from Jackson to Lake Michigan, and spent the following
wvinter as clerk in a store at Prairie Creek, in Ionia,
County, and in the spring went to Marshall, where he
resided with his brother, the Hon. Luke H. Parsons,
also now deceased, until fall, when he went to Shiawasse County, then with Clinton County, and an almost
unbroken wilderness and constituting one organized
township. In 1837 this territory was organized into
a county and, at the age of only 19 years, he (Andrew) was elected County Clerk. In i840, he was
elected Register of Deeds, re-elected in 1842, and
also in I844. In J846, he was elected to the State
Senate, was appointed Prosecuting Attorney in I848,
and elected Regent of the University in 185i, and
Lieutenant Governor, and became acting Governor,
in 85 3, elected again to the Legislature in 1854, and,
overcome by debilitated health, hard labor and the
responsibilities of his office and cares of his business,
retired to his farm, where he died soon after.
He was a fluent and persuasive speaker and well
calculated to make friends of his acquantances. He
was always true to his trust, and the whole world
could not l)ersuade nor drive him to do what he conceived to be wrong. When Governor, a most powerful railroad influence was brought to bear upon him,
to induce him to call an extra session of the Legislature. Meetings were held in all parts of the State
for that purpose. In some sections the resolutions
were of a laudatory nature, intending to make him do
their bidding by resort to friendly and flattering words,
In other places the resolutions were of a demanding
nature, while in others they were threatening beyond
measure. Fearing that all these influences might
fail to induce him to call the extra session, a large
sum of money was sent him, and liberal offers tendered him if he would gratify the railroad interest of
the State and call the extra session, but, immovable,
he returned the money and refused to receive
any favois, whether froln any party who would attempt to corrupt him by laudations, liberal offers, or




' PARRSOSS..




I


--— ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'~~~~~~~~ —~~~~- --


by threats, and in a short letter to the people, after
giving overwhelming reasons that no sensible man
could dispute, showing the circumstances were not
"extraordinary," he refused to call the extra session.
This brought down the wrath of various parties upon
his head, but they were soon forced to acknowledge
the wisdom and the justice of his course. One of
his greatest enemies said, after a long acquaintance:
"though not always coinciding with his views I never
doubted his honesty of purpose. He at all times
sought to perform his duties in strict accordance,
with the dictates of his conscience, and the behests
of his oath." The following eulogium from a politcal opponent is just in its conception and creditable to its
author: " Gov. Parsons was a politician of the Democratic school, a man of pure moral character, fixed
and exemplary habits, and entirely blameless in every
public and private relation of life. As a politician he
was candid, frank and free from bitterness, as an executive officer firm, constant and reliable." The
highest commendations we can pay the deceased is
to give his just record, —that of being an honest man.
In the spring of 1854, during the administration of
Governor Parsons, the Republican party, at least
as a State organization, was first formed in the United
States " under the oaks " at Jackson, by anti-slavery
men of both the old parties. Great excitement prevailed at this time, occasioned by the settling of
Kansas, and the issue thereby brought up, whether
slavery should exist there. For the purposeof permitting slavery there, the " Missouri compromise " (which
limited slavery to the south of 36~ 30') was rerepealed, under the leadership of Stephen A, Douglas.
This was repealed by a bill admitting Kansas and
Nebraska into the Union, as Territories, and those who
were opposed to this repeal measure were in short
called "anti-Nebraska " men.  The epithets, "Nebraska" and "anti-Nebraska,' were temporally employed to designate the slavery and anti-slavery
parties, pending the desolution of the old Dernocratic
and Whig parties and the organization of the new
Democratic and Republican parties of the present.








-,Z.o "




GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN.


137


4-^     - H^^?S?        - 
j KINSLE. Y S. BINGHAM.  7
+. w, > w        l f""~""EE ~.~~/ ~
Edl


~:,iT(^  INSLEY     S.  BINGHAM,
Governor of Michigan from
I855 to I859, and United
',  AJ:7-Ai^]1 States Senator, was born in
Camillus, Onondaga County,
N. Y., Dec. I6, I8o8. His
father was a farmer, and his own
jj.ii   early life was consequently devoted to agricultural pursuits, but
i  notwithstanding the disadvantages related to the acquisition,, of knowledge in the life of a farmer
i lihe managed to secure a good academic education in his native State
and studied law in the office of! Gen. James R. Lawrence, now of
Syracuse, N. Y.   In the spring of
I1833, he married an estimable lady
who had recently arrived from Scotland, and obeying the impulse of a
naturally enterprising disposition,
he emigrated to  Michigan  and
purchased a new farm in company
with his brother-in-law, Mr. Robert
Worden, in Green Oak, Livingston County. Here, on
the border of civilization, buried in the primeval forest, our late student commenced the arduous task of
preparing a future home, clearing and fencing, putting up buildings, etc., at such a rate that the land


chosen was soon reduced to a high state of cultivation.
Becoming deservedly prominent, Mr. Bingham was
elected to the office of Justice of the Peace and Postmaster under the Territorial government, and was the
first Probate Judge in the county. In the year i836,
when Michigan I ecame a State, he was elected to the
first Legislature. He was four times re-elected, and
Speaker of the House of Representatives three years.
In 1846 he was elected on the Democratic ticket, Representative to Congress, and was the only practical
farmer in that body. He was never forgetful of the
interest of agriculture, and was in particular opposed
to the introduction of "Wood's Patent Cast Iron
Plow " which he completely prevented. He was reelected to Congress in I848, during which time he
strongly opposed the extension of slavery in the
territory of the United States and was committed to
and voted for the Wilmot Proviso.
In 1854, at the first organization of the Republican
party, in consequence of his record in Congress as a
Free Soil Democrat, Mr. Bingham was nominated
and elected Governor of the State, and re-elected in
1856. Still faithful to the memory of his own former
occupation, he did not forget the farmers during his
administration, and among other profits of his zeal in
their behalf, he became mainly instrumental in the
establishment of the Agricultural College at Lansing.
In 185 9, Governor Bingham was elected Senator in
Congress and took an active part in the storm!y campaign in the election of Abraham Lincoln. He wit





138


KINSLE Y S. BINGHA.M.


nessed the commencement of the civil war while a
member of the United States Senate. After a comparatively short life of remarkable promise and public activity he was attacked with appoplexy and died
suddenly at his residence, in Green Oak, Oct. 5, i861.
The most noticable event in Governor Bingham's
first term was the completion of the ship canal, at the
Falls of St. Mary. In J852, Angust 26, an act of
Congress was approved, granting to the State of Michigan seven hundred and fifty thousand acres of land
for the purpose of constructing a ship canal between
Lakes Huron and Superior. In I853, the Legislature
accepted the grant, and provided for the appointment
of commissioners to select the donated lands, and to
arrange for building the canal. A company of enterprising men was formed, and a contract was entered
into by which it was arranged that the canal should
be finished in two years, and the work was pushed
rapidly forward. Every article of consumption, machinery, working implements and materials, timber
for the gates, stones for the locks, as well as men and
supplies, had to be transported to the site of the canal
from Detroit, Cleveland, and other lake ports.  The
rapids which had to be surmounted have a fall of
seventeen feet and are about one mile long. The
length of the canal is less than one mile, its width one
hundred feet, depth twelve feet and it has two locks
of solid masonary. In May, 1855, the work was completed, accepted by the commissioners, and formally
delivered to the State authorities.
The disbursements on account of the construction
of the canal and selecting the lands amounted to one
million of dollars; while the lands which were assigned to the company, and selected through the
agency at the Sault, as well as certain lands in the
Upper and Lower Peninsulas, filled to an acre the
Government grant. The opening of the canal was
an important event in the history of the improvement
of the State. It was a valuable link in the chain of
lake commerce, and particularly important to the
interests of the Upper Peninsula.
There were several educational, charitable and reformatory institutions inaugurated and opened during
Gov. Bingham's administrations. The Michigan Agricultural College owes its establishment to a provision
of the State Constitution of I850. Article I3 says,
"The Legislature shall, as soon as practicable, provide for the establishment of an agricultural school."
For the purpose of carying into practice this provision,
legislation was commenced in 1855, and the act required that the school should be within ten miles of
Lansing, and that not more than $15 an acre should
be paid for the farm and college grounds. The college was opened to students in May, I857, the first of
existing argricultural colleges in the United States.
Until the spring of i86i, it was under the control
of the State Board of Education; since that time it
has been under the management of the State Board


_.


I


I


---— 


of Agriculture, which was created for that purpose.
In its essential features, of combining study and
labor, and of uniting general and professional studies
in its course, the college has remained virtually unchanged from the first. It has a steady growth in
number of students, in means of illustration and
efficiency of instruction.
The Agricultural College is three miles east of
Lansing, comprising several fine buildings; and there
are also very beautiful, substantial residences for the
professors. There are also an extensive, well-filled
green-house, a very large and well-equipped chemical
laboratory, one of the most scientific apiaries in the
United States, a general museum, a meseum of mechanical inventions, another of vegetable products,
extensive barns, piggeries, etc., etc., in fine trim for
the purposes designed. The farm consists of 676
acres, of which about 300 are under cultivation in a
systematic rotation of crops.
Adrian College was established by the Wesleyan
Methodists in 1859, now under the control of the
Methodist Church. The grounds contain about 20
acres. There are four buildings, capable of accommodating about 225 students. Attendance in 1875
was 7 9; total number of graduates for previous year,
121; ten professors and teachers are employed. Exclusive of the endowment fund ($8o,ooo), the assets
of the institution, including grounds, buildings, furniture, apparatus, musical instruments, outlying lands,
etc., amount to more than $137,000.
Hillsdale College was established in i855 by the
Free Baptists. The Michigan Central College, at
Spring Arbor, was'incorporated in i845  It was kept
in operation until it was merged into the present
Hillsdale College.  The site comprises 25 acres,
beautifully situated on an eminence in the western
part of the city of Hillsdale. The large and imposing building first erected was nearly destroyed by fire
in I874, and in its place five buildings of a more
modern style have been erected. They are of brick,
three stories with basement, arranged on three sides
of a quadrangle. The size is, respectively, 80 by 8o,
48 by 72, 48 by 7 2, 80 by 60, 52 by 72, and they contain one-half more room than the original building.
The State Reform School. This was established
at Lansing in 1855, in the northeastern portion of the
city, as the House of Correction for Juvenile Offenders, having about it many of the features of a
prison. In i859 the name was changed to the State
Reform School. The government and dicipline, have
undergone many and radical changes, until all the
prison features have been removed except those that
remain in the walls of the original structure, and
which remain only as monuments of instructive history. No bolts, bars or guards are employed.  The
inmates are necessarily kept under the surveillance of
officers, but the attempts at escape are much fewer
than under the more rigid regime of former days.




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GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN.


t41


X^,":;]?   " E  OSES WISNER, Governor of
Michigan from i859 to i86I,
1W^             - f '~b)  l~  was born in Springport, Cayu^':L:pX     ga Co., N  Y., June 3, I815.; Xi,~         His earlv education was only
what could be obtained at a
/ '_:common school. Agricultural labor
1 and frugality of his parents gave
sj    toilhim a physical constitution of unus-?  ual strength and endurance, which
^p ^was ever preserved by temperate habits. In 1837 he emigrated to Michi(  gan and purchased a farm in Lapeer
|   County     It was new land and he at:   once set to work to clear it and plant
crops. He labored diligently at his
task for two years, when he gave up
the idea of being a farmer, and removed to Pontiac,
Oakland Co. Here he commenced the study of law
in the office of his brother, George W. Wisner, and
Rufus Hosmer. In 1841 he was admitted to the bar
and established himself in his new vocation at the
village of Lapeer. While there he was apppointed
by Gov. Woodbridge Prosecuting Attorney for that
county, in which capacity he acquitted himself well
and gave promise of that eminence he afterward attained in the profession. He remained at Lapeer but
a short time, removing to Pontiac, where he became
a member of a firm and entered fully upon the
practice.
In politics he was like his talented brother, a Whig
c? the Henry Clay stamp, but with a decided antislaver) bias. His, practice becoming extensive, he


took little part in politics until after the election of
Mr. Pierce to the Presidency in 1852, when he took an
active part against slavery. As a lawyer he was a
man of great ability, but relied less upon mere book
learning than upon his native good sense. Libelal
and courteous, was he yet devoted to the interest of
his client, and no facts escaped his attention or his
memory which bore upon the case. He was no friend
of trickery or artifice in conducting a case  As an advocate he had few equals. When fully aroused by the
merits of his subject his eloquence was at once graceful and powerful. His fancies supplied the most
original, the most pointed illustrations, and his logic
became a battling giant under whose heavy blows the
adversary shrank and withered. Nature had bestowed upon him rare qualities, and his powers as a
popular orator were of a high order.
On the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of
I854, repealing the Missouri compromise and opening
the Territories to slavery, he was among the foremost
in Michigan to denounce the shamful scheme. He
actively participated in organizing and consolidating
the elements opposed to it in that State, and was a
member of the popular gathering at Jackson, in July,
1854, which was the first formal Republican Convention held in the United States. At this meeting the
name " Republican " was adopted as a designation of
the new party consisting of Anti-slavery, Whigs,
Liberty men, Free Soil Democrats and all others opposed to the extension of slavery and favorable to its
expulsion from the Territories and the District of
Columbia. At this convention Mr. W. was urged to
accept the nomination for Attorney General of the






142                        MOSES WISNER.


- ----— 5`'"'-`
--- --—  --- —------






State, but declined. An entire State ticket was nominated and at the annual election in November was
elected by an average majority of nearly io,ooo.
Mr. W. was enthusiastic in the cause and brought to
its support all his personal influence and talents. In
his views he was bold and radical. He believed from
the beginning that the political power of the slaveholders would have to be overthrown before quiet
could be secured to the country. In the Presidential
canvass of 1856 he supported the Fremont, or Republican, ticket. At the session of the Legislature of
I857 he was a candidate for United States Senator,
and as such received a very handsome support.
In i858, he was nominated for Governor of the
State by the Republican convention that met at Detroit, and at the subsequent November election was
chosen by a very large majority. Before the day of
the election he had addressed the people of almost
every county and his majority was greater even than
that of his popular predecessor, Hon. K. S. Bingham.
He served as Governor two years, from Jan. I. 1859,
to Jan. I, I86i. His first message to the Legislature
was an able and statesman-like production, and was
read with usual favor. It showed that he was awake
to all the interests of the State and set forth an enlightened State policy, that had its view of the rapid
settlement of our uncultivated lands and the development of our immense agricultural and mineral resources. It was a document that reflected the highest
credit upon the author.
His term having expired Jan. I, I86i, he returned
to his home in Pontiac, and to the practice of his
profession. There were those in the State who
counselled the sending of delegates to the peace conference at Washington, but Mr. W. was opposed to all
such temporizing expedients. His counsel was to
send no delegate, but to prepare to fight.
After Congress had met and passed the necessary.egislation he resolved to take part in the war. In
the spring and summer of I862 he set to work to
raise a regiment of infantry, chiefly in Oakland
County, where he resided. His regiment, the 22d
Micligan, was armed and equipped and ready to
march in September, a regiment whose solid qualities were afterwards proven on many a bloody field.
Col. W's. commission bore the date of Sept. 8, 1862.
Before parting with his family he made his will. His
regiment was sent to Kentucky and quartered at


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Camp Wallace. He had at the breaking out of the
war turned his attention to military studies and became proficient in the ordinary rules and discipline.
His entire attention was now devoted to his duties.
Hiis treatment of his men was kind, though his discipline was rigid. He possessed in an eminent degree
the spirit of command, and had he lived he would
no doubt have distinguished  himself as a good
officer. He was impatient of delay and chafed at
being kept in Kentucky where there was so little
prospect of getting at the enemy. But life in camp,
so different from the one he had been leading, and
his incessant labors, coupled with that impatience
which was so natural and so general among the volunteers in the early part of the war, soon made their
influence felt upon his health. He was seized with
typhoid fever and removed to a private house near
Lexington. Every care which medical skill or the
hand of friendship could bestow was rendered him.
In the delirious wanderings of his mind he was disciplining his men and urging them to be prepared for
an encounter with the enemy, enlarging upon the justice of their cause and the necessity of their crushing the Rebellion. But the source of his most poignant griet was the prospect of not being able to come
to a hand-to-hand encounter with the "chivalry."
He was proud of his regiment, and felt that if it could
find the enemy it would cover itself with glory,-a
distinction it afterward obtained, but not until Col W.
was no more. The malady baffled all medical treatment, and on the 5th day of Jan., 1863, he breathed
his last. His remains were removed to Michigan and
interred in the cemetery at Pontiac, where they rest
by the side of the brave Gen. Richardson, who received his mortal wound at the battle of Antietam.
Col. W. was no adventurer, although he was doubtless
ambitious of military renown and would have striven
for it with characteristic energy. He went to the war
to defend and uphold the principles lie had so much
at heart. Few men were more familiar than he with
the causes and the underlying principles that led to
the contest. He left a wife, who was a daughter of
Gen. C. C. Hascall, of Flint, and four children to
mourn his loss. Toward them he ever showed the
tenderest regard. Next to his duty their love and
welfare engrossed his thoughts. He was kind, generous and brave, and like thousands of others.he
sleeps the sleep of the martyr for his country. 




I




0




GO VERNORS OF AMICHIGAN.


I45.      'l..._>._~  p.=-...
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-i>F%~~  ~''~t.        am *Ad r,*v


~i~?f~(hll    ~\ ~USTIN   BLAIR, Governor
$LK:f.      & W  ~of Michigan from  Jan. 2,
r86I, to Jan. 4, i865, and
n^ ^JL ^     kown as the War Governor, is
-m^s~^        and illustration of the benifi-?    cent influence of republican institutions, having inherited neithK     q1 l er fortune nor fame. He was born
W) ~a   l in a log cabin at Caroline, Tomp70t~ f i kins Co., N. Y., Feb. 8, i8I8.
His ancestors came from Scotland in the time of George I, and
il for many generations followed the
{ pursuit of agriculture.  His father,
George Blair, settled in Tompkins
County in i809, and felled the trees and erected the
first cabin in the county. The last 60 of the fourscore and four years of his life were spent on that
spot. He married Rhoda Blackman,who now sleeps
with him in the soil of the old homestead. 'The first
17 years of his life were spent there, rendering his
father what aid he could upon the farm.  He then
spent ayear and a half in Cazenovia Seminary preparing for college; entered Hamilton College, in
Clinton, prosecuted his studies until the middle of
the junior year, when, attracted by the fame of Dr.
Nott, he changed to Union College, from which he
graduated in the class of 1839.  Upon leaving college Mr. Blair read law two years in the office of Sweet
& Davis, Owego, N Y., and was admitted to practice
in 1841, and the same year moved to Michigan, locat

ing in Jackson. During a temporary residence in
Eaton Rapids, in I842, he was elected Clerk of Eaton
County. At the 'close of the official term he returned to
Jackson, and as a Whig, zealously espoused the cause
of Henry Clay in the campaign of 1844. He was chosen
Representative to the Legislature in 1845, at whicl
session, as a member of the Judiciary Committee, he
rendered valuable service in the revision of the general statutes; also made an able report in favor of
abolishing the color distinction in relation to the elective franchise, and at the same session was active in
securing the abolition of capital punishment. In 1848
Mr. Blair refused longer to affiliate with the Whig
party, because of its refusial to endorse in convention
any anti-slavery sentiment. He joined the Free-soil
movement, and was a delegate to their convention
which nominated Van Buren for President that year.
Upon the birth of the Republican party at Jackson,
in 1854, by the coalition of the Whig and Free-soil
elements, Mr. Blair was in full sympathy with the
movement, and acted as a member of the Committee
on Platform. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney
of Jackson County in I852; was chosen State Senator
two years later, taking his seat with the incoming Republican administration of I855, and holding the
position of parliamentary leader in the Senate. He
was a delegate to the National Convention which
nominated Abraham   Lincoln in i86o. Mr. Blair
was elected Governor of Michigan in i86o, and reelected in 1862, faithfully and honorably discharging
the arduous duties of the office during that most mo



146


A USTIir BLAIR.


mie tous and stormy period of the Nation's life. Gov.
Blair possessed a clear comprehension of the perilous
situation from the inception of the Rebellion, and his
inaugural address foreshadowed the prompt executive
policy and the administrative ability which characterized his gubernatorial career.
Never perhaps in the history of a nation has a
brighter example been 1 tid down, or a greater sacrifice been made, than that which distinguished Michigan during the civil war. All, from the " War Governor." down to the poorest citizen of the State, were
animated with a patriotic ardor at once magnificiently
sublime and wisely directed.
Very early in I86I tile coming struggle cast its
shadow over the Nation. Governor Blair, in his message to the Legislature in January of that year, dwelt
very forcibly upon the sad prospects of civil war; and
as forcibly pledged the State to support the principles
of the Republic. After a review of the conditions
of the State, he passed on to a consideration of the
relations between the free and slave States of the
Republic, saying: " While we are citizens of the State
of Michigan, and as such deeply devoted to her interests and honor, we have a still prouder title.  We
are also citizeas of the United States of America. By
this title we are known among the nations of the earth,
In remote quarters of the globe, where the names of
the States are unknown, the flag of the great Republic,
the banner of the stars and stripes, honor and protect
her citizens. In whatever concerns the honor, the
prosperity and the perpetuity of this great Government, we are deeply interested. The people of Michigan are loyal to that Government-faithful to its constitution and its laws. Under it they have had peace
and prosperity; and under it they mean to abide to
the end. Feeling a just pride in the glorious history
of the past, they will not renounce the equally glorious hopes of the future. But they will rally around
the standards of the Nation and defend its integrity
and its constitution, with fidelity." The final paragraph being:
" I recommend you at an early day to make mani



I


I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

fest to the gentlemen who represent this State in the
two Houses of Congress, and to the country, that
Michigan is loyal to the Union, the Constitution, and
the laws and will defend them to the uttermost; and
to proffer to the President of the United States, the
whole military power of the State for that purpose.
Oh, for the firm, steady hand of a Washington, or a
Jackson, to guide the ship of State in this perilous
storm! Let us hope that we will find him on the 4th
of March. Meantime, let us abide in the faith of our
fathers-'Liberty and Union, one and inseparable,
now and forever.'"
How this stirring appeal was responded to by the
people of Michigan will be seen by the statement
that the State furnished 88,i  men during the war.
Money, men, clothing and food were freely and abundantly supplied by this State during all these years of
darkness and blood shed. No State won a brighter
record for her devotion to our country than the Pen-.
insula State, and to Gov. Blair, more than to any
other individual is due the credit for its untiring zeal
and labors in the Nation's behalf, and for the heroism
manifested in its defense.
Gov. Blair was elected Representative to the
Fortieth Congress, and twice re-elected, to the Fortyfirst and Forty-second Congress, from the Third Dis.
trict of Michigan. While a member of that body he
was a strong supporter of reconstruction measures,
and sternly opposed every form of repudiation. His
speech upon the national finances, delivered on the
floor of the House March 21, I868, was a clear and
convincing argument. Since his retirement from Congress, Mr. Blair has been busily occupied with his extensive law practice. Mr. Blair married Sarah L.
Ford, of Seneca County N. Y., in February, 1849.
Their family consists of 4 sons-George H., a postal
clerk in the railway mail service; Charles A., partner
with his father; Fred. J. and Austin T., at home.
Governor Blair's religion is of the broad type, and
centers in the "Golden Rule." In 1883, Gov. Blair
was nominated for Justice of the Sullreme Co:!rt
of the State by the Republican )p rty, but was dtefeated






I
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I4Z


4 &




GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN.


r49


-  Yfi  Y  i   ENRY HOWLIAND CRAPO,
II ~.ll i) Governor of Michigan from
~- ' I    I ~,| 9I865 to I869, was born May
] [..  24, 1804, at Dartmouth, bris).>        Ctol Co., Mass., and died at
Flint, Mich., July 22, I869.
'< 7 t He was the eldest son of Jesse
1!I/g'   and Phoebe (Howland) Crapo.
f!{ ai His father was of French descent
Y  and was very poor, sustaining his
/-family by the cultivation of a farm in
I) Dartmouth township, which yielded
) nothing beyond a mere livelihood.
His early life was consequently one
j of toil and devoid of advantages for
intellectual culture, but his desire for
an education seemed to kliow no bounds. The incessant toil for a mere subsistence upon a comparatively sterile farm, had no charm for him; and, longing
for greater usefulness and better things, he looked for
them in an education. His struggles to secure this
end necessitated sacrifices and hardships that would
have discouraged any but the most courageous and
persevering. He became an ardent student and
worker from his boyhood, though the means of carrying on his studies were exceedingly limited. He
sorely felt the need of a dictionary; and, neither having
money wherewith to purchase it, nor being able to
procure one in his neighborhood, he set out to compile
one for himself. In order to acquire a knowledge of
the English language, he copied into a book every
word whose meaning he did not comprehend, and
upon meeting the same word again in the newspapers
and b3oks, which came into his hands, from  the




context, would then record the definition. Whenever
unable otherwise to obtain the signification of a word
in which he had become interested he would walk
from Dartmouth to New Bedford for that purpose
alone, and after referring to the books at the library
and satisfying h:mself thoroughly as to its definition,
would walk back, a distance of about seven miles.
the same night. This was no unusual circumstance,
Under such difficulties and in this manner he compiled quite an extensive dictionary in manuscripwhich is believed to be still in existence.
Ever in pursuit of knowledge, he obtained posse3.
sion of a book upon surveying, and applying himself
diligently to its study became familiar with this art
which he soon had an opportunity to practice. The
services of a land surveyor were wanted, and he was
called upon, but had no compass and no money with
which to purchase one. A compass, however, he
must and would have, and going to a blacksmith shop
near at hand, upon the forge, with such tools as he
could find in the shop, while the smith was at dinner,
he constructed the compass and commenced life as a
surveyor. Still continuing his studies, he fitted himself for teaching, and took charge of the village school
at I)artmouth. When, in the course of time and under the pressure of law, a high school was to be
opened, he passed a successful examination for its
principalship and received the appointment. To do
this was no small task. The law required a rigid
examination in various subjects, which necessitated
days and nights of study. One evening, after concluding his day's labor of teaching, he traveled on foot
to New Bedford, some seven or eight miles, called
upon the preceptor of Friend's Academy and passed






I50 oHIENR Y HO WLA ND CRAPO.


--
-  —


=




a severe examination. Receiving a certificate that
he was qualified, he walked back to his home the
same night, highly elated in being possessed of the
acquirements and requirements of a master of the
high school.
In I832, at the age of 28 years, he left his native
town and went to reside at New Bedford, where he
followed the occupation of land surveyor, and occasionally acted as an auctioneer. Soon after becoming a citizen of this place, he was elected Town Clerk,
Treasurer, and Collector of taxes, which office he held
until the municipal government was changed,-about
fifteen years,-when, upon the inauguration of the city
government, he was elected Treasurer and Collector
of taxes, a position which he held two or three years.
He was also Justice of the Peace for many years.
lie was elected Alderman of New Bedford; was
Chairman of Council Committee on Education, and
as such prepared a report upon Which was based the
order for the establishment of the free Public Library
of New Bedford. On its organization, Mr. Crapo was
chosen a member of the Board of Trustees. This
was the first free public library in Massachusetts, if
not in the world. The Boston Free Library was established, however, soon afterwards. While a resident
in New Bedford, he was much interested in horticulture, and to obtain the land necessary for carrying out
his ideas he drained and reclaimed several acres of
rocky and swampy land adjoining his garden. Here
lhe started a nursery, which he filled with almost every
description of fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs,
fliwers, etc. In this he was very successful and took
great pride. He was a regular contributorto the New
England Horticultural Journal, a position he filled
as long as he lived in Massachusetts. As an indication of the wide reputation he acquired in that field
of labor, it may be mentioned that after his death an
affecting eulogy to his memory was pronounced by the
President of the National Horticultural Society at its
meeting in Philadelphia, in I869. During his residence in New Bedford, Mr. Crapo was also engaged
in the whaling business. A fine barque built at Dartmouth, of which he was part owner, was named the
"H. H. Crapo" in compliment to him.
Mr. C. also took part in the State Militia, and for
several years held a commission as Colonel of one of
the regiments. He was President of the Bristol
County Mutual Fire Insurance Co., and Secretary of
the Bedford Commercial Insurance Company in New
Bedford; and while an officer of the municipal goveranment he compiled and published, between the years
1836 and I845, five numbers of the New Bedford
Directory, the first work of the kind ever published
there.
Mr. C. removed to Michigan in I856, having been
induced to do so by investments made principally in
pine lands, first in 1837 and subsequently in i856.
He took up his residence in the city of Flint, and en



=


gaged largely in the manufacture and sale of lumber
at Flint, Fentonville, Holly and Detroit, becoming
one of the largest and most successful business men
of the State. He was mainly instrumental in the
construction of the Flint & Holly R. R., and was
President of that corporation until its consolidation
with the Flint & Pere Marquette R. R. Company.
He was elected Mayor of that city after he had been
a resident of the place only five cr six years. In
I862 he was elected State Senator. In the fall of
1864 he received the nomination on the Republican
ticket for Governor of the State, and was elected by a
large majority. He was re-elected in 1866, holding
the office two terms, and retiring in January, i869,
having given the greatest satisfaction to all parties.
While serving his last term he was attacked with a
disease which terminated his life within one year
afterwards. During much of this time he was an intense sufferer, yet often while in great pain gave his
attention to public matters. A few weeks previous
to his death a successful surgical operation was performed which seemed rapidly to restore him, but he
overestimated his strength, and by too much exertion
in business matters and State affairs suffered arelapse
from which there was no rebound, and he died July
33, I869.
In the early part of his life, Gov. Crapo affiliated
with the Whig party in politics, but became an active
member of the Republican party after its organization.
He was a member of the Christian (sometimes called
the Disciples') Church, and took great interest in its
welfare and prosperity.
Mr. C. married, June 9, I825, Mary A. Slocum,
of Dartmouth. His marriage took place soon after
he had attained his majority, and before his struggles
with fortune had been rewarded with any great measure of success. But his wife was a woman of great
strength of character and possessed of courage, hopefulness and devotion, qualities which sustained and
encouraged her husband in the various pursuits of
his early years. For several years after his marriage
he was engaged in teaching school, his wife living
with her parents at the time, at whose home his two
older children were born. While thus situated ihe
was accustomed to walk home on Saturday to see
his family, returning on Sunday in order to be ready
for school Monday morning. As the walk for a good
part of the time was 20 miles each way, it is evident
that at that period of his life no common obstacles
deterred him  from  performing what he regarded
as a duty. His wife was none the less conscientious in her sphere, and with added responsibilities
and increasing requirements she labored faithfully
in the performance of all her duties. They had
ten children, one son and nine daughters. His son,
Hon. Wm. W. Crapo, of New Bedford, is now an
honored Representative to Congress from the First
Congressional District of Massachusetts.












I.,
el




611


op




GO VfRNVCCRS OF,1fCTIIGAN. 


153


<,~ XENRYH Po BdLD'aio gW
QQ,26(*-,SS$t^^^^                        ^2 
''^rfd.^vcfijy~ie?^6'^666 ^e<^(g^^(^^^^^%^^3^^* ^^^^^^Q^-TPT^^y
GG5-~~~~~~~~-   ~ ~ ~ 'ii35W
-~Ma~~ir ~i9~J~ ~: ~~
<yL


'' "       ENRY P. BALDWIN, Gov-._[  il     ernor of Michigan from Jan.
<'   1  _B 1' 4, I869, to Jan. i, I873, is a
lineal descendant of Nathan~JeeeX<kRS eiel Baldwin, a Puritan, of Buck-.~  e, inghlamshire, England, who set~~;;K/  tled at Milford, Conn,, in 1639.
2jllgX   His father was John Baldwin,
1}*K2~    a graduate of Dartmouth College. He died at North Proviy   (  dence, R. I., il 1826. His
M <lly  "paternal grandfather was Rev.
Moses Baldwin, a graduate of
Princeton College, in 7 5 7, and the
first who received collegiate honors at that ancient and honored institution. He died
at Parma, Mass., in 18:3, where for more than 50
years he had leen pastor of the Presbyterian Church.
On his mother's side Governor B. is descended from
Robert Williams, also a Puritan, who settled in Roxbury, Mass., about 1638. His mother was a daughter
of Rev. Nehemiah Williams, a graduate of Harvard
College, who died at Brimfield, Mass., in 7 96, where
for 2I years he was pastor of the Congregationalist
Church. The subject of this sketch was born at
Coventry, R. 1., Feb. 22, 1814. He received a New
Elngland common-school education until the age of
T 2 years, when, both his parents having died, he became a clerk in a mercantile establishment. He remained there, employing his leisure hours in study,
until 20 years of age.
At this early period Mr. B. engaged in business on
his own account. He made a visit to the West, in
1837, which resulted in his removal to Detroit in the
spring of 1838. Here he established a mercantile
house which has been successfully conducted until
the present time. Although he successfully conducted


a large business, he has ever taken a deep interest in
all things affecting the lproslerity of the city and
State of his adoption. lie was for several years a
Director and President of the Detroit Young Men's
Society, an institution with a large library designed
for the benefit of young men and citizens generally.
An Episcopalian in religious belief, he has been
promnine;nt in home matters connected with that denomination. The large and flourishing parish of St.
John, Detroit, originated with Governor Baldwin, who
gave the lot on which the parish edifice stands, and
also contributed the larger share of the cost of their
erection. Governor B. was one of the foremost in
the establishment of St. Luke's Hospital, and has
always been a liberal contributor to moral and religious enterprises whether connected with his own
Church or not. There lave been, in fact, but few
public and social improvements of I)etroit during the
past 40 years with whicl Governor B.'s name is not
in some way connected. He was a director in the
Michigan State Bank until the expiration of its charter, and has been President of the Second National
Bank since its organization.
In i86o, Mr. Baldwin was elected to the State
Senate, of Michigan; during the years of i861-'2 he
was made Chairman of the Finance Committee, a
member of Committee on Banks and Incorporations,
Chairman of the Select Joint Committee of the two
Houses for the investigation of the Treasury Department and the official acts of the Treasurer, and of
the letting of the contract for the improvement of
Sault St. Marie Ship Canal. He was first elected
Governor in I868 and was re-elected in I870, serving
from I869 to I872, inclusive. It is no undeserved
eulogy to say that Governor B.'s happy faculty of estimating the necessary means to an end-the knowing
of how much effort or attention to bestow upon the
thing in hand, has been the secret of the uniform




Ire                HENRY P. BALDWIN.


---
----


success that has attended his efforts in all relations
of life. The same industry and accuracy that distinguished him prior to this term as Governor was
manifest in his career as the chief magistrate of the
State, and while his influence appears in all things
with: which he has had to do, it is more noticeable in
the most prominent position to which he was called.
With rare exceptions the important commendations
of Governor B. received the sanction of the Legislature.  During his administration marked improvements were made in the charitable, penal and reformatory institutions of the State. The State Public School
for dependent children was founded and a permanent
commission for the supervision of the several State
institutions. The initiatory steps toward building the
Eastern Asylum for the Insane, the State House of
Correction, and the establishment of the State Board
of Health were recommended by Governor B. in his
messace of I873. The new State Capitol also owes
its origen to him. The appropriation for its erection
was made upon his recommendation, and the contract
for the entire work let under this administration.
Governor B. also appointed the commissioners under
whose faithful supervision the building was erected in
a manner most satisfactory to the people of the State.
He advised and earnestly urged at different times
such amendments of the constitution as would permit a more equitable compensation to State officers
and judges. Thelaw of 1869, and prior also, permitting
municipalities to vote aid toward the construction of railroads was, in 1870, delared unconstitutionral by the Supreme Court. Many of the municipalities having in the meantime issued and sold their
bonds in good faith, Governor B. felt that the honor
and credit of the State were in jeopardy. His sense
of justice impelled him to call an extra session of the
Legislature to propose the submission to the people a
constitutional amendment, authorizing the payment
of such bonds as were already in the hands of bonafide holders. In his special message he says: "The
credit of no State stands higher than that of Michigan,
and the people can not afford, and I trust will not
consent, to have her good name tarnished by the repudiation of eitherlegal or moral obligations." A special session was called in March, I872, principally for
the division of the State into congressional districts.
A number of other important suggestions were made,
however, ard as an evidence of the Governor's laborious and thoughtful care for the financial condition


of the State, a series of tables was prepared and submitted by him showing, in detail, estimates of receipts,
expenditures and appropriations for the years 187 2to
I878, inclusive. Memorable of Govcrnt:rB.'s administration were the devastating fires which swept over
many portions of the Northwest in the fall of 187:
A large part of the city of Chicago having been reduced to ashes, Governor B. promptly issued a proclamation calling upon the people of Michigan for
liberal aid in behalf of the afflicted city. Scarcely had
this been issued when several counties in his State
were laid waste by the same destroying element.
A second call was made asking assistance for the suffering people of Michigan. The contributions for
these objects were prompt and most liberal, more than
$700,000 having been received in money and supplies
for the relief of Michigan alone. So ample were
these contributions during the short period of about
3 months, that the Governor issued a proclamation
expressing in behalf of the people of the State grateful acknowldgment, and announcing that further
aid was unnecessary.
Governor B. has traveled extensively in his own
country and has also made several visits to Europe
and other portions of the Old World. He was a passenger on the Steamer Arill, which was captured and
bonded in the Carribean Sea, in December, 1862, by
Capt. Semmes, and wrote a full aind interesting account of the transaction. The following estimate of
Governor B. on his retirement from office, by a leading
newspaper, is not overdrawn: "The retiring message
of Governor B., will be read with interest. It is
a characteristic document and possesses the lucid
statement, strong, and clear practical sense, which
have been marked features ofall preceding documents
from the same source. Governor B. retired to private
life after four years of unusually successful administration amid plaudits that are universal throughout the
State. For many years eminent and capable men
have filled the executive chair of this State, but in
painstaking vigilance, in stern good sense, in genuine
public spirit, in thorough integrity and in practical
capacity, Henry P. Baldwin has shown himself to be
the peer of any or all of them. The State has been unusually prosperous during his two terms, and the State
administration has fully kept pace with the needs of
the times. The retiring Governor has fully earned
the public gratitude and confidence which he to-day
possesses to such remarkable degree.'




NI,








GO VE'RNORS OF MICHIGA N.


I57


j OHN    JUDSON      BAGLEY,
f.:g.j~.~V^:. ^I   ~ Governor of Michigan from
>,'^ifiik/           71I873 to 1877, was born in
~ I~M!f ^kJ~~ ~    Medina, Orleans Co., N. Y.,
%  +.^  2   July 24,I832. His father,John
(E\7,    Bagley, was a native of New
Hampshire, his mother, Mary M.
1   Bagley, of Connecticut. He attended the district school of Lockport, N. Y., until he was eight years
old, at which time his father moved
to Constantine, Mich., and he attended the common schools of that
lvillage. His early experience was
like that of many country boys whose
parents removed from Eastern States
to the newer portion of the West.
0His father being in very poor circumstances, Mr. B. was obliged to work
as soon as he was able to do so.
Leaving school when r3 years of age
(  he entered a country store in Constantine as clerk. His father then removed to Owosso, Mich., and he again
engaged as clerk in a store. From
early youth Mr. B. was extravagantly fond of reading
and devoted every leisure moment to the perusal of
such books, papers and periodicals as came within
his reach. In 1847, he removed to Detroit, where he
secured employment in a tobacco manufactory and
remained in this position for about five years.
In 1853, he began business for himself in the manufacturing of tobacco. His establishment has become


one of the largest of the kind in the West. Mr. B.
has also been greatly interested in other manufacturing enterprises, as well as in mining, banking and insurance corporations. He was President of the
Detroit Safe Company for several years. He was one
of the organizers of the Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Company of Detroit, and was its President from
I867 to 1872. He was a director of the American National Bank for many years, and a stockholder and director in various other corporations.
Mr. B. was a member of the Board of Education two
years, and of the Detroit Common Council the same
length of time. In 1865 he was appointed by Governor Crapo one of the first commissioners of the
Metropolitian police force of the city of Detroit, serving six years. In November, i872, he was elected
Governor of Michigan, and two years later was reelected to the same office, retiring in January, I877.
He was an active worker in the Republican party, and
for many years was Chairman of the Republican
State Central committee.
Governor Bagley was quite liberal in his religious
views and was an attendant of the Unitarian Church.
He aimed to be able to hear and consider any new
thought,from whatever source itmay come, but was not
bound by any religious creed or formula. He held
in respect all religious opinions, believing that no one
can be injured by a firm adherence to a faith or denomination. He was married at Dubuque, Iowa, Jan.
I6, 1855, to Frances E. Newberry, daughter of Rev.
Samuel Newberry, a pioneer missionary of Michigan,
who took an active part in the early educationalmatters of the State and in the establishment of its excellent system of education. It was principally




158


JOHN J. BA GLE Y.


through his exertions that the State University was
founded. Mr. B.'s family consists of seven children.
As Governor his administration was characterized by several important features, chief among
which were his efforts to improve and make popular
the educational agencies of the State by increasing
the faculty of the University for more thorough instruction in technical studies,by strengthening the hold
of the Agricultural College upon the public good will
and making the general change which has manifested
itself in many scattered primary districts. Among
others were an almost complete revolution in the
management of the penal and charitable institutions
of the State; the passage of the liquor-tax law, taking
the place of the dead letter of prohibition; the establishing of the system of dealing with juvenile offenders through county agents, which has proved of great
good in turning the young back from crime and placing the State in the attitude of a moral agent; in securing for the militia the first time in the history of
Michigan a systematized organization upon a serviceable footing. It was upon the suggestion of Gov. B.
in the earlier part of his administration that the law
creating the State Board of Health, and also the law
creating a fish commission in the inland waters of the
State, were passed, both of which have proved of great
benefit to the State. The successful representation
of Michigan at the Centennial Exhibition is also an
honorable part of the record of Gov. B.'s administration.
As Governor, he felt tiat he represented the State
-not in a narrow, egotistical way, but in the same
sense that a faithful, trusted, confidential agent represents his employer, and as the Executive of the
State he was her " attorney in fact." And his intelligent, thoughtful care will long continue the pride of
the people he so much loved.  He was ambitiousambitious for place and power, as every noble mind
is ambitious, because these give opportunity. However strong the mind and powerful the will, if there
be no ambition, life is a failure. He was not blind to
the fact that the more we have the more is required
of us. He accepted it in its fullest meaning.  He
had great hopes for his State and his country. He had
his ideas of what they should be. With a heart as
broad as humanity itself; with an intelligent, 'able and
cultured brain, the will and the power to do, he
asked his fellow citizen to give him the opportunity to
labor for them. Self entered not into the calculation.


His whole life was a battle for others; and he entered
the conflict eagerly and hopefully.
His State papers were models of compact, business-like statements, bold, original, and brimful of
practical suggestions, and his adminiistrations will long
be considered as among the ablest in this or any
other State.
His noble, generous nature made his innumerable
benefactions a source of continuous pleasure. Literally, to him it was "more blessed to give than to
receive."
His greatest enjoyment was in witnessing the comfort and happiness of others. Not a tithe of his charities were known to his most intimate friends, or even
to his family. Many a needy one has been the recipient of aid at an opportune moment, who never knew
the hand that gave.
At one time a friend had witnessed his ready response to some charitable request, and said to him:
"Governor, you give away a large sum of money; about
how much does your charities amount to in a year?"
He turned at once and said: " I do not know, sir; I
do not allow myself to know. I hope I gave more
this year than I did last, and hope I shall give more
next year than I have this." This expressed his idea
of charity, that the giving should at all times be free
and spontaneous.
During his leasure hours from early life, and espe.
cially during the last few years, he devoted much time
to becoming acquainted with the best authors. Biography was his delight; the last he read was the "Life
and Work of John Adams," in ten volumes.
In all questions of business or public affairs he
seemed to have the power of getting at the kernel of
the nut in the least possible time.  In reading he
would spend scarcely more time with a volume than
most persons would devote to a chapter. After what
seemed a cursory glance, he would have all of value
the book contained. Rarely do we see a business
man so familiar with the best English authors. He
was a generous and intelligent patron of the arts, and
his elegant home was a study and a pleasure
to his many friends, who always found there a
hearty welcome. At Christmas time he would spend
days doing the work of Santa Claus. Every Christmas
eve he gathered his children about him and, taking
lhe youngest on his lap, told some Christmas story,
closing the entert:i:menlt with "The Night Before
Christmas," or Dickens's " Christmas Carol."




I




%MOP     I
I. C.
4:
10
4




GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN.


i6I


-  CHARLEQ S. cROSWEL,..
l,6w1~gj(cj~ gP4WWW> -M;  ^M~~~
12/g'


HARLES M. CROSWELL,
] 0   5/   i     s     ~ Governor of Michigan from
'J: ^ -   11    i~ X Jan. 3, 1877 to Jan. I, I88i,
i — ~;:     was born at Newburg, Orange
^fefo s    County, N. Y., Oct. 31, i825.
ark5~:~./He is the only son of John and
V   ^ cl;'9Sallie (Hicks) Croswell. His
* Ipj^ i ~  father, who was of Scotch-Irish
"/^ ^  ~extraction, was a paper-maker,
l1 (p ~l 4and carried on business in New
J  (      York City. His ancestors on
0l!  his mother's side were of KnickerI, '}Eibocker descent.  The   Croswell
f family may be found connected
v with prominent events, in New York
0    and Connecticut, in the early existence of the Republic. Harry Crosi well, during the administration of
[ll I  President Jefferson, published a pa< ILoper called the Balancc, and was
prosecuted for libeling the President
under the obnoxious Sedition Law.
4    He was defended by the celebrated
Alexander Hamilton, and the decis1i.. )f the case establised the important ruling that
thle truth might be shown in cases of libel. Another
ellber of the family was Edwin Croswell, the famois editor of the Albany Aigzus; also, Rev. William
Croswell, noted as a divine and poet.
When Charles M. Croswell was seven years of age,
his father was accidentally drowned in the Hudson
River, at Newburg; and, within three months preceding that event, his mother and only sister had died,thuls leaving him the sole surviving member of the
family, without fortune or means. Upon the death


of his father he went to live with an uncle, who, in
1837, emigrated with him to Adrain, Michigan. At
sixteen years of age, he commenced to learn the carpenter's trade, and worked at it very diligently for
four years, maintaining himself, and devoting his spare
time to reading and the acquirement of knowledge.
In 1846, he began the study of law, and was appointed Deputy Clerk of Lenawee County. The dut
ties of this office he performed four years, when he
was elected Register of Deeds, and was re-elected
in I852. In I854, he took part in the first movements
for the formation of the Republican party, and was a
member and Secretary of the convetion held at Jackson in that year, which put in the field the first Rel)plllican State ticket in Michigan. In 1855, he
formed a law partnership with the present Chief-Jus.
tice Cooley, which continued until the removal of
Judge Cooley to Ann Arbor.
In i862, Mr. Croswell was appointed City Attorney
of Adrian. He was also elected Mayor of the city
in the spring of the same year; and in the fall was
chosen to represent Lenawee County in the State
Senate. He was re-elected to the Senate in 1864,
and again in i866, during each term filling the positions above mentioned. Among various reports made
by him, one adverse to the re-establishment of the
death penalty, and another against a proposition to
pay the salaries of State officers and judges in coin,
whicl then commanded a very large premium, may
be mentioned. He also drafted the act ratifying the
Thirteenth Amendment to the Federal Constitution,
for the abolishment of slavery, it being the first
amendment to the instrument ratified by Michigan.
In i863, from his seat in the State Senate, he delivered an elaborate speech in favor of the Proclama



162                   CHIARLAS M. CROS WELL


tion of Emancipation issued by President Lincoln,
and of his general policy in the prosecution of the
war. This, at the request of his Republican associates, was afterwards published. In 1867, he was
elected a member of the Constitutional Convention,
and chosen its presiding officer. This convention
was composed of an able body of men; and though,
in the general distrust of constitutional changes
which for some years had been taking possession of
the people, their labors were not accepted by the popular vote, it was always conceded that the constitution they proposed had been prepared with great care
and skill.
In i868, Mr. Croswell was chosen an Elector on
the Republican  Presidential ticket; in 1872, was
elected a Representative to the State Legislature
from Lenawee County, and was chosen Speaker of
the House of Representatives. At the close of the
session of that lody hisabilities as a parliamentarian,
and the fairness of his rulings were freely and formally acknowledged by his associates; and he was presented with a superb collection of their portraits
handsomely framed. He was, also, for several years,
Secretary of the State Board for the general supervision of the charitable and penal institutions of Michi 
gan; in which position, his propositions for the amelioraiion of the condition of the unfortunate, and the
reformation of the criminal classes, signalize the benevolence of his nature, and the practical character
of his mind.
In 1876, the general voice of the Republicans of
the State indicted Mr. Croswell as their choice for
Governor; and, at the State Convention of the party
in August of the same year, he was put in nomination
ly acclamation, without the formality of a ballot. At
tie election in November following, he was chosen to
the high position for which he had been nominated,
by a very large majority over all opposing candidates.
His inaugural message was received with general
favor; and his career as Governor was marked with
the same qualities of head and heart that have ever
distinguished him, both as a citizen and statesman.


Governor Groswell has always prepared his addresses with care; and, as his diction is terse, clear,
and strong, without excess of ornament, and his delivery impressive, he is a popular speaker; and many
of his speeches have attracted favorable comment in
the public prints, and have a permanent value. He
has always manifested a deep interest in educational
matters, and was for years a member and Secretary of
the Board of Education of Adrain. At the formal
opening of the Central School building in that city,
on the 24th day of April, 1869, he gave, in a public
address, an " Historical Sketch of the Adrian Public
Schools."
In his private life, Governor Croswell has been as
exemplary as in his public career he has been successful and useful. In February, 1852, he was married to a daughter of Morton Eddy, Lucy M. Eddy,
a lady of many amiable and sunny qualities. She
suddenly died, March I9, i868, leaving two daughters and a son. Governor Croswell is not a member
of any religious body, but generally attends the Presbyterian Church. He pursues the profession of law,
but of late has been occupied mainly in the care of his
own interests, and the quiet duties of advice in
business difficulties, for which his unfailing p:udence and sound judgment eminently fit him. Governor Croswell is truly popular, not only with those of
like political faith with himself, but with those who
differ frcm him in this regard.
During Gov. Croswell's administration the public
debt was greatly reduced; a policy adopted requiring
the State institutions to keep within the limit of appropriations; laws enacted to provide more effectually
for the punishment of corruption and bribrery in elections; the State House of Correction at Ionia and the
Eastern Asylum for the Insane at Pontiac were opened,
and the new capital at Lansing was completed and
occupied. The first act of his second term was to preside at the dedication of this building. The great riot
at Jackson occured during his administration, and it
was only bv his promptness that great distruction of
both life and property was prevented at that time.










04 -


i


2




GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN.


I65


*/4,  r  A<   DAVID H. JEROME, Governor of from Jan. I, I88I, to
ts I ^ / Jan. I, I883, was born at Dc'M'!wW5 // troit, Mich., Nov. 17, 1829.
His parents   emigrated  to
'^^S^   Michigan from  Trumansburg,
raf?   cTompkins Co., N. Y., in 1828,
^IV(7 I   locating at Detroit. His father
died March 30, I831, leaving
>i (1     nine children. He had been
twice married, and four of the
children living at the time of his
death were grown up sons, the offI   spring of his first union. Of the
five children by his second marriage, David H. was
the youngest. Shortly after Mr. Jerome's death, his
widow moved back to New York and settled in
Onondaga County near Syracuse, where they remained
until the fall of I834, the four sons by the first wife
continuing their residence in Michigan. In the fall
of 1834, Mrs. Jerome came once more to Michigan,
locating on a farm in St. Clair County. Here the
(;overnor formed those habits of industry and sterling integrity that have been so characteristic of the;nan in the active duties of life. He was sent to the
district school, and in the acquisition of the fundamental branches of learning he displayed a precocity
and an application which won for him the admiration
of his teachers, and always placed him at the head
of his classes. In the meantime he did chores on
the farm, and was always ready with a cheerful heart
and willing hand to assist his widowed mother. The
heavy labor of the farm was carried on by his two




older brothers, Timothy and George, and when 13
years of age David received his mother's permission to
attend school at the St. Clair Academy. While attending there he lived with Marcus H. Miles, now deceased, doing chores for his board, and the following
winter performed the same service for James Ogden,
also deceased. The next summer Mrs. Jerome
moved into the village of St. Clair, for the purpose of
continuing her son in school. While attending said
academy one of his associate students was Senator Thomas W. Palmer, of Detroit, a rival candidate
before the gubernatorial convention in i880. He
completed his education in the fall of his i6th year,
and the following winter assisted his brother Timothy
in hauling logs in the pine woods. The next summer
he rafted logs down the St. Clair River to Algonac.
In I847, M. H. Miles being Clerk in St. Clair County, and Volney A. Ripley Register of Deeds, David
H. Jerome was appointed Deputy to each, remaining
as such during I848-'49, and receiving much praise
from his employers and the people in general for the
ability displayed in the discharge of his duties. He
spent his summer vacation at clerical work on board
the lake vessels.
In I849-'50, he abandoned office work, and for the
proper development of his physical system spent
several months hauling logs. In the spring of I850,
his brother" Tiff" and himself chartered the steamer
"Chautauqua," and "Young Dave" became her master. A portion of the season the boat was engaged
in the passenger and freight traffic between Port
Huron and Detroit, but during the latter part was
used as a tow boat. At that time there was a serious
obstruction to navigation, known as the "St. Clair
Flats," between Lakes Huron and Erie, over which






166                         DA VII) JI. JEROME.


i ---~-~- — ~` I ----` ----   `-I -~ — " --- --- -  -- ` - - - - -   '-` ---f~- '~"-`~- -'- - -


vessels could carry only about io,ooo bushels of grain.
Mr. Jerome conceived the idea of towing vessels
from one lake to the other, and put his plan into
operation. Through the influence of practical men,among them the subject of this sketch,-Congress
removed the obstruction above referred to, and now
vessels can pass them laden with 60,000 or 80,000
bushels of grain.
During the season, the two brothers succeeded
in making a neat little sum of money by the summer's work, but subsequently lost it all on a contract
to raise the "Gen. Scott," a vessel that had sunk in
Lake St. Clair. David H. came out free from debt,
but possessed of hardly a dollar of capital. In the
spring of I85, he was clerk and acting master of the
steamers "Franklin Moore" and "Ruby," plying between Detroit and Port Huron and Goderich. The
following year he was clerk of the propeller "Princeton," running between Detroit and Buffalo.
In January, i853, Mr. Jerome went to California,
by way of the Isthmus, and enjoyed extraordinary
success in selling goods in a new place of his selection, among the mountains near Marysville  He remained there during the summer, and located the
Live Yankee Tunnel Mine, which has since yielded
millions to its owners, and is still a paying investment.
He planned and put a tunnel 600 feet into the mine,
but when the water supply began to fail with the dry
season, sold out his interest. He left in the fall of
1853, and in December sailed from San Francisco for
New York, arriving at his home in St. Clair County,
about a year after his departure. During his absence
his brother "Tiff" had located at Saginaw, ana in
1854 Mr. Jerome joined him in his lumber operations
in the valley. In 1855 the brothers bought Blackmer & Eaton's hardware and general supply stores,
at Saginaw, and David H. assumed the management
of the business. From I855 to 1873 he was also extensively engaged in lumbering operations.
Soon after locating at Saginaw he was nominated
for Alderman against Stewart B. Williams, a rising
young man, of strong Democratic principles. The
ward was largely Democratic, but Mr. Jerome was
elected by a handsome majority. When the Repubiican party was born at Jackson, Mich., David H.
Jerome was, though not a delegate to the convention,
one of its "charter members.' In I862, he was commissioned by Gov. Austin Blair to raise one of the


six regiments apportioned to the State of Michigan.
Mr. Jerome immediately went to work and held
meetings at various points. The zeal and enthusiasm
displayed by this advocate of the Union awakened a
feeling of patriotic interest in the breasts of many
brave men, and in a short space of time the 23d
Regiment of Michigan Volunteer Infantry was placed
in the field, and subsequently gained for itself a brilliant record.
In the fall of I862, Mr. Jerome was nominated by
the Republican party for State Senator from the 26th
district, Appleton Stevens, of Bay City, being his opponent. The contest was very exciting, and resulted
in the triumphant election of Mr. Jerome. He was
twice renominated and elected both times by increased majorities, defeating George Lord, of Bay
City, and Dr. Cheseman, of Gratiot County. On taking his seat in the Senate, he was appointed Chairman of the Committee on State Affairs, and was active in raising means and troops to carry on the war.
He held the same position during his three terms of
service, and introduced the bill creating the Soldiers'
Home at Harper Hospital, Detroit.
He was selected by Gov. Crapo as a military aid,
and in i865 was appointed a member of the State
Military Board, and served as its President for eight
consecutive years. In i873, he was appointed by
Gov. Bagley a member of the convention to prepare
a new State Constitution, and was Chairman of the
Committee on Finance.
In 1875, Mr. Jerome was appointed a member of
the Board of Indian Commissioners. In 1876 he was
Chairman of a commission to visit Chief Joseph, the
Nez Perce Indian, to arrange an amicable settlement
of all existing difficulties. The commission went to
Portland, Oregon, thence to the Blue Hills, in Idaho,
a distance of 600 miles up the Columbia River.
At the Republican State Convention, convened at
Jackson in August, i880, Mr. Jerome was placed in
the field for nomination, and on the 5th day of the
month received the highest honor the convention
could confer on any one. His opponent was Frederick M. Holloway, of Hillsdale County, who was supported by the Democratic and Greenback parties.
The State was thoroughly canvassed by both parties,
and when the polls were closed on the evening of
election day, it was found that David H. Jerome had
been selected by the voters of the Wolverine State to
occupy the highest position within their gift.




I




L




G 0 VER NO Pt S 0 F MICHI GA NRL


I69


n,, i@    OSIAH   W. BEGOLE, the
present (I883), Governor of
Michigan was born in LivingStolln, County, N. Y., Jan. 20,
w.        Ioi8155. His ancestors were of
a French descent, and settled at
\ 5  an early period in the State of
1   Maryland. His grandfather, Capt.
* IK Bolles, of that State, was an offi1 cer in the American army during
i  the war of the Revolution. About
the beginning of the present century both his grandparents, having
become dissatisfied with the instii tution of slavery, although slaveholders themselves, emigrated to
Livingston County, N. Y., then
a new country, taking with them a
3 number of their former slaves, who
volunteered to accompany them.
His father was an officer in the
American army, and served during
the war of 81 2.
Mr. B. received his early education in a log schoolhouse, and subsequently attended the Temple Hill
Academy, at Geneseo, N. Y. Being the eldest of a
family of ten children, whose parents were in moderate though comfortable circumstances, he was early
taught habits of industry, and when 21 years of age,
being ambitious to better his condition in life, he resolved to seek his fortune in the far West, as it was


then called. In August, 1836, he left the parental
roof to seek a home in the Territory of Michigan,
then an almost unbroken wilderness. He settled in
Genesee County, and aided with his own hands in
building some of the early residences in what is now
known as the city of Flint. There were but four or
five houses where this flourishing city now stands
when he selected it as his home.
In the spring of I839 he married Miss Harriet A.
Miles. The marriage proved a most fortunate one,
and to the faithful wife of his youth, who lives to enjoy with him the comforts of an honestly earned competence, Mr. Begole ascribes largely his success in
life. Immediately after his marriage he commenced
work on an unimproved farm, where, by his perseverance and energy, he soon established a good home,
and at the end of eighteen years was the owner of a
well improved farm of five hundred acres.
Mr. Begole being an anti-slavery man, became a
member of the Republican party at its organization.
He served his townsmen in various offices, and was
in 1856, elected County Treasurer, which office he
held for eight years.
At the breaking out of the Rebellion he did not
carry a musket to the front, but his many friends will
bear witness that he took an active part in recruiting
and furnishing supplies for the army, and in looking
after the interests of soldiers' families at home. The
death of his eldest son near Atlanta, Ga., by a Confedrate bullet, in 864, was the greatest sorrow of his life.
When a few years later he was a member in Congress




170                      JOSIAH W. BEGOLE.


Gov. Begole voted and worked for the soldiers'
bounty equalization bill, an act doing justice to the
soldier who bore the burden and heatof the day, and
who should fare equally with him who came in at the
eleventh hour. That bill was defeated in the House
on account of the large appropriation that would be
required to pay the same.
In I870, Gov. Begole was nominated by acclarnation for the office of State Senator, and elected by a
large majority. In that body he served on the Committees of Finance and Railroads, and was Chairman
of the Committee on the Institute for the Deaf and
Dumb and Blind. He took a liberal and publicspirited view of the importance of a new capitol
building worthy of the State, and was an active member of the Committee that drafted the bill for the
same   He was a delegate to the National Republican Convention held at Philadelphia in 1872, and
was the chosen member of that delegation to go to
Washington and inform Gen. Grant and Senator
Wilson of their nominations. It was while at that
convention that, by the express wish of his many
friends, he was induced to offer himself a candidate for the nomination of member to the 43d Congress, in which he was successful, after competing for
the nomination with several of the most worthy, able
and experienced men in the Sixth Congressional District, and was elected by a very large majority.  In
Congress, he was a member of the Committee on
Agricultural and Public Expenditures. Being one of
the 17 farmers in that Congress, he took an active
part in the Committee of Agriculture, and was appointed by that committee to draft the most important report made by that committee, and upon the
only subject recommended by the President in his
message, which he did and the report was printed in
records of Congress; he took an efficient though an
unobtrusive part in all its proceedings.
He voted for the currency bill, remonetization of
silver, and other financial measures, many of which,
though defeated then, have since become the settled
policy of the country. Owing to the position which
Mr. Begole occupied on these questions. he became a
"Greenbacker."
In the Gubernatorial election of I882, Mr. Begole
was the candidate of both the Greenback and Democratic parties, and was elected by a vote of 154,269,
the Republican candidate, Hon. David H. Jerome,


receiving I49,697 votes. Mr. Begole, in entering
upon his duties as Governor, has manifested a spirit
that has already won him many friends, and bids fair
to make his administration both successful and popular.
The very best indications of what a man is, is what
his own townsmen think of him. We give the following extract from the Flint Globe, the leading Republican paper in Gov. Begole's own county, and it.
too, written during the heat of a political campaign,
which certainly is a flattering testimonial of his sterling worth:
" So far, however, as Mr. Begole, the head of the
ticket, is concerned, there is nothing detrimental to
his character that can be alleged against him.  He
has sometimes changed his mind in politics, but for
sincerity of his beliefs and the earnestness of his purpose nobody who knows hini entertains a doubt. He
is incapable of bearing malice, even against his bitterest political enemies. He has a warm, generous
nature, and a larger, kinder heart does not beat in
the bosom of any man in Michigan. He is not much
given to making speeches, but deeds are more significant of a man's character than words. There are
many scores of men in all parts of the State where
Mr. Begole is acquainted, who have had practical
demonstrations of these facts, and who are liable to
step outside of party lines to show that they do nqt
forget his kindness, and who, no doubt, wish that he
was a leader in what would not necessarily prove a
forlorn hope. But the Republican party in Michigan
is too strong to be beaten by a combination of Democrats and Greenbackers, even if it is marshaled by so
good a man as Mr. Begole."
This sketch would be imperfect without referring
to the action' of Mr. B. at the time of the great calamity
that in i88I overtook the people of Northeastern
Michigan, in a few hours desolating whole counties
by fire and destroying the results and accumulations
of such hard work as only falls to the lot of pioneers.
While the Port Huron and Detroit committees were
quarreling over the distribution of funds, Mr. 'Begole
wrote to an agent in the "'burnt district " a letter, from
which we make an extract of but a single sentence:
"Until the differences between the two committees
are adjusted and you receive your regular supplies
from them, draw on me. Let no man suffer while I
have money."  This displays his true character.












GO VERNORS OF MICIIGAN.


173


AItwti


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mttp: i  USSELL A.ALGER,Governor
- I    ~!  ~^of Mlichigan for the term comL^  ^     mencing Jan. 1, 1885, was
l W M  I)orn in Lafayette Township,
a edina Co., Ohio, Fel. 27,
1836. Having lived a temperate life, lie is a comparative
young man in appearance, and( possesses those mental faculties that are
the distinguishing characteristics of
robust, mature and e(lucated manhood. When 11 years of age both
his parents died, leaving him witha
younger brother and sister to sup<^s port and without any of the substantial means of existence. Lacking the opportunity of
better employment, he worked on a farm in Richfield,
Ohio, for the greater part of each of the succeeding
seven years, saving money enough to defray his expenses at Richfield Academy during the winter
terms. He obtained a very good English education,
and was enabled to teach school for several subsequent winters. In 1857 he commenced the study of
law in the offices of Wolcott & Upson at Akron, remaining until March, 1859, when he was admitted
to the bar by the Ohio Supreme Court. IIe then
removed to Cleveland, and entered the law office of
Otis & Coffinbury, where he remained several
months. Here he continued llis studies with increased zeal, and did much general reading. Hard
study and close confinement to office work, however,
began to tell on his constitution, and failing health
warned him that he must seek other occupation.


Ile therefore reluctantly abandoned the law and removed to Grand Rapids, Mich., to engage in the
lumber business.
When Michigan was called upon to furnish troops
for the war, Mr. Alger enlisted in the Second Miich.
Cav. and was mustered into the service of the
United States as Captain of Co. C. His record as
a cavalry officer was brilliant and honorable to
himself and his company. He participated in some
of the fiercest contests of the rebellion and was
twice wounded. His first injury was received irthe battle of Booneville, Miss., July 2, 1862.
His conduct in this engagement was so distinguished that he was promoted to the rank of
Major. On the same occasion his Colonel, the
gallant Phil. Sheridan, was advanced to the rank
of Brigadier General. A few months later, on the
16th of October, Major Alger became LieutenantColonel of the Sixth Mich. Cav., and was ordered
with his regiment to the Army of the Potomac.
After marked service in the early campaign of 1863,
he was again advanced, and on June 2 received his
commission as Colonel of the Fifth Mich. Cav. His
regiment at this time was in Custer's famous Michigan cavalry brigade. On the 6th of July occurred
the battle of Boonesboro, Md. In this conflict he
was again wounded. His health received a more
than temporary impairment, and in October, 1864,
he was obliged to retire from the service. His
career as a soldier included many of the most celebrated contests of the war. He was an active character in all the battles fought by the Army of the






174


RZUSSELL A. ALGER..


Potomac, from the time of the invasion of Maryland by Gen. Lee in 1863, up to the date of his
retirement, with the exception of those engagements
which occurred while he was absent from duty on
account of wounds. In all he took part in 66 battles and skirmishes. At the close he was breveted
Brigadier General and Major General for "gallant
and meritorious services in the field."
Aside from  regular duty, Gen. Alger was on
private service during the winter of 1863-4, receiving orders personally from President Lincoln and
visiting nearly all the armies in the field.
Gen. Alger came to Detroit in 1865, and since
that time has been extensively engaged in the pine
timber business and in dealing in pine lands. He
was a member of the well-known firm of Moore &
Alger until its dissolution, when he became head of
the firm of R. A. Alger & Co., the most extensive
pine timber operators in the West. Gen. Alger is
now president of the corporation of Alger, Smith &
Co., which succeeded R. A. Alger & Co. IIe is also
president of the Manistique Lumbering Company
and president of the Detroit, Bay City & Alpena
Railroad Company, besides being a stockholder and
director of the Detroit National Bank, the Peninsular Car Company and several other large corporations.
While always an active and influential Republican, Gen. Alger has never sought nor held a salaried office. He was a delegate from the First District to the last Republican National Convention,
but aside from this his connection with politics has
not extended beyond the duties of every good citizen to his party and his country.
Gen. Alger is now forty-nine years of age, an
active, handsome gentleman six feet tall, living
the life of a busy man of affairs. His military
bearing at once indicates his army life, and although
slenderly built, his square shoulders and erect
carriage give the casual observer the impression
that his weight is fully 180 pounds. He is a firm,
yet a most decidedly pleasant-appearing man, with
a fine forehead, rather a prominent nose, an irongray moustache and chin whiskers and a full head
of black hair sprinkled with gray. He is usually
attired in the prevailing style of business suits. His
favorite dress has been a high buttoned cutaway


frock coat, with the predominating cut of vest and
trousers, made of firm gray suiting. A high collar,
small cravat, easy shoes and white plug hat complete his personal apparel. HIe is very particular
as to his appearance, and always wears neat clothes
of the best goods, but shuns any display of jewelry
or extravagant embellishment.  He is one of the
most approachable men imaginable. No matter
how busy he may be, he always leaves his desk to
extend a cordial welcome to every visitor, be lie of
high or low situation. His affable manners delight
his guests, while his pleasing face and bright, dark
eyes always animate his hearers.
Gen. Alger is a hard worker. He is always at his
office promptly in the morning and stays as long as
anything remains that demands his attention. In
business matters lie is always decided, and is never
shaken or disturbed by any reverses.  He has the
confidence of his associates to a high degree, and al_
his business relations are tempered with those little
kindnesses that relieve the tedium of routine office
life. Although deeply engrossed in various business pursuits, Gen. Alger has yet found time for
general culture. He owns a large library and his
stock of general information is as complete as it is
reliable. His collection of paintings has been selected with rare good taste, and contains some of
the finest producttions of modern artists.  His team
of bays are perhaps the handsomest that grace the
roads of Detroit, and usually lead the other outfits
when their owner holds the reins.
Gen. Alger has an interesting family. His wife
was Annette H. Henry, the daughter of W. G
Henry, of Grand Rapids, to whom he was married
April 2, 1861. She is a slender woman of fair complexion, bright and attractive, and a charming hostess. She is gifted with many accomplishments and
appears quite young. Tlhere ar six children. Fay.
a lively brunette, and Caroline A., who is rather tah
and resembles her mother, have completed P. course
at an Eastern seminary, and during the past yeai
traveled in Europe. The remaining members of
the family are Frances, aged 13; Russell A., Jr.,
aged 11; Fred, aged 9, and Allan, aged 3. All are
bright and promising children. Gen. Alger makes
his home at his handsome and large new residence on
Fort street, at the corner of First street, Detroit,




I








GOVVERNORSZ OF MICHIGAN.~N


177


G O V E R N O R S   O F   I I


---      ~~Nvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv~ N~Mo",I  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~-B)T//V WN~NI rMc~~2I\ 
~-z                    P- a ----- 


~, -VUS  -ra         %LOGOe


Af[U'        - YRUS GRAY    LUCE, the
>T  | M   present Governor of Michi-.  E - e i  i  gan, combines in his characIl", ~X.        t    h i  ter the substantial traits of
i,~ Dj itsithe New England ancestry
of his father, and the chivalrous and hospitable elements
peculiar to the Southerners, which
came to him from his mother's side of
the house. The New Englanders, active in the cause of American liberty,
after this desired result was accomplished, turned their attention to the
growth  and  development of the
country which their noble daring had
constituted independent of foreign rule. The privations they endured and the struggles from which
they had achieved victory built up in them those
qualities which in the very nature of events could
not be otherwise than transmitted to their posterity,
and this posterity comprises a large number of the
men who to-day, like the subject of this history,
are making a record of which their descendants will
be equally proud.
Gov. Luce was born in Windsor, Ashtabula Co.,
Ohio, July 2, 1824. His father was a native of
Tolland, Conn., served as a soldier in the War of
1812, and soon after its close emigrated from New
England and settled on the Western Reserve in
Northern Ohio. His mother, who in her girlhood
was Miss Mary Gray, was born in Winchester, Va.
Her father, tinctured with Abolitionism, found his
home in the Old Dominion becoming uncomfortable as an abiding-place at that time, and accordingly, with his wife and family of young children,


he also migrated, in 1815, to the wilds of Northern
Ohio. There the parents of our subject, in 1819,
were united in marriage, and continued residents of
Ashtabula County until 1836. There also were
born to them six sons, Cyrus G. of this sketch being
the second.
The incidents in the early life of Gov. Luce were
not materially different from those of other boys
living on the farms in that new country. Ie was
taught to work at anything necessary for him to do
and to make himself useful around the pioneer
homestead. When twelve years of age his parents
removed further West, this time locating ill Steuben County, Ind. This section of country was still
newer and more thinly settled, and without recounting the particular hardships and privations which the
family experienced, it is sufficient to say that but few
enjoyed or suffered a greater variety. Markets were
distant and difficult of access, the comforts of life
scarce, and sickness universal. Young Luce, in common with other boys, attended school winters in the
stereotyped log school-house, and in summrer assisted in clearing away the forests, fencing the
fields and raising crops after the land was in proved.
He attended three terms an academy located at Ontario, Ind., and his habit of reading and observation
added essentially to his limited school privileges.
When seventeen years of age the father of our
subject erected a cloth-dressing and wool-carding
establishment, where Cyrus G. acquired a full
knowledge of this business and subsequently had
charge of the factory for a period of seven years.
In the meantime he had become interested in local
politics, in which he displayed rare judgment and
sound common sense, and on account of which, in
1848, he was nominated by the Whigs in a district
composed of the counties of DeKalb and Steuben
for Representative in the State Legislature.  lW
made a vigorous canvass but was defeated by eleven
majority. This incident was but a transient bubble on the stream of his life, and that same year




178                  CYRUS GRAY LUCE.


Mr. Luce purchased eighty acres of wild land near
Gilead, Branch Co., Mich., the improvement of
which he at once entered upon, clearing away the
trees and otherwise making arrangements for the
establishment of a homestead. In August, 1849, he
was united in marriage with Miss Julia A. Dickinson,
of Gilead, and the young people immediately commenced housekeeping in a modest dwelling on the
new farm. Here they resided until the death of the
wife, which took place in August, 1882. Mrs.
Luce was the daughter of Obed and Experience
Dickinson, well-to-do and highly respected residents
of Gilead. Of her union with our subject there
were born five children, one now deceased.
In November, 1883, Gov. Luce contracted a second marriage, with Mrs. Mary Thompson, of Bronson, this State. He continued on the same farm,
which, however, by subsequent purchase had been
considerably extended, until after his election to the
office of which lie is now the incumbent. In the
meantime he has had a wide and varied experience
in public life. In 1852 he was elected to represent his
township in the County Board of Supervisors, and
two years later, in 1854, was elected Representative to
the first Republican Legislature convened in the State
of Michigan. He served his township altogether
eleven years as a member of the Board of Supervisors.
In 1858 he was elected County Treasurer of Branch
County and re-elected in 1860. In 1864 le was
given a seat in the State Senate and re-elected in
1866. In the spring of 1867 he was made a member of
the Constitutional Convention to revise the Constitution of the State of Michigan, and in all of the
positions to which he has been called has evidenced
a realization of the sober responsibilities committed
to his care. To the duties of each he gave the most
conscientious care, and has great reason to feel pride
and satisfaction in the fact that during his service
in both Houses of the Legislature his name appears
upon every roll-call, he never having been absent
from his post a day.
In July, 1879, Mr. Luce was appointed State Oil
Inspector by Gov. Croswell, and re-appointed by
Gov. Jerome in 1881, serving in this capacity three
and one-half years. In the management of the
duties of this office he is entitled to great credit.
The office was not sought by him, but the Governor


urged him to accept it, claiming that the office was
the most difficult he had to fill, and was one which
required first-class executive ability. He organized
the State into districts, appointed an adequate force
of deputies and no more, secured a reduction of the
fees by nearly one-half, and in every way managed
the affairs of the office so efficiently and satisfactorily that above all expenses he was enabled to
pay into the State Treasury during his management
$32,000.49.
In August of the year 1886 Mr. Luce was nominated by the Republicans in convention assembled
at Grand Rapids, for the office of Governor of
Michigan by acclamation, and on the 2d of November following was elected by a majority of 7,432
over his chief competitor, George L. Yaple. In
1874 he became an active member of the farmers' organization known as the Grange. Believing
as he does that agriculture furnishes the basis of
National prosperity, he was anxious to contribute to
the education and elevation of the farming community, and thus availed himself of the opportunities offered by this organization to aid in accomplishing this result. For a period of seven years he
was Master of the State Grange but resigned the
position last November. Fidelity to convictions,
close application to business, whether agricultural or
affairs of State, coupled with untiring industry, are
his chief characteristics. As a farmer, legislator,
executive officer, and manager of county as well as
State affairs, as a private as well as a public citizen,
his career has all along been marked with success.
No one can point to a spot reflecting discredit in
his public career or private life. He is a man of
the people, and self-made in the strictest sense. His
whole life has been among the people, in full sympathy with them, and in their special confidence and
esteem.
Personally, Gov. Cyrus G. Luce is high-minded,
intellectual and affable, the object of many
and warm friendships, and a man in all respects
above reproach. To the duties of his high position
lie has brought a fittinlg dignity, and in all the relations of life that conscientious regard to duty of
which we often read but which is too seldom seen,
especially among those having within their hands
the interests of State and Nation.
















MB5F IGA'N  1Un 




I#Ad
a a a 0 Ofd
a
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PI'
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G   3*   '._


AC / HE time has arrived when it
becomes the duty of the
/,W Ye        HI~ 7people of this county to perKtS  17F1      |  petuate the names of their
pioneers, to furnish a record
of their early settlement,
~r81' Aand relate the story of their
progress. The civilization of our
day, the enlightenment of the age
and the duty that men of the present time owe to their ancestors, to
themselves and to their posterity,
demand that a record of their lives
and deeds should be made. In biographical history is found a power
to instruct man by precedent, to
enliven the mental faculties, and
to waft down the river of time a
safe vessel in which the names and actions of the
people who contributed to raise this country from its
primitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly
the great and aged imen, who in their prilne entered
the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their
heritage, are passing to their graves. The number remaining who can relate the incidents of the first days
Af settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an
actual necessity exists for the collection and preservation of events without delay, before all the early
settlers are cut down by the scythe of Time.
To be forgotten has been the great dread of mankind
from remotest ages. All will be forgotten soon enough,
in spite of their best works and the most earnest
efforts of their friends to perserve the memory of
their lives. The means employed to prevent oblivion
and to perpetuate their memory has been in proportion to the amount of intelligence they possessed.
Thth pyramids of Egypt were built to perpetuate the
nlames and deeds of their great rulers. The exhumations made by the archeologists of Egypt from
buried Memphis indicate a desire of those people




to perpetuate the memory of their achievements,
The erection of the great obelisks were for the same
purpose. Coming down to a later period, we find the
Greeks and Romans erecting mausoleums and monuments, and carving out statues to chronicle their
great achievements and carry them down the ages.
It is also evident that the Mound-builders, in piling
up their great mounds of earth, had but this ideato leave something to show that they had lived. All
these works, though many of them costly in the extreme, give but a faint idea of the lives and characters of those whose memory they were intended to
perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of
the people that then lived. The great pyramids and
some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity;
the mausoleums, monuments and statues are crumbling into dust.
It was left to modern ages to establish an intelligent, undecaying, immutable method of perpetuating
a full history-immutable in that it is almost unlimited in extent and perpetual in its action; and
this is through the art of printing.
To the present generation, however, we are indebted for the introduction of the admirable system
of local biography. By this system every man, though
he has not achieved what the world calls greatness,
has the means to perpetuate his life, his history,
through the coming ages.
The scythe of Time cuts down all; nothing of the
physical man is left. The monument which his children or friends may erect to his memory in the cemetery will crumble into dust and pass away; but his
life, his achievements, the work he'has accomplished,
which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated
by a record of this kind.
To preserve the lineaments of our companions we
engrave their portraits, for the same reason we collect the attainable facts of their history. Nor do we
think it necessary, as we speak only truth of them, to
wait until they are dead, or until those who know
them are gone: to do this we are ashamed only to
publish to the world the history of those whose lives
are unworthy of public record.
















_          j274




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIIICAL ALBUM.


187


v~!"~     4' AOL. AIICHAEL SHOEMAKER. It is now (1890)
j l  V    i   t4 ^^ P7ii  fifty-five years since the subij.'ject of this sketch, then a
y outh of seventeen years,
first came to Michigan. He
" l'  "  tY hhas been a resident of Jack-.~ A^^.son County for forty-eight years, and
~ 7ua3,,~  is now living in the house in which
he first commenced housekeeping over
g!,. forty years ago. He is a native of the
C^       township of German Flatts, Herkimer
County, N. Y.. where he was born
'  April 6, 18 8.  His father was a
farmer, his farm extending from the
Mohawk River back into the hills which rise so rapidly from the valley of that river, and was Lot 17th
of the Buructfields Patent, of which his greatgrandfather, Rudolf Shoemaker, was the patentee.
The ancestors of Col. Shoemaker, except his paternal grandmother, were of German descent, and
were Protestants from the Lower Palatinate, who
was obliged to renounce their religion or leave
their country, upon the revocation of the Ed(ict of
Nantes by Louis XIV, King of France, in 1685,
and who chose expatriation rather than apostasy.
The ancestors of Col. Shoemaker arrived in New
York in 1710 and 1722, and were of the colony of
Germans who were induced to purchase land of the
Indians on the Upper Mohawk, as it was then
called, and on the outskirts of the white settlements,
and exposed to first assaults of the French and


Indians in the earliest wars, and to those of the British and Indians in the Revolution. It is a matter of history that this section was more frequently
invaded, and suffered more loss of life and destruction of property in these wars than any other
in all our broad land.
Ninety-two persons are named in the grant of land
known as the "Burnitfield's Patent," one of them,
Rudolf Shoemaker, on the south side of the Mohawk
River. Rudolf Shoemaker married Gertrude Herkimer, a sister of Gen. Nicholas Herkimer, who
commanded the American forces that were marching to relieve Ft. Scuyler, then besieged by the
British and Indians under Gen. Barry St. Leger.
The army of Gen. Herkimer was composed of
volunteers, militia, raised almost entirely among
the Germans of the Mohawk Valley. This force
was ambuscaded at Oriskany on the 6th of August,
1777, and here a severe battle was fought, in which
Gen. Herkimer received a wound of which he soon
after died. The father of Gen. Herkimer was John
Jost Erghemar, and before it became anglicized
was spelled Herkhicmer, Herckimer, Harckimer,
Harchamer, Harkamare. (See Doc. His. New York.)
John Jost Shoemaker, son of Rudolf, married
Mary Smith, (aughter of Robert Smith, a native of
Yorkshire, England; their son, Robert Shoemaker,
married Catherine Myers, daughter of Michael Myers and Catherine Herter. To Robert Shoemaker
and his wife were born ten children, five sons and
five daughters, of whom the subject of this sketch
was the fifth in number, The ancesto-r of Col,


0






188                      PORTRAIT AND BIO(
Shoemaker were participants in the French, Indian
and Revolutionary Wars.   Of his grandmother,
Catherine Herter, and her family, history says:
"Herter, son of a patentee militia officer, taken
prisoner with his family in the French and Indian
Wars in 1757, and carried to Canada. Mrs. Herter
gave birth to a daughter in a birch canoe, while
crossing the St. Lawrence. The family were kept
prisoners one year then released, and they returned
to the Mohawk Valley, where this daughter, named
Catherine, married Michael Myers."  She lived to
the good old age of eighty-one years, dying September 4, 1839.
Michael Myers, the maternal grandfather of the
subject of this sketch, was one of the most prominent and highly respected of the citizens of what
was then Western New York. He was the first
member of the Legislature of New York from that
part of the State, and for many years was a member of the Assembly or Senate of New York. Iie
was also Judge in the courts of that State fora long
time lprevious to his death, which occurred February 17, 1814, and which was caused by the breaking out of a wound received at the battle of Johnstown in 1781.
Tile name of Col. Slloemaker's German ancestors
who first arrived in this country, was spelled Schumacher, as given in the Documentary History of
New York, and in the memoir of Robert Shoemaker,
the father of (:ol. Shoemaker, in 'Benton's History
of lierkimer County." In the former volumes the
name, referring to the same persons and families,
is spelled in various places first Schumacher, then
Schumaker, Shumaker, Shumacker and Shoemaker.
The first thirteen years of the life of Cbl. Shoemaker
were spent on his father's farm, and the only advantages of school he ever received was during this
period, at the common school held nearly one mile
from his house, with a few months in a select
school at Herkimer. To supplement this however,
Col. Shoemaker has been during his long life an
ominiverous reader, and has accumulated one of
the largest and best selected private libraries in the
country. HIe has by his extensive reading and retentive memory became one of the most thoroughly
all-around informed men in the State.
In LIis fourteenth year he was placed by his


GRAPHICAL ALBUM.


father in a situation to support himself, which he
did in Illinois from that time forward. In 1835
he left the State of New York for Joliet, Ill., where
his brother-in-law, Dr. A. W. Bowen, was then living. Col. Shoemaker spent several years in Joliet,
engaged in dealing in real estate, in merchandise,
as a member of the firms of A. W. Bowen & Co.,
and Matteson & Shoemaker; he also in connection
with Joel A. Matteson, afteward Governor of tl.e
State of Illinois, built, under contract with Canal
Commissions, several sections of the heavy rock
work of the Illinois and Michigan Canal. These
contracts were payable in money. the State was
unable to sell its bonds, on which it could not pay
the interest, and Matteson & Shoemaker on the completion of their work, were obliged to accept in
payment of their final estimate of over $60,000,
Canal Scrip and Illinois State Bonds, worth at
that time but eighteen cents on the dollar. In Michigan, in 1842, Col. Shoemaker, in connection with
his brother, Matthew Shoemaker, bought the mill
property at Michigan Centre, and became a resident of Jackson County. In 1845 he purchased
the mill interest of his brother, and continued in
the milling business for twenty-eight years. The
same year, 1845, he bought the farm he still owns,
on the southern boundary line of the city.
Col. Shoemaker has since making this purchase,
devoted a large portion of his time to farming on
quite an extended scale. He was at one time a
breeder of both Devon and Iurham cattle, and has
always paid particular attention to the breeding of
horses, of which he has not failed to raise more or
less in number for the past thirty years, an( he has
a record of the breeding of every horse raised by
him during that time. For the past thirty-six years
lie has owned a farm of four hundred and eighty
acres or over on the south line of the city, and three
hundred or over in, and on the west line of the
city. His agricultural pursuits have been more
congenial to him, and have given him more pleasure, arid, he says, less profit than any other except
that spent with his books. Col. Shoemaker has
been the correspondent for Jackson County of the
Department of Agriculture since its formation, and
has made monthly reports of the condition of the
crops of the county. He has been an active member




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


189


of the Michigan State Agricultural Society since its
formation, and in 1856 was President of the society. He has been connected with the Jackson
County Agricultural Society since its organization,
and was its President in 1855-56-57. In 1873 Col.
Shoemaker was appointed a member of the Board
of Public Works of the city of Jackson, and served
ten years. He was always thought to be one of the
most active and influential members of the Bo:rd,
and took great interest in all improvements in the
city.
In March, 1845, Col. Shoemaker was appointed,
by Gov. John S. Barry, Inspector of the State
Prison. He was not an applicant for the place, and
did not know that his name was used in that connection until after the appointment was made.
In 1847 Col. Shoemaker received the Democratic
nomination for Senator in the Second Senatorial
District. He was elected, was nominated again in
1849, and re-elected.  The sessions were then
annual, and he served five sessions, and until the
first under the present Constitution. Though one
of the youngest members, he by his industry and
strict attention to his duty, secured an influential
and leading position in the Senate, which has in
creased with every term he has served, and he has
been elected three times under the present Constitution. In 1851 Col. Shoemaker was elected President pro tern. of the Senate. Of the Senate of
1848 there are, besides our subject, but two members now living: D. D. Sinclair, of Adrain; and
N. A. Balch, of Kalamazoo. Of that of 1849 all
have "joined the majority" except Col. Shoemaker.
Hon. I. P. Christiancy and he are the only members
living of the Senate of 1850-51. In 1851 our subject was Chairman of the Committee on Incoporations, and a member of those on Finance and State
Affairs. He was continuously appointed Chairman
of the Committee on Incorporations each session
thereafter, during his service under the Constitution of the State. It was at this formative period
one of the most, if not the most important committee of the Senate. Railroads and other corporations
were claiming almost omnipotent powers under the
charters then existing, and seeking further privileges by legislation. Mining and other corporations were asking for charters. Col, Shoemaker,




I


while liberal in principles, and willing to grant to
corporations all powers necessary for the transaction of their business, yet believed then and still believes that the State should retain the full power to
regulate and control them, and has always been
consistent in his action, many times against powerful opposition. At this time the railroads then
built were not fenced, there were but few if any
cattle guards, and the companies claimed that under their charter they were not obliged to build
them, or any of them, and would not do so. That
this should be so can at this time hardly be realized, but nevertheless it is true. To avoid any
questions under the charters, Col. Shoemaker drew
up and introduced into the Senate "a bill to provide for police regulations." This bill made it the
duty of the railroad companies to fence their roads
to build cattle guards at road crossings, and maintain
signs at such crossings, suitably inscribed to warn
the public of the danger from approaching trains.
This bill twice passed the Senate, and was twice,
by the influence of the representatives of the railroad companies, defeated in the House. Col. Shoemaker then said to the railroad officials that the
time would come when the companies would do all
this voluntarily and for their own protection. At
this time it must be remembered that the country
was but recently settled, the farmers could only
fence the fields in which their crops were growing,
and all grazing was done on the unfenced parts
which then composed most of the country. In
consequence of this state of things many cattle and
other stock were killed on the railroad track, and as
the companies refused all compensation there was
intense indignation on all the lines of the roads.
This in many places caused those who had suffered
the loss of stock to interfere with the running of
the cars, by placing obstructions on the tracks.
This so materially injured the traffic of the Michigan Central Railroad that it led to the arrest of
several parties in Jackson County, and as they could
not be convicted of obstrucling the railroad, finally
culminated in the great conspiracy case in which
citizens of Leoni, innocent of the crime, were convicted of burning the Michigan Central warehouse
in Detroit, and were confined in State prison until
pardoned by Gov. Bingham, in 1854. The real






190


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
D  =.,.  _   = =   =   _.  f   0.   D  =  _   _. ----—. —=  _   =


cause of their arrest was that they were thought to
be the persons who placed obstructions on the railroad, because the officials would not pay for stock
killed while on the track. All this seems at this 
time almost incredible, but it is only a further
proof of the importance of so restricting corporations as to oblige them to respect the rights of individuals.
The present Constitution of the State of Michigan
was adopted while Col. Shoemaker was in the Senate, by which the Legislature was required to
divide the State into single Senatorial and representative districts, and it was his good standing and
influence that secured for Jackson County two
Senatorial districts in the apportionment that was
made the last session of the Legislature held unlder
the old Constitution.
During the session of 1849 lie voted against the
repeal of the instructions to the members of Congress from Michigan to vote for the AWilmot Proviso, which  had  been adopted  by a previous
Legislature.  This repeal was sought to be obtained
in the interest of Gen. Lewis Cass, who had been,
in 1848, defeated as a can(lidate for the Presidency. 
and who was then a candidate for the Senate of the
United States, and who wished to have the Democratic party of Michigan in this manner place itself
on the principles set for by him in his Nicholson
letter. The instructions were repealed by the casting vote of Lieut. Gov. Fenton, acting as President of the Senate. Gen. Cass was at this session
(1849) elected to represent Michigan in the United
States Senate. In 1849 Col. Shoenaker was elected,
without his knowledge, Supervisor of the township
of Leoni, and was Chairman of the Board at its annual session. He was nominated for the State Senate
in 1854 and 1858, but the District was largely Republican at the time and he was defeated. In 1876 
lie was again nominated for the State Senate, and
after a most spirited contest was elected by sixtyseven majority over tile Hon. Peter B. Loonis, the
Republican nominee. Col. Shoemaker was a member of the first (1848), and of the last (1877), State
Senate that held its session in the old( capitol building, the first built at Lansing. iHe was one of nine
Democrats in a Senate of thirty members. His
ch:ar:cter for industry and integrity was so well


understood that in a Senate so largely Republican
he was placed on four committees, three of them of
the most iml)ortant: Appropriation and Finance,
Education and Public Schools, and Agricultural
Colleges.
The influence of Col. Shoemaker on the legislation of the session of 1877 was marked, and as will
appear upon an examination of the "Journal" was
always on the side of economy in expenditures, and
in the interests of the people as opposed to class
legislation. Of the measures introduced by him
which became laws, two may be mentioned. He
was author of the law requiring saloons, and all
places where intoxicating drinks were sold, to be
closed on election day; and also of the first law legalizing the formation of Building or Co-operative
Savings Associations. lie was not a candidate in
1878 or in 1880, and the Democratic candidates in
those years were not elected. In 1882 he was
again nominated, and elected by a majority of
seven hundred and seventy-seven. In the Senate
of 1885, at the organization of that body, he was
appointed Chairman of the Committee on Railroads
an(d of State Library, and member of the Committees of the State House of Correction and Military
Affairs. Four of the most important committees,
and giving evidence of the work expected of him,
an(d highly complimentary coming from a Republican presiding officer in a Senate in which that
party was largely in the majority; there being but
twelve Democrats. This expectation of work was
more than realized, as the "Journal" of the Senate
abundantly proves. This labor was not confined
to the work of the committees of which Col. Shoemaker was member, but covered tile whole field of
the Legislature, and that in so sensible and honorable a manner that there was no Senator who exercised a greater influence in determining legislation
than did the subject of this sketch. He introduced
and secured the passage of a bill to provide for the
better protection of human life on railroad trains,
known then as the "Frog Bill."  Ile made thirtythree reports on the different bills originating with
or referred to the Committee on railroads. He
drew up and introduced the first bill offered in a
legislative body which asked for the enforcement
by law of the principles now enforced by the Inter



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


191


-- __


State Commerce Law. This of course was confined
in its action to the State of Michigan, and was entitled "A bill to regulate the passenger and freight
traffic; to provide for a uniform classification of
freight and maximum freight rates, and to prevent
unjust discrimination in charges of toll or compensation upon the railroads in this State."  This bill
was strenuously opposed by all the railroad inter.
ests in the State, and was more discussed than any
other. It was finally referred to a select committee,
of which the majority was opposed to the bill. The
report of the majority and of the minority of this
committee, published in the "'Senate Journal," are
worthy of a careful l)erusal, showing to what subterfuges a majority will resort to avoid an issue it
dare not fairly meet. The majority of the committee rel)orted, not against the bill, but in favor of a
substitute referring the whole matter to a commission to be apppointed to report to the Legislature
at its next session. The minority of the committee,
Col. Shoemaker, met the issue squarely and fairly,
st"ting the justice of the provision of the bill and
the necessity of its enactment. The following is an
extract from its ieport: "It is not intended to impose upon the railroad companies any rules of
action but such as are imperatively demanded to
prevent unjust discrimination. Could we have more
conclusive evidence that remedial legislation was
called for than has been furnished to this Legislature? Complaints, with evidence of their truth,
come to us from different parts of the State, and no
effort has been made to refute or deny them, We
have them on the file of our own "Journal," on page
751; and we have the most conclusive evidence of
them in the number of bills introduced into this
Legislature for relief from unjust discrimination in
freight rates coming from all parts of the State."
The pressure from the railroad companies was too
strong. The substitute was adopted, passed both
louses, and was vetoed by Gov. Begole. Col.
Shoemaker also introduced the bill which became a
law, taxing railroad car companies, both passenger and freight, of which there were a large number, with an immense capital, then as now doing
business on the railroads in the State.
In 1884 Col. Shoemaker was again elected to the
State Senate, and upon tlhe organization of that


body the Democrats voted for him for President
pro tern. He was appointed Chairman of the Committee on University, and a member of the committees of Appropriation and Finance, Banks and Incorporations, and Military Affairs. This session of
the Senate was longest in point of time of arry preceding it, and involved tile subject of this sketch
in more labor than any of which he has been a
member. Though not a member of the Railroad
Committee, he again introduced a bill to regulate
the passenger and freight traffic, to provide for a
uniform classification of freights and maximum
freight rates, and to prevent unjust discrimination
in charges of toll or compensation for the transportation of passengers and freights upon the railroads in this State. This bill gave rise to more
discussion and excited more interest in the Legislature and throughout the State than all other
mensures considered, and so thoroughly had Col.
Shoemaker become identified with it that it was
spoken of and quoted as the "Shoemaker Bill."
It was strenuously opposed by the railroad interests, and was made the subject of special meetings
of the committees, in which the attorneys of the
railroad companies made arguments against its
provisions. It was ably supported by its friends
in the Senate, and passed that body, but was finally
killed by the opposition that the railroad companies succeeded in organizing against it. The "Senate Journal" gives evidence of the masterly manner
in which Col. Shoemaker advocated the bill, and
the necessity there was in the unjust discriminations
in the railroad charges in Michigan, for both passengers and freights, for its passage.
The session of 1885 was noted for the many important measures, over which there was sharp and
bitter controversy. The bill making appropriation
for the support of the University gave rise to a
difference of action between the Senate and House,
the latter striking out of the Senate bill some of
the most important items. As Chairman of the
committee Col. Shoemaker had charge of the bill,
and advocated it in such a manner as to command
the unanimous support of the Senate. As the result of a conference a compromise was secured, and
the main features of the bill became a law. The
bill to secure the minority of stockholders in cor.




192


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.




=


porations the power of electing as representative
membership in boards of directors, was one of the
mnasures which occupied much of the time of the
Senate.
Col. Shoemaker hlas always been an active Democrat, and in 1858 he served as Chairman of the
Democratic State Central Committee, and has been
a member of most of the State conventions held
since his residence in Michigan. In 1857 he was
apjointed Collector of Customs for the District of
Detroit, this comprising all the lake ports in Michigan. He was one of the delegates to the Democratic National Conventions held at St. Louis in
1876, and at Chicago in 1884. In 1856 he received the nomination on the Democratic State
ticket as the first President;al Elector at large.
Soon after becoming a resident of Michigan Col.
Shoemaker joined the order of Odd Fellows, and
became a nlmber of both lodge and encampment,
over both of which he was at an early day elected
presiding officer. Soon after the organization of
Jackson Lodge, F. & A. Masons, and Jackson
Chapter, F. & A. Masons, he became a member of
both, and in 1850 was elected High Priest of the
Chapter. In 1855-56-57 he was elected Grand
High Priest of the State Grand Chapter of the
Royal Arch Masons of Michigan. He was one of
the charter members of Michigan Lodge, No. 40,
F. & A. M., was its second Master, and was again
elected Master in 1859 and 1860, and was Master
of the lodge, when, in 1861, he went with his regiment to join the Army of the Cumberland. Col.
Shoemaker has always been an active Mason. He
was a member of the General Grand Chapter of
Royal Arch Masons of the United States, which
met at Lexington, Ky., in 1852, and of that in
Hartford, Conn., in 1856. After his return from
the army he was several times appointed on committees in the Grand Lodge, F. & A. Masons, and
in 1886 he was elected Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge of Michigan. He is also a member of the
Council of R. & S., Masters, of the Commandery
of Knight Templars, and of the order of High
Priesthood.
Col. Shoemaker has been a member of the
Michigoan Pioneer and Historical Society since the
first year of its formation as the Pioneer Society of




I


I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ - -


the State of Michigan, and has since that time been
connected with it in an official character as member and Chairman of the Committee of Historians,
Vice President and President. The Society was
organized in 1874. In 1879 Col. Shoemaker was
elected President, and since that (late has served
continuously, and is now serving as Chairman of
the Committee of Historians. In connection with
the other officers of the Society he has at all times
been active in his efforts to secure reliable historical matter connected with the history of Michigan
from the earliest French occupation and settlement
down through the rule of Great Britain to the present time. Col. Shoemaker has been very earnest
and industrious in his efforts to secure an accurate
history of the first settlement by the white people
of every county in the State, whether by the French,
English, or more recently by our own people, even
to the present time. In the course of his investigations lie learned that the Government of Canada
was mindful of the importance of securing and preserving all possible documentary record of its history; had in its Government a branch especially
devoted to that purpose, which in addition to the
care of the records preserved in Canada, had in its
employment correspondents in England and France,
who were constantly employed in searching the records in those two countries, copying and forwarding to Ottawa all matter found relative to the
history of Canada, and of the extensive Indian
territory, now a part of the United States, with
which it was so intimately connected before the
Revolutionary War. Much of this must as a matter of course relate to the settlement and occupation of Michigan by the French and English, and
their relations with the Indian tribes then inhabitants of the territory. It would also give the
English account of the transactions with both
whites and Indians during the Wars of the Revolution and that of 1812. Determined to secure if
possible all matter in the archives in Ottawa relating to the history of Michigan, Col. Shoemaker
offered a resolution making an appropriation, and
authorizing his committee to take measures to accomplish this work.
In 1887 Col. Shoemaker sent his son, Bowen W.
Shoemaker, to Ottawa, and by his efforts the So



PORT RAIT AN D BIIOGRA PHICAL ALBUM.


193


_POR..        TRA.T _...,..AND  B  AL U.,,X= = --- —-  19 3: -—. — -., ==,


ciety has secured copies of historical papers of
inestimable value, and without which no complete
history of Michigan could be compiled. The number, volume and importance of these papers may
be inferred from the fact that their publication
runs through six volumes of the 'Pioneer and Historical Collection," which are of about seven hundred pages each. The success attending his efforts
in 1887 induced Col. Shoemaker to send his son to
Ottawa again, for the same purpose, in 1889, and
the result has been even more favorable than in
1887. The manuscript received is more voluminous than tlat obtained previously, and is now in
preparation 'for publication. All the papers received are copies of documents now on file in the
archives of Canada, at Ottawa. Col. Shoemaker
was enabled to accomplish this important work
through the kindness and active assistance of Mr.
Douglass Brymner, archivist of the department in
Ottawa, and to the industry in research, and good
judgment in selection, of his son, Mr. Bowen W.
Shoemaker. This has been with Col. Shoemaker a
labor of love, and while the time occupied in it has
been each year such as to encroach materially upon
that which would have been devoted to other pur.
suits, it has been given with the most hearty good
will, and without compensation. There have been
published thirteen volumes, of about seven hundred pages each, of the collections of the Society.
Two more volumes will be published before the
annual meeting of the Society in June, and there
is now on hand material for several more.
Col. Shoemaker was outspoken in his support of
the Government during the Rebellion, and of the
necessity of prompt and vigorous measures for its
suppression. In January, 1862, he accepted the
appointment of Colonel of the Thirteenth Regiment of Michigan Infantry, which was then mustered into the service at Kalamazoo. Early in
February Col. Sloemaker left Kalamazoo with his
regiment, under orders to join the Army of the
Cumberland at Louisville, Ky. On arriving there
he was ordered to march his regiment to Jeffersonville, Ind., then cross the Ohio River, and, after
being furnished with transportation, to continue the
march toward Nashville. They joined the army
March 3, at Bowling Green, Ky., and were attached


-~ ~'-~~~ — ~ ~ `~ --- —....-~~-~


to the Fifteenth Brigade, commanded by Col. Milo
S. Hascall, of Indiana, and with the Army of tile
Cumberland passed through Nashville on the 13th,
and encamped a short distance out of the city on
the Nolansville Pike. On the 25th the regiment
was transferred to the Twentieth Brigade, commanded by Col. Charles G. Harker, and March 29,
1862, with the Army of the Cumberland commenced its march for Savannah, on the Tennessee
River, there to join the army commanded by Gen.
U. S. Grant. On the 5th of April Gen. James A.
Garfield joined the army, and was assigned to the
command of the Twentieth Brigade, superseding
Col. Harker. On the morning of the 6th, soon
after resuming the march, the faint booming of
heavy guns could he heard by laying the ears on
the ground, and became more distinct as the army
advanced, making it evident to all that a battle
was then being fought by the army of Gen. Grant
and tie Confederate forces. The latter had evidently made an attack with the intention of defeating Gen. Grant before he could be joined by the
Army of the Cumberland. After making a full
(lay's march the Division received orders to rest
one hour, eat rations, and divested of all b aggage, in
light marching order, with only guns and ammunition to resume the march. This was done, and in
this order the march continued all night along the
clay roads of Tennessee, with a steady and heavy
down pour of rain during the entire night, with
the continuous booming of the heavy guns to show
that the fight was still going on, to cheer the flatigued and almost worn out soldier in his struggle
through the mud in the intense darkness, which
was only relieved at times by the vivid flashes of
lightning, which helped to impress the recollection
of that night's march on the minds of all who participated in it. The Twentieth was the rear brigade
of the army, and in consequence had the most
difficult position, and suffered more from this
night's march than any others in the Army of the
Cumberland. The Thirteenth Regiment was in the
night's march, the rear one of the brigade, and during its entire service it underwent no-harder trial,
and never suffered greater hardship during the war
than in this night's march toward the battlefield of
Shiloh, The regiment had not been in the field a






194


PO;RTRAIT AND BI.OGR~APHICAL ALBUM.


194  PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


sufficient length of time to become habituated to
the excessive strain upon their endurance the men
were called upon to make in this all-day and allnight march in the mud and continuous heavy
rain, and many of them never recovered from its
effects.
The brigade reached Savannah on the morning
of the 1st, and immediately embarked on a steamboat for Pittsburgh Landing. The bank of the
river at the landing was crowded with fugitives
from the army in a state of complete dis-organization, a solid mass, three or four rods deep, up and
down the river as far as the eye could reach. Offlicers were riding in front of them, endeavoring to
bring them into some kind of order or formation.
As the Twentieth Brigade landed, some of them
joined, and with it marched to the front, where the
brigade was for some time under the fire of Confederate batteries, but the battle was practically
over, and except as in assisting in following up the
retreating Confederates, the Twentieth Brigade did
not take part in the battle of Shiloh. From the time
of its arrival at Shiloh the Thirteenth Regiment
was constantly at the front, and almost daily under
fire. as the Union Army was making its slow progress
toward Corinth, Miss., the headquarters of the
Confederate Army.
On the 2d of June 1862, Col. Shoemaker, with
his regiment left Corinth, Miss., and moved with
the Army of the Cumberland up the valley of the
Tennessee River, and was employed during the summer repairing railroads and building bridges, which
had been torn up or destroyed by the Confederates.  The brigade moved from   Moorsville to
Stevenson, Ala., on July 19, 1862, where the Thirteenth Regiment, with the other troops, and Capt.
Simonson's (Fifth Indiana Regiment) Battery, were
placed under command of Col. Shoemaker. The
fort at Stevenson was built by the forces under
the command of Col. Shoemaker, and the town
fortified under his direction. Stevenson was one
of the most important stations on the line of the
railroad communications south of Nashville, being
at the junction of the only north and south and
east and west lines then built south of Nashville. The fort was completed and occupied, the
artillery mounted, and the buildings on every av


enue of approach were turned into small fortresses
when the retrograde movement of Gen. Buell's
army commenced.     The latter General passed
through, going north toward Nashville, on the 21st
of August, 1862.
On Sunday morning, August 30, 1862, all the
baggage, commissary stores. sick and convalescent
soldiers remaining at Stevenson were loaded on the
cars, and started on the railroad toward Nashville,
Tenn.
About 8 o'clock A. M., and before the arrival of
any trains from Huntsville, Col. Shoemaker was
informed by some scouts that there was a force of
Confederate cavalry making a demonstration on
the Boliver and Bridgeport road. He immediately
sent out Capt. Slayton, with Company I, and Capt.
Simonson with two pieces of artillery, to reconnoitre, with directions to check an advance on that
road if any was attempted, and ascertain the number of the forces of the enemy as nearly as possible.
Capts. Slayton and Simonson were both on horse.
back, and were accompanied, besides their command, by some twenty or more mounted men,
volunteers, of whom fourteen were of Simonson's
battery on artillery horses, and the others, except
Lieut.-Col. Hunton, officers of the Thirteenth Regiment. A short distance outside of the picket line
and about one mile east of the town, they saw a
force of cavalry in a small grove of woods directly
on the road.
Capt. Simonson immediately opened fire on them
with his two pieces of artillery.  A few shells exploding among them caused their retreat without
offering any resistance.  They were immediately
pursued by the volunteer cavalry, who, charging
at full speed through the woods, found that their
haste had almost precipitated them on to a brigade
of Confederate infantry, supported by a battery of
artillery and a troop of cavalry, drawn up in order
of battle on the open ground and crossing the
road. They were in such close proximity that our
volunteers were in eminent danger of being surrounded and their retreat cat off, but they promptly
took in the situation, and before the enemy had
time to act, after seeing how small was the force
which was so bravely rushing through the woods,
thle impromptu cavalry turned, retreated and were




PORTRAILT AND BIOGRIAPH3ICAL ALBUMM


195


PORTRiT AND BIGRPHCA  ALUM 1X D  — 9=  =


saved from capture by the speed of their horses.
They all succeeded in reaching the ground occupied by the artillery, which again opened fire on
the advancing foe, and checked the pursuit.  All
this was immediately reported to Col. Shoemaker,
he dispatched another company of infantry, with
orders to hold the position as long as possible, to
advise him if more support was necessary, and he
would send it at once. The road on which they
were stationed and defending was that leading directly to the depot, and if the Confederates succeeded in advancing upon it they would prevent
the transfer of trains from Huntsville to the Nashville Railroad. After a lively cannonade of an
hour the enemy ceased firing, drew off their forces
to the left or south, and Col. Shoemaker had accomplished his object in forcing them to take a
position, in making any further attack most favorable for the accomplishment of the purpose he had
in view.
The Confederates now approached the fort from
the southeast, planting their battery and displaying their forces in the cleared fields in that direction, opened quite a lively fire with their artillery
on both the fort and the town.  The two companies of infantry and the two pieces of artillery
were now ordered to return, and placed inside the
fort. They had acted with great gallantry, and
rendered service of the utmost value by the tenacity with which they held their position in the
face of a force so greatly superior.  They had
caused the enemy to abandon the direct road to
Stevenson, and swerve to the left or south, thereby
not only preserving railroad connections from immediate danger, but also protecting the line of
retreat, which would have been greatly endangered,
if not cut off, had the Confederates made good
their advance directly upon the town, which, with
the number and composition of their forces, they
ought to and might have done. The commander
of the enemy did not bring his forces within the
range of muskets, but Capt. Simonson kept up a
continuous fire on them from his battery in the
fort, with good effect. They changed the position
of their battery several times, and there was at intervals a good deal of confusion apparent in their
ranks. This artillery engagement was general and


active from 10 o'clock A. M. until about 4 o'clock
P. M., without any loss as their balls and shells generally passed over the fort. They had the range
correctly, but did not well calculate the distance.
Wliat loss the enemy suffered from the guns of
Capt. Simonson is not known, but it must have
been quite considerable, or they would not have
been so wary or so dilatory in their movements.
Soon after 3 o'clock the trains came in on the railroad from Huntsville with the Tenth Wisconsin
Infantry, some refugees, and others fleeing to the
North.
Col. Shoemaker now sent a telegram to Brig.Gen. William Soay Smith, giving him the state of
affairs, and telling him that he had no doubt of his
ability to hold the place against the force operating
against him, if such was the wish of Gen. Buell.
In reply he received the following telegram
(No. 22):
"DECHARD, August 31, 1862.
COL. SHOEMAKER:-Withdraw     in good order,
keep your artillery in advance preceded by skirmishers. Use your artillery whenever you can, if
the enemy pursues. No cavalry has been sent.
WILLIAM S. SMITH,
Brigadier General."
In obedience to this order Col. Shoemaker commenced to withdraw his forces.  In advance, in
line of march on the retreat were the wagons, all
being without loading of any kind. The artillery
came next, and the better to conceal the movements, one gun of the battery was discharged, then
taken from its position in the fort and placed in
the line of march, then another was discharged and
treated in the same manner, and in this way the fire
on the Confederates was kept up until everything
was in readiness for the march, when the last gun
was fired, taken from the fort, and the march began
about 5 o'clock P. M., the Thirteenth Regiment,
Michigan Infantry bringing up the rear, and being
the last regiment of Gen. Buell's army to leave Alabama. In the meanwhile the enemy had not ventured within musket shot, and had been easily kept
in check by the artillery. The regiment destroyed
the first bridge crossed, and continued its march
until about 3 o'clock A. M., when it reached Anderson's Station, on the railroad, where it bivouacked.  The regiment then resumed its march




196                   PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
-----— ~~~~~~~~ --- —------— '   - __~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1__-__1~~~~~~_..1-_.- ____~~~~~~~~~_I~~~.~~~~~~~~______~~~~~~~ II~~~:~~~Z_~~


proceeding to Tantallan, at the foot of the Cumberland Mountains, where it bivouacked. September 2d, the regiment commenced its march up the
Cumberland Mountains.   The ascent was steep,
and in places not only difficult but perilous for
artillery and wagons, and not at all pleasant for
officers on horseback or soldiers on foot, but after
a toilsome march, the regiment arrived at the suminit without accident or loss of any kind.  The
distance is about ten miles, and the regiment arrived at Cowan, at the foot of the mountains on
the north side, at 2 o'clock P. M. The regiment
reached Tullahoma after midnight, having marched
from Tantallan in twenty hours, a distance of
thirty-six miles, which included the crossing of the
Cumberland Mountains. After leaving Tullahoma,
September 3, the regiment marchedl until 1 o'clock
A, M., on the 4th, when it halted for two hours
for rations and rest; then resuming march and
continuing until 2 oclock A. M., on the 5th, when
it reached Murfreesboro. Here it was allowed to
rest until noon, when the army was again put in
motion on the line of march for Nashville, where
it arrived on Saturday, the 6th of September, 1 862.
As an evidence of the incessant manner in which
Col. Shoemaker had been occupied, and of the fatigue he underwent up to the time of his arrival at
Nashville, he had not taken off his clothes from
the 28th of August to the 6th of September.
After leaving Tantallan his legs commenced swelling, and every day would swell until they filled his
large military boots so that it was difficult to draw
them, and an impression made in the swelling, as
a dent with the finger, would remain for an hour
or more. The swelling would subside when he was
in a recumbent position, but as soon as he mounted
his horse would again commence, and was always
accompanied with a pricking sensation over the entire surface, which made the pain almost intolerable, but from which on this march there was no
escape, and no opportunity to apply any remedy.
Surgeon Ewing expressed himself quite apprehensive of the effect of the condition of his limbs, and
that if he continued to ride on horseback there was
great danger that from dropsy or erysipelas, his
legs would become permanently diseased. when
with rest and prompt medical treatment lie would


soon recover. He insisted on presenting his condition to Gen. Buell, who granted him a leave of
absence for thirty days, and Col. Shoemaker left
Nashville Sunday night, of the day of his arrival,
by stage for Franklin, Ky., for home, which however he was only destined to reach after a series
of adventures, and by way of Richmond, Va., and
Libby Prison. Near Tyree Springs the stage was
surrounded  by guerrillas, Col. Shoemaker was
captured and taken to the headquarters of Gens.
Bragg and Hardee, near Carthage, on the Cumberland River, from there to Knoxville, Richmond,
and home after a short sojourn in Libby Prison.
Col. Shoemaker was exchanged and( joined his regiment in Kentucky within two months of the time
of his capture.
Among the engagements in which he participated were the battles of Owl Creek, and the siege
of Corinth, Miss., Shiloh, Farmington and Stevenson, Ala.. and Gallatin, Mill Creek, LaVergte,
Stewart's Creek and Stone River or Murfrcesboro,
Tenn.  In the last-named battles, the Thirteenth
Michigan, under command of Col. Shoemaker, particularly distinguished itself. On the afternoon of
December 31, when one-third of the entire regi.
were either killed or wounded, it nt only maintained its position after the other regiments of the
brigade and battery had retreated from tile field
but also drove the Confederate forces, largely superior in number to Col. Shoemaker's command
from the ground, recaptured two pieces of cannon
left by the battery in its retreat, and made sixtyeight prisoners. It is claimed by the Colonel that
this act of his regiment saved the day for the Federal troops, for all that time there was no other organized force to prevent the enemy from cutting
off the supplies and hospitals, and attacking the
Union army in flank and rear. The regiment was
under fire during almost every moment of daylight
from the time Monday afternoon when it crossed
Stone River until the following Saturday night.
Speaking of the action of the 31st of December,
Capt. Cullen Bradley, commanding the Sixth Ohio
Light Battery, says in his official report: "I retired
my battery and took up a position five hundred
rods in the rear, and again opened fire on the enemy, with case and canister, who were advanced in




PORTRAIT AND BIOGKAPHICAL ALBUM.


197


~~:~ — I_~~- ~ ~ _ --- —-I-I~~~~~ --- —1'-  —,- --  -`I' — ~ I-   -- ~ ~ -  ~ — - -~ — - -~- 1 ---~ ----  - - -  --   -, —.-  -. ~~ --- —--- ------


force. After an engagement of five minutes I was
compelled to retire my battery and to abandon two
pieces of the battery, one of which I spiked, and
sustaining a loss of one man killed, two wounded
and one man missing; also eight horses killed and
three wounded. About this time Col. Shoemaker
charged the enemy with the Thirteenth Michigan,
driving them off the field and recovering the guns,
and for which Col. Shoemaker should receive full
credit." Col. Harker, who commanded the brigade
of which the Thirteenth Michigan regiment formed
a part, in his official report of this engagement
after stating the manner in which the other regiments of the brigade and the battery were repelled
and two of the cannons captured says: "The Thirteenth Michigan fired upon the enemy with telling
effect, and having caused their ranks to waver, followed upon this advantage, supported by the Fiftyfirst Illinois, wvhich had come to their relief, and
completely routed the enemy.   The Thirteenth
Michigan retook the two pieces of artillery abandoned by the battery, and captured sixty-eight
prisoners, while the comparative loss of the left
wing, of which the Thirteenth Michigan formed a
part, was 24- per cent, or nearly one-fourth of the
whole. The greater per cent. of loss however was
sustained by the gallant Thirteenth Michigan, they
loosing 39| per cent. After the close of the fight,
on Sunday morning, at roll call every man of the
regiment was accounted for; there was not one
missing. All who had left Nashville were present,
dead or wounded and in the hospital."  There were
but few, if any, regiments in the whole army with
so clean a record.  During the time that Col.
Shoemaker had command of the Thirteenth Regiment, it marched three times across Kentucky,
twice across Tennessee into Mississippi, at Corinth,
and once across Alabama.
In 1868 Col. Shoemaker was elected President
of the Young Men's Association of Jackson, and
re-elected in 1873.  It was mainly through his
efforts, during the first term of his Presidency,
that the excellent libiary of tile Association was
established. He has from his earliest years been a
close student, and has through many years acquired a fine library, probably the largest private
one in Jackson County.


He was married July 18, 1850, at Macacheck,
Ohio, to Miss Juliet Piatt, daughter of J. Wykoff
Piatt. of Cincinnati, Ohio.  She died September
27, 1854. On the 25th of August 1857, at Penn
Yan, N. Y.. Col. Shoemaker was married to Sarah
Wisner, daughter of Henry P. Wisner, Eeq. They
have three children living, one son and two daughters, of a family of nine children born to them.
Col. Shoemaker has always been and still is an active business man. I-e owned and operated the
mills of Michigan Centre for about thirty years.
He has been an active farmer over forty years, and
now owns two large farms in, and immediately adjoining the city of Jackson.  He has also, for
twenty-four years, owned and operated oil wells
near Patrolia, Canada, where he now owns valuable
prop2rty.
J   ULIUS II. CHURCH, who is numbered
among the progressive farmers of Blackman
i Township, has been a life-long resident there,
having been born in that township, August
24, 1854. He received a good common-school education, and has been engaged in farming during
all the years of his natural life. He owns fortythree acres on section 17, on which a good and
complete line of buildings have been erected, and
such other improvements made as are expected of
a progressive and enterprising agriculturist.
The father of our subject was Chancy R. Church,
who was born in Genesee County, N. Y., and his
mother was Eliza Ann Park, a native of Southbridge, Mass. Their first settlement after marriage
was in Sandstone Township, this county, where
they lived about a twelvemonth, after which they
resided in different parts of Jackson and Washtenaw  Counties. The father is deceased and the
mother yet survives. The parental family comprised two sons-Jason and Julius IH.
At the home of the bride in Jackson. November
13, 1884, the gentleman whose name initiates this
sketch was united in marriage with Miss Clara
Brelsford. She is the daughter of Thomas and
Lydia (Mann) Brelsford, the latter of whom died
in Jackson in 1887. Mrs. Church was born in






198


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


- -


-


I


Jonesboro, Grant County, Ind., December 23,
1860, and is an educated and cultured lady. Her
happy union with our subject has resulted in the
birth of one child, Gracie E.
In the spring of 1885, Mr. Church was elected
Supervisor of Blackman Township, and served in
that position one term. He has held the office of
Township Treasurer two terms, of Highway Commissioner one term, and of School Inspector one
term. As an incumbent of public offices he displays an honorable and intelligent zeal in behalf of
the interests of his constituents, and gains the
approval of all who desire a clean conduct of public affairs. He belongs to the Republican party,
and is quite active in political affairs. HIe and his
wife are members of the Patrons of Industry, and
are respected members of the First Congregational
Church of Jackson.
S   ALMON     Z. CRAWFORD.      Among the
solid men of Jackson County, a high rank
is held by the above.named gentleman, who
occupies a beautiful home on section 19,
Blackman Township. His estate comprises four
hundred and five acres of the most thoroughly
cultivated land, and upon it has been erected one
of the best set of farm buildings in the township,
including every necessary and convenient structure
for the carrying on of the work of the farm and
the storing of crops and care of stock. The residence is a fine specimen of rural architecture, and
in its internal arrangements gives evidence of the
refinement of its inmates and their desire to spend
their means in rational pleasures, wise recreations,
and the enjoyment of means of culture, as well as
in the companionship of their chosen friends and in
assisting in the advancement of civilization in their
vicinity.
The late Zebah Crawford, the father of our subject, was born in Steuben County, N. Y., in which
he made his home after his marriage to Miss Asenath A. Crouch, who was also a native of the Empire State. Thence they came to Jackson County,
Mich., in 1836, settling in Sandstone Township,
where they lived during a lengthy period, and


whence they removed to Jackson. in which city
Mr. Crawford died, in 1876. His widow survived
until the fall of 1888, when, in Sandstone Township, she closed her eyes to earthly things. Mr.
Crawford had held various offices, and had taken a
deep interest in local affairs, meriting and receiving the good will of his associates, by whom his
wife also was well esteemed. Their family comprised seven children, of whom their son, S. Z., is
the fourth.
The (entleman with whose name we introduce
this sketch was born in Steuben County, N. Y.,
October 26, 1834, and was still an infant when his
parents came to Michigan. He grew to manhood
in Sandstone Township, this county, remaining
with his father until the summer of 1865, when he
became a Benedict and settled on section 18, Blackman Township. IIe afterward changed his location to section 19, where he has since resided,
continuing the agricultural work in which lie has
been engaged since youth, and which his zeal,
good management and industry have made so profitable.
In Miss Catherine Jackson, a native of Clarence,
Erie County, N. Y., Mr. Crawford found united
the qualities of mind, traits of character, and acquirements which lie most admired in womankind,
and to her, after a successful wooing, lie was married in Jackson, July 27, 1865. Mrs. Crawford is
a daughter of the late Rudolph D. Jackson and his
wife, Anna Mead, who were natives of Erie
County, N. Y., and the parents of four children, of
whom she is the eldest. Hcer mother died in her
native county in 1847, and her father afterward
married Miss Delina Ferguson, coming to Jackson
County, Mich., about 1852, and settling oil section
17, Blackman Township. There Mr. Jackson died,
in November, 1882, his widow surviving in that
township. The natal day of Mrs. Crawford was
May 21, 1839. She has borne her husband two
children-Wayne S. and Burr J., who have been
given every advantage which the love of their parents and their abundant means could secure for
their improvement and culture, and the result has
been highly satisfactory to parental affection and
pride.
Mr. Crawford has ever manifested his interest in








6)                         v 2




( I




I




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


201.




= w


the affairs of the township, as becomes a publicspirited citizen and a man of intelligence, and has
contributed his full share toward the cause of education and other worthy enterprises which tend to
advance the prosperity and civilization of the corn
munity. In politics he is a firm believer in the
principles of the Republican party, which he therefore conscientiously supports. He is widely and
favorably known, not only among the class to
which he belongs and to which he is an honor, but
throughout the county and beyond its limits lie is
recognized as a man of worth as a citizen, of honor
as an individual, and influential in the upbuilding
of the community.
{  AMUEL 0. KNAPP. The almost phenomenal growth and development of Jackson
TA   ) County is due entirely to the men who
came here during its early settlement and
who possessed the undaunted energy, the tireless
industry and the perseverance necessary to success.
Not only did they build up their own fortunes, but
at the same time laboring here and investing their
capital likewise, they thus brought to this section
of country that which has made it what it is to-day.
The subject of this notice, late one of the most
prominent and prosperous citizens of Jackson, occupied no secondary position among its leadling
men. The main points in a history of more than
ordinary interest are as follows:
A native of Royalton, Vt., the subject of this
notice was born April 21, 1816, and was a son of
Nathan and Mary (Grinnell) Knappl, who were
both representatives of substantial old New England
families. The early education of Samuel 0. was
obtained aL the common schools. At the early age
of ten years he was apprenticed to the trade of
wool manufacturing in the mills owned by exGovernor Charles Payne of Vermont. Iis service at that place extended over a period of sixteen
years, and the habits of industry, thrift and selfcontrol there acquired characterized the whole of his
subsequent life. Finally, his health failing, he left
the mills and kept a public house for about two


years. In 1844 lie came to Michigan, bringing
with him letters from prominent citizens of Vermont, testifying to his skill as a workman and his
worth and integrity as a man.
Mr. Knapp introduced the manufacture of woolen
goods as a branch of industry into the State Prison
at Jackson, which was the means of a large revenue
to the State. In 1847 he became interested in the
copper mines on Lake Superior, in fact was one of
the first to discover the presence of this valuable
ore in tlat vicinity, and he later was connected
with the practical workings of the mines. In 1848,
as agent of the Minnesota mine, he made a valuable report of the geology and topography of the
Lake Superior region. He prosecuted his work of
exploration so successfully as to obtain from the
mine eleven tons of copper ore before his company
was fairly ready for work. The development of
the copper interests owes much to Mr. Knapp's energy and practical knowledge. lie was the first to
discover on Lake Superior the traces of ancient
copper-mining which have so much interested the
students of archeology and mineralogy, and his
agency inithis and in other things pertaining to the
copper interests is mentioned in the reports of
Foster & Whitney, United States Geologists, in
1850. We append the following from a local paper in regard to the scientific researches of Mr.
Knapp, which will prove interesting to the public:
"At the meeting of the Tuesday Club, January
11, many interesting facts concerning the discoveries of antiquities in the Lake Superior region l)y
our (leceased fellow-townsman, S. 0. Knapp, were
recalled by Miss Mary Camp, and as it seemed a
surprise to many that we should have had so eminent a geologist and discoverer in our midst, it
may prove of interest to others to know of the
tribtute paid to this modest man by celebrated
authors:
"l)aniel Wilson, L. L. D., in his work, 'Prehistoric Men,' says, 'Attention was first directed to
traces of ancient mining operations by Mr. S. 0.
Knapp, Agent of the Minnesota Mining Company,
in 1847. Following up the indications of a continuous depression in the soil lie came at length to a
cavern where lie found several porcupines had fixed
their quarters for hibernation, but detecting evis




202


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


dences of artificial excavation, lie proceeded to clean
out the accumulated soil and not only exposed to
view a vein of copper but found in the rubbish
numerous stone mauls and hammers of the ancient
workmen.
"Subsequent observations brought to light excavations of great extent, frequently from twentyfive to thirty feet deep and scattered over an area
of several miles. The rubbish taken from these is
l)iled up in mounds along the side, while the
trenches have been gradually refilled with soil and
decayed matter, gathered through the long centuries since their desertion, and over all the giants of
the forest had grown, withered and fallen to decay.
Mr. Knapp counted three hundred and ninety-five
annular rings in a hemlock tree which grew in one
of the mounds of earth thrown out of an ancient
mine.
"Marquis DeNadaillac in ' Pre-historic America'
says, Knapp, who was the first to direct these excavations, took out 'from three mines ten cart loads
of stone implements of all kinds. In an unusually
deep excavation a quite primitive ladder was found,
consisting of the trunk of a young tree with the
branches cut at equal distances to serve as rungs.
In other places shovels, levers and dippers of cedar
wood were discovered, preserved from destruction
by the water in which they were soaked. Everywhere copper implements were found, side by side
with stone, mostly bearing marks of long service.
One mallet weighed more than twenty pounds. Like
all the other copper objects, it had been made by
hammering unheated.
"John T. Short in ' North Americans of Antiquity' refers to the same facts and gives Mr. Knapp
the credit of discovery.
"In Sir John Lubbock's Prehistoric Times'
the same facts are mentioned, giving Mr. Knapp
the credit of discovery; the 'Mound Builders', by
McLean; and 'Baldwin's Ancient America.'
~' In all of these works Mr. Knapp is personally
mentioned, and if in one small private library he
is credited by eight different authors, may his reputation as authority on ancient mines and mound
builders be not still more extended? "
Some years ago Mr. Knapp laid out Knapp's addition to the city of Jackson,this lying east from his


beautiful residence to Grand River. Most of it is
now built up with elegant and handsome homes. The
addition forms one of the choice residence portions
of the city, and in connection with it the name of
Samuel 0. Knapp will ever be mentioned, together
with the history of Jackson, so long as the city
shall exist. We make the following extract from
a paper lublished in regard to Bay View:
" A few years ago Mr. S. O. Knapp of Jackson,
together with his wife, traveled northward in search
of health. They found it at Petoskey and made up
their minds to buy some land a little north of that
place and build a summer residence. On their return
home Mr. Knapp, who was a leading Methodist,
told some of his brethren of his discovery and they
at once said that was the place they wanted for a
State Camp Meeting ground."   The subsequent
success and prominence which has attached to Bay
View, which now has a national reputation, bas
fully justified the judgment of Mr. and Mrs. Knapp,
together with others of their Methodist brethren,
in selecting that beautiful and healthful haven
wherein to worship at the shrine of their religion.
Samuel 0. Knapp was married, at Northfield,
Vt., August 19, 1838, to Miss Sarah, daughter of
Allen and H. Dodge Balch. This lady was born
May 16, 1818. in Unity, N. H., but completed her
education in Nortlfield, Vt. Of this union there
were born no children. The Knapp family residence, which was erected in 1851, stands on a rise
of ground and with its ornamental trees and other
appurtenances forms one of the handsome homes
of Jackson.
The means which were accumulated by Mr.
Knapp, and which afforded him ample competence,
were gained solely in legitimate business enterprises. IHe never held office for profit but filled
many local positions of trust and responsibility.
I-e was a member of the committee which framed
the first charter of the city of Jackson, was Presi(ent of the School Board for a number of years
and a memler of the Board of Public Works. For
six years, from 1868 to 1874, he was a member of
the State Board of Agriculture, and he was Chairman of the Building Committee during the construction of the building of the State Agricultural
College of Lansing. He gave special attention to




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.                                  203
_~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-.-..~..,..............11.-  --.. —.-. —.:-.- ----—................................ 


horticulture, on which subject he was regarded as
authority. An active member of the State Pomological Society, lie was once elected its President,
but on account of his many other interests thought
best to decline the honor.
From a youth of sixteen years until his death
Mr. Knapp was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he was a stanch
Republican. A self-made Michigan man, stable in
principle and of the highest moral character, his
well-known honesty and integrity constituted him
a safe-repository of both public and private trusts.
After a well-spent life lie laid down the armor and
passed to his rest at his home in Jackson, January
6, 1883.
His portrait, as well as that of his estimable wife,
may be found elsewhere in this volume.
-IEORGE W. DEMING. Owning and oc(   - c  cupying a well tilled farm of thirty-two acres
k.J4 on section 24,1lackman Township, Mr. 1)cming finds time for much work in behalf of religion
and morality, wisely thinking that an accumulation
of alarge amount of this world's goods will not
prove satisfactory to him if gained at the expense of mental and spiritual growth. He and his
wife arc members of the Free Will Baptist Church
and active in the work of the society, particularly
among the young. The reputation which they bear
is a most excellent one, combining a good repute in
moral character, with that of enterprise and industry in financial and household affairs.
The gentleman with whose name we introduce
this sketclh is the second of four children, born to the
late Benjamin Deming and his wife Elizabeth Sayles.
The parents were natives of:New York and Pennsylvania respectively, and from the former State
removed to Michigan about the year 1869, settling
in Waterloo Township, this county, where the father
died in 1884.
The birthplace of G. W. Deming, was Chemung
County, N. Y. and his natal day December 14, 1852.
He came to this county with his parents, with whom
he remained until about 1875, when he went to Isa

bella County, finding employment on a farm and
in the woods, and remaining there three and a half
years. He then returned to Jackson County, and
until March, 1886, lived in Wate-loo Township, at
that date locating on the farm which he now occupies and where he is conducting successfully his
agricultural work and enjoying the comforts of his
lleasant home.
At the lhome of the bride in Isabella County,
Mich., Mr. Dleming was united in marriage with
Miss Cora Wellman who bore him one child-Flora.
The little one was removed by death when four
years old, and the wife and mother breathed her
last in Waterloo Township in November, 1878.
After having remained a widower until March 2,
1886, Mr. Deming was again married, the ceremony
being celebrated in Jackson, Mich., and the bride
being Mrs. Minnie (Kohn) Ilurd. The bride was
born in Germany, November 17. 1852, to John
and Elizabeth Kohn, of that Empire, in which the
mother died. Mr. Iohn came to America and is
now living in Blackman Township, this county.
Samuel Hurd, the first husband of Mrs. Deming,
died in the city of Jackson, October 18, 1884, and
in that city his widow continued to reside until
her marriage to our subject.
r-^ RASTUS II. DEMING, a prominent citizen
j]v  of Norvell Township, took up his residence
/.i _.  i 1882, on section 35, purchasing orne hundred and twenty-four acres of good land with
modern improvements. His farm overlooks Wanmpus Lake, a popular resort for the people both of
this and Lenawee Counties, and which, it is hardly
necessary to say, forms a very pleasant and romantic
spot, and one of the most attractive of country
homesteads.
The progenitors of Mr. Deming settled at an
early date in Litchfield, Conn., wliere his paternal
grandfather, Daniel Deming, was born and where
lie learned the trade of a tanner, currier and shoemaker. lie spent his entire life near the place of
his birth, dying when quite aged. IHis father was




204


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


- - -.. _ v


-- -  --- --- —I --- —---— 11 —1 ----` -----— c —"
— ` --- —-— `


an Englishman, one of three brothers who crossed
the Atlantic and settled in Connecticut. Ile married a lady whose first name was Cynthia, and who
is supposed to have come from an old New England family. She with her husband also lived
until well advanced in years.
To Daniel Deming and his wife thore was born
a large family of children, of whom the late IIon.
Daniel H. Deming, the father of our subject, was
one of the youngest. Hie likewise was born in
Litchfield, Conn., September 25, 1804. IIe completed his education at Sharon, and in 1829, leaving the place of his birth, repaired to loughkeepsie,
N. Y., where for two years he was engaged as
clerk in an hotel. Later, emigrating to Canandaigua, Ontario County, he was employed as clerk for
a stage line. In the spring of 1834 he resolved to
cast his lot with the pioneers of Michigan Terri
tory, and coming to Lenawee County, secured a
tract of Government land on what is now section
26, Dover Township. The lake in that vicinity,
near which he had settled, was named after him.
He opened up a farm from the wilderness, making
good improvements, and kept bachelor's hall for
several years. Finally perceiving thatt two healds
were better than one, he was married to M\iss Mary
Bailey, a native of his own State, and who was
born near Rome, Oneida County. She (tcale to
Michigan with her parents, Samuel and Sally Bailey, late in the '30s.
After their marriage Daniel Deming and his
wife labored industriously early and late for many
years, and took great pride in building tup a nice
homestead. The father of our subject departed
this life April 7, 1871. He was one of the most
prominent men of Lenawee County, where he had
taken a very active part in the growth and development of the country. He was a reader and a
thinker, became familiar with common law, and
was a man whose judgment was deferred to in
many important matters among his neighbors. He
served as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1846, and was finally elected to tile Legislature, being on the committee which located the
State Capital at Lansing, and lie was present at tlle
first session of the Legislature held there, in 1849.
The Hon. Daniel Deming, in 1850, was nomi- 


nated for State Senator by tlhe Democratic party,
which he had always served, and was only defeated
by sixteen votes, and this was due to the ambition
of a local politician who ha(d " bolted " his party.
IIe was for some years President of the Lenawee
County Agricultural Society, and represented Dover Township many years in the County Board of
Supervisors. I:e was also Justice of the Peace and
lad served as a delegate to the various conventions
of his party upon different occasions. H-e served
a numlber of times on thle United States and Grand
Juries, and was in all respects'a prominent and usefull iember of the community.  Mrs. Deming is
still living, and makes her home with her daughter,
Mrs. McMath, in Dover Township, Lenawee County.
Althouhll seventy-three years old, she is active and
intelligent, and can tell many an interesting tale of
bygone days.
There were born to tlhe parents of our subject
three children, Eraistus t. being the eldest. His
sister, Julia. A.. already spoken of, is the wife of
Fleming AlcMlath, Jr, a farmer of Dover 'ownship, Lenawee County. The other sister, H-arriet
A., is tlte wife of Edwin Nicholas, a merchant of
Palmyra. Erastus 1H. spent his boyhood and youth
amid tle quiet pursuits of farm life in Dover and
Rome Townslhips, Lenawee County, in the former
of which lie had been born, August 18, 1842. IIe
was sixteen years old when his father removed to
Romre Township. lie there learned the carpenter's
trade, to whichl he applied himself about five years.
On- year of this time lie was employed in the car
shops of tlle Chicago & Alton IRailroad, at Bloomington, 111.
Mr. Il)ming was married in Madison T'ownship,
Lenawee County, October 6. 1870, to Miss Nancy
A. Schriver. 'This lady was born there April 14,
1845, and is the daughter of Hiram and Mary
(Green) Schriver, who were natives of Palmyra,
N.. They came to Michigan with their respective l)arents in their youth, and were married in
Madison Township, whlere they began their wedded
life as pioneer son a tract of wild land. Mr. Schriver only lived two years after his marriage, dying
in 1847. Ile was a cabinet-maker by trade, honest,
industrious, and a good man in the broadest sense
of the term. lie had put up a small house on his land,




PORTI-ZAIT AND 11) I10((:n"RAPH ICAIL ALBUMURI


205


P()l~  - 'l'EAIT ---- ANI) -- BI(1UPIIA  ALBUIN —I.-  20


which his widow occupied for a time and until her
marriage to James Iveson, who is also now deceased. Mrs. Iveson makes ler ilome with her
danugter, Mrs. I)emii.
To the parents of Mrs. )ellini tlere were born
two clildrel. HIer sister lEmily is now the wife of
Levi Ioward, a flrmer of Romre J'ownsllip, lsenawee County.   Mrs. Do)lini( remaine: with her
mother until her marrliage, receiving, hler e(iucalion in the common schlool and being trained to
habits of industry and cconony. The two cllildren living, born to her and our subject, are Ralph
E. and Ethel B., botl at homne withl their parents.
One child, a daughter, Belle, died at the age of
eleven years and six montlis.  Mr. )eming is a
stanch Democrat, politically, anl( lhas served as
Township Trustee.
-    DWARDI) DERB,     SII IIRE. Jackson County
LJ' jis indebted to t>he lands iacross the sea for.. t:  many of her Inost energetic, intelligcent,
and trustwortlhy citizens. The gentlemlnl  alove
ntamed is a fine relresentative of tllis class in natulre
and national characteristics. althoughl from  early
youth he has lived in the United States and his
training is almost wholly tllat of -an Aimerican citizen. He is the owner an(d occuplmnt of a fertile
farm  on section 6, Blackman 'Township, marked
with excellent improvements, includling a:ll needful
buildi(ngs for tile houlsin, of crops and stock, nild a
dwelling suited to the needs of the family.
The parents of our subject were John andr Mary
(Taylor) I)erbyshire, who were iorn in Lancashire,
England, were there married and lived until 1847,
when they emigrated to Ainerica. They first settled in Kinderhook, N. Y., residing there five years
and thence cominog to Michigaln in 1852. They
settled in what is now Bllackman Township, this
county, where the father died a year later. They
had but one child, who was born in Bury, Lancashire, England, I)ecember 3, 1833, and until his
thirteenth year was the recipient of the advantages
of his native land.
Edward Derbyshire accompanied llis parents to


AImerica, continuing the acquirement of useful
knowledge and habits in Columbia County, N. Y.,
until the time when the family took up their residence here. Farming has been his life business,
and Blackman Township has been his home from
1852 to the present day, with the exception of three
years which lie spent in California. His farm coinprises eilghty broad acres, in the cultivation of
which lie finds both l)leasure and profit, and where
Ih is pursuing tlie even tenor of his way accompanied by the goo(d will of many friends.
In Jackson the interesting ceremony was perforlled whic(h transforme d MJ.ss Frelove S. Eldred
into Mrs. Edward IDerbyshire. The bride was born
in Barry, Orleans County, N. Y., May 3, 1840, to
Iorace L. an(1 Hannah (Iall) Eldred, and grew to
womanhood possessed of such acquirements of mind
and heart as rejoiced her friends, and caused her
deathl, which occurred December 7, 1887, to be
deeply regretted not only within her own sorrowing household but far beyond her home. Her
1arents removed from New York to Michigan in
1854 and lived for a year in Blackman Township,
tlhis county. They then settled in Rives Townslhip,where the mother died about the year 1856 and
where the father is still living. To our subject and
lhi estimnable wife six children were born, of whom
tlhe eldest, John It., the fourth, Cora E. and the
youngest, Jeromle F., are now living. Charles E.
dlied when nine years (old; Mary H. in the fall of
1885; and W. Ervin in childhood.
Mr. I)erbyshire served as Constable one year
and was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace
hut' never qualified. IIe has always taken quite an
interest in politics and belongs to the Democrat
party. Of the social orders he is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, the Odd Fellows and the Patrois of Industry.
F -ILLIAM       i. BENNETT. The subject of
this notice deserves worthy mention among
the successful business men of Jackson,
I being one of those who'commenced life at the foot
of the ladder and who has by his own exertions






206


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


I                                                                                                       -


arrived at a good position, socially and financially.
He was born in the town of Bethany, Genesee
County, N. Y., May 21, 1822, and is the son of
James Bennett, a native of Vermont. The paternal
grandfather carried on farming in the Green Mountain State for some years, then in 1 80; removed to
Western New York, making the journey through
the wilderness with teams and passing the present
site of Rochester when there was but one house to
mark the spot.
Grandfather Bennett secured a tract of timber
land from the Holland Purchase Company includ(ing
the present site of Bethany, Genesee County. The
country was unsettled and abounded with deer,
wolves and bears. Markets were almost a thing
unknown and the people raised all the food for
their own consumption, while the pioneer women
spun and wove wool and flax and manufactured
cloth for the family. Grandfather Bennett cleared
quite a large tract of land and there spent the remainder of his days.
James Bennett was but a lad when his parents
emigrated to New York State and he resided with
them until his marriage. He then settled on a part
of the old homestead and the young couple commenced housekeeping in a log house, while Mr.
Bennett entered upon the duties of a farmer. Iie
was prospered in his labors and in due time erected
a substantial set of frame buildings. He also resided there until his death.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden
name of Alta Maria Rumsey. She was born in
Hubbardston, Rutland County, Vt., February 14,
1791, and died at the homestead in Western New
York, Marcl 31, 1830. The eldest child of the
parental family was Charlotte M., who married Dr.
A. A. Morgan, of Rochester, N. Y. William M.,
our subject was the second child; Elizabeth died
of cholera at Cincinnati, in 1851; Charles W. ac-.
quired a good education and is now a Professor in
Evanston Biblical Institute.
The subject of this sketch, being the eldest son
of his parents, was required to make himself useful
on the pioneer farm as soon as large enough to be of
service. He attended the district school mostly
during the winter season and later was a student of
Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, N. Y. When


eighteen years old he commenced teaching and
was thus employed for seven terms during the
winter season, while in summer he worked on the
farm. He remained under the home roof until
reaching his majority and then worked for his
father three years, receiving at the expiration of
this time $100 in cash.
In 1845 young Bennett with the sum of money
above mentioned and which comprised his entire
wealth, started for the West. He proceeded via
the lakes from Buffalo to Cleveland and thence
made his way across the Buckeye State to the Ohio
River, journeying afterward via this river, the
Mississippi and the Illinois to Beardstown, 111. He
taught school for a time during the winter in Bernadotte, Ill., then engaged as clerk in a store in
the same village a few months and finally returned
home. He spent a year there, then in October,
1847, started once more Westward and landed in
this county with a cash capital of $5. He found
the present flourishing city of Jackson a town of
twentyfive hundred people, being a commercial
center depending upon the agricultural regions for
support. Ile soon found employment as clerk in a
dry-goods store and notwithstanding he had not
had any experience in this line of business to speak
of, he became interested in it and determined to
succeed.
With the exception of having stipulated for his
board, young Bennett had made no arrangements
with his employer, simply working as an experiment three months. Having then given abundant
satisfaction, he was offered $15 per month and his
board for one year. At the expiration of this time
his employer voluntarily advanced his salary to
$500 a year and at the end of the third year he
was proffered $1,000. After the lapse of another
vear he became a partner in the business which assumed the firm name of S. W. Whitwell & Co. It
was conducted thus until 1857 and then young
Bennett purchased the interest of his partner and
continued the business many years. He finally sold
out and rested upon his oars until associating himself in partnership with his son, Clarence H., under
the firm name of W. M. Bennett & Son, and they
now stand at the head of the dry-goods trade in
Jackson and in Central and Southern Michigan.




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRA'HICAL ALBUM.                                    207
*            -....-  I.........  - -
I...........


Williamn M. Bennett was married March 15, 1 852,
to lIiss Laura J. Hubbard, who was born in Kalanmazoo, this State. She became the mother of three
children and died at her home in Jackson, March
28, 1858. The eldest child, Clarence, is now in
partnership with his father; Lizzie D. died February 5, 1858; the third child died in infancy. In
November 8, 1860, Mr. Bennett was a second time
married to Miss Kate C. Winnie and there was
born to them  one child who is deceased.  MIr.
Bennett, politically, has always been a Democrat.
Hle served as a member of the Board of Public
Works six years, was Mayor of Jackson two terms
and was appointed Postmaster by President Cleveland, serving until 1889. Socially, he belongs to
Chapter No. 9, K. T. of Jackson. Mrs. Bennett is
connected with the Congregational Church.
HERMAN HAZARD IIENDEE. The home
of this gentleman is one of the carefully
cultivated farms of Blackman Township,
and comprises one hundred and seventyfive acres on section 7. It bears the usual improvements, and many of the personal traits of the owner
can be learned by a glance over the estate, as having devoted almost his entire attention since his
boyhood to agricultural pursuits. Mr. Hendee is
well versed in the nature of soils, in means of improving their fertility, in wise rotation of crops,
and other matters pertaining to his employment.
John J. lHendee, the father of our subject, came
to this county from the East while still a single
man early in the '30s. He was marriedl, in Sandstone Township, to Miss Mary Bostwick, who was
born near Penn Yan, N. Y., while the place of
nativity of her husband was in the Green Mountain
State. The young couple settled in Sandstone
Township, whence after a residence of several years
tley removed to Blackman Township, in which
they resided until 1870, when Mr. Hendee, leaving
his family behind, went to California. He remained
on the coast four years, then returning for his family has since made his home il the Golden State,
his present residence being in Eureka, Humboldt


County. During his residence in Michigan he was
engaged in farming, but in California was for some
time occupied in teaching and is now living a retired life.
The gentleman with whose name we introduce
this sketch is the third of a family of seven children, and was born in Sandstone Township, this
county, July 27, 1847. His boyhood and youth
were passed in Sandstone and Blackman Townships,
and( in the latter lie has spent the greater part of
his life. His school privileges were quite limited
but lie had the advantage of being tile son of wellinformed parents, under whose training and example he gained much information. March 27,1865,
he enlisted in Company K, Sixteenth Michigan Infantry, and was in the service of his country until
the close of the war, or during a period of about
five months. Altough l lie was not able to enter
the army until the war had drawn near its close,
his spirit had been with the boys in blue and when
he became one of the martial band he did all that a
youth of. his years could to uphold the National
unity and carry the flag victoriously forward.
After his return from the fields of battle he took
up the occupation in which he is now engaged and
in which he has steadily pursued an onward course.
In 1874 he went to California, remaining there until February, 1878, when he resumed his residence
upon his farm, upon whicli he has since abode.
Among the pioneers of Michigan, the names of
the Rev. Isaac and Nancy (MeNought) Bennett
are well known in Branch Counly, where they resided for many years, the latter dying in Quincy
in May, 1887. This estimable couple were the parents of seven children, the youngest of whom, Eleanor, became tile wife of Sherman H. Hendee.
The marriage rites were celebrated in Quincy,
Branch County, March l, 1883, Mr. Hendee gaining a companion whose charming manners, cultured
mind, and domestic virtues made of his abiding
place a true home, and assisted in drawing about it
a fine circle of friends. Mrs. Hendee was born in
Union City, Mich., May 30, 1848. Her happy
union with our subject has been blessed by the
birth of one child-Myrtle A. Mrs. Hendee departed this life at her home, March 6, 1890, after a
short illness.




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


208


Mr. Hendee is numbered in the ranks of the Republican party, is a firm believer in its principles,
and seldom fails to deposit his ballot on election
day. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and to
the Patrons of Husbandry. A trustworthy citizen,
an honorable man and a genial neighbor, he inspires respect and good will in the minds of those
with whom he comes in contact.
AVID S. JONES, foreman cf the Michigan
Central Railway paint shops, which position he has held a number of years, is a
fine representative of the industrial element in Jackson, where he has built up a handsome
and substantial llome. He is a native of Massachusetts, born in the village of Wisdom, three miles
from Greenfield, Franklin County, April 11, 1844.
His father, James Jones, was born in Broome
County, N. Y., in the town of Binghampton, and
his father, Russell Jones subsequently moved from
there to Massachusetts, and settled near Greenfield,
where he made his home until death.
The father of our subject passed the early years
of his life in his native State, but after attaining to
manhood, went to Massachusetts and located in the
village of Wisdom, where he engaged in farming,
and also in dealing in stock. He finally abandoned
that business. and moving to Greenfield, kept the
railway hotel two or three years, and then opened
a restaurant, which lie managed four or five years.
He afterward engaged in teaming until his death.
The maiden name of his wife was Martha Jones.
She was born in North Adams, Mass., and died in
Greenfield after her husband's deathl. They were
the parents of seven children, six of whom  were
reared to maturity, as follows: Amelia, Fanny and
Fred (twins), Sarah, Julia, and our subject.
David S. Jones was reared in his native State,
and was given excellent educational advantages in
the city schools of Greenfield. lHe lived in his
early home until he was nineteen years old, having
at the age of fifteen commenced to learn the trade
of a painter. At the age mentioned, he left the
place of his birth, and making his way to Detroit,


he readily found a situation in the Michigan'Central
Railway shops, as lie was very skillful at his calling. H-Ie worked in Detroit until 1874, then came to
Jackson,and was given a situation in the shops where
he is still employed, lie having been promoted to the
position of foreman in 1872, while in Detroit, and
on coming here assumed the same position. He is
an expert painter, standing at the head of his calling, and has shown himself eminently fitted for the
responsible place that he so well fills. His employers feel that they can trust him, and he is wellliked by those working under him, as he is always
pleasant and considerate in his dealings with them.
Mr. Jones has also been very successful from  a
financial point of view, and by industry and carefully saving and investing his money, he has secured a competence, and in 1886 was enabled to
purchase a desirable piece of property on Pringle
Avenue, where he has erected a fine frame house,
of a pretty, modern style of architecture, tastily
furnished, and amply provided with all conveniences.
The marriage of Mr. Jones with Miss Mary A.
Van Every, was duly solemnized in the month of.N'ovemlner, 1868, and hlas proved of mutual benefit.
The following four children complete the family
circle: Edith Cecilia, who was born March 23, 1870;
Amy Belle, April 15, 1875; Winnifred Mary, September 21, 1881, and Roy Chandler, March 15,
1883. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Jones,
were inamed respectively, James and Catherine Van
Every, and they hlad a family including seven childrel, viz: Samuel, who was born April 4, 1813;
Nelson, February 18, 1815; William, October 3,
1816; Lucretia, July 26, 1818; Emanuel, July 31,
1820; Wellington, November 8, 1822; and Jacob,
October 15, 1825. Of these, three have passed away,
namely: Samuel, who died in Detroit, February 11,
1865; Nelson, in Iowa, June, 11, 1861; and Emanuel, in Iolly, Mich.
The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Jones, were
Ezra and Mary (Chandler) Lee, who had a family
of eight children, as follows: Mary, who was born
March 4, 1821, in Lenox, N. Y.; Henry Hamilton,
August 25, 1822, in Lenox; Cecilia, October 13,
1824, also in Lenox; Comfort Chandler, September
7, 1827, in New Hartford, Oneida County, N. Y.;




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


209


I


Mary Elizabeth, January 27, 1830, in New Iartford; Lucy Ann, April 11, 1833, in New Hartford; Levi Chandler, January 10, 1836, il Newford: Nancy Maria, July 13, 1837, in Bloomfield,
Oakland County. Mich. Of these five arc deceased,
viz: Henry H., who died in November 20, 1855,
in Milford, Mdich.; Comfort C.. August 4. 1839, in
Bloomfneld, Mich.; Mary E., February 13, 1849;
and Lucy A., July 23, 1870, bIoth in Milford, Mich.;
Nancy M., (Mrs. Wells), May 3, 1877, in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Of the two families just mentioned, particular
mention belongs to Samuel Van Every and Cecilia
Lee, who married and settled in Oakland County,
Mich. Their children were named: Mary Agnes,
(Mrs. Jones), wlio was born October 20, 1844, in
Franklin, Oakland County, M\ich.; Amy Eloise,
April 26, 1847, in Milford, Mich.; Eugene Chandler, December 6, 1850, in Milford; Franklin 1).,
April 5, 1853, in Detroit, Mich.; Byron H., Iay
16, 1855, in Farmington, Mich.; Edward Lee, October 1, 1858, in I-Holly, Mich.; and Charles E., October 25, 1861, also in Holly, Mich. It will thus
appear ttiat Mrs. Jones was the eldest in her father's family. Religiously, she is a member of tie
Presbyterian Church, and socially ranks amlong the
most refined and intellectual ladies in her conmmunity.
Mr. Jones is a l)ractical, sagacious man, of exemplary habits, and of good standing in the community. Ile is quite an active society man, being(
identified with the following organizations: Zion
Lodge, No. 1. A. F. & A. M.; Monroe Chapter,
No. 1, R. A. M.; Twilight Lodge, No. 5, A. O. U.
W.; and with tlhe Patrons of Industry. Politically,
he is a strong and enthusiastic Democrat.
5   ATHIANIEL MORRILL, wlo resides on
J  section 10, Blackman Township, on tile
(   farm which was his birthplace and has ever
been his home, is the son of a worthy couple who
were among the very earliest settlers of this vicinity. His father, for whom le is named, was born
in New  Ialltpshlilt, December 13, 1807, and his


mother, in her girlhood Miss Nancy Quimby, was
also born in the Granite State, her natal day being
MIarch 2, 1811. The marriage of this couple took
place June 13, 1829, and they nade their first
home in Cayuga County, N. Y., whence they went
from their native State. In 1833 they came to
Miclligian, settling in wlat is now Blackman Township, this county. where they passed the remainder
of their natural lives. The death of Mrs. Morrill
occurred May 2, 1852, and that of her husband
November 14, 1886. Mr. Morrill improved the
greater part of his farm and erected upon it a substantial brick dwelling and other commodious
buildings. He anld his wife were members of the
Freewill B:aptist Church, and possessed an excellent
reputation among their acquaintance for their private characters and usefulness among the early
residents of this community, where they endured
many privations in common with their neighbors
and all frontiersmen.
Of tlie eiglt children born to the parents of our
subject, lie is sixth in order of birth. IIe first
opened his eyes to the liglht November 15, 1845,
and p)assed his childhood amid surroundings of a
somewhat primitive character, as the country was
not even then as thoroughly cultivated and as
thickly settled as at present. The schools of the
vicinity were quite good and the lad received a
good education therein, together with excellent
home training, and on tlle estate which had assumed
an appearance very different from that in which his
pairents took possession of it, lie grew to manhood.
After the death of his father, he of whom we
write, with hIis nephew, Cllarles Morrill, took the
homestead, which consists of about two hundred
and eighty acres. iaving been reared to farm
pursuits, Mr. Morrill is well acquainted with every
detail of his avocation, and even one unacquainted
with such affairs would judge him to be a thorough
and progressive farmer upon glancing over the estate. Neatness and order prevail throughout its
extent and it is in every respect a well-kept estate,
wthile the home itself is one of comfort and good
cheer.
The family of Mr. Morrill consists of a wife and
three clildren-Florence B., William D., and Lawrence N. Mrs. Morrill bore the maiden name of




210            PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


Lenora A. Gunn, and the rites of wedlock were
celebrated between her and our subject in Blackman Township, 'May i6, 1874. Slie is a daughter
of William and Harriet (Freeman) Gunn, (of
whom   further notice is given in the sketch of
William Gunn, which occupies another page in
this work), and was born in tils county, December
3, 1851. She is an educated lady, of estimable
character and womanly accomplishments, n    a a
worthy companion for such a man as her husband.
Mr. Morrill has been Overseer of Iiglhways,
Constable, and served as School Treasurer several
terms.  -Ie takes a somewhat active part in political affairs and belongs to the Republican party. T-e
and his wife are members of tle Patrons of Industry, and both also are members in good standing of the Free-will Baptist Church.
E WITT C. NIMS. One of the fine farms
of Henrietta Township is located on section 5, and comprises four hundred andl
twenty-four acres, most of which is under
tlle plow. It is further embellished by a comfortable and nicely finished brick residence, and a frame
barn, well adapted for storing the grains that are
raised each season.
The first three 'years of our subject's life were
passed in Strongsville, Ohio, where he was born
April 23, 1835. In 1838 his parents, Jonas and
Eleanor (Whitney) Nims, came to Inghan County,
Mich., and bought a farm in Leslie Township. It
was heavily timbered and entirely uncultivated,
while Indians and wild animals roamed at will
through the dense forests. The father immediately built a log house and began to clear the farm.
The nearest market town was Jackson, and the
milling was first done at Ann Arbor, where they
would go with ox-teams. The trip, which was
made through the pathless woods, occupied two or
three days.
On the homestead, which he had evolved out of
the wilderness, the father passed his last years, dying April 22, 1861. He had survived his wife


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many years, she passing away about 1839. Of
their eiglht children, our subject was next to the
youngest. Three now survive, namely: Juliet,
Dwight IH. and DeWitt C. The father was a native
of New York, whence he removed when quite
young to Cleveland, Ohio, where he and Eleanor
Whitney were united in marriage. Being left
motherless at an early age our subject was bound
out in i844 to W. H. Town, of this township, and
with him he sojourned six years. He then ran away
and afterward made his own way in the world. lie
first worked b)y the month, remaining on one farm
four years.
Feeling the necessity of being master of one
trade, Mr. Nims. when still quite young, learned
the trade of a brick and stone mason, at which he
was employed until 1863. The country was at that
time plunged in the midst of the Civil War, and
calls were made for volunteers. Mr. Nims responded and enlisted, in December of that year, in
Company E, Third MIichigan Cavalry, as a private.
He served two years and four months and participated in several battles. In 1866, having received
an honorable disc(harge, lie returned to his home
in Micicigan and has since lived here.
Mr. Nims has been twice married; his first wife
was Miss Clarissa Monroe, a native of Michigan.
By their union, which occurred in 1 855, one child
was born, who died in childhood. Mrs. Nims passed
away in April, 1861. Mr. Nims contracted a second marriage in February, 1862, with Miss Eunice,
daughter of Abram and Abigail (Culver) Young.
She was born on the homestead where she now lives
and where her parents located in 1842. [Here they
reared their family of four children, and here the
father (lied in 1851. The mother still lives on the
farm. Mr. and Mrs. Nims are the parents of six
children, namely: Elmer S., Benjamin C., Arthur
A., Estella C., Sarah A. and David W/. They form
an interesting group of young people and their accompllishments and refinement cause them  to be
welcomed in the best social circles of their coinmunity.
In 1859 Mr. Nims went via New York and the
Isthmus of Panama to San Francisco, where he sojourned until the spring of 1860, when he returned
home. In 1884 lhe again made a trip to the Golden




PO RTRA IT AN D BIOGRAPHI~ICAL ALBUUM.


211," —.                                       P                      A          B                                 ALBUM.                                          21 1..........-........  =.......~~~~~~~~~~~~~~             -.: -...       -~   _,........................ 


State, this time, however, going by the railroad,
the completion of which has so facilitated travel
between the two oceans. In the winter of 1889-90
he made a third expedition West, but came back
well satisfied to remain in his old home. lie is an
influential member of the Masonic fraternity, also
of the Patrons of Industry, and politically, casts
his vote with the Democratic party.
----       S   ---- --
A RUE II. WOODWORTE1. This gentle) man is the son of pioneer:settlers of 'the.   county,0and was himself born and eared
amid surroundings much less attractive than those
which are now visible from'the windows of his pleasant home. His earliest recollections include much
unsettled and uncultivated land, and some of the
hardships to which the families of the frontiersmen
were subject, although the greatest trials endured
by his parents had been passed prior to his birth.
George W. Woodworth, a native of Otsego
County, N. Y., and his wife, Elizabeth McIntosh,
a native of1Rensselaer County,'N. Y., took up their
residence in Michigan in 1831. They had been
living in Genesee County, N. Y., whence in 1830,
Mr. Woodworth came West and took up a tract of
land which now forms the estate of his son, our
subject, and which is located on section 22, Blackman Township.. Returning to the East, he brotught
his family to the homestead,wwhich was his place
of residence from that time until the middle of
February, 1862, when he closed his eyes in death.
But few families were living in this vicinity at the
time of his arrival, and many privations were endured by those who had braved danger and toil by
coming here.
The journey, which was accomplished by teams
to Buffalo, thence across the lake to Detroit, and
completed with an ox-team, was one of almost untold hardships. They were obliged to ford all the
streams, as there were no bridges, to sometimes remove impediments in their way through the forest,
and were constantly in danger from wild beasts and
the savages which still lingered about. After their
arrival at their new home, their troubles did not


cease, las"theS Indians were very troublesome at
times, and the few white settlers were obliged to go
to Jackson for protection.- Mrs." Woodworth was
at one time brutally kicked around the yard by an
Indian.
With the unflagging energy, and the'sturdy determination which were characteristic of the early
settlers, Mr. and Mrs. Woodworth struggled on
amid privations which we of a later generation can
scarcely realize, instilling into the minds of their
offspring thelprinciples which animated their own
lives, and gradually gathering around them  the
comforts, and even the luxuries which their conduct well merited. Mr. Woodworth erected a good
house and made other substantial improvements
uponl his farm, placingithe one hundred and twentyfive acres which comprised it under excellent cultivation. Mrs. Woodworth is still surviving, at
the advanced age of eighty-eight years, her birth
having been April 28, 1802, and can read without
glasses, in her declining years enjoying the fruits
of the arduous toils of earlier life, and now makes
her home with our subject.
LaRue Wood worth is 'the sixth in a family of
eight children, and was born in what was then Jackson Township, (nowv Blackman), September 22,
1836. Ile grew to manhood on his father's farm,
enjoying the educational privileges of the vicinity,
and imbibing with his native air the principles and
habits which animated his progenitors. He has always made his home upon the parental estate, and
followed farming,'with the exception of two years,
when he was employed as a clerk at Leslie, and six
months in Jackson. He now owns the homestead
of one hundred and twenty-five acres, on which his
boyhood and youth were passed, and upon which
the first improvements were made by his respected
parents. Following in his father's footsteps, he is
carrying on the agricultural work in accordance
with the most improved methods of the times, and
meeting with deserved success.
The lady to whose amiable disposition, intelligent mind and housewifely skill, Mr. Woodworth
owes the comfort and pleasing companionship of
his home, became his wife February 12, 1868, their
marriage ceremony being performed in Mason,
Ingham County. The maiden name of Mrs. Wood



212


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ --


worth, was Diantha C. Sanders, and her birth took
place in Cayuga County, N. Y., July 24, 1835, she
being the second born in a family of twelve children. Her father, Wheaton Sanders, was born in
tlhe same county as herself, and removed thence to
Ingham County, Mich., during the latter part of
the '30. lIe settled in Leslie 'Iownshil), and died
upon his farm there in tlle spring of 1880. The
mother of Mrs. Woodworth was in her maidenhood
Miss Louisa French. She is a native of New
-Iampshire, and is now living in the county and
township to which she came with her husband more
than fifty years ago. To our subject and his wife
two children have been born, who bear the names
of Hugh and Lloyd.
Mr. Woodworth h'as hlel( some of the minor
offices of the township, serving accepltably in tlle
positions which he has been called upon to fill. He
has always taken an active interest in the political
affairs, and is numbered among the workers of the
Republican party. He and his wife have manifested
a deep concern in the advancement of the cause of
education. Both have the good will an(l esteem of
their fellow, citizens, and are regarlded as among the
most worthy members of the community.
37 —T-~~~
- NSON II. SILSBEE, a retire(d agriculturist
of Jackson County, resides on section 31,
Blackman Township, in a beautiful home,
surrounded by comforts, and enjoying the
fruits of honest industry and an upright life, in
rest from  toil, the recreations suited to his years
and tastes, and the hearty respect of his fellow
men. The estate of Mr. Silsbee is a highly cultivated and thoroughly improved one, the complete
line of buildings upon it being especially noticeable for their substantial and tasteful construction,
and their convenient arrangement.
Mr. Silsbee was born in Wayne, Steuben County,
N. Y., November 16, 1814, and amid favorable
surroundings and under the careful rearing of his
respected parents acquired a good education and
excellent principles with which to engage in the


battle of life. Ilis parents were James and Mary
(Rice) Silsbee, both of whomi breathed their last at
Howard City, Mich., after having spent some years
retired from the active duties of life. The father
was engaged in the tanning business and also in
mercantile pursuits while a resident of the Empire
State.
Thie subject of this sketch is a miller by trade,
and for sever-al years lie had charge of a gristmill,
ownfed by his father at Avoca, N. Y. Upon leaving that place he engaged in the bakery and confectionery business in Bath, continuing this occul)ation until 1853, when lie determined to become a
citizen of Michigan. Making choice of Jackson
County as his future residence, he settled on a farm
in Ilanover Township, occupying the same about
eleven years, after which he changed his location
to Summnit Township, in which lie remained until
1884. He then settled on the farm which lie now
occupies, retiringf from active labor, although not
from an active interest in the affairs of life and the
work of his fellow-men.
MIr. Silshee has been twice married, the first
alliance having lbeen consummated in Avoca, Steuben County, N. Y., and his bride having been Miss
Sarah Ann Wortser. This union resulted in the
birth of five children, one of whom died in infancy.
The survivors are: Theodore, a resident of Avoca;
Mary, the wife of Abraham Sanborn; Charles, a
Ihysician in Jackson; and Caroline, the wife of
Charles VanGieson, of Summit Township. Mrs.
Saralh Ann Silsbee died in;Summit Township, in
Novemler, 1880, leaving a sorrowing household to
wlom she had been a devoted wife and mother,
together witlh a large circle of friends to whom she
had become endeared by her lovely character, intelligence and conscientious (lischarge of every
cdulty.
The second matrimonial alliance of Mr. Silsbee
was celebrated in Spring Arbor Township, November 30, 1 881, his companion on this occasion being
Mrs. Rachael (Clark) LaRue. Mrs. LaRue was born
in Washington County, Md., February 2, 1815, and
from  there moved to Huntington County, Pa.,
thence to New Lisbon, Columbiana County, Ohio.
She had previously been married, in Pennsylvania,
to Mr, LaRue; they moved from Ohio to this State




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.                                  213
-  -   -  -.-  -.   - -   _7 7   7........ -_-   7 - - =:   - 


in 1843. Mr. LaRue died in June, 1878. ITe was
one of nature's noblemen, of active mind, genial
nature, and generous heart. whose life gave one
greater confidence in mankind, and( inspired others
with a desire to imitate his example,
"And, departing, leave behind tlem
Footprints on the sands of time,
Footprints that perhaps another
Sailing o'er life's solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again."
To Mr. and Mrs. LaRue ten children were born:
Mary J. (lied in Blackmal Township. October 10,
1853, when eighteen years old; Samuel (lied at the
age of five years; Wilson K. died suddenly, in
Jackson, in 1879; William C. died in Blackman
Township; James C. lives in Detroit; Iliriam resides
in Jackson; Emma Louisa is the wife of Arthur
Nevins; Marcus lives in Jackson; Burton A. is
farming in Blackman Township, on the old homestead; Benjamin F. lives in Ksansas City, Mo.
Mr. Silsbee held the office of Justice of the Peace
in Summit Township, an(d has taken an active interest in political matters, giving his suffralge to the
Republican party, in the value of whose principles
he is a firm believer. Ile has also taken a (leep interest in educational affairs, and in otlher matters
which pertain to the elevation of society.  lie belongs to the Wesleyan Methodist Clhurch, and his
noble hearted wife is also a member of that religious society. No couple within the limits of Jackson County hiave a larger circle of frielnds, or are
regarded withl a greater degree of affectionate respect, than are Mr. and Mrs. Silsbee.
OHIN C. BADI)R. Among tlhe business men
of Jackson, this gentleman ranks as an lhonorable dealer, tlme possessor of excellent
business ability, and the determination of
character which has given him good financial standing, although lie began his struggle in life witl but
small means. Ile is engaged in the sale of general
hardware, stoves and tin, at No. 214 Main Street,
and the tine building in wlich his business is con

ducted containsi a large andi welljassorted stock.
The building is,221x90ifeet, with.three stories"and
a basement, and the entire edifice is occupied by
its owner in the-conduct of his extensive trade."' '
Mr. Bader was born in Wurtemburg, Germany,
March 21, 1831, being the eldest of" three-children
whlo comprised the family of John C. and Mary C.
lBadler, of tllat 'Kingdom. The father-died inihis
own country, and the mother, having come to
America, breathed her last in Jackson. The subject of this biographical notice entered school at
the age of six years, in accordance with the custom
of his native land, and during his early boyhood
was'tlhoroughly schooled underj tlle excellent systeln of the Empire. Leaving school at the age of
fourteen years lie learned the trade of paper'making.
At the age of eighteen, young Bader sailed from
Rotterdam, to find a home in America. Landing
was nadle at New York, and Mr. Bader remained
il tihat city a short time, thence going to Buffalo,
thence to Lancaster, near which place le found emplolymnent on a farm. Iis next place of abode was
Batavia, whence he came to Miichigan in 1851,
spending thl first year in agricultural labors near,Jackson. He then entered tlie hardware store of
B. J. Bellings & Co., as a clerki, remaining with
tlem nineteen years, alnd becoming thoroughly acq(ainted with 'every department of tlle business.
In 187l0 he embarked in the business for himself on
tlhe site wlicl lie still occupies, and where lie has
become one of tlie landmarks of the city. The
line trade which lie has built tup is due to his persevering industry 'and careful oversight of every
detail of the business, together with his wise selection of goods, and the reliance which can be placed
upon his word.
In 1850 tlhe rites of wedlock were celebrated between,John Bader and Miss Katie Keely, of Batavia, N. Y. The bride was born in Ireland, whence
she came to the United States when about sixteen!yealrs of age. The happy union has been blessed
by the birth of four children —John, James, Mary
and Add(a.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Bader, and also their children,
are devout members of St. John's Catholic Church.
In a(ddition to his business property Mr. Bader






214


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


owns a good residence on the corner of Pearl and
Parine Streets, which genial hospitality and bright
intelligence make a pleasant resting place from the
cares of business, and a gathering spot for the many
friends of the family. Mr. Bader spent two years
as a member of the Aldermanic Board, taking an
intelligent interest in the welfare of the city, and
in those matters which particularly affected his
own constituency.
' '- -^^11-.it --- ^ *
C7ASPER II. NOYES. Among the residents
in Jackson who have exibited energy and tact
| in business affairs, and won good reputations
among their associates, the gentleman abovenamed deserves mention. He is now Secretary and
Treasurer of the Eldred Milling Company, with
which lie became connected in 1887.
Mr. Noyes was born in Wayne County, this
State, October 5, 1839. His father, Bethuel Noyes,
one of the pioneer settlers of Michigan, was an attorney-at-law, and a prominent member of the legal
profession. He departed this life in 1860. His
wife was Annie, daughter of Jasper Shuts. The
paternal grandfather of our subject was Nathan
Noyes, a Baptist minister, of Irish extraction.
The early life of Jasper Noyes was passed in attendance at the common schools, after which he
became a student in the State Normal School, fitting himself for a useful and practical career in
business life. Upon abandoning his studies he became a traveling salesman, working for different
firms in various lines of trade and traveling over
the State. In 1865 he came to Jackson, entering
the store of H. K. Dickenson & Co., clothing merchants, in the capacity of clerk, and leaving their
employ to become book-keeper for Bumpus &
Woodson, manufacturers and jobbers of boots and
shoes, and soon after became a partner, when the
firm name became Bumpus, Woodson & Co. He
was thus engaged until 1872.
Some time later Mr. Noyes embarked in the
manufacture of shoes under the firm name of J. H.
Noyes & Co., which several years later became the
firm of Noves & Davis, which continued until tile


I


-r


----  ---------  — __ ~ ~ _.


business was closed out. Soon afterward Mr.
Noyes became book-keeper for the firm of Warder,
Bushnell & Blessner, dealers in agricultural implements, continuing to act in that capacity for five
years. He then became connected with the Eldred
Milling Company, which in 1889 was merged in a
stock company, and Mr. Noyes became its Secretary and Treasurer.
In 1866 Mr. Noyes was united in marriage with
Miss Maryl Bumpus, of Jackson. She is a native
of this State, a daughter of H. H. Bumpus, Esq.,
and possesses many qualifications for the duties
which have devolved upon her in the oversight of
her household, the rearing of the children who have
been born to her, and filling her station in society.
Four children have come to bless tile happy union,
their names being: Henry B., Charles E., Wickfield
and Ruth.
Mr. Noyes has filled several responsible positions,
among them being that of United States Deputy
Assessor of this district, during Andrew Johnson's
administration, and that of Mayor, to which he
was elected in 1871. He belongs to Michigan
Lodge, No. 17, A. F. & A. M., to Chapter No. 5,
and Commandery No. 9. With an excellent commercial education, sharpened by experiences which
were his while traveling, and presenting the claims
of his business to the minds of men, he has succeeded in accumulating such an amount of this world's
goods as enables him to supply his home with all
the comforts of life, and enjoy all that a reasonable
man may wish of society and amusement. IHe
owns a;eat and substantial residence on Washington Street. His reputation is that of a reliable citizen and honorable man, and as such he receives
his merited share of esteem.
'i,,?  _- ___ -- aJ      -
NDREW    S. WING. Probably the chief
reason for the knowledge which Jackson
County citizens possess of the life and character of the gentleman abuve named, is
found in the fact that for five consecutive years he
held the position of Overseer of the County Poor
Farm. So true is it that the most estimable private




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


215


life is frequently passed unnoted except by the immediate circle of acquaintances, while the moment
one assumes a public office curiosity is aroused and
a close watch kept upon all his movements. The
Jackson County Poor Farm had been carried on
forty-two years when Mr. Wing was appointed its
Overseer, and it is claimed that dluring the entire
time nothing had been sold from the farm. During
the five years in which it was under the charge of
our subject, he not only raised sufficient produce
therefrom to maintain the inmates in comfort, but
was so successful in his cultivation of it tlat he was
able to sell $4,500 worth of produce. In her capacity as the matron of the institution, Mrs. Wing
looked carefully after the neatness and cleanliness
of the house and its inmates, saw that thle ill and
ailing were supplied with the necessary attention,
furnished all with bountiful and well-cooked food,
and proved a sympathizing friend to tlle homeless
and needy for whom the county desired to supply
the home which they would otherwise lack.
The gentleman of whom we write is a soni of
Calvin and Clarinda (Reed) Wing (see sketch of
Calvin Wing) and( was bor? in Blackman Township,
this county, March 4, 1844. With the exception of
five years his life has been passed in tile township
in which he was born, and where he grew to manhood enjoying good advantages of home training
and school privileges. From 1861 to 1866, lie was
in the employ of Daniel Dunaking in Calhoun
County, where, although he lost every seventh day
during the time, he savetd $600 from his wages.
Returning to Blackman Township, lie continued to
work out until after his marriage, when he lived
with his father for four years, carrying on the home
farm.
We next find Mr. Wing renting eighty acres
from James McFallon and operating the same three
years, following which he had charge of the County
Poor Farm as before noted. He next moved into
Jackson where he lived a year, in the meantime
looking for a farm and finally purchasing that which
he now owns and occupies, and which comprises
one hundred and twenty well improved acres located on sections 9 and 4, the residence being on
the former. The hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Wing
is almost unbounded, and their intelligence and


powers of observation and discernment, combined
witli pleasing manners, make botl host and hostess
agreeable companions and lead to their popularity
in the community.
''he marriage of Mr. Wing was celebrated in
Leslie Townsllip, Ingllam County, on New Year's
Day, 1868, his companion in the interesting ceremony being Miss Almira L. Huntoon. Her parents,
George and the late Lydia (Lindsey) ttlntoon,
were among the old settlers of Ingham County, to
which they came from Wyoming County, N.Y., and
whetre Mrs. Iluntoon breathed her last March 22,
1879, when fifty-four years old. The father still
lives in Leslie Township, where lie made his first
settlement on coming to Michigan. Mrs. Wing is
the eldest of five children and was born in Attica,
Wyoming County, N. Y., September 28, 1845. She
and her husband are the parents of four children,
Cora E., who is the wife of W. C. Kelly of Omaha,
Neb.; Ellie anll Eva (twins),whlo died of (liphtheria
March 30, and April 3, 1877, and Isadore.
Mr. Wing has served as School Director, fulfillirng the duties of the office in an acceptable and
creditable manner. In politics lie is a stancll Republican, ever ready to cast his vote in behalf of
the party in whose principles he believes and for
which he exerts his influence.
^~ca.& —^<<^~,^>j^.-_.I.^^^^,^.. --— ]
ORACE GOULI) COLE. Few of the aged
and none more favorably knowmn than this
J  residents of Jackson County are more widely
pioneer settler of Michigan. Ile lhs been
prospered in his enterprises and now, in his advanced years. rests in the consciousness of having
amassed a competence sufficient to make pleasant
the remainder of his life. lie has retired from the
more arduous duties associated with farm life, but
still maintains a careful oversight of his estate,
which lies on section 22, Rives Township.
Mr. Cole is of substantial New England stock,
his parents having been born in Rhode Island. His
grandlfather, Jesse Cole, was a Revolutionary soldier, and it is recorded of him that in a skirmish,




216


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


being closely pursued by two Britisl soldiers, he
scaled a stone wall, placed hlls cap on a stick, and
as they approached, killed them. He died at tle
ripe old age of eighty-seven years in LaFayette,
N. Y.
The maternal grandfather of our subject was
David Williams, also a soldier in the Revolutionary
War and a native of England. l)uring the greater
part of the war he held the high rank of colonel
and died at Linden, Conn., when eighty years of
age. His wife, Lydia Williams, died in the same
place at an advanced age. The father of our subject was Gideon Cole, who as above stated, was born
in Rhode Island and who lived to le eighty-six
years old. Hle was, like his ancestors, an ardent
patriot, and devoted to his fatherland, skilled in
military tactics, and going out as a scout in the
battle of Plattsburg. His wife bore the maiden
name of Mercy Williams, and after their marriage
they located in New Hampshire, where they lived a
number of years. Four children were born to them
during th3ir residence in Concord. Later they removed to Linden, Vt., where another child was
born. The mother died at the age of sixty-five
years, in Rives, Mich.
In the capital city of the Granite State, our subject was born February 17, 1808, and was the fourth
child in his father's family. Whlen two years old,
he accompanied his parents to Vermont, where they
sojourned six years. Thence going to La Fayette,
N. Y., they lived there until 1836, at which date our
subject came to the Wolverine State. Prior to his
removal hither, lie was married December 22, 1831,
in La Fayette, Onondaga County, N. Y., to Miss
Lucinda M. King, who was a native of La Fayette,
N. Y. She and her husband became the parents of
thirteen children, of whom six lived to years of
maturity. The mother died November 3, 1882, at
her home in Rives, Mich. Her children were named
respectively: Franklin, Adoniram Judson, Horace
Marion, Herbert C., Lucy Melvine and Bert.
The three first mentioned, filled with the intense
love of country which was theirs by inheritance as
well as by home training, enlisted in the defense of
the Union, and faithfully performed their part
toward maintaining and perpetuating our country
under the flag of liberty and union. A. J. enlisted


I


I


as a volunteer under Gen. Joseph Stockton and was
a prominent cavalry man during tile latter part of
the war, being made Orderly Sergeant, and afterward promoted to a lieutenancy.
The second union of our subject was consummated
December 25, 1883, when Mrs. Melvina Cook,
widow of John N. Cook, became his wife. She was
born in Alden, Erie County, N. Y., in 1823, and
received a limited schooling in that county. Her
Iarents were James and Margar et Dixon. She was
first married October 22, 1843, and her husband,
John N. Cook departed this life April 17, 1864, at
Tompkins, Mich. Mr. and Mrs. Cook were the parents of the following children: Anmenio M., Adelbert M., Andrew J., Delos J. and Hale I-. Andrew
died October 5, 1889, at Rives, Mich.; Hale H. is a
promninent lawyer of Concordia, Kan.; Amenio M.
is a thriving merchant in Harlem, N. 1)ak.
Politically, Mr. Cole is in hearty sympathy witl
the principles of the Republican party, and supports that ticket. lie has been Treasurer of the
township three terms, also Assessor and Road Commissioner, serving in these varied positions to the
best of his ability and to the general satisfaction.
lie is connected with the Good Templars organization and is a member of the Grange. Religiously,
lie lolds membership with the Baptist Church at
Rives Junction, and is at present I)eacon of the
same. This church was established in the fall of
1837, when nine 1persons held a meeting on a log in
the woods and determined to organize a church
society, thus laying the foundation of tile present
prosperous and growing church. Both morally and
in a business direction, Mr. Cole has greatly aided
the interests of his township and county, and to
such as he Jackson County is indebted for its high
position amnong other counties of the Wolverine
State.
HARLES A. tIOWINDI, master mechanic at
(  the State Prison at Jackson, was born in
Throndhim, Norway, May 7, 1840, being
the eldest child of Arnt and Mary (Oien) Howind.
Iis father was a farmer and lumberman some
thirty years. Both parents died in their native land,












6
-




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


219


leaving five children. The subject of this sketch
was reared on the farm, assisting his father during
the summer as his strength would permit, and at
tendirg school in the winter. When nearly grown
he took a course of study ill enineering, after
which he entered the employ of the Government,
being a member of the surveying corps five years.
In the spring of 1867 Mr. Howind sailed for the
United States, landing in the metropolis, whence he
journeyed to Chicago, Ill. There he remained
three months after which lie went to St. Louis, Mo.
Returning to Chicago he next engaged in contracting and building, continuing to reside in that city
until 1873, when he removed to Jackson, Mich.
Iere he has since resided, his family consisting of
a wife and three children.
Mr. Howind is not only an excellent judge of
machinery but, what is even more important in the
position which he now occupies, is a good judge of
men, discriminating readily as to the degree of confidence which may be placed in those about hinm.
lie is an upright and honorable man, reliable in his
business and as a citizen, and winning the respect
of those with whom hle comes in contact.
e    OL. CHARLES V. DELAND, whose por(  trait is presented on the opposite page, is
familiarly known all over this section of the
country for his gallant services during the late
war, and is recognized as one of the notable characters of Jackson County. For six years his home
has been in Summit Townslip, on a part of the old
Perry estate, pleasantly located on section 21. His
career presents a tale of more than ordinary inter.
erest, and will be perused by the old residents of
this part of Michigan with that attention which is
due the importance of the subject in hand.
For six generations the DeLand family flourishel in New England, and among its most worthy
representatives was William R., father of the subject of this notice, who was born in Brookfield,
Mass.. in 1792. After attaining to a vigorous
manhood among the breezy hills of the Bay State,
he was wedded to Miss Mary G. Keith, who was
born in Caroline, Tompkins County, N. Y., in


-       1-1 I.1   -   '' ~~~~~~.  -  - -  — _ 7 -—. = L7 -,:- ---




1800. lie had obtained a practical education, and
during his early years occupied himself as a surveyor, a school teacher and a mechanic. He volunteered in the War of 1812 prior to leaving his native
State, and then emigrated to New York, and settling in Caroline, taught school and formed the acquaintance of the lady who subsequently became his
wife. They continued their residence in Caroline
about one and one-half years after their marriage,
then Mr. DeLand returned with his young wife to
his native State, and they lived in North Brookfield
about five years. In 1827 Mr. DeLand joined a
surveying party and came to Michigan. In the
spring of 1830 he removed his family hither
in a canvas-covered lumber wagon and located
upon grouind now occupied by the city of Jackson.
Altlough the father of our subject became the
owner of several tracts of land and engaged in
farming quite extensively, lie also found time to
interest himself in public affairs, and the first year
of his arrival was appointed by Gov. Cass a Justtice of the Peace. In 1838 he was elected County
Clerk, which office he filled one term. Prior to this
he had also served as Deputy Clerk. In 1840 he
was elected Probate Judge, and held this office
eight years. HIe was a man much sought after in
public affairs, and, withl his estimable wife, continued a resident of this county until his death, which
occurred November 28, 1876. The mother died
two years later, November 27, 1878, both thus
passing away on Thanksgiving Day and both being
buried December 1, of the year. They celebrated
their Golden Wedding in 1873, an occasion made
memorable by many pleasant incidents and reminiscences of the olden time. There had been born
to them six children, two daughters and four sons,
of whom only two sons survive-Charles V. and
James S., the latter a residlent of Napoleon.
The subject of this notice was the second child
of his parents and the eldest son. He was born in
North Brookfield, Mass., July 25, 1826, and was
in the fourth year of his age when his parents
came to this county, where lie was reared to manhood. Upon leaving the farm, he repaired to Jackson, and engaged as "devil" in the first printingoffice in the infant city, in September, 1836, on
the Jacksonburg Sentinel. He served an apprentice



220


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


ship of four years and later followed his trade in
different cities in the North, and also made a trip
South.  In 1848 he returned to this county and the
following year established the Jackson Citizeni, buying the old office material of the Sentinel, the Gazette and the Democrat. He conducted the Citizen
from July, 1849, until September, 1861, when, the
Civil War being in progress, lie laid aside his personal plans and interests and organized a body of
men known as Coibpany C, and which was assigned
to the Ninth Michigan Infantry. lie was given a
Captain's commission and served with that Company until the latter part of 1)ecember, 1862, when
he resigned and was promoted to the Colonelcy of
the First Michigan Sharpshooters, which regiment
he had raised, and of which he had full charge
from that time until near the close of the war.
Subsequently, on account of meritorious services, Col. DeLand was breveted Brigadier-General,
and his whole army life was distinguished by rare
bravery and gallantry. Hle fought at the battle of
Murfreesboro, Tenn., in July, 1862, where he was
slightly wounded; he was likewise in the battle of
the Wilderness, and at Spottsylvania Court House,
in 1864, where he was wounded, as also in front of
Petersburg, in the Burnside mine fight, July 30,
where he was seriously wounded in the face and
lhead, and at Ft. Pegram, September 30, 1864,where
he was shot through the left thigh while leading a
charge, and thus was unable to (lo any more
service. At Murfreesboro, Tenn., on the 13th
of July, 1862, Col. DeLand was captured by the
enemy, and held a prisoner at Madison, Ga., and
Columbia, S. C, for about five months. Again,
at the battle of Ft. Pegram, he was taken prisoner
and confined in Libby Prison, but fortunately was
soon after paroled.  After examination b'y the
Board of Medical Examiners at Washington, D. C.,
lie was given an honorable discharge, retiring from
the service bearing with him the warm friendship
of both officers and men who had shared with him
the dDngers and vicissitudes of a soldier's life. Ile
returned to Jackson, but a few weeks later removed
to Saginaw, and, in partnership with two others,
established the Saginaw Daily Enterprise, the first
(daily paper in the Saginaw Valley, with which
he was connecrted two years, and then, on account


of ill-health, was obliged to relinquish the editorship of the paper. He owned and controlled the
Saginaw Republican from 1865 until 1878, when
it was merged into the Saginaw Morning Herald.
From 1867 until 1876 Col. DeLand held the offices of Controller of the city of East Saginaw, Chief
Engineer, Marshal and Supervisor, and was also
engaged in the real-estate and insurance Jusiness.
In 1875 the Daily Enterprise was abandoned and
Co!. DeLand established a new paper, known as the
Daily Iherald, which he conducted until 1883. He
was Collector of Internal Revenue of the Sixth
Michigan District from 1874 until 1880. In 1882
lie returned to this county and settled on Pleasant
Viiw farm, where he has since resided. This comprises one hundred and ten acres of the farm which
was entered from the Government by the late Leonard G. Perry. It is embellished with goDd buildings
and all the comforts and conveniences of modern
rural life.
When first becoming a voter, Col. I)eLand identified himself with the old-line Whigs, and in 1840
was President of the Boys' Tippecanoe Club, at
Jackson. In 1848 he cast his first Presidential
vote for Zachary Taylor and for twelve years was
Chairman of the Whig and Republican County
Central Committee for Jackson County. Since the
formation of the Republican party he has been an
active worker in its ranks. lie was Clerk of the
State House of Representatives in 1855-57-59. He
was Alderman of tlle Third Ward in Jackson, in
1858-59. In the fall of 1860 lie was elected to the
State Senate from the Twelfth District, Jackson
County, and "served during the session of 1861, and
during three special sessions thereafter, returning
from the army to attend two of these special sessions.
He served on the Military Committee, also on Finance and Education, and was Chairman of the
Committee on Roads and Bridges.
Although an ardent worker in the Republican
ranks, it cannot be justly said of Col. DeLand that
he was ever an office-seeker. While in Saginaw he
was Chairman of the Saginaw County Central
Committee for six years. He has attended, with
the exception of four, every Republican State Convention as a delegate since the organization of his
party. In 1872 he was again elected State Sena







PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


221,..




tor, this time from Saginaw County, serving during the sessions of 1873-74. In the Spring of 1887
he was elected to represent Sunmmit Township in
the County Board of Supervisors.  IIe is Grand
VicePresident of the Patrons of Industry, of
Michigan. His discharge of his official duties has
ever been marked witll that conscientious fidelity
which has uniformly gained for him the esteem
and confidence, not only of his constituents, but
of the people at large.
Col. DeLand was married in Summit Township,
in the home where he now lives, May 4, 1859, to
Miss Mary E., daughter of the late Leonard (G.
and Sarah M. (Hodgkins) Perry. Mr. and Mrs.
Perry were natives respectively of Vermont and
Niagara County, N. Y. After their marriage, in
the year 1836, they settled among the earliest
pioneers of Summit Township, this county, where
they constructed a home from the wilderness and
spent the remainder of their days. The mother
departed this life July 19, 1879. Mr. Perry (ied
June 20, 1884. They were the parents of two
daughters only. Mrs. IeLand was born at tlie old
P6rry homestead in Summit Township, March 12,
1838, andl grew to an attractive womanhood amid
the surroundings of a cultured home. Of her union
with Col. DeLand there have been born seven children, who are recorded as follows: Cora L. is the
wife of L. D. Russell, of Kansas City; Dell W. is
the wife of William F. Clark, of Lansing; Mollie
E. is at home; Perry V. died when twelve years
old; Sarah died at tile age of four years; William
L. and Charles J. are at home.
The Colonel when a youllg man joined the Masonic Lodge in Jackson. He at one time belonged
to several lodges of the Brotherhood, but on account of ill-health has been obliged to withdraw
from active work in this direction. He is a furlough member of Granger Post, No. 38, G. A. R.
As one of the three surviving first settlers of
this county who pitched their tents within its
limits as early as 1830, Col. l)eLand forms an old
landmark who will not soon be forgotten when
gathered to his fathers. Ile is the only survivor of
the first day and Sunday school established in this
county,and as has been seen,has played an important
part, socially and politically, not only in the coun

ties where lie has lived, but in the wihole State of
Michigan. To such men as he is the Wolverine
State indebted for her wealth and progress, intellectually and financially. His estimable wife is a
graceful and accomplished lady of many excellent
traits of character and cheerful disposition. Their
home surroundings are all that could reasonably
be desired, and not the least among their blessings
is the esteem and confidence in which they are held
by the entire community. Being a man of radical
views, and exemplifying at all times the "courage
of his convictions," he has often encountered strong
antagonisms, but none accuse him of intentional
injustice, much less with anything like dishonesty
or deceit. With the record of a blameless public
and private life, Col. I)eLand possesses a magnetism
which has drawn around him hosts of friends, who
will hold his name in kindly remembrance long
after lie has departed hence.
1, Blackman Township, is owned and( occu_
pied by the above-named gentleman, the one
(   hundred aln( ninety-six acres which comprise the estate being under thorough cultivation
under the oversight of a man who has had a number of years practical experience in agricultural
l)ursuits and( devotes his entire time to his occupation. The farm was bought by Mr. Waltz in 1865
and among the buildings erected upon it are excellent barns and other outhouses, as well as a comfortable and tasteful dwelling.
The subject of this brief biographical notice was
born in Germany, October 23, 1831, and. grew to
manhood in his native land, engaging in farming
after having acquired a good education under the
exceilent system of the Empire. When twentytwo years old he determined to seek a home in
the New World and crossing the briny deep he
landled in New York, whence he came directly to
Washtenaw County, Mich. Buying a tract of land
in Freedom Townshil he continued his former pursuit, remaining in that county twelve years and
thence removing to the home he now occupies.
Mr. Waltz was united in marriage with Miss
Elizabeth Funk, a native of Germany, the ceremony






222             PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


being celebrated in Wnshltenaw County, where after
a short life of wedded bliss, Mris. Waltz was caile(l
hence, breathing her last September 29, 1855. She
hlad borne her husband one son-Fred. In the same
county, August 8. 1861, Mr. Waltz contracted a
second marriage, the bride being Miss Christina
Lang, also a native of Germany, who was born
March 14, 1840. This estimable lady has borne
her husband two children, John A. and Charles M.
Mr. Waltz is a believer in and a supporter of
the principles of the Republican party. I-Ie and
his wife belong to the German Evangelical Church,
and are highly respected by its members, as well as
by their other associates. In the management of
his estate Mr. Waltz exhibits all the German thrift
and energy. and lie is interested in every modern
method which will enhance the value of his prol)erty or expedite his work, investigating with a keen
intelligence the new ideas and theories that are
advanced, and using those in which Iiis judgment
concurs. He is a most estimable citizen, witll an
intelligent interest in all that pertains to the good
(,f the government and the welfare of humanity.
C;-~-HOMAS J. SMITH. A pleasantly located,
finely improved, and fertile farm on section
4, Blackman Township, is owned and occupied by the above-named gentleman. The greater
number of the years since Mr. Smith arrived at a
suitable age for active labor, have been splent by
him in agricultural pursuits and he is thoroughly
acquainted with the details of that avocation. He
possesses inventive genius of no mean order, and
has patented several articles of value and beneficial
to mankind. Among them are a. carriage-jack and
fence-lifter, a harness-buckle, and a machine for
weaving pickets into fences; he has also taken out
a patent for an improvement on the last named, tile
papers being issued.January 7, 1890.
lIr. Smith was born in Wheeler, Steuben County,
N. Y., February 4, 1821, growing to manhood in
the place of his nativity, and acquiring as thorough
alln education as could be obtained in the public
schools.  -IHe continued to reside in New York until
he was twenty-five years old, when he married and
came to Michigan, locating in Sandstone Township,


ttins county. After a sojourn of two and a half
years lie returned to his native county and State,
operating a sawmill there until 1862, when he came
back to this county. lie then located in Blackman
Township, where he has since resided with the
exception of two years sl)ent in Rives Township.
The farm which he now occupies comprises ninety
acres and forms an estate both profitable and
agreeable to look upon.
The rites of wedlock were celebrated between
Mr. Smith and Miss Harriet Eliza Ingraham in
Steuben County, N. Y., February 4, 1846. The
bride is a native of Orleans County, N.Y., her natal
day lhaving been December 15, 1822, and is the
third of nine children born to Alfred and Lucinda
(WaVtkins) Ingraham. Her father was a native of
New Hampshire and her mother of Vermont, and
after living in different places, they breathed their
last in Steuben County, N.Y. Mrs. Smith is a lady
whose intelligent mind, useful training and Christian character exert an influence for good beyond
the walls of her home, within which however, she
has ever found her chief delight in the companionship of her husband and the children with whom
they have been blessed and in whose rearing she
has taken affectionate pride. To her and her husband
a family of seven children has been born, only four
of whom lived to man's estate. These are Frank
0., now a resident of Jackson; Alfred J., now a
farmer of Rives Township; Don C., who died in
Blackman Township, when about twenty-three
years old; and Harley M., a member of the firm
of Myers & Smith, dealers in agricultural impleaments in Jackson.
Mr. Smith affiliates with the Masonic fraternity.
His political adherence is given to the Republican
party, in whose principles his judgment concurs
and for which he is ever ready to cast his ballot.
Mrs. Smith is a member in good standing of the
Congregational Church.
The father of the subject of this brief sketch was
Eaton Smith, a native of Massachusetts, and his
mother was Betsey Hartsoe, a native of Steuben
County, N. Y., where the parents settled after their
marriage, and where Mrs. Smith died. The father
removed to Wayne County, Mich., early in the
'40s, afterward going to Ohio and then returning
t ----'- --   Zn                    tnr /rr  vr~  rvr  -VMI~l






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


223


I


to Steuben County, N. Y., where he also died,
breathing his last in the town of Howard. lie was
the father of seven children by his first marriage,
our subject being the fifth in this household band.
ARNABAS C. HATCHI, Ju. is the sixth
child of his parents, and was born  )ecenm-. ber 14, 1840, in Spring Arbor Township,
S  this county, in a shanty without a floor. I-is
boyhood days were all spent in this locality, his early
memories being of scenes of primitive pioneer life,
in which from year to year he bore such part as his
strength would permit, witnessing a rapid dlevelopment during his youth. lIe attended tlhe district
school in Hanover Township and when sufficiently
old enough to do so, adopted thle occupation of a
farmer, in which he has since been engaged.
Mr. Hatch remained under the parental roof tintil after he was twenty-six years of age, when he set
up his own household taking ~,s his compnianion Miss
Harriet L., daughter of Charles S. and Sarah Stone.
Their marriage ceremony was celebrateld AIarch 7,
1867, and they shared each other's joys and sorrolws
until March 24, 1874, when \Mrs. Hatch breathed(
her last. She had borne her husband two children,
one of whom is now living. This is a son, William,
born Marhl 10, 1870, who is now attenlling tlle
Seminary of Spring Arbor and pursuing the studies of the scientific and literary course.
On February 14, 1878, lie of whom we write contracted a second alliance, his bride being Miss
Emma Cornett, an intelligent an(l estimable young
lady, who was born in I)ecember, 1852. She is a
daughter of William and Susan (Goff) Cornett, her
father being a native of Rhode Island and her
mother of New York.    Mr. Cornett carried on
a large mercantile business in his native  State,
whence lie came to Michigan, marryingi here in
1841. The following year lie returned to Rhode
Island, where he was occupied as an importer of
Russian iron, remaining there until 1854 when he
returned to this State. Seven years ago lie became
a resident of Jackson City wliere he 'ow resides.


Mrs. Hatch is the youngest of five children born
to her parents, four of whom are now living. 1Her
union with our subject has been blessed by the
birth of two children-MAorton G., born October
8, 1882, and Irene, born April 22, 1888-both fine
specimens of clildish beauty and intelligence.
The farm which Mr. Hatch owns and occuplies
comprises one hundred and twenty-one acres of
improved land on section 1, Hanover Township,
where he carries on diversified farmingl and raises
all grades of stock, his hogs being Poland-China.
The present dwelling of the family was built in
1877 at a cost of $1500 and is an attractive and
comfortable home, wlose neatness and order proves
the housewifely ability of its mistress. "June"
Hatch,l as our sublect is familiarly known on account of having the same name as that his father
bore, is full of business sagacity and vim, and has
a remarkably pleasant manner which gives him
gIreat plopularity.
Mr. Hatch has takenan active interest in politics
and now votes with the Democratic party. For
twelve years lie was connected with the Greenback
organization. I-e las frequently been a delegate
to the county and State conventions. Since the
age of twenty-one years lie has served on a School
Board and for tie )past three years has been I)irector of Hotoon District. He has also been Townshil) and School Inspector six years, has been
Supervisor of the Township three terms, and is
Auditor of the Farmer's Fire Insurance Company,
having held that position for some time past. He
has been prominent in settling estates, applraising,
and similar work which calls for intelligence, good
judgment and thorough honesty. He belongs to
tle Masonic fraternity, having membership in the
Blue Lodge No. 93 at Horton; he has been Junior Warden andl Junior D)eacon of the Lodge, and
was elected Master but did not serve. Both he
and his wife belong to the Universalist Society, of
which he is now Trealsurer.
In the Empire State Mathew Hatch, tle grandfather of our subject apd his son, B. C. Iatch, were
born. There also Miss Mary Wirtsor opened her
eyes to tlie light, her grandfather having been an
emigrant fr)om Germany.. C.. Hatch and Mary
Wirtsor were united in marritg e and in November,






224


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


1825, became residents of Michigan, making a
settlement in Spring Arbor Township, this county.
They had a family of ten children, eight of whom
are living. The wife died May 6, 1851, the husband surviving until February 22, 1874. B. C.
I-atch Sr., possessed extraordinary natural ability,
which his associates were not long in ascertaining,
and he was called upon to serve them in various public capacities. He was Supervisor of Hanover
Township for seven years, was an Associate Judge
in this county two terms, and a Justice of the Peace
for twenty years. lie held the office of Postmaster
at Bennett's Corners in Spring Arbor Township.
He was a member of the Legislature of 1848 and
was one of those through whose votes Gen. Cass
was sent to the United States Senate; he was a personal friend of the General and visited at his house.
R   OBERT E. SMITH. Although this gentleman has lived in the village of Jefferson,
Columbia Township, several years, he is still
engaged in general farling, owning a good
estate on sections 7 and 22. LIe has resided in this
township for about twenty years and is well known
as a practical and progressive agriculturist. His
personal character is excellent, his life exhibiting
many of the strong traits derived from Scotch ancestry.
The grandfather of our subject was Jolln Smith,
who married a Miss Johnson, both natives of Scotland, descended from good old families. John Smith
was highly educated and followed the professions
of teaching and surveying. After the birth of their
children-Francis, James, Andrew, Robert, David,
Margaret and Agnes-they emigrated to America.
This was in the early part of'the present century,
when ocean travel had not reached its present higl
rate of speed and their journey was a tedious one.
Landing in New York City, they traveled westward
to Monroe County, N. Y., settling on the Genesee
River where two sons, William and Thomas were
born to them. John Smith was engaged as a
teacher and surveyor (during the most of his life.
As a surveyor he was very accurate, a proof of his


I


-


---


proficiency being that the deeds made out after his
survey instead of reading "more or less," as is the
custom here, invariably read, "according to the
survey of John Smith." He and his wife reached
an active old age. gaining the respect of a large
circle of friends and leaving an honored name when
called hence. In religion they favored the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church.
The third child of the above-named couple, Andrew, was but a lad when his parents came to
America, and in Monroe County, N. Y., he grew to
maturity, learning the carpenter trade. During the
War of 1812, while sojourning for a short time in
Canada he was impressed into the British Army.
After making his escape he became anxious to assist in the defense of his adopted country and
therefore entered the New York Militia. In Monroe County he was united in marriage with Miss
Lucinda Dillingham, who was born in Vermont,
not far from the Green Mountains, being the
daughter of a Vermont farmer who removed to
New York when she was quite young. Andrew
Smith continued to work at his trade, living happily with his wife, Lucinda, until 1830 when she
was removed from her family by death, being but
little past middle life, leaving a family of seven
clildlren-Jane, Maria, Margaret, Stephen, Robert,
David and William. She was a faithful companion and devoted mother, quietly an( conscientiously
discharging the duties which lay before her; she
favored the religion of the Friends. The second wife
of Andrew Smith was Mrs. Sally Williams, nee
Winslow, who was born in Saratoga County, N. Y.
She had several children by a former marriage and
bore Mr. Smith two children, both born in Monroe
County —Elizabeth and Mary.
In 1839 Andrew Smith and his family came to
Michigan, crossing the lake to Detroit and thence
continuing their journey overland with teams
brought with him. Arriving in Washtenaw County
he selected a tract of land in Dexter Township,
which he secured from the State and which he at
once, with the aid of his sons, began to improve.
It embraced the whole of section 16, which was
school land and wholly unbroken. He lived to
effect many improvements and to see the most of
his land under tillage. At the home thus built up




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.                                                     225... D.; DD 0 f. L; I.      f  0  -   I  I  X  -   -........................................................... -L-   -7..- L  -..,   -.  - -.  f   --  f   -~ -  ----------- -


lie breathed his last, respected by all who knew him
as a hard-working, industrious and upright man.
The buildings erected upon his estate were the work
of his own hands, sn(l all the improvements were
due mainly to his own exertions assisted b)y his
family. In politics lie was a Democrat.  His widow
after his death returned to New York and died
there when quite old.
The gentleman with whose name we introduce
this biography was born in Wheatland Township,
Monroe County, N. Y., February 4, 1825, being
the fifth child and second son in a circle comprised
of four sons and three daughters. He was reared
and educated in his native county, remaining with
his father until the latter's death, assisting in farm
labor and becoming familiar with the carpenter's
trade. With the other members of the family lie is
numbered among the early settlers of Washtenaw
County, in which he resided from 1839 until becoming a resident of this county. For about four
years he was engaged in business as a merchant at
D)elhi, and after selling out removed to Dexter.
There he married Miss Jemima, daulghter of Edmun( and Hanntah Richards. She was born in
Wales May 15, 1839, and was but a year old when
her parents came to America, they first locating in
New York. Subsequently they came to Michigan,
locating in l)exter, Washtenaw County, where
Mr. Richards spent his last years. The full history
of the family will be found in the biographical
sketch of Evan Richards elsewhere in this ALrUMu.
Mrs. Smith was fourteen years old when her parents came to this State and in Ypsilanti completed
her education, fitting herself for a teacher, following that profession for a number of years before
her marriage, and still retains a lively interest in all
that pertains to educational matters. A good linguist, their library is enriched by many rare French
and Italian works, the gift of her brother, Prof.
A. E. Richards, as is also the valuable collection of
ancient coins, numbering several thousand, accumulated during a twenty years' residence in Europe, and at his decease in Florence, Italy, divided
among the different memlers of the family.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Smith has been
blessed by the birth of four daughters and two
sons. One of the latter, David A. died young;


Grace is the wife of Henry Peterson, a farmer;
Margaret married Richardson Peterson, their home
being on a farm in Columbia Township; Alic(e B. is
the wife of Charles Iewitt, also a farmer of Columbia Township; Maude J. teaches in the same townslip; Robert A. is attending school in Brooklyn.
All are intelligent and greatly respected by their
associates. Five beautiful grandchildren have made
sunsline in the parents' homes: Eryl Peterson, son
of Richard and Maggie Peterson; Winnie, Sylvia,
Henry Blendon (deceased), children of Henry and
Grace Peterson; Zora L., daugher of Charles and
Alice Hewitt. In politics Mr. Smith is a Republican
of the deepest dye. He and his wife are members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and by their
brethren. as well as by the citizens in general, they
are regarded with resl)ect for their intelligence,
uprightness and good will toward their neighbors.
j\  E'TER W. ALDRICI     is one of the well
J) known business men of Brooklyn and a
' pl)rominent citizen of this part of the
counti. He is the senior member of the
firm of Aldrich & Green, dealers in all kinds of
vehicles and agricultural implements, and is also
a liveryman aund interested in the breeding and sale
of road horses. He has been a resident of Brooklyn since 1866, at which date lie established a harness shop here, which lie conducted twenty years,
doing a general harness manufacturing business.
During the time, he became interested in the carriage, wagon and agricultural implement trade,
and, in 1887, he also engaged in the livery and
horse (lealing. In this way he has become well
acquainted with the people of the city and surrounding country, and while carrying on a successful business career has won the esteem  of his
fellow-citizens for his personal character.
Mr. Aldrich was born in Saline Township, Washtenaw County, January 9, 1838, and there grew to
manhood, acquiring a common-school education
and learning the trade of harnessmaking. UInder
the instruction of his employer, Mr. Rorabe(ck, a
local harness dealer, lie became a skillful workman,




2;26


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


I --- —-— __ __~~~~~~~:: ___:_T ___ ~ —, ----l__-''..-  ------:T:L.:-_: l::- =:r::   lnz_::::_:,_. -:l_-:r - 


I


fully competent to carry on the business for himself. He established a shop in Saline and conducted the same until lie came to Brooklyn and
entered upon the other transactions noted above.
The womanly virtues of Miss Roxie A. Robinson
won the affection of Mr. Aldrich, and to her, after
a successful wooing, lie was married in Saline. She
was born near Ypsilanti, August 9, 1837, being a
daughter of Allen and Sarah (Nash) Robinson, natives of the Keystone State, where they were
reared and married. Early in the '30s Mr. and
Mrs. Robinson came to Michigan and, with other
pioneers of that (lay, began to improve a home in
the wilderness near Ypsilanti. There they lived
many years, regarded as worthy members of the
community and leaving a respected memory when
called to die. They reared a large family, Mrs.
Aldrich being one of the eldest members. She was
reared in her native county, attending the Ypsilanti schools.  She has borne her husband four
children, one of whom died in infancy. Frank W.
married Miss Cora Cooper; their home is at Onsted,
Lenawee County, where lie is engaged in business.
Fred E. is a clerk in Metcalf's dry goods store il
Adrian; his wife was Miss Minnie Teachout of
this county. Jessie L. is still living with her parents.
He has been an Alderman for two terms, Township Clerk two terms and a member of the School
Board twelve years. In politics he is a Republican, as was his father before him. He and his wife
attend the Presbyterian Church.
The father of the subject of this sketch was
Thomas Aldrich, a native of Livingston County,
N. Y., and a member of an old and well respected
family of the Empire State. He was a son of Nathaniel Aldrich, a farmer of the same county, who
lived to be upwards of three-score and ten years
old. They were of Welsh ancestry. Thomas Aldrich became a carpenter and builder, carrying on
his trade in his native county until some time aftel
his marriage to Miss Louisa Ripley, of Cattaraugus
County. She was a daughter of Pyrom Ripley,
who is thought to have been of Dutch descent:
He was a farmer, and spending his entire life in
Western New York, attained to favorable circumstances and became well known as a reliable citizen.
After his marriage, Thomas Aldrich, with his


------


wife and one child, came to Michigan, settling in
in an almost unbroken wilderness in Washtenaw
County. There Mr. Aldrich at once engaged at
his trade and being a skilled mechanic was successful in his career, during his laterjyears being able
to retire somewhat from the labors of life.  In
1884 he went to Power City, N. Dak., to visit his
oldest daughter, Cordelia, wife of Edgar Bigford,
and died at her home, March 24th, of that year.
His lifeless body was returned to his home and
interred in the cemetery at Saline by the side of his
wife, who had died in 1858. At the time of his death
Mr. Aldrich was seventy-four years of age; his
wife had breathed her last when a little past middle life. They were the parents of seven children,
one of whom, Thomas, died in infancy. The living are: Cornelia, above noted; Julia, wife of
William Barnard, a business man of Lansing; Peter
W.; Edgar R., who is engaged in business in Saline, and who married Emeline Welch, and after her
death, Maggie Parker, who is now also deceased;
Eveline, wife of John Valentine, living on a farm
in Fairfield  Township, Lenawee County: and
Louisa, who carries on the HIome Bakery at Adrian.
A AVID     HOAG. The pioneers of Jackson
i    )) County are fast passing away, and those who
JiJv  remain to tell the story of their early adventures are looked upon almost as the relics of a
bygone time. The history of their toils and sacrifices forms a record which is destined to be preserved in the hearts of their children for many
generations. Prominent among those who came to
Parma Township when it was but little removed
from  the wilderness, may be properly mentioned
Mr. Hoag, who has just passed the seventy-fourth
mile-stone along the highway of life. After years
of arduous labor, lie is now resting on his oais, and
surrounded by friends and the comforts of a good
home, can look back upon the past and reasonably
feel that he has not lived in vain.
A native of Rensselaer County, N. Y., the subject of this notice was born March 15, 1816, and is




PORTRAIT AND BIOGICAPHICAL ALBUM.


227


the son of Asa and Elizabeth (Norton) Hoag, who
were likewise natives of the Empire State. The
family is of English origin, and the first representatives crossed the Atlantic sometime during the
seventeenth century. Asa Hoag was born in 1788,
in I)utchess County, N. Y., and removed thence
with Ills parents to Rensselaer County when about
twelve years old. tIe, there developed into manhood and settled on a new farm, from which lie
built up a good homestead. In Cambridge, Wash.
ington County, lie spent the remainder of his life,
dying in 1847. The wife and motler had preceded
her husband to the silent land twenty-four years,
her death taking place in 1823; they were the parents of seven children, three of whom are living.
David Hoag under the instruction of his honored
father became a scientific farmer and chose this for
his life vocation. The primitive schools of Rensselaer County furnished him with his education,
and at the age of twenty-two years lie set about
the establishment of a fireside of his own, being
martied November 8, 1838, to Miss Mary Peckham.
Mrs. Mary (Peckham) IIoag, likewise a native
of Rensselaer County, N. Y., was born in 1818 to
Samuel and Mary Peckham, who were natives of
New York, and spent tlhe closing years of their
lives in that State. Mr. and Mrs. Ioag in 1888
celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding
amid the congratulations and good wishes of many
friends.
Of this congenial union there was born a family
of seven children, five of whom are living-Francis H. is a resident of Parma Township; Rutger
lives in Springport Township; Isaac P. is a resident of California; John E. lives in Parma Townslip, this county; Phlebe is the wife of W. H.
Trope, of California. Mr. and Mrs. Hoag soon
after their marriage settled in Washington County,
N. Y., where they resided until 1845. Then with
the three children whi' h had been added to their
household they set out for this county, and Mr.
Hoag purchased eighty acres of his present farm.
To this he subsequently added from time to time
until it now comprises two hundred and twenty
acres. all undler cultivation and embellished witl
neat modern buildings. It was a wild uncultivated


tract when he took possession, its only improvement a log cabin, and a poor one at that, which
had been standing a number of years, and which
did service several years longer as the home of Mr.
Hoag and his family. The present fine residence
was completed in 1861. Mr. Hoag came to this
county poor in purse, and endured the usual hardships and privations of life on the frontier. IIe
lias been an eyewitness of its gradual growth and
development, and has contributed his full quota to
its general prosperity.
Mr. Hoag cast his first Presidential vote for
W. HI. Harrison, an(l in the early days was a member of the Whig party.  Later he joined himself to
the Republicans.  I-e has never sought office,
simply serving as Town Collector two terms, but
has aimed to give his influence in favor of everything calculated to improve the condition of the
people, socially, morally and financially. Of genial
and whole-souled disposition, he invariably makes
friends wherever lie goes, and enjoys in a marked
degree the respect of all who know him.
JN LVA S. TRUE. A prominent place among
the citizens of Blackman Township, is ocff  cupied by him whose name introduces this
sketch, and who. from his early boyhood
has been identified with the development of the
county and has exhibited enterprise and ability in
the nianagement of his private affairs and a public
spirited and intelligent interest in the good of the
community. For a number of years he has filled
positions of public responsibility, having for fully
twenty-five years been a school director and during
the time held various other offices for more or less
lengthy  periods. His pleasant and   hospitable
home is supplied with books and papers, which indicate the love of.Mr. and Mrs. True for knowledge, and the rational manner in which they spend
their leisure moments.
The parents of our subject were John and Hannah (Watson) True, who after their marriage settled in Merrimac County, N. H. remaining there
some years. Mr. True was a native of that county




228             PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


— l
I


and was employed in the cotton-mills. About the
year 1830, he came to Jackson County, Micl., remaining but a short time ere returning to his Eastern home with the intention of )bringing his wife
and five children and founding a new home in the
West. About 1833 the family took up their residence in what is now Blackman Township, this
county, but was then known   as Jacksonburg.
'There the husband and father engaged in farming
and there he and his wife continued to reside during the remainder of their natural lives. The farm
upon which they closed their eyes to earthly things
is now owned by their oldest son, the subject of
this sketch. Their family consisted of ten children,
nine of whlom grew to years of maturity.
The natal day of the gentleman of whom we
write was October 29, 1827, and the place of his nativity Merrimac County, N. I-I. le was about seven
years old when he came to the West and vividly
remembers the primitive surroundings of their
early home here, and the toilsome life which his
family, in common with all pioneers, was subject to
during the first years of their occupancy of their
new home. Amid such scenes, vigor and sturdiness of mind and body is rapidly developed, and
he of whom we write was not behind others of his
age in developing these qualities and in acquiring
a keenness of observation which laid hold upon
objects and lines of thought unnoted by those
reared amid other scenes.
Having reached the years of manhood, Mr. True
learned the trade of a carpenter, and, following
that business exclusively for fifteen years, was the
builder of many of the best residences put up in
those days in Jackson and Ingham Counties. In
1865 he abandoned his trade and gave his attention to farming, an occupation which he has since
pursued. His farm which is located on section 3,
Blackman Township, comprises about one hundred
and seventy acres, is marked with excellent improvements and is thoroughly and intelligently
tilled.
In the city of Jackson, April 11, 1855, the rites of
wedlock were celebrated between Mr. True and
Miss Celestia Morrill, fourth child of Nathaniel and
Nancy (Quimby) Morrill. The parents of the
bride were born in Sammontown,. 1.. fTl l( ir '


-1


first home after their marriage was in their native
State, whence they removed to Cayuga County, N.
Y. There they remained until 1833 when they
came to Michigan, settling in what is now Blackman Township, this county, where they continued
to reside until called from time to eternity. The
occupation of Mr. Morrill was that of a farmer.
Mrs. True was born in Blackman Township, June
14, 1837, acquired a good education, and the best
of training from her respected parents, growing to
womanhood possessed of a most estimable character
and of many womanly accomplishments. She has
borne her husband two children-Herbert L., and
Verna B.
In addition to the office of School Director which
Mr. True has held for so meny years, he was Supervisor of Blackman Township in 1884, was Township Treasurer one year, Justice of the Peace three
terms, and Highway Commissioner several terms.
He has taken an active part in political affairs and
is a member of the Democrat party. He and his
wife are members of the Seventh Day Advent
Church and active in religious work, wielding a wide
influence for good by their own upright lives as
well as through  their precepts.  Their genial
pleasant natures, their deep interest in educational
affairs and in every good work, and their enjoyment of intellectual recreation and study, combine
to render their home a pleasant gathering place for
all who appreciate rational enjoyment and true
culture..
IIARLES WOOD, Justice of the Peace of
Blackman Township, is one of the oldest
_,settlers of this county, to which he came
with his father's family in the spring of 1831. He
was then a lad of about fourteen years, having
been born in Westmoreland, Cheshire County, N.
H., March 17, 1817. Hle grew to man's estate amid
the primitive surroundings of the early years of
settlement in this section, assisting in the labors of
the pioneers and exerting the strength of his young
manhood for the improvement and development of
the natural resources of the county. In 1840, he
nc cl)pn:lldl bis brotler Jonathan to Ingham








PORTRAIT AND BIIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM..


229


PORTRAIT... AND BORPIA  ALBUM._22


County, where he remained about twenty years,
still engaged in agricultural pursuits and winning
an enviable reputation for his energy and zeal in
the pursuit of his closen occupation and the worthy
manhood which was his personal character.
At the expiration of the period above named
Mr. Wood returned to this county making his
home in the city of Jackson for four years, after
which he again returned to his farm in Ingham
County, sojourning there a year. He then removed(
to the estate upon which he is still living, comprising eighty acres of fertile and well-tilled land on
section 23, Blackman Township. He has erected a
complete set of farm buildings, including a residence tliat is a model of taste and comfort and one
of the finest in the vicinity. The place exhibits an
air of neatness, order, and thrift quite in keeping
witlh the character and business energy of the
owner, who is justly considered one of the most
thorough and progressive agriculturists of this part
of the State.
At the home of the bride in Bunker Hill, Ingharn
County, on March 16, 1848, Mr. Wood was united
in marriage with Miss Sarah Ann 1)ean, wlose
agreeable manners, neatness, thrift, intelligence and
womanly character won his regard, and have made
of her a cherished companion since the day when
their lives were joined in holy wedlock. Mrs. Wood
was born in Monroe County, N. Y., on New Year's
Day, 1827, and is the eldest of six children, comprising the family of William B. and Sarah (Macumber) Dean, natives of Vermont. Mr. and Mrs.
Dean were pioneers of Michigan and of Ingham
County, in which they died. Mr. and Mrs. Wood
are the parents of three children and liave been bereaved of their two sons, Charles and Frank. Their
daughter Anna is the wife of Newell Wocdworthl of
Blackman Township.
Mr. Wood has held the offices of Highway Commissioner, School Inspector and Superintendent of
Schools and that of Justice of the Peace during
nearly the entire period of his residence in Blackman Township. He was Township Clerk in Ingham
County eight successive years, was Assessor during
a lengthy period, and held the office of Supervisor
one year. His contin-unce in office year after year
shows plainly the (iegree of contidence reposed in


him by his townsmen and their estimate of his capabilities and moral character. He belongs to the
Republican party and has taken active interest in
local political work. He has also done his share
toward the support and furthering of educational
interests. I-e was formerly a member of thle Grange,
in whieh he was Master for three years and also
helld (ther offices.
The parents of our subject were Mr. and Mrs.
Jothani Wood, who after living a number of years
in New York State, came to the wilds of Michigan
with their family in 1831, the father having visited
the State the year previous and selected a location
upon which he had erected a house for the accomodation of his family upon their arrival. Mr.
Wood occupied a prominent place among the early
settlers, in common with whom he and his estimable
wife toiled, and suffered those privations which belong to tlhe lot of the frontiersman.. Ie held various offices' in the township, having the confidence
and esteem of his fellowmen, and the requisite intelligence and ability to further their interests. His
religious faith was that advanced by the Universalist Church. His death occurred in March, 1862,
his wife having some years previously preceded him
to the grave.
AMES M. EWING. Probably there is not
a county within tle United States which is
not the home of one or more men who have
(@ /) carved their fortunes single-handed, and to
wlom great credit is due for the result which they
have achieved. Hlow much greater credit should
be given one who, at the age of fourteen yearn,
begins his battle of life, not only without capital,
but with clothing consisting only of a straw hat, a
colored shirt, and a pair of overalls. Such was the
case with the subject of this sketch, who, by industry and economy, seconded after some years by
the able efforts of his wife, has gained possession of
a fine home, comprising eighty acres of valuable
land on section 5, Tompkins Township, and its accompanying buildings, Tie land is in a high state






230


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


of cultivation, and upon it stands a fine and commodious frame house, a large and well-built barn.
and other needful structures.
The father of him of whom we write was a native of New York, in which State lie grew to manhood and married Miss Elizabeth Tenight, a native
of the same State. Their family consisted of six
children, of whom our sulbject was the fourth in
order of birth. The father died in 1848, and
young James and( his sister Helen, now the wife of
George II. Patullo, came to Ingham County, Mich.,
and were reared by their uncle, Abram Towner.
The mother and the other children still live in the
Empire State. When our subject started out in
the world for himself lie went to Chicago, and
during the next four years worked in various parts
of Illinois. In August, 1861, he returned to this
State, and in D)ecember entered the Union Army
as a private in Company G, Twelfth Michigan Infantry, in which regiment he served until February
15, 1866.
Mr. Ewing participated in the terrible battle of
Shiloh, and in a conflict at Bolivar, Tenn., on December 23, 1863, when three thousand rebel countrymen surrounded the command to which he
belonged, which was in a block house, and gave
them a heavy fight of more than two hours duration, from which the Union soldiers came off victorious. Later they went to Little Rock, Ark., where
they drove Price's army from the city, after which
they were quartered near Vicksburg until the surrender, which young Ewing witnessed.
At Gregory's Landing, September 4, 1864, Mr.
Ewing was shot in the right shoulder by a guerrilla,
the point of the shoulder blade being knocked off,
and the wound keeping him in the hospital about
two weeks. After this he was promoted to be
Color Sergeant, in which capacity he served about
three months, and was then made Second-Lieutenant of Company E, his commission being dated
May 31, 1865. On September 18th following he
was promoted to the First Lieutenancy of the same
company, in which capacity he served until his
discharge at Camden, Ark., February 15, 1866.
From the latter place the regiment came back to
Michigan, was paid off at Jackson and there dishbnded, In addition to the bat'tles tno'cd. Limi!i,


Ewing had borne his part at Mechanicsburg (Miss.),
at Clarendon (Ark.) and in various minor contests
and the ordinary duties of campaign life, everywhere evincing the patriotic fervor and sturdy
manhood becoming in a defender of the flag.
The first money which our subject was able to
save was hoarded while he was in the army, his
accumulation being about $1,300. Upon his return to this State and release from the duties of a
soldier, he purchased a farm in Ingham Coullyv,
and settled down as an agriculturist. On August
1, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Maria
J. Westfall, who has proved herself a worthy companion and a true helpmate. In February, 1869,
they removed to the farm which they are now
occupying, and since their residence upon it have
gained the thorough respect of the members of the
community. Mr. Ewing keeps fine Durham cattle
and Chester-White hogs upon his farm. He is a
member of Onondaga Lodge, No. 152, I. 0. 0. F.,
and of tle Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of
Onondaga.
Mrs. Ewing is the third child of Capt. Jacob and
Eliza (Myers) Westfall, and was born in Wayne
County. LIer parents were natives of New York,
whence they came to Michigan many years ago.
The father died in this State, in 1846. The mother
subsequently married Daniel Tibbits, and after his
death became the wife of Gordon Backus, and now
lives in Gregory.


OSEPH FIELDING, one of the pioneers of
Michigan, is now residing on section 9,
Sandstone Township, where he owns eighty
acres of land under good cultivation. In the
accumulation of property he has been ably assisted
by his wife, who possesses more than ordinary business ability and who for years has been his most
efficient counselor and helpmate. Mr. Fielding was
born in Tyrone, N. Y., April 17, 1831, and was but
a few weeks old when his parents emigrated to this
State. His father, William Fielding, was a native
of Massachusetts and his paternal ancestors are
supll'osc(, to Ilnvc been French and Irish, His mother






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


231





Mary (Powell) Fielding, was born in the Empire
State. She died when her son Joseph was but two
years of age and the infant was placed in the family
of his grandfather, Jeremiah Powell.
The family resided in Washtenaw County, until
young Fielding was eight or nine years old, when
they removed to this county, settling in Waterloo
Township where the grandfather took up Government land. There in the wilderness, with other
early settlers, he began the work of improvement,
in which our subject assisted as his strength would
permit, his early educational advantages being
somewhat limited. Mr. Powell died when his grandson was sixteen years old, but the latter remained
upon the farm some three years afterward, continuing the work which had been begun. He then spent
about three years in Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois and
Minnesota, running on rafts on the Mississippi River
most of the time in the summer season, and in winter cutting timber in the forests.
Mr. Fielding then returned to this State and on
November 15, 1855, was united in marriage with
Miss Eunice Lathrop. She was born in WVashtenaw
County, June 28, 1838, and is a daughter of George
C. and Mary E. (Hall) Lathrop, pioneers in this
State and early settlers in Washtenaw County. Mr.
and Mrs. Lathrop were born in Genesee County,
N. Y., the former being of French descent; his
mother was a sister of Grover Cleveland's mother.
Mrs. Lathrop's step-fatlher, a Mr. Alcott, was a
Revolutionary soldier and wounded in the service.
After having lived some years in this county, Mr.
and Mrs. Lathrop removed to Ingham   County,
where they have lived nearly a quarter of a century. They are still hale and hearty although the
father is eighty-five and the mother eighty-three
years old.
Mrs. Fielding was educated in the common
schools of Ann Arbor and in Mrs. Van Cleves
Academy, a branch of Mrs. Clark's school. For a
short time she engaged in teaching and then began
the Homcepathic practice of medicine, continuing
it for a number of years. Although her medical
knowledge was mainly acquired through her own
reading and observation, she was skillful and successful. Sle was probably the first female practitioner in Sandstone Township. Not only is she edu

cated and energetic, but she is a lady of refine..
ment, whose labors in behalf of her family have in
no wise made her less a true woman. To her have
been born ten children-Fidelia, the first-born, is
the wife of J. B. Fay of Chicago, Ill.; following
her are Frances; Odell and Lozell (twins); Clara,
wife of Harry Ladd, of Brooklyn, this county;
John B.; Rada, wife of Arthur Niblack of Wisconsin; Hattie clerks for her brother, Lozell, in Hutchinson, Kan.: Linwood, and Minnie.
After his marriage Mr. Fielding first located in
White Oak Township, Ingham   County, where ie
operated a farm about twenty years. During this
time, on March 16, 1865, he became a member of
Company F, Fifteenth Michigan Infantry, and of
the Fifteenth Army Corps under Gen. Oliver. IIe
(lid guard duty mostly in Arkansas and Kentucky,
receiving his discharge, September 11. 186o. 1 While
lie was in tlie army his wife carried on the farm.
She hired the plowing done, and planted and tended
four acres of corn from which she raised four hundred bushels, with which she fattened a sufficient
number of hogs to make $150 worth of pork. She
also raised one hundred and twenty-five bushels of
potatoes; she also made forty rods of fence and put
up about fifteen tons of hay,which shows her executive ability. After leaving Inghlam County, Mr.
Fielding made his home in Brooklyn, tills county,
two years, but in 1880 permanently located on the
estate which he now occupies.
Mr. Fielding is in sympathy withl the Republican
party but does not allow his political views to prevent his casting his ballot for the best man when
there is a choice in personal character. Mrs. Fielding is identified witll the Baptist Church and the
entire family are actively interested in the social
affairs of their neighborhood, holding the high rank
among the citizens, to which they are entitled by
their characters, cultured minds and useful lives.
- EORGE L. SMALLEY.        The subject of
( this sketch was born in Hampton, Washing..
ton County, N. Y., October 27, 1821, and
is the son of David Smalley, a native of Rensselaer






232


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM..~~ ~ ~ ~..-:   I  


County, N. Y., and who was born l)eccmber 2,
1795. The paternal grandfather was Rufus nSmalley, a native of Massachusetts, who was there reared
to manhood and removed at an early day to Rensselaer County, N. Y. lIe rented a farm in Stephentown, where he resided a number of years.
Next he removed to Poultney, Vt., but later he
returned to New York State, settling in Washington County. Afterward lie went back to Massachusettes and( died there when about ninety-four
years old. I-e was married in Massachusetts in
1790, to Miss Esther Woodward, who died in Poulney, Vt. There was born to them a family of ten
children, nine of whom lived to mature years.
David Smalley lived with his parents until the
death of his mother, and then,a boy of eightyears,he
went to IIampton, N. Y., to live with the Adventist
Prophet, Miller, by whom he was reared. IHe served
in the War of 1812, participating in the Iattle of
Plattsburg. After his marriage he purchased a small
farm near Hampton, and resided there until 1834.
Then selling out lie came to what was then Michigan Territory, accompanied by his wife and seven
children, making the journey with a four-horse
wagon to Buffalo and at that point shipped his team
and goods upon the steamer 'lSheldon Thompson,"
one of the first crafts of the kind to ply the waters
of Lake Erie.
Detroit was then a small, but flourishing village,
and the depot of supplies for the whole Territory.
'fhe voyagers embarked there and set out for this
county, arriving after a journey of three days.
They established themselves in a log cabin with the
family of Judge McGee, near Concord. Mr. Smalley then set out to seek a location, and purchased
a lot on the Oak Openings, and located one mile
north of the village. I-e put up a temporary log
cabin with a board roof, which the family occupied
one year. At the expiration of this time he was
enabled to erect a substantial frame dwelling,
which is still standing. He there made his home
until his death, which occurred in 1858.
When the Smalley family located in Concord
Township, there were besides them only the families of John Acker, Judge McGee, William Van
Fossen and Isaac Carpenter. The latter's brother
Alanson came soon afterward. John Acker's son


James, was the first white settler in the township,
and his cabin was the first building erected within
its limits. lie selected a tract of land, but soon
after taking up his abode in his primitive dwelling
was stricken with fever and died. His father sub
sequently located on the same place. The mother
of our subject was in her girlhood Miss Susannah
Lewis. She was born in Addison, Vt., April 16,
1802, and was the daughter of Edward and Louisa
(Kilbourn) Lewis, further mention of whom is
made in the sketch of C. H. Lewis, on another page
in this ALBU. Mrs. Smalley died at the homestead in Concord, November 18, 1846. She was
the mother of twelve children, eleven of whom
were reared to mature years.
The subject of this notice was a lad of thirteen
years when coming to this county, and he still remembers many of the incidents of the journey and
the pioneer life which followed. Deer and wolves,
besides other wild animals, were plentiful then in
this region, and there were no railroads for several
years. For a time the nearest mill was at Marshall,
twenty miles distant. Young Smalley attended the
primitive schools, the first of which was conducted
in a log house with slab benches, and the chimney
built outside of earth and sticks. A large fireplace
extended nearly across one end of the building.
Later he attended the village school in Jackson,
and in 1839 entered the academy at Marshall.
Afterward he commenced teaching in the district
where the Spring Arbor College buildings now
stand. In the summer season he assisted his father
on the farm, and when about twenty years old commenced to learn the trades of a carpenter and millwright, following these a few years, after which he
engaged in farming.
In 1846 Mr. Smalley purchased a tract of wild
land in Concord Township, which he improved
and owned until 1853. That year he came to Jackson, and in company with two brothers, engaged in
the mercantile business,which he continued for four
years. In the meantime he became prominent in
local affairs, and in 1858 was elected Sheriff of
Jackson County. He was re-elected in 1860, serving thus a term  of four years. In 1863 he was
appointed Deputy Provost Marshal, but the following year resigned the office, and going to Chicago






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.                             233..1.....-. - I I I I ~ I - - I-~ -7 - -, ~  
S ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I.'   I.... -....-. ': - - - - -- - - -


i


engaged in the manufacture of horse-shoe nails.
This well-known resident of Jackson was largely
instrumental in the organization of the Northwestern Horse Nail Company of Clicago, with
which he has since been connected. Ile was also
one of the organizers of the Jackson Paper Company, and in partnership with his brothers, Jacob
K. and Isaac N. Smalley, owns the Concord Mill
and farms, where is carried on an extensive business in general agriculture and stock-raising.  lIe
thus became interested with the great enterprise
with which lie has since been connected.
Mr. Smalley was married April 29, 1851, at
Jackson to Miss Mercy Skinner. This lady was
born in Genesee County, N. Y., and is the ldaughter of Justin andl Roxana (Winter) Skinner, who
were natives of Deerfield, Mass., and spent their
last days in Michigan. Of this union there were
born bix children, five of whom  died in infancy,
and Martha L., who was born in 1854, died in 1878.
Mr. and Mrs. Smalley are prominently connected
with the First Baptist Church. Mr. Smalley in
politics, during the existence of slavery, was a
strong Abolitionist, and lie has been a Republican
since the formation of that party. In 1881 he and
his brother Jacob crossed the Atlantic an( spent
five months in Europe, visiting England, Scotland,
Germany, Norway, Sweden, D)enmark, Austria,
Switzerland, Italy, Holland, Belgium  and France.
Miss Fanny C. Smalley, a sister of our subject,
became the wife of John L. Videto, who was elected
Sleriff of Jackson County in 1840, and later resided on his farm in Spring Arbor a few years.
Subsequently he removed to Jackson, and having
fitted:iimself for the practice of law, was duly admitted to the bar and followed this profession for
some years. In the meantime lie served one term
as Judge of the Probate Court. Politically, lie was
first a Whig, then a Republican and later a strong
Prohibitionist. He departed this life in Jackson in
1881. His wife surviived him seven years, dying
ing 1888. Sylvanus V. Smalley was a resident of
Jackson County from the time the family removed
here, and died on the home farm in Concord, in
1889. William J. is a resident of Jackson; Louisa
M. is the wife of William P. Stevens, and for many
years was a resident of Jackson; she is now living


i
i
i
i
I
i


witih ler son in Concord; Jacob K. and Isaac N.
are also residents of Concord; Lucy S. died about
1878, and Martha died when eight years old; Mary
E. makes her holme witl her brother, Jacob K.;
Amy S. died at the old homestead, in Concord
T'ownship in 1880; Susan L. was three weeks old
when her mother died, and she was reared by l:er
eldest sister, Mrs. Videto. She became the wife
of HI. N. Archer, of Jackson, and (lied in Novemnber, 1882.
~AMES C. HILLS. This worthy citizen and
good farmer is the owner and occupant of
one liundred and fourteen and one-half acres
of land on section 2, Blackman Township,
and( gives his time and attention wholly to agriculture.  His pareents, Silas and Emeline (Beldon)
Hills, were natives of Vermont and in that State
beganl their wedded life. Thence they removed to
Wellsville, Alleghlany County, N. Y., in which town
Mr. Iills built tlle first saw and grist mill and the
first store, he bzing a carpenter and wood worker.
His labors were not confined to the village in which
lie lived, but being a skillful mechanic and builder
and a fine workman, he was called upon to go to
other towns, in Angelica especially doing a great
deal of building. Both parents died in Wellsville,
leaving four sons and one daughter.
T'le gentleman whose name initiates this biographical sketch is next to the eldest of the parental group and was born in Wellsville, N. Y.,
April 17. 1834. His early childhood was spent in
the village, and lie grew to manhood on a farm one
and a half miles distant therefrom, which his father
conducted in connection with his other employment. On the home farm lie continued to reside
some four or five years after his marriage, which
took place in Wellsville, November 21, 1855.
The lady who at the above date became the wife
of Mr. Hills, was Frances E., daughter of the late
Hiram Wright. She was born in Dansville, N. Y.,
and her parents departed this life in the Empire
State. Of the children whom she bore, the following now survive: Llewellyn, Manville, Myrtie
and Vinnie. The deceased are Cora, George W.,




234


PORTRAICT ANDf BIOG RAPHQICAL A]LBUM.M[


2I4 PORTRIT AND BIGRAPHICA  AU
j~~~~~ _. - -        -~ - - -


Edwin, Alpha and Nellie J. The second marriage
of Mr. Hills took place in Jackson, Mich., his chosen
companion being Mrs. Lucy (Goss) Crosby, a native of the Empire State, and a lady of high attainments of mind and heart.
Mr. Hills came to this county the year before
the war and located in the city of Jackson, where
he remained a year, after which lie engaged in
farming in Rives Township. There he remained
until April 18, 1883, when he removed to the
estate which he now occupies and whiell he is successfully conducting, which is supplied with an
adequate number of farm buildings and forms a
home of comfort and attractive appearance. Mr.
Hills is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of
the Patrons of Industry, and belongs to the Republican party. He has heldl some of tle school
offices in the township and was a Class-Leader in
the Methodist Episcopal Church for several years.
His standing in the community is an excellent one,
as a reliable citizen, a successful agriculturist, and
an individual of upright character.


few estates in this vicinity, and the success with
which he followed farming gave abundant proof of
his good management and energy.
Having bIegun life a poor boy, the degree of prosperity which Mr. Wright attained was highly
creditable, not alone to his energy but to his pru -
dence and thrift, while his character was such as to
make his loss a serious one to the community.  -le
was a member of the Evangelical Church and took
an active part in religious work, as does his widow
who is i(lentified with the same religious body. The
death of Mr. Wright occurred May 23, 1888, and
the worthy citizen, upright man and loving husband was followed to his grave by many sorrowing
friends.
Mrs. Wright is a daughter of the late Cotton
and Content (Nash) Nash, who came to this county
from the Western Reserve, in Ohio, about tile year
1844, settling in Henrietta Township, where they
spent the remainder of their lives. They had
twelve children, of whom Mrs. Wright was the
voung(est. She was born in New York, March 26,
1836, and was quite young when her parents removed to the Buckeye State. In 1856 she became
the wife of Edwin Burlingame, of Henrietta Township, where they were living when the Civil War
broke out. Mr. Burlingame enlisted in Company
I), First Michigan engineers and mechanics, and
died in Wilmington, N. C., in 1865, subsequently
to which his widow became the wife of our subject.
Mrs. Wright has been the foster mother of four
children, one of whom, FranklinP.is adopted. Since
tile death of her husband Mrs. Wright and this son
have taken charge of the farm, and she has shown
her capability in the management of the business
affairs, as she had formerly done during the absence of her first husband. While devoted to the
interests of her family she has ever found time for
good works whenever a sympathizing friend or a
generous heart was needed, and many beside those
to whom she has been a mother "arise and call her
blessed." The son who is her assistant and upon
whom she leans for support since the death of her
companion is a young man of fine natural abilities,
and the character which he has developed under
the wise teaching that he has received, fits him for
usefulness and an honored place in the world.


HINEAS R. WRIGHT (deceased) was born
in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., March 23,
1840. His parents, Phineas and Martia
A. (Richardson) Wright, came to Michigan
when the subject of this sketch was but a child,
settling in Leoni Township, this county, near Eagle
Lake, and there remaining until death. The elder
Wright died when young Phineas was nine years
old,, and consequently the lad worked in different
places in this and other counties of Michigan and
at different occupations during his youth and early
manhood.
In Henrietta Township, April 8, 1866, Mr.
Wright was united in marriage with Mrs. Polly M.
Burlingame nee Nash, and they at once settled in
Blackman Township, on section 12, where Mr.
Wright owned about seventy-seven acres, being
also the possessor of one hundred and sixty acres in
Henrietta Township. He erected a fine set of
buildings on his farm, such as are equalled on but








(4 /~ z1o1  -p




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.                                            237
-   -, " --- -- --  -  -—.~~ _, -                   ~., ^...-.-....  I....,,_... ~=


OSEPH B. TOMLINSON. Although it is
often said that the dwellers in a city do not
know their nearest neighbors, it is equally
true that an observing visitor will not be
long, in a community, however large it may be,
without becoming familiar with the names of some
who have gained prominence for various reasons.
Long continued residence in a place, special fitness
for public office, a nature of strongly marked social
characteristics, or a thorough knowledge in any line
of business, each of these mqy lead to )prominence
among the residents, even of a large city. The
gentleman whose life will be briefly sketched below
is one of the "'old timers" of Jackson, his residence
covering a period of almost half a century. During this time he has assisted in the organization of
municipal and social bodies, has given a helping
hand to the improvement of the place, and has the
honor of having been longer in continuous business
as a jeweler than any other dweller in the city.
Mr. Tomlinson was born in Gaines, Orleans
County, N. Y., October 6,1820, being the eldest
son of Zerah and Mary (Stone) Tomlinson. His
father was a native of Connecti(cut, son of I)avid
Tomlinson, a descendant of one of three brothers
who emigirated from England and located in Connecucut, one of the three having the rank of
Colonel of Continentals dluring the Revolution.
Mrs. Sarah Tomlinson was born in New Haven,
Conn., and she also was of English lineage. She
bore her husband three daughters and two sons.
The fundamental education of him of whom we
write was obtained in the public schools of his native place, after which lie attended Gaines Academy, acquiring a knowledge of higher branches
and becomingi fitted for the position of a teacler.
Upon leaving the schoolroom he spent three years
in West rn New York engaged in pedagogical
work, meeting with marked success for one so
young. In 1840 he came to Michigan and, locating in Jackson, formed a co-partnership with E. C.
Sternes in the jewelry business, the connection
continuing three years, after which Mr. Tornlinson
purchased his partner's interest, continuing in tle
business alone since that (late.
The first fire department in the village of Jackson was organized on the 29th of January, 1845,






the subject of this sketcl being one of the men interested in that work. On the 29th of July, 1847,
lie lielped to organize Jackson  Lodge No. 4,
1. (. 0. F., of which he is still a member and in
which lie has passed all the; chairs. Although
averse to holding" public'office Mr. Tomlinson resl)onded to the wishes of his fellow citizens and
served as Supervisor four years. He belongs to
Jackson Lodge No. 17, A. F. & A. M.,'of which he
has been Master four years and Secretary twentyfour years, as well as filling each of the other offices
at some time. lie also belongs to Jackson Chapter
No. 3, and to Jackson Commandery No. 9, and
has served as Treasurer of tlhe Commandery since
1867.
The marriage of Mr. Tomlinson and Miss Sarah
Ann Brownell, of Jackson, was celebrated July
29, 1847. The bride is a (laughter of Job Brownell and( was born and reared in Steuben County,
N. Y. She is one of those estimable women whose
chief care is given to the comfort of husband and
children, although her friendly services are not
withheld from tlhose in need. She has borfie her
husband three children, one of whom died in infancy; those still living are Zerah and Clara M.
A lithographic portrait of the subject of this life
history will be found on another page in this voltume and well represent the lineaments so familiar
to the business men of Jackson and to many friends
besides.
J   ACOB RHINES. In summing up the list of
the early settlers of Jackson County the
name of IMr. Rhines, now deceased, can by
[{J   \ o means be properly omitted. He was a
man of position and influence in his community,
one of the representative men of Sandstone Township who assisted materially in its growth and de.
velopment and who was for many years intimately
identified with its most important interests. A native of Schoharie County, N. Y., he was born February 2, 1804, and was a son of lohn and Catherine
Rhines, who spent their last years in New York.
The subject of this notice was reared to manhood








238


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHiCAL ALBUM.


- - -I ---


in his native county and was trained to habits of
-industry and economy, acquiring only such education as was afforded by the common schools. When
approaching manhood he began learning the blacksmith's trade which he followed for a period of
twenty years. He came to this county in 1833, remaining here the balance of his days. He purchased
one hundred acres of land from the Government,
this lying on sections 26 and 27, but this lie never
occupied, although retaining ownership of it and
left it at his death as a part of his estate.
In 1835 Mr. Rhines purchased the eighty acres of
land upon which his widow now resides and where
he thereafter made his home until his death, which
occurred January 20, 1886. Upon this there were
practically no improvements and he thus began at
first principles in the construction of a farm. He
was possessed of the qualities most needed during
the pioneer times, and by great industry and energy
brought the land to a good state of cultivation and
erected thereon suitable and convenient buildings.
He left at his death one hundred and eighty acres,
all in a productive condition and which is the source
of a good income.
Mr. Rhines was the pioneer blacksmith of Sandstone Township, putting up the first shop within its
limits when the present town of that name was a
mere hamlet. He operated his shop for many years
and became widely and favorably known to all the
people of this region. When first coming to this
county Detroit was the nearest market and depot
for supplies, to which the pioneers laboriously journeyed, usually with ox-teams. Mr. Rhines and his
estimable wife were the privileged witnesses of the
growth and development of Jackson County and
contributed their full quota by the building up of
one of its most desirable homes, to bring it to its
present prosperous condition. Mr. Rhines, politically, was a sound Republican but had little ambition for office, simply serving as Township Clerk
and declining to have his name brought forward
for other offices, although at times this was greatly
desired by his friends.
The subject of this notice was married December
3, 1848,'to Miss Lucinda Godfrey, a native of
Orange County, N. Y. Mrs. Rhines was born September 16, 1824, and is the daughter of Elijah and


I


Catherine (Slawson) Godfrey, who are believed to
have been of Scotch ancestry and who were born
in New York State. The paternal grandfather, Nathan Slawson, acquitted himself gallantly as a sollier in the Revolutionary War, together with two
uncles who were slain at the battle of Long Island.
When Mrs. Rhines was a child of two years her
parents removed to Genesee County, N. Y., where
she was reared to womanhood and received her education in the common schools of Genesee County.
So well did she improve her time at her books that
she became qualified for a teacher and followed this
profession after coming to Michigan, mostly in
Parma Township. Of her union with Mr. Rhines
there were born two children only-Vega J., and
Emmet; Vega J. is deceased.
Emmet Rhines was born January 11, 1852, and
has the management of the homestead where he is
living with his family and his mother. With the
exception of two years spent in railroading, he has
from his youth been engaged in agricultural pursuits having assisted his father in redeeming the
homestead from the wilderness. He was married
May 27, 1883, to Miss Maria, daughter of Zeri and
Elizabeth (Myrick) Wilcox who settled in Sandstone Township during its pioneer days, taking up
their abode in the midst of the heavy timber and
like the Rhines family in due time making for
themselves a comfortable home. The son. as did his
father, votes the straight Republican ticket and for
six years in succession lie has held the office of
Township Clerk. IHe is a thorough and skillful
farmer and while meeting with success financially,
is numbered among the leading men of his township.
AMES T. McKEE. This gentleman and his
estimable wife have witnessed and materially
assisted in the growth and development of
Jackson City and County, and belong to
that class of pioneer residents to whom so large a
debt of gratitude is due from the present generation, owing, as it does, all its advantages for a more
easy life and a higher degree of culture, to the noble hearts who endured privation and hardship,




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


239


-   - - - l-1-1-_._: — 1- _ --- —  -- --- _,   -   -   -  = = l   --  -:   _  - --   -   ~. ---


and opened the way for civilization in the trackless
wilderness. Probably no couple in Jackson County
have lived longer together than hlave Mr. and Mrs.
McKee, whose marriage was celebrated sixty-four
years ago. Both are still in the enjoyment of good
health, with minds and memories unimpaired by
the flight of time, and looking back over their long
lives, they can not only rejoice in the worldy success which has attended them, but in the high degree of respect which they tlave gained from their
fellow men, and in the good which they have been
enabled to do.
Mr. McKee was born in Argyle, Washington
County, N. Y., October 10, 1803, and reared in his
native State, where he remained until 1832, when,
having  been unfortunate in signing notes for
friends, through whose inability to pay he lost his
all, he determined to start anew in a new country.
Going on foot to Lockport, and thence by canal to
Buffalo, he found that port blockaded with the ice,
and large numbers waiting there for a steamer;
when news came that a boat would start from I)Dnkirk three days latei, the waiting people started for
that plac e, to which Mr. McKee traveled on foot.
IIe secured passage on the steamer "William Penn"
to Detroit, whence he continued on foot to this
county. The distance of forty miles between thi
present flourishing cities of Jackson and Dexter
contained but)one house, and the only highway
was an Indian trail; Jackson was a village of six or
seven houses, three of which were built of logs.
After a sojourn of a few weeks in this county,
Mr. McKee returned to New York, and engaged in
the sale of clocks and dry goods, traveling through
the counties of Monroe, Cayuga, Seneca and Wayne,
conducting the business according to a method
quite common at that period of time. In 1835 he
returned to Michigan, on this occasion being accornpaniedl by his family, and located in Jackson.
Much of the land in the county was still held b:,y
the Government, and he started out on foot to select a tract, and after traveling several days found
a location which pleased him. He sent the money
therefor to the land office at Monroe, but failed to
secure a patent as another party had just obtained
it. He therefore started out again, selected another
tract, hired a pony, and made the quickest possible




I.I,....      _.....................................,...................   _ _


time to Monroe, riding both day and night until
the pony was exhausted, when he continued on
foot. He arrived at the land office only to meet a
second disappointment, and to find that this tract
had been entered by another but a few moments
before his arrival.  Returning to his home he
bought land in what is now Summit Township,
paying $1.50 per acre, but continuing his residence
in the village.
In June, of the same year, Mr. Mckee with two
comrades took a contract to build twelve miles of
the State Road, extending from Jackson to Tompkins, and there being no house on the route he at
once put up a log building 12x12 feet, selecting
hollow basswood trees for tile roof. The dwelling
had no floor except that furnished by mother
earth, the wagon bed did service as a bedstead, and
the foot of it formed a table. The job was finished
that fall, and Mr. McKee returned to town, where
he bought eight lots, on one of which he built a
residence in 1836, where le remained three years.
In the meantime he sold the land he liad purchased
in Summrit Township, and bought another tract in
Blackman Township, to which he then removed,
and where lie was engaged in tilling the soil until
1866, and where he and his wife still live.
The lady who for so many years has been Mr.
McKee's cherished companion, and with whom he
was united in marriage in 1826, bore the maiden
name of Lucinda Southwell. She was born in what
is now Tyre, Seneca County, N. Y., November 25,
1810, in a log house which had been built by her
father when he began clearing a tract of timber
land there. Joseph Southwell was born in New
England, and there reared to man's estate, learning
the trade of a wagon-maker, at which he worked in
conlnection with farming after his removal to New
Yoirk. His wife was Nancy, daughter of Luther
Bislop, a. Revolutionary soldier, and was born in
Mayfield, N. Y. To Mr. and Mrs. McKee seven
children have been born, of whom we note the following: Elizabeth married James Wheeler, and
lives eight miles from Grand Rapids, in which city
her brother Thomas resides; William lives in Chicago; Sarah A.. married George J. Bailey, and
lives with her parents; Martha married William
Richards, and lives in Jackson; Laura married








240


PORTRAIT AND BI31OGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


James Thomas, and her home is in Grand Rapids;
Emma J. is the wife of John Webb, of Des Moines,
Iowa.
The first vote of Mr. McKee was cast for James
Madison, his second for J. Q. Adams, and he
thereafter voted the Whig ticket until the organization of the Republican party, when he identified
himself with that political body, and has so continued to the present day. At the time of the Toledo
War, in 1836, he was commissioned a Lieutenant by
Gen. Mason, and held himself in readiness to go
to the front at any time.
Mr. McKee is descended from William McKee. a
native of Ireland, but of Scotch ancestry, who was
reared and married in his native isle, soon afterward
removing to America. He located in Stillwater,
Saratoga County, N. Y., on the west bank of North
River, where he bought a tract of land, residing
thereon a few years. lie then cleared a farm from
the timber land which he had purchased at Argyle,
Washington County, and after living there some
years took up his residence with a daughter, who
was the wife of the Rev. Thomas White, a minister
of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. He resided
with them in different places, spending his last
years at Seneca, Ontario County, his mortal remains being deposited in the Seceder Churchyard
there. He had been a soldier during the Rlevolution.
William McKee, Jr., son of the above named,
and father of our subject, was born in Saratoga
County, N. Y., and adopted the occupation of a
farmer. In 1813 he removed to Seneca County,
locating in the town of Junius, and buying a tract
of timber land there, upon which he first built a
log house. There were no railroads or canals in
that section of country, and the people lived on the
products raised on their own land. The mother of
our subject cooked by a fireplace, spun and wove,
making all the cloth used by the family, as was the
practice of housewives of that age. A farm was
cleared from the wilderness, upon which the family
resided about fifteen years, when they removed to
Seneca, Ontario County, where Mr. McKee died,
and was laid to rest in the Seceder Churchyard.
The maiden name of his wife was Betsey McGee,
and she was born in Argyle, N. Y., being a daugh

ter of James McGee, a native of the North of Ireland, and of Scotch ancestry, who came to America
when a young man. He was a miller, and carried on
his trade in Washington County, where lie married
and spent a number of years, after which he went to
Seneca, where his last days were passed. The McGee family were members of the Seceder Presbyterian Church.
RA SNOW, late a resident of Sandstone Township and one of its most highly esteemed citizens, was born November 19, 1815, in Vermont
and departed this life at the homeslead in this
township April 17, 1871. Hie was of New England
ancestry and the son of John and Roxana Snow who
spent their last years in New York and Michigan,
respectively. Ile spent his childhood and youth in
New York and on the 4th of February, 1863, was
united in marriage with Miss Ann E. Chase. To
them there was born a family of four children, the
eldest of whom a daughter Mary B., is the wife of
Walter Bailey of this county; Mattie married Charles
Strand of Blackman Township; Ira J., married
Mary E. Chapel and lives on a farm in this township; Horace B. remains at home with his mother.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Snow settled
on a farm in Sandstone Township, this lying on
section 5. Mr. Snow upon first coming to Michigan
located in Parma Townshi)p, this county, whence
he removed about 1850 to a farm in this township.
Prior to his marriage he sought the Pacific Slope,
spending some years in California. Aside from this
he followed farming as his lifelong occupation. He
was a liberal-minded and public-spirited citizen and
in politics, a sound Republican. In his family lie
was a kind husband and an indulgent parent and in
his neighborhood enjoyed the esteem and confidence
of all who knew him. He endured the usual hardships incident to life on the frontier and was possessed of the courageous spirit and unflagging
industry which enabled him to build up a good
homestead and leave a competence to his family.
After the death of her husband Mrs. Snow in
1880, removed to her present farm, this comprising






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


241


one hlundred and sixty acres of improved land with
good buildings, she having moved from the old
homestead to another farm a short time after her
husband's decease. She is a native of Chautauqua
County, N. Y., and was born August 30, 1838. Her
parents were Nehemiah and Elizabeth (Smallman)
Chase, who were natives of New York Slate and
the father was born in Washington County. In 1845
they emigrated to Michigan, settling in Sandstone
Township, this county, upon land which the father
had traded for his farm in New York and which
comprised about one hundred and sixty acres on
section 6. He subsequently added to his real estate
until he had about two hundred and forty acres
which he brought to a good state of cultivation.
When taking possession of his first land only about
five acres had been tilled. He there spent the remainder of his days, passing away in Iecember,
1862. The mother survived her husband about two
years, her death taking place in December, 1864.
Five children were born to Nehemiah and Elizabeth Chase, four of whom are living and of whom
tile widow of our subject is the eldest born. Marietta married Henry Vervalin of Parm a Township;
Cornelia is the wife of John Price of Sandstone
Township; Washiington lives in Montana; John
died in Montana when about forty years old.
ARMON F. HATCH, the present efficient
Warden of the State Penitentiary, assumed
ilJ   the duties of his responsible position February 10, 1885, and during the five years
of his incumbency has signalized himself as a mo-t
faithful and conscientious official, fully alive to
the task which is laid upon him. The institution
has upon an average over seven hundred convicts,
and the duties of Warden are thus no sinecure.
Ilaving been a resident of Jackson nearly twentyfour years, Mr. Hatch has thus had ample time to
establish himself in the confidence and esteem of
the people of this county, a feat which lie has most
unquestionably accomplished.
Mr. Hatch spent his first seventeen years at his
native place of Charlotte, this State, where his birth


occurred December 29, 1844. He comes of sub.
stantial ancestry, being the son of Henry H. Iateh,
a native of Batavia, N. Y., who there spent the
years of his boyhood and youth, and married Miss
Amanda L. Potter   The young people emigrated
to Michigan at an early day, settling among the
pioneers of Jackson County, where the father engagred in agriculture until the outbreak of the Civil
War. During that period he served as a Lieutenant in the ranks of the Union Army, in the Sixth
Michigan Infantry, and died in the service. His
widow was left with two children: IHiram F.; and
Cora, now Mrs. Linaberry, of Jackson.
The father of our subject was an active Aboli.
tionist during the agitation of the slave question,
and one of the warmest supporters of the Republican party. The son naturally imbibed the same
principles, and when a youth of seventeen emulated
the example of his sire by entering the army as a
memler of Company IT, Sixth Michigan Infantry,
whence lie was sent to Virginia, and later went with
Gen. Butler to Ship Island and New Orleans. He
engaged in the campaigns on the Mississippi River,
under Gens. Banks and Canby, and was wounded
May 27. 1863, at Port Iudson. Upon his recovery
he rejoined his regiment, and was promoted to the
rank of Lieutenant, taking command of a company
at New Orleans. Ile was three years in the Sixth
Regiment, and two years in the First.
Subsequently Lieut. Hatch was Recorder of Court
Martial, also (Quartermaster on Gen. Canby's Staff.
Later lie was on the commission which settled the
Government loss at San Diego, in the navy, this
being a very important matter and entrusted only
to men of intelligence and good judgment. With
his own hands lie accomplished the arrest of the
White Leaguers who killed the scouts of Gen.
Banks, riding through the country on horseback,
and having the authority to apprehend all who in
his judgment were suspicious characters. He was
thus employed two years in and about New Orleans, in the meantime also collecting the taxes by
General Order No. 34, this comprising a two-mill
assessment onl all taxable property, in order to effect the education of the freedmen. As may be
supposed he found it avery difficult matter to thus
collect funds from the-old slaveholders, for the purt






242


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
—,~~ ~~~~ ~. ~ -.'......   --....1 ---. =   I......


- - I


pose of educating those who were formerly considered by them nothing but chattels.
Upon retiring from the army Lieut. Iatch returned to his old haunts in this county, and in
June, 1866, established himself at Jackson in the
shoe business, and secured the prison contract in
this line. From  that time on for many years lie
began rising gradually to the notice of the people,
as one of the most valued members of the community, socially, morally and financially, and in 1881
was elected to the City Treasureship. He served
in this capacity four years, being elected for Iwo
one-year terms and one two-year term. At the expiration of the latter he was appointed to his present position bv Gov. Alger, assuming its duties
February 10, 1885, and has since given to it his
entire attention. The Michigan State Penitentiary
has been [remarkably free from those criticisms
which are visiting so many public[ institutions of
the present day, a fact which speaks volumes for
the humane oversight and good judgment of Warden Hatch.
Our subject was united in marriage, in May, 1868,
at Charlotte, with Sarah J. Haslett, and they have
two children, living.
EWIS A. DAUBY, a pioneer of 1856, came
to Michigan as one of tile men having in
_ charge'the construction of the Detroit, Monroe & Toledo Railroad. He gave his time to this
one year, then removing to Jackson, took a contract on the Michigan Central Railroad, and for
many years thereafter was engaged as a contractor
on various railroads in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Minnesota. In 1886 he took up his permanent residence at Jackson, purchasing a commodious dwelling and fine grounds, located in the
southwestern part of the city. He is now practically retired from active labor, being in possession
of a competence.
Mr. Dauby was born in Mexico, Oswego County,
N. Y., March 7, 1831. His father, Alexander J.
Dauby, was a native of Massachusetts, and born




i
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I
I
I
I
I
i
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i
I


near the city of Springfield. His paternal grandfather, Alexander J. Dauby, Sr., was a native of
France, and leaving there on account of political
troubles, crossed the Atlantic and located in Boston, Mass. He had the honor of putting out the
first machinery ever manufactured in America for
the weaving of cotton cloth. He was a man of
great enterprise and ability, and established a factory for the manufacture of cotton looms, in Boston, which he operated many years, and until his
removal to Springfield, where he spent his last days.
He married an American lady who was of English
ancestry.
The father of our subject was a lad of fifteen
years when his mother, with her children removed
to Oneida County, N. Y., during the early settlement of that section. The journey was made overland with teams, and in Oneida County, Alexander
Dauby, Jr., was reared to man's estate, and married. In the meantime he learned the trade of a
molder, and became a skillful workman, following
this a number of years. He finally resolved upon
a change of location and occupation, and removed
with his own family and six others to Oswego
County, settling near the present site of Mexico.
He secured a tract of timber land, one and one-half
miles from the present site of the town, where he
established a foundry and furnace, the first in that
section of country. Sage Creek passed through his
land. and he utilized the water-power and built a
sawmill. He manufactured the first plows ever
made in that section of country, and sojourned there
until his death.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name
of Elizabeth Englis. She was born in Steuben
County, N. Y., and was the daughter of Andrew
Englis, who was of English ancestry, and served as
a soldier in the Revolutionary War, holding a commission under Gen. Washington.  He spent his
last years in Steuben County.  He ma:ried a Miss
Moore, who was of ancestry similar to his own.
Mrs. Elizabeth (Englis) Dauby departed this life in
the town of Palermo, Otsego County, N. Y.
Six of the seven children born to the parents of
our subject, were reared to mature years, Lewis A.
being the eldest. The others were Mary A., Charles
and Henry (twins); Helen M., and Andrew J. The






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
f u f L ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-E X..,X- a-E, W -,-.1-.-1 —,.... 0Xg


243


--— ~ ----..-.~~.-............

-  -   - 7 -  '- - -'-" ---  --  -  --:. — -  -,   - -  -  -7   -   L  -  1   -,   -   -1.  -   --  I —  --   -  ----  -,   -   -.1-   -  — ~ —  - 1 -  -- ~1 ---  --  --- - ---  - I  I- -—, ",-,

latter is now deceased. Lewis A. spent his early years
in his native county, attending the common school,
and making himself useful about the hotel as long
as his father officiated as "mine host." Ie was but
twelve years old when the latter died, and at the
age of fourteen, he commenced sailing on the lake.
After three or four trips, however, he became
homesick, and returned to his mother. In a few
days he started out again, and made his way to Otsego, whence he proceeded by canal to Albany, and
from there up the Hudson River to New York
City. Next he went to New Bedford and Edgartown, and shipping on a whaling vessel, made a
four years' voyage, rounding Cape Horn twice in
the meantime. During this trip they met a vessel
returning from  San Francisco Bay, loaded with
some of the first gold that was ever taken East, and
which gave rise to the great excitement and emigration which followed.
Mr. Dauby and a friend  ow ldecided to escape
from the vessel and seek the land of gold. Their
plans were all perfected and their provisions made
ready, but as they were about to leave the ship,
they were discovered and compelled to abandon
their project. Mr. I)auby finally left the vessel
near Chili, and boarded the ship "Mary Ann" on
which he returned to Boston.
We next find our subject on board a merchant
vessel, in which lie sailed to Russia, and returned
in about eight months. lHe followed the sea two
winters subsequently, then returning home, sailed
on the lakes a part of two seasons. He then entered
the employ of the State of New York, to superintend the improvement of the Oswego Canal, and
was thus occupied one year. The following year lie
was engaged as a contractor, making his home in
Oswego.
In 1867, Mr. Dauby was wedded to Miss Helen
M. Howard, of Litchfield, Herkimer County, N. Y.
Lyman Howard and the lady who became his wife,
Margaret Young, were natives respectively of Connecticut and New York, and were the parents of
nine children, named: Catherine E., Susan M.,
Jane A., Lyman B., Jeremiah L., Martin A., Harriet E., Helen M., and Jerome H. There were born
of this union, three children: Gertrude H., and
Lewis A.; Grace F,, the eldest, is deceased, Mr.


Dauby, in 1856, tecame ilentified with the Ma.
sonic fraternity. Prior to that time he had joined
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics,
he is a sound Republican.
7 LONZO C. WATSON is the owner and occupant of a farm on section 7, Hanover
Township, a notable feature of which is a
remarkably fine orchard. The estate comprises forty-one acres of valual)le land which has
been cleared and improved by its present owner,
and has been his home for thirty-two years. His
life work has been farming, in which he began
working for his own support at the early age of
twelve years. Although he has labored hard, he
has preserved his strength and healthful appearance, and is a very young looking man for one of
his years. Perhaps this is partially due to the fact
of his extreme good nature, which has not allowed
his countenance to assume the worn or stern appearance which add to the weight of years.
A few lines in regard to the parents of our subject and the surroundings amid which his early
years were passed, will not be out of place before
entering upon his own history. His father, William Watson, a native of Massachusetts, married
Anna IHamilton, a native of Ireland, the ceremony
being performed in Canada. They came to Michigan in 1831, spending the first eighteen months in
Washtenaw County, and then settling in Concord
Township, this county, upon one hundred and
twenty acres of raw land. There Mr. Watson continued his former occupation of tilling the soil for
six years, and he then rented out the farm and removed to Pulaski Township. After a sojourn of
three years, he rented a farm at Homer, whereon he
remained a year. He next bought one hundred
and sixty acres in Branch County, and removing
there, remained about three years, returning to
Pulaski Township, this county. He died in De
ceimber, 1861, his widow breathing her last in the
same month of the following year. While in Canada he had held the office corresponding to that of






244             PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


--
I —" ---- ----


Supervisor and Collector in this county. The parental family comprised eleven children, four of
whom are now living, our subject being the youngest.
The natal day of the gentleman with whose name
we introduce this sketch, was June 8, 1834, and his
birthplace, Pittsford Township, Washtenaw County.
His boyhood days were mostly spent in this county,
and his educational privileges were limited to an
attendance of about six months in the district
school. On this foundation he has built a'fair
amount of knowledge regarding various topics of
general interest, and in matters of individual and
local interest he is very well informed. He manifests a deep interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the community, and has served acceptably
for a number of years as a member of the School
Board of his district. He is a member of the Patrons of Industry. H-e takes an active interest in
politics, and voted the Republican ticket until the
Greenback party arose, but at the last election he
again voted with the Republicans.
The lady to whose companionship and counsel
Mr. Watson has owed the good cheer of his home
and much of the real l)leasure of his life, bore the
maiden name of Henriette Wenman. lThey were
united in marriage in January, 1856, in Tompkins
Township. Mrs. Watson was born at Rochester,
N. Y., April 6, 1835, and received a good commonschool education. She is one of thirteen children,
six of whom are now living. Her parents, Jasper
and Henrietta (Butler) Wenman, natives of England, came to America in 1831, and settled in Rochester, N..  Forty -three years ago they came to
this State by team, settling in Summit Township,
this county, and making that their permanent home.
Mr. Wenman died in 1854, at the age of fifty-six
years, his wife surviving until 1872, and reaching
the age of seventy-three. Five children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Watson: the oldest, Frederick W., married Miss Mary Thurston. and has
two children; he is now living on his father's farm.
Winslow Clinton, who lives in the village of Hanover, married Miss Emma Wilber, who has borne
him two children; Anna Henrietta became the wife
of Frank Rogers, their home being in Litchfield,
Hillsdale County; in July 1889, they lost their only


child. Rozella May and Silas Nelson are now attending the district school, in which they take great
interest; they are very good scholars, and their interest in their work is affording great pleasure to
their parents.
The industry which has been manifested by Mr.
Watson throughout his entire life, the unpretentious, sensible and upright lives of himself and wife,
and their kindly interest in their neighbors and the
community at large, have won the hearty good will
of their associates, and the friendly regard of those
to whom they are more intimately known.
[-.A ORACE HUNT, who, when a young man,
served as one of the members of the New
//  York Legislature, has for the past eighteen.) years held the office of Justice of the Peace
in Jackson,'and in the meantime has become one
of its most prominent and, honored citizens. A
native of the State of New York, he was born in
Windham, Greene County, October 7. 1813, and
before reaching the fifthl;year of his age was taken,
in 1818, by his parents to Genesee Valley, N. Y.
That section of country was then a wilderness and
Sandford Hunt, the father of our subject, was one
of its earliest pioneers. lie put up a store building, and in connection with general merchandising
officiated as Postmaster under every President
from John Adams to Zachary Taylor. Hunt's
Hollow, which was named after him, was for many
years the favorite resort for business or gossip of
the people for miles around that section of country. ThereI-Horace spent his boyhood and youth,
growing up with the country, and lived there until
a man of fifty-five years. He assisted his father in
his business until reaching his majority, and then
engaged in business for himself in company with
his father.
In the meantime Mr. Hunt, like his honored
father, was prominent in local affairs, being made
Clerk of the School District at the age of twentyone years, an office which he held for fifteen years
thereafter. He was a School Trustee for twelve
years, and represented his township in the County




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAIC L ALBUM..


245


PORTRAITIAND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.  24.


Board of Supervisors six or eight years. In 1840 -41-42 he represented his county in the State Legislalature at Albany. Ilis brother, Washington Iunt,
was elected Governor of New York on the Whig
ticket. Later, after the decease of this party, the
latter became a member of the Union party, so
called, and finally joined the I)emocratic party.
The 20th of September, 1838, was made memorable in the life of Mr. Iunt by his marriage, at
I-unt's Hollow, N. Y., with Miss Betsey Parmeclee. The devoted couple, who have now traveled
together the journey of life for over fifty years,
celebrated their golden wedding Sept. 20, 1888,
amid the congratulations of hosts of friends. Mrs.
Betsey (Parmelee) Hunt was born in Rutland
County, Vt., on the 29th of December, 1818, and
in 1820, when two years old, was taken by her parents to H-Iunt's Hollow, N. Y., where she made tle
acquaintance of her future husband in childhood,
and they grew up together with a mutual affection
which resulted in a most happy and congenial
union.
In the meantime, in connection with his )ublic
duties, Mr. Hunt engaged in merchandising, flourmilling and sawmilling. After going into his
fatlher's store, he became the popular scribe for the
people of the surrounding country, drawing up
legal papers of all kinds, including fifteen or twenty
pensions for Revolutionary soldiers, and thus acquired a general knowledge of common law, which
proved to him of inestimable value in all his later
years. The Indians had not then left the Genesee
Valley, in New York State, and he also adjusted
many affairs with them.
Mr Hunt came to Jackson in 1869, to which
place he had been preceded by his son, who had
great faith in the future of the Wolverine State.
lie engaged first as a contractor, and was recognized as a valued addition to the community. H-is
long experience in legal matters resulted shortly
afterward in his being selected for the office of
Justice of the Peace, to which he was duly elected,
and in which he has served continuously to the
present time.
Of the ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hunt,
only four are living: The two eldest sons, Sanford
and Henry, are engaged as lprintels in Jackson.


Charles is the City Recorder and Hattie, the only
daughter, a musician of considerable note, remains
at home with her parents. Mrs. Betsey (Parmelee)
Hmnt still continues the comlpanion of her husband, being, like himself, well advanced in years,
but both, as the result of temperate lives andl
correct habits, preserve their faculties unimpaire(d
to a remarkable degree.
The parents of our subject were Sanford and
Fanny (Rose) Hunt, natives of Coventry, Conn.,
the fatller born in 1777 and tie mother in 1779.
The latter was a niece of the celebrated Nathan
Hale, whose name has been handed down to posterity as tile representative of all tllat is grand and
worthy, bloth his grandparents doing active service
in tlhe Revoluionarly War. AMr. and Mrs. IHunt
soon after their miarriage, whlich occurred in 1799,
started on horseback from New England to New
York State, and their subsequent career has already been indicated at the beginning of this
sketcll.  Tlle fathler after settling inl New York
State held the office of Postmaster at Windiharn and
later at Hunt's lollow, until his death, in 1849.
The parental household was completed by) tile birth
of ten children, of whom there are now only two
living -Horace, our subject, and  Fannie, Mrs.
Hunt, a resident of Chicago. M.  IM. unt las in his
possession the palers which indentured his father,
Sanford, as an apprentice to a merchant of Connecticut for five years, altholgh the grandfather
was a man well-to-do and ampl)ly able to provide
for his children.
OIN  0. SHEELER.      One of the finest
ifarms in Columbia Township, both as reI gards its desirable location and the improvements which have been made upon it, is tlat
owned and occupied )by the gentleman above
named. It comprises two hundred and ten acres
located on section 23, bearing a full line of substantial and modern farm buildings, and being well
stocked with high grade horses, cattle, sheep and
hogs.  The prosperous owner of this beautiful
estate located upon it some five years since, after
y  ~     




246            PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.




=


having spent a few months in the village of Brooklyn, to which place he had come from Lenawee
County.
The natal day of the subject of this sketch was
November 3, 1832, and his birthplace Newton
Township, Essex County, N. J. He is the second
child and oldest son in a family of ten children,
seven of whom are yet living. All are engaged in
agricultural pursuits and successful in their business, none of them having less than one hundred
and forty acres of good land. The father, George
Sheeler, was born in Sussex County, N. J., May 9,
1805, and is the son of William Sheeler and the
grandson of William Sheeler, Sr., both of whom
were born and reared in the same county. He is
one of a family of six sons and six daughters, all
of whom lived to manhood and womanhood. He
was reared and educated in his native county, at
the age of about twenty-three years marrying Miss
Jane Onsted, who was born in the same county,
March 9, 1810. Some eight years after their marriage they emigrated to Lenawee County, Mich.,
where the wife, after some fifty-six years of married life, died June 23, 1885. She was a noble
woman and a worthy helpmate to her husband, assisting him in all his efforts to build up their fine
home in the wilderness and rejoiced to see it well
improved before her death.
When the family came to this State, they did
not have the advantages of travel possessed at the
present time, but were content with traveling by
canal to the lakes which they crossed on the Porter
boat, and were brought from Detroit to their present
home across the country by team. Mr. Sheeler
first took up some eighty acres of land on which
he began to make improvements, making two trips
on foot to Monroe to secure his title. The remloval
to this part of the country was made in May, 1836,
at which time the country was covered with its
primeval growth and Mr. Sheeler was compelled to
cut a road for over a mile and a half to his place.
Nothing discouraged him, however, no work was
too hard, and it is said that for a long time he
walked three miles to his work, returning over the
same grounI each day. He has added to his original acreage until he is now in possession of several
hundred acres of fertile land, having upon it a fine




set of buildings, with neat surroundings. He is
now spending the sunset of his days on his old
homestead and although eighty-four years of age,
still displays a large degree of the strength, both
mental and physical, of which he possessed so large
an amount in his earlier years. He has ever been
one of the leading citizens of the township, respected and esteemed by all, and distinguished for
his good works.
Having been scarcely more than an infant when
his parents emigrated to this State, he with whose
name we initiate this sketch looks back upon the
scenes of pioneer industry, amid which his boyhood and youth were passed. The first home of
the family was a log hut, covered with slabs, and
with no floor but mother earth, but it was ere long
replaced by a better dwelling. In the labors of
the home, John Sheeler shared as his strength
would permit, receiving all the educational privileges which the neighborhood could afford, and
growing to manhood in a favorable home atmosphere.  He remained on his father's farm in
Catnbridge Township, Lenawee County, until
twenty-eight years old, when he took a companion
in life and set up his own household.
The lady whom   John Sheeler chose to accompany him down the stream of time bore the name
of Susan Winnie. She opened her eyes to the light
in Montgomery County, N. Y., May 1, 1839, being
a daughter of Conrad and Mary (Post) Winnie,
who began their wedded life in the Empire State,
of which the former was a native, while the latter
was born in Connecticut.   Mr. Winnie was a
blacksmith but after following his trade for some
years, he established a general store at Buell, where
he did business successfully for some years. During
the time he was engaged in some local official capacity for about twenty years, holding the offices
of Township Clerk, Justice of the Peace, and
others. He was three times married and after the
death of his third wife, came West to visit his
children in this State and Wisconsin, and while at
the home of a son in Racine, he sickened and died.
This was in 1889, and he was then eighty-one years
old. He was a man of remarkable strength, both
of body and mind; he had been a life-long member
of the Presbyterian Church,




PORTRAIT AND B1IO()(RA'PHICAL ALBITM.               247
I......  2


His daughter, now the wife of JohnLO. Sheeler,
of this notice, lost her mother when but six weeks
old. She was reared by her father and stepmother
until nineteen years of age, when she came West
and after spending a year in Wisconsin, came to
this State. She was engaged in teaching in Cambr;dge Township, Lenawee Jounty, until her marriage. She is a woman of varied intelligence and
amiable character, and is a notable housekeeper.
She has borne her husband one daughlter, Malina
May, the wife of John O'Leary. who now operates
the farm belonging to our subject. Mr. O'Leary
is a native of Canada but was reared in this and
Lenawee Counties.
Mr. Sheeler and his family are attendants of the
Baptist Church. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, ever ready to cast his vote in behalf of the
candidates on the party ticket.
-  ILAS; IIEYSER. In noting the old residents of Jackson City, the name of Mr.
Heyser can by no m eans be properly omitted from the list. He has been for many
years prominently identified with its business interests and is proprietor of a fine enterprise in the
shape of house building materials, including lumber, sash, doors and blinds, with headquarters at the
intersection of South Park and Waterloo Avenues.
He is widely and favorably known throughout tle
county as one of the old landmarks, substantial and
reliable, and one who has contributed his full quota
to the growth and prosperity of this section.
A native of Norristown, Pa., the subject of this
notice was born March 3, 1827, and is the son of,Jacob and Hannah (Dingler) Heyser, who were
natives of Pennsylvania and the father a farmer
by occupation. They spent their last years in
Pennsylvania. Silas completed a l)ractical education in the schools of his native town and when
approachi:ng manhood learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, at which he worked in Pennsylvania until 1852. In the meantime he was married
November 3, 1850, to Miss Anna Kennedy. Upon
leaving the Keystone State he removed to Cleve

land, Ohio, where he sojourned with his little family until 1855, coming then to Jackson when it was
a town of about four thousand inhabitants. He
worked as a journeyman until 1859, then associated
himself in )partnership with R. H. Remington and
they carried on a general jobbing business until
1862.
lMr. Heyser then became sole proprietor of the
business which he has since conducted alone. He
commenced dealing in lumbner in 1870, takino into
partnership his sons and gradually increasing his
facilities as the demand for material increased, so
that now the firm of HIeyser & Sons, probably does
tlhe bulk of the business in this line in the city.
Besides this Mr. IIeyser cultivates forty acres of
choice land, chiefly devoted to celery. His residence is located at the corner of Blackstone and
Cortland Streets, where Mr. Ileyser put up a neat
residence in 1874, and where lie las surrounded
himself and his family with all of the comforts and
conveniences of modern life.
Politically, Mr. Heyser gives his support to the
Itepublican party. Ile is quite prominent in local
affairs, having represented his ward in the City
Council and serving as a member of the School
Board for six years. le was Chairman of the
Buildino Committee during the erection of the
Central High School building and has been active
in all worthy enterprises tending to the progress
and welfare of the city at large. His religious
views coincide with the doctrines of the Methodist
iEpiscopal Church in which he is a Trustee and
chief pillar, and he superintenided the furnishing of
the interior of tie clhurch edifice which presents a
very artistic and attractive appearance. Mr. Heyser
is a warm defender of the principles of Masonry
and a Sir Knight in the fraternity, belonging to
Jackson Lodge, No. 50. I)uring his residence of
forty-five years in this county he has gathered
around him a host of friends who respect him alike
for his excellent personal qualities and his pronounced business ability.
Mrs. Anna (Kennedy) Heyser was born at Valley
Forge, Pa., in 1827, and is the daughter of Samuel
and Mary (Wade) Kennedy who removed to Norristown, Pa.,during the childhood of their daughter,
who remained there with them until her marriage,




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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.




=


Mr. and Mrs. Heyser are the parents of three children, the eldest of whom, Winfield C., a resident
of Chattanooga, Tenn., is carrying on a prosperous
business there as a lumber manufacturer and also
has an interest in his father's business at Jackson.
This son when twenty-seven years old was elected
Mayor of Jackson and was one of the Fire Commissioners. lie possesses more than ordinary ability and has entered upon a career which promises
much for the future. Although a Republican in
politics he overcame a heavy 1)emocratic majority
at the time of his election as Mayor, a fact which
indicates in a satisfactory manner his popularity
among the citizens of Jackson. Hie went to Tennessee in 1887. after his marriage with Miss Elizabeth Sellers, of Jackson. The younger son, Walter
J., also a member of the firm of Heyser & Sons,
acquired a thorough education. being graduated
from Michigan University in the class of 1875.
HIe also has served as Alderman and is interested
in the business of his brother in Tennessee. He
married Miss Lulu Minty, who is now deceased.
The daughter, Miss Regina Heyser, became the
wife of A. M. Walker, Assistant Cashier of the
Union Bank and continues her residence in Jackson.
The family occupies a high position, socially, numbering their friends and associates among the most
cultured people of Jackson.
ILLIAM      JOHNS.    The subject of this
notice is familiarly spoken of as " the
youngest man of his age in Hanover
Township." Although now over sixty-two years
old he is still vigorous and active and will compare
favorably with many of the men a score of years
his junior. Selfmade in the strictest sense of the
term, his early opportunities were exceedingly limited, but nature endowed him with admirable qualities, among them being not only a strong frame
physically, but the resolution and perseverance
which has crowned his labors with success.
Mr. Johns, now the owner of a good farm with
modern irmprovements, started out in life at the




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foot of the ladder and has accumulated his property solely by honest toil. No legacy was left
him and no influential friends were at hand to
assist him in his struggles to become a man among
men-with the exception of his faithful and devoted wife who is entitled to a full meed of praise
for the manner in which she has stood by her husband, encouraging him in all his worthy ambitions
and proving fully as industrious as he. As the
result of their united labors they are now in the
possession of a comfortable homestead and enjoy
in an unqualified degree the esteem and confidence
of all who know them.
A native of Cortland County, N. Y., Mr. Johns
was born February 26, 1828, and is the son of
Jolln Johns, also a native of the Empire State and
a shoemaker by trade. The mother bore the maiden
name of Cynthia Rowe and died in her native
State of New York in 1832, when her son William
was a lad four years of age. It is believed that
the father is now also deceased. The six children
of the parental family are all living.
Mr. Johns was thrown entirely upon his own resources at the early age of fourteen years, although
for several years prior to this he fully realized the
fact that lie must "paddle his own canoe" and he
practically commenced thus paddling as soon as
old enough to think. At fourteen he commenced
working for $6 per month and took pride in the
fact that he was able to pitch sixty acres of hay
both ways.   He labored thus arduously for a
number of years, struggling to obtain a foothold
in life and that which would lay the foundations of
a home. He was first wedded, at the age of nineteen years, to Miss Sally Amadon, and there were
born to them eight children, of whom the following
are living: Delevan married Miss Hlelen Fowler, is
the father of three children and lives in Oakland
County, this State; William married Hattie Case. is
the father of two children and lives near Pontiac;
I. K. married Jenny Fisher, and is the father of two
children and is farming on section 20, Hanover
Township; Arvilla became the wife of Charles
Fisher, is the mother of three children and makes
her home in Horton; Estella, the wife of Grove
Fellows, lives in NewYork State and is the mother of
two children; she is the twin sister of Arvilla,




PORTRAYT AND BIOGRA~PHICAL ALBUM.~


249


-- ~ ~ ~ PRRI AND BORPIAALU.   24


Mrs. Sally Johns departed this life at the homestead
in the State of New York August 18, 1864.
In 1865 Mr. Johns was married to Miss Caroline
Clark who died childless in 1871. The present
wife of our subject, who in her girlhood was Miss
Esther Hatch, and to whom he was married April
13, 1872, is the daughter of William and Hannah
(Brownell) Hatch who were among the earliest
pioneers of this county. Mr. Hatch departed this
life over forty years ago and his wife, Hannah, died
in 1876. They were the parents of five children,
three of whom  are living. Those besides Mrs.
Johns are Matthew   and   Henry, residents of
Michigan.
Mrs. Esther (Hatch) Johns was born April 26,
1840, in Spring Arbor Township. She was trained
by a careful mother to all useful housewifely duties
and is a fine representative of one of the most
highly respected families of this section. Of her
marriage with our subject there have been born
two children only: George, April 7, 1873, and
Edna. September 28, 1876. It is hardly necessary
to say that they are the light of the home, bright
and interesting, and will be given the advantages
in keeping with their position in life.
The Johns homestead includes one hundred and
ten acres of land free from incumnbrance. It was
purchased by Mr. Johns twenty-six years ago and
his first dwelling was a log house which with additions and repairs he occupied until 1881, when the
present substantial dwelling was substituted. This
is a square, well-built structure, underneath which
is a cellar eight feet in height with a twenty-twoinch wall which keeps out the frosts of winter and
the heat of summer. Mr. Johns with his own
hands did a large part of the work, not only upon
the house but on the barn and other buildings. Few
men have been enabled to labor as continuously,
early and late without being broken down in health
and unfitted to enjoy their declining years.
The development and improvement of his land
has allowed Mr. Johns very little time to meddle
with public affairs otherwise than voting the
straight I)emocratic ticket at the general elections.
He has, however, served as Road Overseer, still
holding the office; he is also the Treasurer of
School District No. 9. In summing up the bone


and sinew of Jackson County, the name of William
Johns can by no means be properly left out of the
category.  He has proven a good citizen and a
hospitable neighbor and has made for himself a
record of which his children will never be ashamed.
H A R L E S HARRINGTON. Among the
honored p'oneers of Sandstone Township
none are more worthy of mention than lie
with whose name we introduce this sketch. We
find him the owner of one of the best farms within
its limits, comprising one hundred and seventyfour acres of well-tilled land on sections 29 and 32,
where by a course of unflagging industry and the
exercise of a prudent economy, he has not only
built up for himself a comfortable home, but has
laid by something for a rainy day.
A native of Genesee County, N. Y., the subject
of this notice was born Marchl 8, 1836, and is the
son of David and Nancy (Lynch) Harrington, who
were natives respectively of Vermont and Massaclhusetts. His ancestors are believed to have been
of Irish origin, as his paternal great-grandfather
came directly from that country. David I-arrington, when twenty-one years old, left his native
hills on foot and journeyed westward until reaching Genesee County, N. Y. This was before his
marriage. After the birth of three children he removed with his little family to Erie County, set.
tling in Newstead Townslip, where they sojourned
until 1849. In the spring of that year they came
to this county, locating in Parma Township, and
the father cultivated land on shares in both Parma
and Sandstone Townships for several years.
Finally David Harrington having been prospered
in his labors, purchased land in Barry County upon
which he settled, but only remained there a short
time. Then, in 1864, in company with his son
Charles, he purchased one hundred and thirty-six
acres of the farm now owned and occupied by the
latter, and to which he added later thirty-five acres.
This remained his home until his death, which took
place September 2, 1884. The mother passed away
in 1855. They had labored long and well, endured






250


PORTRAIT AND~ BIOGRA~PPHICAL ALB3UM.


250_ ~ --- —    PORTRAIT --- —... ---- - -- -- -  -  - -— AN   BIOGRAPH ----ICAL,-,  ALBUM.
-------  ------- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


patiently the toils and sacrifices necessary to the
aceumulation of a competence, and their names are
held in grateful remembrance, not only by their
children, but by others who have come after them.
Davidl Harrington after the organization of the
Republican party, gave to it his cordial support,
although never aspiring to office.
The subject of this notice practically grew up with
the country. He assisted his father in developing
the farm and acquired such education as was to be
obtained in the common sclhools. He remained under the home roof until nearly twenty-five years
old, and was then married, April 25, 1861, to Miss
Mary Titus. Of this union there was born one
child, a daughter, Mary, who died when three years
old. Mrs. Mary Harrington departed this life in
Barry County, in 1862.
Mr. Harrington, December 12, 1865, contracted
a second marriage with Miss Melissa Crawford, a
native of this county. This lady was born January 10, 1844, and is the daughter of Stephen and
Sarah L. (Ingraham) Crawford, who were natives
of New York and the father born in Steuben
County. The Crawford family is supposed to be
of Irish ancestry, while the Ingrahams were probably from England. The parents of Mrs. Hlarrington emigrated from  New York State to Michigan
in 1836, and the father purchased one hundred and
sixty acres of Government land in the northern
part of Sandstone Township. Not a furrow had
been turned upon it, and the first business of Mr.
Crawford was to put up a shanty, where his family
took refuge until he could build a substantial log
house. From the latter they removed in due time
to a modern brick dwelling. He was among the
first settlers in that region and lived there until
the spring of 1869. Then, accompanied by his
wife, he removed to Johnson County, Kan., where
they now live at an advanced age,but surrounded by
all the comforts of life. They celebrated their golden wedding in the fall of 1886, an occasion which
will long be remembered by those present. The
expressions of good-will tendered them by friends.
neighbors and relatives indicated in a marked manner the esteem and confidence in which they are
held.
To Mr. and Mrs. Crawford there was born a


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family of ten children: Stephen Alfred, is a resident of North Dakota; Albert A., lives in Johnson
County, Kan.; Mortimer IH., is a resident of Kansas City, Mo.; Melissa A., (Mrs. Harrington) was
the next in order of birth; Paulina A. is the wife
of M. G. Carlton, of Grass Lake, this State; Silecia
married Charles Markham, and they live in Hanover; Lovina is the wife of J. Daniels, of Blackman Township; Ada L. married C. G. Hunter,
and they live in Johnson County, Kan.; Julius A.
is a resident of Grand Rapids, Dak.; Juan D. is in
Spring Hill, Kan. Four children have been born
to Mr. and Mrs. Harrington, viz.: Frank J., who
is attending the Normal School at Ypsilanti; Adah
Louise, Frederick and Herbert D. Frederick occupies himself as a teacher. Mr. Harrington is a
stanch supporter of Republican principles, and as
one of the representative pioneers of the county,
occupies no unimportant place among its people.
He has been an interested witness of its growth
and development, and by maintaining one of its
best lhomesteads has thus contributed in bringing it
to its present position among the prosperous and
intelligent communities of the Wolverine State.
(ON. JOHN E. TYRRELL, present Representative from the First District of Jackson
/ County, to the State Legislature, looks after
J|) the interests of the city and two townships,
in a manner creditable to himself, and satisfactory
to his constituents. He was elected on the Republican ticket in the fall of 1888, and is Chairman of
the lona Reformatory Committee, besides being a
member of the Committee on Military and Education. MAr. Tyrrell was the father of, and the prime
mover in the introduction of the free text book bill
which was passed by both Houses, signed by the
Governor, and has now become a law; and it is a
measure which has received the endorsement of all
who are in any way interested in advancing the
cause of education. He also introduced the Bois
Blanc bill which prohibited the hunting of (leer in
that section for ten years, which was a source of
great satisfaction to lovers of the hunt, thus prc





PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


251


venting their legitimate prey from being exterminated. Another bill introduced by this efficient
Legislator, was one making it a finable offense for
the driver of a street car to cross a railroad crossing without first coming to a full stop. This measure which is now enforced, has caused a perceptible
diminution in the number of accidents occarring
within the city limits in connection with steam cars.
The subject of this sketch, a native of Dublin,
Ireland,was born in that city on the 28th of January,
1847, and w.is brought to America by his parents
when a little lad of four years. They settled first
in Saratoga County, N. Y., and later removed to
Canada, where the parents spent their last (lays.
John E. completed his education in the college at
Fordlham, N. Y. After the outbreak of the Civil
War, he enlisted in Company F, Fifty-sixth New
York Infantry, serving as a Corporal, and was in
active service four months.  Returning then to
Fordham, N. Y., he sojourned there until January
1, 1867, when he was commissioned as an officer on
Gen. Halpin's Staff in the rebellion in the Dublin
District, and in that capacity took part in the conflict which followed. On the 7th of March following, he was captured in the Weakley Mountains,
and confined in the Mt. Jay Government Prison until May 23, under the suspension of the habeas corpus act, which included any man from the United
States wearing square-toed shoes.
After his release, Mr. Tyrrell returned to New
York State, and shortly afterward came to Detroit,
engaging, in 1868, with the Western Union Telegraph Company. Since 1869 he has been the regular dispatcher of the Michigan Central Railroad,
having held the same office now for a period of
twenty-one years. Mr. Tyrrell was married at Dextel, Mlich., August 31, 1870, to Miss Kate A. Willsey. This lady was born in Washltenaw County,
this State, and the home then established is now
brightened by the presence of four interesting children, viz.: Edward C., Katie Nell, Albert H., and
John W. The family residence is pleasantly located in the central part of the city, and is the frequent resort of its most cultured people.
Mr. Tyrrell possesses fine musical tastes, and organized the church choir of St. Mary's, of which
he is chorister. He is also an active member of


Edward Pomeroy Post, No. 48, G. A. R., of Jackson. He organized the Knights of Pythias lodge
at Jackson, all the Chairs of which he has passed,
and he has been a Representative to the Grand
Lodge. In 1886 he assisted in the organization of
a lodge of the Ancient Order of Hlibernians, and
was elected State Executor of that body, in which
office he is now serving his second term and third
year. Until being nominated for the Legislature,
he had steadily declined becoming an office holder.
He is prominent in military circles, being now the
Lieutenant Colonel of the First Regiment, Michigan National Guard, and he was also instrumental
in organizing the Emmet Rifles (Company II),
which lie commanded for six years.
~  LDER THOMAS JOHNSON. Among the
l  pioneer settlers of Columbia Township may
X o   be mentioned tie subject of this notice, who
came to Michigan as early as 1840, and located on
a small farm  in Norvell Township.  Iie lived
there probably two or three years, in the meantime
making some improvements, and then removed to
his present farm in Columbia Township. This
place at the present time bears little resemblance
to the spot upon which he located nearly fifty
years ago, it being then a tract of wild land upon
which probably the foot of a white man had seldom
trod.. The labors of a life-time have transformed
it into a comfortable homestead. It embraces one
hundred and sixty acres of land, and is pleasantly
located on section 34.
T'he birthplace of Mr. Johnson was in Tillstockville, Shropshire, England, and the (late thereof
July, 1807. Iis father, William  Johnson, was
likewise a native of that shire, and the descendant
of an old and well established family of pure English stock. He was carefully reared by excellent
parents, and chose farming for his life vocation.
Upon reaching man's estate he was married, in his
native place, to Miss Jane Hughes, who was of
birth and ancestry similar to his own. They settled on a farm near the place of their birth and
became the parents of five children. The mother








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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


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died in the prime of life, and is remembered as a
lady possessing all the Christian virtues, being devoted to her family, a faithful friend and a hospitable neighbor.
In 1832, a few years after the death of his wife,
William Johnson came to America, landing in New
York City after a long and tedious ocean voyage.
He was in limited circumstances, and at once
sought employment, securing work on the H-udson
& Albany canal. Later lie went to G-eneva, N. Y.,
and entered the employ of a Mr. Gregory, whom
he had known and whom he had worked for in
England. While in the employ of his old friend,
Mr. Gregory, he was a second time married,
Deciding tlen to seek the West he came to this
State, locating first at Clinton, and subsequently
comitrg to this county and plurchasing  land in
Norvell Township. Of this union there were born
three children, in this township, and after his
removal to Kent County, this State, two more children wele added to the family circle.  William
Johnson departed this life at an advanced age, at
his home in Kent County. His last wife survived
him ten years, when she also was called hence.
The subject of this notice was the second child
of his father's first marriage, and subsequently
made his home for a time with his paternal grandmother. Hle received a common-school education,
and when quite young was employed at the pottery
works in Staffordshire, and was thus occupied for
a period of eighteen years. In the meantime he
was married to Miss Mary Wagg, a native of
Staffordshire, and whose father was also employed
in the pottery works, as a packer in the warehouse.
After the birth of four children, Mr. Johnson, not
satisfied with his condition or his prospects, decided
to seek a home in the New World in the hope of
bettering his financial condition. Setting out in 1840
with his two oldest children, leaving the mother
and the two younger in England, he landed in New
York City, whence he proceeded to Buffalo, where
he found himself out of money. He had with him
a valuable book, and with this he was compelled to
part in order to secure funds for prosecuting his
journey. He thus made his way with his boys to
Toledo, whence he proceeded by rail to Adrian,
Mich., and leaving his baggage at the depot to


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pay for his fare, he then started on foot with his
children and walked to Tecumseh. He there met
a kind and hospitable man who extended to him
aid and sympathy, keeping him and his children
over night and providing for them a passage to
Napoleon, where they arrived the following day.
At this point Mr. Johnson secured employment
for a short time, and by borrowing a little money
from one Mr. Harvey Austin, now deceased, he, in
August, that same year, returned to New York
City to meet his wife and the other two children.
The re-united family, strong in a mutual sympathy
and companionship, now sought the West for a
perimanent home. Locating in Napoleon Township
Mr. Johnson and his wife sought employment,
finding not only work but friends, and from that
time their fortunes began to mend, so that in the
course of a few years they had a farm paid for, and
were surrounded with all the comforts of life.
The wife and mother attained to the ripe old age of
eighty years, and departed this life at the homestead, October 8, 1876. She was a devoted member of the Baptist Church and a lady possessing
many estimable qualities, which endeared her not
only to her own family, but to many friends.
Mr. Johnson, in 1878, contracted a second marriage in Norvell Township, with Mrs. Iarriet
(Smith) James. This lady was also of English
birth and parentage, a native of Newburg, Leicestershire, and born October 12, 1821. Her father,
Richard Smith, likewise of Leicestershire, was
an honest, hard-working laborer, and spent his
entire life in the place of his birth. He died when
his daughter Harriet was an infant of nine months,
lie being then sixty-two years old. When fouiteen years old Miss Harriet with her mother, Mrs.
Mary (Barker) Smith, and a married brother, set
out, in 1835, for the United States, taking passage
at Liverpool, and landing in New York City after
an ocean voyage of four weeks and two days.
In the great metropolis the little family remained
tlat winter, and when the ice had gone from North
River they made their way to Albany and thence to
Michigan Territory. Locating near Dundee, Monroe County, they sojourned there until after the
death of the mother. Miss Harriet, then grown to
womanhood, came to this county, and in due time


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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALB M.


255


married William James, an Englishman who (lied
in Leslie, Ingham County, without children. Mrs.
James lived there until her marriage to Mr. Johnson. Of this union there are no children. William, the eldest son of the first marriage, took to
wife Miss Amanda Mitchell, and is engaged as
clerk in a dry goods store at Jackson. Thomas, a
farmer, married Alice Meyers, and they live near
Jeffersonville; John is occupied as a carpenter and
general mechanic, at Jackson; James married Miss
Elizabeth Kelley, and resides on a farm in Columbia Township.
The subject of this notice, t9gether with his excellent wife, has been identified with the Baptist
Church for many years, an(l Mr. Jolnson for
nearly forty years has filled its pulpit acceptably
in this county and various other places. He is
sincerely devoted to the Master's cause, and has
lalored to the best of his ability for it3 promotion.
IIe voted for John C. Fremont at the organization
of the Republican party, and has since given his
political support to its principles.
-.  a —ag-A-n^^^g^,^
C   ~ )AHI-M  STONE. Few    are so thoroughlyl
acquainted with the early history and tlle
n. growth of the grand State of Michigan as
he with whose name we begin this biographical notice. I-e became a resident of thle Territory in
1836, and has lived to see what was at that time a
region of heavily timbered and almost unsettled
land, with small villages and towns scattered
throughout its vast extent, a prosperous, well-settled, finely cultivated and beautiful country. In
the development of the agricultural resources of
the State, Mr. Stone bore a part for some time, and
amid the arduous and stirring scenes of pioneer life
he was ever found ready to lend a helping hand to
those in want of assistance in any form, and so
conducted himself under all circumstances as to secure the hearty respect of those with whom  lie
camne in contact.
From  a listory of the town of Fitzwilliam,
N. H., published by the Rev. John F. Nortoi, and
containing a genealogical record of the early fami

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lies by Joel Whittemore, we glean the following
regarding the l)aternal progenitors of our subject:
The first arrival in this country was Gregory Stone,
son of the Rev. Timothy Stone, adissenting minister in tlhe west of England. IHe embarked at Ipswich on the ship "Increase," April 15, 1635, and
settled in Cambridlge, Mass., his descendants locatilg in Farmington and adjoining towns. Following
him in order of birth was his son Samuel, born
MIay 23, 1685, and succeeding him  was another
Samuel born about 1714. The latter married Rebecca, daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Stow) Clarke,
and resided in Farmington. Their son Samuel,
born November 13, 1750, married Anna Stacy,
daughter of Natllaniel and   Mary (Witherby)
Stacy. In 1777 lie removed to Fitzwilliam, accomplishing the journey witl teamns, as was the pracLice
in those days, and became an early settler of that
town. He bought a tract of land upon which was
a sawmill, and clearing a considerable portion, resided there until a few  years before his death,
spending his last days with a son at Swanzey.
Nathaniel Stacy Stone, son of tle couple last
named and father of our subject, was born in Fitzwilliam, and having reached a proper age went to
Harvard, where le learned the trade of a blacksmith, and where he remained until after his marriage to Nancy, daughter of Philemon Priest, of
that town. He then took up his residence in his
native place, where lie remained until 1841, at
which time he and his wife came to Michigan and
resided with our subject until 1856 when they went
to live with their dauaghter in Adrian. There both
died in 1866, the (lesth of the wife taking place
just one week before that of her husband. The
parental family was made up of five children, all
of \l Iom lived to years of maturity and four of
wlhon married; three of them yet survive.
Nalhum Stone, of whom we write, was born in
Fitzwilliam, Cheshire County, N. H., July 18,
1811, and was reared and educated in his native
town. There were no railroads in the United
States during his youtlh, Boston and Montreal were
their nearest markets and depots of supplies, and
to those places journeys were made. Mr. Stone
remained with his parents until he had reached his
majority, and then started in life for himself by




256            PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


working on a farm by the month. In 1836 he and
his brother Charles determined to visit the Territory of Michigan, with a view of locating therein.
Their father drove to Troy, N. Y., carrying them
so far on their journey, and thence they embarked
on the Erie Canal, and after reaching Buffalo took
the steamer "North America," Capt. Edwards in
command, for Toledo. A railroad was in process
of construction from that city to Adrian and the
ties and timber to be used for rails were, down;
upon these rails the two young men walked the entire distance to Adrian, which at that time was a
small village in the midst of a sparsely settled region.
After making inquiries regarding the country
round about, Nahum and Charles Stone went to the
southwestern part of Lenawee County and bought
the southwest quarter of section 14, in what is now
Medina Township. The land, for which they paid
$4 per acre, was timbered and the first work of the
young men was to cut down a few trees, from
which to build a small log house in the clearing
thus made. Here they set up their bachelor's hall,
continuing their clearing and improving the land,
and finding their recreation in hunting deer, wild
turkeys and wolves, which were abundant in the
neighborhood, and in the sparing intercourse with
their fellow-men which their situation permitted.
In 1838, the subject of this sketch returned East
and in Battleboro, Vt., on August 21, of that year,
was united in marriage with Elizi A. Buffum, a
native of Richmond, Cheshire County, N. H. She
was a daughter of Jedediah and RutL (Buxton)
Buffum, old residents of New England. Mr. Buffum was descended from a long line of English ancestry while his wife was of English and French
parentage.
In June, 1839, Mr. and Mrs. Stone journeyed
toward their future home and until 1865 resided
upon the farm in Lenawee County, where the wife
bore her share of the labors and privations incident
to their primitive surroundings, until the improve
ment and settlement of the country and the building up of their own fortunes overcame the need for
so arduous toil, and allowed the worthy couple to
enjoy the comforts and greater ease to which their
earlier years fairly entitled them.


Upon leaving the farm Mr. and Mrs. Stone removed to Deer Park, LaSalle County, Ill., and two
years later to Eaton County, Mich., purchasing a
farm near Olivet, upon which they resided until
1880. They then took up their residence in Jackson, retiring from active pursuits and enjoying the
fruits of their labors. Here Mrs. Stone breathed
her last September 16, 1884, leaving behind the record of a well-spent life as a legacy to her sorrowing family and her many friends. To Mr. and Mrs.
Stone six children have been born, who bear the
names of Emily Augusta, Addison G., Nathaniel
Stacy. Rosamond Hotchkiss, Fannie Eliza and Elsworth B. Emily is the wife of Willard K. Norvis,
and their home is in Vermontville, Eaton County;
Addison married Esther Carver and lives at Olivet,
Eaton County; Stacy married Althea Bosworth,
their home being in Allegan; the other members of
the family are yet single.
Politically, Mr. Stone was first a Whig and upon
the organization of the Republican party became
identified with it. While residing in Indiana he
and his wife united with the Congregational
Church. A lithographic portrait of the worthy
subject of this sketch is shown on another page of
this AiBUM.
A     AVID D. TRUMBULL. There was probably not within the limits of Sandstone
Township a man more favorably or widely
known than the late Mr. Trumbull, who
made his way to Michigan Territory as early as
1833. He then settled in this township, of which
he was a resident until his death, and by his enterprise and progressive spirit entered largely into its
growth and development. He was of New England
antecedents and was born June 29, 1811, in
Colchester, Conn.
The parents of our subject were Benjamin and
Elizabeth (Mather) Trumbull, also natives of New
England and supposably of Scotch ancestry. The
paternal grandfather, Benjamin Trumbull, Sr.,
served as a soldier and chaplain in the Revolutionary War. The father of Mr. Trumbull died in




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.         257


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Michigan and the mother in Colchestex, Conn.
David D. was reared to manhood on a farm in hlis
native State and completed his studies at Bacon
Academy in Colchester. He was the fourth of six
son born to his parents, the eldest of whom, Benjamin by name, came to the West and for some
time before his decease was the Receiver of Customs at Omaha, Neb. John, an early settler of this
county, is now deceased; Erastus likewise came to
this county and is still living here; Lyman, tile
well-known ex-Senator from Illinois, is now a prominent lawyer of Chicago; George also practiced law
in that city for a time and is now deceased.
Upon coming to this county Mr. Trumlull secured eighty acres of land from the Government,
located on section 25, Sandstone Township, upon
which he operated until 1837. He then removed
to section 36, where his son Benjamin now lives.
There he spent the remainder of his days, dying
Octo)er 18, 1889. Mr. Trumbull was married in
October, 1837, to Mrs. Hannah L. Latimer, widow
of Nathan G. Latimer who died in Michigan.
Mrs. Trumbull was born February 19, 1811, in
New York State and was the daughter of Strickland and Lydia (Latimer) Beckwith, who were n:tives of Connecticut. When she was a child her
mother removed from New York State to Connecticut, where she resided until a maiden of eighteen
years, when she was first married to N. G. Latimer. (f this union there was born one child only,
a daughter, Sabra E., who is now the wife of Edward Sutton, of Albion, this State.
To Mr. and Mrs. Trumbull there was also born
one cliild, a son, Benjamin, wlo now resides on tlle
old homestead. David )D. Trumbull was a man of
wide experience and strong constitution, keenly
observant of what was going on around him in the
world and one who in all respects was a useful
melmber of the community. IHands and brain were
always busy devising some project for the good of
his own immediate family or his neighbors. He
was a pronounced I)emocrat, politically, and promnent in the counsels of his party while remaining
there. )During the Civil War, however, having
canvassedl both sides of the contest in a calm and
dispassionate manner, lie decided that he had reason to change his political sentiments and wheeled


over into the Republican ranks. Upon the nomination of Iorace Greeley, however, for President,
he went back to the Democracy and continued with
them until his death.
David D. Trumbull represented Sandstone Township for many years in the County Board of Supervisors, with credit to himself and in a manner
satisfactory to his constituents. He served as
County Treasurer two years and for many years was
County Superintendent of the Poor. His widow is
still living, making her home with her son Benjamin at the old homestead, and is now in the eightieth year of her age.
Benjamin Trumbull, of this county, was born in
Sandstone Township, September 7, 1839,was reared
on the pioneer homestead and received his early
education in the district schools. Later he attended
the High School at Jackson. In 1859 lie entered
the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor, and
after an attendance of four years was graduated,
in 1863. from  the literary department. Subsequently for a time he studied law in the office of
his uncle, Lyman Trumbull, at Chicago. Then
going to Washington, 1). C., he officiated as clerk
of the Judiciary Committee during six sessions of
tile IUnited States Senate, of which his uncle, the
lion. Lyman Trumbull was Chairman.
In 1869 Benjamin Trumbull camne back to this
county and, taking up his abode on the old farm,
has since lived there looking after the estate and
superintending the cultivation of the land. He
was married, November 14, 1865, to Miss Mary L.
Kellogg, a native of Washtenaw County who was
born May 11th, 1836. Mrs. Trumbull is the daughter of Oliver and Almacy (Rouse) Kellogg, who
were natives of Connecticut. Of this union there
have been born two childten, tile elder of whom, a
son(, Lyman B., is attending the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor. The daughter, Carrie J., is
lursuing hter studies in the H-igh School at Ja,,kson. Benjamin Trumbull is the owner of two
hundred and ten acres of well developed land witll
good buildings, this comprising the homestead instituted by his honored fathier. He is a sound Republican, politically, and is now serving his fourth
cerm as Township Supervisor. Ite has been Secretary of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Com



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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


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pany of Jackson County for about fifteen years.
He and all the members of his family belong to the
Congregational Church at Sandstone.
The Trumbull family have made for themselves
a grand record in the West and have done honor
to their ancestry, who in their time were prominent
in New England history, people of a strong character and vigorous frames. The family escutcl:eon has
not been tarnished by an unworthy act of any of
them, and the representatives of the present generation bid fair to hand down to their posterity a
record as clean and honorable as that which has
descended to them from their progenitors.
tI, DWARD W. BARBER. Among the most
j.   pleasant homes of Jackson City may be
/z     mentioned that of Mr. Barber, which occupies No. 501 West Main Street, where the proprietor is living retired from the active duties of life,
with the exception of editorial labor on the Daily
Patriot. He has been a resident of the city since
1878, and has been identified with the interests of
the county for many years. The descendant of
of good New England stock, lie was born in 1enson, Portland County, Vt., July 3, 1828, and came
to Michigan with his father's family, in 1839, when
a boy of eleven years. Since that time he has been
a resident of Eaton and Jackson Counties.
Edward H. Barber, the father of the subject of
this sketch, settled at Vermontville, Eaton County,
upon coming to Michigan, and continued to reside
there until his death in 1866. In 1847, Edward
W., went to Marshall to learn the printer's trade in
the office of the Marshall Expounder. serving an
apprenticeship of three years. Later lie was connected with the Kalamazoo Gazette, and subsequently was the city and commercial editor of the
Detroit Daily Democrat, which was the first daily
Free-Soil paper published in Michigan. He acted
in that capacity a few years, then, in 1854, turned
his attention to mercantile pursuits at Vermontville.
In 1857 Mr. Barber, who had in the meantime
evinced more than ordinary ability intellectually,


was appointed First Assistant Clerk of the Michigan
House of Representatives, which position he also
filled in 1859, and was chosen Clerk in 1861 and
1863. In 1861-5 he was Clerk of Eaton County,
and in 1865-7 was Register of Deeds.
In January, 1864. Mr. Barber was appointed
Reading Clerk of the House of Representatives at
Washington, and served in that capacity through
the Thirty-eight, Thirty-ninth and Fortieth Congressional sessions, and in 1869 he was appointed
Supervisor of Internal Revenue for the States of
Michigan and Wisconsin, holding this office over
four years. In March, 1873, he was appointed
Third Assistant Postmaster General, and served
through the second term of Grant's administration,
after which lie declined the further cares and reslonsibilities of public life. From 1861 until 1878
he made his home in Charlotte, removing in the
latter year to,Jackson, of which lie has since been
a resident. In 1863, at the re-organization of the
Grand River Valley Railroad Company, Mr. Barher was chosen a Director, and later Secretary and
Treasurer, which offices lie still holds. For eight
years past lie has been the editorial writer of the
Jackson Daily Patriot.
The subject of this notice was married, December 24, 1853, to Martha A. Dwight. This lady
was born in Belchertown, Mass., and came to Vermontville, this State, with her mother in 1843.
She is a direct descendant of John Dwight, an early
settler of Dedham, Mass., who located there in
1634, directly after emigrating from  Dedham,
England. M\Irs. Barber's father, Peregrine Dwight
was born March 15, 1795, and followed the occupation of a farmer at Belchertown and Niagara
Falls, dying at the latter place about 1842.
The mother of Mrs. Barber bore the maiden
name of Lucy 1-amilton; she was a native of
Massachusetts, and the daughter of I)r. Chauncy
Hamilton, of Brookfield, that State. After the
the death of her husband she came to Michigan
with her five children, settling in Vermontville in
1843, and died at that place in January, 1880.
Edward H. Barber, the father of our subject, was
born in Benson, Vt., in 1794, and was the son of
David Barber, who died there in 1804. The latter was the firstsettler of Benson, locating there in




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


259




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1793, and putting up the first grist and saw mill
and also the first dwelling in that place, having
moved from   Pittsfield, Mass. Edward II. there
grew to nian's estate and married Mliss Rebecca
Griswold. They came to Michigan in 1839, taking ul) a tract of heavy timber land, a large portion of which Mr. Barber cut away with his own
hands, in the construction of his farm. This was
long before the days of railroads and the journey
was made laboriously, consuming eight days from
Detroit to Vermontville,  a distance which can now
be traversed in less than four hours. The family
was first domiciled in a log house, but later aban.
doned this for a commodious frame dwelling. The
father put up tle first sawmill in the place and carried on farming until resting from his earthly labors, in 1866.
The elder Barber was prominent in local politics,
a liberal and public -spirited man, wlo assisted in
organizing the town, and was instrumental in estatlishing tile first school at Vermontville, which
was comprised of a colony from the Green Mountain State. He likewise assisted in the organization
of the Congregational Church, and was instrumental in the establishment of the academy. The
mother of our subject (lied in Vermont, in 1838,
the year prior to the removal of the family to
Michigan. There were born to the parents four
sons, all of whom cane to the West, and three are
still living, those besides our subject being; I1cmer G., a merchant of Vermontville; John C., who
for eight years has been the Sheriff of Calhoun,
County and is now a resident of Battle Creek;
Noel A. died at Marshall, while employed in a
dry-goods store.
AMES 0. BIBBINS. In endeavoring to preserve to posterity the names of the honored
pioneers of Jackson County, foremost among
J  this hardy race of men should be noted the
subject of this record, who is one of the very few
men living who have any claim to being called a
pioneer. His career presents a history of more
than ordinary interest, and the scenes which he has


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witnessed since the early days of Michigan, if properly written up, would comprise a volume interesting alike to old and young. In all which goes to
make up the true pioneer, there is little lacking in
the character of Mr. Bibbins, lie being possessed of
tlose sturdy and substantial qualities which hrave
worn well, and which lhave gained him the unqualified respect of all who have known him. Side by
side witl her husband, the good old mother, who
for so many yeals has been the wise counselor and
helpmate of her husband, is still spared to him, and
is no less the object of reverent affection than is he.
Living with them, is their son, George, who has
charge of the farm, and who will in due time become owner of the estate, lie having purchased the
interest of the other heirs. The family is a prominent one in this part of the county where they
have made for tlemselves an admirable record.
'The immediate l rogenitor of the subject of this
sketch, was Amaziah Bibbins, a native of Washington County, N. Y. The family originated in Wales,
and the patronymic was originally written "Bebens." The paternal grandfather of our subject was
Samluel Bibbins. Amaziah, who was reared to farm
pursuits, chose this for his vocation in life, and in
1816 removed from his native place to Genesee
County, N. Y., where he spent the remainder of his
life. Ile was twice married. His first wife, the
mother of James O., bore the maiden name of Leah
Storm. Sle likewise was a native of the Empire
State, and descended from  John of Barneveld,
known in history as tile "Advocate of Holland."
He was beheaded in 1619, a martyr to his country's
cause. His two sons were afterward captured, one
being executed, and the other escaping to America.
Mary, daughter of John of Barneveld, came to
America and became the wife of James Storm, a
commissioned officer of the Continental Army in
the Revolutionary War. Among their children
was Ieah, the mother of our subject. Of her marriage with Amaziah Bibbins, there were born four
children, two only of whom are living: James O.,
our subject, and his sister, Rachel, the wife of
James Weed, a native of New York City. They
are residents of Utica, N. Y., and have one son,
1)r, Charles R, Weed, a prominent physicitn of that






260


PORT'lRAITT AND) BIOGRAPHI'HCAL AL;BUM.


260           PORTR.iT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


city. Mrs. Leali (Storm) Bibbins, was born in
1784. and (lied at her home in Covington, N. Y.,
October 17, 1819, when her son, James O. was a lad
of eight years lacking one day, he having been born
October 18, 1811, at Palatine, N. Y.
The second wife of AmaziahrBibbins, was Elizabeth Lent, who became the mother of four children, and died October 28, 1878. His death took
place January 9, 1864, when he was nearly eighty
years old, he having been born March 10, 1784.
He was a man of more than ordinary ability, prominent in his community, serving as Justice of the
Peace, and occupying other positions of trust and
responsibility. He took an active part in the War
of 1812, and later was captain of a company of
New York Militia.
After lis mother's deatll, James O. Bibbins continued living with his father, attending the district
school, and becoming familiar with the various employments of farm life. When twenty-four years
old, he was married May 29, 1836, to Miss Lovisa,
daughter of Nicholas and Hannah (Hall) Storm.
Mr. Storm was a native of Washington County, N.
Y., and was born July 15, 1785. IHe followed agricultural pursuits, and (lied at Covington, N. Y., in
1862. His wife, Hannah, was the daughter of an
excellent Rhode Island family, and was born November 9. 1789. She departed this life thirty years
prior to the decease of her husband, dyingin 1830,
at Covington, N. Y., when comparatively a young
woman. There had been born to her and her hus-,and, eight children, and Mrs. Bibbins was the third.
Her birth toolk place June 23, 1816, at Cherry Valley, N. Y. Only four of her father's family are
now living, the eldest of whom, John, is a resident
of Ionia County, this State; Isaac lives in Parma,
this county;;Hannah is the wife of Norman Shook,
of Pope County, Minn. Isaac Storm, the paternal
grandfather of Mrs. Bibbins, acquitted himself honorably as a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
In 1837. the year following their marriage, Mr.
and Mrs. Bibbins came to Michigan, and settled on
the farm which they now occupy. The country
was wild, and their neighbors few and far between,
occupying log shanties scattered through the timber. Among those early settlers the following four
are the only ones living in Hanover Township, viz;




I
I
I


Mahlon Tripp, Edward Dodd, and A!len Stevens
and his wife. No fences were to be seen, and in
most cases simply the little log house, and perhaps
an outbuilding sufficient for the shelter of a cow or
pig.
Mr. and Mrs. Bibbins journeyed from Toledo,
Ohio,by ox-team to Hanover Township, this county,
and Mr. Bibbins took ul eighty acres of land in the
woods. With his own hands he felled the trees,
and slowly and laboriously prepared the soil for
cultivation. A few years of arduous labor resulted
in the clearing of the entire farm with the exception of the timber needed for fuel and other uses,
and in due time he added to his landed estate until
he became the owner of two hundred and thirteen
acres. This is now valuable, lying partly inside
the limits of Hanover village. The present residence was erected in 1862. The old log house first
put up by Mr. Bibbins, has recently fallen down,
and lies like a vanquished hero on the ground
where it was erected over fifty years ago, and then
stood proudly up as one of the finest dwellings for
miles around. It is symbolical of many lives, but
happily not that of its owner. The husband and
wife who began their wedded life together under
that humble roof, although now aged, are hale and
hearty, still able to enjoy the comforts of life and
intercourse with the many friends whom they have
made during their long sojourn in tlhis county.
Mr. Bibbins, however, for some years has been
afflicted with deafness, but it has not soured him or
made him unable to enjoy the beautiful world and
the blessings of friendship. He may justly feel
that in the growth and development of Jackson
County, which is now one of the richest sections of
the State of Michigan, he lhas been no unimportant
factor, and his name will be held in grateful remembrance long after he has departed hence.
In due time the union of Mr. and Mrs. Bibbins
was crowned by the birth of nine children, five of
whom are living. The eldest, John Milton, was
born May 1, 1837, in Genesee County, N. Y., and
was first married to Fanny Rowland, who became
the mother of two children, and died in 1877. He
was then married to Miss Emma Hand. Of this
union there were no children, and he died in London, England, September 4, 1882. Newton Storm




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


261


`"I^ --- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~   "  ---,-  --- ---.111-             --:1


Bibbins was born at the homestead, September 4,
1839, and died unmarried when twenty-five years
of age. After the outbreak of the Civil War, he
enlisted as a Union soldier in Company I), First
Michigan Infantry, served out his term, veteranized
and was in the service between three and four
years. He took part in all the battles in which his
regiment was engaged, was captured by the enemy,
paroled, exchanged, returned to his duty, and finally sent home on a furlough on account of illhealth, and died January 14, 1864, from disease
contracted in the army. Emily Elizabeth was born
February 24, 1842, in Hanover, and died September 20, 1846; James Emory, born July 22, 1845,
died in New York City September 13, 1868; Emma
Amelia, born January 5, 1848, is the wife of Walter J. G. Dean, of Hanover Village, and they have
four children; Olin A. was born October 11, 1853,
and married Miss Lucia Watkins; he is now the
father of three children, and is engaged in the boot
and shoe business at Galesburg, Ill. Abram Lent
was born October 25, 1855, is unmarried, and engaged in the drug business in Bedford, Iowa;
George W., who lives with his parents, was born
January 31, 1858, and in 1889, was married to
Miss Addie Bunnell; Arthur E. was born August
6, 1860, and pursued his studies attentively, and
was graduated from Albion College with the degree
of Ph. B. He is now a resident of Baltimore, Md.,
and still prosecuting his studies, having entered
upon a full course in John Hopkins University,
from which tie expects to be graduated in 1891.
Since sixteen years of age, Mr. Bibbins has been
identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church. in
which he has officiated as Steward, Class-Leader and
Trustee, and otherwise forming one of the chief
pillars. Hie cast his first Presidential vote for William Wirt, and has been connected with the Republican party since its organization, keeping himself thoroughly posted upon the current events of
the day. Although an ardent temperance advocate, he has always been averse to a third party.
He prides himself upon the fact that he has never
been allied to any secret society, as he believes that
they have been the source of much mischief in this
country, both in politics and in society. While a
resident of New York State, he was a captain in the


I.i


---- -. —  -— ~~~ —~-~-' ~ ~ ~ --
i ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~;'- ~ ~ - 1~-c'^' — " — ~ 1 ---


Slate Militia before reaching his majority, and subsequently was an Ensign. He has for many years
been a member of the School Board of his district,
and has also served as Road Commissioner. All
the enterprises tending to advance the interests of
the community have received his uniform and cordial support.
6    ON. JULIAN    M. SEWARD, Supervisor
of the Second Ward in Jackson, deserves
worthy mention as being one of the most
useful members of this community-a peaceable and law-abiding citizen and a friend of all the
enterprises calculated to promote the interests of
the people. A native of New York State, he was
born in Alexander, Genesee County, August 22,
1829, and is the son of Charles Seward, a native
of Orville, Vt.
The father of our subject was reared in his native place, whence lie emigrated when a young
man to New York State, and was there married to
Miss Alma Allen, a native of Pompeii, that State.
They located in Genesee County, where Mr. Scward became a prominent citizen and served as
Deputy Sheriff. He lived there until 1836, then
resolved upon seeking the Farther West, and started
for Michigan Territory. The journey was made
after the fashion of those days, via the lake to Detroit, and thence overland with horses and wagon
to Bertrand, Berrien County, of which they were
the earliest pioneers. At that time there was not
a railroad in Michigan, while deer, bears, wolves
and other wild animals roamed over the country.
Mr. Seward purchased property in Bertrand and
established a tin shop there, and later a cooper's
shop. He made a comfortable living, became a
prominent man in his community and served as
Justice of the Peace many years by successive reeltctions. After making for himself a good record
as a man and a citizen, he departed hence, in 1853.
The wife and mother is still living, making her
home with her children, but at the present time,
February, 1890, is visiting a son in Omaha, Neb.
Six children were born to Charles and Alma


f










262            PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


(Allen) Seward, namely: Janette A., Emily A.,
Julian M.. Horatio L., Ellen L. and William Henry.
Julian M. was in his seventh year when his parents came to what was then Michigan Territory,
and he distinctly remembers many of the incidents
connectedl with the removal and the pioneer life
afterward. Ile pursued his early studies in the
log schoolhouse under the primitive methods of
instruction, and when old enough to be of assistance on the farm was required to make himself useful in clearing the land and tilling the soil. Upon
reaching man's estate, he engaged with his father
and brother in mercantile pursuits, and after the
death of the father remained for a time in business with his brother.
H. L. Seward during the California gold excitement, set out for the Pacific Slope, but only sojourned in that region a few months. Julian M.
operated an hotel at Bertrand, and after his marriage repaired to Chicago, Ill., and was engaged in
a distillery about two years. Subsequently he becane a member of a detective force, and later, returning to Michigan, located aL Niles, Berrien
County, where hle became prominently identified
with local affairs, and in 1864 was elected Sheriff of
tile county. So well did lie discharge the duties
of this office that lie was re-elected at the expiration of the first term, serving until 1868. Still
progressing in the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens, he, in 1869, was elected to the Michigan Legislature. After serving his term, he for a
time was occupied as a clerk in a store at Niles,
and later served as a keeper in tie penitentiary two
years.
We next find Mr. Seward oecupying the post of
Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms of the State Senate,
which necessitated a residence at Lansing two winters. During the year which followed he served
as clerk in a store at Niles.  Removing thence to
Edwardsburg, he c(,nducted an hotel for two years,
at the expiration of which time he came to Jackson, and has since been engaged in the grocery
business.
Mr. Seward was wedded, in 1854, to Miss Maria
L. Taylor.  This lady was born September 30,
1829, in Erie County, N. Y., and is a daughter
of Joseph and Emeline (Pratt) Taylor, who were


natives of New York. Mr. Taylor is deceased, but
Mrs. Taylor still lives, at the age of eighty-seven
years. The six children born of this union are
namel respectively: Julian A., Ada L., Elon E.,
Minnie (deceased), Clarence T. and Jessie MI. Mrs.
Seward is a very estimable lady and a member in
good standing of the Baptist Church. Mr. Seward, politically, is a sound Republican, and is now
serving his second term as a member of the County
Board of Supervisors., ETER SMITH has been for some years
) l prosperously engaged in the manufacture.   and sale of harness in Jackson, and occu| \   pies an honorable position among the business men of the city. IIe is a native of tile Grand
I)uchy of Luxembourg, born November 6, 1849.
Ilis father, Nicholas Smith, was a native of the
same place, as was his father, John Smith, l)ecemher 6, 1811, being the (late of the latter's birth, his
parents being of F1rench origin. lie spent his
entire life in the Fatherland, where he learned and
carried on the trade of a harness-maker.
The father of our subject likewise became a
nanuflacturer of hlarness, and is still carrying on
tlhe business in the land of his nativity. His wife,
whose maiden name was Mary Henkle, was also
born in the Duchy of Luxembotirg, and is still
living. They are the parents of thirteen children,
ten of whom are still living, namely: Peter, John
P., Annie, Mathew, Peter, Mike, Susie, Katie,
John and Mike. Peter the 1st, John, Mike and
Katie are the only members of the family who ever
came to America, Katie returning with our subject
when he came back in August, 1888, from a visit
to his old home, whence he had gone in June of
that year.
Peter Smith was reared and educated in the
place of his birth, being carefully trained by his
worthy parents in the habits of industry, selfreliance and probity, that have since made him a
valued citizen of his adopted country. He early
began life on his own account, as at the youthful
age of eleven years le commenced to learn the




I






4W.




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
-             -- --—:-  - f-  I   I   I  --   I.   C   f... _ -   -- ---   -.I,0. Xf 


265


trade of a harness-maker of his father, with whom
he continued to reside until 1864. He then left
his old home and worked in other parts of Luxembourg until 1866, when he went to Belgium.  lie
remained in that country one year, and we next
hear of him in France, where lie enlisted in the
city of Metz, in the French Army, and served as
harness-maker a little more than  five months.
After that experience ihe was employed at his
trade in different cities in France until late in tlle
year 1871, when he returned to his old home.  lie
was drafted into the German Army, but his trial
of military life in France had not predisposed him
in its favor, and he avoided serving by emigration
to America, setting sail from  Antwerp to Liverpool, where he embarked on the steamer "Queen,"
of the Inman Linl, bound for New York. After
landing on these shores he proceeded immediately
to Pike County, Pa., to the home of his mother's
brother. He worked for his uncle in a stonequarry four months, and then went by the way of
Rochester to Lira, in Livingston County, where
he plied  his trade the ensuing seven months.
Then, after a two weeks' sojourn in Buffalo, ihe
made his way to Elyria, Ohio, and followed his
trade there five years. After that he worked in
Cleveland about eigllteen months. Since then he
has made his home in Jackson County, establishing
himself in business here at first by opening a liarness shop in Blackman. Three years later lie
crossed the Atlantic to pay a visit to the home of
his youth, and after an absence of a little over two
months returned to Bla:ckman, where he continued
his business until January, 1883. EIe then took
up his residence in Jackson, and forming a I)artnership with Mr. Duvol, opened a llarness-slop.
His connection with that gentleman proved very
disastrous from a financial point of view, as in
November of the same year Mr. Duvol absconded
with all the available assets of the firm, leaving all
the debts for our subject to pay. Mr. Smith settled
up the business in an honorable and satisfactory
manner to his creditors, and for three months did
"jour' work. He was then enabled to open a
shop for the manufacture and sale of harness
at his present stand, and has built up a flourishing
trade, as he is posseSse(d o good mechanical ability,


I




is a thorough master of his calling, and always
gives satisfaction. Ile well deserves the success
which has attended his efforts to establish himself
in life, as lie conducts his business on sound principles. Our subject is an interesting conversationalist, as lie is exceptionally well-informed, having
used intelligently his naturally fine powers of
observation during his extensive travels. and being
a great reader., Religiously, lie is a communicant
of St. Mary's Catholic Church; socially, lie is a
member of the Society of Elks. In public life, lie
is a member of the Board of Fire Commissioners
for the city of Jackson, to which he was appointed
in October. 1889.
KAV EWALL S. 'VAU'(-IHN,  who is now enjoying tile fruits of many years of industrious and cal)able life, has been for nearly
half a century identified with tile business men of Jackson, whlere lie has earned an enviable reputation for honorablle dealings in his
transactions with his fellow-men and for good citizenslhip.
The paternal ancestors of our subiect were
Scotch, and for two or thlree genlerations members
of the family lhave lived in New England. Ebenezer Valughn, the grandfather of him of whom we
write, was a far-ner at New Salem, Franklin County,
Mass., and there David C. Vaughan (as lie spelled
the name) was born and reared. Hle married Miss
Rebecca Carter, d(aughlter of John and Mary(Clark)
Carter, and a native of one of the New England
States. They removed with their family to New
York in 1825, and after spending a year in Salem,
Washington County, went to Batavia, Genesee
County, traveling with teams to Rochester, and
thence continuing their journey by canal. Mr.
Vaughan bought a tract of timber land two and a
half miles west of the town of Batavia, where he
built what was called a block house. The timber
was but of little value at that time, and in clearing the land much of it was burned in order to be
gotten rid of, That was before stoves were in use




Iy


266            PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


-11  ----  - -      ---      ---- -                                           -- - ----- -..- - - --- I — l-I ---


--


in the country, and Mrs. Vaughan not only cooked
by the fire-place, but by it sat spinning and weaving. Mr. Vauglan cleared several acres of the
land, and died there in 1828, leaving his widow
with four daughters and one son, and the small
farm  in the woods.  Keeping the daughters at
home and sending her son to his uncle's, the widow
remained upon the farm two years and then became the wife of Libius Fish, of Batavia. In 1840
the family came to Jackson, Mich., where Mr. and
Mrs. Fish spent their last years.
In New Salem, Franklin County, Mass., January
9, 1820, the subject of this biography was born, and(
thence he was taken by his parents to New York,
remaining with them until the death of his father.
Hte then made his home with his uncle, Philander
L. Carter, who also lived near Batavia, N. Y., until
1836, whei, the family removed to Michigan, journeying by lake to Detroit, where Mr. Carter, who
had come to the territory a few months before, met
them with a team and drove to Jackson. This now
tlourishing city was then a small village surrounded
by a sparsely settled country, in which deer, bear
and other species of game roamed.
Young Vaughn remained with his uncle on the
farm until he was twenty years of age, and then
attended school in Jackson a twelvemonth, after.
which lie spent three years clerking in a dry-goods
store. lHe next entered a drug-store as an employe,
and six months later bought the establishment,
conducting the business three years, when, on account of ill-health, he sold out. Soon afterward he
engaged in the hardware business with his fatherin-law, continuing the connection five years, when
lie sold out his interest to his partner and, in company with C. W. Penny, engaged in the sale of
dry-goods. During the succeeding fifteen years
Mr. Vaughn was numbered among the merchants
of Jackson, after which he resumed the hardware
business and continued in that branch several
years, when he abandoned active fields of labor,
and having sufficient means to spend the remainder
of his life in ease and enjoyment, has since been
numbered among the retired business men of the
city.
The marriage of Sewall S. Vaughn and Helen
Ann Billings was celebrated in Batavia, N. Y., in I




1- ---- -. —l-II -- 1 --- —- ------- ~ ---- -  ----- - - -, -- - - -  --


May, 1849. The bride was a daughter of Billy J.
and Eliza M. (Groesbeck) Billings, was born in
Saratoga County, N. Y., and died July 18, 1880,
deeply regretted by many to whom her womanly
virtues and kindness of heart had endeared her.
Mr. Vaughn has always been a lover of fine horses,
and since his release from business cares has given
him leisure, he has always kept a few fine equines,
and may frequently be seen spinning through the
streets behind a good pair of roadsters.
On another page the portrait of this genial gentleman and reliable citizen will be found.
Ms   _7r-   Gs\


I
II


ILLIAM PERROTT. Although still young
in years, this gentleman is regarded with
respect by the people among whom his lot
in life is cast, and whom he has served in some responsible positions. He is the owner of forty acres
of fertile land in Hanover Township, and has an
interest in the estate of his recently deceased
father, to whom he had been a staff and comfort
for some time. lie was born in Orleans County,
February 22, 1852, but his schooling was obtained
in the district schools of Michigan, to which his
parents removed in his early childhood. After
completing his education lie still remained at home,
and under his father's supervision took charge of
the estate, relieving his parent of labor and care.
The natal day of William  Perrott, Sr., was December 10, 1810, and his birthplace Chagford,
England. He learned the trade of a wagon-maker,
and worked at it in his native land until Octobei,
1849, when he emigrated to America, bringing
with him his wife, Maria Rowe, a native of the
same place as himself. He first settled at Albion,
Orleans County, N. Y., but soon afterward removed
to LaFayette, Ind., where he was in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company. In 1856
he changed his residence to Michigan, settling on a
farm in Cooper Township, Kalamazoo County, his
estate being raw land, heavily timbered with beach
and maple. He built a shanty and began clearing
the estate, succeeding in clearing and cropping
thirty acres prior to the spring of 1862, when lie




PORTRAIT AND BI(OGIKAPHICAL ALBUM.                                                        267
L.. 
-.   ~.....................   j......   I. I.-  -. -......-.-.-. —


traded the place for the homestead in this county.
HIis farm, which is situated on section 9, Hanover
Township, comprises one hundred and sixty acres,
of which forty were cropped when lie took possession of it, the remainder being tlickly covered
with stones, and a log house being the only building. The estate is now in an excellent condition of
productiveness and improvement, being well supplied witl farm buildings, and the entire acreage
tillable, with the exception of a twenty-acre tract
of timber. The present dwelling of the family was
erected in 1864, and all the barns and other outbuildings now ulpon the place were put up by Mr.
Perrott.  He was occupied in general farming and
stock-raising until lhe became too old for arduous
labor, when his son William continued those pursuits under his guidance.
Mrs. Maria (Rowe) Perrott breathed her last,
January 30, 1885, after a happy wedded life of
fifty-one years. Slhe hadt borne her husband five
children, of whom we note the following:  Janres
is living in Pulaski Townslip, having five children
by a former marriage, and two by his present wife,
Mary Leggett; Agnes is the wife of James II. Gidley, and resides in Scipio, and she has three childrlen by a former marriage; Ellen is the wife of
John (] idley, and tle mother of four children, their
hoine being in Litcllfiel(, Hillsdale County; Jane
married Lewis Htatch, of Hanover Township, this
county, to whom she has borne six children. The
youngest member of the family circle is he whose
name initiates this sketch. The father of this fainilv was called from time to eternity January 22,
1890. In 1886 he had married MArs. Sarah Shepard, who now survives him.
The marriage of the subject of this biography
was celebrated June 12, 1878, his chosen companion
being Miss Irene, daughter of II. M. and Maria
IEdy (of whom see sketch on another-page.) The
litppy union has been blessed by the birth of two
children: Eddy, who was born May,30, 1880, died
D)ecember 8, 1886; and Edna, born April 24, 1883.
Mr. and Mrs. Perrott usually attend the Universalist Church. Mrs. Perrott was carefully reared by
ler worthy parents, and received good educational
advantages, growing to womanhood with a ripe intelligence, a pleasing manner, and an estimable


character. Mr. Perrott is a member of the Grange
and the Masonic fraternity, having been 'Junior
Deacon in the Blue Lodge at Horton. Ile has been
Treasurer of Hanover Township for a term, and is
still holding the office of Treasurer of School Disti-ict No. 5, of which lie has been an incumbent for
about fifteen years. Hie takes an active interest in
the political questions of the day, and votes the
Republican ticket.


"YJYCIU __ -t~


- RTHIJR E. RIGGS, of the firm of Riggs
v  & Winslow, grocers, doing business at
No. 516 South Milwaukee Street, Jackson,,i:   iis a native of Michigan, of pioneer parentage, and is a wide-awake, practical business
man, doing his share toward advancing the commercial interests of the city. He was born in
Canton Township, Wayne County, his father,
Alfred Riggs, being a well-known farmer of that
pllace. The latter was a native of the State of New
York, his fathert carrying on farming in Genesee
County for many years prior to his removal to this
State a few years blefore the war, and buying a
farm in Washtenaw County, which he cultivated,
making his home in that county the remainder of
his life.
The father of our subject was reared to man's
estate in his native county, and received his education in its schools. In early manhood he concluded to leave the home of his birth and try life
in the State of Michigan, where he could begin his
career as an agriculturist under rather better
auspices than in his native State, availing himself
of the cheap land and other inducements that
brought settlers to Michigan. Ile first located in
Washtenaw County, and there wooed and won for
his bride Miss Abigail Manzer, who has been to
him a true helpmate, and has assisted him in the
gathering together of the competence whereby
they are enabled to pass their declining years in
comfort. She was born in the State of New York.
Soon after marriage Mr. Riggs and his wife settled
in Wayne County on their present homestead. The
tract of land that he bought at that time was but


i






268


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


partially improved, there being only a few acres
from which the forest trees had been removed, and
a humble log house, in which our subject was
born, stood upon the place. By industry and
good management Mr;. Riggs has l)aced his farm in
a fine condition, and has erected substantial brick
buildings. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Riggs has
been blessed by the birth of five children, namely:
Mary, Frank, Arthur E., Dora (deceased) and
Jessie.
Arthur Riggs, of this biographical sketch, passed
the early years of his life in the home of his birth,
and was given a good practical education in tile
public schools, besides, in assisting his father in
the labors of the farm, gaining considerable knowledge of farming. When eighteen years of age he
taught school six months, but did not adopt the
profession, giving his time after that to agricultural
pursuits until he was twenty-one, and from that
time until the present his life has been a varied
one. A part of the time he was employed in clerking, and for a while worked in the Michigan Central Railroad shops. Ambitious to see more of
our great country, in 1881 he started on an extensive tour through the West, finally calling a halt in
Colorado, where he spent three years in I)enver
and vicinity, farming awhile, and the remainder of
the time engaging in the grocery business. In
1884 our subject returned to Wayne County, and
for one year employed himself in agricultural
pursuits, and then went to Ypsilanti to follow the
grocery business, residing in that city thus engaged
until 1888. He then formed a partnership with
John W. Winslow, and they established    their
present business in Jackson. They have a wellfitted up store, well-stocked with every article that
is to be found in a first-class grocery, and they are
doing a profitable business, having their share of
trade.
The marriage of Mr. Riggs with Miss Georgia
Sines was consummated October 15, 1885. Sle is
also a native of Michigan, Van Buren, Wayne
County, being her birthplace. She is a daughter
of George and Mary (Winslow) Sines. Her father
was born in Canton, Wayne County, this State, his
father. Philip Sines, being one of the pioneers of
the county. He cleared a farm from the wilder

ness, and passed the latter part of his life thereon.
Mrs. Riggs' father was reared and married in his
native county. For some years he was in the
United States mail service, and met his death in a
collision on the Grand Trunk Road in 1860. His
wife was born in Wayne County, and was a daughter of George and Sarah Winslow (see sketch of
Johln W. Winslow). Mrs. Sines died in Detroit, in
1864.
Mr. Riggs is a methodical, scrupulous, fairminded man, exercising good judgment in business
affairs, and standing well in mercantile circles. He
and his wife are esteemed members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which they give faithful
and material support, and the conduct of their
daily lives shows them to be sincere in their religious professions.
(.    Ga  -  <s\


ON. EUGENE PRINGLE, formerly amember of the Michigan Legislature and a man
'7    who has held many positions of trust and
(    responsibility, is well known throughout
Michigan, and is recognized as one of the most
valued citizens of Jackson County. A native of
New York State, he was born in Richfield, Otsego
County, December 1, 1826, and is the son of Homer
Pringle, a native of the same place. The paternal
grandfather, Esbon Pringle,was a native of Dutchess
County, N. Y., where also the great-grandfather of
Mr. Pringle was born, tlhe latter tracing his ancestry to Scotland.
The Pringle family, as the records indicate, was
first represented in America in 1689, and settled
in New London, Conn. About 1730 a removal
was made to Dutchess County, N. Y., where the
great-grandfather spent his entire life. Esbon
Pringle, the grandfather, removed, in 1791, to Otsego County, and was one of the earliest settlers
of Richfield. He purchased a tract of timber land,
from which he improved a farm and resided there
until his death, in 1812. Homer Pringle was reared
to manhood on the old farm and obtained a good
education, finally becoming a student of Fairfield
College. In the third year of the course, hQwever,




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


269


he was taken ill, and was obliged to abandon his
studies. He went South, where he spent two
years. In 1828, returning to Richfield and the
paternal farm, he purchased a farm in the town of
Harmony, Chautauqua County, where he engaged
in agricultural pursuits. There his death took
place in 1878, after lie had arrived at the advanced
age of eighty years.
Homer Pringle was married in early manhood
to Miss IHarriet Hatch. This lady, the mother
of our subject, was born in Columbia, Herkimer
County, N. Y., and died at the home farm    in
1871. Ten of the eleven children born to her and
her husband were reared to mature years. Of these
Eugene was the eldest. Two brothers and two
sisters are still living.
Mr. Pringle, our subject, was less than two
years old when his parents removed from Otsego
to Chautauqua County, N. Y., where he spent his
boyhood days, attending the district school and
assisting his father on the farm. Later, his education was advanced by attendance at the academy
in Mayville. Later, he attended a classical school
at Batavia.
When a youth of eighteen years, Mr. Pringle
commenced the study of law, having at the time,
under the New York rule, an allowance of three
years and four months for classical studies. He
was admitted to the bar January 1, 1849, at Batavia, Judges Sill, Mullett and Hoyt presiding. IIe
entered upon the jpractice of his profession at Batavia, and the following year became United States
Enumerator for the district including Batavia, with
a population reported at thirteen thousand. In
Iecember, that year, he came to Jackson, this
(tate, and was associated in law practice with Samuel H. Kimball until 1852, when Mr. Kimball left
the city.
In 1852 Mr. Pringle was elected Circuit Court
Commissioner, and served two years. From 1853
to 1856 he was Village Recorder, and in the lastmentioned year was elected Prosecuting Attorney,
and re-elected in 1858. That year and the next
he was also City Attorney. In 1860 he was elected
a representative in the State Legislature, and from
1862 to 1864 was Military   Secretary to Gov.
Blair. In 1866 he was elected to the State Senate,


and the followilng year was appointed Register in
Bankruptcy, in which office he served eleven
years. In 1867 he was also a member of the State
Constitutional Convention. In 1882 he was the
Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor.
In 1883 he was appointed Commissioner of Insurance. In 1885 he was elected Mayor of Jackson,
and in 1886 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney
for Jackson County. In 1880, and in 1888, he was
the Democratic candidate for Congress from the
Third District.
From  1864 to 1871 Mr. Pringle's time was
largely occupied in the preliminary and attorney
work for various railroads now centering in Jackson.
In 1881 hle was the candidate of the bar for Cir.
cuit Judge, receiving forty-three votes out of a
total of forty-six, and was endorsed by the Democratic party, running ahead of his ticket during the
election which followed. While a member of the
House, he was Chairman of the Committee on
Banks and Incorporations and a member of the Judiciary Committee. As a member of the Senate, his
experience as an attorney and as a former member
of the Lower House was of great benefit to him,
making him useful and influential in that body.
Mr. Pringle was married at Marslall, Mich., in
1855, to Miss Frances A. Becker. This lady was
born in Cayuga County, N. Y., and was the daughter of Ablraham and Martha (Rice) Becker, who
were likewise natives of the Empire State, and who
were pioneers of Waslitenaw County, this State.
There were born of this union three daughters, one
who died in infancy and Jessie and Fanny, who
reside with their parents.
The maiden name of Mr. Pringle's paternal
grandmother was Eunice IIatch. She was born in
Dutchess County, N. Y., and was the daughter of
Capt. Hatch, who commanded a company in the
Revolutionary War, and who had a brother serving as Lieutenant. Grandmother Pringle lived to
a good old age, and during the childhood years of
her grandson, Eugene, frequently related to him
many interesting incidents connected with the war
for independence. The section of country where
she resided then was alternately under the control
of both armies.
IHomer Pringle was a stanch Democrat, and






270


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


was quite natural that his son, Eugene, should fol
low in his footsteps. The Democracy of the latter,
however, was so broad that it enabled him to
look with disfavor upon negro slavery, and the
politics which that institution demanded, and so he
became a Republican and affiliated with that party
until 1872. He then returned to the ranks of Democracy, and to that party has since given his support.
During the many years in which he has been before
the public, whether in the practice of his profession
or in the capacity of a public officer, his honesty
has been unquestioned. As a public speaker he is
clear and forcible, and he is credited with having
performed all the duties assigned him, whether
public or private, in a manner highly commendable to his character, both as a public and private
citizen. He has been no unimportant factor in
promoting the best interests of Jackson Colunty,
and is one of those men whose names will be held
in grateful remembrance long after they have been
gathered to their fathers.
HARLES H. HASKIN, M.D., a leading
physician of Jackson City, has held many
positions of trust and responsibility in connection with his profession, being four years Overseer of the Poor and two years the County Surgeon. He has also represented the Sixth Ward in
the City Council four years, and for two years
was President of that body. As President he discharged his duties in that faithful and conscientious
manner which gained him the esteem and confidence
of the citizens at large.
Dr. Haskin was born September 28, 1839, in
Addison, Monroe County, N. Y., and is the son of
Samuel R. and Rosetta S. (Smith) Haskin, the
former of whom was a native of Bridgeport, Vt.
The mother was the daughter of Sheldon Smith,
an old resident of Monroe County, Vt. The hus.
band's family is of English descent.
In 1852 Samuel R. Haskin emigrated to Marshall County, Iowa, and afterward took up his
abode in Lenawee County, this State, where he
carried on farming and died in 1869. The mother


had preceded her husband to the silent land in
1862, dying at the old homestead in Vermont.
The subject of this notice obtained his education
in the early schools of Iowa and this State, remaining in the latter until 1858. Then going to Missouri, he remained there until after the outbreak
of the Civil War, when he enlisted as a Union soldier in tLe Sixth Missouri Infantry under the
three-months call. Then returning to Iowa, lie
again entered the Union Army, as a member of
the Thirteenth Infantry, a veteran regiment, with
which he remained until the close of the war. IHe
participated in many of the important battles
which followed, including Pittsburg Landing and
all the engagements of the campaign under Gen.
McPherson.
Subsequently this regiment was transferred to
the command of Gen. Thomas, and Mr. Haskin
met the enemy in other terrible engagements. At
Kenesaw Mountain lie was wounded in the knee
and instep, and for some time was confined in the
hospital in Meridian.  A  few months later lie
joined his regiment at Goldsboro, N. C., and on
account of his bravery and fidelity to duty was
promoted to the rank of Second-Lieutenant. In
1863 he was given a Captain's commission, commanding Company H, of the Thirteenthl Iowa Infantry. Iie served in this capacity until the close
of the war,which found him at Raleigh, N. C.,whence
he proceeded at the head of his company to Washington, and was present at the Grand Review.
Then returning to Louisville, Ky., he was mustered out in July, 1865.
Upon leaving the army Dr. laskin returned to
1)avenport, Iowa, where he received his pay and
final discharge. Ile soon afterward settled upon a
farm in Marshall County, where he engaged in
agricultural pursuits until the year 1867. At this
time, desirous of entering the medical profession,
he became a student of tile Michigan State University. Then repairing to Indianapolis, Ind., he
entered the medical department of the State IUniversity there. where he completed his studies and
entered upon the practice of his profession in the
Hoosier State. Leaving Indiana in 1873, Dr. Haskin came to Jackson City. which has'since been
the field of his operations. He was married in




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


271


I


the month of April, 1869, at his home in Indiana,
to Miss Emma Kaywood. Mrs. Haskin was born
in Jackson City, and was given a fine education,
completing her stulies in the Michigan State University. Her parents were John P. and Harriet
Kaywood, who were formerly from New York
State. To the Doctor and his estimable lady there
have been born no children.
Dr Haskin stands high in the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, with which he identified
himself in 1883. In February, 1888, he was promoted to the office of Grand Warden of the Grand
Lodge, having jurisdiction over the State of Michigan, and in 1889 he was promoted to be Deputy
Grand Master of the same. Early in 1890 he was
elected to and installed in the office of Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Michigan, at, lonia, and
also holds a commission as Lieutenant-Colonel and
Chief of Staff of Brig-Gen. H. Soule, of the Patriarchs Militant of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows.
ELSON J. DEPUY, M. D. In addition to
being a skilled practitioner of the medical
profession, the subject of this notice is a
man of more than ordinary intelligence, thoroughly
well informed and a polished conversationalist. IIe
is fond of country life and makes his headquarters at
a well-regulated farm  occupying a portion of section 32, Sandstone Township. This, in addition to
a fine practice, is the source of an ample income.
A native of Niagara County, N. Y., Dr. DePuy
was born August 14, 1837, and is the son of William and Mary (Gray) DePuy, who were also natives of that county. The paternal ancestors were
of French origin and crossed the Atlantic probably
during the Colonial days. Nelson J. is the only son
of his parents and was reared to manhood in his
native county, becoming familiar with farm pursuits and when a boy attending the district school.
In later years he was graduated from the Union
High School at Lockport. He afterward taught
school one term in his native county and the same
length of time in Mercer County, Ill.
Soon after the outbreak of the Civil War young


D)eI'uy in August, 1861, laying aside his personal
plans, proffered his services for the defense of his
country, enlisting in Company G, Twenty-seventh
Illinois Infantry as a Corporal. His regiment was
assigned to the army of Gen. Rosecrans and later
attached to Sherman's army. The Doctor fought
at Belmont, Island No. 10, the siege of Corinth
under the command of Gen. Grant, and was also at
the battle of luka. Much of his time, however, was
spent at Benton Barricks, near St. Louis, Mo., and
in the hospital as a physician. Owing to disability
Dr. DePuy, in December, 1862, returned to Mercer County, Ill. and the following winter taught
school there.
Young DePuy entered upon the study of medicine in the Geneva, (N. Y.,) Medical College under
the Allopathic School and subsequently repaired to
St. Louis, Mo., and spent three years in the medical college of that city, the latter being a IIomeopathic institution. From this he was graduated
March 1, 1874.
Dr. DI)/'uy commenced the practice of his profession at Dundee, Monroe County, Mich., and two
years later removed to Iowa Falls, Iowa, where lie
remained from 1865 until December, 1876. In
January, of the latter year, he came to Parma, this
State, and occupied himself with the duties of his
profession until November, 1884. Then, owing to
illness lie was obliged to retire for a time and
going to Florida remained there until 1878. Then
coming back to this county, he settled in Sandstone
where he has since resided. lie owns five acres
planted in orange groves in Florida, besides one
hundred and three acres of iml)roved land in this
county.
Dr. DePuy was married June 24, 1862, to Miss
Olive Atwater, a native of Warren County, Ohio.
Mrs. DePuy was born September 21, 1840, and is
the daughter of David and Mary (Barden) Atwater, who were natives of Yates County, N. Y., and
thence in 1833 emigrated to Trumbull County,
Ohio, during its early settlement. Of this union
there have been born three children-Casper E.,
William  and Mary. The Doctor ant his estimable wife are members in good stauding of the
Baptist Church and hold a leading position in the
social circles of their community. During his resi







272


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


dence in Parma the Doctor was for several years
the Health Officer. He belongs to the Society of
I-omeopathic Physicians of Iowa, and to the Northwestern Academy of Homeopathy; for one year
he was President of the Society of Ilomeopathic
Physicians of this county. Politically, he is a sound
Republican and he is prominently connected witl
the Masonic fraternity. The architect of his own
fortunes, it cannot be denied tllat he has made a
good record, although by no means advanced in
years.
Before the trip to Florida Mrs. DePuy had been
suffering from sciatica, not having been able to use
her limbs for months. The climate proved greatly
beneficial and she made the home trip to Parma, a
distance of twenty-three hundred and seventy miles
without inconvenience or practical   assistance.
They occupy a snug home in the south part of the
town where their hospitable doors are frequently
open to the many friends whom they have gathered
'round them by their genial disposition and kindly
-ourtesies.
EORGEl V. FRAKER. In the subject of
jIl   t this notice we have one of the most pros-.J1   perouis and successful men of Hanover
Township; and the fact that he commenced life in
this county with a capital of two cents speaks well
for his subsequent career of perseverance, industry
and good management. The term "self-made" may
be most properly applied to Mr. Fraker, as his battie with life was of the dimensions not ordinarily
suffered, even by men around him, who likewise
had little capital upon which to lay the foundations of a competence. Some of them were at least
provided with a practical education, but Mr. Fraker had not even this to assist him and ie took
writing lessons when thirty years of age. He is
now well-to-do and has little reason for anxiety as
he finds himself advancing toward the downhill of
life.
Mr. Fraker, the only child of his father. was
born l)ecember 29, 1836, and is the son of Van
Rensselaer and Anna (Reid) Fraker, who were na

i
I
I
i
I


I


I


tives of New York State, the father born in Saratoga County   and the mother in Washington
County. The elder Fraker learned the tailor's
trade during his younger years but died in his
prime the year following the?irth of his son. The
mother was then married to Erastus Pratt, who
died in 1849. Mrs. Fraker lived to be seventy-one
years old and died April 8, 1885.
The maternal grandfather of our subject was
John Reid, who was of Scotch birth and a seafaring
man. Ile became wealthy and finally started for
America. The ship upon which he sailed was
wrecked and Grandfather Reid suffered the loss of
his family and all his worldly possessions. He and
tle cabin boy were the only ones saved of the pas.
sengers and crew. By clinging to a spar they succeeded in saving themselves and floated to the
Island of Cuba, whence they sailed later to the
United States. Grandfather Reid settled in Washington County, N. Y., was married again, reared a
family of seven children and died about sixty years
ago.
The subject of this notice lived with his mother
until coming to this State. In the meantime lie
was put to work at an early age and learned the
potter's trade, at which he worked in North Greenfield, N. Y., and at Gasport. He learned to read
(luring llis boyhood and being fond of books
picked up a fund of useful information while at the
same time lie kept his eyes open to what was going
on around him in the world. He first stepped upon
the soil of Michigan in May, 1855, coming alone
when a youth of nineteen years, landed at Detroit
and thence proceeded to Ypsilanti. Later he went
to Mooreville and for one year was employed in a
crockery shop. We next find him in Hanover
Township and he worked in a pottery one year,
after which lie was employed on a farm by his
father-in-law. I-e still has in his possession the two
pennies with which he landed in Michigan.
A few days before he was twenty-one years old
Mr. Fraker was married December 18, 1856, to Miss
Charlotte M. Hoeg. This lady was the daughter
of Velorious and Amanda (Bigelow) Hoeg, the
former of whom was the son of Judge Hoeg, one
the pioneers of Tecumseh, this State, and a prominent man in his day. Of this union there were












-8,W.1:".  A
ip7






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.                                               275...~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~...., -.,-.......  _...........................................=..................... 


born two children, the eldest of whom a son, William Ii., was born October 26, 1857, and married
Miss Marian Clark, became tile father of two children and died July 14, 1887. The dauouhter, Lizzie L., was born March 18, 1859, is the wife of
Mortimer Snow and the mother of one child. Mrs.
Charlotte M. Fraker departed this life at the homestead of the father in lanover Township, May 28,
1863.
The present wife of our subject to whom he was
married October 23, 1864, was formerly Mrs. Elizabeth (Raymond) Jones, daughter of Abijah and
Adeline (Bennett) Raymond, and widow of Hiram
Jones, who died in 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Raymond
were natives of New York State and came to Michigan about fifty-three years,go, settling at Sandstone, tlis county. Mr. Raymond (lied in 1857,
but his wife lived until 1882, spending her last
days with lier cdaughter, Mrs. Coans. Thle parental
household numbered eleven children, eight of
whom are living.
Mrs. Fraker was one of the first white children
born in Sandstone, her birtl occurring October 6,
1840. Her clildhoold a:nd youth passed in a coinparatively uneventful manner under the parental
roof aiin in attendance at the district school. Of
her union with our subject there have been born
two children-Jennie Ann, November 8, 1865, and
Nellie May, August 17, 1874. Mr. Fraker takes an
active interest in politics and is a stanch supporter
of the Republican party, with which he first began
voting, then tried the l)emocracy for a time but
finally went back to his old love. He has served
as Highway Commissioner four years and also as
Road Overseer. For six years he was a Director in
School District No. 7, and for seven years was
Treasurer in tlhe same. Both lie an(d his estimable
wife are strong temperance advocates, neglecting
no opp)ortunity to indicate their opposition to the
manufacture and sale of spirituous liquors.
Mr. Fraker's farm embraces one hundred acres
of thoroughly cultivated land upon which he has
erected convenient build(ings, including  a good residence put up in 1872. In addition to general (griculture he is considerably interested in stockraising, keeping good grades of cattle, horses and
swine. In 1887 Mr. Fraker visited his old home


in Vermont, remaining three weeks among    the
friends and acquaintances of his childloodl, and returned feeling that the time and money were well
spent. Iis daughter,.Jennie Ann, fitted herself for
a teacher Iand during the eight terms which she
taught in this county met with excellent success.
An uncle of our subject, Dr. John R. Fraker, now
of Chattanooga, Tenn., is a well educated man and
a graduate of Castleton Seminary, Vt.
ILAS W. STOWELL. This sturdy veteran
— one of tlhe earliest pioneers of Jackson
County, and one of its most highly respected citizens-is now al)proacling the
eighty-eightlh year of his age, but is still hale and
hearty and to be seen daily on the streets of Jackson, where he has resided since 1836. As one of
tlle old landmarks of Jackson County, and also on
account of his unquestioned personal character, he
is regarded by both old an(i young with that veneration and respect only accorded those who have
lived worthily, and whose natmes are justly held in
kindly remembrance.
Of New England antecedents Mr. Stowell was
born in the town of Littleton, Middlesex County,
Mass., July 2, 1802. Ilis father, Jesse Stowell,
was a native of the city of Boston, and spent the
years of his boyhood and youth in his native State.
When removing from Boston he took up his residence at Littleton, and thence removed to Ogdensburg, N. Y.    Later le was a resident of
Madrid, that State, and there lie spent his last days.
tIe had married, in early manhood, Miss Phebe
Winclhester, who was likewise a native of Middlesex Cov:nty, Mass., and who died in WVaddington,
N. Y.,:fter the decease of her husband. Of the
eleven children born to this worthy couple, SilasW., our subject, is the sole survivor, as indeed lie
is the only living representative, of his family.
Mr. Stowell was a mere child when his parents
removed from Massachusetts to New York State,
and he still remembers many of the scenes of pioneer life in St. Lawrence County. lHe received
only limited educational advantages, and at an early
- -—, --------- ------------ --- ~ --— In






276                     PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICA
age was required to make himself useful about the  he to rela
farm, and also employed himself in teaming. He  which he
remained a member of the parental household until  worthy o
reaching man's estate, and then began boating on   The fil
the St. Lawrence River, running from Prescott to  the 6th c
Montreal. A few years later, leaving the Empire  Adeline
State, he migrated to Cuyahoga County, Ohio, set-  1808, in
tling twelve miles south of Cleveland, where he oc-  at her h
cupied himself as a carpenter. This was before   her marri
the time of canals or railroads, and when what is  children:
now the "Forest City" was little more than a vil-  living; t
lage. Mr. Stowell purchased a tract of timber   in Kalan
land, twelve miles south of Cleveland, and put-  deceased.
ting up a log house and barn, cleared some of the  riage, Au
land and lived there two years.                 ther. M
Not satisfied, however, with his condition and  5, 1818,
prospects Mr. Stowell finally decided to push on  companic
further westward, and we next find him in what  six years
was then Michigan Territory. Hie purchased a    son, Nos
tract of timber land in Wayne County, during the  union we
period of its earliest settlement, and erecting a  sceased;
large hewed log house, commenced to clear the      Mr. St
land. * Two years later, however, he sold out once  Gen. Jac
more, this change having been accelerated by the  crat. Fi
death of his wife, which for the time at least, broke  course o
up his home. His next removal was to Detroit, then  competer
a small village. He there engaged in the grocery  body, kee
and provision trade until 1836. The present flour-  the day,
ishing city of Jackson was then but a hamlet, but  always b
the outlook for its growth and advancement was  ner. Hi;
favorable, and hither Mr. Stowell decided to re-  with this
pair. No railroad had yet been built to this point,  by young
and Detroit was the nearest depot for supplies.
The surrounding country was a wilderness, through
which roamed deer, bears, wolves, wild turkeys and
other game.
One of the first mercantile enterprises of Jack-  L.   E
son was established by Mr. Stowell, who occupied  Pj
himiself in this line of business many years. In the  ^  a<
meantime he identified himself with the interests of () st
the growing town, and has lived to see it develop  the sprin
from a hamlet to a city of twenty-five thousand  time was
souls. The country around has also been trans-  tion. By
formed from a wilderness to pleasant homes and  unflaggin
valuable farms. Mr. Stowell, in common with his  attractive
neighbors during the early times, endured all the  owner.
privations and hardships of pioneer life, and were  Tousey's


I


iL ALBUM.
ite a story of the many scenes through
* has passed, it would make a volume well
f perusal.
rst marriage of Mr. Stowell occurred on
)f February, 1828, the bride being Miss
Tuttle. This lady was born October 28,
Waddington, N. Y., and departed this life
ome in Wayne, on March 11, 1836. Of
iage with our subject there were born fouir
George -I. and Mary J., who are now
he son in Oakland, Cal., and the daughter
nazoo, Mich.; and Sarah E. and Harriet
Mr. Stowell contracted a second marIgust 26, 1837, with Miss Margaret Lawrs. Margaret Stowell was born, September
in New York) and after remaining the
>n of her husband for a period of fortyi, departed this life at their home in Jackvember 27, 1883. The children of this
ere named respectively: Charles W., deEllen F., Alexander H. and Cora M.
owell cast his first Presidential vote for
kson, and has since been a staunch Demonancially, he is well-to-do, having by a
f industry and economy, accumulated a
ice. He is well preserved in mind and
eps himself posted upon the events of the
and is one with whom an hour may
ie spent in a pleasant and profitable mans portrait may be found in connection
sketch, and will be viewed with pleasure
g and old.
sRY N. TOUSEY is the owner and occuant of a snug farm comprising ninety-five
eres of valuable land on section 26, Sandtone Township. It was purchased by him in
g of 1870 from George Bright, and at the
in a dilapidated and uncultivated condiy dint of energy, good management and
ig zeal it has been brought to a state of
eness and fertility that does credit to the
The family dwelling is the work of Mr.
own hands, and his skill as a mechanic is




PORTRAIT AND IO310G RA PHICAL ALBUM.




277


demonstrated in its construction. Unlike many
men, the owner of this pleasant spot gives much
of the credit for his success to his estimable wife,
to whose counsel and assistance he owes a great
deal, not only of comfort but of prosperity.
Monroe County, N. Y., claims the honor of being the birthplace of Mr. Tousey, and his natal day
was June 16, 1821. He is the eldest son in a
family of six children born to Philo and Grace
(Nichols) Tousey, natives of Connecticut, and is
the only member of the family now living. He was
reared to manhood in his native State, receiving
the privileges afforded by the common schools and
laying a good foundation for the knowledge of
later years. At the age of seventeen he began to
learn the trade of a cabinet-maker, at which he
labored three years, after which he spent some
time as a farm hand. In 1844 he began to learn
the trade of a carpenter and joiner, and followed it
in the Empnire State until 1865.
In that year Mr. Tousey came to Jackson County,
Mich.. and here he spent about five years on a
place that has become notorious throughout the
entire country as the scene of one of the most terrible tragedies of recent years. This is the Crouch
farm where four persons were murdered in cold
bloold few years ago. That estate was worked by
Mr. Tousey on shares, and after leaving it lie located on his own farm where he has since lived,
enjoying the pleasure of seeing the land about him
grow into a "thing of beauty" and of value and
better fitted to be the home of culture and refinement.
On the 29th of October, 1846, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between our subject and Miss
Lucyv Barber, who was born in Otsego County,
N. Y., New Year's Day, 1819. She is a daughter
of Josepli 13. and Eunice (Phillips) Barber, the
former a native of Connecticut and the latter of
New York. Mr. Barber was the son of a soldier of
the Wari of 1812, who moved to the Empire State
during the boyhood days of young Joseph. The
latter became the father of nine children, of whom
three are yet living. They are: Mrs. Roxanna Jones
of Winnebago County, Ill.; Julia, the widow of
Jared Chamberlain, of Illinois; and she of whom
we speak. Mr. and Mrs. Tousey have an adopted


daughter, Marietta J., who in all but the ties of
blood fills the place of the child denied them by
nature.
In earlier years Mr. Tousey was a Whig but is
now a Republican. He is not an office seeker but
is ever interested in the wise measures adopted for
the good of the community and ready to assist in
their progress. In this lie is ably seconded by his
companion, and they are active in society while
enjoying the cessation of the anxious cares that heset them long years ago. By their fellow citizens
they are respected as their characters deserve.
s --- — r ---
J   OHN A. HATCH. The career of this gentleman has been marked with an unusual
degree of energy, industry and good judg/ ment, and the fine estate in Hanover Township which he owns and occupies is a standing
monument to these qualities. lie is one of a large
family who have settled in close vicinage, and all
have earned the respect of their fellow-citizens by
their thrifty, useful, and upright lives. Their
parents were numbered among the early settlers
of the county and won a high place among the
pionee rs.
Barnabas C. Hatch, a native of the Empire State.
and a farmer, took for his wife Miss Mary Wirtser
of the same State and made his home in Steuben
County until 1835. IHe then removed to Michigan
and selecting a location in this county, bought forty
acres of Government land, his brother, Mathew W.
Hatch, securing a like amount. The latter afterward sold his farm to the former, himself returning
to thecir native State. Indians, bears and wolves
roame(l at large throughout the region, and the
nearest neighbor lived two miles away. Building
a small log shanty, Mr. Hatch began the improvement of his land, which was heavy oak openings,
and remained upon it nearly thirteen years. It was
in what i's now Spring Arbor Township, although
that division was not organized until long after he
began his work there.
Having traded the farm which he had improved
for a tract of two hundred and forty-seven acres








278


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


held by old Mr. [sham, but which was mortgaged
to Gen. Lewis Cass, Mr. Hatch changed his residence to his new purchase, where he remained until
1866. That year he built a residence on section
36, Spring Arbor Township. He was one of the
tlree julges of Jackson County at the time of its
organization.  He was Supervisor of Hanover
Townslhip for several years and also Justice of the
Peace many years; and he likewise served as a
Representative in the State Legislature several
terms.
The mother of our subject possessed an excellent
ediucation and after her marriage taught her husband the rudiments of knowledge which had been
denied him in his youth. She had been a school
teacher, but no pupil ever reflected more credit
upon her instruction than did the man whom she
mnrried. Mrs. Mary (Wirtser) Hatch died in May,
1849, leaving seven sons and three daughters, eight
of whom yet survive.  Her husband subsequently
married Mrs. Lucinda Lent, a childless widow, who
is yet living and has reached the age of eighty
years. Mr. Hatch passed from earth February 22,
1874.
The gentleman witl whose name we initiate this
sketch was born in Sprin' Arbor Township, this
county, January 11, 1839, and has always lived
wittin sight of his birthplace. He is the fifth in
order of birth in the parental family, and has fol.
lowed the plow from the age of nine years. During
his boyhood and youth the winters were devoted
to attendance at the district schools, and the knowledge there obtained was added to by one term in
the High School at Jackson. He began life for
himself at the age of twenty years, his first work
being husking corn for Henry M. Eddy. He received every eighth bushel, and realized twenty-five
cents a bushel upon it at sale. He bought a third
interest in a threshing machine and subsequently
lie and his partners, George M. Hatch and H. M.
Edtdy, bought another machine, continuing in the
business of " following the machine" nine years.
On January 8, 1863, Mr. Hatch became possessor
of eighty acres of land on section 2, Hanover
Township, which is his present place of abode.
There was a log hl )use on the estate and seventeen
stumps in the door yard. The present owner has


by his own efforts cleared all but twelve acres and
improved all but the tract which is left for timber
land. About two acres are devoted to a fine orchard and a variety of small fruits are also cultivated.
Stock-raising and general farming are the purposes
to which the farm is devoted, the horses being
Ilanbletonian. One of the equines is a half thoroughbred. An old Messenger horse, now twenty
years of age, has been in the family since a colt.
The residence that is now occupied by the family
was erected in 1873 at a cost of $1,650.
An important step in the life of Mr. Hatch was
taken March 12, 1865, when he became the husband
of Miss Angeline MI. Thorn, whose many virtues of
mind and heart and whose womanly accomplishments had won his deep regard. She was born
August 26, 1838, and is a daughter of James L.
and Tamson (Bowerman) Thorn. (See sketch on
another page.)  The otherwise happy union of Mr.
and Mrs. Hatch has been childless. They attend
thl Universalist Church. Mr. Hatch belongs to
tlhe Masonic fraternity, affiliating with a lodge at
Horton in which he has been Treasurer. He is a
believer in free trade and votes the Democratic
ticket. He has served as Commissioner of lighways two years, lias been Constable four years, and
manifests an intelligent and energetic interest in
the welfare of the community and in those improvements whicl will add to the prosperity of the
country. le and his estimable wife are highly
respected throughout the community where they
are so widely known.
c-I31 MOrTHY    B. HIALLADAY. The history
of the Halladay family in this country begins
prior to the Revolution, the member of the
fanily from whom our subject is a direct descendant having been James Halladay, one of the better
class of Englishmen, who emigrated to America in
early Colonial times. This progenitor is supposed
to h1ve settled in Connecticut, but while the eastern part of New York was yet unbroken lie made a
location at what is now Suffield, that State, and it
is supposed that he married there. From  New




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.                                                                                                              279............................_.........  ---.-...-..


York State he entered the Colonial Army, fighting
at Bunker Hill and the next day carrying home on
his clothing human gore that had been spilled in
that desperate struggle.  Ie (iedl full of years,
after the birth of quite a large family. le bequeathed to tile oldest James i-alladay living, the
musket he carried in the Revolutionary War and
the weapon is preserved by the deseendants to this
day.
One of the sons of tis gentleman was Mathew
Halladay, born in Sutlffld, N. Y., in 1771. There
lie grew  to manhood but became a very early
settler at Manchester, Ontario County, where he
devoted his life to farming and (lied September 13,
1858, at the age of eighty-seven years. He was an
active Methodist in religion and a Whig in politics.
In his native State lie married Mliss Juditl Van
Wormer, a native of Montgomery County, her
parents being of Holland. Sle died in the prime
of life and the widower took for his second companion Mrs. Sarahl Robinson, who lived to be quite
old and died without offspring. Matthew and Judith
IHalladay had four sons a1nd two daughters, all of
whom are now deceased. The first born was James
Halladay who became the father of our subject.
James Halladay was born in Manchester Town.
ship, Ontario County, N. Y., and grew to maturity
there, as soon as lie was old enough adopting the
occupation of a farmer. He mlarried Miss Pernme.
lia Bigelow, wlo was born in Ilerkimer Township
and county, November 17, 1804, and was thle
dalughter of Timothy and Sallie (Streeter) Bigelow,
natives of the same county. The Bigelows were of
the old tIuguenot stock that were early settlers in
that locality and figured in the pioneer history.
After their marriage they moved on to a farm in
Ontario County, where Mr. Bigelow died at the
age of forty-one years, his death bein,( occasioned
by disease contracted in tile War of 1812, alrd
occurring September 10, 1814, before peace was
declared at Trent. Iis widow subsequently married Elisha Turner, and removing to Illinois, died
in Mec[enry County at the age of eighty years;
her later years were passed in the faith of the
Universalist Church
After the marriage of James lHalladay and Permelia Bigelow they settled on a tract of new land




in Manchester Township, Ontario County, but after
making some ilmprovements sold it and located on
the old Bigelow estate that was their home until
1863. They then left the Empire State and made
their home at Clinton, Micl., where 3Mr. IHalladay
died December 28, 1880, at the age of eighty-two
years and six months. lie was regarded as a fine
specimen of the progressive class and a good, kind,
and representative citizen. Mrs. IIalladay is yet
living in Clinton and is now quite feeble from age,
bearing the weiglht of eighty-six years. In reli(ious sentiment she coincides with the Congregational Church.
The gentleman whose name introduces this notice
is one of seven chlildren, of whom four sons and
two dlau(gters are yet living. HIe was born in
Manchester Township, Ontario County, N. Y., October 4, 1834, was carefully reared, and received a
good education under the opportunitief afforded in
the district schools and the Academy of East
Bloomtield.  lIe became a teacher and was engage(1 in the duties of that profession for some
years during tle winter, his labors being in the locality in which he was born. In 1861, while yet a
single man, he came to Michigan and after being
here for a time lie purchased one hundred and
twenty acres of choice land on what is now Norvell
Plains in the eastern part of Norvell Township.
For a few winters Mr. HIalladay applied himself
to professional labors in the township and used the
$ 1,000 wlhich hie possessed when lie came here, to
the best advantage, by judicious management and
close application being able to improve his first
purchase and make it a very fine farm. He increased llis estate to two hundred acres, on which
lie has erected very substantial farm buildings and
a beautiful residence.
Not long after Mr. IIalladay came to this county
lie began to live, as lie termed it-that is, lie took
unto himself a life companion, the marriage being
celebrated at the bride's home in Norvell Township,
October 2, 1861, and the accomplished Miss Jennie
Blanchlard becoming his wife. She first stw the
light on her father's homestead, July 7, 1841, being
the next youngest in a family of three daughlters
and one son. She was very carefully rear:'d by the
best of parents, was educated in the Adrian College
-~~~~~~~~:~:: ':::f:0






280


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


-     -                      -I-, —   - - - -   - -.......  -11-1 - -   I-   ---  - -l-11_-  -  -",,,  ---  -   -,.  - -----  '-. —,`-  ~.._-~~`-~~-.~..-   -. —~


and became a teacher, following her profession for
some time before her marriage. She has borne two
children-Frank H., who died when four months
old, and Cora L., who is attending Hillsdale College
and is now in the senior class.
The brother of Mrs. Halladay entered Company
B, Twentieth Michigan Infantry, during the Civil
War, and while defending the honor of his country
was instantly killed by the bullet of a sharpshooter,
the sad event occurring June 21, 1864, while in
front of Petersburg. A sister is living in Norvell
Township, the wife of M. B. Hunt and an accomplished lady. The parents are John G. and Sarah
A. (Young) Blanchard. The former was born in
Oneida County, N. Y., June 27, 1811, being a son
of David and Susannah Blanchard. David Blanchard was a mechanic and died when about forty.five
years old. His wife afterward married Daniel Culver. and they spent the remainder of their lives in
Ohio, Mrs. Culver being quite old at the time of
her decease. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs.
John Blanchard came at once to Michigan, beginning their life here when hardships were common
and they had not even a comfortable home. Here
they spent their lives, Mr. Blanchard living to
make a good home from the farm he obtained from
Uncle Sam. He died April 27, 1869, being then
fifty-eight years old. He not only carried on a
farm but he also worked successfully at the trade of
a mason. His wife Sarah, died December 23, 1845,
wlhen in the prime of life. She was born in Lincolnshire, England, March 16, 1819, and was about
fifteen years old when her parents came to America
and settled in New York. Although she is the
younger of two sets of children, yet she is her
mother's daughter by her first husband. 'This is
occasioned by the fact that after the marriage of
her parents, the father became a soldier in the
English Army, and being separated from his wife
for twenty-two years, was lost sight of by her, and
supposed to be dead. She therefore married again,
had children, and had become a widow when her
first husband returned to her. They were remarried
and spent the remainder of their lives together,
dying in Genesee County, N. Y., when quite old.
Mr. Halladay has held most of the offices in tie
township, and as a man of intelligence and pro

-.......... ---   -- - - - -  - -..I... --  - - - -..I- - -.   -. 1 - - 1  -.... -.-.


gressive ideas, interested in the march of civilization, has exerted himnself to fulfill his duties in
such a way as to advance the interests of the community.  He is President of the Farmers' Club of
the township, which he organized eight years ago,
and in which he has always held the chief office.
In politics he is a Republican.  He and his estimable wife have many friends throughout the community where their characters are so well known.
J WASHINGTON DELAMATER. No pioneer settler of Jackson County is better
known, or more highly esteemed, than lihe
of whom this biographical notice is written. Coming here when only seventeen years of age, lie witnessed the development of the country from   a
primitive condition of wildness to a fertile and
rich land. The farm which he purchlised he improved and changed to its present fine condition,
first erecting a log shanty and later, when able to
do so, removing it to give place to a more modern
structure, which, standing on the higliest eminence
in the county, presents a very attractive appearan< e to the passer-by.
Mr. l)eLamater not only takes great interest in
local affairs, but is an untiring reader, and now
takes seventeen papers. He is thus enabled to
keep abreast of the times, and consequently is a
man with whom an hour may be pleasantly and instructively passed. He has always voted the Democratic ticket, being a leader in that party. For a
few years he has been a member of the School
Board, and works unceasingly for the promotion of
educational facilities.
Considering briefly the lineage of our subject,
we find that he is the son of Isaac and Diadema
(Barnes) DeLamater, the former a native of Schoharie County, N. Y., where he was a farmer, and
the latter born in Onondaga County, the same
State. They were married in the Empire State,
removing from there in 1833 to Michigan, where
they were among the first settlers of Washtenaw
County. They pre-empted a claim of one hundred
and twenty acres of heavily timbered land, on




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.                                                                             281
1 - -..-.1  I...........................................-...............-.........-.......-,.....-....1 --..~. -_.:-  "


I


which lie built a log house and began clearing the
land. Some Indians yet remained in the neighborhood, and wolves and deer abounded. Some of
the birds then numerous are now extinct, such as
turkeys, owls, etc. After remaining two years on
that farm, which had been purchased from the Government, the family removed to Colummbia Township, this county, where the falther made his
permanent home. The land there consisted of
one hundred and twenty acres of oak openings,
but he commenced its improvement without delay, and put tp good buildings, and otherwise improved it before his death, which occurred in 1879.
lis wife passed to rest in 1885. They were the
parents of nine children, seven of whom are now
living.
Our subject, who was the second child in the
family, was born April 7, 1817, in Onondaga
County, N. Y. Ile received a common-school education in his native place, and in the early years
of his manhood accompanied his parents to Michigan. At the age of eighteen years he began for
himself, working on his father's farm  and for others, until he was about twenty-eight years of age.
Previous to this he worked at blacksmithino for a
few years. A very important event in his life occurred January 19, 1845, when he was united in
marriage with Miss Esther C., daughter of William
and Freelove (Palmer) Randall, early settlers of
Jackson County. Two children were born to them,
one (lying in infancy, and the other, Belona, becoming the wife of Joseph S. Choat. They are
residents of this township, and have four children.
Mrs. DeLamater died February 2, 1849, at the age
of less than twenty-three years, having been born
April 5, 1826.
Mr. DeLamater contracted a second marriage November 11,1849,with Miss Lucy S.Loomis, a daughter of Enus and Abigail (Stebbins) Loomis, natives
of Washington County, N. Y. Mr. Loomis caine
to Ohio in 1833. remaining there two years. Then
he brought his family to Michigan and with them
settled in Columbia Township, being one of the
early settlers there. His wife died in 1835, and
was the first woman buried in the Brooklyn Cemetery. Ie passed away in 1864. They had a family of Lour children, all girls, of whom  two


I


survive. Mrs. DeLamater was born April 24, 1817,
in Washington County, N. Y., and has borne her
husband two children-John J. and William    R.
John was born September 12, 1850, ani d(ied in
early manhood, July 1, 1874; William was born
February 6, 1852, and is a practicing physician in
Park County, Col. He received a splendid education, and having decided upon the medical profession as his field of labor in life, he entered tlle
Detroit Medical College, graduating from that institution in 1879. He commenced to work in Colorado, where he has a large practice, and is especially
successful in surgery, being the surgeoh for the
Union Pacific Coal Company, and for the Union
Pacific Railroad Company in Colorado. The parents are justly proud of their son, who thus early
in life, has been so eminently prospered and successful in his chosen profession. Mrs. DeIamater
is a member of the Univeralist Church, and is esteemed for her many virtues and kindness of heart.
Upon his settlement upon his present farm, Mr.
I)eLamater found it utterly unimproved, with the
exception of a log cabin. The farm comprised
eighty acres. In 1857, ten years after he moved
on the estate, he built his present residence at a
cost of $1,000. The barn had been built earlier,
and to it le has since added, remodeling it and
making it suitable for the storage of the grains
raised on the surrounding land.
For five weeks Mr. DLamnater was warned every
Mlonday to drill, preparing to go to the front in
the 'Toledo War."
E    DGAR SCRANTON. It would be hard to
find a man with whom an hour (:an be more
pleasantly spent than with the gentleman
above named, whose fine property is located on section 33, Concord Township. Although not the
legal owner of the farm upon which he lives, as the
title is held by his mother during her life, Mr.
Scranton has improved it thoroughly, and placed it
in a high state of cultivation, and conducts it in a
very successful manner. It comprises two hundred
and fifty-six acres bordering on the south on






282


PORTIRAIT, AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


Swain's Lake, and is devoted to general farming
and stock-raising. a specialty being made of fine
horses. No finer stable can be found in this vicinity, and perhaps not another so fine, as that of our
subject, and certainly no greater!over of the noble
steed can be met with; if there is one subject more
than another iupon which he proves his conversational powers to be far above the average, it is
when the topic is tile horse.
The paternal grandfather of our sulject was a
farmer in Genesee County, N. Y., and became an
early settler in Jackson County, Mich. His son
Don Carlos, the father of him of whom we write,
was born in Wyoming County, in the Empire State.
He received an excellent education, and engaged in
school-teaching when quite young. He afterward
went to Albion, Calhoun County, this State, anti
became a clerk in a mercantile house, a few years
later embarking as a dealer in general merchandise,
also holding the position of Postmaster. Ile then
went to Chicago, Ill., to settle tile estate and accounts of his wife's father, who liad been a large
contractor there, and took his family with him, remaining there for a number of yelars. Soon after
his arrival he began buying grain, and altlough he
started with but a small cap)ital. lie became very prosperous. For years the firm of Maitland & Scranton
was the largest in the West,handling more wheat than
any firm in the country of that day. Ile was one of
the originators of the Chicago Board of Trade. lie
made several fortunes, but being lavish with his
money, did not endeavor to hoard vast sums. The
great fire in the Queen City of the Lakes caused a
loss of $200,000 on wleat that was uninsured, and
he had previously lost heavily in the Lyon corner
and panic of 1857. I-e owned.a fine residence on
tlIe Lake Front, kept a stylish turnout, and a stable
of fine horses. At various times he held different
offices on the Board of Trade, of which lie was one
of the most prominent members. In business matters he manifested great shrewdness, and possessed
considerable intelligence on all topics of general interest, with a refined and courteous nature. In
1880 his health became so poor, that he left the
city and retired to his farm in this county, where
lie spent the remainder of his life. Wheln heart disease caused his death in 1882, it was conceded that


one of the best men of the community had been
stricken down. In politics he was a stanch R(publican, and in religion an Episcopalian.
The wife of Don Carlos Scranton, and mother of
our subject, was in her girlhood Miss Elizabeth
Plues. She is a daughter of Thomas Plues, who
was born in England. and upon emigrating to
America, located in Orleans County, N. Y., where
the daughter was born. -Ie was a natural mechanic
of pronounced skill, and engaged in canal and railroad contracting.  He was one of the first contractors on the Erie Canal, later building on various
railroads, and doing a large business in Chicago.
He died at the home of his son-in-law at Albion,
leaving his business in his hands for settlement.
Mrs. Elizabeth Scranton now lives in the last named
city, where she owns a fine property. She spends
considerable time traveling in different parts of
the United States, having the means to gratify her
tastes, and take the enjoyment she desires. She belongs to the Episcopal Church. Two children were
born to her: Fannie, tlle wife of Mr. Zables, who
died in Chicago, and the gentleman of whom we
write.
Edgar Scranton was born in Albion, Calhoun
County, this State, Jluly 18, 1848, and when four
years old accomp)anied his plarents to Chicago,
where lie was reared, witnessing the growth of that
city from almost a swamp. Ile attended the Ward,ndc Iligh Scliools during his boyhood, and at the
age of sixteen years, entered the Military Academy
at Yonkers, N. Y., on the banks of the Hudson
River. lle took a four-years' course, and was graduate(d in 1868, with tie honors of his class, and the
rank of captain of the school. Returning to Chicago he began clerking for his father, and at the
age of twenty-two years beginning to speculate in
grain. He became a nmember of the Board of
Trade, continuing on the Board until 1880, when
hle came to this county, and located on his father's
farm in Concord Township, where he yet lives.
In the town of Concord, Novenber 3, 1888, Mr.
Scranton was united in marriage with Mrs. Ann,.
M. Schoen, nee Bell. She was born and reared in
that place, where, in 1877, she became the wife of
J. G. Schoen, a native of Breslau, Germany. Upon
coming to the United States, lie had located in East




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


283


- ---------- --


Saginaw, this State, becoming a telegraph operator.
After his marriage he was in the employ of the
Michigan Central Railroad at Concord, for a time.
going thence to Mackinac in March, 1882, breathing his last in that place the following Selteml)er.
Mrs. Schoen had learned telegrapihy under her ehusband and brother, and having returned to Concord
after her husband's deatli, in 1883, sihe became day
operator there, retaining the position five years.
She is an expert in that business, is intelligent and
well-bredl, and with a character of true worth. HIer
first mai riage resulted in the birth of one son, Fred
C., and to her present husband sile has also borne
one chlild, Don Carlos.
The father of Mrs. Scranton is Thomas Bell, one
of the oldest settlers in Concord, in the vicinity of
which he erected most of the houses now standing.
Hle was born in Pennsylvania, his father being an
Englishman, and his mother, Rachael Buckl a native of Germany; they came West and (lied at Concord. When le first came to this section, Thomas
Bell bought Government land at $1.25 per acre,
and improved a farm which was his parent's home
until death. EIe was a contrlactor and builder until
1888, when lie entered tile employ of the Michigan
Central Railroad, and now has charge of an Electric Target office.  IIe also carried on a wagon
and cabinet -Iaki:ng shop, and was interested in a
blacksmith shop in Concord, where lie still retains
his residence. In politics he is a D)emocrat.
The mother of Mrs. Scranton, and wife of Thomas
Bell, was born in Hillsdale County, and bore the
mai(len name of Harriet Van Scooter. Her father,
Thomas Van Scooter, who was born n iornellesville, N. Y., was an early settler at Litclfield, this
State, but later came to Concord, where he died;
his wife died October 5, 1878. To iMr. and Mrs.
Bell four children were born, Mrs. Scranton being
tlhe second. The others are: Mrs. Flora Staley,
whose home is in Concord; Theron, in the employ
of the Michigan Central Railroad Company; and
Morrion, who also lives in Concord.
Mr. Scranton is a firm believer in the principles
of the Republican party, to which he therefore
gives his vote. I-e is of a very social nature, and
his fine education and conversational powers make
him an entertaining companion, the general verdict


passed upon him being that of a "jolly good fellow." He is fortunate in having for his companion
in life a woman who is his equal in ability, and
whose loveable disposition not only makes home
the happiest spot on earth, but helps to bring
around them a tine circle of friends and acquaintances.
X:E. BENNINK, of the firm of Bennink &
Co., proprietors of the Central City Bakery,
I    is a fair representative of the industrial interests of Jackson, as he possesses in a
good degree those qualities that mark him as an
intelligent, thrifty, enterprising man of business,
and a conscientious, trustworthy citizen. In the
village of Eibergen, Province of Gilderland, in
Holland, he was born May 15, 1840. His father,
II. H. Beninink, was a native of the same place, and
his grandfather,.John Bennink, was also a nativeborn citizen of Holland, and for many years held
an official position under the government of that
country.
The father of our subject learned the trade of a
baker, and for many years carried on the business
in his native village, being a resident of Eibergen
until 1870, when lie emigrated to America, and
purchasing property in Kalamazoo, built a home
there. and lived retired until his death. HIe was
twice married, the maiden name of his second wife,
mother of our subject, being Johanna Gertrude
Ulenbelt, and she was born in the same village as
himself. There were eight children by the first
marriage, and three by the second. The latter
were the subject of this sketch, Henry and Jane.
Of the children of the first marriage-Derk, Henry,
Henrietta, John, Minnie and Herman-Herman remained ini his native land, while all the others came
to the United States.
Our subject received an excellent education,
attending school quite steadily until he was twenty
years of age, and receiving a diploma, which
showed that he was amply qualified for the profession of teaching.  He had no taste for that calling,
however, and turned his attention to clerking the
following five years, and he also devoted some of








284


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


his time to farming. When twenty-five years of
age he commenced to learn the trade of a baker,
continuing at that in his native Holland until 1870,
when he decided to try life in this country. After
his arrival he made his way to Kalamazoo, and a
year later accepted a position as baker in the
asylum  for the insane in that city. Being very
proficient at his trade, and trustworthy and industrious, he retained his position there nine years,
giving perfect satisfaction. At the end of that
time he resigned, and buying five acres of land in
Kalamazoo, engaged in the cultivation of celery
very successfully for some years. In 1888 lhe
gave up that b:ranch of industry, and coming to
Jackson, formed a partnership with Jacob Peterman, and established a bakery on East Main
Street, where they have conducted a good payinog
business ever since, furnishing their customers with
the best of bread, cake, and everything found at a
fi;st-class bakery at reasonable prices.
Mr. Bennink's parents were worthy members of 
the Dutch Reformed Church, and reared their chil-.
dren in the same faith, and our subject has always
been true to the religious tenets instilled into his
mind in his childhood, and in his conduct and
dealings with others is irreproachable.
J / OIN WEBB. As the town of Jackson developed from a hamlet into the goodly proportions of a city, there also developed the
various industries which in time find place
among an enterprising and progressive class of people. Mr. Webb at an early date established himself within its limits as a baker and confectioner,
being one of the pioneers in this business. He
commenced in a modest manner as did most of the
now prosperous business men of Jackson, and by a
course of prudence and strict attention to business,
acquired a competency and is now living retired, in
the enjoyment of the fruits of his early industry.
He was born on the other side of the Atlantic in
the borough of Downton, in Wiltshire, May 27,
1821, and there spent his boyhood, acquiring a
colmmon school education, and being reared to


habits of industry and the principles which make
of men good citizens and reliable members of society.
William and Martha (Forder) Webb, the parents
of our subject, were likewise of English birth and
ancestry, and upon crossing the Atlantic on the
sailing vessel -King William," (on its first trip)
from the Isle of Wight to America, landed in Quebee, Canada. The father died in 1837, in Brantford.
'lThe mother had passed away the year previous.
Thie parental family consisted of four children,
three of whomr were living at the time of the parents' death.
Being thus orphaned at an early age John Webb,
thrown upon his own resources, went to work in a
bakery in Brantford, where he learned the trade
and continued until the spring of 1844. Then
coming over into the States he followed his trade
in different cities and finally locating in Detroit,
entered the employ of Henry Newman, with whom
he remained about eighteen months. Afterward
lie worked for John Copeland until July, 1846,
and we next finfl him in this county. He still followed his trade in connection with waiting upon
customers in the store, and at the expiration of two
and one-half years associated himself in partnership with Joseph 3Butler, a partnership which existed harmoniously for sixteen years. Mr. Webb
then purchased the entire business which he conducted successfully, while Mr. Butler retired to the
farm  which they owned jointly. Mr. Webb removed his business to tlie Empire Block, which
likewise was owned by himself and partner, but of
which he is now sole proprietor. Hie carried on
the bakery and confectionery business until 1872,
then selling out and renting his building, withdrew
from the active cares of life.
On the 28th of April, 1843, in Sandwich, Canada, Mr. Webb was united in marriage with Miss
Jane McLeod. This lady was born in the city of
Cork, Ireland, and was the daughter of an Irish
gentleman who married an English lady. Her
parents spent their last years in Canada. One
daughter only was born to Mr. and Mrs. WebbEmily, now  the wife of E. P. Burrell, a prominent manufacturer of agricultural implements at
Albion, Mich, Mr. Webb put up his present neat




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


285; --


and comfortable residence in 1870, which with its
pleasant surroundings forms one of the attractive
homes of Jackson. l-e lallded in this city with a
capital of ten shillings and from that modest beginning has accumulated his present capital, which
speaks well for his industry, perseverance, prudence
and good management.
Early in life Mr. Webb developed rare talent as
a natural mechanic and great ingenuity in handling
all kinds of tools. Since retiring from business lhe
has occul)ied himself largely in scroll work, making
his own (lesigns whicl are highly artistic and producing some beautiful ornamentation in the way
of brackets and otlher articles in that line. HIe is
a genuine artist, and evinces rare taste, and the
plroducts of his handiwork a:e much in demand,
although lie principally contines hlimself to the orimamentation of his own home. Socially he is a
most genia al ancormpanionable gentleman, and has
drawn aroun(l himn hosts of friends since becoming
a resident of this county. Ile cast his first Presi(lential vote for Taylor, and remains a loyal adherent of the Republicani party.
-— vY-?-     y y-TF'
^   - RTI'IR Tr. MORRIILL, a well-to-do citizen
'  of Jackson is living retired from  active
labor in a neat and pleasant home at No.
Y   419 Clinton Street. His residence is a neat
frame structure, built in 1887 in modern style and
handsomely furnished. Without perhaps making
any great stir in the world, Mr. Morrill has pursued
tlhe even tenor of his way as a peaceable and lawabiling citizen, givino his support to the enterprises calculate(d to benefit lis fellow-men.
The subject of this notice was born in Blackmlan
Townshil), this county, October 8, 1845, and is the
son of [Henry Morrill, a native of Strafford County,
N. I., and born January 2, 1822. The paternal
grandfather, Edward Morrill, it is believed, was a
native of the same State, where he was reared and
married. Thle latter, in 1831, leaving New England,
emigrated to Michigan Territory, starting out overland with teams to Buffalo ani thence going by tlle


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lake to Detroit and from thlat point journeying
with teams again to this county. He was a man with
large ideas and an abounding faitll in the future of
the Great West. Ile entered one thousand acres of
Government land, a part of it lying four miles from
the present site of Jackson, on section 10, of what
is now Blackman Township. The country around
was a wilderness, with here and there at long distances the cabin of a solitary settler. Bears, deer,
wolves and otler wild animals were plentiful. No
railroads were built in this region for many years
and the nearest mill was at Ann Arbor, forty miles
distant.
There came to this region about the same time
one Enoch Fifield. and lie and Grandfather Edmund
Morrill, put up a log house in which the latter lived a
rnumber of years. lie cleared away a large portion
of the timber, building up a comfortable homnestead
where lie spent the remainder of his life. His prudence and industry resulted in the accumuilation of
a competence ai (1 lie watclhed with marked interest
tlhe growing ulp of the country and its settlement
by an enterprising and prosperous people. His wife,
(G randmother Rachlel (Shaw) Morrill, was likewise
a native of the old Granite State. She passed away
some years after the decease of her husband at the
home of her sister, in Leslie, Ingham County.
IHenry Morrill, the father of our subject, was but
a lad when coming to Michigan with his parents
and completed his education in the pioneer schools.
When reaching man's estate he purchased a tract of
land of his father in Blackman Township. where he
engaged in farming many years. Grandfather Morrill and his son Henry built the first sawmill in this
county, wlich was a water-mill, but a few years
later they built a new steam mill at the Portage on
Portage River which they also con lucted a number
of years. Then selling out he removed to Jackson
and entered the employ of Austin Thompson of
Webster, buying lumber in different parts of the
country including Indiana and Michigan, until resting from his earthly labors, January 12, 1873. He
was married in early manhood to Miss Rachel Davis,
a native of Genesee County, N. Y., and the ldaughter of Henry Davis. Mrs. Rachel (Davis) Morrill,
departed this life at her home in Jackson, December
29, 1872, two weeks prior to the lecease of her bus,






286


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


band. They were the parents of five children, viz:
Lodema M., Arthur T., George Q., Warren and
Henry.
The subject of this notice is the only remaining
member of his father's family. lie was reared in his
native township and acquired a practical education
by an attendance at the city schools and remained
with his parents until they no longer needed his
filial services. He assisted in the farm work until
reaching his majority and then engaged as clerk in
a hardware store at Jackson, following this occupation for a period of fifteen years when he retired
from active business. lie was married October 17,
1871, to Miss Abbie A. Fifield, who was born in
Blackman Township, November 20, 1845, and is the
daughter of George W. and Lucina (Lincoln) Fifield, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this
volume. Of this union there have been born no children..   r.  orrill is a sound Democrat, politically,
and he belongs to Jackson Lodge, No. 17, A. F. &
A.M. IHenry Morrill was likewie a Democrat, politically, and served as Justice of the Peace a number of years in Blackman Township. Arthur T. at
one time represented the Fourth Ward in tie County
Board of Supervisors.
TtF  LISIIA P. DAVIS, proprietor of a sale, cxj-3   change and feed stable in Jackson, was. 'I  born in Ogden, Monroe County, N. Y.,May
5, 1823. His grandfather, a Revolutionary soldier
lived in Berkshire County, Mass., until after the
struggle for independence when he removed to
Monroe County, N. Y., accomplishing the journey
through the wilderness with teams and fording the
Genesee River at Rochester when there were but
three houses there. lIe purchased a tract of timber
land on the Ridge road, one mile from Parma Corners, built a log house and began to clear a farm,
remaining a resident there until his death.
Samuel C. Davis, son of the above named, was
born in Lee, Berkshire County, Mass., and was a
young lad when the removal to New York was
made, and in that State he grew to manhood. He
purchased a tract of timber land in the town of Og

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den and there built a log house in which the subject
of this sketch was born. There were neither railroads
nor canals there in those early days, and the people
were practically home livers. The mother of our
subject spun and wove, manufacturing all the cloth
used in tie family. S, C. Davis served in the war of
1812, and continued to reside in the Empire State
until 1839, when he came to Michigan and located
in Saline, Washtenaw County. After having remained in that place seven years he took up his
abode in Kalamazoo, where he spent the remainder
of his earthly life, his death taking place there in
1870, when he had reached tlie extreme age of
ninety-one years. His wife, in her girlhood Miss
Laura Finch, was born in Connecticut, and also
spent her last years in Kalamazoo.
Amid the primitive surroundings of the time and
region in which he was horn, the gentleman whose
name initiates this sketch passed the first sixteen
years of his life, after which he accompanied his
parents to Michigan, remaining with them in Washtenaw County, until 1 842. Ile then came to Jackson and began work with his brother in a blacksmith shop, assisting in cutting the bolts and making
the irons for the Michigan Central Railroad bridge
then in process of construction here.
In 1850, Mr. Davis became a victim to the gold
fever which was then raging and turned his footsteps toward the Eldorado of so many hopes. At
that time tie territory west of the Missouri River
was unorganized, there being no white settlers between the river and Salt Lake City, and the journey
across the plains was a tedious and hazardous one.
Securing an outfit at St. Joseph, Mo., the party of
which Mr. Davis made one, took their way across
the plains and over the mountains, arriving in the
Golden State, July 3, after a journey of seventyone days. Purchasing a stock of miners tools,
provisions etc., our subject took the supplies to Ne
vada City where he sold them and where he was
engaged in traffic about two years.
At the expiration of that period of time Mr.
Davis removed to Michigan and bought a farm
with its stock, machinery and implements, in Franklin Township, Lenawee County, but after having
operated the estate some three years he sold and
came to Jackson, Here lie bought from Charles




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


287


Pierce a half interest in a livery stable, a few
months later purchasing the other half interest and
carrying on the business until 1869, when he sold
the stock and rented the stable to Spencer & Sutton.
In 1885, Mr. Davis resumed business at the old
stand, opening for feed, sale and exchange and from
that date to the present time lie has continued the
establishment with a steadily increasing trade.
The lady, who since 1847, has been the cherished
companion of Mr. Davis and who ably presides over
the household economy, was in her girlhood Miss
Delilah Hatt. She was born in Hector, Tompkins
County, N. Y., to Isaac and Iannal (Palen) Hatt,
natives of the Empire State and pioneers of Jackson
County. Mich., to which they removed in 1835,
locating on government land in the town of Columbia. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Davis has been
blessed by the birth of three daughters. Florence
the first born died at the age of four years; Emma
E. is the wife of Charles IIessmer and lives at Grand
Forks, Dak.; Eva still remains with her parents.
Fraternally Mr. Davis is connected with Jackson
Lodge No. 50, F. & A. M. He is a reliable citizen,
lisplays good business abilities, is honorable in his
dealings with his fellow-men and holds an excellent
reputation amnong them.
Y^   GIBBS PALMER. For fifty years iMIr.
I    Palmer has been a continuous resident of
i  Jackson, and is well known to a large majority of its people. During this time he
has been active in life, and by a course of prudence
and industry has made for himself and family a
comfortable home. lie is a native of Edinburg,
Saratoga County, N. Y., and was born January 24,
1829. His father, Samuel H. Palmer, was born in
the vicinity of Troy, N. Y., where he learned the
trade of a wagon-maker.
When a young man the father of our subject
took up his abode in Edinburg, N. Y., where he sojourned( until 1835, working at his trade. That
year lie resolved to seek the West, and came to
Michigan while it was still a territory. The journey
was made overland with a team, via Canada, and


the party consisted of Mr. Palmer, his wife and
five children. They were considered rich in the
possession of a pair of horses, and the wagon was
loaded with the household goods. The father of
our subject landed in the young town of Detroit
with a capital of $2.50. The now flourishing city
of Straits was a growing village, and was the depot
for supplies for nearly the whole of Michigan.
There were no railroads, and Mr. Palmer engaged
in teaming from Detroit to the interior towns, being thus occ.upied two years.
In 1838 Samuel HI. Palmer removed to Washtenaw County, and rented a tavern in Scio Township. He lived there two years, then removed
two and one-half miles further West, renting anotler tavern. In 1841 we find him in Jackson,
where he became "mine host" of the Bascomb
-House, but lie only remained with it one year.
Next lie establislhe( a wagon-shop, which he conducted until the illness which resulted in his death,
in April, 1853. He was then aged fifty-two years.
The mother of our subject, who, in her girlhood
was Cynthia A. Culver, was born in Edinburg,
N. Y., and died at her home in Jackson, in July,
1883. Of the ten children born to her and her
husband six were reared to mature years, viz.:
Phebe A., 1). (Gibbs, Myrvin D., Milo L., Charles
II. and Frank A. One son, Selim, died at tlle age
of twelve years.
Mr. Palmer was a lad of six years when his parents came to Michigan, and he still remembers
many of the incidents connected with the pioneer
days. I-e attended tile early schools of Washtenaw
County, and pursued his studies later in the city
schools of Jackson. When a lad of fourteen years
he commenced working with his father in the
wagon shop, but attended school in the winter for
three years thereafter. He learned wagon-making
in all its details, and was employed at this until
1861. That year be was elected Justice of the
P'eace, and served until January, 1863. The Civil
War then being in progress he enlisted in the First
Michigan Sharp Shooters, and received the commission of a First Lieutenant, and was made Regi —
mental Quartermaster and served until the spring
of 1865. Then, on account of the ill-health of his
wife, he resigned his commissions, and returning to




288            PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


Jackson engaged in the grocery trade two years.
After this he occupied himself as a farmer il Blackman Township. In the fall of 1869 he took up his
abode in Jackson, of which he has since been a resident. In 1870 lie was appointed census taker of
Jackson City, andl the townships of Blackman, Summit and Spring Arbor.
In 1876 Mr. Palmer was appointed Chief of Police, and served two years. In 1879 he was elected
Justice of the Peace, in which office he has since
continued. He is a charter melmber of Edward
Pomeroy Post, No. 48, G. A. R., and belongs to
Jackson Lodge No. 4, 1. 0. 0. F. In the latter
order he has been Grand Patriarch of this State,
and Representative to the Sovereign Grand Lodge
of the United States.
Mr. Palmer was married, April 19, 1848, to Miss
Eliza J. Barber, who was born near Aurora, N. Y.,
and is the daughter of Zebulon M. and Lizzie
(Mosher) Barber. They are the parents of two
children-Ella A. and Ruth A. Mr. Palmer in religious matters is a member of the Baptist Church,
in whichi he has served as Trustee, and is the present Chairman of the Board. Ile was formerly
Superintendent of the Sunday-school.


was a Territory. Selecting the hamlet of Leoni as
his stopping place, he there established probably
one of its first blacksmith shops, but becoming dissatisfied, returned to the Empire State with his
family, and lived there three years. At the expiration of this time he experienced another attack of
the Western fever, and returning to this State, Iccated in Jackson, where lie conducted a blacksmith
shop for many years. Upon tle outbreak of the
Civil War, he responded to his country's call, enlisting in Company A, First Michigan Engineers,
in which lie served until the hardship and exposure which he suffered, undermined his health, and
he was obliged to accept his lhoi-orable discharge.
From the effects of this he died in September, 1864.
The wife and mother is still living, making her
home in this city. They were the parents of five
children, four of whom are living, viz: James R.,
Thomas J. our subject. Henry S., and Charles C.
The subject of this notice attended the district
school during his younger years, and remained under the parental roof until 1862, when he followed
the example of his honored father, and enlisted as a
Union soldier in Company K, Twenty-sixth Michigan Infantry, which le accompanied to Virginin,,
and which was assigned to the Second Corps, Army
of the Potomac, under command of Gen. Hancock.
)uring the two years of his service he took part
in many of the important battles of that camnpaign,
including the Wilderness and Spottsylvania, in tlle
latter of which he experienced a nairow escape, being shot in the foot, and was an inmate of the hospital for some time, receiving his honorable discharge in September, 1864.
Upon leaving the army, Mr. White returned to
Jackson and began dealing in coal and wood, which
business he has since prosecuted with fair success.
Iis present yard is located on Railroad Street, and
is easy of access both by rail and the common lthoroughfare. His home is pleasantly located on East
Avenue, and his friends and associates are numbered among the solid citizens of Jackson.
Mr. White was married January 29, 1866, to
Miss Matilda HIughson of Concord, this county.
Mrs. White was born in New York., and came to
Michigan with her parents. Of her union with our
subject there has been born one child only, a daugh

IIOMAS J. WHITE, dealer in wood, coal,
and commodities of a like description, holds
a prominent position among the business men
of Jackson, and is numibered among its most reliable
citizens. He is approaching the fifty-second year of
his age, having been born July 6, 1838, and is a
native of this county, his early home having been
at Leoni. His father, Thomas B. White, was a native
of Vermont, and the son of a gentleman of English
descent, who spent his last years in Micligan.
Thomas B. White, an honest, hard-working man,
was a blacksmith by trade, and early in life married Miss Martha, daughter of David Ryley, who
was of German ancestry. He left Vermont at an
early date, emigrating to New 'York State, and from
there came to this county, in 1832, while Michigan








PO]RTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHI~CAL AL~BUM.i~


289


P


ter, Mary Agnes. Mr. White is ratler conservative in politics, usually giving hlis support to the
Democratic party, and as a Union soldier he belongs to Pomeroy Post, G. A. R., at Jackson.


ENRY F. BEAN, Superintendent of Pub
lie Works in Jackson, was born in Salisbury,
/  N. H,, September 23, 1833. IIe is the
(.   eldest son of St. Clair and Rebecca W.
(West) Bean, who were also natives of New THampshire, and belonged to families whilch have been
residents in the New England States during two or
three generations, and are of Scotch descent. The
mother (lied in 1866, and the father is still living,
at the age of eighty-two years, his home being in
Spring Arbor, this county. The parental family
comprised four children, of whom two daughters
are deceased, and our subject and his brother, St.
Clair, Jr., survive.
The gentleman who is the subject of this sketch
came to this county with his parents in 1843, his
home being on a farm in Spring Arbor Township,
where his fatlher was engaged in tilling the soil.
IHe grew to manhood under the parental roof,
attending the district schools, and supplementing
the fundamental education therein obtained by a
continuation of his studies in the State University
of Ann Arbor, during a period of nearly two
years. lie also attended the old Spring Arbor
College two years, before its removal to Hillsdale.
On leaving school lie engaged in the profession of
teaching, pursuing that vocation during several
terms. He then entered the Government employ
as a member of a party under Capt. Knauer, a
West Point cadet, who had a two years' contract
for surveying Government lands, the work in
which our subject was engaged being the re-survey
of Northern Michigan.
On the expiration of the period noted, Mr. Bean
was engaged by the Michigan Central Railroad
Company to survey on their line both in this State
and in Canada. lie is a thoroughly competent
civil engineer, and has been interested in building
the Ohio & Wisconsin Railroad, as well as a con

tractor on the Air Line road from Jackson to Niles.
In the latter work he was engaged some six years,
being division engineer as well as contractor, and
one of three parties who laid the track and ballasted the road. He has been County Surveyor
here for tle past thirty years. securing the votes of
both political parties, such lhas been his reputation
for thoroughness and strict reliability in his profession. In the fall of 1889 he received the apl)ointment of Superintendent of Public Works in
this city.
In 1859 Mr. Bean was united in marriage with
Miss Nancy A., daughter of Moses and Lydia
Bean, who, although she bore the same surname,
was not related to him. Mrs. Bean is a native of
Michigan, and a lady of intelligence and refinement. Mr. Bean belongs to Jackson Lodge, No.
50, A. F. & A. M.. and also to tlie Chapter. The
work in which lie has been engaged for so many
years has given him an extensive acquaintance
throughout the county, his reputation is an excellent one, and his personal popularity such as
few men in the county can boast.
On his mother's side his grandfather and grandmother were named respectively: Moses and. Han.
nah (Webster) West, and both were natives of
New Hampshire, in which State they passed their
last days.
J /' OHN C. NORRIS, wholesale and retail dealer
in groceries on Jackson and Main Streets,,lJakson, is a native of the city in which he
has established a fine business by his zeal,
energy, and honorable business methods, aided by
genial and affable manners. He occupies a building, 24x100 feet, with a basement, both floors
packed with goods which are necessary to the large
business which he now does, and which has been
worked up by him from a small beginning made in
November, 1884. At that time he opened a grocery store in the Morrison Block, enlarging his
stock as his business increased, and in May, 1886,
removing to the stand he now occupies.
The parents of John C. Norris are Michael and
Julia ((alahan) Norris, natives of Ireland, and now


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290


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


residents of Edmore, Montcalm County, the father
being a merchant tailor. The natal day of our subject was June 28, 1856, and, as before stated, he is
a native of Jackson, in whose schools he received
his preparatory education, after which he went to
Milwaukee, Wis., and there entered St. Francis
Seminary. Upon leaving that institution, he returned to his early home and became book-keeper
for his uncle, John Norris, who was carrying on an
extensive coopering business, remaining with him
three years. He next entered the employ of I-lull
& Co., as a clerk, acceptably filling that position for
five years, and abandoning it to engage in business
for himself, with the result mentioned.
At the home of the bride in Jackson, May, 1880,
the marriage ceremony was performed that united
the lives of Mr. Norris and Miss Mary M. Porter.
The amiable and accomplished bride is a daughter
of Alvin and Ellen Porter, natives of New York
and Ireland, respectively. They first located in
New York, whence they removed to Michigan.
To Mr. and Mrs. Norris five children have been
born, three now living-Loretta A., Zita G.. and
John C., Jr.; a charming cluster of childish intelligence, whose development adds joy to the home.
Mr. Norris belongs to the Ancient Order of Ilibernians. He and his family are enrolled among the
members of the Catholic Church, and are devoted
to their faith. The neat and modern residence on
Washington Street that shelters the family of Mr.
Norris, is an agreeable addition to his real estate
and another monumert to his ability and prudence.
S    HILIP B. SHAW. There are few men more
I   widely or favorably known than Mr. Shaw,
who is one of the leading pioneers of Sandstone Township. His career has been similar to that of many men who came to this county
empty-handed and who by a course of industry,
economy and prudence have secured for themselves
a home and a competence. He is comfortably situated on a well-developed farm  of one hundred
acres lying on section 27, and forms one of the


old land marks of this region whose name will be
held in kindly remembrance long after lie has been
gathered to his fathers.
A little over sixty-six years ago Mr. Shaw was
born November 8, 1823, near tle city of Dublin,
Ireland. His parents, William and Isabel (Pease)
Shaw, were natives of England whence they removed to the Emerald isle early in life. They came
to this country in:1833, making the voyage from
Liverpool on a sailing vessel and after five or six
weeks spent on the ocean, landed safely in New
York City. William Shaw by occupation was a
woolen manufacturer and went with his family directly to Connecticut, and at Tariffville was employed in a factory many years and there lie and
his estimable wife died. Six of the seven children
born to them are still living. William and Harriet
are in Connecticut; Louisa, Mrs. Burns, is a resident
of Westfield. Mass.; Philip B., our subject, was the
next in order of birth; John resides in Tariffville,
Conn.; Henry died when about thirty-three years
old; Isabel, Mrs. HIealv, lives in Minnesota.
The subject of this notice lived in Connecticut
until eighteen years old and in the meantime, at the
age of fifteen, was thrown upon his own resources
and employed himself mostly upon a farm. Tis
education was obtained mostly in the winter season
when he attended school and worked for his board.
By reading such books and papers as came in his
way lie managed to become quite well informed. In
the spring of 1846, he took unto himself a wife and
helpmate, being married to Miss Nancy B. Flagg.
This lady was born in New Hampshire and was the
daughter of William Flagg who spent his lastyears
in that State. This union resulted in the birth of
two children-William A., a resident of Sandstone
Township, and Emma M., the wife of Seymour
Murray, of Medina County, Tex.
In the fall of 1846 Mr. and Mrs. Shaw set out for
the Great West and coming to this county settled
on the land comprising their present farm, but
which was then in its primitive condition. They
were the second family locating in this region and
oltained their land from Mr. Shaw's half brother.
Edward Pease, who had taken it from the Government. To the first eighty acres which Mr. Shaw thus
secured he later added twenty acres and now has




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293


PORTRAiT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.          293






one hundied acres which after the labor of years
has become highly productive and valuable.
After a wedded life of only seven years Mrs.
Nancy B. Shaw was taken from her little family by
death in 1851. In due time Mr. Shaw contracted a
second marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of Joseph and Corinthia (Carier) Spinning.
Mr. Spinning, the father of Mrs. Shaw, was one
of the earliest settlers of this county, locating first
in Sandstone  Township and then removing to
Tompkins Township, where they spent their last
diys. It is probable that they were born in New
Jersey and Vermont, respectively, and when first
coming  to Michigan, they settled in Macomb
County. The Spinning family, in common with the
pioneers around them, suffered many hardships and
privations, but in due time built up for themselves
a comfortable home and were people highly respected in their community.
Residing with our subject is his son William A.,
wlho is married and is the father of two children ---Albert and Marion. His daughter, Mrs. Murray,
has one child, a daughter, Alice. Mr. Shaw, politically, is a stanch supporter of the Republican party
and is in full sympathy with everything calculated
to improve tlle county and elevate society.
-r LBRIDGE W. WHITE, Pastor of the First
Blaptist C(hurcl of Jackson, is one of the.     most highly-esteemed members of the cormmunity in which he has been ably filling a ministerial position since the first Sunday in 1886. With
fine natural abilities, trained and strengthened by a
long course of study, he has become finely educated and well equipped for the service of the Master, to which he has devoted himself, and in which
he has been blessed with a marked degree of success.
Mr. White was born in Grafton, Windlamni
County, Vt., July 23, 1850, and is the eldest son of
Willard L. and Elizabeth D. (Ross) White. His father is of English extraction, born in the same town
as our subject, and is still living on the old homestead where he formerly devoted himself to agri

I
I


culture. The mother, who was of Scotch descent,
departed this life in 1872. The boyhood of our
subject was passed on the farm, and his early education acquired in the district schools, after which
he attended the Leland and Grey Seminary for two
years.
In the intervals of his own school life Mr. White
has taught three terms of district school, and leaving home at the age of eiglhteen, he became Principal of Hinsdale Academy, holding the same two
years. Ite then entered Colgate Academy, at HIamilton, N. Y., being graduated therefrom after three
years of student life. Not yet satisfied with his
mental attainments he entered Madison University
(now Colgate University) in the same town, taking
tlhe classical course, and being graduated in 1879,
after which he took a three years' course in the
Theological Seminary of the same place. While
pursuing h hi higher studies Mr. White was the regular pastor of three churches; lie preached in North
Norwich three years, in Waterville three years, and
in llion nearly a year.
January 14, 1882, tile Rev. Mr. White delivered
llis first discourse as pastor of the Baptist Church
in Castile, N. Y-, where lie remained five years, and
until called to the church over which he now presides. His present membership numbers six hundred and fifty, and four mission Sunday-schools
are supported by the church. By his members Mr.
White is regarded with loving esteem, and his pure
life and high attainments exert a powerful influence
for good, which extends far beyond the limits of
the society, and has brought into the congregation
nIany who would otherwise have lost the understanding of Gospel truths.
During his freshman year in college Mr. White
spent his vacation in the capacity of steward in the
Oakland Beach House, a summer resort in 1Rhode
Island. receiving $100 per month for his services.
The second year he served the same firm as ordering clerk. In his junior year he spent his vacation
at the [lowland House, at Long Branch, part of the
time as Superintendent of grounds and all depart.
ments of the hotel proper, and the balance as a
special policeman, fully uniformed and equipped.
Thus he obtained means with which to continue his
studies, and prepare himself for the work upon








294             PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


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which his heart was set. His own experience well
fits him for a full appreciation of the needs of those
who are struggling toward a higher place, and his
sympathy is ever manifest toward them.
The lady who, on June 29, 1879, became the
wife of Mr. White, is a native of Grafton, Vt., and
bore the maiden tname of Mary Edna Converse.
Slhe is a daughter of Newton (Robert) Converse, of
Ambrose Hole, of English descent, and her many
virtues of character and mental attainments make
her a worthy companion. Under her control the
sutistantial and well-furnished residence on West
Franklin Street, which is owned by Mr. White,
presents an appearance of neatness, good taste and
of home-likeness, attractive to all who enier there.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. White comprises a son
and daughter, the former of whom, Leon Elbridge,
is now five years old; and the latter, Ethel Edna,
was horn in Hamilton, N. Y.
Mr. White is Chaplain of the First Regiment of
State troops. IHe is a member of the Baptist Board
of Foreign Missions for the State of Michigan, and
of the Examining Board of Kalamazoo College.
His portrait, which adorns a page in this volume,
will be viewed with pleasure by all who read this
brief outline of his life history.
l)er of the firm of George D. Walcott &
Son, manufacturers of machinists' tools,
Jackson. The works were established in the fall of
1880, upon a small scale, and the business has steadly increased until it now gives emplo yment to a
number of men, the implements manufactured finding a ready sale over a territory reaching from
Maine to California, and from the Great Lakes to
Soutll Carolina. The latest tools and other appliances for shaping all kinds of work are used in the
establishment, and under the competent direction
of Mr. Walcott and his son, who is also a practical
usiness man, prosperity has attended it.
Mr. Walcott is a descendant in the paternal line
from an old New England family, his grandfather,


James Walcott, having been a builder and contractor ill Rhode Island, where Albert Walcott, the
father of our subject, was born. The latter was a
prominent manufacturer of cotton goods and for
many years connected with the celebrated York
Mills, the principal product of which was sheeting.
Afterward he was largely interested in the cotton
mills in Rochester, N. Y. He removed to Michigan
in 1842, spending some years in Jackson, but subsequently making his home in Detroit; he died in
St. Peter, Minn., in 1879. His wife, in her girlhood Miss Martha Camp, was born in Oneida
County, N. Y., on her mother's side being descended
from Dutch stock. Her father, Samuel Camp,
traced his ancestry to one of two brothers who came
from England at an early period in the history of
New York. The parental family was made up of
nine sons and daughters, five of whom are yet living.
The gentleman whose life will be briefly outlined in
this sketch was born in Auburn, N. Y., January 11,
1831, and is the oldest son of his parents. Having
been a mere lad when they removed to this State,
his school privileges were mostly obtained in Detroit and after acquiring a good amount of practical information he engaged for a time in teaching.
Later he entered Yale College, from which he was
graduated in 1856 with a thorough mental equipment for the battle of life and a special preparation
for the work of civil engineering to which his
natural tastes had led him.
After leaving college, Mr. Walcott assisted his
father, who was then living in Detroit, for a few
months, after which he went to Minneapolis, Minn.,
where lie remained three years engaged in the manufacture of lumber. Returning to Jackson in 1860,
he spent several years in the employ of the Withington & Cooley Manufacturing Company. He then
constructed the water works at East Saginaw and
assisted in building those at Bay City, taking charge
of the latter as engineer. In 1880, as before mentioned, he founde  the establishment of which he
is still a joint owner and to which he gave his entire time. The works are located near the track of
the Michigan Central Railroad, and he and his son
are the sole proprietors.
At the residence of Dr. E. Lewis in Jackson, in




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


295


the fall of 1857, Miss Caroline, daughter of the host
and hostess, became the wife of Mr. Walcott. The
bride is a native of the Green Mountain State, is an
intelligent and estimable woman who has devoted
herself to the interest and welfare of her husband
and children, and yet has found time for friendly
services outside the walls of her home. Two sons
and one daughter make up the group with whose
care and companionship Mr. and Mis. Walcott
have been blessed. They bear the names of Martha
C., Edward A. and Charles L.
Mr. Walcott is rather conservative in his political opinions. He and his wife are members in good
standing of the Congregational Church, and are
highly respected by the community in general for
their upright characters. The beautiful residence
on East Main Street which is now their home was
erected in 1887. The building is modern in style
and finish, and its extensive grounds are beautifully adorned by native and ornamental trees and
shrubs.
_G.ORACE S. ISMON. The career of this
I}f)' gentleman affords a striking illustration of
I  /j,  the prosperity which can be won through
close attention to business, by wise choice
of means and methods, and unflagging zeal and
perseverance. Beginning the battle of life without
capital other than his native abilities and a common-school education, Mr. Ismon has become possessed of a comfortable fortune, enabling him to
p)rove a benefactor to many struggling young men,
and to spend his declining years without anxiety
regarding the means of sustenance, and in the
enjoyment of those pleasures to which his tastes
point.
The birth of Mr. Ismon took place in Essex
County, N. Y., October 27, 1824. His father,
Aaron Ismon, was a farmer, owning several tracts
of land in Essex County; his mother was Senna,
daughter of David Reynolds, of Mohawk, and of
Dutch descent. The elder Ismon removed with
his family to Michigan in 1845, settling on a farm
near Albion, Calhoun County. The country was
newly opened and sparsely settled, and not liking




his new situation, Mr. Ismon ere long returned to
his old home in the Empire State, where he died,
his mortal remains being laid to rest in the Brookfield Cemetery. The parental family comprised
three sons and three daughters, of whom our subject is the third.
Horace Ismon passed his boyhood and youth in
the Empire State, coming with his parents to
Michigan in 1845, and remaining on the farm
two years. He then came to Jackson, found employment with Wiley Reynolds, who was then
running a general store in a small way, and continued with him two years, after which he thought
himself competent to do business on his own account. Going to New York, Mr. Ismon purchased
$7,000 worth of goods, the terms being $250 cash
and the balance on six months' time. Shipping
the goods to Michigan, he opened a store in the
new town of Paw Paw, Van Buren County, where
he carried on his mercantile pursuits two years,
abandoning the town at the expiration of that period because it was too small for his ideas and ambitions.
Selecting Jackson as the field of his future operations, Mr. Ismon opened a general store on the
corner of Main and Mech;anic Streets, occupying
that stand three years, and carrying on a successful business career. He then erected a three-story
brick building, handsomely finished within, put
into it a fine stock of goods, and soon became the
leading merchant in Jackson, or indeed within the
State. outside of Detroit. For twenty years he
continued his mercantile career, carrying a heavy
stock and doing an immense business. At the
same time he built up a wool trade that extended
over the entire State, his purchase of fleeces one
year amounting to more than one and a half million potnds.
Two years after opening his store in Jackson,
Mr. Ismon associated himself with F. M. Manning,
and built a tannery, gristmill and sawmill in Paw
Plaw, in each of which they carried on a large business. While thus interested he built what was
known as the Paw Paw Railroad, fronm Lawton to
Paw Paw. Meeting with a good opporunity to
(1o so, Mr. Ismon sold out his entire interest in
Paw Paw, including the railroad; he also disposed






296


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


of his stock in Jackson, and rented out the building, which is now   occupied by Tourney Bros.
Since that time he has somewhat retired from the
activities of life, although he still looks after his
property interests, having several good houses in
tle city, besides his own commodious residence at
No. z54, West Alain Street.
Mlr. Ismon is conservative in politics, and would
never allow  his name to be used for office. He
possesses easy, affable manners, and enjoys the
confidence of his associates in business circles, as
well as the friendship of a large number of acquaintances. Few men have been greater benefactors
to youth who desire(l to enter upon a business
career than Mr. Ismon, who lias taught a number
of young men the mercantile pursuit, and helped
to start them when they were capable of carrying
on an enterprise on their own account. In 1872,
in connection with H. V. Perrin and Wiley Reynolds, he helped to organize the Jackson County
Bank, in which he still holds his connection as a
Director.
In 1848, Mr. Ismon was united in marriage with
Mliss Clara M. Barker, who at that time resided in
Paw Paw. She is a daughter of Lucius Barker, and
was born   in  Brandon, Vt.   Having no children on whom to lavish their kindness, Mr. and
Mlrs. Ismon find enjoyment in dispensing hospitality
to their many friends, and drawing around them
an inteiligcnt and deserving circle, many of whom
they can assist to a higher life and added prosperity!/     ARVIN CULVER, M. D., a physician and
a retired farmer, is taking life easily at his
country residence on section 26, Norvell
Township, where he has spent fifty years,
having taken up his residence here in the spring of
1839. He at that time came into the wilderness
and llurchased eighty acres of land which lay in its
primitive state ard upon which he commenced in
true pioneer style to build up a homestead. His
present surroundings indicate that he met with unqualified' success, and while laboring industriously


lie has all his life long had a care for those about
him, doing a kindly act whenever opportunity offered. In the growth and development of Jackson
County he has performed no unimportant part, being a man of intelligence, industry and enterprise
and one wlho has taken satisfaction in noting the
progress of the world about him.
Dr. Culver came to Michigan in 1837 from
Oneida County, N. Y. He spent two years in
Clinton, Lenawee County, then came to this county,
of which he has since been a resident. He was
born November 6, 1807, among the rocks and hills
of Chester Village, Hampden County, Mass., and
came of respectable parentage. The Culver family was known throughout England in the early
(lays as representing some of tie most substantial
elements of society. His father, Martin Culver,
was born and reared in Chester, Hampden County,
Mass., and it is supposed was reared to farming
pursuits. He was married in early manhood to
Miss Polly King, who was likewise born and reared
in the Bay State and who was the daughter of
Micahl King. The latter was a prominent Massachusetts farmer who emigrated to Oneida County,
N. Y., and from there came to Michigan and spent
the remainder of his days.
After their marriage Martin Culver and his wife
lived on a farm in Massachusetts until all but one
of their clildren were born. About 1826, leaving
New England, they settl(d on a farm in Augusta
T'ownsihip, Oneida County, N. Y., where they sojourned a number of years. Thence, about 1837,
they came to this county and the father took up
land in Norvell Township, where lie lived and labored until departing hence at the age of seventytwo years. The wife and mother survived her
husband and passed away when eighty-five years
old, she was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.
The subject of this notice, in addition to the duties which we have mentioned, commenced teaching school when about eighteen years old, and was
thus occupied for about seven winters in succession.
About the time of reacliing his majority he repaired
to Oneida County, N. Y., where he began the study
of medicine, which he prosecuted industriously and
in due time was graduated with a thorough knowl



PORTRAIT'AND BIOG(RAPItICAL ALBUM.


297


edlge of the profession as then laid (own in books.
IIe began practicing in Oneida. County, remaining
tllere until 1837, then coining to Michigan hepracticed two years in Clinton Township, Lenawee
County, whence he removed to Norvell Township,
this county, and not long afterward became interested more particularly in farming pursuits. To
the latter he las since g(iven the most of his attention.
The I)octor was married, at Augusta, Oneida
County, N. Y., July 5, 1832, to Miss Mary P.
Currie. This lady was likewise born in New York
State where she was reared to womanhood. 1Her father, Robert Currie, was a native of Scotland and
emigrated to America when a young man. He was
very successful as a general mechanic and spent the
most of his life thereafter in New York State, his
death taking place in Ionia, Mich. Mary P. inherited
many of the excellent qualities of lher parents, being  trained by thelm to habits of industry and
acquiring a fair education in the common schools.
She accompanied her husband to Michigan and as
sisted him in getting a start in life. There were
born to them three children, one of whom, a son,
Marvin B., (lied in early childhood. The survivors
are Janet, the wife of Warner Aylesworth, a successful farmer of Norvell Township, and they have
a family of five children; Adelia E. became the
wife of I). Lawience and tile mother of one child, a
son, William, who is employed in the car shops of
Detroit. Mrs. Lawrence has been for some years
connected with tile Central Cottage of the State
Industrial Iome of Adrian as manager, a position
which she has filled with great credit and good
judgment. She takes a warm interest in benevolent work, being in this respect greatly like her
parents.
Mr. Culver voted with the l)enlocratic party until
1860, and then felt that he had reason to change
his views and accordingly wheeled over into the
Republican ranks, where lie remained until becoming interested in the temperance work; he is now a
lively Prohibitionist. Ile has served as Justice of
the Peace and also represented Norvell Township in
the County Board of Supervisors.  He is a bright,
intelligent old gentleman, full of good thoughts
and liberal minded.    He has kept a daily journal


since a young man of twenty-one years. In disposition he is genial and companionable and enjoys
the esteem and confidence of hosts of friends.
j     OSIIITUA G. CLARK, who (lied at his home
on section 19, Columbia 'ownship, MaIrch
20, 1 887, was an old settler of the county.
it    lile came here in 1837, while still a young
man. and for more than half a century was active
in his personal affairs and in those of tile locality
in which he became a leading citizen. The most of
that time was spent on his farm, his business career
being a successful one, andl his property managed
in a manner befitting a man of practical and progressive ideas. Generous to a fault, interested in
every measurle which would increase the prosperity
and advance the civilization of the inhabitants of
the State and country, Mr. Clark made many friends
and wielded a strong influence for good. He was an
earnest advocate of temperance, voting and working for the cause in every possible way. He was
born in Columbia Township, Erie County, N. Y.,
in 1821, and was consequently sixty-seven years of
age when lie entered into rest. lie was one of the
younger members of a large family most of wlom
lived to be quite old.
The gentieman above named was a son of the
HIon. Archibald Clark, who was a native of Maryland and the son of Southern parents. While yet a
young man Archibald Clark went to Lima, N. Y.,
and after his marriage to Miss Chloe Thayer of that
city, settled in Erie County, twenty miles east of
Buffalo. His wife was a native of Boston, Mass.,
her parents also having been born in the old Bay
State, and was reared to womanhood in Lima, N. Y.,
whence her parents removed when she was twelve
years old. Mr. and Mrs. Clark were early settlers
of their county, where they soon became well and
favorably known, Mr. Clark becoming prominent in
business and political circles. He was a man of the
highest character, and of great personal ppularity,
which led to his being honored with imnlportant
offices of public trust. In 1808-09 lie was Surrogate of Niagara County, and from 1809 to 1811 lie




i


298S


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


represented the same county in the Assembly. From
i813 to 1816 he was State Senator from the Western District, which comprised fifteen counties; and
in 1817 represented nine counties in the Congress
of the United States. In the meantime he had settled
in Erie County of which he subsequently became
Clerk, and was also appointed Judge, holding the
latter office at the time of his death. That sad event
occurred in 1822, while he was still in the prime of
life, being but forty-three years of age, and seemingly having many years of usefulness yet before
him. HIe took an active part in the war of 1812,
though only as a local officer. His widow survived
until about the year 1852, making her home with
her daughter at Grand Island, N. Y. She was seventy-seven years old when called from  time to
eternity.
J. G. Clark, who proved himself so worthy a son
of a noble and honored father, was twice married.
His first companion was Miss Nancy W. DeLamater
of Columbia Townslip, this county, who died a year
after her marriage, being but twenty years old. In
the same township, Mr. Clark was a second time
married, the lady to whom he then gave his name
being Miss Hannah 13. DeLarnater, a sister of his
first wife. She was born in Coshocton County,N. Y.,
January 7, 1830, and was still a child when her
parents, Anson and Nancy (Wetherby) DeLamater
removed to Michigan. This was in 1835 when tile
country in this section was still wild and sparsely
settled, and M r. D)eLamater obtained Government
land in what is now  Columbia Township, this
county. Here he and his wife spent the remainder
of their lives becoming the owners of a fine farm of
two hundred acres on section 19, and being actively
engaged in the projects and duties becoming good
citizenship and their positions at the head of a family. The death of Mr. DeLamater occurred in 1863,
at the age of sixty-seven years, he having survived
his wife about a twelvemonth and her death having taken place at the age of sixty-two years. Mrs.
DeLamater was well-known throughout the county,
having been a physician with a large general practice. She was called on at all times and under all
circumstances and during the period when conveyance from point to point was made with ox-teams.
Her death occurred while at her post of duty, she




being on a visit to a patient when called hence. She
and her husband were members of the Universalist
Church and helped organize a society of that faith
in this county.
Mrs. Hannah Clark now owns an excellent estate
comprising one hundred and twenty acres on section
19, Columbia Township, which was left her at the
death of her father. She is a member of the Universalist Church to which her deceased husband and
sister also belonged. She still retains the sweet temper that has made her so much heloved all her life,
is intelligent, well-informed and capable. She is the
mother of one child, Anson D., now living in Grand
Rapids. He was well educated at Jackson and is regarded as one of the worthy citizens of the county.
He married Miss Emma L. Bartlett of Brooklyn,
and is the father of four children-Sarah E., A.
Wight, Mary Jane, Nanie D. The two eldest make
their home with their grandmother, our subiect.
I  ICIIMOND) V. FRENCH, Deputy Sheriff
of Jackson County, is the owner and occu\\  pant of a farm on section 25, Columbia
'rownship, near the town of Brooklyn. In
that place he was born, February 12, 1846, and he
has since lived in this county, except during the
time when he was engaged in the United States
service. Besides the official position noted above,
he is a Deputy Game and Fish Warden, having
jurisdiction over the county, and having held the
position for two years. He has a social nature, is
an enterprising and reliable citizen, is kind and affectionate in his domestic relations, and possesses
an upright and honorable character.
Mr. French is a descendant, in both the paternal and maternal lines, of old New *England
families, both his parents having been natives of
the Old Bay State. His father, Vernon French,
was there reared and educated, taking up the trade
of a carpenter and joiner and becoming a skilled
mechanic. He followed his trade in his native
State until late in the '30s, when, with his wife
and three children, he set out for the new State of
Michigan. The journey was performed overland




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


299


and,lv water to Detroit, from which point the
family journeyed by rail to Grass Lake, then the
end of the railroad, and there took teams for
Brooklyn. This was at tlat time a small village,
and Mr. French, in the pursuit of his chosen occupation, assisted in the construction of many dwellilgs, of the mill, Presbyterian Church and the old
Baptist Church. After many years devoted to the
work of a mechanic, he settled on a small farm
south of the village, where his death occurred in
April, 1885, he being seventy five years of age.
lie was a well known member of the community
and well respected therein. In politics he was a
Republican. For years he held the position of
Deacon in the Baptist Church. He was the son of
a seafaring man. His widow is yet living on the
old farm, quite active for her years, which are
now fourscore. She is a life-long member of the
Baptist Church. Her maiden name was Bathshcba
Hathaway, and her birthplace New Bedford, Mass.
The gentleman who is the subject of this sketch
is the youngest but one in a family of four sons
and three daughters. IIe was reared and educated
in Brooklyn, and here married Miss Florence A.
St. John, who was born in Somerset Township,
Lenawee County, in 1846, received her education
and spent most of her life within its bounds. Her
death occurred about two years after her marriage,
she being tllen twenty-four years of age. She was
a worthy member of the Baptist Church. She left
two children, one of whom, Edgar L., is yet living
and at home. Julia, who was a cripple from her
infancy, died at the age of ten years.
The second marriage of Mr. French took place
in Franklin Township, Lenawee County, Mich.,
his bride being Miss Mary E. Webster, who was
born in New York State, January 15, 1846. Her
parents, Hugh and Louisa Webster, were natives
of the Empire State, but became residents of Lenawee County, Mich., about the year 1856. There
they made their home until the death of Mrs.
Webster, in 1876, she being then past seventy-five
years of age. Mr. Webster departed this life in
Grand Travers County, in 1884, he also being ripe
in years. Both were members of tho Methodist
Episcopal Chu1rch. Mrs. French was reared, from
girlhood until her marriage, in Lenawee County,


She is the mother of three children-Rodney having died at the age of six months, and Stewart K.
and Gaylord S. still rejoicing their parents' hearts
by their presence at the family fireside.
When scarcely eighteen years of age, Mr. French
entered the Union army, enlisting January 18,
1864, as a member of Company C, Third Michigan
Battery, and going at once to the front. He occupied the place of "fourth man," being the one to
fire the gun after it was loaded, and as he entered
the service at the time when his regiment was called
into the most active participation and it was generally in the front, he saw much hard fighting. He
participated in several of the most noted engagements of the Civil War, among them being Resaca,
Lookout and Kenesaw Mountains, and the siege of
Atlanta; was with Sherman on his march to the
sea and under his general command for some time.
Iie escaped without a wound, although he had
some narrow escapes, on one occasion a cannon
ball having actually passed between his legs. His
hearing was seriously affected, the drum of his ear
having been burst by a concussion during the engagement at Kenesaw Mountain, and he likewise
suffered much from exposure. At Detroit, Mich.,
in June, 1865, he received his honorable discharge.
Mr. French is a Republican in politics. Hie belongs to Jackson Lodge, G. A. R.; to Blue Lodge,
No. 196, and Chapter, No. 90, of Brooklyn, and
has been Senior Warden and Steward of the Blue
Lodge.
R. JAMES A. WILSON. Not only is Dr.
I)     ilson one of the most skilled and trusted
physicians and surgeons of Hanover Township, but he is likewise one of its leading
men in both business and social circles, having his
headquarters at the village of Hanover. He is one
of those stirring, energetic characters needed in
every community, patriotic, public spirited and
giving his influence to all the measures calculated
for the welfare of the community, socially, morally
and financially. Possessed with a full understand-,
ing of his profession, he has built up a fine patronage in this part of the county which lhas resulted




300


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


11 - -11.1- I - - -- -, — -                                                                                                  - -, -—,- --, -           ~ - ~-                              -- I - I I - -,.. -. - - -- ---- —.


in the accumulation of a fair share of this world's
goods, including one of the most valuable and attractive homes in Hanover, besides other town
property and several horses, he being a special
lover of the equine race.
The sixth child of his parents, William  and
Nancy A. (Knight) Wilson, the subject of this
notice was born June 15, 1845, in Oswego County,
NT. Y. His early advantages were somewhat limited. his parents being in modest circumstances and
when a boy of eleven years he started out to paddle
his own canoe. Until eighteen years of age he
spent the most of his time on a farm and grew up
a strong and vigorous youth of good habits and
excellent moral principles. He availed himself of
the books andl papers which came in his way and
became generally well.informed. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War lie decided to have a hand
in the preservation of the Union and accordingly
in 1864 enlisted in Company I, Third Michigan
Infantry and was shortly afterward promoted to
the rank of Sergeant.  Iis command was assigned
to the Army of the Cumberland and he met the
enemy in battle at Decatur, Ala., and Murfrecsboro, Tenn., where they were nearly three weeks
under continuous fire. IIe went with the exledition through Eastern Tennessee after the guerrillas
and thence to San Antonia, Tex.. where he was
assigned principally to police duty. He bore the
hardships of life in the army remarkably well,
never losing a day from the service or being absent
at roll call, and lie is one of the few who left the
army as sound physically as when he entered it.
He remained in the service nearly a year after the
close of the war, finally receiving his honorable
discharge at Victoria, Tex., May 28, 1866.
Upon returning to the pursuits of civil life young
Wilson worked by the montl on a farm for a time
although he had no intention of thus hiding his
light under a bushel, but being professionally inclined, determined upon the study of medicine and
accordingly in 1868, entered the Michigan State
University at Ann Arbor, where he took a full
course and was graduated from the medical department in 1871. Determined to leave no stone unturned in theacquirement ofthe requisite knowledge,
he attended longer than the required time for being
--- ------------ --— ~~-, ---  ------- ------- r --- —-- ------ --- """'bZ:


graduated and thus came out admirably equipped
for his future undertaking.
Having had to depend entirely upon his own resources, the young physician had contracted a debt
of $150 which still hung over him when he located
in Hanover among strangers. A prompt attention
to the calls made upon him and the success which
attended him from the start, in due time resulted
in the building up of a lucrative practice and acting
upon the adage, that "a rolling stone gathers no
moss" he maintained his residence in Hanover and
has come out of his early struggles with flying
colors.
The accomplished and amiable lady who presides
over the home of Dr. Wilson, and who was formerly
Miss Maria A. Burnett, assumed his name on the
14th of May, 1871, the wedding taking place at the
bride's home in Webster, Washtenaw County, Mich.
Mrs. Wilson was born May 1, 1844, in Washtenaw
County, this State, and is the daughter of Averill
and Ann (Hooley) Burnett, who were natives respcctively of New York and Massachusetts. The
mother died in Webster in 1859. Mr. Burnett
spent his last days in Webster, dying December 15,
1889. Mrs. Wilson was given a first-class educa.
tion, completing her studies in the schools of Ypsilanti and under a first grade certificate employed
herself as a teacher for some time prior to her
marriage. The Doctor and his estimable lady are
the parents of five bright children, viz: Ella, now
(189C) ten years old; James A., a boy of nine;
Katie, who lias numbered seven years; Frank six
years old and Louisa four.
The Doctor and Mrs. Wilson are prominently
connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church and
the latter is a teacher in the Sunday-school. The
Doctor voted the straight Republican ticket until
1884, when his warm interest in the temperance
question led him to identify himself with the Prohibitionists. Ile cast his first Presidential vote for
Abraham Lincoln when under age. He has been a
Village Trustee since the organization of Hanover
and during 1889 was President of the Board of
Education. He is likewise Pension Attorney under
the United States Government and socially belongs
to the Masonic fraternity, being a warm defender
of the principles of the brotherhood.










i ~ ~ ~ / 
C4~




PORTRAIT AND BIO( RAPHICAL ALBUM.                                              303
-....-   - - -......-.. -   -.-   - -   - - -, - -, -: - - -- - ~ ~   - -..  I.-.1   - 1..................I.- I  -..   -.....-.1.- -...-..-1..   ----------- -- --


In reverting to the parental history of Dr.Wilson
we find that his father, William Wilson, was a native of Vermont and followed the trade of a shoemaker during his earlier years. lIe was married in
the Green Mountain State to Miss Nancy A. Knight,
whose birthplace was not far from the early home
of her husband and about 1834, leaving New England, they emigrated to Oswego County, N. Y., and
lived there until 1850. Thence coming to this
State they settled in Green Oak, Livingston County,
where they spent the remainder of their lives. The
father died the following year but the mother survived until 1887. Their family included seven
children, six of whom  are living. Five of the
boys of this family did valiant service as Union
soldiers. One brother, Lyman A., was severely injured by the falling of his horse upon him and he
was twice captured by guerrillas while acting as a
courier for Gen. McClellan. His captors threatened
to hang him as a spy and placed a rope around his
neck for this purpose, but lie managed to escape
andl is now in Cleveland, Ohio. The other brothers
are located mostly in Michigan and New York.
The Doctor put up his present residence in the
northwest part of the city in 1872 and lie has been
no unimportant factor in promoting the best interests of Hanover and vicinity. He is widely and
favorably known and is a man who will be remenbered long after he has been gathered to his fathers.
NDREW      F. STEWART, general foreman of the Michigan Central Railroad
f  Company's shops at Jackson, has been a
resident of that city for fifteen years, and
during that time has gained the respect and confidence of all who have become acquainted with
him. He was born in Sterlingshire, Scotland, May
22, 1849, to Andrew and Jessie (McAlpin) Stewart, likewise natives of Scotland, being descendants
of ancient Scottish families. The father was born
in Glasgow, as was his father, Adam Stewart. while
the great-grandfather of our subject was born in
Dumfries-shire, spending his last years in Glasgow. The grandfather of our subject was reared


I


in Glasgow, and subsequently removed from there
to his farm, where lie followed agriculture, and
spent the remainder of his life. The father of our
subject was reared to agricultural pursuits, and was
thus employed until his marriage, and after that he
engagedl in the lumber business in Glasgow, continuing to reside there till 1851, when, with his
wife and four children. he came to the IUnite(l
States. The first six months of their life in this
country was passed in New York, and then they
removed to Hamilton, Canada, where Mr. Stewart
contracted to build a portion of the Great Western Railroad. He was engaged at that for fifteen
months, and then entered once more upon his l(d
business as a lumber dealer, establishing himself at
Crook's Hollow, three miles from Dundas. I-e was
stationed there seven years, and at the expiration
of that time opened a general store in Troy, Oxford County. Three years later he was obliged to
sell out on account of failing healtl, and lie never
enogaed in active business again. Ile spent five
years in Hamilton, and then coming to the "States,"
lie made his home in Buiffalo during the remainder
of his life.
The mother of our subject was born twenty-two
miles from Glasgow, in Sterlingshire, in the same
house which was the birthplace of our subject.
Her father, John McAlpin, was born on the same
farm, and his father, as far as known, spent his entire life there, as did he also. Our subject cared
for his parents during their last years, and his
mother accomparnied him from  Buffalo to Galion,
and there died. The following are the names of the
four children born to her: Eliza, Robert C., John
and Andrew F.
Andrew F. Stewart was but fifteen molths old
when lie came to America with his parents. He
attended school at Flambough, near Crook's Hollow, and advanced by attendance at Central School
in Hamilton, where he received excellent instruction. At the age of tlirteen lie commenced to
learn the trade of a machinist in the shop of F. G.
Beckett in Hamilton, serving three years and six
months. At the expiration of that time he came
to Michigan, and was employed by thei'Michigan
Central & Northern Indiana Railway Company
as foreman at the round-house. He remained in




a


304


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


the employ of that company until 1869, a part of
the time stationed at Toledo and also at Buffalo,
N. Y. In 1869 he engaged with the Toledo, Wabash & Western Railway Company, and at various
times was stationed at Springfield, Iecatur and East
St. Louis, Ill., as foreman. Six months later he
engaged with the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern as general foreman, with his home in Buffalo.
In 1872 ie resigned his position there and accepted
a situation on the Atlantic & Great Western Railway, and while thus employed he lived at different
times in Meadville, Kent and Gallon, Ohio. The
next year he resigned to accept the position of assistant mechanic with the Mobile & Ohio Railway
Company, with his headquarters at Whistler, Ala.
In 1874 he resigned that situation and came to
Jackson the 21st day of May, 1875, to enter the
employ of the Michigan Central Railway Company as machinist, and subsequently was appointed
general foreman, which position he still holds, discharging the duties thus devolving upon him with
the utmost fidelity, and he is justly considered by
the railway officials a competent and reliable man.
With the frugality, thrift and shrewdness of the
Scotch race, lie had secured a comfortable competence so that he was enabled to marry, and obtain
a helpmate to aid him in making a home. His marriage to Miss Susan Senoretta McGuire took place
April 16, 1874. Mrs. Stewart comes of good Revolutionary stock, and was born in the town of Loretta, Cambria County, Pa., which was also the
birthplace of her father, John C. McGuire. His
father, Capt. Richard McGuire was born in Maryland, and was the son of Michael McGuire, a
Revolutionary soldier, and a pioneer farmer of
Cambria County, where lie cleared a farm from the
wilderness, on which he spent his last days. Capt.
McGuire was a young man when his parents removed to Loretta, in Cambria County, and he was
there married. He was a farmer and followed that
occupation there until his death. He took an active part in the War of 1812, commanding a
company of volunteers.   Mrs. Stewart's father
was reared in the home of his birth, and was early
apprenticed to learn the trade of a millwright,
which he followed in Cambria County about sixteen years, He subsequently bought property in
~~VY~MIII  I\_IBU  rVVIJ P


1
1


I


I —' ---~-~-` —~ —~~~


Carroll Township and erected a saw and grist mill,
which he operated until death closed his mortal career. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah J.
Christy, and she was born in Loretta. Her father,
Francis X. Christy, was a native of Butler County,
Pa., his father, Archibald Christy, who was a native of Scotland, coming to this country when a
young man, and settling in that part of the State,
where lie was a pioneer school-teacher. He also
followed his profession in Cambria County, but
passed the last part of his life in Blair County.
Mrs. Stewart's grandfather was reared in Butler
County, and at eighteen went to Cambria County.
In his early life there were no railways, and he
used to team to Pittsburg, a distance of ninety
miles. He was quite thrifty and shrewd and invested his money in large tracts of land in Cambria County. He built two sawmills,one operated by
steam, and opened a coal bank, and superintended
all these enterprises besides managing his farm.
He died in Cambria at the advanced age of eightytwo years. The maiden name of his wife was Susan McConnell, and she was a native of Mifflin
County, Pa., and a daughter of Francis McConnell.
He was born in County Antrim, Ireland, and caine
to America in Colonial times, and settled in Mifflin County, of which he was a pioneer, and there
the remainder of his life was passed. Mrs. Stewart's mother makes her home in Kent, Portage
County, Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have three children  Sarah Jessie, John Bruce and Andrew Francis. Mrs.
Stewart belongs to the Catholic Church, and Mr
Stewart to the Presbyterian Church. Politically
he is a Democrat. A portrait of this law-abiding
and thrifty citizen will be found within the lids of
this volume.
IL  ENRY F. RICHARDS, a son of one of the
8   ^rf  early pioneers of this county is a worthy representative of an excellent old family and
the son of Henry Richards, who is now deceased. The mother bore the maiden name of
Mary Ann Patterson, and was a native of the Green
Mountain State. The parents were married in


I, i 1
i    I   I I




305


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
-   -, - - -   - -,   0  -   D   D -  -::u  _ -   L   D -=  EL  f~ DC  f f; D 0  =  _ -  -  -


Vermont about 1834 and the father came to Michigan in 1837, after which he worked by the month
to obtain means to bring his wife.
The parents of our subject settled in Hanover
Township on the farm owned by John Chilson,but
later removed to that now owned at present by
Oliver Richards and where had been effected some
improvements. Upon this Henry Richards erected
the buildings now occupied by his son. He became
prominent in the community, holding the offices of
Township Assessor and Road Commissioner and
took considerable interest in the establishment and
maintenance of schools. About 1874, retiring from
active labor, he removed( to Hanover Village where
his death took place September 30, 1887. The
mother is still living, making her home in the village, and is now aged seventy-four years. They
were the parents of seven children, six of whom
are living.
The subject of this notice was the third child of
l.is parents and was born December 22, 1838, in
Hanover Township. His boyhood days were spent
under the parental roof, and he acquired his education in the district schools. He worked on the
farm until twenty-four years old, giving to his father
the benefit of his earnings, and then started out for
himself, working by the month until he had earned
$300, investing this in eighty acres of wild land in
Gratiot County, but sold two years later and removed to Moscow, Hillsdale County, where he remained twelve years. His next purchase was forty
acres of land in Moscow Township, and after purchasing another forty he sold the whole, and in
1880 purchased his present farm of one hundred
and seventeen acres, all of which is under a good
state of cultivation.
Mr. Richards remained unmarried until nearly
twenty-seven years old and was then wedded, September 27, 1865, to Miss Diantha R., daughter of
Joel and Hannah (Tower) Moore. Mr. and Mrs.
Moore were natives of New York State and early
pioneers of Michigan, to which Mr. Moore came
when a single man, locating in Washtenaw County.
After lhaving determined to make his home in the
Wolverine State he returned to New York and was
married. The newly wedded pair soon started out
on their Western journley and settled in Hillsdale


County, where they spent the remainder of their
lives. The mother of Mrs. Richards die(d in 1851
and Mr. Moore, after having been married a second
time, died in 1877; his second wife died in 1886.
Of the first marriage there were born five children,
four of whom are living.
Mr's. Richards was the second child of her parents and was born August 28, 1846, in Hillsdale
County, this State. She improved her time in
school and afterward engaged in teaching two terms,
one in Jackson and one in Gratiot County. Of
her union with our subject there have been born
two sons, Frederick, February 13, 1868, and Charles
T., October 30, 1872. Mr. Richards cast his first
Presidential vote for Douglas, and during his early
manhood affiliated with the Democratic party.
From the very first agitation of the temperance
question he has been a radical prohibitionist and
neglects no opportunity to avow his opposition to
the manufacture and sale of ardent spirits. He
accordingly supports with his voice and influence
the Prohibition party, whose principles lie endorsed
when it first canme into existence. Mrs. Richards
is a lady greatly esteemed in her community and
has been the efficient helpmate of her husband in all
his worthy ambitions and undertakings.
EREMIIAH A. ROBINSON, D. D. S., who is
well-known to the citizens of Jackson and
vicinity, presents the unusual spectacle of
'i successfully following the practice of dentistry at the ripe old age of seventy-seven years
and ten months. Age, however, has scarcely impaired any of his faculties, and the long labors of
a busy life seem to have added to his capacities
and his enjoyment. A man of more than ordinary
force of character and intelligence, he hlas been a
close student and an extensive reader, and has contributed to the literature and science of dentistry
for a period of over thirty years.
I)Dr. Robinson came to Jackson in 1858, and has
since been continuously engaged in the practice of
his profession. At this writing (March, 1890), he
is engaged in preparing a series of articles on the






306


PORTRAIT AN D BIOG RAPHICAL ALBUM.


30  I


"Evolution of Dentistry," in connection with a
sketch of his lifework, for Prof. J. Taft, Dean of
the Dental Department at the University at Ann
Arbor; these are being published in the Dental
Register at Cincinnati, of which Dr. Taft is editor.
He received the unanimous vote of the dentists of
the State to become Professor of Mechanical Dentistry at the Ann Arbor Dental College, but declined
in favor of Dr. W. H. Dorrence, at the organization of the dental department when the college was
established. In a letter from. his son, lr. J. E.
Robinson, of Cleveland, Ohio, and dated February
7, 1890, is given a genealogy of the Robinson famnily, which discloses an history full of romantic interest. The writer in his researches, had access to
the book of Cogswell in America, from  which his
father and mother both sprang. The letter reads
as follows:
"John Cogswell and family came to America in
1635, sailed from Bristol, England, May 23, in the
ship "Angel Gabriel," and were wrecked off the
coast at Pemiquard, Me., August 15 of that year.
The ship in which they made their eventful voyage
and lost most of their worldly possessions, had an
history nearly as eventful as that of the passengers
on her final voyage. She was built for Sir Walter
Raleigh, by Sir Charles Snell, and upon the attainder of Sir Walter was forfeited, and cost Sir Charles
almost his entire estate and living. Sir Walter also
made his second and last voyage just previous to
his execution in 1618, in the same ship. She had
a glorious name but a checkered career."
The writer of said letter, proceeds: 'In looking
up your connection with the Cogswell family, I
find much of interest before they came to America,
and if it would tickle your pride to know it I have
traced it back to Lord Humphrey Cogswell, 1447,
and could give you the Coat of Arms of the family. I merely mention the fact. and then pass to
the American history of the family, as you know I
am an American all through, and being one remove further from  the Cogswells than you, lIave
not so much interest in their illustrious ancestry.
John Cogswell, the ancestor of the American branch
was born in 1592, in Westbury Leigh, Wilts County,
England, and at the age of twenty-three married
the daughter of the parish vicar. He succeeded to


his father's business, and settled down on the old
homestead.
"Shortly after the marriage of John, his parents
died, and he inherited the 'Wilts at Ripond,' together
with the homestead, etc., including a large manufactory of broadcloths, Kerseymeres, and gave the
mills a reputation which they have retained to the
present day. They occupy the same location, are
still owned and managed by Cogswells, and as recently as the last World's Fair at Vienna, secured
first premiums for their products. The reason why
John Cogswell finally sold out and came to this
(at that time wilderness), was much the same as
prompted you to give up an established business
and pleasant home in New England, and settle in
the large and growing West, namely, better opportunities offered for a large and growing family, and
a belief that a new country offered better chances
of distinction than an old-settled and nobility-ridden
country could do, even when the party leaving was
reasonably prosperous at home.
'"Though he lost all his worldly possessions, and
had to start anew, history shows that John Cogswell acted wisely, and that he became the direct ancestor of two of the Presidents of the United States
through the female line, and also in a direct lineRalph Waldo Emerson, Oliver Wendel Holmes,
Elisha Whittlesey, M. C., and within the memory of
myself, at the head of the Treasury Department of
the United States,and superintendent of the building
of thll Washington monumentuntil relieved by death
in 1865, at the ripe age of eighty-two years; John
Wentworth, L. L. D., William S. Robinson (Warrington) the famous correspondent of the Springfield Republican during the late Civil War, and the
turbulent times immediately succeeding; Elbridge
Gerry Robinson, an early pioneer in the anti-slavery movement, and many others of equal notoriety
whose names are not accessible at this time.
"You are connected with the Cogswells on both
father's and mother's side, but more directly by
your mother, who was Martha, daughter of Emerson Cogswell, who descended from John as follows:
William second, William  third, Emerson fourth,
Emerson fifth, who was your grandfather on your
father's side; your grandmother was Susannah
Cogswell, daughter of Emerson fourth, William






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


307


third, William second, and John first. I also find
that your fatlier was connected witl the Cogswells
by blood in another remove, about the third generation —in fact the Robinsons of your family, and
the Cogswells descended from John, are about as
nearly connected as brother and sister, and could
never have married under our present laws.
"So far as I have been able to learn, no harm has
resulted, either mentally or physically from the
union; but 'tis a risky experiment, and in my judgment, quite reprehensible. Things, however, were
quite different in those days in the wilderness. After a sojourn of one or two generations, the Cogswells removed from Ipswich, Mass., to what was
known as Old Concord, where there were but few
settlers, and if the boys and girls would marry,
they must take, as did Cain, those of near blood.
Would -ou like to know how the above-named
celebrities descended from the same stem as yourself, I commence with the one who has attained to
thle highest honors a Republic can bestow.
"President William -I. Harrison married a dauglhter of Rev. Timothy Symmes,whose wife was Lydia
Cogswell, a daughter of Francis fourth, John
third, William second, and -John first. You have
to reach back to William second to find kinship
with the present President of the United States,
from whom you differ so radically in a political
way, and as I think I hear you say, I have enough
of the Cogswell blood in me to feel no pride in the
kinship. Rufus Choate was not by blood a Cogswell, as you have supposed. His father's first wife
was Mary Cogswell, who lived but a few months
after marriage, and bore him  no children. Mr.
Choate's mother was Miriam  Foster, daughter of
Capt. Aaron Foster, whose name I am unable to
find, but as through three generations the Coos
wells and Fosters married, and they both lived in
Chebacco Parish, Ipswich, Mass., through all these
years, it is fair to presume that Capt. Amos Foster
was in part a Cogswell.
'"With Ralph Waldo Emerson, the grandest of
tlem all, the lineage is clear and direct, and like
yourself, comes down on both father's and mother's
side, until he loses the name in Emerson which
again turns back to Cogswell in the second generation. Hannah Cogswell, daughter of John first,


married Deacon Cornelius Waldo, a farmer for
John Cogswell, and from this union came the name
of Waldo so prominent in Emerson's home. It is
hard to trace R.. Emerson through the changes
back and forth through the Cogswell family, but
he is without doubt (yourself and brothers excepted), the best representative of the Cogswells
not bearing the name.
Now my dear father, I think I have shown enough
of lineage to satisfy a not very ambitious man, and
will stop. Modesty forbids my saying much about
my in'mediate ancestry, but should I be spared to
write after you have followed the long line so well
represented in the names I have mentioned, I may
have something to say concerning one who is the
peer of any, and far dearer to me than this long
list of names I know only of as I read, and as the
world prizes them. You have pioneered in dentistry, and worked up the literature as well as the
science of what has grown to take place among the
learned professions, and it can, wlen all your work
is done, be truthfully said as of one of old, "Well
done thou good and faithful servant."
Yours Truly
JERRIE.
Dr. Robinson was born in Old Concord, Mass.,
MIay 31, 1812. Ile was the son of William Robinson and Martha Cogswell, daughter of Emerson
Cogswell fourth. On the paternal side Dr. Robinson sl)rang from Rev. John Robinson, of Leyden,
who was expecting to sail for America in the "Mayflower" with the pilgrims, but his sickness prove(l
fatal, and le was left behind and died. Ile married
Harriet Amelia Brown, of Concord, March 3,1832,
by whom hoe had nine children. In 1835 he began
studying dentistry with Dr. George Mansfield, in
Lowell, Mass., and began his practice the same year.
Ite settled in Old Salem, Mass., in 1837, in the profession of dentistry, and remained there until 1852,
when he removed to Cleveland, Ohio. After a sojourn of six years in Ohio, lie came to Jackson,
this State, where lie is now practicing his chosen
profession, and it is said that he is the oldest practicing dentist in America.
Dr. Robinson was an ardent politician of the abolition school from the year 1836, when Phillips
and Garrison started their crusade against slavery;










308


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


and he never voted for a President of the United
States, who was elected, until Abraham Lincoln in
1860. During the Civil War he voted with the
Republicans until the election of Mr. Hayes, when
he left them, and now says he hated the Democrats
in ]860-61 when they were wrong on the slavery
question, and he now hates the Republicans just
as intensely, as they are wrong on the subject of
taxation and the tariff.
For six years Dr. Robinson was President of tile
Red Ribbon movement in Jackson, and he started
the first Red Ribbon Sunday-school in the country. During the Civil War he canvassed Southern
Michigan to laise volunteers for the Twenty-sixth
Michigan Regiment, and was the father of Capt.
William F. Robinson, of Company H, Fourth Michigan Infantry, who was wounded at Gettysburg.
Dr. Robinson and his wife celebrated their golden
wedding with their children, grandchildren, and
great-grandchildren, thirty-two in number, and the
family sat down to a sumptuous repast in the Hibbard I-louse parlors, at 3 o'clock r. M. Later they
repaired to the homestead on Jackson Street, which
was thoroughly filled with congratulatory friends
who had handsomely decorated the house with
flowers during their absence. Mrs. Robinson was
the recipient of one hundred gold half-eagles, and
the Doctor of a gold-headed cane, a large number
of beautiful books and various other valuable gifts,
both useful and ornamental.
The Doctor was a Greenbacker during the excitement attending the resumption of specie payment, and canvassed Southern Michigan for Peter
Cooper for President of the United States, and was
the editor of the Legal Tender Newspaper, published two years in Jackson.
| LISS CHARLES. Among the old settlers
J   of Columbia Township none are better deserving of notice in a volume of this kind,
than the above-named gentleman, who is
the owner and occupant of a fine farm on section
10. This has been his home since 1844, and under
his energetic hand the one hundred and twenty




I


I~ --- —~-~~~~~~~~~~~ —~  -- I —~  ~I-~~- '~~`-   - --  I  -


acres which comprise it have been brought to a
condition second to none in this part of the township, while the buildings which have been erected
upon it are all first-class. His residence in this
county dates from 1836, when he accompanied his
parents to their new home in the western wilds.
Bliss Charles, Sr., was a native of Maine, his
parents also being of the Pine Tree State. He began his life as a farmer there, marrying Miss Sydney B. Tilton, who was born in Kennebec, and
there received her education and early training.
After the birth of two children-Tilton and Bliss,
Jr.,-the family removed to New York, performing their journey with wagons in June, 1815, and
settling in Genesee County, where the country was
wild and unbroken. There they began to improve
a farm, which they made their home until 1836, at
which time the family, which had been increased
by the birth of four children in New York, prepared to emigrate to Michigan. In the summer of
that year the father and eldest son selected a location in this county, and set about the labors necessary to found a new home. The location was on
section 9, Columbia Township. Here the son died
before they were settled on their land. The journey of the family was performed by water from
Buffalo to Detroit, thence with teams, and the parents spent their last days on the farm of which
they then took possession, dying when ripe in years.
They were well known as pioneers, and highly respected for their goodness. Both were believers
in the tenets of the Universalist Church. Their
family comprised four sons and two daughters, all
yet living, except the one whose death has been
noted. The average age of the survivors is now
nearly seventy years, and all are residing in Michigan.
The subject of this biography was born in Fryburgh Township, Oxford County, Me., January 29,
1815, receiving his education and youthful training
in New York, to which State his parents had removed in his early infancy. He was about of age
when the family came to Michigan, and here he devoted his attention for some years to blacksmithing, later turning his attention to farming and
stock-raising. With the New England spirit of
enterprise and thrift, and'good judgment in his se





PORTRAIT AND BIOG RAPH ICAL ALBUM.


309


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.         309


lection of agencies and methods of developtnent.
Mr. Charles has succeeded in his worldly affairs,
gaining a comfortable home and surroundings, and
while doing so has won the respect and right good
will of those with whom he has had to do. In politics he favors the Democratic party, and supports
its platform and measures witli his influence as well
as his ballot.
The marriage of Mr. Charles was celebrated in
Columbia Township, his chosen companion being
Miss Marsha Marsh, a noble woman, who after her
marriage devoted herself to the assistance of her
husband, and care of her family, and made many
friends in the township. She was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., February 24, 1822, and was
reared and educated in her native county. Her
father, Samuel T. Marsh, was a shoemaker and tanner, and he died in his native State. The mother
(lied in Michigan.  Their daughter was about
twenty years of age when she joined her brothers
in this county, where she afterward spent her wed.
ded life. She breathed her last at the home she had
presided over with such patient goodness, January
29, 1888. Her religious faith was that of the Universalist Church.
To Mr. and Mrs. Charles five children were born.
A son, Malcolm S., died at the age of three years;
Thevenette W., lives at home, helping to work the
farm; Sylvetus A. married Anna Smith, and is now
operating a farm  in Eagle Township, Clinton
County; Lavant M. is at home farming; Mary
married Worlen L. Smith, and they reside with her
father, our subject. All are respected members of
the communities in which they live.
IA- IMON KING, JR. The branch of the King
family to which the subject of this notice
belongs, flourished for several generations
in the East, first in New England and then
in New York State, and made for themselves a
record which their descendants may justly look
upon with pride. They were people of correct
habits and sound principles, enterprising and progressive in their ideas, and wherever they were lo

cated made themselves felt in the community. The
later representatives of the family have maintained
its reputation in a corresponding degree. Simon,
our subject, is one of the most highly respected
men of. Pulaski Township, where he owns and occupies a fine farm, two hundred and thirty-nine
acres in extent, and pleasantly located on section 31,
Simon King, Sr., the father of our subject, was
born in Rochester, N. Y., in 1802, and was the son
of an earlier Simon King, a native of Massachusetts, who emigrated to New York State and settling in Monroe County, entered seventy-six acres
of wild land upon which the city of Rochester now
stands. He battled successfully with life in the
wilderness, built up a comfortable home, saw the
country around him settled up with an enterprising
and prosperous people, and passed peacefully from
earth. In the meantime had sprung up the infant
town of Rochester, which grew rapidly, and upon
its outskirts Simon King, Jr. was reared at the old
King homestead. He learned farming in all its details, and upon approaching manhood, followed it
with an uncle until his marriage. Subsequently
he became the owner of two hundred acres in
Monroe County, and one hundred acres in Pennsylvania.
In 1849 the father of our subject having disposed of his eastern interests, came to Michigan
and purchased the land now owned by Simon King,
Jr.. and his brother. This, however, did not include
all of his possessions, as he bought about fourteen
hundred acres at $12 per acre, and was fortunate
in obtaining some of the best land in the county
and from which he improved the first farm in Pulaski Township. Ile carried on farming here from
1849 until 1853, then returned to New York State,
as he still had mill property in Genesee County.
For several years thereafter he was engaged in running a saw and flouring-mill, but finally sold out and
purchased an improved farm of one hundred and
forty acres near Geneseeville, where he lives retired. He is liberal in his religious views, and
was totally opposed to the institution of slavery.
A man quiet in his manner, yet decided in his views,
he enjoys the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name






310


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


-  I --- —--  --- I-   ----  -   -   -,  -   -, —  ---   --                                                                                                                           -   I' - - - - -— ~ - - -c
-- -ll- - -   -1-11 -— I-  ~ -   ~- ~ ---  ~  _~:_  -- - ---  ~   I   -   -  -  -~- -,  ----- --                    -  --- ---      -----  -— =


of Isabel McCrary. She was of Scotch descent,
and was born    at Hanford's Landing, Monroe
County, N. Y. Her father, Reuben MIeCrary, was
an early settler of that county, locating on the
Gen'esee River, and spent his last days in New
York. Mrs. Isabel King departed this life at the
homestead in Geneseeville, N. Y., in October, 1863,
at the age of sixty years. There were born to
this worthy pair six children, viz.: Sarah, Mrs.
Culver, of Brooklyn, this State; Martha, Mrs. Everett, also living in Brooklyn; Simon, our subject;
Hliram, a resident of Plllaski Township; Margaret,
Mrs. Farwell, of Genesee County, this State; and
Frances, who died in 1863.
Simon King, of this sketch, was born in Wheat
land Township, Monroe County, N. Y., September
19, 1827, and was reared on the farm tiere, pursuing his early studies in the district school. Later
he attended one term at the academ  aat Riga Center. I-e set out for Michigan in the fall of 1848,
going by rail to Buffalo, by lake steamer to Detroit,
thence by rail to Pontiac and from there overland
to Oakland County. EIe spent the winter at Rose
Center, that county, and the following spring joined
his father at the farm  in Pulaski Township. He
worked with him during the summer, and spent the
following fall and winter as teacher of a country
school. He made his home with his parents until
1853, and then took possession of the two hundred
acres of land which fell to his share in the division
which his father made between himself and his
brotheri Hiram. To this he gave his best efforts
thereafter, and added to his original purcllase until
he has the fine estate upon which he now operates,
and which is the source of a handsome income.
His farm lies in one tract, and is finely located
within five miles of Litchfield. The buildings,
fences, orchards and groves conspire to make it one
of the most attractive pictures in the landscape of
that region. The land is amply watered by Beaver
Creek, and yields in abundance the rich crops of
this section. The present residence was put up in
1889, is tasteful in architecture, convenient in arrangement, and with its surroundings fulfills in a
marked degree the modern idea of the country
home.
Mr. King avails himself of modern machinery


in the operations of his farm, and has all the outbuildings required for the shelter of stock and the
storage of grain, He takes a genuine interest in
agricultural affairs at large, and was the originator
of the drainage system which has redeemed a large
portion of land from marsh and swamps in Pulaski
Township, and which several years ago was considered valueless. In addition to the home farm, Mr.
King has forty acres of good land in Branch County.
He practices a regular rotation of crops and his
iand, by this process, retains its fertility, and is always made available. Stock-raising enters largely
into his farm  operations, and the King estate has
become noted for its fine cattle and sheep, its fullblooded Polnlnd-China swine, and its standard bred
horses, including Lexington Chief. Besides some
fine animals for riding and driving Mr. King utilizes three teams in the farm work. He has for
many years been prominently connected with the
Litchfield Agricultural Society, as a member, stockholder, director and judge.
The marriage of Simon King, Jr., and Miss Emily Tiffany was celebrated at the bride's home in
Scipio Township, Hillsdale County, December 19,
1851. Miss Tiffany was born April 19, 1826, in
Canandaigua, N. Y., and     was the   youngest
child of Oliver and Sarah (Campfield) Tiffany, who
were natives of Massachusetts, and early settlers of
New York State. The father followed farming
near Canandaigua until 1836, when he came with
his family to Micligan and located a tract of land
in Scipio Township.  He was prospered in his pioneer labors, and eventually became the owner of
four hundred and eighty acres, upon which he labored until his death, which occurred about 1851.
The parental family consisted of ten children, four
sons and six daughters, three of whom are living.
Mrs. King, like her husband, has seen much of
pioneer life, and at an early age was taught those
habits of industry and economy, which she is now
teaching in turn to her children, five in number.
The eldest daughter, Jessie, became the wife of
Charles Mench, they live with our subject, and are
the parents of one child, Leo; Sarah and Fremont,
make their home with their parents, the latter took
a course in a business college at Toledo, and is the
horseman of the home farm; Hattie, is the wife of














PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


313


W. Hadley; they live on a farm in Litchfield Township, and are the parents of one child, Vera; Simon,
a bright lad and the youngest of the family,attended
the High School at Litchfield and Ann Arbor, but
is now at home. The children of Mr. King are
unusally bright and intelligent, and their father
has given them every advantage in his power.
They possess rare musical tastes, especially Fremont and Simon, who belong to the King Brass
Band, of which their cousin, Francis King, Jr., is
the leader.
Mr. King, politically, supports the principles of
the Union Labor party. He served as Justice of the
Peace for two years and since a young man has been
a member of the School Board of his district. The
King family have always signalized themselves as
strong temperance advocates, and Mr. King has
served as a delegate to the county conventions of
his party.
WALTER C. SNYDER, M. D., a rising young
physician and surgeon of Horton, has en~     tered Ul)On a more than ordinarily prosperots career, having by a strict attention to the
duties of his profession succeeded in building up a
good practice, while at the same time he has establisheId himself in the esteem and confidence of his
fellow-citizens, both in business and social circles.
He owns the principal drug-store in the place and
has a pleasant and attractive home presided over
by an accomplished and intelligent wife. Mrs.
Snyder is a well educated lady, with a taste for
music and painting, and both number their friends
and acquaintances among the cultured people of
the town.
The subject of this notice was born August 15,
1861, at Chelsea, Washtenaw County, and is the
son of Frederick R. and Marion (Gorten) Snyder,
the former of whom was a native of New York
State and came to Michigan with his parents in
1836, settling at Manchester, and later at Chelsea.
Mr. Snyder was married in Waterloo Townsllp,
in 1858, and settled with his young wife upon a
farm one mile north of Chelsea. He is now retired
from active labor and with his estimable wife is a




I


-    I —. -. ---. —   ------                   --- = =    =    ----   --  -   --   -= - --  __. -: 1  - _- -   - --: __- _= _::-  -  -:  --  = -- -7-  I: l.l_


resident of Stockbridge, Ingham  County. Mr.
Snyder is sixty years of age and his wife fifty-one.
Of the seven children born to them six are living.
Kitt C., who was traveling agent for the Champion
Farm Implement Company, died September 25,
1889; Walter C. is the second child; Gardiner is employed as an undertaker at Stockbridge; MaryE. is
at home; Minerva is the wife of John Hubbard, a
student at Ann Arbor; Aaron J. is pursuing his
studies in the High School at Stockbridge; Josie is
also in school.
The paternal grandparents of our subject were
James and Eliza Snyder, who spent their last years
in Marion Township, Livingston County, Mich.,
the former dying in 1882 and the latter in 1884. On
the mother's side the grandparents were A. T. and
Marietta (Gardiner) Gorten, the former of whom
died when her daughter, the mother of our subject,
was an infant. Grandfather Gorten was a prominent man in the early days, a Judge of one of the
courts, and is at present President of the Jackson
County Farmers' Insurance Company. He is likewise a stockholder in the Chelsea Savings Bank,
but is now in California organizing a bank at Los
Angeles; his home is in Waterloo Township.
After leaving the primary school at Chelsea
young Snyder went to Ypsilanti and for two years
attended the State Normal School. For four years
afterward he was occupied as a teacher and in the
meantime employed his leisure hours in the study
of medicine. When sufficiently advanced he repaired to Chicago, Ill., and, entering Hahnemann
College, took a full course and was graduated in
the class of '86 as a student of the Homeopathic
School. Soon afterward he located in Horton,
where he has since been engaged in the active practice of his profession, and as he is the only physician in the place his prospects are quite flattering..1)r Snyder was married, March 17, 1886, to Miss
Flora M., daughter of Albert and Florella (Fargo)
Green, and cousin to the Fargo of the celebrated
Wells-Fargo Express Company. Her parents are
residents of Pinckney, Livingston County,this State,
where her father is engaged in the hardware trade
and is one of the prominent men of the community.
Mr. and Mrs. Green are the parents of eleven children, eight of whom are living. Their daughter






314


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


Flora M. was born August 22, 1861, in Warsaw,
Wyoming County, N. Y.. and was given a thorough education. After completing her studies she
employed herself as a teacher for six years prior to
her marriage.
The Doctor and his charming wife are the parents of a bright little daughter, Flora Eulalia, born
July 31, 1888. Mrs. Snyder is connected with the
Methodist Episcopal Church and has been quite
active in Sunday-school work. The Doctor takes
an active interest in politics and gives his support
to the Democratic party. He has served as the
Health Officer of Hanover Township and is President of the Horton School Board. He is a member
of the Usteion Society of Halnemann Medical College and medical examiner of the Michigan Mutual
Benefit Association. A portrait of Dr. Snyder is
shown elsewhere in this work.
ONATHAN     P. HINSHAW. Among the
many professional men of good standing
that are to be found in a city as large as
/ Jackson, there are still some who are held
in better repute than their associates, for their
more intelligent conception of the details of their
profession and their more skillful use of their theoretical knowledge. At the time when the gentleman of whom we now write studied dentistry that
profession was in a much more crude state than at
present, being comparatively a new field. Toothpulling had been a part of the work of the doctor,
and our old inhabitants well remembered the torture endured at his hands while the old-fashioned
turnkeys were used. Many improvements have
been made in dental tools, and study has developed much knowledge regarding the care of the
teetl since Dr. Hinshaw began his professional
labors. Through the medium   supplied by the
press and dental associations, he has kept abreast
of the times, and his office is supplied with all the
improved appliances for the conduct of his business.
Dr. Hinshaw was born near Greensboro, N. C.,
July 27, 1820. His father, Jesse Hinshaw, was a


millwright in his early life, and later a planter
with large real-estate interests; he was afterward
engaged in the mercantile business, and at one
time carried on five separate stores. In 1843 he
removed to Indiana, where he remained until his
death, which occurred in 1852, when he had reached
the ripe age of seventy-two years. His wife,
Eunice Guilford, who was born in Pennsylvania
and died when our subject was an infant, was the
daughter of Col. Guilford, a Revolutionary soldier.
The school days of Jonathan Hinshaw were
spent in the Quaker College, at New Garden, N.C.,
andl he afterward learned the jeweler's trade, at
which he worked several years. He then, in 1850,
took up the study of dentistry, opening his first
office in Cincinnati, Ohio, and afterward going to
Carlton, Ky., where he spent several years. During
these early times business was slow. The next removal of Dr. Hinshaw was to North Berlin, Ind.,
whence, after a somewhat limited sojourn, he
departed to Indianapolis. Here he enlisted in Company B, Sixth Indiana Infantry, Col. T. T. Crittenden commanding, entering the service in 1861
and serving about eighteen months, when he was
mustered out under a surgeon's certificate of disability. During his army life Mr. Hinshaw took
part in the famous battle of Shiloh and other less
important engagements. Although unfitted for the
duties of campaign life, he did not abandon his
work for the Union, but under Gov. Morton, engaged in the secret service, huntinlg deserters, a
mission of great danger when his business became
known.
Dr. Hinshaw made his home in Indianapolis for
some time and then removed to Brooklyn, Mich.,
where he practiced his profession until 1881, at
which time he came to Jackson, where he has since
lived, devoting himself to professional labors, adding to his reputation in that line, and winning a
good repute among the citizens for his general intelligence, his agreeable manners and conversational powers. He has been a member of the
Presbyterian Church for many years, and he belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. He has
held several offices, serving his fellow-men acceptably, and taking an honorable pride in competently






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


315


--- -- -- —;.
— ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~                         ~~     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


discharging the duties of office. He was Postmaster at Brooklyn, Mich., during a period of four
years. He served as Deputy Sheriff three years,
and has been a Notary Public during quite an ex.
tended period, holding that office at the present
writing.
Dr. Hinshaw has been twice married, his first
wife having been Miss Coultrain, of North Carolina. His second matrimonial alliance was contracted in 1865, the bride being Mrs. Mary A.
Rounds, of Detroit, formerly from Indiana. This
marriage has been blessed by the birth of five chil
dren. One daughter, now Mrs. Maggie Bigler, is
the only surviving child; her husland is a carriagemaker in Jackson and a good business man. Mrs.
Hinshaw became the mother of two children by her
first marriage-William M. and Sarah; the former
engaged with Clark, Baker & Co., of Jackson,
wholesale grocers, and the latter now the wife of
G. W. Stambaugh, of Ithaca, Mich., a well-to-do
business man. Dr. Hinshaw has two children living by his first wife-Mary L. Cole, wife of ex-Policeman Cole, of Jackson; and Elmina Alley, wife
of Frank Alley, a railroad engineer at Indianapolis,
Ind. Both are happily married and doing well.
G    RANVILLE LYMAN. For the past nine
years the town of Brooklyn has been honored by the residence within it of the above
named gentleman, who, after having spent years
of activity as a farmer in Cambridge Township,
Lenawee County, has now retired from active
business and is enjoying the fruits of his.industry and the society of his family and friends. His
nata_ day was July 27, 1841, and his birthplace
the farm which was for many years his home. He
received a good education, was reared to habits of
industry and integrity, followed a successful agricultural career, and from 1866 to 1880 boulghtlive
stock quite extensively, shipping it to Buffalo,
N. Y.
The original progenitors of the Lyman families
of America, were three brothers who emigrated
from England in the Colonial period and founded


i
I


homes in the New England States. Capt. Otis Lyman, the father of our subject, was a native of
Rutland County, Vt., whence his parents removed
to Potter County, Pa., when he was but four years
old. The country was wild and unbroken and the
elder Lyman pushed out into the wilderness, forty
miles from any considerable settlement and, with
very few neighbors, and took up the duties of a
frontiersman. I-le built a mill which lie operated
for years, around it growing up a town which became known as Lymansville and still bears that
name. The settlement was made in 1809, and the
family became well known to the early pioneers of
the region in which their last years were spent. The
title of Major, by which the miller was commonly
known, was due to the position which lie held during the Revolution.
The family above mentioned included nineteen
children, of whom Otis Lyman was one of the older
members. His birth occurred in 1805 and he grew
to manhood in the town founded by his father,
whence he went to New York, becoming interested
in the construction of the Erie Canal, after the
completion of which he became Captain of a packet
boat. He remained in the packet service eleven
years, during which time he made his home at Ft.
Gibson, N. Y., a town on the Elie Canal. There
lie made the acquaintance of Miss Sarah Babcock,
a nstive of Northampton, Mass., and a member
of a family of good standing in their community,
who was visiting in Ft. Gibson. Becoming deeply
attached to this lady and his regard being reciprocated, Mr. Lyman was united in marriage with her
in Ft. Gibson, where they continued to reside until
after the birth of four children. They then, in
1836, turned their steps toward the Territory of
Miclli an, journeying by water to Toledo, Ohio,
andl tlence overland to Lenawee County, Mich.,
passing through Adrian when that now flourishing
city contained but sixteen shanties. Four miles
beyond the village they passed beyond civilized
habitations, continuing over Indian trails to a tract
of land on section 26, Cambridge Township, which
had been secured by Mr. Lyman in 1834 direc.tly
from the Government. It had been used by the
Indians as a camping ground, its choice location
and excellent water well adapting it for that pur



81c8             PORTRAIT AND BIOGxRAPHIICAL ALBUM.


pose,        ----------- ------ and-it-wasoccupied —y-a


pose, and it was occupied by an Indian wigwam.
This was supplemented by the erection of a log
house in which the younger members of the family,
including our subject, were born. Upon this land
Otis and Sarah Lyman spent the remainder of their
lives, living to see the one hundred and sixty acres
become a productive, thoroughly tilled and comfortably improved estate, and earning a good name
as energetic pioneers, worthy citizens and kindly
neighbors. Mr. Lyman was a stanch Republican,
and Mrs. Lyman for the greater part of her life
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The latter breathed her last in May, 1872, at the
age of sixty-eight years, the former surviving until
October, 1876, when he passed away at the age of
seventy-one.
The household band of which Granville Lyman
is a member, comprised six sons and four daughters. six of them natives of Michigan, and he the
youngest but two. Three brothers and two sisters
are yet living. During the Rebellion four of the sons
fought for the Union, two of them surviving the
dangers and exposures of those trying years. One
is supposed to have been killed and not reported;
one died while being treated for rheumatism which
he had contracted in the service. He of whom we
write enlisted August 15, 1861, being then twenty
years of age. liHe was enrolled in Company E, Third
Michigan Cavalry, his commanding officers being
Capt. M. M. Lattimer (now deceased) and Col.
J. K. Misner. The regiment was first assigned
to the command in the Southwest, then under Gen.
Halleck, and their first engagement with the enemy
was at Island No. 10, and New Madrid. Following
this came Shiloh and Corinth, where the regiment
did some hard fighting and raiding.
After the battle of Corinth the Third Cavalry
was held in that vicinity for some two years, during which time they bore a part in the conflicts at
Iuka, Holly Springs and others of minor importance. In January, 1864, they re-enlisted as Veterans, having a thirty days' furlough, after which
they were sent to St. Louis and thence to Arkansas, where they participated in the battle of Little
Rock. Following this came other engagements on
their way South, the body bringing up at Mobile,
Ala., about the time of Lee's Surrender. The regi

ment was sent to suppress Gen. Dick Taylor, who
was in command of the last army of the South, and
after his surrender they went to Baton Rouge.
Thence they were sent to Shreveport, Tex., thence
to San Antonio where they were kept until the
spring of 1866, in order to suppress any hostilities
that might arise in that section.
When mustered out and sent to their homes
bearing the honors due to all the brave old veterans, the regiment had the long record of over ten
thousand miles marched by them, fifty-two engagements fought, while in the company to which Mr.
Lyman belonged, about fifty per cent. of those who
filled its ranks on organization lived to return home.
Except for the dislocation of a wrist and a rupture
caused by the fall of his horse during a raid, Mr.
Lyman left the army uninjured except by the natural wear and tear of campaign life, which was severe on the Third Cavalry.
In the county and township of which he so long
had been a resident, Mr. Lyman married Miss Henrietta Thomas, a native of the same township, whose
birth took place January 6, 1847. Her parents,
David and Salina (Dickinson) Thomas, were early
settlers in that township, where the father carried
on a farm and an inn. He was a native of Wales
while Mrs. Thomas was born in England, their
marriage taking place in Leeds, England. In 1860
Mr. Thomas, on his way home from Adrian, fell
from the high seat of his wagon, the fall breaking
his back and causing instant death; lie was then in
middle life. His wife is yet living at the age of
seventy years, being now the widow of Alfred
Bailey and making her home in Tecumseh. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas were Episcopalians and carefully reared their daughter, who became an intelligent and noble woman. She has borne her husband
three childrer, of whom a daughter, Louie, died at
the age of nine months; Nellie and Belle, bright
and capable young ladies, graduates of the Brooklyn schools, still linger under the parental roof.
Mr. Lyman hias been Deputy Sheriff of Jackson
County for some time; he has also been a member
of the Brooklyn Council. He holds membership in
Blue Lodge No. 169, and Chapter No. 90,of Brooklyn, and in Commandery No. 4, of Adrian. In politics he is a Republican of the first water. He and his




PORTRAIT AND          13BIOG( RAPtl'ICAL ALBUI     M.,..,......-.- I...... -. -...-....................................-..1..-                                        -- -- --........


317


estimable wife enjoy the esteem of their fellow
citizens in Lenawee County, and in this county
also they are regarded with respect, while their
daughters are looked upon as welcome additions to
the society of Brooklyn.
JELOS J. HOLI)DEN. In noting the early
settlers of Jackson County, the name of
Mr. HIolden can by no means be properly
omitted from the list. A man of fine
business capacities and more than ordinary amount
of intelligence, he has kept his eyes open to what
has been going on around him in the world and
forms one of those rare characters with whom an
hour may always he spent in a pleasant and profitable manner. HIs birth-place was Batavia, Genesee County, N. Y., and the date thereof June 28,
1818. HIe comes of excellent stock, being the son
of Lorton Holden, a farmer by occupation, a native of Vermont, and the son of James Holden,
who distinguished himself as a gallant soldier in
the Revolutionary War.
Grandfathler James IHolden, physically, was of
powerful frame, standing "six feet in his stockings." and weighing two hundred and forty pounds.
He and his excellent wife reared a family of twelve
children, nine sons and three daughters, all of
whom lived to mature years. The mother of our
subject was in her girlhood Betsey Gibson, daughter of William Gibson, who was the descendant of
a fine old Massachusetts family. She was born in
that State, and by her marriage with Lawton Holden
became the mother of eight children, four sons and
four daughters. Besides Delos J., there are only
two sisters living of this goodly family.
In 1833 Lawton Itolden, leaving New York,
eame to Michigan Territory, settling near the em
bryo town of Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County. Taking up a tract of Government land, he developed
this into a farm, which he occupied a number of
years. He endured the toils and vicissitudes of
pioneer life and lived to witness the development
of a wild section of country into the abode of a
civilized and enlightened people. He spent his


last days with our subject, departing hence in 1 857,
when in the seventy-third year of his age. The devoted wife and mother only survived her partner
six months, dying at the age of seventy-one.
The subject of this notice commenced attending
school in his native township and later pursued his
studies in Ypsilanti, where he also learned the hatter's trade with one, William Post, serving an apprenticeship of four years and becoming familiar
witl the business in all its details. In June, 1839,
he located in Jackson and established the first hat
manufactory and store in the llace. Like all other
industries, this was in its primitive state comparatively, all the work being done by hand, and Mr.
Holden labored under this disadvantage for about
five years. He, however, by a course of prudence
and industry, made good 1headway and now passed
from a manufacturer to a merchant, engaging in
the sale of ready-made hats exclusively up to
1885.  In the meantime he had become quite
p)rominent in local affairs, and at one period was
"keeper" of the Jackson Prison. He was also Deputy
Warden for two years, and subsequently had entire charge of the building department, with which
lie was connected five years.
At the expiration of this time, returning to his
old business, Mr. Holden prosecuted this until retiring, in 1884. Since that time lie lhas devoted
his attention to looking after his farming interests
in Grass Lake, where lie has two hundred and
forty acres of well-developed land.
Early in 1841 Mr. Ilolden established domestic
ties, being married on the 1st of March, that year,
to Miss Jane E. Garlick, the second daughter of
Samuel and Lucy (Meed) Garlick, of Auburn.
Mrs. Holden's mother was a native of Connecticut,
and her father of Massachusetts. She was born in
Stafford, Conn., and removed thence with her parents to Auburn, N. Y., where sle was reared to
womanhood. She remained under the home roof
until her marriage. They have no children.
Mr. Holden, politically, is rather conservative
in his views, but votes the Republican ticket. Althlogh in the seventy-second year of his age,
he is hale and hearty, the result of a correct
life and temperate habits. ReligioLusly, lie is a
strong believer in the doctrines promulgated by






318


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


Emmanuel Swedenbor;, of whose writings he has
been a close student for manyiyears. Mr. Holden
has accumulated a fair share of this world's goods,
and as the result of honesty and uprightness, enjoys in a marked degree the esteem and confidence
of his fellow-citizens. His residence stands at the
corner of Ganson and Waterloo Streets, and forms
one of the oldest landmarks "in the city, as well as
a suitable monument to the industry and enterprise
of one of Jackson's oldest and most respected citizens. The active and vigorous form of the old
veteran, as lie takes his daily walk among the
people who had known him for so many years,
is everywhere recognized by both young and
old, in whose circles he "always meets with a
cordial welcome, and by whom he is looked upon
with that affectionate regard which can only be accorded those whose lives have borne linspection,
and to whom it may be properly said: "Well done,
thou good and faithful servant."


days of him of whom we write were passed with an
elder brother in Detroit. He then spent three years
as a pupil in the preparatory department of Albion
College, during the last year acting also as a tutor.
HEe then engaged in teaching at and in;the vicinity
of Detroit, during the last year before entering the
State University, which he did in 1864. There he
pursued a classical course, being graduated in 1868.
Mr. Hickey then took up the study of law in the
same University, but coming to the conclusion that
the great need of the people was the proclamation
of the Gospel, he abandoned his legal studies and
turned his attention to theology. He again adopted
the pedagogical profession as a temporary expedient. and for a year was Principal of the High
School at Flint. After being ordained by the
Methodist Episcopal Conference, his first charge
was at Manistee and he also had charges at Muskegan, Hillsdale and Marshall.
The ardor with which he had pursued his studies
and devoted himself to his professional labors,
affected the health of our subject, and he departed for the Pacific Coast, locating in San Diego,
Cal., and remaining in the Golden State five years,
during that time continuing his work of spreading
the Gospel, preaching two years in San Diego and
three years in Los Angeles.
Returning to Michigan, Mr. Hickey was located
in Albion, where for three years he held the pastorate of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Thence he
was sent to Lansing, having charge of the Central
Church for two years, after which he spent a year
in Ionia and three at Battle Creek. He is now
serving his third year as pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal Church at Jackson.
During his residence at Battle Creek, Mr. Hickey
crossed the Atlantic, occupying four months in
travels, passing through Europe but spending the
greater part of the time in Palestine, Turkey and
Greece, going over the scenes familiar to Bible
students with the interest which all devout believers manifest, and culling from the country itself
that which he could not gain from the best reports
of other visitors. Three years after his graduation
Mr. Hickey received the degree of A. M. from his
Alma Mater. While pastor at Muskegan he was
elected County Superintendent of SchbQos, Al

^  iEORGE S. H ICKEY, pastor of the First
/,_  Methodist Episcopal Church of Jackson,
possesses intellectual attainments of a high
order, and the knowledge of men which is acquired
only by observation and association, and which is
a vital necessity to one who would win souls to
Christ. He has':also a wide fund of illustrations
from which to draw instruction and to point the
moral of his remarks, having traveled in Europe
and the Holy Land, as well as in his own country.
His personal character is the pleasant, genial, kindly
one which wins the affectionate regard of those
with whom he comes in contact, and wields a deep
influence in support of his Christian principles and
precepts.
The natal day of the Rev.Mr. Hickey was January
8, 1841, and he opened his eyes to the light in
Oakland County, this State, being the youngest of
the children born to James and Rhoda H. (Babcock) Iickey. The mother died when our subject
was but a year old, and the father ten years later.
The latter was a local minister of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. The early boyhood and school








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319


PRRI AN  BO AICLABM  1


though his time and attention are necessarily devoted in the main to those matters which pertain
exclusively to his ministerial work, he is interested,
as all educated men are, in the cause of education,
and in common with all Christians is deeply concerned in all projects which will uplift and purify
the people.
The lady who presides over the parsonage and
in her own sphere in life ably seconds her husband's
efforts to convert sinners and strengthen saints,
bore the maiden name of Nettie A. Turner. She
is a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Beal) Turner, of Detroit, in which city she was born. The
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hickey took place in
August, 1870, and they have been blessed by the
birth of two children-Julia B. and Paul T.
f-'RANKLTN M. BUTLER is station agent for
the Cincinnati, Jackson & Mackinaw Railroad at Pulaski, or Wheelerton, and is also
a grain buyer in partnership with Mr. Wheeler,
under the firm name of Butler & Wheeler, they
being the most extensive grain dealers in the
southwestern part of Jackson County, and they
also deal in coal, lumber, salt, lime, plaster, etc.
A young man of more than usual force of character, tact, and business talent, well-educated withal,
our subject is among the foremost who are extending the commercial interests of the village, advancing its financial prosperity, and promoting its
growth.
Our subject is a son of Jonathan Butler, a native
of Maryland, his father, Paul Butlcr, who was born
in Germany. having crossed the water when a
young man and settled in that State.  He engaged
in farming there, and died in Alleghlany County,
that State. I-Ie was a soldier in the War of 1812.
A religious man, he was a faithful member of the
Lutheran Church. The father of our subject was
reared to farming, and became an early settler of
Fayette County, Pa., going there in 1828. IHe
cleared a farm, and became well-to do, owning
about four hundred acres of land.  eIt is now living in honorable retirement, in the enjoyment of


the wealth he has accumulated by his industry and
the judicious management of his affairs. He is
now in his eightieth year, but he still retains his
mental and physical faculties remarkably. He interests himself in politics, and has long been a
loyal supporter of the Republican party. The
maiden name of his wife was Sarah Sloan, and she
was born in Fayette County, Pa. Her father,
James Sloan, came from his native Ireland when a
young man, and was among the first settlers of
Fayette County. He was a farmer, and was prospered in his calling. Mrs. Butler, the mother of
our subject, passed away in 1888, at the venerable
age of seventy-four years. She was a sincere
Christian, and a true member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. She was the mother of eleven
children, namely: Sophia, Mrs. Flannagan, of Confluence, Somerset County, Pa.; Caroline, Mrs.
Flannagan, of Fayette County, Pa.: William, deceased; Isabelle, Mrs. Critchfield, of Confluence,
Pa.; John died at the age of thirty-two years;
Elias, of Westmoreland County, Pa.; Thomas, of
Fayette County; George, of Fayette County;
Franklin NM.; Mollie, Mrs. Wilson, of Fayette
County, Pa. (the latter two being twins); Ella,
Mrs. Reiber, of Fayette County.
Franklin Butler was born near Fall City, Fayette County, Pa., December 23, 1857. -IHe was
reared on his father's farm, and was given excellent
school advantages, and gained a substantial education, laying its foundations in the public schools of
his native county, and at the age of fourteen he
became a student in Smithfield Academy, pursuing
a thorough course of study during his two years'
attendance in that institution of learning. At the
youthful age of sixteen years he entered the
teacher's profession, being amply qualified  for
that vocation, and he had charge of the school in
his home district tie ensuing five months. In
1876, wishing to gain the benefits of a higher education, he entered the freshman class of Oberlin
College, designing to take the scientific course.
Mr. Butler could not attend college steadily, as
he had to teach in order to obtain money to defray
his expenses, as he had to work his own way, his
father not being willing to give hirn the necessary
funds, as lie did not give any of his other Qhildlre




320


POR~TRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


320      PORTRAIT AND_ BIOGRAPHICALALBUM.


college educations. Our subject bravely kept on
in his pursuit of knowledge, steadily overcoming
every obstacle in his way, and advanced to the
junior year, when he turned his attention to telegraphy, and was graduated from the telegraph department of Oberlin College in 1879. After leaving college he went to Holloway, in this State,
where he engaged in teaching, and in his leisure
hours practiced telegraphy on the main line of the
Wabash, and in time became an expert telegrapher.
In January, 1883, he received the appointment of
agent at Pulaski, and immediately resigned his
school and resumed his duties. The railway had
just been completed to this point, and he was the
first agent and operator placed here, and has remained in charge ever since. He has proved a
most efficient and popular agent, as he looks carefully after the interests of the company, and is
always courteous and obliging. In the fall of
1884 Mr. Butler began buying and sllipping grain
to the extent of a hundred car-loads a year or
more, buying for Pratt & Worthington, of Homer,
until 1886, when he formed a partnership with
I. P. Wheeler, and they have since greatly extended the business, until they are among the leading buyers of this part of Jackson and adjoining
counties. They have erected   a large elevator,
with a capacity of six thousand bushels. They
have also enlarged their business so as to include
the sale of lumber, salt, coal, etc. Mr. Butler has
established his financial condition on a solid basis,
and has acquired some valuable property within
the last few years, and is, indeed, one of the mon.
eyed men of the village. He owns one acre on the
town site, very pleasantly located, and here he has
erected the largest residence in the village, which
is well furnished, and is neat and tasteful in all its
appointments.
Our subject's success in life has been much furthered by his marriage to Miss Lena Hamblin,
which took place in Pulaski Township, May 23,
1886. She is a native of this township, and a
daughter of the well-known 0. E. Hamblin, a
sketch of whose life appears on another page of
this work.
Possessing a well-balanced mind, a strong, selfreliant nature, and many fine traits of character,




Mr. Butler is well-equipped for the battle of life,
and is a fine representative of our self-made men.
His ambition and well-directed energy, coupled
with rare judgment, have already given him an important place in the financial and business cireles of
the county.  His activity in the work of the
Methodist Episcopal Church at Pulaski makes him
one of its most valued members. He has taken an
especial interest in the Sunday-school, and has
been its Superintendent since he came here. In
his politics, he is an ardent Republican, and lends
his influence to promote the interests of the party.
t )AR1REN CASE, a leading general farmer
\  of Columbia Township, owns and occupies
two hundred and forty-four acres of finelycultivated land on section 12, which has been his
home since he was a child four years of age. He
was born in this township November 3, 1833, and
is the son of Morgan Case, a native of Washington
County, N. Y. The latter emigrated to New York
State after his marriage to Miss Betsey Nelson, who
was born and reared in the same county and came
of one of its most highly respected families.
After their marriage the parents of our subject
set out at once for Michigan Territory the time
being the fall of 1832. They journeyed via the
canal to Buffalo, thence by lake to Detroit and from
there overland with teams to this county landing
at their destination after five days' travel. There
were then only two men (hunters) within the present limits of Napoleon Township, and Morgan
Case, taking up a tract of Government land in the
wilderness, proceeded in frontier style to the construction of a home. He cultivated and improved
a portion of his land and lived there four years.
He then sold out for the then large sum of $2,000
and removed to what is now Columbia Township,
where he purchased a large tract of land, a part of
which is now owned by his son, Warren, and which
lies on section 12. Here Morgan Case and his
wife spent a good many years and finally retired
from active labor, removing to Napoleon Village






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_  _.     _......................... -


I


- — ~- ~~ ----~~'~- --..


where they both died. The father passed away in
August, 1884 at the age of seventy-eight years.
Mrs. Case died a year later at the age of seventy.
seven. They assisted in the organization of the
Baptist Church at Napoleon, of which they remained faithful members until their decease and in
which Mr. Case officiated as Trustee. IHe was
prominent in local affairs, representing the township
in the County Board of Supervisors and also served
as County Treasurer. When becoming a voting
citizen lie identified himself with the Whig i party;
later he was a Republican but finally became independent in politics.
The subject of this notice was the eldest of the
three children born to his parents and is the only
one living. His brother Walter died when a promising yout h of eighteen years. The sister, Emeline,
died when a child of two and one-half years.
Warren obtained a limited education in the primitive pioneer schools and at an early age was taught
the habits of industry and economy which have
been the foundation of his success in life. He was
a bright and observing youth, having a good talent
for business and before reaching his majority he
had hauled goods, grain and other commiodities by
team to Toledo, Ohio, and Monroe, this State,
making many trips in this manner. He also frequently transported passengers from this section to
Detroit and Chicago. After the building of railroads and there were other methods of transportation, he gave his entire attention to farming and
stock raising.
When ready to establish a home of his own, young
Case took unto himself a wife and helpmate. Miiss
Delia Sloat, to whom he was wedded at the bride's
home November 3, 1860. This lady was born in
Liberty, this county, May 17, 1845, and is the
laughter of.John and Sarah (Brunk) Sloat, who
were natives of New York State. The Sloat family
was of Dutch descent and were known along the
Mohawk Valley for several generations. The parents of Mrs. Case emigrated to Michigan Territory
probably in 1834, after the birth of one or two
children, and settled first in Sheridan Township,
Woshtenaw County, whence they removed to Liberty Township, this county, settling among its
earliest pionpers, antl the father improved a farm




from  the wilderness.  The parents spent many
years at the homestead thus built up, but finally retired from active lalor and took up their abode in
Napoleon Township. Mr. Sloat departed this life
about 1880, after having reached his fourscore
years; the aged mother makes her home with her
son, John Sloat, in Napoleon, and is now eightyeight years old. Notwithstanding her years she is
quite strong and active.
The wife of our subject was subjected to careful
training, acquired her education in the common
school and remained with her parents until her
marriage. She has been a most efficient helpmate
to her husband and a wise and kind mother to her
children. Of these, six in number, two sons,Walter
and lIugh,died of dliphtheria at the ages respectively
of about eight and seven years. Ella is the wife
D. 'Parkhurst and they reside on a farm in Wheatfield Township, Ingham County. Ernest, George
and Elmer remain at home witl their parents. Mr.
Case imbibing his political sentiments from  his
honored father, is like him, indelpendent in politics.


I


/-   HARLES C. EMERSON. Among the business enterprises of a large city, that of a
contractor and builder is conspicuous, as the
welfare and prosl)erity of the place is clearly
sliown in the class of edifices that adorn it. The
gentleman above named has been engaged in tliat
line of business for a number of years, and has an
established reputation as a workman and an honorable superintendent. He has been successful in
his career, has accumulated a nice property, and
las a pleasant home in which to take his rest when
the cares of the day are over. Several of the prom.
inent blocks of the city of Jackson have been
erected by hiim, and his own dwlelling, No. 221
Elm Avenue, is a monument to his skill.
The natal day of our subject was September 9,
1837, and his birthplace, Rocliester, N. Y.  His
father, William Emerson, was a native of Vermont,
and married Miss Eliza Vandeventer, who opened
her eyes to the light in New York State. The
father was engaged in general business, such as




I


322


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPtAHICAL ALBUM.


322              PORTR:iT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


dealing in stock and lumber. He came to Michigan with his family, when the subject of this
sketch was but five years old, locating at a village
called Bunker Hill, not far from Detroit. Thence
he removed to Oakland County, spending five
years near Milford, after which he and his wife
came to Jackson County, and made their home
in the town of Sandstone. They subsequently removed to Parma where the father died, in 1868,
at the age of sixty-eight years. His family included four sons and five daughters. Charles C.
is the only son now living, and two only of the
daughters survive.
Charles C. Emerson attended school at Parma,
this county, acquiring a good knowledge of the
branches usually taught in the common schools.
At the age of eighteen years he began to learn the
trade of a brick and stone mason, continuing at
this trade until 1861, when he joined the Union
Army and went South to defend the flag. His
name was on the muster-roll of Company C, Ninth
Michigan Infantry, his commanding officer being
Col. Duffield. The regiment was sent from  Detroit to Louisville, Ky., and soon witnessed the
smoke of battle. The first engagement in which
they took part was at Murfreesboro, Tenn., in 1862.
There Mr. Emerson was captured by Gen. Forrest
and marched about fifty-seven miles when he was
paroled: on his return toward Murfreesboro he
was shot at six times by bushwhackers. He was
sent to Nashville, thence to Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, and exchanged, with a leave of absence.
Mr. Emerson rejoined his regiment at Louisville,
in the fall of the same year, and being placed on
detached duty in the Mounted Infantry, went in
pursuit of John Morgan, afterward being assigned
to the command of Gen. Thomas. He took part
in the battles of Tullahoma and Chattanooga, and
did scouting and picket duty, scouring the country
about the main body of troops and keeping it from
surprise. After serving faithfully for three years,
he was mustered out, in September, 1864, and returned to his home with an honorable record earned
at the front.
Upon resuming the arts of peace, Mr. Emerson
took the contract to lay the brick and stone work
along the line of the Michigan Central Railroad


for three years. He then began contracting in
Jackson, where he still carries on that branch of
business. Among the buildings that he has erected
are the Wiley Reynolds Block, some of the prison
buildings, the Withington & Cooley Block, and the
brass and copper foundry of the Michigan Central
Company, together with many others. Besides his
residence property, Mr. Emerson owns several
dwellings in the city and the building in which is
kept a livery stable on Pearl Street.
In December, 1860, an important step in the life
of our subject was taken, he then becoming the
husband of Miss Martha Hogle, who was born in
this city, and grew to womanhood under good influences. She is a daughter of Albert and Polly
(Maine) Hogle the former a native of New York
and the latter of this State. To Mr. and Mrs.
Emerson three children have been born-Eva,
Nellie and Htarry. The second died at the age of
nineteen, when just budding into a womanhood
that gave promise of much usefulness; Eva is the
wife of Henry Best of this city. Mr. Emerson belongs to Pomeroy Post, G. A. R., and is a member
of the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a
strong Republican. Mrs. Emerson is a member of
the Baptist Church.
H>^=-~- -— >_^<^..fc +(-< ----  / ' <:
r    DWIN L. HELMER, Chief of the Fire Department of Jackson, is a man whose energy
and quick decisive judgment have caused
his promotion to the position which he occupiesa position of responsibility and unceasing trust,
such as ihonld only be held by one in whom the
people can repose profound confidence. Mr. Helman is a native of the Empire State, in which his
father, John Helman, also first saw the light. The
father was born and reared to manhood near Svracuse, the year of his birth being 1819. He learned
the trade of a blacksmith, and followed his trade
for many years. In 1858 he came to Jackson,
where he breathed his last, in November, 1883.
His wife, Isabelle Cook, was a native of the Emerald Isle, and died when our subject was but eleven


1






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


323


I


years old. She had borne two sons and two daughters. The widower married a second time, the
marriage resulting in the birth of five clildren.
Edwin L. Helmer opened his eyes to the light,
May 2, 1844, in the city of Lockport, N..  tYHe
first attended school in his'native county, completing his studies in Jackson. He learned the blacksmith's trade with his father, and afterward carried
on the business of a blacksmith for a number of
years, making and tempering edge tools. In 1860
he connected himself with the fire department as
hoseman, in the old hand companies which comprised the city force for some years, and held the
position of foreman a long time. When the full pay
department was instituted he'was promoted to the
position of Assistant Chief, an office that hle filled
acceptably until the resignation of Thomas J. Connely, when he succeeded him at the head of the
department.
At the residence of Thomas Miller, in this city,
May 3, 1877, the rites of wedlock were celebrated
between Mr. Helmer and Miss Josephine L., daughter of the host. 'The bride was born and reared to
womanhood in this city, under the care of worthy
parents, and with excellent instruction, acquiring
intelligence, useful habits andan estimablecharacter. She has borne her husband two childrenFrederick T. and Rhoana. Mr. Helmer belongs to
Jackson Lodge, No. 50, A. F.'& A. M. His residence, No. 319 Second 'Street, is a cozy edifice,
amid pleasant surroundings, and the airof comfort
which it presents is fully realized upon crossing the
threshold.
ACOB CRUSE. A high rank among the
successful farmers of Columbia Township is
held by the above-named gentleman, whose
pleasant home is located on section 13.
There he owns a valuable piece of property, comprising eighty acres of highly-cultivated and productive land, upon which such improvements have
been made as are usually the work of enterprising
and progressive farmers. The property which Mr.
Cruse has accumulated is a monument to his untiring industry and careful thrift, aided by the care

ful management and industry of his worthy wife.
It is a pleasure to record the fact that their affairs
are now on so excellent a financial basis that they
are enabled to live in comfort without hard labor,
the interest on their capital being added to their
income on the estate.
Mr. Cruse was born in Alsace,rFrancc, in May,
1816, and although living under the French Government was reared to speak the German language,
his ancestors having been Germans. His father,
Jacob Cruse, Sr., was also an Alsatian by birth.
His occupation was that of a small farmer, and his
life was spent in his native province, his death occurring when he was forty-five years old. His wife,
in her girlhood Miss Catherine Kanes, was born
and died in the same province, being forty-eight
years old when she breathed her last. Both were
worthy members of the Lutheran Church. Their
family consists of one son and three daughters, all
living in their native land except him of whom we
write.
The subject of this biographical notice was educated in his native land, and in his own town was
united in marriage with Miss Margaret Haines, who
was born there July 19, 1816. The parents of the
bride were German speaking people, and of German ancestry.   Their family consisted of four
daughters, of whom Margaret is the eldest. The
three younger sisters still reside in their native
land. Mrs. Haines died at the age of thirty years,
and her husband at the age of thirty-five. After
the birth of one child Mr. and Mrs. Cruse set out
for the United States, taking passage at Havre de
Grace on a three-masted sailer, and landing in New
York City after a voyage of six weeks. This was
in 1841, and securing employment in the vicinity
of Buffalo, they remained there until 1851, hoarding their resources preparatory to purchasing a
home. Mr. Cruse was employed as a farm laborer,
and when a sufficient amount of money had been
saved he came with his family to Michigan, securing the land which he still occupies, and which he
has brought to its present state of improvement.
To Mr. and Mrs. Cruse nine children have been
born. Three sons-George, Fred, Sr., and Fred,
Jr., died young; Margaret is the wife of Henry
Moch, a farmer at Devil's Lake; Jacob, Jr., married






324


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPH~ICAJ"L ALBUM.


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I_. —~ —.__  _. — -~-I L l_ - I_........................... 


Miss Johanna Morrey, and is working in a mill in
Brooklyn; Christina is the wife of Fletcher Philips,
a farmer in Hillsdale County; Conrad, who is tilling the soil in Columbia Township, married Miss
Pauline Hair; Michael married Miss Ellen Grove,
and their home is on a farm in Columbia Township;
Katie is the wife of Lewis Curtis, a farmer living
near Jackson. Mr. and Mrs. Cruse are members in
good standing in the Lutheran Church, and are regarded as useful and honorable members of the
community. Mr. Cruse is a Democrat, never failing to cast his ballot in behalf of the party in
whose principles he believes.


HRISTOPHER C. DARLING, a prominent,
highly respected citizen of Jackson, has
been largely identified with the building interests of Southern Michigan for many years as a
practical and prosperous contractor and builder.
A native of Royalton, Niagara County, N. Y., he
was born November 1,1825. He is a son of Pascal
P. Darling, likewise a native of New York, and a
grandson of Joseph Darling, who of Massachusetts
birth, was an early pioneer of Niagara County. Ile
resided in Royalton some years, and then coming
to Michigan, was a pioneer of Jackson, buying a
tract of wild land that is now included within the
city limits. He spent his last years with his chilldren. Of New England birth and antecedents, he
came of that good Scotch stock that colonized the
North of Ireland.
The father of our subject was reared and married in his native State, and resided there until
1834, when he came with his family to Michigan,
traveling by Erie Canal to Buffalo, thence by lake
to Detroit, and from there with ox teams they penetrated the almost impassable wilderness as far as
Jackson County, where their journey ended. They
found this now flourishing and populous city a
mere collection of a few log buildings, and deer,
wolves and other wild animals roamed at will over
the present site of the city, the Indians still lingering in their old home and hunting through the
immense forests that covered the country. All


the land that had not been taken up by the few
settlers scattered here and there was for sale by the
Government at $1.25 an acre. There were no
railways in this region for some years and Mr.
Darling engaged in teaming to Detroit with an oxteam, drawing flour and all kinds of merchandise
for the inhabitants of this locality. When traveling
was good he used to make the round trip in two
weeks. He continued teaming one or two years,
and then devoted himself to clearing and farming
his land for a time. He subsequently went to
Eaton Rapids, and with his brother Columbus was
engaged as a contractor in constructing a part of
the State road between that city and Jackson, and
later in building dams and mills, continuing in business till his death, which occurred in Eaton Rapids.
Mr. Darling met and won his wife when he was
engaged in Orangeport as a contractor on the Erie
Canal. She was the daughter of his host, Col.
Maynard. He was a native of Massachusetts, and
during the War of 1812 commanded a regiment,
leading his forces at the battle of Black Rock. He
was a pioneer of Orangeport, N. Y., and there kept
a hotel and managed a farm mnmy years. He spent
his last days in Chautauqua County, N. Y.
Christopher C. Darling, whose life-record we are
writing, was eight years old when his parents came
to Michigan in territorial days, and he has never
forgotten the incidents of their early pioneer life
in the primeval forests of Jackson County. He
remembers the wild, sparsely settled condition of
the country, and how hard the brave, hardy pioneers
had to work in the upbuilding of their homes. Hie
recollects the building of the first flourmill in
Jackson, a great event to the pioneers, when it took
forty pairs of oxen to draw the log for the shaft
of the mill. He attended the pioneer schools
here, the first one being held in a small frame
building, which accommodated all the scholars of
Jackson in those early days of its settlement. tIe
advanced his education by attendance at the Eaton
Rapid schools, and at th e age of seventeen laid the
foundation of his future business by learning the
carpenter's trade. He continued to live in that
city until 1851, when he came to Jackson to carry
on his business as a builder and contractor. In
1875 the locality now embraced in Harbor Springs






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325


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-across the bay from Petoskey —was already attracting the attention of the people as a summer
resort, and there being a fine opening for an enterprising builder, our subject was quick to seize such
an advantage, and removing thither, carried on a
flourishing business there for some years, and was
among the leading contractors there.  On first
going to Harbor Springs he purchased a fine prop
erty there, and built a house. which was at the
time the handsomest and most substantial residence
in the place. In 1889 he rented his home there and
returning to Jackson now occupies the commodious
home that he built on Adrian Avenue several years
previous to his leaving the city, and has ever since
been a resident here.
Mr. Darling has been three times married. He
was first wedded in 1852 to Miss Julia A. Tuttle, a
native of Ypsilanti, and a daughter of Frank
Tuttle. Their married life closed with her death in
1856. Mr. Darling's second marriage, which took
place in 1858, was to Miss Ann Scofield, a native
of Jackson County. Their brief wedded life terminated in her death in 1859. Mr. Darling was
married to his present wife, formerly Miss Louisa
Felshaw, in 1863. She was born in the town of
Sodus, Wayne County, N. Y. Her father, Willard
Felshaw, was a native of the same State, and was
there reared and married. He engaged in farming
in Wayne County some years, but in 1836 sold his
possessions there, and came to the territory of
Michigan, and settled in what is now   Summit
Township, becoming one of its pioneers. He bought
a tract of wild land, built a log calbin for the accommodation of his family, and commenced the
improvement of a farm. He placed it under a fine
state of cultivation, erected frame buildings, and
made his home there until his death February 15,
1889, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. lHe
had lived to see the county develop from a wilderness to a well-settled and wealthy country, and had
been a factor in bringing about the great change.
The maiden name of Mrs. Darling's mother was
Naomi Pratt. She was born in Massachusetts, a
daughter of Linas Pratt, a native of the old Bay
State, who was a pioneer of New York State. He
came to Michiigan at an early day, and spent his
last years in Oakland County.   Mrs. Darling's


mother still Presides on the home farm in Summit,
and she is now seventy-seven years old. Mr. Darling is the father of-jtwo children by his first marriage, Myron andlMary. He and his present wife
have'five children living: Pascal, Willard, Frank,
Lizzie, Nettie. Their son Freddie died at the age
of seven years.
In his long and honorable business career Mr.
I)arling has shown himself to be strictly honorable,
trustworthy and plain dealing, and he enjoys a high
personal standing wherever known. In his f'amily
he is a devoted husband and an affectionate father;
towards his neighbors he is always genial and helpful. In early days a Whig, lie is and always has
been a strong advocate of the policy of the Republican party, placing himself in its ranks as soon
as the party was founded.
E3   VAN RICHARDS. This volume would be. incomplete as a compendium     of Jackson
I   County biographies, did it not contain some
account of the life and ancestry of the above-named
gentleman. Although he has lived in this county
but a few years, he is already well-known as a successful farmer and as a man of intelligence and
culture.
The gentleman of whom we write is a descendant
of an old and well-known family of South Wales,
where his father, Edmond Richards, was born and
grew to manhood. IHe was reared to the trade of
a miller under the care of his father, Evan Richards,
who was a leading miller and a prominent member
of society in that section. Edmond Richards married a prominent young lady of his own circle in
society, whose parents, William and Mary Coslett,
were favorably known among the leading families
of South Wales. After the birth of four children,
Edmond Richards and his wife Hannah embarked
for the United States, leaving Bristol, England, on
a sailing vessel. They landed in New York, July
4, 1827, after a four months' voyage, which was
marked by a narrow escape from pirates who were
at last successfully baffled by the captain.
After arriving in this country Mr. Richards






326


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


established a mill in Clockville, Madison County,
N. Y., and was there engaged until 1844. He then
started West with his family, sojourning for a time
in Oak Hill, Ohio, but not being satisfied, the following year he came on to Michigan, finally locating in Dexter Township,Washtenaw County. There
he had charge and carried on a mill, continuing in
the business for some years, but later moving on
to a farm which he operated until his death. He
breathed his last in April, 1861, at the age of sixtytwo years. He met with business reverses at one
time which caused the loss of his entire property,
but he lived to build up another and died in fair
circumstances. He was a man of the strictest integrity and of other noble traits of character which
gained him many friends wherever he was known.
He held strictly to no church creed but possessed a
Christian character. His wife was from early youth
an active member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.   Slle died in 1852, when not yet fifty
years old.
To Mr. and Mrs. Edmond Richards twelve children were born, eight of whom lived to years of
maturity. The late Dr. A. E. Richards was the
eldest.  He was highly educated in medicine in
New York State, subsequently going to Louisiana
and there completing his medical education in this
country. He carried on a large drug business, was
very successful, and retired on his accumulated
fortune just before the Civil War broke out. He
traveled in Europe and other countries for his
A health and pleasure, and while abroad was graduated from the noted French college of medicine at
Paris. From his early days he had been a student
of the languages and became a master of seven
tongues, completing this line of study during his
travels; he made a practice of reading the Bible
through each year in a different language, for seven
consecutive years. He spent some time as a correspondent for the New York Observer and other
papers, and interested himself in making a collection of coins and medals, that became one of the
finest and most varied numismatic collections in
the world. From it he enriched various institutions
in this country, among them one at Utica, N. Y.,
one at Philadelphia, Pa., and the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, the Richards Collection in the




latter being regarded as priceless. Hle also gave
largely to the city of Cardiff, Wales, and a fine
collection to his brother Evan.
The other living brothers and sisters of our subject are Mary, widow of Warner Forbes, who lives
with our subject; Jemima W., wife of R. E. Smith,
of Jefferson; Martha B., who is unmarried and
living with our subject; Eliza R., widow of Frank
McDonald, formerly a miner of Colorado, in which
State he died, his widow now making her home
with her brother Evan; Daniel, a retired farmer of
Pinckney, Livingston County, Mich., who mar.
ried Ellen LaRue; and William, a bee-keeper on
Ten Miles Plains in North Australia, who married
a lady from London, England.
The natal day of the subject of this sketch was
April 5, 1839, and his birthplace Madison County,
N. Y. He was but a small lad when his parents
turned their faces Westward, after a few months
locating in Washtenaw County, Mich., where young
Evan grew to manhood and received his education.
There he spent the most of his life until 1885,
when lie came to this county, locating on section
24, Columbia Township, where be owns a fine
property. His estate comprises one hundred and
fifty broad and fertile acres, on which is a fine
residence, and a line of farm  buildings which includes every necessary and convenient arrangement for the housing of crops and stock and the
successful work of the farm.
On August 13, 1862, having determined to de.
vote his strength and energy to the cause of the
Union, Mr. Richards enlisted in the Twentieth
Michigan Infantry, Col. Williams, of Lansing, commanding, being assigned to Company K, which
was led by Capt. Hammond. In September the
regiment went South, becoming a part of the Ninth
Army Corps under Gen. Burnsides. Mr. Richards
participated in twenty-six heavy engagements and
minor skirmishes, the list including the famous
battles of Fredericksburg, Vicksburg, Knoxville,
and the Wilderness, and those of the Grant campaign to the battle of Petersburg. He endured
many of the hardships which are necessary events
in a soldier's life, but everywhere displayed the
courage and valor which became a man and which
was to be expected from one of his ancestral race.




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


327


After the battle of Petersburg he acted on the detached force in the ambulance corps. His honorable discharge was received at Jackson, Mich., June
9, 1865, and lie resumed the peaceful occupation
of a farmer, in which he had previously been engaged. He is a sound Republican, not only giving
his vote to the party of his choice but wielding his
personal influence in its behalf as well.
A worthy representative of an ancient race, inheriting from  his progenitors many of the best
traits of their respective families, Mr. Richards
has lived in such a manner as to cast no discredit
on the name. As a citizen he has ever been reliable and pullic spirited, in his worldly affairs le has
manifested a high degree of energy and ability,
while his home life is only marred by the fact that
he has preferred single blessedness. One of his
most highly prized possessions is the collection of
ancient coins given him and his sister by their
brother, which is valued at not less than $8,000.
LBERT G. AYRES. It gives us pleasure
i  to incorporate within this volume a sketch
of the above-named genlleman, who has
Il  pioved himself so worthy a descendant
of an honorable lineage. Hie owns and occupies
a valuable farm, comprising one hundred and
seventy acres, on section 10, Hanover Township,
which is devoted to general farming and stockraising. Twenty-five acres which produces plain
hay is the only part of the estate now unimproved, the balance of the land being devoted to the
ordinary crops raised, and to the farm buildings,
fruit and garden, which all enterprising agriculturists erect and cultivate. The stock raised is
Short-horn cattle and Spanish Merino sheep. The
buildings upon the estate comprise a full line of
well-built and conveniently located structures, and
were erected by the present owner.
The subject of this sketch is the eldest child of
Joseph and Charlotte (Norton) Ayres. His father
was a native of Massachusetts, and his mother of
New York, their marriage having been celebrated
in the latter State, which they made their home


until 1826. Then they removed to Ohio, but four
years later returned to the Empire State, where
they resided permanently from that time. Joseph
Ayres was a member of the Congregational Church,
and for over forty years was Superintendent of
the Sunday-school. He also held a leading place
in political affairs of the locality, had filled nearly
all the township offices, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He died August 8,
1889, at the advanced age of eighty-five years; his
wife had passed away in 1884, her age being seventy-five years. The father of Mrs. Joseph Ayres
was Sereno Norton, a soldier in the War of 1812,
who died at the age of eighty-five; and her mother,
whose maiden name was Harriet Morse, lived to
the extreme age of ninety-six years.
The household band in which our subject made
one, comprised nine children, seven of whom are
yet living. One of the deceased, Conway W.,
Major of the Ninth New York Cavalry, lost his life
at the battle of Winchester, Va., while at the head
of his regiment, the Colonel having been previously wounded and being unable to take the
field. Two other sons of Joseph Ayres also devoted themselves to the service of their country in
army life. Chauncy was a member of the same
regiment as his brother Conway, holding the position of bugler; he was wounded in battle, but
survived, and is now living in Florida. Alfred,
who now lives near Jamestown, N. Y., served four
years and two months in the Seventy-first New
York Infantry; he never missed a (lay's duty.
Albert G. Ayres was born at Wheatland, Monroe County, N. Y., November 29, 1826, and grew
to manhood in his native State, receiving only a
common-school education. He has always been
engaged in farm labor, having beg'un working by
the month at the age of fourteen years, spending
the winters in attendance at school. At the age of
twenty years hle began working for himself, remaining in his native State until 1852, when he
came to Michigan and settled upon the farm where
he now resides. Hie has been eminently successful
in his life work, has accumulated a comfortable
fortune, and if no unforseen misfortune befalls him
need have no fears for his future comfort.
Mr. Ayres, while devoting himself to the inter





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PORTR~AIT AND ]BIOGxRAPHI~lCAL ALBUM.


==28,PORTRAIT — AND --- —- BORPIA                ABM.X-  ---- =- =- l  = D 
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est of his family and desiring no public honors.
has yet been useful in the local work of tile township in politics, in educational affairs and in the
work of improvement which has been going on
around him. For a dozen years he has been a
member of the School Board, and for a long time
he has been Pathmaster in this district. Since the
organization of the Republican party he lhas given
that body his suffrage and his active influence.
For thirty years he has been a Mason; he holls
membership in the lodge at Horton, of which he
has been Junior Waarden and Treasurer, and in the
Chapter and Commandery at Jackson. Ile also
belongs to the Grange, in which he has held the
official stations of Overseer and ''reasurer. The
qualities of mind and character which he has exhibited throughout his long residence could not
fail to win him the respect of those to whom he is
known, and to secure him many friends throughout the neighborlhood.
On February 16, 1848, Mr. Ayres was united in
marriage with Miss I-arriet O. Niles, with whom
lie lived happily until July 1, 1889, when she was
removed by death. She was the daughter of Joseph and Lavina (Whitcher) Niles, natives of Connecticut, the paternal ancestors having been from
New York, and the maternal from Massachusetts.
Mr. Niles was born June 10, 1800, and breathed
his last in 1875; his wife was born March 21,
1801. and died August 19, 1840. They were p'arents of five children, all now deceased. Mrs.
Ayrcs was the second child, and opened her eyes
to the light February 27, 1828. Her mother was
a school teacher, and from her she received good
instruction in her childhood, as well as a careful
training in the moral principles and various domestic accomplishments. Her education was completed at Brockport, N. Y., and she left school with
a mind cultured to a more than ordinary degree,
and a character whose excellence made itself felt
wherever she went.
Mr. and Mrs. Ayres are the parents of six children, five of whom are now living: Charles W.,
who was born January 4, 1850, is living at Ft.
Benton, Vt.; Albert I., born September 13, 1851,
married Miss Adelia A. Fowler, and is living on
the same section as his father; Eva E., born July


29, 1854, is living in Alma, Gratiot County, being
the wife of John W. Holmes, and the mother of
four children; Harriet Lovina, born November 6,
1856, became the wife of Homer O. Peterson, to
whom she has borne two children, their home being with our subject; Frank N. was born June 25,
1870, and died March 26, 1871; Lillian M. was
born January 5, 1874, and is yet at home with her
father. All of the children have received a good
common-school education, and excellent home training from their estimable mother and their devoted
father.
C,.       -_


IJHOMAS B. TAYLOR. It is a pleasure to
// R  the biographical writer to record the success
NAY^ of a man who, beginning life for himself
with but small means, has reached a substantial position as the owner of a good business establishment,
from which lie derives a comfortable and assured income. Such is the case with the gentleman above
named, who, in 1885, became the proprietor of the
Jackson City Mills, built and first operated by E.
Bennam, and later owned by J. M. LcClair, who
was succeeded by the present owner.
Mr. Taylor was born in Livingston County,
Mich., August 29, 1849, being the fourth of eight
children that comprised the household of Richard
and Mary (Lumb) Taylor. The parents were born
in England, and emigrated to Michigan about the
year 1839, breathing their last in this State some
years later. The gentleman of whom we write
passed his boyhood in his native county, amid such
surroundings as belonged to farm life, and in the
enjoyment of the usual school privileges. At the
age of twenty years he entered Bryant & Stratton's
Commercial College, in Detroit, and was graduated
therefrom with an excellent understanding of business methods and details.
The first business in which Mr. Taylor engaged
after leaving the school room was in Leslie, where
for about fourteen years he sold agricultural implemnents, and all kinds of farm machinery. Coming
to this city and purchasing the business and estabment which he is now conducting, and which was
then run on the old system, he continued it in that




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331


manner until 1887, when he removed the machinery and refitted the mill with a complete roller
system. The present capacity of the mill is eighty
barrels per day, the products are made from native
wheat, are sold in the home market, and well known
here as being of excellent quality.
Mr. Taylor is a systematic man, as a visit to the
establishment clearly indicates to the least observing eye. In the few years in which he has been
engaged in business here, he has built up an excellent trade, and a fine reputation as an honorable
business man and a reliable citizen. He belongs to
Stockbury Lodge, A. F. & A. M., to the Chapter
and the Council in Leslie.
ARK LANGDEN         RAY. The Burr Oak
Grove Farm attracts the admiring attenI tion of every traveler passing through
Concord Township, as being one of the
finest bodies of land on the western line of Jackson County. It embracs two hundred and forty
acres, divided up into well-tilled fields, and a
goodly area of timber land, and with all its appurtenances indicates in a marked manner the supervision of an owner more than ordinarily enterprising and intelligent. For a man approaching the
seventy-sixth year of his age, Mr. Ray presents
quite a remarkable picture, and it affords us pleasure to show his portrait in this volume. He is still
hale and hearty, energetic and industrious, possessing fine gifts intellectually, and a thorough education, while personally, he is of that genial and companionable temperament which has drawn around
him hosts of friends. His house, which may most
properly be termed "his castle," is the very seat of
hospitality and good will. In his business transactions, Mr. Ray has evinced rare executive ability
and good judgment, and while he has never been
backward about laboring with his hands, the direction of an active brain has conspired to make him
independent financially. The beautiful Ray homestead occupies a portion of sections 14 and 15. The
buildings are constructed in a modern style of architecture, the residence being convenient and substan

tial, and the outbuildings, all that is required for
the shelter of stock, and the storage of grain.
Mr. Ray was born at Land Grove, Bennington
County, Vt., July 20, 1814, and lived amid the
pure air of the Green Mountains until 1818, when
he accompanied his parents to New York State,
making the journey in a one-horse wagon by the
way of Troy and Saratoga Springs. They carried
with them a few household articles, and settled in
the wilderness of Ontario County, which was then
the frontier. The early opportunities for schooling were extremely limited in the case of young
Ray, but under the instruction of his parents, who
were people of more than ordinary intelligence and
forethought, and by the perusal of good books, he
obtained a fund of useful information, and contracted a habit for reading and observation which
has never left him up to the present time.
When twelve years old, young Ray was practically turned adrift to "paddle his own canoe," as
his parents were in limited circumstances. He
went to work on a farm for his brother-in-law, a
Mr. Walker, with whom he remained until reaching his majority. In the meantime when nineteen
years old, he began teaching at a salary of $10 per
month, and followed this profession successively
for eight winters, while he worked on the farm during the summer. In 1835 his brother-in-law presented him with $100 in cash, and with the sum
which he had saved, amounting to about $125 more,
he set out for Michigan Territory, intending to
"grow up" with the Western country. He journeyed by the Erie Canal to Buffalo, thence by
steamer to Detroit, and from there on foot to Macomb County, forty-five miles, where he had acquaintances among whom he arrived in August
following. He purchased one hundred and sixty
acres of Government land in Armada Township,
paying therefor $201. Then returning to New York
State as he had come, he arrived home with $12.50.
He resumed teaching, and was thus occupied until
his marriage.
In 1840 Mr. Ray associated himself in partnership with a young man, and they under the firm
name of Doolittle & Ray, started out to sell patent
medicines. They obtained their goods in Rochester, N. Y., and had the right to disburse them






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PORTRl'AIT AND B IIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


332  - --- ---- -: ---  - - -~ --- PORT- A --- IT AND - --- -  --- I-       - BOGAP-CL LUM


through the State of Michigan. The partner distributed the goods, and they realized fair returns. In
In the fall of that year, locating at Canadice Corners, N. Y., they established a small general store,
and engaged there in business for eighteen months.
M1-. Ray in the meantime was appointed Postmaster under the administration of Gen. William
-lenry Harrison. Then they sold out and Mr. Ray
finished the collecting, to accomplish which, he
bought an Indian pony, and rode over fifteen hundred miles in tle State of Michigan during the time
of the "wildcat" money. This finished up, he purchased a farm in Canadice Township, N. Y., this
comprising sixty acres, where he engaged in farming and stock-raising, held the office of Township
Supervisor and Clerk, and was School Inspector
and Deputy Sheriff.
In the fall of 1851, Mr. Ray traded as farm' in
New York State, having sold some time previous
the one in Macomb County, this State, for that
which he now owns and occupies, and which then
embraced three hundred and sixty acres of land.
iHe located upon it the following spring, taking his
family in a wagon to Buffalo, whence they proceeded by steamer to Detroit, and from there journeyed across the country by means of a team. The
country then presented a vastly different appearance from that of to-day, being wild and uncultivated, with nothing to indicate that in the space of
thirty years it would become the abode of a civilized and prosperous people. Mr. Ray commenced
in true pioneer style, the improvement of his property, and subsequently was tle owner of several
small tracts of land, but he held to his present
farm which has become one of tile most desirable
estates in Jackson County. To this he has given
the greater part of his time and attention. The
present residence was put up in 1857, and although
l'ivi:g stood the storms of more than thirty years,
it is still in a good state of preservation. The
mail barn is 40x60 feet in dimensions, and surrounded by plenty of sheds for the shelter of stock.
Mr. Ray put up the third windmill in the county,
the old "Holliday."  Of later years he has been engaged largely in buying and shipping stock for
New York men. Ile has made a study of the crops
best adapted to his land, which produces all kinds


of grain abundantly. Sheep-raising has formed a
prominent feature in Mr. Ray's operations, he having brought to the county a Merino buck costing
$500, the highest price ever paid for any animal of
the kind in this county. He has a Merino ewe for
which he at one time refused the sum of $1,000.
In years gone by he raised large numbers of fullblooded sheep from tile proceeds of which he realized handsome returns, keeping from two hundred
and fifty to five hundred head. He also for a time
was engaged in buying wool for a New York firm.
As a lover of fine horses, Mr. Ray has some of
the finest specimens of the equine race to be found
in the stables of this county. Among them is the
celebrated "Yankee Robinson," sired by "Don Robinson," and who has been entered in several races,
making 2:38. He raised the first fast-trotting mare
in Concord Township, this animal making a mile in
less than three minutes. Mr. Ray is in his element when in a sulky behind a speedy horse, even
at his advanced age. IHe has always taken a warm
interest in the county fairs, taking to them his fine
stock, and carrying off the blue ribbons. He was
frequently selected as one of the Directors, and
also acted as Judge. For one year he served as
President of the Agricultural Society. He now
rents his farm and takes his ease, living retired
from active labor, and spending his leisure hours in
reading and among llis friends. He is well posted
in political affairs, and is one of the few with whom
an hour may be spent in a pleasant and profitable
manner. The homestead is pleasantly located two
miles from the village of Concord, which is easily
and readily reached by Mr. Ray's lively trotters.
As a specimen of the liberality which has characterized Mr. Ray, is the well-known fact that he
subscribed $1,000 for the building of the Air Line
Railroad, donating tlius to this enterprise a sum
far in excess of many to whom it was really a great
benefit. During the Civil War he acted as an enrolling officer, enlisting a goodly number of soldiers, and if at any time there was money due him
from this source, he donated it to the soldier or his
family.
He cast his first vote for Gen. Harrison in 1836,
and supported the old hero a second time in 1840,
which is something few men living to-day can say.






PORTRAIT AND BIOGIAPHiCAL ALBUM.


333


He has been a member of the Republican party
since its organization in this county, under the old
oak tree near Jackson, being one of the leaders at
that time, serving on the County Central Committee. and later as a delegate to the county and State
conventions.
Mr. Ray has attended several national conventions, and was present at Chicago at the first nominasion of Lincoln. -ie has served a number of times
on the petit, grand, and United States juries, and
when the County Court desired a special jury, they
usually managed to draw Mr. Ray as one of them.
Upon one occasion there was a fine span of horses
stolen from him, and he followed them, recovering
both horses and thieves, bringing back the latter.
and having them tried and( convicted. lie was the
first man in Ontario, N. Y., who sold a span of
horses for $300, and a single horse for the same
sum. Ie lias always been interested in live.stock,
and has done what he could to raise the standard
in this lart of thle State.
Mr. Ray was married in Livingston County, N.
Y., April 6, 1813, to Miss Elvira J. Iartson. This
lady was born in that county, Novelmber 22, 1822,
and was the daughter of Alplieus and Laura (Richlardson) Ilartson, the former of whoml i died wlien
she was a child. Mrs. Ray was reared in Livingston County, by her grandlfather, and complete(
her studies in Luma, Seminary. She commenced
teaching at the age of eighteen years, and followed
this profession until marriage. She departed this
life at the homestead in Concord Township, June
22, 1859. Her mothler outliveld her, and spent her
last (lays at the home of Mr. Ray, dying in 1881,
at the age of seventy-seven years. To Mr. and
Mrs. Ray there were born two children only, the
eldest of whom, a daughter, Emily, completed hler
education at Albion and Kalamazoo Colleges, and
is now the wife of J. B. Stoddard, tle 'Postmaster
of Concord. The son, Franklin A., attended first
the seminary at Ypsilanti, and subsequently was
graduated from Bryant & Stratton's Business College of the same; lie is now a resident of (Concord.
The father of our subject was John Ray, a native
of Connecticut, in which State le lived until a
young man grown. He traced his ancestry to England. He learned shoemaking during his youtll,


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but soon after his marriage removed to Bennington County, Vt., and located on a piece of new
land near Sand Grove. He improved a good farm
but lost his property on account of signing a constable's bonds. Then in 1818, he removed to Ontario County, N. Y., but was so unfortunate as 4p
settle in an unhealthy location, from the effects of
which his wife died. There he worked at his trade
for a time, and finally became owner of another
small farm in Richmond Township. HTe spent his
last days there dying, in 1852, at the age of eightyone years. HIe was an active member of the Baptist Church. Grandmother Ray was an only sister
of the famous Revolutionary soldier. Gen. Israel
Putnam.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name
of Elizabeth Langdon. She was born in Hillsboro
County, N. H., and was of English ancestry, who
were first represented in America about the time of
the coming over of the Mayflower. She died in
New York in 1819. The parental household included seven children, the eldest of whom. a daughter, Rebecca, was married and (ied in Illinois;
Eleanor, Mrs. Walker, died in Michigan; John, deceased; Jefferson, deceased; Mark L., our subject,
was the fifth in order of birth; Abigail was married and died in Ontario County, N. Y.; Eliza,
Mrs. Hyde, is a resident of Kent County.
'~ENJAMIN      TURK. A beautiful farm on
R    section 31, Column ia Township, is the home
/j3)   of the above-named gentleman, who is numY~      e ebered among the successful farmers of the
county. Tie estate is supplied with a full line of
far.nm buildings, embracing every necessary and
conveLient arrangement for corrying on the work
of the farm, and for the accommodation of the
family, and the proper housing of crops and stock.
It was formerly the home of tie parents of Mr.
Turk, and many memories cluster about it.
Tile circumstances surrounding one in early life
have so important a bearing on his later years that
it is well to notice those tinder which the subject
of this sketch grew to manhood. His father, John






334


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


I


B. Turk, was born in New York, and grew to manhood as a farmer in Delaware County. There he
married Miss Panina Kelley, a native of that county,
and also a sister of Nelson Kelley, whose biography occurs elsewhere in this volume, and contains
tie family history. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley remained
in that county for a number of years, three sons
and five daughters being born to them there, and
two of the children dying 'n early life. In 1845, the
parents, and surviving members of the family, came
to Michigan, the journey from Toledo to Adrian,
Mich., being over one of the first railroads built in
this State. Mr. Turk selected a tract of land in
Liberty Township, this county, where he built a
log house which was the family dwelling place for
a time, a beginning being made toward tie improvement of tile unbroken land which surrounded
it. The farm was subsequently sold and eighty
acres purchased in Columbia Township, which became the permanent abiding place of the family.
'There the father died, about the year 1853, when
not yet fifty years of age. Lie was a good citizen,
and well regarded by his associates. His wife survived him many years, dying about the year 1870.
She was an excellent woman, a kind neighbor, and
in her religious belief inclined to the Baptist doctrines.
The subject of this brief biographical sketch was
born in Delhi Township, Delaware County, N. Y.,
April 26, 1841, and was about four years old when
he came to Michigan with his parents. IIe was still
quite young when his father (ied, and he continued to reside with his mother until he was
married. tle chose as his companion in life Mrs.
Lucy Vanderburgh, nee Allen, and their marriage
was celebrated in Jackson. The bride was born near
Hanover, this county, November 7, 1856. She is
a daughter of James C. and Mary J. (Sprague)
Allen, who were born, reared and narried in New
York, and became residents of Michigan at an
early day. They located near Hanover, where Mr.
Allen began work as a frontier farmer, and where
they lived for some years. There Mrs. Allen (lied
while in the prime of life, when her daughter Lucy
was but two and a half years old. Mr. Allen subsequently married Mrs. Harriet E. Northrope, nee
Marsh, afterward removing to Jefferson, where he


now lives retired from active life. He and his wife
are members of the Free Methodist Church.
Mrs. Lucy Turk was reared near the place of her
birth, acquiring a good education, and having many
friends in the society in which she moved. Her
present marriage has been a childless one, but by
her former marriage she is the mother of one
(laughter  Edna M. Mr. Turk is a believer in and
supporter of the principles of the Democratic
party. I-e and his wife are active members of
society, receiving their due measure of respect from
their fellow men.
' UCIUS F. THOMPSON. A prominent place
) among the farmers and citizens of ColumJ bia Township, is held by the above named
gentleman, whose life has been a successful and
honorable one. He is the owner and occupant of a
splendid farm on section 23, where he has a fine
residence and suitable farm buildings, the whole
estate lea:ring an appearance of order and careful
cultivation in keeping with the character of its
owner. Mr. Thompson has for some time been
connected in a small way with market gardening.
His estate comprises two hundred and eighty acres
of as fine soil as can be found in Southern Michigan, and it has been his permanent home since his
father's death two years ago.
The eyes of our subject first opened to the light
August 6, 1843, on the farm where lie now lives.
There he spent his boyhood under the usual auspices of a farmer's son. His education was obtained
at Hillsdale, Adrian and Ypsilanti, and from the
latter place he enlisted in the Union army, August
11, 1862. He became a member of Company E,
Seventeenth Michigan Infantry, under the leadership cf Capt. Campbell and Col. Worthington, of
Jackson. Accompanying his regiment to the South,
he entered into campaign work with all the vigor
of his young manhood. At the battle of South
Mountain, Md., three days after the terrible engagement at Antietam, he was struck by a minie
ball which penetrated his abdomen, and is still
lodged within his body. He lay in the hospital for




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUiM.


335


---- --
--


some time but was finally discharged, September
28, 1863, for disability. He has since, in several
well written stanzas, given a fine description of the
charge of the Seventeenth at South Mountain, the
verses having been read by him at the camp fire at
Montague in 1883.
After his return from the fields of battle, where
his experience, altliough short, proved so disastrous, Mr. Thompson assumed the role of a farmer
and of a married man. After operating a farm for
some time he moved to Montague, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits building up a thriving
and successful trade by his energy and fail dealing,
being also interested in market gardening in the
neigborhood. On the question which has been the
great political issue for some time Mr. Thompson
declares himself to be a free trader.
In Ypsilanti Mr. Thompson and Miss Theresa
M. Minton were joined in the bonds of holy wedlock. The bride was born in Detroit May 7, 1845,
to Michael and Margaret (Mehan) ilinton. Her
parents were born, reared and married in Ireland,
it is thought, near Dublin, afterward setting sail
for America and making their first settlement on a
farm near Milford, Mich. There, among the very
early settlers, they lived for a time, thence removing to Detroit, where Mr. Minton established two
large cooper shops on the Detroit River. He was
one of the first to establish a cooperiilg business in
that place and proved very successful, accumulating a large fortune. While in the prime of life he
was thrown from   his buggy by a runaway horse
and, the vehicle passing over him, received injuries
from which he ultimately died. His widow died
very suddenly a few years later, and a self-assumed
administrator successfully beat the heirs out of
their fortune and escaped from the country. The
villain first destroyed all the papers and records of
the family, and as the children were quite young
they lost nearly all traces of their family connections. It is known, however, that the old stock in
Ireland were well-known and prosperous people.
After the death of her parents Miss Theresa
Minton continued her education in the Normal
School at Ypsilanti, where she continued to reside
until her marriage to our subject. She has borne
her husband three children: Minnie M., now in the


1Brooklyn schools; Edward W. and Bert L. who
are yet at home. The intelligence, good breeding
and excellent characters of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson
redound to their credit throughout the community
where they have many and warm friends.
The father of our subject was Theophilus W.
Thompson, a man whose untiring energy and ambition served to develop one of the most productive farms of Jackson County. IHe is a native of
tie Empire State, having been born in Oneida
County, October 29, 1808. IIe was the son of
Cyrus Thompson, a farmer by occupation, a promnent and representative man and a worthy citizen
all his life. Cyrus Thompson was a native of
Massachusetts, as was his father before him, who
lived and (died in the Bay State and who was one
of a prominent family among the early settlers of
New England in the old Colonial days. Cyrus
Thompson became a pioneer settler in Oneida
County, N. Y., and there ended his days as a successful agriculturist and a worthy member of the
community wherein he had spent many years.
The boyhood and youth of Theophilus W.
Thomlpson were spent in the town of his nativity,
where he received a liberal scllooling according to
the general understanding of that phrase in those
(ays. He began life as a farmer's boy usually
does, but as early as 1837 left his home and friends
to seek his fortune in the wilderness. I-e pushed
his way Westward as far as Manchester, Washtenaw County, Mich., where he remained two years,
during that time being engaged in teaching. He
then came to this county,bought from Royal Watkins
one hundred and twenty acres of land, on section
23, Columbia Township, and there made his home.
It is not far out of Brooklyn, is a choice tract, and
owing to its natural adornment with cedars,
pines, etc., it became known as the "Evergreen
home."   Irom year to year it has gradually been
transformed to a beautiful tract of rolling meadows
and productive fields, and by subsequent purchases
increased to two hundred and eighty acres, its present size. It is now under the ownership of the
eldest son, L. F. Thompson, who still maintains the
credit of "Evergreen home" for productiveness.
Theophilus W. Thompson was all his life a man
of sterling energy and worth, of sound integrity and






336


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


Christian character. He served as a ruling Elder in
the Presbyterian Church and was the only layman
of the State of Michigan who had the licnor of being
sent as a delegate to the General Conference of
the church outside of the State. His work among
his friends was always such as to endear his memory to them when he laid aside the cares of life and
crossed the river of death, which occurred at his
home October 2, 1888. In politics he was in former
years a Republican, but after the war he became
a Democrat. [He was married, April 25, 1835, at
Manchester, Mich., to Miss Ruth M. Watkins. She
was born February 6, 1819, being a daughter of
Royal Watkins, of Norvell Township, this county.
Mrs. Thompson's great-grandfather, Nathan Watkins was of the old Connecticut stock and of Welsh
and Scotch descent. Different branches of the fanmily were among the original settlers of New England and Virginia. and the genealogy of the
family is traceable as far back as the fifteenth century. The subject of this sketch has in his home
several very old family relics that establish without
a doubt the fact that his mother was a descendant
in a direct line from Mayflower stock, of the Carpenter and Howard families, of which the late Hon.
Matt Carpenter of Wisconsin was a member.
Mrs. Thompson became the mother of two children-L. F., the subject of this notice, and Edwin
Clarence, wlo is now in the West. She died at her
home in February, 1889. She was a member of
the Presbyterian Church and a good, noble woman
whose memory is held in loving remembrance by
her children and by many friends.
_ --— '" "'-' '"i' —'~ 7
OSEPH COBB, Supervisor of Norvell Township, is one of the representative men of the
county, and a very successful farmer and
stock-raiser.  He is the owner and occupant
of a fine farm on sections 4 and 33, where he has
lived for thirty-nine years. The estate bears every
convenient and necessary arrangement in the way
of farm buildings, all well-built and sufficiently
commodious, while the entire farm exhibits careful
and intelligent management, The owner was born


in Phelps Township, Ontario County, N. Y., March
14, 1831. and was about a year old when his parents settled near Clinton, Lenawee County, Mic,.
There he was reared on his father's farm, attending a common school, and acquiring a good fundamental education. Being naturally endowed with
a good mind, and a love of information, he has, by
extended reading, and through observation and experience, added largely to his early attainments,
and is now very well-informed and intelligent. In
June, 1851, he came to this county, where he has
become well and favorably known as an agriculturist and a citizen, and where he has acquired a
comfortable competency.
Joselph Cobb is the second son of Septimus and
Caroline (Brooks) Cobb. His father was born in
Tully I-ill, N. Y., is cf English descent, and the son
of a couple who were born in Massachusetts. Having lost his father when quite young, Septimus
Cobb was reared under circumstances not the most
favorable, and grew to manhood without much
knowledge of his parents and their history. In
early life lie became a farmer, and after his marriage in Ontario County, remained there until after
tlie birth of two children, James and our subject.
I-Ie then, in 1832, came to AMichigan, performing
the journey by water and overland as was the custom, and settling on Government land in Lenawee
County. There lie lived until 1850, when he removed to this county and located on a farm in
Norvell Township, where Mrs. Cobb died in August, 1877, at the age of sixty-six years. She came
of an old New York family, was a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and a good woman,
devoted to her family. Septimus Cobb is yet living,
making his home with his eldest son, James, having
now reached the advanced age of eighty-two years.
In politics he is a Jacksonian Democrat, and in religion a Universalist. While living in Lenawee
County, lie was a township officer for some years.
The gentleman of whom we write, was married
in Norvell Township, to Miss Martha Quigley, who
was born near Hector Hill, N. Y.. July 10, 1835.
She is a daulghter of Isaac and Hannah (Bunnell)
Quigley, who at quite an early day made a settlement in this county, living on a farm in what is
now Norvell Township, until death. She is a smarts






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRIIAPHICAL ALBUM.


337




— I-I --- —- --


intelligent woman, capable of looking well to the
ways of her household, and regarded with respect
by her neighbors and associates. She has borne
three children, of whom we note the following:
Effie, who was born in 1855, married Frank E. Austin, and died in 1881, at the birth of her first child,
which died at the same time; William S. marri-ed
Miss Jannie McWilliams, and now lives in Jackson;
he is a graduate of the Law i)epartmnent of the
Michigan University at Ann Arbor, and is engaged
in the practice of his profession. Joseph HI., who
is also an attorney, married Miss Nettie Carr, and
lives at Alpena.
Mr. Cobb has been Justice of the Peace, and
Highway (Commissioner, and has already held the
position of Supervisor two years, giving great satisfaction to his constituents. IHe is very popular
among his political brethren, and wields quite an
influence througnlout the ranks of the Democratic
party.  -Ie is likewise held in good repute by the
citizens in general, for his honorable character and
energetic nature.
OHN WV. WINSLOW is a member of the firm
of Riggs & Winslow, who are doing business as grocers at No. 516, South Milwaukee
Street, Jackson. Ile is a man of fine character and excellent business habits, and is regarded
as an active factor in extending the commercial interests of the city. I-e is of pioneer antecedents,
both his grandfather and father being early settlers
of this State, and he is a native born citizen of tils
commonwealth.
lHe was born in Van Buren, Wayne County, to
George and Sarah (Sterling) Winslow. His father
comes of good New England stock, and is himself
a native of that part of the country, Bennington,
Bennington County, Vt., being his birthplace. His
father was also a native of New England, and finally removed from the Green Mountain State in
1820, to Genesee County, N. Y., the removal being
made with teams across the wilds of New York, as
it was before thie day of railways and canals. He


c:st in his lot with the early settlers of that county.
and remained with them until 1835, when he migrated to a still wilder part of the country, making
his way with his family to Lapeer County, tills
State, and becoming a pioneer of that section of
the country. He cleared a good farm  from the
forest primeval, and made that his abiding place
until death called him hence.
George Winslow was a lad of nine years when
llis l)arents left the home of his birth among the
green lills of Vermont, and located in the wilderness of Genesee County. He there grew to a stalwart manhood. and in turn became a pioneer himself, selecting the Territory of Southern Michigan
as a suitable place for a vigorous young man to
build up a home for himself and family, and settling here in 1832, in what is now Van Buren Township, Wayne County, becoming one of its earliest
settlers. At that time there were no railways in
Michigan, and means of communication with the
outside world was exceedingly limited, and the
country was very sparsely settled, and deer, wolves,
and other wild animals were plentiful. In the years
tllat followed he watched the growtli of the country with interest, and h'Is lived to see it well-develoled and wealthiy. IIe bought a tract of timber
lanld. and lhis first work was to build a log cabin, in
wlich ihis family took shelter before there were
windows, door. or floor, blankets being hung up in
the doorway to keep out the wolves. In that humble cabin our subject was born. The father was
very industrious, and worked hard to clear his land
and to till the soil, and finally improved a fine farm,
on wlich he erected comfortable frame buildings,
and lived there until 1881. In that year he sold
his farm and removed to the village of Sheldons,
town of Canton, where he spent his declining years
in the comfortable home secured by the competence
that he won in agricultural pursuits. He died November 23, 1888. The esteemed wife and mother
passed away Septemler 8, 1889. She was a daughter of Augustus Sterling, of New York, and was
born in that State in the Mohawk Valley. Six
children were born of their married life-Mary,
Eunice, Susan, Sarah, George, and John AV.
John W. Winslow of this biographical review,
passed his early life on the old homestead where






338


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


he was born, residing with his parents until he
married and established a fireside of his own. His
father gave him excellent educational advantages,
and besides attending the public schools of his native town, he was a pupil for one term in a good
school in this city. October 2, 1872, he took an
important step in life, that has contributed much
to his well-being and success, as on that date lie
was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Sayre, a native of Joliet, Will County, Ill., and a daughter of
Charles Sayre. This marriage has been blessed to
them by the birth of a son and a daughter, George
and Nellie.
Our subject was reared to agricultural pursuits,
and after marriage bought a farm opposite that of
his father in Van Buren Township, and was successfully employed in its management until 1886.
He then abandoned farming, and removing to Ypsilanti, was given a situation in the Ypsilanti Creamery the two ensuing seasons. He then entered upon
his career as a merchant, clerking in a grocery six
months, and in 1888 he formed a partnership with
his nephew, Arthur E. Riggs, under the firm name
of Riggs & Winslow, and they have ever since prosperously prosecuted the mercantile business in this
city. By studying the wants of their customers,
by square dealing, and strict attention to their business, they have greatly extended it, and have a lucrative trade.
Our subject inherited the sterling virtues of his
New England ancestry, and his course in life has
been guided by them; and he hss always been true
in all his relations with others, as a son, husband,
father, and neighbor. He and his wife are respected
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church., OLNEY V. B. MERWIN. This gentleman
is a prominent member of the legal profession in Jackson, and is held in high repute by his fellow-citizens, as a man of honor,
intelligence and ability, not only in the profession
which he so well adorns, but in his capacity for
trade and in public life. Inheriting fine natural
abilities, and a taste for mental culture. even while


carrying on an active occupation among business
men he devoted his leisure moments to study, and
and is now one of the best read among the many
cultured citizens that Jackson boasts.
The grandfathe o r of our subject, Heman Merwin,
was a native of Connecticut, and tradition says, a descendant of one of three brothers born in Scotland,
who came to America in Colonial times. He re,
moved to the Empire State in an early day, first
locating in the Black River country, and later removing to Genesee County, where he breathed his
last. His son, Smith C. Merwin, was born February 8, 1805, in or near Oneida County, N. Y., was
reared in his native State, and early turned his
attention to the study of medicine. After his graduation he practiced a short time in New York, and
in 1837 came to Michigan, locating at Moscow,
Hillsdale County, of which village he was one of
the pioneers. He bought village property, and at
once began practice, continuing actively engaged
in the duties of his profession there for many years.
About 1882 he came to Jackson, and thereafter
mnade his home witl our subject, breathing his
last January 2, 1889, at the age of eighty-four
years. His wife, Minerva, daughter of Josiah and
Eunice Williams, was born in Cazenovia, N. Y.,
and died in Moscow, Mich., in 1858. The parental
family comprised two children, only one of whom
lived to mature years.
The gentleman whose name initiates this sketch
was born in Portage, N. Y., in that part of Genesee
now in Wyoming County, his natal day being June
18, 1833. He was but four years old when he came
to this State with his parents, but he well remembers the incidents of the journey, which was made
via the lake from Buffalo to Toledo, and thence
with teams into the region in which Indians still
lingered, and where deer, wolves and other wild
game was abundant.   He attended the pioneer
schools of Moscow, and supplemented the knowledge thus obtained by continuing his studies at
Spring Arbor College, at the age of sixteen becoming a teacher and spending several terms in charge
of a school.
At the age of twenty years Mr. Merwin began a
mercantile career as a clerk in a dry-goods store,
and after a short time thus employed in Moscow


I










CII),                         -3C




PORTRAIT AND 1310GRAPHICHZAL ALBU M..


341


PORTRAIT~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ AN BIGAPIA ALUM  341


and Jonesville, went into the business at the former
place on his own account, at the same time dealing
quite extensively in horses, cattle, hogs, wool, etc.
I-e continued in business until the breaking out of
the war, when le became a recruiting officer of the
State of Michigan, being the first man commissioned as such iy Gov. Blair. He was soon afterward examined for enlistment, but rejected on
account of physical disability. He was afterward
appointed Draft Commissioner, but could not accept on account of other business, although he
subsequently accepted the position of Assistant
Provost Marshal for the First District, and served
as such until the close of the war.
The following two years were spent by Mr. Merwin in Canada, engaged in oil speculations, and he
then spent an equal length of time in traveling
through the States, with his headquarters at Chicago, after which he came to Jackson and opened a
real-estate office. During this time he had devoted
his leisure moments to the study of law, and going
to Ann Arbor he successfully passed a rigid examination, after which he took up the practice of the
profession, which he has since continued. lie is
well versed in legal technicalities, precedents and
principles, is a logical pleader, and a shrewd discerner of the most salient points of offence and defence in the cases which come before him.
Mr. Merwin has been twice married, the first
alliance having been contracted in 1856, and his
bride having been Miss Arsinoe Knight. She was
born in Brooklyn, Jackson County, Mich., and was
the daughter of Isaac S. and Phoebe Knight. She
was spared to her husband but a few years, being
borne to her grave in 1860. The second marriage
of Mr. Merwin took place in 1861, the lady with
whom he was then united being Miss Ortha A.,
daughter of Hamden and Adelia Knight, and a native of Jackson. The first marriage of our subject
was blessed by the birth of one son, Willie Elwin,
now a resident of Moscow, Hilldsdale County, the
husband of Ella Parker, and the father of two children —Clyde, and an infant unnamed. To Mr.
Merwin and his present wife three children have
been born, of whom two daughters, Arsinoe and
Bernice, survive. Arsinoe is the wife of W. H.
Hamilton, of Adrian, alnd the mother of two chil

dren —Susie and an infant; Bernice still remains
with her parents; the second child, Charles, (lied
at the age of seventeen years.
Mr. Merwin joined the Masonic fraternity many
years ago, and hlas taken the chapter degree. His
first Presidential ballot was cast for John C. Fremont, and for many years lie continued to cast his
vote with the Republican party, but he finally
joined the Greenback party, and of late has been
independent in exercising the elective franchise.
During his residence in Moscow he held various
local offices, resigning the positions of School Inspector and Postmaster upon leaving that place.
In 1880 he was nominated for Circuit Judge, but
withdrew his name before the election; was subsequently elected Circuit Court Commissioner, and
three times re-elected, serving a period of eight
years.
N OLLY    C. SPRATT. Every one in and
] about Concord knows Mrs. lPolly Spratt,
not only because she ranks among the first
l i   settlers, but because of her intelligence
and remarkable (character. Since the death of her
husband, nearly twenty years ago, she has been exhibiting Ler own shrewdness and capability in the
management of her business affairs, and proves
that a woman is able to successfully conduct and
care for financial interests. Her life and labors
have won for her the hearty respect of those who
know her, and the more loving regard of all with
whom she is intimately associated.
Mrs. Spratt is of Englisl descent, and of New
England parentage.   Her father, Jonathan Clemens, was born in Massachusetts, and entered the
Continental Army when sixteen years old, serving
during the terrible winter at Valley Forge. Tvwo
of his sons participated in the War of 1812. His
occupation was that of a farmer, and he became
well-to-do and prominent at Whitehall, Washing.ton County, N. Y., where he was an early settler.
He was a member of the Baptist Church. His
wife, in her girlhood Lucy Worden, Was born in
Connecticut, In 1816 Polly Clemens opened Ler




342             PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


eyes to the light; she was reared on the farm, with
but limited school privileges, but throughout her
long life has endeavored to become well informed,
and has succeeded in her endeavors. She remained
with her parents until her marriage, February 7,
1833.
William H. Spratt, to whom our subject gave her
hand in marriage, was born in Hampton, Washington County, N. Y., received his education in his
native place, and after his marriage spent two
y ars as a farmer in his native State. He then
came to Michigan, making one of a colony of
seven families from Whitehall, who hired a canal
boat, towing it themselves with their own teams to
Buffalo, whence they took steamer to a Detroit,
continuing their journey by teams. They were
five days in reaching Concord, which at that time
contained two log houses, a shanty and a sawmill.
Mr. and Mrs. Spratt located on a farm, and began
improvements amid the primitive surroundings and
under the discouraging circumstances which were
common on the frontier.
In 1849 Mr. Spratt bought a farm on section 23,
Concord Township, now operated by H. K. Billings, which he thoroughly improved, operating it
until 1870. Hle owned two hundred and seventy
acres of farm land, and considerable village property, having been remarkably successful in his career in life. At the (late last named he removed
to Concord. where he lived a retired life until his
demise, in March, 1872. He had brought the first
fine Merino sheep into this county, and in many
ways manifested a more than ordinary intelligence
and progress in his agricultural work. In politics
he was a Democrat. Mrs. Spratt remained in the
village a couple of years, but is now making her
home on the old farm with her daughter, Mrs. Billings. She has three children. two living and one
dead. William H. is a retired farmer, living in
Concord; Mary M. is the wife of H. K. Billings, of
whom further mention is made below; Alma M.
married Dr. Saxton, and died in Concord.
Mr. Spratt was of Scotch ancestry, his grandfather, Capt. William H. Spratt, having been born
in the city of Edinburgh. He was in the British
Standing Army, and came to America with Burgoyne, under whom he fought in the Revolution
*:: 


I


until that general's defeat. Capt. Spratt, with his
comrades, was taken prisoner, but they were soon
after paroled with the understanding that they were
not to again take up arms against the colonists;
Capt. Spratt, who had already expressed his disgust with the British, was well satisfied with this
arrangement, and upon being released from custody he located in Connecticut. Soon afterward
he changed his residence to Whitehall, N. Y.,
where lie had a large farm improved. He was engaged in contracting and building, not only in
New York, but in Connecticut and Massachusetts,
and built many public edifices, court-houses, halls,
etc. He was a master mechanic, having learned
his trade in Edinburgh, and had a choice set of
tools.
To Capt. Spratt, while living in Connecticut, a
son was born who was christened William, and who
became one of the very first settlers in Washington
County, N. Y. He was a carpenter, but also engaged in fal ming, and became a large land-ownei.
He was a famous hunter, and was captain of the
hunters in his neighborhood, where that sport was
largely carried on. In 1835 he sold his farm and
with other Whitehall families, including his son
William  H., came to Michigan.  He had some
money, which he immediately invested in land, becoming the owner of three hundred and twenty
acres in Concord Township, this county, which he
improved and operated, also becoming the owner
of other tracts, and independent in fortune. He
departed this life in 1850.
A lithographic portrait of William H. Spratt, the
deceased husband of our subject, is included in
this volume.
IRAM K. BILLINGS is the largest breeder
of Short-horn cattle in this county, occupying one hundred and fifty acres of land on
Ad) sections 23 and 27, Concord Township. His
herd is a fine one, comprising forty-five head of
pedigreed cattle, including some fine milkers, the




PORTRA1T AND BIOC RAPHICAL ALBUM.                                                                                                                      343
_                        --..,...........................................-:...... -- I.. I... - I.-.. I..1  I,.~ —,I7,


animals weighing from eighteen to twenty-four
hundred pounds. He takes the blue ribbon att State
Fairs and is well-known among stockmen. In alddition to full-blooded [Short-horn Durham cattle.
he also raises full-blooded Poland-China hogs and
the Black Hawk breed of horses. His stock is well
cared for, every needful arrangement having been
made for its shelter and comfort.
The Billings family trace their lineage back to
the Mayflower, the ancestors having been English.
The grandfather of our subject was Willianm J.
Billings. a native of Massachusetts and a hatter by
trade. In 1812 he became a resident of West
Haven, Vt., where he continued to work at his trade
for some time, but subsequently engaged in farming, which he continued until his death. I-s ison,
the Hon. William Joyce Billings, was born in Deerfield, Mass., January 10. 1804. He learned the trade
of his father and worked at it until thirty years old.
He then embarked in farming and the dairy business, and became the owner of two good estates.
lie was a man of prominence in his locality, and
held various county and township offices, among
them that of Justice of the Peace. He was sent to
the State Legislature in Vermont, and so well did
he look after the interests of his constituents that
lie was re-elected, serving for a second term. In
politics lie was a thorough Republican. His death
occurred in 1875. He married Miss Betsey M. Kenyon who was born in Connecticut, September 9.
1804. She was a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth
Adams Kenyon, the former of whom died when she
was nine years old. tier mother lived until 1878,
dyiong in Vermont when nearly one hundred years
old. Mrs. Bctsey Billings was the mother of eight
children, the subject of this sketch being the third
on the family roll. The first born, William. died in
infancy; Betsey J. died at the age of twenty-four
years; Lucy A., Mrs. Bartholomew, lives in Whitehall, N. Y.; Mrs. Mary A. Heath died in Plattsburgh, N. Y.; Mrs. Ora E. Holden lives in Rutland
County, Vt.; George W. is deceased; William H.
resides in Vermont.
Hiram K. Billings was born in West Haven, Vt.,
August 10, 1833, and was reared on a farm, being
the recipient of good educational privileges in the
common and select scllools, At the age of twenty

one lie began teaching in his native State, but his
health being poor he turned his face Westward after
a few years, going, to Illinois in 1857. At Shabbona,
l)eKalb County, he taught (during the winter and
farmed during tlhe summer until the fall of 1858
when he returned to Vermont, remaining on the
home farm two vears. He then came to Michigan
and locating in Concord, this county, ihe occupied
himself teaching winters and farming summers. In
the fall of 1862 be engaged as clcrk for Dodge &
Minsted, but in July 1863, becoming quite ill, returned to his native State.
In the fall of the same year Mlr. Billings returned
to tils county, briiging a carload of Merino sheep,
which lie sold and then resumed tlhe occupation of
clerking which lie continued until the spring of
18(34. In tile meantiime, on 1)ecember 17, 1863, he
becamn  te te husband of Miss Mary M. Spratt and
the sl)ring followinlg he began farming where he is
now living. He car'ried on the place until 1865,
when lie removed to Pulaski Township, where lie
operated a farm five years. Returning to his present
abolde, which is the property of his wife. he has continued to reside upon it, making valuable improveInents, wlich include all the modern conveniences.
Tlhe estate comprises one hundred and fifty acres of
fine land, is situated tllree quarters of a mile from
Concord,and is sulpplied witlt a residence, five barns,
a windmill and tank, an excellent orchard. etc.
The wife of Mr. Billings was born in Concord,
October 19, 1836, being a daughter of William H.
and Polly C. Spratt, whose biography and ancestral
history is included in this volume. She was educated at t!he Michigan Central College at Spiring
Arbor, and had taught school one summer. Her
graces and virtues of mind and heart, and her thoroughly womanly nature, endear her to many beyond
the immediate family circle. Mr. and Mrs. Billings have one adopted child-Henrietta Spenser
Billings whom they took at thle age of six months;
she is now the wife of Charles Ansterburg, a miller
at Concord.
Mr. Billings belongs to the Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons at Concord, was Secretary of his
lodge for thirteen years and is now Junior Deacon.
In politics he is a true-blue Republican. He is an
active member of the Baptist Church in Concord








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34..41  PORTRAIT. AND BIOGRAPHICAL~~~~_-_ ALBUM.......
—.... --.-.-             ---.  -- _  ---. —.-............. ---.-..............._


and has been Treasurer and Secretary of the society.
He possesses a fine character, his intelligence makes
him companionable, and he enjoys the respect of
the community..
I ESSE L. PARMETER, A. 1). Little space is
necessary in the introduction of Dr. Pareter to the people of Jackson County, for
[ I he has been well known to them as one of
their most active and able practitioners and oldest
residents for lo, these many years. A.s a physician,
he has been more than ordinarily successful, and
has likewise been a good financier and a praise.
worthy citizen. He is a very active member of
the Baptist Church, and in all the enterprises tending to advance the interests of his community he
lhas been a leader and a substantial contributor
thereto.
A native of Allen, Allegany County, N. Y., Dr.
Parmeter was born October 13, 1826, and lived
there until a lad ten years of age. He distinctly
remembers the night of the shooting stars in 1833,
which caused a commotion throughout the entire
country. In 1836 he accompanied his parents to
Michigan, the journey being made overland with
an ox-team, crossing the Miami swamps of Ohio
when the country was in a wild and unsettled condition. Game of all kinds was plentiful. The
father was an expert hunter, and whatever else the
family larder lacked, they were sure of plenty of
wild meats.
Young Parmeter assisted his father in opening
up the new farm, enjoying very limited school advantages, those being conducted on the subscription plan. The family was in rather limited circumstances, and the boy at an early age realized
that he must make his own way in the world. Even
then he had decided upon the study of medicine,
which he commenced reading at the age of sixteen
and at the age of seventeen had fully made up his
mind to follow this profession. It was several
years, however, before he was enabled to commence
studying regularly, and in order to do this, he
chopped wood at twenty-five cents per cord in


order to buy his books and pay for what instruction he could obtain. Finally, at the age of twentyone, he entered the High School, and by boarding
with Dr. Menzie, thus obtained access to his medical library. Two years later he commenced teaching school, winters, and about that time purchased
eighty acres of wild land, which he commenced
improving, and by this means slowly laid the
foundations for an income which, although small at
first, aided him in accomplishing his object. He
worked his way through the medical college at
Ann Arbor, and by the purchase of additional
land became the owner of a little farm of one hundred acres, which constituted a comfortable home.
In 1857 our subject commenced the regular
study of medicine in the office of Dr. N. B. Saxton, a
graduate of Ann Arbor and a skilled physician.
He thus prepared himself for the medical department of the University, and in 1862 entered the
haven of his desires, and pursued his studies continuously for three years. At the expiration of
this time he was graduated, March 29, 1865, with
the honors of his class. Returning then to Con.
cord, lie commenced the practice of his profession
in his boyhood home, and was soon in the enjoyment of an extensive and lucrative business. He
now ranks among the leading physicians of the
county, his advice being sought for far and near.
IHe has a comfortable home, and besides this, another
little farm of sixty acres, with good improvements,
just outside the corporation, and which is operated by his son.
Dr. Parmneter was married l)ecember 31, 1851,
at the age of twenty-five, in Jackson, to Miss Abbie
J. Townsend. This lady was born in Walworth,
Wayne County, N. Y., September 14, 1829, and is
the daugllter of Isaac Townsend, who came to
Michigan in 1837, and became a prominent and
well-to-do farmer of this county. IHer mother bore
the maiden name of Hannah Penny, and the parents are now deceased. Six children were borni of
this union, one of whom died when two years old.
Orville E. is farming in Concord Township; Ardene F. is at present in the employ of the Government in the post-office at Jackson City; Florence
E. is the wife of Arthur E. Webster, who is in the
ice business at Big Rapids; Ida died when thirteen




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


--. ____. ___
--- ---


years old; Lewis L. is farming in Concord Township; Mark C. was graduated from the High School
and is at present in the Jackson Wheel Factory.
Dr. Parmeter, politically, is a supporter of the
Republican party. He was Notary Public four
years, and for several years has been a member of
the School Board; he also served as Iighway Commissioner. These offices have been thrust upon
him, as he has preferred to give his attention to his
profession rather than to assume the responsibilities of office. Socially, lie belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Concord, in
which he occupied the Noble Grand Chair. He
united with the Methodist Protestant Church at
the age of nineteen years, but later transferred his
membership to the Baptist Church, in which he has
held various offices and been Superintendent of the
Sunday-school for years. He is a strong temperance man and a member of the Michigan State
Medical Society.
The father of our subject was Jesse Parmeter, a
native of Rutland County, Vt., born near the town
of Windsor. The paternal grandfather, likewise
Jesse Parmeter, and a native of the same county-,
learned blacksmithing in Boston, Mass., to which
city he repaired when a youth of fifteen years. He
resided in Massachusetts for a number of years,
then migrated to Herkimer County, N. Y., and
later to Allegany County, where he worked at his
trade until 1833. That year he came to Michigan
Territory and entered land adjacent to the present
limits of Concord, where lie established the pioneer
blacksmith shop of the place. In religious belief
he was a strong Baptist. He voted for Washington the second time he ran for President, and lived
to vote for Lincoln. ITe was a Democrat until
1859, and then wheeled over into the Republican
ranks, remaining with this party until his death.
He spent his last days with his son, Jesse, dying in
Concord at the age of ninety-two years, having
been born in 1770. The paternal great-grandparents were French H-lguenots, and fled from
their native country during the time of religious
persecution in France.
The father of our subject, although a nason by
trade, followed farming in Allegany County, N. Y.,
during his younger years and accompanied his


father's family to Michigan. In the fall of 1836
he purchased forty acres of Government land on
section 2, Concord Township, upon which lie located, and to which he added later and brought
seventy-four acres to a good state of cultivation.
HIe there spent the remainder of his life, dying in
1872, at the age of seventy years. Ile was a good
man in the broadest sense of the term, and held in
high esteem by the community. Like his father
before him, he became connected with the Baptist
Church early in life, and was instrumental in organizing the society in Concord. He was one of
the few of whom it may be truthfully said, he had
not an enemy in the world. In politics he was a
sound Republican. His death was hastened by an
accident.
Mrs. Electa (Van Wormer) Parmeter, a native
of New York State, was born January 5, 1807, and
was the daughter of Capt. Jeremiah Van Wormer,
a farmer of Allegany County and a Captain in the
War of 1812. He emigrated to Michigan Territory in 1836, and taking up land, occupied himself as a farmer the remainder of his life. The
mother of our subject was possessed of all the
womanly virtues, but was taken from her family at
the early age of forty years, dying in 1851. To
her and her husband there had been born six children: Jeremiah W. died when twenty-five years
old; Jesse L., our subject, was the second son and
and child; Eunice S., Mrs. Townsend, is a resident
of Jackson City; William H. is a farmer in Con.
cord Township; Louisa A., Mrs. Van Netta, lives
in Albion; Electa died when about forty-two years
old.
Gx/EORGE STRANAHAN is one of the old
and well-known fariners of Columbia Township, now retired from  active business and
living in the village of Brooklyn. IHe is one
of the first settlers of the county to which he came
with his father, George S. Stranahan, in August,
1833, when seventeen years old. The father secured four hundred acres on what is now sections
17 and 18, Columbia Township, at the head of
Clark's Lake, on the north side. The two built a








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1 --- —— 1 ----1 ----1 —_ _   _-  _   _............................. _......._ _  _-  _,  _  _   ___ 


log cabin and set out one hundred fruit trees, the
first orchard planted within the borders of Jackson
County. The young trees were obtained at the
old Kies nursery at Clinton, Mich., to which the
elder Stranahan went on foot, bringing his purchase
back with a team. After having completed their
initiatory labors in the way of settlement during
the fall, the father and son walked to Detroit,
whence they accomplished their journey by boat to
to Clarence Township, Erie County, N. Y., which
had previously been their home.
The following spring the father with his entire
family and their worldly possessions, crossed the
lake and were conveyed by wagons to their new
home in the West. Here the family united in their
efforts to make a fine farim amid the wilds of Southern Michigan, and after it became a suitable abiding place all found employment. They were fortunate in having land of the most productive
nature, and their efforts made of it one of the well
cultivated and improved estates of the county, the
original log cabin being supplemented with better
buildings in the process of time. The land eventually changed hands and is now owned by other
parties.
Mr. Stranahan traces his descent from one James
S. Stranahan, the progenitor of the family in Amnerica, whence he came from the North of Ireland in
1 725. He settled in Scitnate, R. I., where lie is
supposed to have passed the remainder of his life.
His ancestors were Scotch and he was reared in the
Presbyterian faith. His son, John Stranahan, was
born in New York and probably spent the most of
his life there, although as members of the family
lived in Connecticut, he may have lived in that
State a portion of the time. He was a farmer and
at one time a slave-owner, although it is known
that he liberated his slaves before his death, which
occurred very suddenly, it is believed in Columbia, County, N  Y. IIe was the father of seven
children, the third of whom is the father of our
subject.
George S. Stranahan was born April 4, 1783, in
Columbia County, N. Y. His early life was spent
in his native county, and later we find him located
on the Holland Purchase in Erie County, N. Y.,
beginning his life among the early settlers there as


a farmer and school teacher. He had an excellent
education and was well fitted for professional
work. That section became his home until he entered upon his pioneer work in this State, where lie
spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1864, at
the ripe age of eighty-one years. He was a fearless
pioneer, a friend to the needy, and the recipient of
universal respect. He lived to see the country to
which he had come when very few white men were
living in it, become improved and thickly settled,
with a growth and development almost incomparable. lie was a Justice of the Peace and Road
Commissioner in an early day when the last office
was one of much importance. He had also the
honor of naming Columbia Township. He was of
the Universalist faith and died the death of a Chris.
tian, in the hope of a blissful immortality. He was a
kind husband,and an indulgent father to the children
who came to bless his home. His wife, formerly
Miss Catherine Stranahan, was also of the Empire
State where their marriage was celebrated. She died
eighteen years before her husband, having been
confined to her bed about two years, bearing her
illness patiently and uncomplainingly. She was a
Baptist, and one of those earnest believers who
made their religion a part of their daily life.
The gentleman with whose name we introduce this
biographical notice, was born August 24, 1816, il
Clarence, Erie County, N. Y., where he spent his
boyhood and early youth. When the family removed to this State he bore an active part in the
improvement of the new home and earned a pronminent rank among the pioneers, although so youthful a member of that band. The scenes and incidents
of the early life here prove extremely interesting
when narrated in his graphic manner, and many a
tale can he tell of frolics which the young whites
had with the youthful braves of the Pottawattomie
tribe, which was located very near his father's
home. Sport was not always his experience, but
his retrospect includes arduous toil and times of
trying illness. On one occasion, during the absence of the father, the entire family with the exception of himself, were stricken  with a fever
which was then common in the State. Night and
day lie watched and worked, having no assistance
and was almost exhausted when he was relieved by






347


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.




^- "   ---   -~- ----   I ---- - -  -  --                   - l- ----   - -------- -  - --  - --


the return of his father, nearly two weeks after his
anxiety and care began. One daughter of the
household fell a victim to the fever.
The life of Mr. Stranahan has shown a remarkable degree of energy and he has been rewarded
with an abundance of this world's goods, so that
he is enabled in his declining years to take the ease
and comfort which are so fitting after a well-spent
life. He still does some business in the way of
money loaning, but having been a good financier,
has no need for greater effort than he desires to
prevent idleness. He was never vigorous in body,
but he has ripened up to a sweet old age. Since
the election of President Buchanan he has been a
Republican. He has belonged to the village
Council, where the same qualities which led to his
personal success have benefited the community.
He is a devoted   member of the Presbyterian
Church.
In Coldwater, Branch County, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between Mr. Stranahan and
Miss Hanna Caroline Brink. The bride was born
in Steuben County, N. Y., July 7, 1817, being
a daughter of Derrick and Catherine (Chambers) Brink, the former a native of the State of
New  York, of Dutch ancestry, and the latter
born in New Jersey, and tracing her lineage to
England. Mr. and Mrs. Brink were married in
New Jersey and lived on a farm there until after
the birth of all their children, except Mrs. Stranahan, who is the youngest child and opened her eyes
to the light at the head of Crooked Lake, after her
parents had settled in the Empire State. She grew
to the age of eighteen years at the place of her
birth, receiving an excellent education, and careful
training at the hands of her worthy parents. She
then accompanied her father and mother to
Michigan, the family settling first in Coldwater
and later upon a new farm in Batavia Township,
Branch County. There the father died in 1844,
eight years after the settlement, at the age of seventy, the mother surviving eleven years, and passing away at the age of eighty-one. Mrs. Brink was
a Presbyterian, and she and her husband were wellknown for their deeds of kindness. Their daughter,
Mrs. Stranahan, was engaged in teaching prior to
her marriage. She has a warm place in the hearts


of all who know her, her noble character and
upright Christian life being such as is rarely met
with. Possessing all the womanly virtues, she
does not boast of great things accomplished, but
fullfils the multitudinous little duties which make
up human existence, being an especially devoted
and loving mother. She also belongs to the Presbyterian Church and has earnestly labored to advance the cause of Christianity.
Mr. and Mrs. Stranahan are the parents of one
child-George Brink-who although he has never
been physically strong, has a remarkable mental
strength and activity, and has written some very
fine works. Among these is a collection of "Christian Essays," not yet in print, and the published
work, i"rhe Way of Life." His work as an author
has been highly approved by the American Tract
Society and the Baptist Publication Company, and
is regarded as of much merit by all who read his
writings. Mr. and Mrs. Stranahan have reared
three children besides their son. One of these,
Hattie A. Rhodes, still remains under their roof;
George Maine married Miss Kate Wiser and lives
in Jefferson, this county; Lotta Jackson became
the wife of Daniel Myres, a farmer of Rome Township.
PUGUSTUS GREINER. When the story
of the early settlement of Jackson County
is fitly told it will be found to contain
-f    tthe names of many who, without making
any great stir in the world, have in their quiet,
peaceable and busy lives patiently borne hardships
and privations which none but they can fully realize. The history of Mr. Greiner and his estimable
wife is one filled in with a pioneer experience
which only a few are now living to relate, as they
are the only ones left of three or four persons who
survive to revert to those early times-their fellow-laborers having passed away.
Mr. and Mrs. Greiner came to this section of the
country when it was in its undeveloped state, and
when Indians and wild animals were far more plentiful than white settlers. Purchasing a tract of








348


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_ 48 P O R T R A IT~ AND.~..O RA —A ----.  A U........ --- -.  -..


land in Hanover Township, they commenced the
battle of life in a log cabin, and by the exercise of
unflagging industry and the practice of the most
rigid economy, slowly transformed a portion of the
wilderness into a comfortable homestead. It is
eminently fitting that their names should be perpetuated in a work designed to preserve for a coming generation the names and deeds of the early
residents of Jackson County. Mr. Greiner for the
past fifteen years has been greatly afflicted with
rheumatism and unable to perform manual labor.
The faithful and devoted wife has done her full
share in the accumulation of their property and in
preserving to them a comfortable home in their
declining years.
The subject of this notice, a native of Reading,
Pa., was born September 18, 1819, and is the son of
Dr. Andrew and Elizabeth (Utt) Greiner, who was
the second wife of her husband. They were both
natives of the Kingdom  of Saxony, Germany,
where the father was thoroughly educated as a
physician. About 1817 they crossed the Atlantic
and settled in Pennsslvania, where they lived fourteen years. Thence they removed to Allegany
County, N. Y, of which they were residents six
years. At the expiration of this time, they sought
the Great West, locating in Mercer County, Ill.,
where both died in 1838.
Mr. Greiner was the only child of his parents by
this marriage, and received only limited educational advantages in his youth. lie was seventeen
years old at the time of his parents' death, and
they leaving him no patrimony, he was obliged to
begin life empty-handed. He went to work on a
farm  by the month near Galena, and from the
start commenced saving what he could of his earnings. Hle worked one year for A. L. Rich, in
Macomab County, at $12 per month, and saved
$100. In 1839 he came to the newly-admitted
State of Michigan and settled in Hanover Township, in what was known as the Oak Openings, at
a time when Jackson was a mere hamlet and the
country around mostly a wilderness.  He purchased eighty acres of land, upon which there was
very little improvement, and upon which he labored three years. Then selling out, lie went back
to Illinois, but returned to Michigan the following


year and purchased the land which lie now owns
and occupies. Upon this he has effected nearly all
the improvements which we behold to-day. The
cultivation of the soil involved much hard labor
and the clearing away of timber and innumerable
stones. He put up a frame house, a barn, a sheep
and cattle shed and a granary. From the stone
gathered off his land he made five hundred rods
of fencing, and for six days of every week worked
early and late in order to obtain a foothold.
Mr. Greiner during his early manhood was blest
with a good constitution and robust health, but
the machinery finally gave way under the excessive strain to which it was subjected, and he is
now mainly confined to his house. He, however,
managed to keep up until he had laid the foundations of a home and a competency, and he added
to his first purchase until he now has one hundred
and twenty-two and a half acres. This is all in a
productive condition and eligibly situated, being
two and a half miles east of the depot at Hanover,
thus being convenient to mill and market.
Mr. Greiner was first married, in 1847, to Miss
Mary, daughter of Isaac Pickle, an early settler of
this county, who located near Leoni. Of this
union there were born two children, only one of
whom is living, Mary, the wife of Eugene Greiner,
who is the mother of three children, and they live
on the home farm. Mrs. Mary (Pickle) Greiner
died in 1852. Mr. Greiner contracted a second
marriage, April 15, 1853, with Mrs. Hannah E.
(Hinkley) Wickman, daughter of Ira and Hannah
(Shumway) HIinkley and widow of Frederick Wickman, who died in Michigan in 1853. Mr. Hinkley
was an early settler of this State, whence he came
from New York State and settled near Ann Arbor.
His wife died, in 1831, in Michigan. Mr. Hinkley
also died in Michigan in 1867. They were the
parents of four children, three of whom are living,
and of whom Mrs. Greiner was the youngest born.
Her birth occurred November 22, 1831, in Ann
Arbor, and the same day she was left motherless.
Mr. and Mrs. Greiner have no children. They
are warmly interested in the temperance cause,
being strong Prohibitionists, Mr. Greiner voting
with this party and Mrs. Greiner signalizing her
principles by her membership with the Woman's


0




I










U.A






PORTRAIT AND) BIOGRAPH-ICAL ALBUM.1


351


_-P                     AN  BIOGRA-hiCAL ALBUM.               351


Christian Tempernance Union and laboring as she
is able with her voice and influence against the use
and manufacture of intoxicating drinks. She also
belongs to tile Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, qnd both Mr. and Mrs. Greiner are nmembers in good standing of the Metlodist Episcop)al
Church.
Mr. Greiner cast his first Presidential vote for
Van Buren and identified himself with the I)emocratic party, with which lie remained until the organization of the Republican, when, feeling that
lie had reason to change his ta tics, lie became
the warm supporter of this latter party, with which
he has since affiliated. IIe keeps himself posted
on the political issues of the day and is a friend of
education, serving as a l)irector in his district wlhen
he was able and giving his moral support to tile
establishment and maintenance of schools. In addition to his farm, lie owns a neat and tasty residence in Hanover, which was put up in 1874.
OSEPII TOWNSON is one of the oldest andl
best known residents of this county, where
lie has for many years engaged in farmling;
( -   lle is now living at Brooklyn, retired from,
the active duties of life, his business affairs bein
in the hands of his son Joseph N. Townson. BIeginning his residence in this county in 1835, he
has lived to see the wilderness blossom like a rose,
beautiful homes spring up on every hand, and
churches and schoolhouses dot many a hillside. Ile
and his estimable wife won an enviable relputation
among the early setllers wlo possessed so many of
the stur(ly virtues calculatted to make life pleasant
even in the midst of great privations and hardships,
and who shared each other's burdens and enjoyments with hearty brotherly kindness.
The natal day of Mr. Townson was August 20,
1806, and his birthplace in Hartford Township,
Washington County, N. Y. IHe is the third son and
fifth child in a family of ten boys and girls, anid
has one brother and two sisters yet living, all
younger than himself. Hle was reared under tile
parental roof, acquiring a knowledge of farming


and tanning, the occupations in which his father
was engaged, and followed the same in his native
county until he determined to found a home on
the Western frontier. He made a journey as far
West as Chicago, then a small garrison and trading
post, bearing an appearance very unpromising to
one accustomed to the rolling or hilly districts of
the East, it being low, nmuddy, and seemingly unfit
for any practical purpose. He could not be induced
to Mpurchase land in that swamp and returned to his
lhome with his mind made up to obtain a tract of
land in Michigan.
In September. 1835, Mr. Townson with his wife
and two clildren bade adieu to their former home
and crossed the lake to Detroit. where they secured
a livery team and drove to Jackson County, making a location on section 19, in what is now Columbia Township. The land was obtained from the
Government, and the Ieed was signed by Martin
Van lBuren, then President of the United States.
Pitchling his tent, Mr. Townson commenced to
mtke arrangments to locate his family in their
little board shanty; their household goods had been
)brought from Detroit with ox-teams. The one
hundred and sixty acres which comprised the
homestead consisted of land known as oak openings,.and it was not long ere soil was turned and farm-!1a, operations commenced in a small way. With
all his native energy and determination MIr. Townson labored to build up a comfortable home and
I ain such means as would enable him to rear his
children into intelligent, educated and refiled manhood and womanhood. IIe disposed of his first
purchase in the county and bought other lands, although at present he owns only ninety-five acres,
investing his capital in a different way. He has
)been a resident of Brooklyn since 1863, and is held
in hig!h regard by the citizens.
mTlre marriage of Mr. Townson was celebrated in
Halrtford, Washington County, N. Y., January 2,
1828, his bride being Miss Mary R. S. White, who
was born in Granville, that county. Her parents,
Wilson and Mary (Stebbins) White, were natives
of Ma:ssachusetts but soon after their marriage settled in tlle Empl)ire State, where they spent the ret minder of their lives. Mrs. White (died August
27, 1s19,'at the age of forty-three years; her hus



s~~~~~~~~~~~ 


352


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


I


band survived until February 7, 1823, when he too
breathed his last, being then fifty-three years old.
He was a farmer and lumberman )by occupation and
together with his wife was a faithful member of
the Presbyterian Church. Their daughter, having
lost her parents when quite young, was reared by
her uncle James Bowen, in the same county. She
proved a valuable assistance to her husband in his
efforts to attain material prosperity, to worthily
train their children, and to so live that the worl(1
might be better for their presence. Her death took
place in Brooklyn, June 26, 1887, at a ripe age,
she having been born January 29, 1810. She and
her husband had been members of the Baptist
Church for many years, but a few years since became identified with the Presbyterian Church.
The progeny of Mr. and Mrs. Townson comprised five children, three of whom are yet living.
George E. died three years after his marriage, at
the age of thirty-one years and eight months, being
accidentally killed in a sawmill at St. Charles,
Mich.; he crossed the plains in the spring of 1850
and spent seven years on the Pacific Slope. Mary
died when thirteen mtonths old. The surviving
members of the household band are: Mary, Joseph
N., and Harriet C. Joseph N. married Viola A.
Holley, who died in Brooklyn, April 14, 1879,
leaving a daughter, Flora Rebecca, who remains
with her father and grandfather, of whom she is
the household support and blessing.
Mr. Townson was for some years a i)eacon in the
Baptist Church. He was once elected Justice of
P'eace, and has been Township Clerk for several
years. He cast his first Presidential ballot for Andrew Jackson, but since the organization of the
Republican party has been identified with that political body.
The father of our subject was Calvin Townson,
a native of Massachusetts and of New England
parentage, his father being a mechanic who died at
an advanced age in the old Bay State. He was a
Revolutionary patriot, during his service assisting
to build Ft. Ann, and taking part in several active
engagements. Calvin Townson was a leathermaker and a farmer. He removed to New York
before his marriage, his bride being Miss Polly
Covell, of Washington County, where they were


married and began their wedded life. Mrs. Townson was a daughter of Jonathan Covell, who was
born in New England, of English parentage, while
his wife was a native of Holland. Mr. Covell engaged in tilling the soil in tile Empire State, where
lie and his wife lived many years and where both
(lied at an advanced age. After his marriage Calvin Townson purcllased a tannery of the man under
whom he learned his trade, and also secured some
land upon which he farmed. There he died February 7, 1862, at the age of eighty-six years, while
his wife survived until March 31, 1867, passing
away at the age of eighty-seven and one-half years.
Both were active members of the Baptist Church,
while, politically, he was first in sympathy with
the Democratic party, but later became a stanch
Republican.
Accompanying the sketch of the life of Mr.
Townson we present a lithographic portrait of this
honored pioneer of Jackson County.
b )  een an eye-witness of and participator in
the development of this section of country
silice his boyhood, and has manifested a degree of
energy and industry highly creditable. He has
succeeded in his agricultural employment until he
has become the owner of a comfortable property,
and he has likewise gained the good will of his
fellow-men by his upright life and kindly nature.
Iis faithful companion has nobly borne her share
in the trials which beset their way, proving herself
a true helpmate, and rejoicing with him in every
success which has enabled them to properly rear
their family and ensure their own comfort in declining years.
The family from which Mr. Kellcy traces his
descent is of good Irish stock, his father having
been Thomas Kelley, a native of Delaware County,
N. Y., and his mother Miss Hannah Daugherty, of
tlhe same State.  After their marriage Thomas
Kelley and his wife began life together on a farm
in Middleton, N. Y., where five sons and three
daughters were born to them. In May, 1835, the








PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


entire family set out for Michigan, going to Buffalo,
thence crossing Lake Erie to Detroit, and continuing their journey into the Western frontier with a
team.  They landed in Woodstock Township,
Lenawee County, where the husband and father
obtained a tract of Government land on section 5,
which became their place of abode. A primitive
log house was erecte(l, but was scarcely completed
when the father died, in November of tile same
year, being a little past middle life. lIe had been
a hard-working man all his days, and a good citizen. His death was occasioned by consumption.
His wife survived him a number of years, her
death taking place in Columbia Township, this
county, about 1870. She had been married a second tir-me; her last husband being Adam Hawley,
now deceased.
The subject of this sketch is the sixth in order
of birth in the parental household, <and was born
July 6, 1823. Not long after he entered his teens,
the family came to Michigan, where the father died
and he began to earn his own living. Ile, how.
ever, made his home with his mother the most of
the time until he became of age, when lie was
united in marriage in the same township with Miss
Margaret J. Brooks. This worthy lady was born
in Delaware County, N. Y., January 25, 1823, her
parents being Merchant and Mary (Every) Brooks,
natives of the same county. There they were
ieare(1 and married, identifiying themselves with
the agricultural classes and remaining in their native county some years. In the fall of 1835 thley
turned their faces Westward, settling on Governmnent land in Lenawee County, Mich., where they
made a home in the wilderness. By dint of llrd
work and energy, they ere long lhad a good farm,
whicth they made their home during the rest of their
(lays. Mr. Brooks died when about three-score
years of age, his wife surviving to the age of seventy-two years. Both belonged to the Baptist
Clhurch, and Mr. Brooks was a Democrat of the
deepest dye.
Mrs. Margaret J. Kelley is the third chlild and
second da:ughter born to her parents. She had not
passed her girlhood when they came to Michigan,
where her education was completed, her home
being. with her parents until her marriage. She




I
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and her husband then located on the farm which
they still occupy, and which comprises one hundred and sixty acres on section 31, Columbia
Township, Jackson County. Beginning with the
moderate accommodations and household goods
which were customary at the time of their marriage and in frontier settlements, they gradually
improved their surroundings until their home became one of the comfortable, finely-improved and
highly-cultivated estates of the county. Mr. Kelley also owns a farm of eighty acres in Woodstock
Township, Lenawee Cou nty.
The happy union of Mr. and Mrs. Kelley has
been blessed by the birth of four children, and
they have been called upon to mourn the death of
two-Maryette and an infant unnamed. The living are-Merchant, whose   biography occupies
another page in this volume; and Eva, the wife of
John Flint, who owns and occupies eighty acres of
land in the same township. Mr. Kelley gives his
vote and influence to the Democratic party. Mrs.
Kelley is a member of the Baptist Church. Their
life and conduct has been such as to afford an excellent example of uprightness, reliability and
good will, andl they merit the place which they
hold in the respect of their fellow-citizens.
lEREMIAil M. U BOII.     B S A career of persevering industry, persistently followed, has
resulted, as it usually does in the case of
every man, in placing the subject of this notice in a position wheie he is enabled to enjoy all
of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
We find hima pleasantly situated as the owner of a
fine farm on section 33, Columbia Township,while in
adldition to agricultural pursuits he also gives considerable attention to milling, being the owner of
the )uBois County Line Mills, which are situated
east of Kelly's Corners, and have been for many
years one of the indispensable institutions of this
part of the county.
The farm of Mr. DuBois embraces one hundred
and forty acres of choice land, well developed and
embellished with a fine set of frame buildings. He






354                     PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
_   _ --- —------  ------  -  ----— 0  --  -  --   -I


is also the owner of valuable farm property in Allidon Township, Ingham County, which is also in a
good state of cultivation and supplied with good
buildings. With the exception of two years spent
in Ingham County, Mr. DuBois has lived upon his
present farm since 1860.
Prior to his removal to this county Mr. I)uBois
lhad been a resident of Washtenaw County, of which
his father was an early pioneer. The latter settled
i!! Lodi Township and there J. M. was born, August 28, 1833. The father, Jacob D. )ullBois, a
native of Fayette Township, Seneca County, N. Y.,
was born April 10, 1808, and was tie son of Martin DuBois, who was likewise born there. He carme
of French and Holland-Dutch stock which traced its
descent to the old Jans ancestry, which owns an est.ate by that name in New York City.
Martin DuBois was a patriot in the Revolutionary War, doing gallant service, although a private,
in many of the battles whose final result was American liberty. During the latter years of his life he
was the recipient of a pension from the Government. His son MIartin was reared in his native
county, where lie learned blacksmithing and later
engaged in farming. Upon arriving at manhood
he married Miss Margaret Avery; she was born in
Ulster County, N. Y., and was of English ancestry.
''he young couple commenced their wedlded life on
a. farm in Fayette Township, Seneca County, where
their children were born and reared, and remained
there until after some of them were married.
Fnally, in 1830, parents and children, including
sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, set out for the
Territory of Michigan, the journey being made as
early as 1830. They went on the canal to Buffalo
and thence by boat to )etroit, at which point they
took teams and proceeded on their journey to Lodi
Township, Washteaw County. They comprised
some of the very filst settlers of that region and
established a home in the timber upon land obtained from the Government. The toils and lardships which they endured are among the unwritten
records of that time, but Martin DuBois and his
excellent wife lived to see the wilderness transformed into the abode of a civilized and prosperous people, themselves in a comfortable home and
their children grown up around them and well set

i
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tled in life. These two who had traveled life's
journey so long together were only separated atits
close a few days, and were laid side by side in the
cemetery at Bunker Hill, Ingham County.
Martin DuBois was eighty-six years old at the
time of his demise, and his good wife only a few
years younger. While residents of their native
State they belonged to the Dutch Reformed Church,
but after comingi to Michigan identified themselves
with the Presbyterians, whose doctrine was similar. Tlley were good and worthy people in their
lives and in death are not forgotton.,Jacob D. I)uBois was the youngest but one of ten
clildreii, four sons and six daughters, and he is the
sole surviving membler of his famnily. He spent
the first twenty-one years of his life under the parental roof in his native township and was there first
married to Miss Elizabeth Van Riper. This lady
was born about 1812, in the same township as her
husband aiid was the daughter of J. C. and Elizabeth (Van Vlocken) Van Riper, who were natives
of New Jersey and of Holland-Dutch ancestry.
After marriage they lived for some years in Seneca
Coounty, N. Y., then in 1830 accompanied the Du,ois family to Michigan, settling in Washtenaw
County and there spent the remainder of their
days, passing away at a ripe old age. Members of
the same caravan, Jacob D. DuBois and his wife,
after reaching Mhichigan, settled on Government
land in Lodi Townslhip, Washtenaw County, and
soon afterward experienced their first affliction in
the loss of their child which had been born to them
in New York State. Mrs. Eliza DuBois subsequently became the mother of six more ohildren and
(lelarted this life in 1849, while comparatively a
young woman, aged thirty-eight years. The purity
of her life and tl:e amiability of her disposition
endeared her not only to ler family liut to a large
circle of friends. She was possessed of all the
Christian virtues, and was a consistent member of
the Presbyterian Church of Clinton.
The father of our subject married for his second
wife Mrs. Elizabeth (Kelley) Banker, the malriage
taking place at her home in Bridgewater Township.
This lady was born in Delaware County, N. Y., in
1803, and was there first married, coming subsequently with her husband, Frederick Banker, to




PORTRAIT ANTI) 13BI (iRAPIICAAI  ALBJUM.I


355


 ---I

Johnstown, Barry County, this State, where lie
(lied, leavino' his widow with three sons and two
daughters. Of her marriage with Mr. DuBois no
children were born. Both sle and her llusba:nd,
who are now ripe in years, make their home with
the subject of tllis sketcll. Altlough quite well
advainced in years, their faculties are comparatively
unimpaired anld they are spending a ripe (1d1 a ge
in the enjoyment of life's comforts, not the least
among which is the esteem of many friends.
J. M. DuBois received careful parental training
and a somewhat limited education in the pioneer
schools. TIe was fifteen years old at the time of
his mother's death andt subsequently made his orne
with his father and stepmother until reaching his
majority, when lie left tle plarental roof and came
to this county. He secured land in Columbia Township, where lie laid thle foundation of a home and
at the age of twenty-four years was married, in
March, 1858, to Miss Mary J. Iart.  Irs. I)uBois
was born in Pompeii Township, Onond(ga County,
N. Y., August 28, 1831, and is the daughter of
Reuben and Lydia (Duell) Iart, who were likewise
natives of that county. Mr. and lMrs. Hart were
rereed and married in Onondaga County and lived
there until after tlhe birth of four children, one of
whom   died there. Then, coming to Michigan,
they located on a tract of wild land in Colunbihi
Township, this county, tle imlprovement iand cultivation of which Mr. Hart carried on successfully
and built up a comnfortable home. lie and his
estimable wife continued to live on that farm of
one hundred and sixty acres until tleir lecease.
MrIs. Hart preceede  her husband to the silent land
two years, dying in 1871 after having attained the
age of threescore years and ten. Mr. Hart (lied in
February, 1873, aged seventy-four.  They  were
people held in high esteem in the township and
consistent imembers of the Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Mary J. DuBois was tlie youngest of the
three children born to her parents and was the
only survivor. Her sister was married and died in
Michigan.  Her brother Lucius died in Oregon.
Miss Mary was well reared and, taking kindly to
her books developed into a capable and efficient
teacher, whicl profession she followed four years
before her marriage. lHer union with our subject


li s resulted inr tle birtl of nine children, three of
whom, Iorace, Eliza and Jacob, died young. Mary
E. is the wife of Cyrus Cook, a well-to-do farmer
residing on section 34, Columbia Township; Delmer D. remains at home with his parents; AIyra E.
is tiel wife of Morris Smnith and resides in Alliden,
Ingham County; Lucius H. Clarence E. and Florence H. (the latter two twins) also continue under
the parental roof.
Mr. DuBois meddles very little with political
affairs, but is a stanch friend of temperance and
gives his support to the Prohibition party. The
family occupies no secondary position among the
best citizens of Columbia Township.
a;-v —w-rr ll-' P,.,...,....;.;..-.  D
t     1 ILLIAM  -I. PALMER, M.D. has the honor
\ of bleing one of the first white children
\WV   boirn in tllis county, his birth occurrin in
wlhat was then the embryo town of Jackson, August
8, 1 839. iHe has been a resident of the county his
entire life and is thus intimately associated with all
its interests. IHe is a son of one of the leading
pioneers of MIichigan, Joshua Palmer, who was born
in Sodus, Wayne County, N. Y.    The paternal
grandlfattller, )osliua Palmer, Sr., was born on the
North River in New York State, and was one of
the pioneers of Wayne County. Ile carried on
farming and kept an llotel and spent his last years
in the village of Sodus. The maiden name of his
wife was Mary Clark and both lived to a ripe old
age.
Josllua Palmer, Jr. was the eighth in a family of
ten children and when twelve years old was apprenticed to learn the trade of a blacksmith. In 1836
lie joined I. M. Ford and his two sons, Jerry and
Wi!liam Ford, Jr., and the three set out overland
tlhrough Canada to Michigan Territory, arriving at
the present site of Jackson on the 10thl of May,
opening the first blacksmith shop in the place and
made the iron work for the first flouring-mill built
here. Jackson was then a hamlet of probably one
hundred people. Mr. Palmer later contracted for
the iron used in the construction of the first railroad having Jackson for its terminal point, In




356             PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


I —~~~~~~~ — -— ~~~~~~~~~~-   -^~~~~~~~~~~~ — ~~~~~~~-~~~~ ---`-~~~~~~~~~ —~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~'-"'^'~~~~~~~~~~~'~~~~-~~~~-                                                ---- --- --
------ I-~~~'- I —~~~-~ —~' --- ~ ~ ~ ~ -----                        -------- -- -                   =    -7Z:                      - 


1849 on account of ill health he went to California
by the water route and remained on the Pacific
Slope for fifteen months.
Upon returning to Michigan Mr. Palmer engaged
in the grocery business at Jackson in I)artnership
with Otis Bean and Joseph Cowden. He continued
in active business until 1869 and then retired. The
nother, Mrs. Rebecca (Stevens) Palmer, was horn
December 25, 1818, eight miles from the present
site of Toronto, Canada, and was the daughter of
Seneca Stevens, a native of New York State, and
the son of a tailor who prosecuted his calling at
Onondaga Hill for a time, then removed to Canada
and settled near Toronto, where he spent his last
days.
Grandfather Stevens when reaching man's estate
was married in Marcellus, N. Y., and a few years
later removed to Canada, locating near Toronto.
In 1820 lie went back to New York State and purchased a farm near Penfield, Monroe County, upon
which he resided six years. His next removal was to
Allegany County, N.Y.,where he put up a log house,
cleared a portion of his land and resided there until
1836. Then he came to Micligyan Territory and
was one of the earliest pioneers of Sandstone Township. The journey was made by team to Buffalo,
to Detroit by the lake and thence by team again to
this county. IHe purchased land in Sandstone
Township and put up a log house after which he
proceeded to clear the farm and resided there until
his death. His wife, Mary (Green) Stevens was a
native of New York State and the daughter of
John and Mary (Hill) Green, who were also born
there. She died at the old homestead in Sandstone
Township. Of the four children born to the parents of our subject, two died in infancy. Annis
M. became the wife of John Campbell and resides
in Jackson.
The subject of this sketch pursued his first lessons
in the schools of Jackson and in 1858 commenced
the study of medicine under Dr. Gorham, one of
the pioneers in the profession in this State. The
following year he attended lectures in the State
University. Soon after the outbreak of the Civil
War he entered the service of the United States as
Hospital Steward, and was soon promoted to the
post of Assistant Surgeon of the Ninth Michigan
I   Qu ' -l- I-r- N —~V ~ VC-,+-~~~r.CYI


Infantry. This regiment was assigned to the Army
of the Cumberland and operated in Kentucky,
Tennessee and Alabana. Dr. Palmer continued
with the army until 1864, receiving then his honorable discharge, his term of service having
expired. During that year lie suffered from hemorrhage of the lungs and after his recovery resumed
practice and for two years was associated with Dr.
Cyrus Smith. Later lie was the partner of Dr.
Davis two years and after that practiced alone. He
has been an extensive reader and his close attention
to the duties of his profession has resulted in a
career of more than ordinary success.
Dr. Palmer was married in July, 1873, to Miss
Mary M. Wolcott. This lady was born in Hanover,
this county, December 1, 1856, and is the daughter
of Ebenezer Wolcott, a native of New York State.
Her paternal grandfather, Solomon Wolcott, likewise born in the Empire State, was one of the
earliest pioneers of this county, settling in Spring
Arbor Township where he improved several farms
and where he spent the remainder of his life. To
the Doctor and his estimable lady there has been
born one child only, a daughter, Clara May. Politically, Dr. Palmer votes the straight Republican
ticket. He has been prominent in local affairs
serving twelve years as a member of the County
Board of Supervisors, and also twelve consecutive
years on the Board of Education. He was the
first President of Jackson City Council and has
always been the supporter of those enterprises
calculated to advance its best interests.
M. COYKENDALL. On the 10th of May,
1889, one of the many pleasant homes of
Concord Township was the scene of a happy
event. Guests gathered there from far and
near. All faces from laughing childhood to feeble
age reflected the brightness of the occasion, which
was the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of
the marriage of the host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs.
Coykendall. Not only were all the members of
the family present, but eight of the guests of the




PORTRAI t~RT ANDr BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.RI


35 7'


E -     - - =-  IP- -O IT= I - -  =, — _R -- - ------- -AN!)-: --- -BR I- A M  -  ---  -


original wedding added to the interest and pleasure
of the (lay. Tlhe years that had passed had whitened
the locks of the bride and groom, had dimmed the
eves and placed furrows on the brows, but time has
dealt kindly with them, nevertheless, and it is the
hope of their many friends that years of continued
haplpiness and prosperity are yet before them.
Prior to a detailed mention of the events of general interest in the life of ai.y man, it is well to record briefly his ancestry. The father of Mr.
Coykendall was Joel Coykendall, who was born in
l)eckertown, N. J., August 6, 1772. The grandfather, Joseph Coykendall, was a native of Holland
and emigrated to the United States, settling on the
Mohawk River. There lie became a prominent
farmer, and also engaged in milling and stove
business. He was one of the largest and most successful business men on the Mohawk, and died
at Deckertown a wealthy man. His son Joel was
likewise a farmer, and served in the War of 1812.
After marriage he removed from his home in New
Jersey to New York State and located near Auburn.
Later he pre-empted a claim in Starkey Township,
Yates County, where his children were born. He
accumulated a competence, and besides engagingo in
farming, also managed a distillery. Unfortunately
lie lost almost all his possessions by going bail for:i constable and collector, who got away witl
$5,000. This Joel Coykendall had to pay, in order
to do which lie was compelled to sell one hundlred
acres of his land and mortgage the remainder.
In 1852 Joel Coykendall removed to Ontario
County, N. Y., and farmed in Riclmond Township. Afterward he sold this and bought property
in Springwater, where he resided until his death,
when he was nearly three score and ten years old,
He affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in his
religious belief. The mother of our subject was in
her girlhood Margaret Struble, and was born in
Deckertown, N. J. iHer paternal grandfather came
to America from Germany, settling in New.Jersey.
where lie died. Afler the death of her husband,
our subject's mother came West and made her
home with her son, J. M., where she died at the advanced age of eighty-two years.
A family of ten clildren came to bless tle union
of Joel and Margaret Coykendall, and of these


nine (rrew to maturity. They   are as follows:
Mary, Betsey, Charity, John, Daniel, all of whom
are deceased; Sally, whose whereabouts are unknown; Catherine, deceased; J. MI., our subject,
and Caroline, Mrs. Lamont, of Maringo, Mich. Our
subject was born in Starkey, Yates County, N. Y.,
March 30, 1816. HIe lived there unitil the age of
sixteen years, and was early set to work on the
farm. His schooling was meager, being limited to
sulscription schools in log houses. In 1832 he
came to Ontario County, N. Y., where he showed
such good management in tile cultivation of a farm
for his fatler, that lie was given entire control
of it.
The wife of our subject was Miss Sophia Windfield, and they were unite'l in marriage May 10,
1839. Mrs. Coykendall is the daughter of Henry
and Mary (Wilson) Windfield, both born in New
Jersey. They were united in marriage in New Jersey, thle ceremony being performed by Elder
Briggs, of Richmond Township. Their home was
for a number of years in Yates County, N. Y.,
whence tley removed to Ontario County, tile same
State, and tlere the mother died. The father was
a farmer in Canadice until his death. Iie was a
steadfast member of the Methodist Episcopal
Cllurcli.
Mrs. Coykendall was    one of ten children,
namely: Eliza, (lecease(d; Horace, a resident of
Jackson; Salla, who died in New Jersey; Joseph,
who lives in Mosherville; William, in Kansas;
Sophia; Mary, (AMrs. Bush) of Dakota; Ann, who
died in Jackson; Emily and JJohn, who live in Jackson. Sophia, Mrs. Coykendall, was born in Yates
County, N. Y, January 28, 1818, and in 1834 acconpanied hler parents to New York. She is an
excellent woman, poesessed of strong characteristics, native common sense and charms all who come
within her immediate influence. She has been for
fifty years her husband's faithful stand-by, a
thoughtful mother, and one who has devoted her
life to those near and (lear to her. Especially does
her husband rely more and more upon her care and
affection, for with increasing years his eyes have
grown dim and his active labors have gradually
been laid aside.
After residing in Springwater and operating his






35;8


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


--------
--






father's farm until 1847, our subject came to Michigan, journeying as far as Buffaloby team, thence
b)y boat to Toledo, and from there by team  to
Grass Lake via the cottonwood swamps. Soon after
his arrival he secured work on the railroad along
with a crowd of rough laborers. A few days after
he commenced this work he was appointed boss of
a track-laying gang of fourteen men, twelve of
whom  were from the Emerald Isle. They completed that winter three miles of track, which was
tile extent of their work. Mr. Coykendall had a
large house at that time, and his wife boarded the
hands, besides doing all of her own work and taking care of her family.
In the spring of the ensuing year Mr. Coykendall resigned and purchased fifty-one acres of land
near Grass Lake, later adding forty acres, so that
he soon had ninety-one acres of improved land. On
this he lived for three years, then, selling it, went
to Leoni Township and bought a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, on which he raised one crop.
He sold it at a profit of $500, and rented a farm
near Grass Lake for three years. This estate conprised one hundred and twenty-six acres of land,
and after holding it for nine months, lie sold it for
$1,600 more than it cost him. His next pullrchase
was one hundred and twenty acres near Ja clkson,
for which lie was soon offered $900 more than lie
paid for it. This offer he refused and resided on
the place nine years. le added to the original
purchase by buying one hundred and ten acres adjoining, going in debt for the same. Engaging in
the sheep business, he met with fair success and
after nine years sold it for $7,500 profit, besides
having $1,100 out on interest. His next investment was the purchase of eighty acres near Jackson, which hle embellished with good buildings and
in 1863 traded it for his present farm, making on
the trade $1,600. His farm cost him $10,000 and
consists of two hundred and sixty acres the money
being paid in cash. Three years later he was offered $20,000 for it, but refused. Besides this
property he has aided his children to the extent of
about $14,000.
At one time our subject was the largest stockbuyer in the county and his place in Jackson
County was called the Drover's Home, Stock

I




-------


buyers would always come and stay with him to
have him go with them and buy stock. For services in this direction he received from $12 to $14
per day. IIe furnished cattle for the prison and
boughlt for Kent, at Jackson, as many as 5,000
head of sheep at one time. lie formerly drove all
over the country buying sleep, in which business
lie made money. HIe has had some unusually fine
merino sleep and was one of the largest sheepowners in the county, as well as a fine judge of
wool. IIe also raises good grades of hogs and cattle as well as fine bred horses. The estate contains
all necessary out-buildings, has two barns, and a
well-kept lawn with a commodious residence.
All of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Coykendall are living, viz: Melvin W., who enlisted
in the Third Michigan Cavalry, Company E, in
1861, when nineteen years of age. He was taken
sick after the battle of Corinth, and his father, going
dow n tlere, procured his honorable  discharge
throlugh the influence of ex-Gov. Blair. Ile owns
ian eighlty-acre tiract of land in Concord Township,
but is now traveling for a harness firmn in Albion.
Mav A. is married to AVarren Palmer, a farmer in
Jefferson, this county; Marvin 1I. has been a merchant and postmaster at )evareaux, and is now a
farmer in Calhoun County. Merritt B. owns and
operates two hundred and sixteen acres in Calhoun
County. MIarilla is a graduate of Albion College,
and is the wife of Rev. L. D)odds, a Methodist
Episcopal minister at Kalamazoo.
Our subject has held various offices of trust and
responsibility and was Constable during the late
war and for years had some wonderful experiences.
lie arrested Lawyer Burnette after several others
had failed, and in order to capture him, was conpelled to fight with him, but gained mastery at
length and took him to sail. The lawyer had him
arrested for assault and battery, but our subject
gained the suit, and when he was freed, took the
man back to jail. Then Mr. Burnette had him tried
for false imprisonment, but was again defeated. It
was one of the biggest trials of the day. Burnette
had been charged with placing obstructions on the
railroad.
In 1853 Mr. Coykendall joined the Wesleyan
Methodist Church, in which he was appointed




P'ORTR AIT ANI) 13A()( RAPHLIICAL ALBUIM...O       A1T           -...      ------.~~                                                            ~ ~~ ~ ~~~ ~ ~~~~~~~ ~......


359


Class-Leader and served as such for ten years. On
coming here, le united with the Methodist Episcopal Churcl, there being no organization of his particular denomination.  Hle served as Class Leader
for sixteen years. but finally left that church on
account of the leniency displayed toward a former
member who had been properly expelled. Then lhe
put his membership witl the Methodist Protestant
Church in Concord Township, which lie had previously aided financially. He has been Class-Leader
there since he first united with the church. He is
also Steward and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and has frequently been a delegate to conference. Politically, he is a strong Republican, and
helped eat "Johnny. cake" at the Harrison election
in 1840. He has often served on juries, and lhas
assisted in building schools and colleges.
LT L  1, EN  LYONS.  No man in.ackson
County has probably done more to facili 
tate its agricultural interests than Mr. Lyons, a lractical farmer in good circumnstances, who, by his own diligence and perseverance
las instituted one of its most complete homesteads.
Not only is he a thorough and skillful farmer, but
lie is a liberal and public-spirited citizen, and the
leader in all enterprises calculated to be of public
benefit. Intelligent and well-informed, he keeps
himself thoroughly posted in regard to the lending
events of the day, andl in fact is a model citizen.
His amiable and excellent wife also deserves more
than a mere mention, having been the efficient helpmate of ler husband in all his worthy undertakings, a kind mother to her children, and a hospitable Christian lady, who is beloved by all who
know her. Their pleasant and attractive home is
the frequent resort of the many friends whom they
have drawn around them, by not only their social
traits, but the moral and substantial elements of
character which forms the basis of all good society.
The subject of this sketch was born in Monroe
County, this State, October 10, 1832, and is the
third child of Edward B. and Clarinda (Bass) Lyons, wlo were natives of New York State, The


parents were reared and married in their native
State, whence they came to Michigan at an early
day, settling among the early pioneers of Monroe
County. Iis father occupied himself as a farmer
during tle years of his active life, but spent his last
days in tile town of Dundee, dying January, 1867.
The mother died at the residence of her daughter,
Mrs. James Draper, in Summit Township, Jackson
County, November 20, 1889. They were the parents of eight children, four sons and four daughters, four of whom are living.
The subject of this sketch spent his early years
at tlhe l)arental homestead, continuing a resident of
his native county until 1859. Then, a young nian
of twenty-seven yeans, lie came in the spring of that
year, to this county, settling in Summit Township,
of which lie has since been a resident. He was married in Dundee, Monroe County, April 30, 1854,
to Miss Lucy Jane, daughter of Harvey and Eliza
(Benedict) Ingalls. Mr. and Mrs. Ingalls were natives of New York State, whence they came to
Michigan after their marriage, and were numbered
among the earli2st settlers of Washtenaw County.
Later they removed to Monroe County, where Mr.
In(alls died September 1, 1839. Mrs. Ingalls subsequelhtly married Norton Miller. After his deatl
sle married William H. Myers; lie is also deceased.
No children were born of the last marriages. The
mother is still living, being ripe in years, and makes
hler home with IMrs. Lyons. Her only child, Lucy
Jane, was born in Eden, Erie County, N. Y., October 10, 1833, and was one year old when coming
to Michigan with her parents. She obtained a
common-school education, and became familiar, under the careful training of her excellent mother,
with all useful household duties. Of her union
with our subject there have been born eleven
chllidren, nine of whom are living. The eldest,
Mary E., is the wife of William  Wykoff, and
lives in the city of Jackson; Charles E. married Miss Sarah A. Miles, and is a resident of
Summit Township; Edwin E. married Miss Eva
Creech, and occupies himself at farming in Napolian Township; Lucy J. is the wife of Edgar Lee,
of Summit Township; Hattie B., Mrs. William
Creech, is a resident of Jackson; Jessie E. is the
wife of George Booth, of Columbia; Lula C. is a








360


PORTRAIT AND> BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


-60               PORTRAIT ANDIOGRPHIA


teacher in Jackson County, Mich.: Bertha M., and
Allen D. remain at home with their parents. Two
little ones have been called from the household circle by death: Emma, who died when a little over
two years old, and Freddie A., who died in infancy.
The Lyons homestead includes three hundred and
sixty acres of choice land, embellished with a neat
and convenient set of farm buildings, including a
comfortable house and especially fine barns. Everything about the premises indicates the thrift and
enterprise of the proprietor. Mr. Lyons, politically, is a sound Republican, while his estimable
wife is a member in good standing of the Christian
Church.
BRAHAM RAYMOND. Sandstone Town
ship was remarkably fortunate in having
for its first settlers men of stamina and
character who allowed no slight emergency
to turn them from their purpose when becoming
settlers of the frontier. The subject of this notice
was in no wise behind his compeers in this respect
and his form is a familiar one among the people of
this part of Jackson County. His home lies on section 4, this comprising a well-tilled farm of fiftythree acres, provided with substantial buildings
and all the machinery necssary for the successful
cultivation of the soil. Tie proprietor has made
for himself a good record and stands well among
the solid men of his neighborhood.
A native of Wyoming County, N. Y., Mr. Raymond was born December 16, 1834, and is the son
of Israel and Rosanna (Gibbs) Raymond, who were
of New England birth and ancestry, and who emigrated to the Empire State at an early day,settling in
the wilderness. At that time much sickness prevailed
there, which was a part of the old IHolland Purchase, but they maintained their ground, made for
themselves a home in the wilderness, clearing up a
good farm and there spent their last days. Mr.
Raymond died in July, 1879. His excellent wife
survived him ten years, her death taking place in
April, 1889.
To the parents of Mr, Raymond there was born


a large family of children, nine of whom are still
living. Mareno is a resident of Tompkins Township, this county; Abraham, our subject, is next to
the eldest; Sally is the wife of Lyman Eastman of
Attica, N. Y.; Amanda is also a resident of Attica:
Adelbert continues his residence in his native State
of New York; Lovisa is the wife of Charles Fenton
of Wyoming County, N. Y.; Samantha, Mrs. Bush,
lives in Kalamazoo, this State; Emma is married and
in New York State; and one other daughter.
Abraham, our subject, spent his boyhood and
youth in his native county and assisted in clearing
the farm, being put to work at an early age, and
acquired those habits of industry which have followed him all through life. His advantages, educationally, were far less than those enjoyed by the
young men of to-day, even in the country districts.
-He, however, availed himself of the books and
and newspapers which came in his way and thus
managed to keep abreast of the times.
In 1857, when a young' man of twenty-three
years, Mr. Raymond came to this county and first
employed himself as a farm laborer and then operated on rented land for a number of years. By a
course of great industry, prudence and economy,
he, in 1868, was enabled to secure the land which
constitutes his present homestead and( where he settled that same year. It had undergone but slight
improvement and was mostly covered with timber,
which Mr. Raymond cut down largely with his own
hands. H-is homestead cormprises fifty-three acres
which he has brought to a good state of cultivation
and which not only yields him a comfortable income, but from the proceeds therefrom ie has been
enabled to lay by something for his declining years.
He has received no financial assistance whatever.
starting in life entirely dependent upon his own
resources.
Mr. Raymond took unto himself a wife and helpmate July 2, 1859, being wedded to Miss Martha,
daughter of Abijah and Adeline Raymond, who
were likewise early settlers of this county. This
union resulted in the birth of seven children, the
eldest of whom, a daughter, Lamira, became
the wife of Orville Bartlett and they reside in
Tompkins Township; Allen is in Montana; Mary
is the wife of Frank Howe, of Sandstone Township]








PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


361: _- -7- ---  -  - -   -   -,   -  - -------  -   -- -   - -  -  - - - -


Richard went to the Far West and is now in Montana; Nellie, and Dora. Marion is deceased. The
wife and mother departed this life at the homestead
April 2, 1884, mourned not only by her immediate
family, but a large circle of friends. Mr. Raymond
belongs to the Wesleyan Methodist Church in
which he has served as Class-Leader and of which
his deceased wife was also a member for several
years before her death.
The warm interest which Mr. Raymond has ever
maintained in the temperance cause has led him to
identify himself with the Prohibition party, but lie
has never desired office, contented to live the life
of a private citizen. No one has watched with
more satisfaction the growth and development of
Jackson County, and his career has been full of interesting incidents, while at the same time he has
pursued that course in life which has gained him
the esteem and confidence of those around him.
--— RED G. ADLER. The biographical writer is
frequently impressed with the fact that the
most intelligent and well informed men and
women of the land, are often those who have had
the most meager advantages in the way of schooling, and whose days have been spent in a struggle
for existence which to a casual observer would
seem to leave no time for mental culture. The business success which is attained by a persistent and
unremitting endeavor to rise in life, is also prominently brought to his notice, and his heart is thrilled
with admiration for the sturdiness of character
which attains such excellent results. Left an orphan
at a very early age, finding a home with strangers,
and during a part of his early life suffering from
ill treatment, the subject of this notice lhas yet succeeded in acquiring a degree of mental culture, and
in exhibiting such business ability and traits of
character as give him a creditable standing in the
city which he calls his home.
Mr. Adler was born in Wurtemberg, Germany,
May 1, 1851, to Mr. and Mrs. Gotleib Adler, of
that Kingdom, and is a descendant of an old and
respected family there, rlis father was employed in


the vineyards of that land, whence in 1853 he embarked with his family for America. Landing at
New Orleans after a voyage of eighty-four days
on a sailing vessel, they ascended the Mississippi
and Illinois Rivers to Peru, Ill., where the family
made thei: home. The father found employment as
at fireman on an Illinois River steamer, and later
occupied himself with various kinds of labor. His
wife died in 1857, and he, in 1860. Of the four
children who were born to them, three lived to
years of maturity. Mary, the first born, was left in
Germany and still resides on the old homestead in
Wurtemberg; another daughter, Mary, was born in
Peru, Ill., became the wife of Gustav Starcross and
now lives in Jackson, Mich.
The gentleman of whom we write was but a year
and eleven months old when his parents came to
America, was six years old when left motherless
and at nine had lost his father also. He was adopted
by a teamster with whom   he was to live until
twenty one years old, and then be given a pair of
horses and a new wagon as his capital in life. Being
ill-treated b1y this man he was taken to Ottawa by
friends who sympathized in his trials, and there
served an apprenticeship at the baker's trade. After five years spent in that city lie ran away to Chicago, where he found a friend in a druggist who
secured a situation for him in Sanford's candy factory. A short time later he engaged at $5 per week
to polish furniture in a factory, and after eight
months in that situation took a place for $8 per
month and his board. his work now being taking
care of horses, etc.
Stricken down by serious illness, Mr. Adler was
taken to the Cook County Hospital, and when discharged thirteen weeks later was destitute of means,
but found kind friends to assist him back to Ottawa,
where he worked at his trade six months. He then
returned to Chicago. where for two years lie was
employed in a bakery and confectionery establishment. We next find him in St. Joseph, Mich., and
then in Benton Harbor, where for three months he
made fruit baskets in a basket factory. He was attacked by fever and ague and returning to Chicago, again became an inmate of the Cook County
Hospital, in which lie was undergoing treatment at
the time of the great fire when he was allowed to




362


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


leave tle institution, although unable to work for
some weeks thereafter.
Going to Earlville, Ill., Mr. Adler next found
employment on the farm of Lyman Cook, where he
was kindly treated and was the innlate of a pleasant home. After spending six months there, he
again became a resident of Chicago, where he was
appointed to a position on the police force as a
night watchman. After a few months he secured a
lermit from the department, found a beat, and employing others to assist him in watching continued
in the business for three years. At that time he inherited a sum of money from his paternal grandfather in Germany and concluded to go into the
show business, but falling into the hands of sharpers in three days found himself penniless. This
necessitated his return to hard work and determining to retrieve his lost fortune he secured a situation in bottling works on South Halsted Street,
where lie continued two seasons, after which,
through the kindness of Judge Henry Fuller, he
secured a situation as conductor on the Wabash &
Cottage Grove Avenue street-car line.  After a
faithful discharge of his duties for six months and
three days, he was so unfortunate as to over-sleep
himself and as a consequence to lose his position.
Mr. Adler soon found employment in a meat
market which hie left after seven months' service
therein, to accept a position in a bakery. Three
months later le received a letter from  Weeks &
Co., of Jackson, Mlich., offering him tile position
of Superintendent of their bottling works in this
city, and accepting the offer he continued with
them two years, at the expiration of which period
he engaged in the same business for himself. lie
has proved successful as a business man, has built
up a large trade, and in 1884 erected the building
which lie now occupies, a substantial three-story
ai)d basement brick, thirty-one and one-half feet
front by seventy-six feet deep, with all necessary
and modern machinery for carrying on the business.
Although Mr. Adler attended school but little he
has secured a very good education, having been assisted by friends with whom he boarded or lived,
and being endowed withl excellent natural abilities.
Ie is a great reader, keeps well posted on all the




topics of the day, is a very keen observer, and has
been an extensive traveler, visiting twenty-two
different States and writing interesting letters which
have been read with pleasure by his many friends.
lie is a member of Manhattan Tribe No. 15, Improved Order of Redmren; from 1884 to 1888, he
was Great Keeper of Wampum in the Great Council, and from 1883 to the present time has held the
office of Keeper of Wampum in Manhattan Tribe.
Of late Mr. Adler affiliates with the Democrat
party, althoutgh for many years he was a Republican.
He has been candidate for Coroner.
The marriage of Mr. Adler was celebrated in
October, 1872, his chosen companion being Miss
I)ora Brock, a native of Germany, who when very
young came to America with her parents, Mr. and
Mrs. G. F. Brock, and was reared at Momence, Ill.
She is an intelligent and estimable lady, well fitted
to make a happy home for her husband an(l the
four sons with whom they are blessed. The interesting group of youths comprises Fred Brock, Garfield Arthur, George Washington and Ienry Ernest
LBERT STILES. Among the select busiiness men of Jackson City, Mr. Stiles occul  pies no unimportant position. Hle is a
lifelong resident of Jackson and still
dwells under the roof where he was born, a comfortable and commodious structure on Wildwood
Avenue. Here lie first opened his eyes to the liglht
August 8, 1839, and although his years now number
half a century, lie is a man physically in life's
prime and in the full vigor of a career which has
been commendable in the extreme.
Mr. Stiles comes of substantial New England
stock, being the son of Ralph Stiles, a Vermonter
by birth, who was reared in the Green Mountain
State and who emigrated to New York when a
young man. There he was married and in 1835
came to Michigan Territory with his family, making
the latter part of the journey overland with oxteams. He took up a tract of Government land
one mile west of the present limits of the city and
later purchased land adjoining. He also became the






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHI4CAL ALBUM.                                                         363
----—..  ~ -7 7    -- -  -   -: -....  I:.................. -.....'  I. -  I.................................. I.. I  ---- -,.,.,............................. —  f - - -  - - 11   f; X=


owner of ground within the city limits, where ihe
erected a frame house.
This was before the times of railroads in this
region and Detroit, then a flourishing village, was
tlhe nearest depot for suplies for rthe larger 1)art of
Michigan.  At Ann Arbor, thirty-eight miles distant, was the nearest mill for some time. It was
the custom amongt the pioneers for a neighbor to
start out with an ox-team, taking with him a grist
for each family and they thus assisted each otlher.
The trip to mill usually occupied a week.  Ralph
Stiles was a cooper by trade and followed his calling
during the early (lays of Jackson City, manufactur
ing Ipork barrels, churns, etc., wliich found a ready
sale. In 1840 lie put iup a log house on his land,
one mile west of the city, and removing into it later
built a sliop. There he worked at his trade and
superintended the improvement of lis land, residing there until his death, in 1843.
The mother of Mri Stiles bore the maiden name
of Ann Savicool. She was born in New York State
and spent her last days likewise at the old homestead(. Grandfather Savicool was a native of Pennsylvania and of GCermann ancestry. Mrs. Stiles
after becoming a widow kept her family of little
children together, superintending their education
and training them to habits of industry and sentimnents of honor.  Tihey were named, respectively,
Charles, David, Harriet A., Marietta, David, Elizabeth, George and Albert. Four are living and
located in Jackson.
Mlr. Stiles was the youngest child of his parents
and remembers well many of the incidents connected witlh pioneer life in this county. Often
standing in the door of the lo( house during his
boyhoodl lie saw deer and wolves and occasionally
a bear would put in an appearance. Ile attended
the pioneer schools, taugrht on the subscription
plan, 1and as soon as large enough commenced to
assist in the labors of tle farm, remaining there
until a youth of seventeen years. Being an ambitious lad lie then started out for himself emptyhanded, working on a farm by the month, his first
engagement being for eight months at $l     per
month. So faithful and attentive had he been to
his duties that when the day of settlement came
his employer allowed him 812 for four months of


the time. The following winter lie worked for his
board and attended school. Tle two summers
following lie worked on a farm at 814 per month
and in winter advanced his education by a still
further attendance at school.
Next in company with his elder brother. Mr.
Stiles purchased the interest of the otler heirs in
lhis father's homestead and taking up his abode
there, engaged in farming.  For two years following, crops were very poor and Mr. Stiles lost all
that lie had saved, but he persevered in the labor
wlich lie lhad begun, still clinging to the old homestead and in a few years had retrieved his fortunes
and paid his half of the indebtedness.
Remaining there in partnership until 1864, Mr.
Stiles then purclased the interest of his brother in
the estate and lived there two years longer. Then
resolving upon a change of occupation, lie sold out
and removing to Jackson enlgaged in the manufacture of gloves and mittens for three years. At the
expiration of this time lie embarked in the grocery
business in which lie continued until 1879.
In the meantime, from a youth, Mr. Stiles had
evinced more than ordinary intelligence a  ad a lively
interest in everything concerning the welfare of
his native county' and also tliat of Jackson City.
His honesty was proverbial, and in 1879 he was
elected to the office of City Treasurer, the duties
of which he discharged in a manner creditable to
himself and satisfactory to all concerned. In 1880
lie purchased an interest in the Jackson CityIce Comp'ny and continued interested therein until 1887,
when its business became so enlarged that a stock
company was formed. Of this Mr. Stiles was
elected Treasurer and is still holding the office. In
May, 1884, the Jackson Corset Company was org(anized, Mr. Stiles becoming a stockholder and
President, and lie is also holding this office. HIe
has uniformly been the friend of education and
progress and( contributes a substantial support to
the enterprises calculated for the best interests of
the people.
Mr. Stiles contracted matrimonial ties July 9,
1868 with Miss Rozella Rowen. This lady was born
in September, 1842, in Summit Township and is
the daughter of Stephen and Polly (HIarrington)
Rowen who were natives of New York and who






364             PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


-- 11 —~~~~~~~~~~~~~ — 1   -111~~-                                                                         —,-      -   -      -.
~~~~~~~ ---~~~~~~ ---~~~~~~~~~~ — I-~~~~~~~~I —   I ---   ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~" —~~~~~~ --- —~~~~~~~~-   -  I-~~~~~~~~~ ---~~~~~~~~ —   — ~~~~~~~ —~~~~~~~ --- —~~~~~~~~I-~~~~~ --- —-~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ---- ~ ~ ~~~~~  --— ~~~~~


came to Michigan during its pioneer days. Mr.
Rowen is deceased. Mrs. Rowen is still living with
her son on the old homestead. Mrs. Stiles is connected with the Episcopal Church. Of this union
there have been born no children.
In brotherhood affairs Mr. Stiles has been prominent for years, belonging to Michigan Lodge, No.
50, F. & A. M.; Jackson Chapter, No. 3, R. A. M.;
Jackson Commnandery, No. 9, K. T.; the Grand
Commandery of the State and the Royal Arcanum.
Politically, he is a sound Republican.
SAAC CHAUNCEY QUICK, a representative
farmer of Leoni Township, is a son of a pioneer family which was among the first settlers
of Jackson County. He purchased his present farm
thirty-one years ago, and has occupied it the last
quarter of a century, and so successful has he been
in its management, that he has acquired a competency that places him among the moneyed men of
this locality, and with the aid of his good wife, he
has founded a home whose cheerful coziness and
material comfort make it one of the most desirable
abodes in the whole township.
Mr. Quick was born in the town of Ulysses,
Tompkins County, N. Y., May 25, 1825. I-is
father, Abraham Quick, was born in New Jersey,
in 1802, a son of one Jacob Quick, who was also a
native of that State. He spent the early part of
his life there, but removed to New York with his
family in 1819, going thither with teams, and was
an early settler of Tompkins County. He bought
a tract of wild land in the town of Ulysses, and improved it into a farm, which remained his residence
until 1835, when he once more became a pioneer,
seeking fresh fields in the Territory of Michigan.
He located in Grass Lake Township among its
early settlers, and buying a tract of eighty acres of
land, developed it into a farm, and there the remainder of his life was quietly passed. The father of
our subject was married in Tompkins County, and
learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, which
he followed in the State of New York until 1831,
when he, too, became a pioneer. He started from


his old home, accompanied by his wife and three
children, and went as far as Cayuga Lake with a
team, and there embarked on a boat in Erie Canal
for Buffalo, whence he came by lake to Detroit,
and, leaving his family in a hotel in that city, he
walked from there through the woods and swamps
to Grass Lake. Being pleased with the beauty an I
apparent fertility of the country, he resolved to
locate in that place, and procuring an ox-team,'be
returned to Detroit for his family. He had no
money to invest in Government land, but finding
a shelter for his family in a log cabin belonging to
a brother-in law, he engaged in mechanical work of
various kinds, being a natural genius in that line,
and at the same time proficient in the trades of
cooper, carpenter and cabinet maker. For two
or three years he was profitably employed in making fanning mills, and carefully saving his earnings,
he finally gathered together enough money to enter a tract of Government land in Leoni Township.
He built a good frame house thereon, and then devoted the most of his time to his trade, hiring others to do his farm work. He was a resident of this
township until his death June 3, 1867, and his
name will ever occupy an honorable position among
those of the brave, resolute, efficient pioneers who
laid the foundations of the present prosperity of
Leoni. The maiden name of his wife was Charity
Ricley, and she was born in New Jersey, a daughter of Lawrence Richey, a pioneer of Tompkins
County. Her death occurred in Leoni Township.
Her sister, Nancy Richey, who came to Michigan
with the family, was the first school-teacher, and
she and her husband were the first couple married
in Grass Lake Township. There were nine children born to the parents of our subject, of whom
the following five were reared to maturity: our subject. William, Louisa, Adelia, and Mahala. The
latter is dead. Louisa is the wife of A.B1. Merriman; Adelia married Evander Holloway. Isaac
Quick was in his sixth year when he came to Michigan, and he was reared to a stalwart, vigorous manhood under the pioneer influences that obtained
here in those early days of the settlement of Jackson County. He remembers well when the great
primeval forests of Michigan were the predominant
feature of this region, and were tenanted by deer, #








PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


365


bears, wolves, and other wild animals, and when
lie first came here. the Indians still made their
home in the Territory. HIe attended the first school
that was ever taught in Grass Lake, and can contrast in his mind the rude log building, with its
slab benches with wooden pins for legs, with the
comfortable schoolhouse of to-day, with its modern furniture and other conveniences. There were
no railways here then, and Detroit, many miles distant, was the nearest station for supplies, and the
nearest market in which the early settlers could sell
their produce. Ile was reared to agricultural pursuits, and has always devoted himself to farming,
reinmining with his parents until their death. In
1859 lie bought his present farm, and in 1865 settled on it. By careful and persistent labor, welldirected, he has brought it under fine cultivation,
has supplied it with suitable buildings, including a
neat and tasty dwelling, and has good machinery
and every convenience for operating it with the
best results.
June 19, 1860, Mr. Quick took an important step
towards securing success and happiness in life, by
his marriage on that date to Miss Lucy Voorlees,
a native of Sharon, Schoharie County, N.. Her
father, Daniel Voorhees, was born in Montgomery
County, N. Y., December 7,1802, a son of William
Voorhees, a farmer who resided in that county until his death. The maiden name of Mrs. Q(uick's
grandmother, was Lucy Dodge. She was born in
Middleburg, Scholharie County, and died in Montgomery County, N. Y. The father of Mrs. Quick
was reared and married in his native county, and
engaged in farming there and in Schoharie County,
finally moving from  Montgomery to Syracuse,
where he farmed on shares. In the fall of 1835,
he started for Montgomery County on the Erie
Canal, and was drowned while on the way. The
maiden name of his wife was Jane Winnie, and she
was born in Montgomery County, August 20, 1808.
Her father, David C. Winnie, was born near the
State line in Cherry Valley, N. Y., where his father,
Conrad Winnie, carried on farming, spending his
entire life in tlat State, so far as known. The
maiden name of his wife was Shoemaker. David
Winnie married Catherine Hone, a native of New
York State. He was a farmer, an(l died in Mont

gomery County, at a ripe old age. His wife came
to Michigan, and died in Lenawee County while
there on a visit. After the death of her husband,
Mrs. Quick's mother returned to Schoharie County,
N. Y., and was there married to Tunis Baxter, of
Sharon, that county, where the remainder of her
life was passed. Three children have been born of
the pleasant wedded life of Mr. and Mrs. Quick,
namely: Abram D., Augustus O., and Mary Etta.
By his sterling integrity and upright life, Mr.
Quick merits and receives the respect of all who
know him, and this feeling is shared by his wife,
who is equally worthy. They are active workers
in the Methodist Episcopal Church of Leoni, no
one standing higher in its membership. Mr. Quick
interests himself in politics, keeping posted on all
the issues of the day, and accords hearty support
to the Republican party.
OSIAH   MILLS, deceased, was an honored
pioneer of Jaekson County, and it gives us
pleasure to record a brief sketch of his well~IjOSIAH M\ILL,   deceased, was an honored
l   spent life on these pages. Ile was an early
settler of Leoni, and as a skillful, practical farmer,
was of great assistance in developing its rich resources, and making it one of the finest agricultural
centres in Soutlern Michigan, while at the same
time he secured wealth for himself in the productive and well-improved farm that lie evolved from
the wilderness.
He was born in Morris County, N. J., from
whence his father, Daniel H. Mills, a native of Connecticut, removed to Ontario County, N. Y., in the
early years of its settlement. He was a farmer,
and carried on his occupation in that region until
1835, when he once again became a pioneer, emigrating with his family to the Territory of Michigan, and buying a farm in Pittsfield Township,
Washtenaw County. He engaged in its improvement a few years, and then removed to Clinton,
where he lived until two years previous to his death,
when he returned to his farm to pass his remaining days. The maiden name of his wife was Joanna Beaman. She was also a native of Connecti







366


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


cut, and her last days were likewise spent on the
farm in Pittsfield Township, where she and her
husband had built up a comfortabie home by their
united industry.
Josiah Mills was a child of three years when his
parents took up their residence in the wilderness in
Ontario County, and there, in their pioneer home,
he was reared to a stalwart, manly manhood. IIe
married and founded his home in tlat county, con.
tinning to reside there until 1835, and il the spring
of that year he too became a pioneer of this State,
coming thither by Erie Canal to Buffalo, thence by
steamer to Detroit. He brought with him the running part of a wagon, and in that city secured some
boards and made a box for it, and then buying a
pair of oxen to draw it, loaded his family into it
and their household goods, and started for Jackson
County, over rough roads, through a sparsely settled country, deer and other wild game frequently
crossing their path, and now and then an Indian followed their trail. He located in Leoni Township,
baying a tract of land on section 11, and entering
another on section 2. There was a log house on
the land, in which the family of which he bought
the place, was living, and his family moved into it
with tlhem, and both families occupied the dwelling
until the fall of the year, when Mr. Mills and his
family were left in full possession. They resided
on that place thirteen years, and during that time
Mr. Mills cleared quite a tract of the land that lie
had entered on section 2, and built there a comfortable residence, into which lie moved in 1848, that
continuing to be his home until death called him
hence May 24, 1859. A    devoted husband and
tender father was thus lost to his household, and
to the community at large, one of its best citizens.
He was looked up to by his fellow-pioneers as a
safe and wise counselor, a kind and willing helper
in times of trouble, and a true friend to all. He
was a man of resources, of quick perceptions and
of resolute principles, who took a firm stand for the
right, and these traits made him a valuable member of the Baptist Church, which he joined in
early life.
The burden of the toilsome years in which he
was engaged in securing a competency, was lightened by the cheerful aid lie received from the true


wife, to whom lie was narried in 1.830, she proving in every sense of the word a helpmate. Mrs.
Mills, at the venerable age of eighty-three years,
still enjoys good health, has a sound mind and
memory, is quite a reader, and keeps well-posted
on all topics of the day, and is an interesting conversationalist. Slle is a sincere Christi.an, and hav.
ing joined the Baptist Church in early life, has
always been a consistent member.   Mrs. Mills'
maiden name was Lydia Morse, and she was born
in Gorlam, Ontario County, N. Y., October 22,
1806. Her father, D)aniel Morse, was a native of
Maine, the son of Jonathan Morse, and he was an
early pioneer of the town of Gorham, N. Y., where
he bought a tract of timber land, and the farm that
lie cleared from it, remained his home until death
called him to a higher one. There were no railways or canals in that part of New York in his day,
and consequently no markets, so the people had to
live off the products of their farms. Mrs. Mills'
mother taught her children to spin, and she herself
wove the cloth and made the clothing for the family. Mrs. Mills was young when her mother died,
and she lived with hler father until eleven years of
age, and from that time, with characteristic independence and self-reliance, cared for herself until
her marriage. She is the mother of five children,
as follows: Ellen, Hyatt, Elon G., Joan, andl Wyman. The three first named reside with her on the
homestead; Joan lives in Missouri, and Wyman in
Nebraska; Ellen was a successful teacher in the
public schools several years.
Elon G. Mills was born March 18, 1843, and was
reared and educated in Leoni Township, and is now
one of its most useful citizens. He is a veteran of
the late war, wherein he did gallant service, enlisting when scarcely more than a boy, only nineteen
years of age, enrolling his name as a member of
Company G, Seventeenth Michigan Infantry, August 9, 1862. He took part in many important
battles, including those fought at South Mountain,
Antietam, Fredericksburg, Jackson, (Miss.), Campbell Station, Knoxville, (Tenn.)  Returning from
Tennessee to Virginia, he was present at the battle
of the Wilderness, and in the various other engageinents fought around Petersburg, which ended in
the capture of that city. After the close of the










I






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


369


war young Mills took part in the Grand Review at
Washington, and was honorably discharged from
service with his regiment at Detroit, June 14, 1865.
Hie then returned to the old homestead, and has
since been quite successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. He married in November, 1871,
Miss Elnora Smith, and their pleasant household
circle has been completed by the birth of four children-Edith, Bernice, Mabel, and Grace.


ON. ABEL N. HOWE. There is not within
jthe limits of Hanover Township a man held
in more general respect by an intelligent
community than the subject of this notice.
Self.made in the broadest sense of the term, his career illustrates in an admirable manner what may
he accomplished by a course of unflagging industry, perseverance and good management. We find
him the possessor of a fine home, which in all its
apl)ointments fulfills the modern idea of a wellregulated country estate. His farm comprises three
hundred and twenty broad and well-tilled acres,
embellished with tasteful and convenient buildings,
not the least among which is the commodious residence which was erected in 1878, at a cost of over
$3,200. This with its surroundings givcs ample
indication of the cultured tastes and ample means
of the proprietor.  He makes of agriculture an art
and a science, and it is not to be wondered at that
he has been highly successful. IIe is largely interested in live-stock, and is able to exhibit some of
the finest specimens of cattle and horses to be
foulnd in this part of Michigan.
The second child of his parents, Mr. Howe wa3
born October 15, 1841, at Newstead, Erie County,
N. Y., and when of suitable years was placed in
tile district school, remaining there until a lad of
twelve years. He then accompanied his parents to
Michigan, and pursued his studies until a youth of
seventeen in the common schools, and two years
later he attended Hillsdale College for a time. He
learned the trade of blacksmithing with his father,
and wagon-making with Mr. Henry Frye. At the
age of twenty years he started out in life for him

self, and has since mainly "paddled his own canoe."
In 1859 his father sold the shop and purchased a
farm in Branch County. In April, 1861, he went
to Dupage County, Ill., where he remained until
November, of the same year, when he returned to
Michigan, where he opened up another shop, but
later bought a farm in Liberty Township, of which
young Howe took charge, remaining upon it four
years. In October, 1862, he bought his first piece
of land, forty acres on section 6, Liberty Township, going into debt to the extent of $900. The
following fall he added forty more acres to his
landed possessions, then sold the eighty and removed to Spring Arbor Township, of which he was
a resident six years. From there, in 1872, he removed to Hanover Township, taking possession of
part of the farm which lie now owns and occupies.
The enterprise and ambition which have charrcterized Mr. Howe were evinced at an early period
in his life. When a boy of thirteen years he entered the employ of Mr. I. Hutchins at $6 per
month, staying with him seven months. One month
he worked for William Hutchins at the same price.
The following summer he was employed by Hiram
Hutchins at $8 per month, and later worked for
John Eddy seven months at $11 per month. His
next employer was David E. Crouch, of Spring Arbor Township, and later that same season he worked
for Jacob D. Crouch. In the meantime he lived
economically, and saved what he could of his earninos.
When twenty-four years ol(d fr. Howe, having
laid the foundations of a home, took unto himself
a wife and helpmate, being married February 22,
1866, to Miss Mary E. Sloat. This lady is the daughter of Josiah Robinson and Mary J. (Faulkner)
Sloat. who were natives of New York State. Mr.
Faulkner was a surveyor by profession, a Colonel
in the New York Militia, and a State Senator,
being elected on the I)emocratic ticket. HIe voted
for the abolition of slavery after the bondsmen
had passed a certain age, and for its entire abolishinent in the State of New York, and this caused
his political downfall. IHe came to Michigan Territory in 1832, and settled two and one-half miles
east of the site of Grass Lake, where he secured
eight hundred acres of land and opened a public






370


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


house. He was prospered, and after an honored
residence of over thirty years, departed this life at
his home, in June, 1868. His wife had preceded
him to the better land some twenty years.
Mrs. Howe was the eldest child of her parents,
and was born May 16, 1844, in Washtenaw County,
this State. She grew up a bright and accomplished
girl, with a good education, and at an early age
evinced rare musical talent, becoming the pupil of
Prof. Chandler (a relative of Senator Zachariah
Chandler), who excelled in this art. Of the four
children born of this union only two are living:
Fred N., born January 3, 1881; and Ben A., July
17, 1884; Lloyd E. (lied May 14, 1877, when a
promising boy of eight years; and Nina D. died
in infancy.
Mr. Howe, since 1862, has been identified with
the Masonic fraternity, and is now a member of
Blue Lodge., No. 293, at Horton, in which he has
officiated as Master. ITe also belongs to Jackson
Chapter No. 3, and Jackson Commandery No. 9.
He has served as Supervisor of Hanover Township
for three terms, also as Drain Commissioner. In
1 883 he was elected to the State Legislature from
the Second District, and after serving his term his
name was brought forward for a second nomintion,
which he refused to accept. He was a member of
the House during the agitation of the Ferry and
Hubbell case, which resulted in Palmer getting the
seat, and in which eighty-three votes were cast.
There are a few local offices which Mr. Howe
lias filled, and the duties of which he has discharged with satisfaction to all concerned. IHe
is a man who reads extensively and keeps himself
thoroughly posted upon the events of the day.
He has represented this county four times by election in the Michigan State Grange, and in the
Knights of Labor, General Assembly of North
America, his constituency covering a radius of
fifty miles square, with headquarters once at Jackson. The first meeting was at Hamilton, Ontario,
Canada; and the second at Cleveland, Ohio. At
these gatherings there were about one thousand
delegates from all over North America, and con.
spicuous among them was the great leader, T. V.
Powderly, who was the presiding officer.
In 1888 Mr. Howe was nominated for Auditor

General of Michigan, on the Union Labor ticket,
and made an admirable race. Prior to this, in
1884, during the Congressional Convention at
Hastings, his name was prominently mentioned for
Congress, but he refused to allow his friends to
bring him forward in this connection. Although
hitherto his party has suffered defeat, Mr. Howe
has the satisfaction of knowing that he has always
run ahead of his ticket. In 1886 he was nominated for State Senator by the Labor party, and
again carried more than his past strength.
The immediate piogenitor of tile subject of this
notice is Edgar B. Howe, a native of New York
State, and who is now living retired on his little
farm in Summit Township, this county. He was a
member of the New York State Militia during the
early (lays, holding the rank of First Lieutenant.
and was called out in what was known as the Toledo war. He was married in his native State to
Miss Mary A. Smith, who was born in Genesee
County. They came to Michigan in 1854, settling
in Summit Township, where the father put up a
stone blacksmith-shop, and did the work for all
the country around for many years. He shod
horses continuously for the long period of fortyfive years. He is now seventy-six years old, and
forms one of the old landmarks whose name will
be held in kindly remembrance long after he has
been gathered to his fathers. The wife and mother
died in 1866. 'The parental household was completed by the birth of four children: Hiram A. and
Sarah Jane remain with their father in Summit
Township; Susannah J. is the wife of George
Goffe, the mother of two children, and resides in
Barnes County, N. Dak.; Abel N., our subject, who
was the second child, completes the list. A portrait of this cultured gentleman, good citizen and
public representative, will be found on another
page.
1 LBERT   DU:NHAM, Chief Clerk of the
Jackson Postoffice, is a popular and influential citizen of this city, who was for
several years prominently identified with
its business interests. He is a veteran of the late war,




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


371


---:~ -  -   -- —,- -   - -- - -- - - ---                                                    ---  --


enlisting wlen scarcely more than a boy and doing
gallant service on many a hard-fought battlefield.
Our subject is a fine representative of tie nativeborn citizens of Jackson County. IHe was born in
Pulaski Township, June 1, 1845, to Harrison and
Mary (Skillen) Dunllan, pioneers of the county.
The father of our subject was born in Genesee
County, N. Y., a son of Col. Shubeal Dunham, an
officer in the war of 1812. I-e took an active part
in the battle of Black Rock, and was taken prisoner
by the British at Buffalo. Lie was a farmer by occupation, and improved a fine farm in Genesee
County, where he passed his last years. The father
of our subject was reared and married in his native
State, and continued to live there till 1843, when
he came to Jackson County and became one of the
early settlers of Pulasii Township. Ile purchased
a tract of land known as "' oak openings," and after
erecting a log house for the shelter of his family,
he entered upon the task of improving his farm, and
now has one of the best cultivated and most ploductive in the vicinity, has provided it with a neat
and comfortable set of buildings, and is still living
there in the enjoyment of the competence tlat,
with the aid of his estimable wife, he has secured.
Mrs. Dunham was born near Belfast, Ir larnd, and
when very young accompanied two of her uncles to
this country.
The subject of this biographical review grew to
man's estate in his native town, residing witli his
parents till he was seventeen years old. At that
youthful age, inspired with patriotic ardor, he enlisted in February, 1863, in Company I), Second
Michigan Infantry, and went immediately to tile
front, joining the army of the Potomac, and taking part in all the battles round Richmond and
Petersburg, that his regiment was engaged in, it being one of the first two that entered Petersburg. Our subject took part in the Grand Review
at Washington in June, 1865, and was honorably
discharged with his regiment the following September. lie returned to his old home, and for a year
and a half engaged in agricultural pursuits, and
then learned the carpenter's trade. But he had a
natural taste for mercantile life, and finally established himself in the grocery business in Jackson,
which he carried on with good financial success till


1889, when he was called to public life by his appointment as Assistant Quartermaster General of the
Grand Army of the Republic, of the State of Michigan. In December of the same year he received his
appointment to his present position as chief clerk
in the Jackson post-office. In this capacity he is
giving general satisfaction to all concerned, careful
and conscientious in the discharge of his duties,
and ever gentlemanly and considerate in his manner with all, he is, indeed, the right man in the
right place.
In 1886 Mr. Dunham was united in marriage to
Miss Lucina J. Center, who was reared in the same
neighborhood as himself and when they were boy
and girl together they were schoolmates. Samuel
Center, Mrs. Dunham's father, was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., and coming to Michigan
about 1843, he located in Pulaski Township, where
lie improved a good farm, and still resides. The
maiden name of his wife was Lydia J. Meacham,
and she was also a native of the State of New York.
Mr. 1)unham's life has been guided by principles
of the highest honor and integrity, and lie is a man
of unspotted character, well dowered with sense and
stability. A nd his fellow-citizens, recognizing his
genuine worth, have shown their confidence in him
by frequently calling him to office. He has served
two years as Alderman from the Fourth Ward, as
Fire Commissioner three years, and as Deputy Oil
Inspector one term. He is a prominent member of
the Ed Pomeroy Post, No. 48, G. A. R. Politically, he is, and always has been, a stalwart Republican. He and his wife are valued members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church.
SAC HOUNSON. Among those who have
made of farming an unqualified success may
be mentioned the subject of this notice, whose
industry and good management have resulted in
the accumulation of a fair share of this world's
goods, so that he is now retired from active labor,
and is spending his declining years comfortably at
a good home in the village of Napoleon. He has
now numbered seventy-one years, having been






372


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


born March 22, 1819. and his native place was
Benton, Yates County, N. Y. His career has been
that of a self-made man-one who has accumulated
his property by his own efforts, and who is indebted to no man for the position which he occupies among his fellow-citizens.
Mr. Hounson was reared to manhood in his
native county, but after reaching man's estate
splent one year in Iowa. Returning then to his
old tramping ground, during the Civil War, he
enlisted as a Union soldier in Company I, One
Hundred and Forty-eighth Nevw York Infantry,
and went with his regiment to Ft. Monroe. After
being in the army six or seven months, he was
attacked  with  rheumatism, and spent several
months in the hospital. Hle served in all about
sixteen months, when he was given an honorable
discharige and returned to his old haunts in Benton,
N. Y. A few weeks later lie decided upon seeking
his fortunes in the West, and accordingly sold out
his property, and in 1864 set out and located first
in Norvell Township, this county. A year later he
removed to Inghan County, where he bought a
farm, which he occupied about five years. Selling
out once more, he then located in the town of
Aurelius, but soon after purchased a farm near
Tekonsha, where he lived three or four years. He
then sold this farm and put up a house in the village, within which he lived two years.
Mr. Hounson at the expiration of this time
traded his Tekonsha property for a stock of goods
in Norvell, this county, and for three years thereafter engaged in merchandising. Becoming tired of
this, he traded his goods for a farm in Hudson
Township, Lenawee County, and lived there three
or four years. Then renting his farm, he removed
to the village of Hudson, where lie lived three
years, then sold the farm, which had in the meantime been operated by a renter, and set his face
toward the Pacific Slope. After arriving in California, Mr. IHounson was engaged for one year in
buying and selling stock, then returning to Hudson, lived there six months, and next removed to
Napoleon, of which lie has since been a resident.
Mr. Hounson learned the trade of a stonemason
in early manhood, which he followed two years in
Benton, N..    i e was married in his native


county, to Miss Mary Burgess.  This lady was
born in New England, and removed with her parents to New York State when young. There have
been born to them five children, the eldest of whom,
Melissa, is the wife of William Jones; Alonzo was
first married to Miss Addie Whitney, by whom he
had two children, one of whom died in infancy,
and the other, a daughter, is still living; his second
wife was Josephine Rolfe, and they also had two
children, one of whom died in infancy; the survivor is Josephine, who lives at home. The son
died in California, October 11, 1886. Charles died
in Bethel, Ontario County, N. Y.; Seward K. died
when about eighteen years old; William K. died in
Tekonsha when a promising youth of seventeen.
Mr. Hiounson cast his first vote for Gen. William Henry Harrison, and in 1888 had the satisfaction of voting for his grandson, Benjamin; he felt
that this privilege gave him a new lease of life. He
has been a warm supporter of the Republican
party since its organization. For many years he
was connected  with the  Methodist Episcopal
Church.
K  ORTER HARRINGTON. In noting the
pioneer labors to which the present condition of this county is due, the name of
Porter Harrington, now deceased, should
not be omitted from the list of worthy men who
toiled and struggled here. His honesty and integrity of character were well known to all with whom
he had business dealings, and he enjoyed the esteem
of a large circle of friends and acquaintances who
knew and valued his moral principles, his social
qualities and his kindly nature. His death occurred
at his home in Sandstone Township, in November,
1872, after a residence of thirty-six years, and at
the ripe age of seventy-two. The widow and children who survived him were comforted in their
sorrow by the knowledge that he had lived a worthy
life, and by their endeavors to continue every good
measure in which he had been engaged.
Mr. H-arrington was born in Ontario County, N.
Y., September 4, 1800, his parents being Nathaniel
and Lucretia I-arrington. He was reared to manhood




PORTRAIT AND BIOG-KAPHIICAL ALBUM.                               373...,,,....................I


in his native county, having more limited school
)rivileges than is the case at the present day in any
but the most sparsely settled districts of the farther
West. He, however, improved tile opportunities
which were afforded him, not only in his youth but
throughout his entire life. With his wife and two
children in 1836 he emigrated to this State, wliere
his father had some time before purchased land
from the Government. HIe bought eighty acres of
this land on section 22, Sandstone Township, and
went to work with a will to form a good home from
the wilderness.
From the primeval condition in which he found
it Mr. Harrington developed an excellent farm,
marked with good imlrovements and capable of
producing fine crops. As not a stick of timber had
been cut upon the place, lis first labor naturally was
the felling of timber and thle erection of a log cabin.
In that dwelling the family lived for many years,
although it was subsequently replaced by the present residence, a structure of more modern design
and greater convenience. Mr. HIarrington aimed to
cast his vote for the best man, irrespective of political party lines, believing that the welfare of the
country depended more upon men thaln upon abstract ideas.
When he closed his eyes to eartlily things, Mr.
Harrington left his widow in possession of eighty
acres of land, which is farmed by their son,.John
B. Harrington, who still resides at home. He was
born in 1842, and has had some personal experience and observation in days when the agricultural
regions of this county were less thoroughly under
man's subjection than at present. Like his deceased
parent, he endeavors to fulfill his duties as a citizen
in that manner which shall be for the best interest
of his fellow men, and to fill his personal sphere of
action worthily. In politics he is a firm Republican.
The noble woman who, as wife, mother, and
neighbor has made a record such as affords a shiiing example to others, and who through many long
years was the cherished companion of him  with
whose name we introduce this sketch, bore the
maiden name of Lucretia Maxon. She is a daughter
of J(el and Betsey Maxon, natives of New York,
and in Genesee County, that State, her own eyes
opened to tle light April 30, 1811, She grew to


maturity in her native county, having but few advantages in the educational line, although her native intelligence and desire for information are such
that she is well informed. She wns married in
MIarch, 1830, and when a few years later her husband settled in the wilderness of Mic:higan, she
showed the quality of her character more forcibly
than before and in the new home bore her full
share of the burlens of life. She is now one of the
oldest living, pioneers of Sandstone Township and
her reputation is not confined to its borders but extends far beyond. She is the mother of seven children, and lIas been called to mourn the loss of three
— Harriet, Welcome ad ()rin J. Her living children are: Bethia, now Mrs. Pelton of Jackson;
I-arliet, wife of Franik McGary of the same place;
John B., at home,.na(d Lyman, who lives in Jackson.
C     ~       i —I i -- Ti-, T I7T
REI) C1RO WE 1L. Brooklyn is honored
ini being the birthlplace and home of the
above-named gentleman, who, although still
(  ' young in yelars has become the leading attorney in this part of the county, reaching a high
dlegree of success, and securing a wide practice in,Jackson, H-illsdale and Lenawee Counties. Possessing a most active mind, and having had his
powers strengthened by a good collegiate education, Mr. Crowell has manifested great ability in
conducting the cases which have been given into
his hands. He is an apt and lively pleader at the
bar, and possesses the perseverance and determination which lead him to make use of any honorable
means to sustain his clients, many of whom have
had hotly contested cases, in which his success was
remarkable. He justly boasts of his will and ambition to do all lie can in his profession, and clients
come to him from a distance of fifty miles.
The natal day of Mr. Crowell was December 20,
1855f, he being the only child of Dr. John R. and
Mary (Every) Crowell. He was admitted to the
bar of Michigan in 1882, at which time Judge
Gridley, now deceased, presided. Since that time
he has been steadily making his way in tlhe ranks of
his profession, generally succeeding in whatever h1








374


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


I '- -~~~~~-~~- -- - -~~~~- - — `~~~~~^ —~~~ —~~~- -- - -~~~~- - -- --  ---- ---- ---    -1 —1 - -''
I   --------- ~ ~  -— _II   ~ ~   1 ---  ~~~"~~ — 1 111 --- —-— i__ __._____..__  ~~~~_~~.i___~_   - ~__~___~-  -....... - -,,   ---  -


undertakes, his lucid mind and clear judgmrent
leading him to just decisions and wise discrimination regarding the feasible points of defense, and
the manner of presentation best adapted for the
success of his cause. Although in no sense of the
word an office seeker, he wields an extended influence in local politics, and the Democratic party
owes much to his adherence. His library contains
not only the best legal authorities but is also supplied with literary works of great value, including
the best thoughts of the brilliant minds of all ages,
the entire collection having cost a large sum of
money.
Dr. John R. Crowell, the father of our subject,
was born in East Windham, N. II., being one of
eight sons, five of whom  became attorneys, two
physicans, and the other a professor of languages.
He was graduated from a college at Castleton, Vt.,
studied medicine, and coming to Michigan early in
the '40s, opened an office in Brooklyn, becoming
one of the leading medical men of the county. He
possessed great ability, although somewhat eccentric. His death occurred at Brooklyn, in 1872, he
being then forty-nine years old. In that town he
was married to Miss Mary Every, a native of the
Empire State, who had come to Michigan in her
girlhood, was married at the age of sixteen years,
and died when her son, our subject, was about
three years old, she being then less than thirty
years of age. She and her husband were members
of the Episcopal Church. and the Doctor was a
stanch Republican in his political views and practices.
The gentleman with whose name we introduce
this sketch was married, in Rawlin Township, Lenawee County, in February, 1875, to Miss Belle Parker, who was born in that township, May 19, 1855.
She is tie daughter of (harles A. and Susan
(Hodges) Parker, natives of Ohio, who after their
marriage emigrated to Michigan, being early settlers
in Lenawee County. There they are now known
as the leaders in their community. Mr. Parker is a
mechanic and builder, possesses more than ordinary
information, and has served as Justice of the Peace
in his township for many years.
Mrs. Crowell was well reared by her worthy parents, and receiving excellent advantages, obtained




a fine education, afterward devoting her energy
and ability to the work of a teacher. She is strongminded in the true sense of that word, with broad
and liberal ideas, taking strongly after her father
in an intellectual sense, lie having an active mind
and great intellectual capacity. She is well versed
in law, and now holds her third commission as a
Notary Public, having been one of the first women
in this county to receive such a commission. To
her husband she is of actual assistance in unraveling some of the difficult knots which occur in his
practice, and had she been a man, or chosen to occupy a man's place at the bar, she would have been
well qualified to do so. As a natural outcome of
her ability and culture she is one of the leaders of
Brooklyn society, and stands by her husband's side
as an equal in the esteem of the community.
TICItARD   W. RAYMOND, Treasurer of
1pX  SSandstone Township, holds a prominent
\!   position among the leading and younger
' men of his community, and has a life interest in the prosperity of this county, as within its
limits lie was born and reared, here received his
early education, and has here labored to good advantage and obtained a fair share of this world's
goods.
Mr. Raymond was born February 23, 1849, in
this township. and is the son of one of its earliest
pioneers, Abijah Raymond, and his wife, who bore
the maiden name of Adeline Bennett. The family
is undoubtedly of English origin. and the father of
our subject was a native of New York. He emigrated to Michigan early in the '30s, and took up
a tract of Government land on section 12, Sandstone Township, upon which he put up a log house
and began in earnest the clearing of a farm. The
spot upon which he first settled remained his residence until the close of his life, his death occurring
in 1856. The wife and mother survived until
February, 1883, when she too passed away. They
were the parents of twelve children, eight of whom
are living-Betsey is the wife of George Fraker, of
Hanover Township; Lorinda married Frederick






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


375


Coons, and they live in Sandstone Township; Aaron
is farming in Hanover Township; Ellen is the wife
of Alfred Frost, of Charlotte, this State; Richard,
our subject; Benjamin is a resident of Blackman
Township; Amy is the wife of Martin Ludington,
of Jackson; Amanda, Mrs. Frank Spink, lives in
Pulaski Township. The elder Raymond in early
manhood was a stanch Whig, politically, and later
affiliated with the Republican party. The mother
was a member of thei United Brethren Church.
lBy a course of industry and prudence the father of
our subject became well-to-do, leaving at his death
two hundred and fifteen acres of land well developed, together with substantial buildings and a
large amount of personal property.
The subject of this notice spent his early life at
the old homestead, where his education in the primary school was acquired, and availing himself of
the opportunities for observation and reading
which have made of him an intelligent and wellinformed man. Christmas Day, 1861, was appro1)riately celebrated by him in his marriage with
Miss Esther, daughter of Pulaski HIarrington, of
Tompkins Township. Of thlis union there were
born five children, the eldest of whom a daughter
Elizabeth, died when three years old. The survi
vors are: Ophelia, Clarence, Flora and Earnest.
Mrs. Esther Raymondt departed tlis life at tlhe
homestead, July 20, 1884. On tlhe 26th of May,
1885, Mr. Raymond was married to Miss Lilly S.
Porter. This lady is the daughter of Elias and
Melvina (Cooly) Porter, who are both deceased.
They were natives of New York State and early
pioneers of Hanover Township, this county. Their
family consisted of three children, one of whom,
a daughter, Ella, died when four years old; George
E. is a resident of Hillsdale County. The father
entered the Union Army during the late Civil
War, and (lied in Savannah, (a., in 1863. The
mother died in Iowa about 1862.
Politically, Mr. Raymond usually votes with the
Republican party. He was elected to his present
office in April, 1889, and the people of the township feel entirely safe as to the public funds. His
farm comprises eighty acres of choice land, which
has been brought to its present condition mainly
by the personal efforts and labors of the lroprietor.


i


Mr. Raymond is a member in good standing of the
Christian Church, while his estimable wife finds
religious consolation in the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
-— 3.^     ^       E^. —
stock-raising interests of Sandlstone Township recognize a worthy representative in
Mr. Leonard, who makes his headquarters at a
good homestead on section 3. He selected for
himself a permanent location many leagues from
the place of his birth, which occurred in County
ILoutlh, Ireland, oi) the 26th of December, 1829. His
parents were Owen and Mary (McKavitt) Leonard,
both likewise of Irish birth and ancestry, and who
spent their entire lives on the Emerald Isle. They
were people in moderate circumstances, and Thomas,
who was enabled to obtain only a limited education, commenced at an early age to herd cattle and
sheep among his native hills, and sojournec there
until a youth of nineteen years. Then, in the
spring of 1848, being dissatisfied with his condition and his prospects in his native Ireland, lie
made arrangements to emigrate, and took passage
at Liverpool on the sailer "Ashburton" which,
after an ocean voyage of five weeks. landed him in
New York City.
Mr. Leonard spent seven years in the vicinity of
the great metrololis engaged a portion of the time
as a farm laborer. lHe also worked considerably on
the railroad. In 1855 lie came to this county, and
for eleven years thereafter occupied himself mostly
in a farm work. In 1866 lie secured the land
which lie now owns and occupies, this comprising
one hundred and twenty acres on section 3, Sandstone Township. This land when it came into his
possession was only slightly improved, and its
present condition is due to the efforts of the proprietor. HIe labored early and late, and practiced
the strictest economy in order to pay for his land
and bring it to a state of cultivation.
Mr. Leonard, while a resident of New York
State, was first married Septenber 28, 1851, t()






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


376


- - - -  -   -  -                                                             -  --   --------- ---   - ---                            -                                                                                                                          -  ~  ~ ~,-    --     -     -   ---   -  -  -  -   -   - -.   -  -


Miss Margaret Mahar, who died without children,
December 1, 1880, at the homestead in Sandstone
Township. Mr. Leonard contracted a second marriage, May 22, 1882, with Mrs. Bridget (McGarigle) Rogers. This lady was born in County
Donegal, Ireland, July 12, 1852, and is a danghter
of William and Catherine McGarigle, the former
of whom is deceased and the latter still living in
Ireland. Mrs. Leonard came to America about
1871, and via New York City went to Boston,
where she lived one year, then went to Philadelphia and spent about three years. From the City
of Brotherly Love she came to this county. Of
her first marriage there was born one child, a son,
John, who is now at school. Of her marriage with
Mr. Leonard there is also one child, a daughter,
Mary C. Mr. and Mrs. Leonard are members of
the Roman Catholic Church, and Mr. Leonard,
politically, votes the straight Democratic ticket.
He occupies a good position among the representative men of his county.
ENRY C. RICIIARDSON. Witlout perhaps
E) Rbeing the hero of any very thrilling event,
this peaceable and law-abiding citizen of
Sandstone Township pursues the even tenor
of his way, cultivating the soil of a well-tilled farm,
occupying a portion of sections 27, 28 and 33,
Sandstone Township. I-e is a native of this county
and was born November 2, 1842, at his father's old
homestead in Sandstone Township. He is the son
of Jared L. and Harriet M. (Bush) Richardson,who
were both natives of New York State, and the
former of whom died December 22, 1882.
Jared L. Richardson was born in 1813, in Genesee County, N. Y., and was the son of Jared, Sr.
and Lovina (Butterfield) Richardson, Grandfather
Richardson traced his ancestry to England. He did
good service as a soldier in the Revolutionary War
and spent his last years in Michigan. Jared L. remained a resident of his native county until 1835,
then with the hope of bettering his condition, set
out for Michigan Territory in company with one


Sherman Eastman by whom he was employed for a
short time in this county. Later he purchased one
hundred and twenty acres of Government land,
this lying on section 22, Sandstone Township. and
comprising a stretch of ground mostly covered
with timber and from which not a stick had been
cut. He thus commenced from first principles in
the development of a farm at a time when the
country was mostly inhabited by Indians and wild
animals. He paid for his land by working out at
$11.50 per month, this being the highest wages he
ever received. He paid $1.25 per acre for his land
and settled upon it after his marriage, making of it
a very good farm. IHe rested from his earthly labors
when quite aged, dying December 22, 1882. The
mother is still living at the old homestead.
Jared L. Richardson was a Henry Clay Whig
during the existence of that party and upon its
abandonment allied himself with the Republicans.
He took an active part in politics and held the
local offices, officiating as Supervisor of Sandstone
Township for five consecutive years with credit to
himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He was
also at one time Township Treasurer. This was
during the Civil War and he also officiated as recruiting officer of the township. He was opposed to
secret societies and never identified himself with
any of them. To the parents of Mr. Richardson
there were born five children, three of whom are
living: Lovina is the wife of J. D. Parkhurst and
they are residents of Charlotte, this State; Henry
C., our subject; Albert L. makes his home at the
old home; Lucretia M. died when two years old and
one child died in infancy.
Henry C. Richardson spent his early years in a
a manner common to the sons of pioneer farmers,
being taught habits of industry and economy and
acquiring a limited education in the primitive
schools. As soon as old enough he assisted his father on the farm and chose this for his life vocation. When twenty-three years old he was married
November 30, 1865, to Miss Ann M. Titus. This
lady like himself is a native of this county and was
born October 23, 1841, in this township. Her parents were Smith and Huldah (Barrett) Titus, the
former of whom was a native of New Jersey and
came to this county at an early date, locating on






1


II     5  i'












YPoirrRIAIT1 AND BIOGRAc~PIIPlnAL ALBUM.I


379


PORTR-iT ANI) 1310G RAPHV~'AL ALBUM.               379


land taken up by his father and comprising two
hundred and forty acres which he brought to a
good state of cultivation. He there spent the remainder of his life, departing lhence May 22, 1852.
IIis wife survived him a little over seven years, her
death taking place September 29, 1859.
To the parents of Mrs. Richardson there were
born four children, three of whom are living. Emily is the wife of William Finch and they are residents of the old homestead; Henry C. makes his
home in this township; Mary died when about
twenty-three years old; Mrs. Richardson was next
to the youngest. The Titus family were not exempt
from the peculiar hardships of life on the frontier
which they bore with the same patience and unshrinking courage whichl characterized the people
around them. In 1867 Mr. Richardson settled upon
the farm which he now owns and occupies, and
which comprises one hundred and sixty-four acres
of choice land. He has been fairly successful in his
farm operations and in stock-raising, he making a
specialty of Short-lhorn cattle and fine horses. In
politics he is a sound Republican and both lie and
his estimable wife are prominently connected with
the Baptist Church at Parma.
ANIEL S. JOHNSON. A list of the very
|    early settlers and successful farmers of
(   Jackson County would be incomplete without the name of Mr. Johnson, who owns
and operates a fine farm of one hundred and sixty
acres in Columbia Township. The value of the
land is greatly increased by its close proximity to
the village of Jefferson, within whose limits the
proprietor resides. Hie came to this county in
1844, being one of the first travelers over the old
Iron Strap Railroad that ran from Detroit to Marshall.
The Empire State was the birthplace of our subject, and in New Paltz Township, Ulster County, he
was born in 1816. His father was a farmer and
reared his son to become familiar with the duties
associated with country life. He thus acquired a
thorough knowledge of agriculttral pursuits, and


after leaving his native State to become a resident
of Michigan continued his farm labors and developed a finely cultivated estate out of the primitive
soil. Ite has thoroughly improved the land which
has been his home during all these years, having
placed it under first-class cultivation. He has
never married, but has arrived at a ripe old( age in
single blessedness. In politics he is strictly independent, and is held in high esteem by his fellowmen as a reliable citizen, a good neighbor and an
honest man.
The father of our subject, John Johnson, was a
native of Ulster County, N. Y., and his grandparents were also born in the Empire State." Isaac
Johnson, the paternal grandfather of our subject,
was of Engflish and French ancestry and lived to a
good old age, being engaged as a farmer. His son
Joln early imbibed habits of industry at the old
homestead and became a valuable assistant in cultivating the land. Lie marrie( in his native county
Miss Jane Conklin, who was descended froni worthy
French and 1)utch ancestors and a native of Orange
County. 1Ier parents, Jacob and Catherine (Von
Benscothen) Conklin were also born in the Empi-e
State, the former being an officer in the Revolutionary Army and one of the most valiant defenders
of the American cause. After the war he became
State Surveyor of New York and surveyed most of
tlhe western part of that State. I-e spent his last
(lays on a farm in ()range County, where both he
and his wife died at quite an advanced age.
After John Johnson was married he settled on a
farm in Ulster County, where he remained until
1814, when the family came to Michigan. Three
months after their arrival the father died at the age
of sixty-four years. His widow survived him eight
years, dyingl under the son's roof in Jefferson when
she was seventy-one years of age. She was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, to which
her husband belonged and in which he was an Elder. They were the parents of five sons and four
daughters, most of whom lived to accompany their
parents to Michigan. Some of them died unmarried. The subject of this sketch has two sisters,
yet living, one of whom, Hannah, is the widow of
Amos Hlait, and lives in Ulster County, N. Y. Her
two living children, John and Jane E., are both








380


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


--


I


I ~ ~ ~ ~ — ~ --- ^   1


married. Susannah is unmarried and makes her
home with her brother, our subject; Elizabeth is
deceased. Mr. Johnson and his sister are members
in good standing of the Presbyterian Church.
Elsewhere in this volume may be found a lithographic portrait of Mr. Johnson.
n RUNA PARKS WOODS, late one of the
most active and enterprising business men
of Jackson, came to Michigan as early as
0. e1833, during its Territorial days, and located first in the infant city of Detroit, entering
the employ of Benjamin Porter, his father-in-law.
He employed himself as a carpenter for a number
of years, then engaged in the lumber business in
which he was occupied during the later years of his
life. His death occurred at his home in Jackson,
June 17, 1882.
Mr. Woods was born in Sudbury, Vt., December
10, 1807, and was the son of David Woods, a native of Shutesburg, Mass., who was born August
12, 1778. The latter removed from Massachusetts
to the Green Mountain State at an early date where
he engaged in farming for a time, then removed
from Sudbury to Genesee County, N. Y., about
1837, settling near Batavia. He purchased a farm
one and one half miles west of the village upon
which he spent the remainder of his days. His wife
bore the maiden name of Aurilla Parks. She was a
native of Ashford, Conn., and born June 5, 1786.
After the death of her husband she came to Michigan and resided in Jackson and Danville mostly.
Her death occurred at the home of her son, Mason
M., when she was in the one hundredth year of
her age.
The subject of this notice was reared in Sudbury, Vt., where he learned carpentering and
whence he emigrated to Batavia, N. Y., when a
young man. For three years afterward he was in
the employ of Mr. Porter, and in due time, by
faithful attention to his duties, became a foreman
in the business, remaining in the Empire State
until coming to Michigan. He assisted in the
erection of the first Capitol building at Lanming,




Prior to making his Western venture he was married in Batavia, N. Y., March 30, 1833, to Miss
Pauline R. Porter. This lady was born in Batavia,
Genesee County, N. Y., October 17, 1816, and is
still living, making her home in the city of Jackson. Her father, Benjamin Porter, a native of
Goshen, Conn., was born November 8, 1793. Her
paternal grandfather, Deacon Benjamin Porter, was
a native of the same place and traced his ancestry
to England.
Benjamin Porter, Sr., learned carpenteringearly
in life and removed from Connecticut to New York
State settling among the pioneers of Genesee
County. Western New York was then a wilderness
and the removal from New England to that region
was laboriously accomplished with ox-teams. Mr.
Porter located in the small village of Batavia,
where he followed his trade and in due time arose
to the dignity of a builder and contractor. He
there spent the remainder of his days, passing
away in 1841 at the advanced age of eighty-two
years. His remains were laid to rest in the cemetery within the town limits of Batavia and on his
tombstone the following inscription was engraved:
"The first man who held a religious meeting in Batavia or made a public prayer west of the Genesee
River. He was a strict Presbyterian and instrumental in organizing the first society of that denomination in Batavia or within many miles of it."
He was known as Deacon Porter.    The grandmother of Mrs. Woods bore the maiden name of
Rosanna Howe. She passed from earth March 12,
1830, some years prior to the decease of her husband and was seventy years of age.
Benjamin Porter was reared inl Connecticut and
accompanied his parents to New York State where
he learned carpentering of his father and followed
the trade until coming to Michigan in 1833. He
was a resident thereafter of Detroit until 1840. The
year prior to this he entered upon a contract for
building the penitentiary at Jackson and in consequence removed his family hither. When this was
completed he was appointed agent, or what would
now be called Warden. As may be supposed, the
institution was conducted upon a plan far different
from those of the present day. The prison buildings were of stone and the entrance was made of




PORTRAIT AND B3IOGRAPPHICAL ALBU M..


381


PORTRAT A  B P   A


tamarack poles planted closely in the ground so
that it was a difficult matter for a prisoner to escape.
After severing his connection with the prison Mr.
Porter resumed his business of builder and contractor and remained a resident of Jackson until his
decease, which occurred July 23, 1862. The
maiden name of his wife was Sarah Powers. She
was born in Phelps, Seneca County, N. Y., January
15, 1795, and was the daughter of Peter and Sarah
(Webster) Powers, who sp-nt their last years in
New York and Michigan respectively. She departed this life at Jackson, August 21, 1875. The
parental family consisted of four children, namely:
Pauline R., Loretta F., David B. and Benjamin.
Pauline, Mrs. Woods, was reared to womanhood in
her native State, remaining there until her marriage. This union resulted in the birth of four
children, the eldest of whom, a son, DeWitt S., resides in' Denver, Col.; Loretta F. is the wife of M.
W. Robinson, of Jackson; Sarah A., Mrs. Snow,
lives in Jackson; l)onna M., is the widow of Lewis
Westfall and makes ler home in Jackson. Mrs.
Woods, like her husband is a Congregationalist in
religious belief and has been a member of the
church at Jackson since the time of its organization. Two of her daughters are also connected
with this church, while one daughter and her son
belong to the Episcopal Church. The domestic
experience of Mrs. Woods was one more than
usually fortunate and happy, her fatlher, Benjamin
Porter, having been a man kind in his family and a
highly respected citizen. IIc was just such'a man
as was needed inithe development of a new country,
being industrious and enterprising and possessing
excellent judgment. Coming to this region prior
to the days of railroads he experienced with the
people around him manylof the hardships of pioneer
life. Iis mind was constantly devising some new
scheme tlhat would advance the interests of the
people about him. He at one time built a scow
upon which he loaded his tools and a quantity of
material for the purpose of going down the Grand
River to Lansing. Ite could not make the passage
of the falls and so was obliged to unload and carry
his merchandise around, reloading below. This
was only one of the many advcentures which he en

countered and from  which he usually came out
with flying colors. Mrs. Woods in her mnarriage
also found a mart with qualities similar to those of
her father. Mr. Woods was greatly attached to
his family and as a man and a citizen enjoyed the
esteem and confidence of all who knew him.,ILLIAM      WALKER. This honored pioneer of Sandstone Township may usually
be found at his snug homestead on section
14, to which he came when it was in its undeveloped state. Upon his arrival in this county lie
was comparatively without means, and he has been
the architect of his own fortune, acquiring by the
exercise of unflagging industry and a sensible economy, not only a homle, but a competence for his
declining years. lie was born in Norfolk County,
England, about 1823, and is the son of William
and Lucy (Black) Walker, who were likewise natives of that county, where they spent their entire
lives.
The early advantages for an education were, in
the case of Mr. Walker, extremely limited, as his
parents were in modest circumstances and he was
obliged at an early age to look out for himself.
Upon reaching man's estate lie determined to seek
his fortunes on another continent, and in 1852
crossed the Atlantic, taking passage at Liverpool
on the sailer "Middleton," which, after a voyage
of nine weeks landed him at St. Johns, New Brunswick. He sojourned there a few months, employing liimself at whatever he could find to do, and
thence coming into the States settled in Wood
County, Ohio, and cultivated land on shares for
nearly four years. About 1856 lie came to this
State, and for several months thereafter worked on
a farm in this township. He saved what he could
of his earnings and finally, in 1862, purchased
eighty-two acres of land which forms a part of his
present homestead. Upon this there was a log
house, and our subject, who was still unmarried,
took possession and kept bachelor's hall for two
years. tIe cleared away a large amount of timber
from his land, and no man in his neighborhood




382


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM., --- —-  -   I                   ---- --.,


--,,     =,.,                              = --— ~ ---


worked more industriously or with more satisfactory results. After, laying the foundations of a
home, he took unto himself a wife and helpmate,
being married November 1, 1865, in Spring Arbor,
to Miss Emma Sercombe. This lady, who was of
English parentage and ancestry, was born in Devonshire, February 10, 1838, and is the daughter of
Henry and Ann (Brooks) Sercombe, who are still
living and residing in the city of London. They
left Devonshire when their daughter Emma was
about eight years old, and from that time until
reaching womanhood she lived with them in the
great metropolis. In 1865 she came alone to the
United States on the steamer "Belgian," which
after"a voyage of eight days landed her in the city
of Quebec, whence she came direct to this county.
Of this union there have been born four children:
Nellie, who died when twenty-two years old; William H., Emma J. and Joseph.
Mr. Walker usually votes independently, aiming
to support the men whom he considers best qualified for office. In the accumulation of his property he acknowledges that he has been ably assisted
by his faithful and devoted wife whose careful
management of her household affairs has been of
inestimable value, and saving to her husband hundreds of dollars. Mrs. Walker belongs to the Patrons of Industry, who hold regular meetings at
the Bennett school-house. Mr. Walker has carefully refrained from the responsibilities of office,
preferring to give his time and attention to his
farm and his family.
LIVER H. EASTMAN. This gentleman is
to Sandstone Township what the cornerstone of a building is to the balance of the
structure. He trod the soil of Michigan soon after
it was opened for settlement and maintained his
position through the many difficulties, dangers and
hardships of pioneer life at a time when the country abounded in Indians and wild animals, and
when more than ordinary courage was required to
face the task which lay before those who had ventured into these wilds. Hie haa come off fromQ the


i


conflict with flying colors and now, the possessor
of a competence, occupies a good homestead on
section 22. This farm he eliminated from the wilderness and realizes how every foot of it was obtained. It was only by a course of unflagging industry that he brought it to its present condition
and lie has justly earned the case and comfort
which it has brought him.
Like many of his compeers, Mr. Eastman is a
native of the Empire State and was born in Genesee County, February 5, 1824. His parents were
Oliver and Martha (Eastman) Eastman. natives
likewise of that State. The family is supposed to
be of English origin. In 1834 Oliver Eastman,
anxious to mien( his fortunes, disposed of his interests in his native State and starting out with his
little family and two uncles of our subject, Sherman and Arza Eastman, came to this county. He
was in limited circumstances and Oliver H. as soon
as large enough commenced paddling his own
canoe, working out among the farmers of the neighborhood, not only supporting himself but assisting
his parents.
Young Eastman upon reaching his majority began
farming for himself and in the summer of 1846,
settled upon a quarter section of land, a part of
section 10, Sandstone Township, which had been
secured for him by his father who left means for
the purchase of the same from the Government.
He had, however, prior to this begun its improvement and with his own hand laid low the first stick
of timber ever cut upon it. For a number of years
thereafter he gave to it all his time and attention.
In 1855 he started to Texas with his wife and two
children, having sent his goods to Alton, Ill., by
rail, whence they were conveyed by team to their
destination.
A few months' residence in the Lone Star State
satisfied Mr. Eastman that his best location was
not in that quarter of the world, and he accordingly
returned to this county and for a time thereafter
lived on the old farm. Thence, in 1859, he removed
to his present place where he now has two hundred
and eighteen acres of good land which he has
brought to a fine state of cultivation. While residing in Sandstone Township he was married, February 5, 1846, to Miss Susannaht Moe. Mrs, Eastman




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


383


was born October z3, 1818, in Rutland County,Vt.,
and is the daughter of Joseph and Sylvia Moe who
were natives respectively of New York State and
Vermont. Her ancestors on both sides of the house
were of French descent. To Mr. and Mrs. Eastman
there have been born three children, the eldest of
whom, a daughter, Nora W., is the wife of William
Gamin of Ionia, this State. Amelia married F. J.
Hall and lives in Jackson; Carrie has been an'invalid for a number of years. Mrs. Eastman came
with her parents to this county in 1834, and they
settled on a tract of new land in Sandstone Township, the same now being owned by George Wood.
Afterward they removed into the northeastern plart
of the township, where the father and mother died.
To the parents of Mrs. Eastman there was born a
family of eight children, four of whom are living.
Hiram is a resident of Sandstone Township; Mary
is the widow of Cornelius Sammons of Jackson;
Lucinda, Mrs. (Quivey and also a widow, lives in
New Jersey. Mrs. Eastman is the youngest living.
Politically, Mr. Eastman supports the principles of
the Republican party. Ile has held most of the local
offices, serving on the School Board of his district,
as Commissioner of Highways and occupying other
positions of trust. He keeps himself posted upon
the movements of the day and is prominently connected with the Patrons of Industry. His success
in life is due to his own industry and perseverance,
while he and his estimable wife enjoy in a marked
degree the confidence and esteem of those around
them.
ENRY M. EDDY, Supervisor of Hanover
Township, is one of those large-hearted, liberal men, who delight in being of use to
their community, and he has held many
positions of trust and responsibility. He is not
only wealthy, but charitable, and exercises a wide
influence among the people who have learned his
virtues, and who involuntarily extend to him their
ready confidence and esteem. His fine residence
forms one of the attractive features of the village,
and his friends and associates are among the most


cultured people of the county. For nearly four
years Mr. Eddy was Deputy Sheriff of Jackson
County, and brought to the duties of his position
that good judgment which is so essential to an office
of this kind. A man always busy, either with hands
or brain, he has been no unimportant factor in promoting the best interests of Hanover Township.
A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Eddy was born
July 2, 1831, and came with his parents to Michigan at an early (lay. He attended the common
schools in his boyhood, and later was a student in
the college at Spring Arbor. He began business on
his own account at the age of eighteen years, and
operated a farm in Spring Arbor Township, from
1849 to 1854. That year he traded eighty acres of
his land for one hundred and sixty acres in the
same township, where he lived two years, and then
purchased one hundred acres in Summit Township,
occupying this one and one-half years, at the expiration of which time he bought back his original
eighty acres. He moved around considerably in
this locality until 1871, and then received the ap.
pointment of Agent of the Jackson, Ft. Wayne &
Saginaw Railroad Company, with headquarters at
what was then Baldwin, but is now Horton, a position which he still holds.
The 4th of July, 1854, was appropriately cele.
brated by Mr. Eddy, in his marriage with Miss
Hannah M., daughter of John and Sarah (Gross)
Schram. The parents of Mrs. Eddy were natives
of New York State, and her father met his death
by an accident prior to her birth, which took place
in Pennsylvania, September 30, 1837. Miss Hannah came to this county on a visit to her sister, and
thus made the acquaintance of her future husband.
Mrs. Schram died in 1889, when eighty-four years
of age.
Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Eddy, the eldest of whom, a son, Charles H., married Miss Estella Williams, and became the father
of one child; he died in 1884, and the child died
soon afterward. Irene is the wife of William Perrott, Jr., and the mother of two children; they live
in Hanover Township. John Milton is unmarried,
and remains at home with his parents. Mr. Eddy
has been identified with the Masonic fraternity for
the past fifteen years, and is now Master of his






384


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


lodge in Horton. He is also Master of the Grange.
He has served as Justice of the Peace for the past
eight years, and is serving his fourth term as Supervisor. He takes an active interest in educational matters, and officiates as a member of the
School Board. The political issues of the day receive due attention from him, and he maintains his
allegiance to the Democratic party, with which he
identified himself thirty years ago. Besides the
fine farm at the edge of the village, Mr. Eddy is
the owner of the depot building and freight house,
and in 1878 platted an addition to the village,
called Eddy's Addition. As the result of a temperate life and good habits, he is usually in the enjoyment of good health, as are also his children.
The father of our subject was John B. Eddy, a
a native of Vermont, and a farmer by occupation.
He married Miss Louisa Dunmore, a native of Pennsylvania, and the daughter of John Dunmore, who
served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and
lived to be over eighty years old. The parents
were married in New York State, and lived there
until 1837, when they came to Michigan and lived
for a few months in Ypsilanti. The following year
they removed to Spring Arbor Township, and set.
tled on a farm on section 36. The father (lied in
1837, and the mother in 1859. Their family consisted of six children, all of whom grew to mature
years, but only three are now living: John B. is a
resident of Liberty Township; Maria E. lives in
Horton; and our subject completes the list.
ORTER A. CADY. In noting the prominent and successful agriculturists of Napoleon Township, the biographer finds Mr.
Cady occupying a position in the front
rank. A man of more than ordinary ability, sound
judgment and great tenacity of purpose, he has
exercised no small influence in his community, and
at the same time, by his industry and perseverance
has gained for himself a competency. Careful and
conscientious in his business transactions, he aims
to be strictly honest in all things, and possesses that
independence of character which leads him in the


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direction where his convictions lie and in the path
which he believes to be that of rectitude and honesty. His residence and surroundings indicate in
a marked manner to what good purpose he has
employed his time in all these many years, he
having one of the most carefully tilled farms in the
township, whereon he has instituted all modern
improvements. The buildings and appurtenances
indicate in a marked manner the sound judgment
and ample means of the proprietor.
'The subject of this notice is the offspring of an
excellent family, being the son of Gager and
Amanda (Lovejoy) Cady, who were natives of
Columbia County, N. Y. In that county they
were reared and married, and thence emigrated to
Michigan Territory in the spring of 1836. Selecting a tract of land in Grass Lake Township, this
county, he thereon erected a comfortable homestead, where he andl his good wife spent the remainder of their days. Hee rested from his earthly
labors December 31, 1881. Ile was a man of decided ideas and in politics an old-line Whig. After
the abandonment of that party, he identified himself with the Republicans. He was quite prominent in politics and kept himself thoroughly informed on the leading issues of the day.
Mrs. Amanda (Lovejoy) Cady passed away before the decease of her husband, in July, 1869.
Their family consisted of four children, of whom
Porter A. was the eldest born. He first opened his
eyes to the light April 13, 1838, and was reared at
the old homestead, pursuing his first studies in the
district school, and later attending the academy at
Grass Lake and Leona. He remained a member of
the parental household until leaving it for a home
of his own. In the meantime he purchased a poition of his present farm, which he worked for a
time previous to his marriage.
Mr. Cady took unto himself as his wife and helpmate February 4,1862, Miss Josephine, daughter of
the late Jabez M. and Catherine (Ferguson) Clark,
then of Grass Lake Township. Mr. Clark was born
in Ontario County, N. Y., and his good wife in
Chatham, Columbia County, that State.   They
came to Michigan about 1838, and thereafter made
their home in Grass Lake Township as long as they
lived. Mr. Clark was a lifelong farmer and de





PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


385


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parted this life in December, 1860. His wife survived him several years, dying on the 31st of
March. 1868. Mrs. Cady was the second born of
their six children. Her birth occurred at the old
homestead in Grass Lake Township, January 12,
1840, and there she spent ler childhood and youth
in a manner common to the daughters of a well-todo farmer. Her union with our subject has resulted in the birth of five children, the eldest of
whom, a daughter, Nina, married DeForrest Merriman, who is deceased, and she is now living in
Grass Lake. G. V. Lloyd is teaching in the schools
of Napoleon Township. Clyde, Blanche and Mabel
remain at home with their parents. G. V. Lloyd
also remains at home.
Mr. Cady takes an active part in politics and is
a strong advocate of the principles of the Republican party. He has served as Justice of the Peace
and Highway Commissioner, and stands well in the
Masonic circles, being a member of Blue Lodge
and Chapter. of Grass Lake. He and his estimable
wife are also identified with the Patrons of Husbandry. Mrs. Cady is a very intelligent lady and
is in all respects the suitable partner of her husband, encouraging him in his worthy ambitions and
assisting him in sustaining the reputation of the
family. The Cady homestead embraces three hundred and fifteen broad acres, and the farm is embellished with a fine set of buildings, together with
fruit and shade trees, well-kept fences, good grades
of stock, the latest improved machinery and the
appliances required for the prosecution of agri.
culture in a first-class manner. The family stands
high in social circles and are contributing their
quota to the worth and respectability of the county.
c      HARLES   SMITH, Supervisor of Leoni
Township, came to Jackson County in the
vigor of manhood, and identifying himself
with the interests of this township, has accumulated
a competence, and is numbered among the most
substantial citizens of the community. He is a native of New York, his birth taking place in the
town of Middleburg, Schoharie County, July 9,


1847. His father, Noah Smith, was born in Connecticut, as was also his father, who bore the same
name. Ie rehloved from there to New York in an
early day, and was a pioneer of Schoharie County,
the removal being made with teams through the
wilderness.  He bought a tract of forest-covered land on the sight of the town of Middleburg,
and cleared and improved a farm. There were no
railways or canals in that part of the country, for
many years after he became a resident there, and
Albany was the nearest market. He lived on his
homestead there till his death. The maiden name
of his wife was Waity Sweet, and she was also a
native of Connecticut. She died on the home farn
in Middleburg, at the advanced age of eighty-four.
The father of our subject was a small boy when
his parents left their New England home, to build
another in the forest wilds of New York. He was
reared to man's estate in Schoharie County, and
inheriting his father's estate he resided there many
years. In 1869 he sold his property, and coming
to Michigan on a visit, he died here. The maiden
name of his wife was Eliza Borst. She was born
in Schoharie County, N. Y., in the town of Schoharie, her father being Jeremiah Borst, a l)ioneer of
the county. She died on her husband's farm in
the town of Middleburg, where her wedded life was
passed. She was the mother of nine children, of
whom the following seven were reared to maturity:
Jeremiah, Eli, Roby, Margaret J., John, Charles
and George.
Charles Smith was reared in the home of his
birth, and received a substantial education in the
public schools.  He remained an inmate of the
parental household till he was eighteen years old,
when his venturous and self-reliant spirit prompted
him to a life of independence, and he started westward, and coming to Michigan, was employed in
farming in Washtenaw County, the ensuing four
years. We next hear of him in Missouri, where he
located in Macon County, and farmed on shares.
Two years later he returned to Michigan, and has
ever since been a resident of Leoni Township.
His fellow citizens, appreciating the fact that he is
a man of good judgment, is thoughtful, intelligent
and capable, elected him to the important and responsible office of Supervisor, to represent Leoni




386


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.




I


on the county board, and his course in p)ubli( life
has amply justified their choice. I-e has always
been active in politics, a leader among the l)emocrats of this part of the county, and was elected to
his present office to succeed a Republican. He is
closely identified with the Ancient Order of United
Workmen, as a member of Twilight Lodge, of
Jackson.
March 7, 1872, Mr. Snith took unto himself a
wife in the person of Miss Nellie Parks, a native
of Illinois, and a daughter of Joel and Sarah (Wilder) Parks. Four children complete the household
circle of our subject and his wife-Frank, Ethel,
Alice and Hallie Rue. They have a pleasant, cozy
home, the seat of true hospitality, as their numerous friends testify.
AMES BLAKELY. On the outskirts of Jackson City is located the subject of this notice,
who is occupied as a dairyman and enjoys
tlie patronage of a large proportion of the
leading residents of Jackson.  ile is a thorough
business man with a perfect understanding of his
calling in which he is meeting with success.
The Empire State has contributed to Michigan
some of her best citizens, among them Mr. Blakely.
Hie was born in I)elaware County, February 10,
1833, and is the son of James and Margaret (McNaughton) Blakely, likewise natives of New York
where they were reared to mature years and married. The McNaughton family is of Scotch descent. The father of our subject followed farming 
and spent his entire life in the State of New York.
The parental household included nine children, six
sons and three daughters and only three of tlis
large family are living, the two besides our subject
being William, and Jane, the widow of William
A. Brisack, residents of Arizona and New York respectively.
The subject of this notice was the fifth child of
his parents and spent his boyhood in his native
county attending the common schools and working
with his father on the farm until a youth of seventeen years. In 1852 he sought the Pacific Slope, in


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the gold regions of California and Nevada where he
spent eight years mining and( farming, and was
quite successful in his search for the yellow ore.
At the expiration of this time he returned to his
native county and was soon afterward married,
April 24, 1861, to Miss Helen Leal. Mrs. Blakely,
likewise a native of Delaware County, N. Y., obtained a good education and for several terms was
a teacher in the schools of that county. Her father,
Henry Leal, spent his last years in Delaware County,
N.Y.
His father was one of two brothers who left Scotland when they were young men. The other brother
went to South America and the grandfather of
MArs. Blakely settled in Delaware County, N. Y.,
where he was one of the pioneers-at that early
period when they often had to go to their cabin
doors with a fire-brand to frighten the wolves away.
He reared a family of several children. IHe assisted
in building one of the first churches and belonged
to what might be termed the Scotch-Presbyterian
Church. His son, Henry Leal, the father of Mrs.
Blakely, served as an apprentice seven years to
learn the carpenter's trade. He married Maria
Chace, and they had a family of eight children, Mrs.
llakely being the seventh in order of birth; of the
children five are still living. Mr. Leal was a man
of very refined tastes, and possessed many of the
characteristics of the old-time gentleman, and was
greatly revered and loved by his children. His
wife having died when Mrs. Blakely was only five
years old, he seemed to fully take the place of the
mother in the tender love and care of his children.
IHe died in the State of New York.
Mr. Blakely after his marriage located upon a
farm in New York, remaining there two years. He
then went to California a second time in 1864, with
his family and returned to New York in 1866.
Mr. Blakely made a third trip to California and
in 1868 removed to his present farm  in Jackson
County, in the city limits. To this lie subsequently
added from time to time until he now has two hundred and twenty acres. He was successful in
bringing his land to a good state of cultivation and
operating other land besides, having at one time
under his control six hundred acres.
Mr. Blakely prosecuted general farming until




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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
^ - -  -   i 7.. --  -..


389


1870 and then embarked in his present enterprise,
starting with forty cows and increasing the number
until his business became very profitable. About
1872, however, some of his buildings were (destroyed by fire and forty head of his best cows perished in the flames. Notwithstanding the heavy
loss entailed upon uninsured property, he immediately rebuilt and soon found himself again upon
his feet, controlling a thriving business which he
has now  prosecuted continuously to the present
time. All the products of his farm are now fed to
his stock. Besides this property with its valuable
buildings, he owns three good dwellings in,Jackson from the rental of which lie derives a snu(g income.
To Mr. and Mrs. Blakely there have been born
two children only, a son and daughter, the latter of
whom, Helen L., is at home with her parents. The
son, Clarence L., died when a promising young
man of twenty-two years. Our subject and his wife
have been prominently connected with the Methodist Episcopal Clhurch for many years. Mr. Blakely
is rather conservative in politics, but votes with
the Republican party. lhis eldest brother, John
Blakely, died a few years since in California, after
having traveled extensively through South America, visiting tilhe principal cities of that country.
ON. N. G. KING. Probably no resident of
Y)^ Brooklyn has been more thoroughly identi.
fied with thle interests of Jackson County
than tlie gentleman above named, who is
now engaged in the banking business in that flourishing town, of whlich lie is a plrominent and representative citizen. Becoming a resident of Broolkly
in 1866, lie engaged in practice as an attorney-atlaw, and to this for some time gave his exclusive
attention. He then became interested in other enterprises, fina!ly entering upon the business of looking after loans, mortgages, etc., which after some
time he merged into a private lanik. The institution, known as tile Far'mers' Bank, is an exchange
bank, and is operate(l on a sound financial basis,
making judicial investmeints and transacting  a




profitable business. It is well and favorably known
to the citizens of this section, to whom the name
of its proprietor is an assurance of its stability.
Mr. King has owned a great deal of property in
tlie village, including the mill, foundry, and various pieces of real estate, but is even more widely
known in the political arena than as a business man,
as will be realized by a further reading of this notice.
Mr. Kino was born in Nassau, Rensselaer County,
N. Y., in 1819. From his early bodyhood he had a
great desire for learning and was a diligent student,
becoming esplecially well informed in ancient and
modern history, and quoting readily from ancient
authors whose works he has extensively read. I-He
was active in politics before he attained to man's
estate, and while still young held the position of
Alderman in Albany, N. Y., and was Secretary of
thle State Central Committee of the Wliig lparty in
1840, also serving as a delegate to the State Conventions during thle years in which that organization flourished. Ile was thus thrown into the corn
panionship of the plrominent political lights of the
day, numbering among his acquaintances and friends
such men as John (Q. Adams, Daniel 'Webster,
IHenry (Clay, and others of the great minds that
exerted so 1powerful an influence throughout the
Nation, Under President Fillmore lie was for some
time First Assistant Postmaster-General.
Mr. King became an attorney-at-law in 1848,
and on motion of thle -Ion. Reverdy Joihnrson, Attorney-Geneial of the Ulnited States, was admitted
to plractice at the bars of thle samne,.Janulary 21,
1850. After lie began to practice lie became one of
the firm of Hammond, King & Barnes, of Albany,
N. Y., the connection continuing for some years
and being one of thie leading legal firms of the city.
It will thus be seen that durincg his residence in the
East iMr. King occupied a prominent position, and
it will readily be understood tlhat lie took an active
part in all matters of general interest, entering into
every scheme in which lie engaged with good will
and a determination to make it succeed. The same
spirit has characterized all his later enterprises.
With a, view of improving his health Mr. King
turned his footsteps westward and spent four years
in St. Paul, Minn., as a partner of William P. Mur





390


PO3RTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


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ray, still of that city. He then settled in Brooklyn,
where his legal acumen, his classical erudition, his
keen business ability and foresight, soon forced him
to the front, and led to his election in 1872, to the
State Senate. in which he represented the Seventh
Senatorial District. While a member of the Senatorial body the lIon. Mr. King was the author and
introducer of some very important bills, the passage
of which he secured. One of the most notable of
these was a bill for a new code of law practice in
the State, that was passed by a two-thirds vote of
both houses after a hard fight. Mr. King, although
a natural politician and an earnest worker for the
good of the country, has never sought office.
When the wishes of a constituency have been plainly
indicated, as in his election to the Michigan Senate,
he has consented to their will and bent all his energies to looking faithfully after their interests.
During the past twenty years he has been almost
continually a delegate to the State Conventions of
the Republican party, of which lie has been a member since the issues arose that led to the disintegration of the Whigs as a political body. The title of
Colonel, by which Mr. King is familiarly known,
was bestowed upon him when a very young man on
account of services rendered in a local military
wy. During tile late war he took an active part in
the struggle to uphold the Union, and held prominent positions both in the Commissary and Quartermaster's Departments.
The marriage of Mr. King occurred in Brooklyn
in 1858, his bride being Miss Cora Wright, who
was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., and, like her
husband, belongs to an old and respected family.
Hier parents, Daniel and Johanna (Lyon) Wright,
were early settlers in this county, to which they
came in 1836, and where they held a prominent
place among the farmers and worthy citizens. Mrs.
King is an intelligent woman, active in society and
in good works, and a fine representative of cultured,
useful womanhood. She belongs to the Episcopal
Church, and has ever borne her share in the works
to which its societies are devoted. She presides
with grace over the palatial home which is one of
the ornaments of the village; it is beautifully located on an elevation, in the midst of commodious
grounds adorned with beautiful shade trees, and a


lovely lawn. The interior of the mansion is furnished
in a manner befitting the abundant wealth and fine
tastes of its owner, an elegant library being one of
its prominent adornments. Here Mr. King finds
his chief recreation in conning the works of the
best writers of all ages, and in the literary atmosphere where the Genius of Authorship sits enthroned, himself wields the pen of a ready writer.
Under the non de plume of " Old Charles Martel"
he has given to the world an extensive and versatile
series of articles which are read with interest by
many who are unfamiliar with the identity of the
writer, as well as by those to whom it is known.
Elsewhere in this volume may be found a lithographic portrait of Mr. King.
\   1 TUMAN GEE was born in London, Monroe
l| (I County, Mich., July 3, 1845. His paternal! LA\ grandfather removed from New Hampshire
to New York, thence to Canada and from there to
the Territory of Michigan, being one of the early
settlers of Monroe County. He took up a tract of
land there, superintended the management of his
farm wlile working at his trade of a mason, and
also manufacturing brick, and continued to reside
there until his death.
Eldridge Gee, the father of our subject, was born
in the Granite State and was one of the earliest
settlers in the Territory of Michigan, where he located as early as 1823. He went to Detroit by way
of the lakes and there embarked with a team, taking his family and household goods and following
an Indian trail toward the interior. On a portion
of the route he was obliged to cut the road for the
team. IHe located in what is now Ann Arbor
Township, Washtenaw County, and taking up a
tract of Government land built a shanty thereon,
which was soon after replaced by the first frame
house ever erected in the townslip. There were
no railroads in those days and Detroit was the
nearest milling point and market, and depot of
supplies, and to and from it journeys had to be
made on horseback or with wagons.
In 1832 Mr. Gee removed to the town of Mon







PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM...-....... -.-.-.-. -.   - - -


391


roe, where he followed his trade of a carpenter and
builder for a few years, after which he bought a
tract of land in London Township, Monroe County,
which became the family home for some years.
While continuing work at his tra(le in various l)arts
of the county he superintended the improvement
of the farm, which he sold in 1856, removing at
that (late to Blissfield, where for three years he was
engaged in mercantile pursuits. Following this he
lived in Ypsilanti and( Ridgeway for a few years,
ocnuIpying himself again with work at his trade.
His last years were spent in Dundee, Monroe
County, where lie died in 1877, leaving the record
of a useful life.
The maiden name of the mother of our subject
was Elizabethl Matteson. She was born in New
Hampshire, and her father, Eppaphrlas Matteson
was one of the earliest settlers of Waslltenaw
County, Mich., where he improved a farm   and
resided until his death.
The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch
attended sclool quite regularly until fifteen years
old, and lie then assisted his fatler until his elllist
ment, September 12, 1864, in Company E, First
Michigan Cavalry. He waslater transferred to Company B, and serve(l until after the close of the war,
taking part in various engagements around Petersburg, being with Sheridan in tlle Shenandoah Val
ley, and present at Appomattox at the time of Lee's
surrender. Although lie had not yet reached tlhe
years of manhood lie bore well his part among his
comrades, anld prior to his discharge with the reginent June 21, 1865, had won a gallant record as a
brave and dashing cavalryman.
After leaving the army Mr. (ee returned to
Michigan an:l began work at the trade of a carpenter and builderl. at which he continued employed
for a number of years. lIe was married at Petersburghl, Monroe County, April 15, 1868, to Miss
Margaret A. Prather, a lady of many graces and
virtues of mind andl leart. In the fall of that
year lie took up his residence in West Bay City,
remaining there until 1870, when lie removed to
Ironton, Mo., in which place he remained some
years, after which he became a resident of Jackson.
Mich. Here he resided until 1880, when he went
to Toledo, Ohio, and engaged with 0. L. Matthews,




a pension attorney, in whose interest lie traveled a
few months. He then returned to Jackson, opened
an: office, and has since been very successfully
carrying on the business of a pension lawyer.
Having himself been a soldier, lie is a friend of all
those who belonged to the army, and looks very
carefully into the claims that are presented to him,
giving good advice and using his best endeavors
to obtain justice for his clients.
Mr. and Mrs. Gee have one child, Maria Elizabeth. Mr. Gee is a member of Jackson Lodge No.
17, A. F. & A. M., and of Ryder Post, No. 12,
G. A. R.; he is a member of and Quartelmaster of
E. B. Griffith Commandery, U. V. U. No. 24, Department Michigan Lodge. The family are members of the Evangelical Church and Mr. Gee is
Superintendent of the Sunday-school. His upright
and manly character, his intelligent interest in good
works and his pleasant manners, win for Mr. Gee
the respect and friendship of those with whom he
associates, and his estimable wife and daughter are
not lacking in esteem and good will from their
many acquaintances.
I   J I LLIAM WALKER. Perhaps none of the
many prominent citizens in Jackson have
a longer record in the lines of business
which have brought their names prominently before the public, than has the gentleman above
named, or are better known among its citizens for
their general intelligence, upright character, good
judgment and active interest in the welfare of the
commurnnity. Mr. Walker has traveled extensively
throughout the western part of the United States,
during tle progress of his journeys and in his scjourns in other communities, observing closely the
manners and habits of the people and investigating
the lines of work in which the various communities
are interested; and many a profitable and pleasant
liour might be spent in converse with him regard.
ing the scenes and incidents of his travels and of
his own business life.
The natal day of William Walker was November






392             PORTRAIT AND BIO3GRAPHICAL ALBUM.


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26, 1821, and his birthplace, Yorkshire, England.
Hie is the second son of Thomas and Ann
(Doughty) Walker, the former a native of Richmond and the latter of York. Thomas Walker was
a farmer and held the position of Captain in the
North Yeoman Cavalry. The boyhood and youtth
of our subject were passed in the mother country
and at tile conclusion of his school days lie became
a worker in the coal mines.
At the age of twenty years, young Walker emigralted to the United States. and stopping at Pottsville, Pa., engaged in coal miring on his own
account, continuing this occupation until 1856,
when he removed to Jackson, Mich., and as manager for the Detroit & Jackson Coal Company,
opened the first coal mines att Woodville. Owing
to hard times the mines were soon closed, and Mr.
Walker entered the employ of the Jackson City Coal
Company, for whom he opened the Sandstone
Mines and with whom he remained as manager until 1859, when he took a trip over the Western
States and Territories.
In the spring of 1860, Mr. Walker went to Bay
City to drill the Frazier well for the Bay City Salt
Company, and upon finishing the work returned to
Jackson. I-e then opened the Hayden & Reyno!ls
mine at Spring Arbor, Mich., afterward opening
pP and operating until 1874, what was known as the
Walker coal mine, north of the State prison. lie
also helped to organize the Micligan Clemical
Works at Jackson, and was employed as Superintendent until the company got into financial straits,
but after the business changed hands he was re-instated in his former position. In 1874 he opene(
tile new Walker coal mine, operating it until 1880,
when lie went to Colorado, and spent two summers
amid the grandeur of mountain scenery, enjoying
the pure and life-giving air of that clime and the
op;)ortunities for extending his knowledge of rocks
and ores. Returning again to Jackson, Mr. Walker was elected Justice of the Peace and served
during a period of four years, in a manner creditable to his discrimination and judgment, and acceptable to his constituents.
In 1845 Mr Walker was united in marriage with
Miss Louisa Marks, of Pottsville, Pa., a lady of
many virtues of mind and heart, the daughter of


Thomas and Sarah Marks, and a native of the Keystone State. The happy union of Mr. and Mrs.
Walker has been blessed by the birth of an interesting family, of the survivors in which we note the
following: Robert now lives in California; Mrs.
Sarah Wirtz in Jackson; Thomas is Superintendent
of the Missouri Chemical Works at Kansas City;
William is an locomotive engineer on the Colorado
Midland Railroad; Victoria is the wife of William
Hathaway, of Davenport, Iowa; Myra married
Richard McElliott; Boadicia is still at home.
Mr. Walker belongs to the Blue Lodge of the
Masonic fraternity, to the Foresters order, and is a
prominent member of the Odd Fellows society. He
is Vice-President of the City Library Board.,,,,,,_...   f-ra-n.,,, s....


AMUEL BREWER.           Among those who
are enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life,
and whose earlier years partook largely of
toil and sacrifice, may be mentioned this
well-known citizen of Sandstone Township) who is
fast falling into the sere and yellow leaf, being
now a veteran of ninety years.   A   native of
Somersetshire, England, he was born September 1,
1800, and is the son of William Brewer and his
estimable wife, the latter of whom died when Samuel was an infant. He was reared on a farm in his
native shire, becoming at an early age acquainted
with hard work, and obtained a limited education
in the common school. At the age of twenty-five
years he was married, April 6, 1825, to Miss Elizabeth Parsons. This lady, also a native of Somersetshire, was born February 12, 1800, and was the
daughter of William and Esther Parsons, who were
of English birth and ancestry, and who spent their
entire lives in the Old Country. Of this union
there were born four children-William, living
with his parents; Elizabeth, the wife of Pulaski
Harrington, of Tompkins Township, and two who
(lied young.
Mr. Brewer continued in Somersetslire ten years
after his marriage, then, seeing little to encourage
him financially, concluded to seek his fortunes on
another continent. He took passage alone at Bris





PORTRAITnI'I   AND BHJ()(-,RAlllC~l, ALBUM.I


393


PTAT AI B( A   AU      3


tol, and after an ocean voyage of about seven
weeks, landed in New York City. Thence he went
into Otsego County, N. Y., where lie worked on a
farm about fourteen months. In 1836 lie s.t out
for Michigan Territory. and coming to this county
purchased tie southeast quarter of section 24,
Sandstone Townsliip, where lie has since lived. lIe
thus labored five years, struggling to obtain a foothold before lie thought best to have his family
come over, and at the expiration of this time he
sent for them, and there followed a meeting which
can be letter imagined than described.
The first dwelling occupied by the Brewer family was a log house, 16x24 feet in dimensions, but
shortly after being built it was destroyed by fire,
and Mr. Brewer erected an(other upon the same
spot, which the family occupied a number of years.
It was then abandoned for the present fine residence, which is the fourth house he has built on
this farm.   He commenced with    very little
capital, and labored under many disadvantages,
practicing the most rigid economy and self-sacrifice to secure tile future welfare of his family.
Gradually the country settled up around him, and
while many have been coming and going, Mr.
Brewer has maintained his position in one spot, and
now, "Uncle Samuel," as he is called by everyone,
enjoys a large acquaintance and is a favorite
among old and young. Since becoming a voting
citizen, he has affiliated with the Democratic party,
and nothing has pleased him better than to see the
growth and development of his adopted county.
He has become thoroughly Americanized, and is
entirely in accord with Republican institutions.
His devoted wife is still spared to him, and shares
with him the confidence and esteem of the community.
William, the son of Samuel Brewer, who remains
at the home farm, is likewise a native of Somersetshire, England, and was born December 13, 1828.
In 1840 he came with his mother and two sisters to
America, joining the father in Sandstone Township,
being then a lad of twelve years. He has grown
up with the country, and completed his education
in the district schools of Sandstone Township. He
celebrated July 4, 1851, by his marriage with Miss
Esther Harrington, a native of Somerset County,


N. Y., and who was boin August 12, 1834. Mrs.
Esther Brewer is tile daughter of William  aid
Miranda (A(drms) Harrington, wlho like the Brewer
family were pioneers of this county. VWhen first
coming to Michigan, in 1836, they settled about
twelve miles south of.Jackson, and are now deceased.
To Mr. and Mrs. Willianm Brewer there has
been born a family of eleven children, nine of
whom are living-Alexander and Miranda are
residents of Jackson, the latter being tile wife of
Andrew   lfayett; Myron and William are living in
Sandstone Townshi; Curtis is a resident of.Jackson; Jennie is tile wife of Cornelius Titus, of
Sandstone Township; Harley lives at home; Susie
married Clarence Wall, and they live in Sandstone
Township; Stelle remains at home with her parents. William Brewer has a half-interest in one
hundred and eighty acres of land with his father.
I-e usually supports the Democratic party, although
lie frequently casts his vote for men outside when he
considers they are tile better qualified for office.
Indler his father's tuition hie long ago became a
thoroughl and skillful farmer, and all of the family
are well-to-do, comfortably fixed in life and enjoy
the respect of the people around them. In noting
the pioneers of Sandstone Township the name of
Samuel Brewer is worthy of a position in the front
ranks.
EONARI) ROGERS. Among the old sett ers of this county, no more honest or uprilgt man can be found than the gentleman
above named, whose long life has been the scene of
hard labors crowned with abundant success, and of
bereavements by which his nature has been strengthened and made more tender and true. He is the
third of seven children born to Joseph and Sarah
(Pierce) Rogers, five cf the family circle being yet
alive. He was born August 26, 1814, in Otsego
County, N. Y., where lie remained until eighteen
years of age, acquiring such an education as could
be obtained in the schools of the times. Ile was a
member of tile State Militia. Beginning life for
himself at the age of twenty-one years, he began






C


394


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


work on the Erie Canal, afterward boating on that
hi)ghway for thirteen years.
About the year 1843, Mr. Rogers came to Michigan, where for a couple of seasons lie worked the
farm of L. D. Tracy in this county, on shares.
Subsequently lie continued farm labor under similar arrangements for five years, after which he
bought one hundred acres on section 14, Hanover
' Township, which he has since made his home. A
log house was his first dwelling here, and all the
improvements which now mark the estate, have
been made by himself. The land, which was in a
raw and primitive condition when he took possession of it, is now in a fine state of cultivation and
pioductiveness, all being tilled land except fifteen
acres of timbe-. The dwelling which takes the
place of the old log cabin, is now about twenty
years old, and is a home of comfort and good cheer.
In 1831, Mr. Rogers celebrated his wedding with
Miss Lucinda Loomis, who (lied during the same
year. In 1834, lie was again married, taking as his
companion Miss Sallie Ann Ryan, who shared his
fortunes until May 16, 1873, when she was called
from time to eternity. She bore him ten children,
of whom five are now living: Harriet Ann is the
wife of Thomas Goff, of Pulaski Township, and the
mother of three children; Jane married William
Mitchell, to whom she has borne three children, and
lives in Horton; Ellen, the wife of Herbert Caldwell, of Jackson, has four children; MNary married
Wells W. Dew, whose home is in Hanover Village,
and their family comprises two children; Minnie,
wife of Harry Knickerbocker, of Spring Arbor
Township, has one child.
A third matrimonial alliance was contracted by
Mr. Rogers in April, 1875, on which occasion he
became the husband of Mrs. Olive Montgomery,
nee Mead. She was born in Ohio, August 3, 1835,
being the youngest of three children born to William S. and Olive (Potter) Mead, and the only one
now surviving. Her father was a native of Connecticut, and her mother of New York. The latter
died in 1835, and a year later her husband came
to Michigan, settling in Livingston County, afterward living in this and other counties of the State.
He died about ten years since. The last marriage
of our subject was celebrated in tlis county, and


has resulted in the birth of one son, Willie T., who
opened his eyes to the light July 8, 1877. Ie is
now attending the district school, and is a good
scholar for his age.
Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are members of the Friends
Church, at Hanover Village.. Mr. Rogers is a MIason, being a member of the Blue Lodge at Horton,
in which he has held the office of Tyler. He has
served his fellow-men as a member of the School
Board of District No. 9, and as Road Overseer.
lie is interested in politics, as all good citizens
should be, and votes the l)emocratic ticket. An
unassuming, upright man, a reliable citizen, and an
intelligent farmer, Mr. Rogers has the respect of
those among whom he has spent so many years,
and his estimable wife is not less highly esteemed.
Having some time since passed his three-score years
and ten, it is not probable that lie will have many
more years upon earth, but the example and memory which he will leave behind him, will be worthy
of preservation by his posterity, and he will yet
speak to those who follow him.
The father of our subject was Joseph Rogers, a
native of Lyme, Connecticut, anll a resident of Otsego County, N. Y., from his youth until a short
time before his death.  He remembered many
scenes in the Revolutionary War when his father,
Joseph Rogers, Sr., was one of the Continentals,
giving his life to establish liberty in the New World.
In the Empire State he married Miss Sarah Pierce,
who was born in Massachusetts, and who breathed
her last in 1837. His own death took place in the
fall of 1849, near Mill Port, Chemung County,
when he had reached the advanced age of eightyfive years. He was found lying in the middle of
the road about a half mile east of the village, upon
his face, dead, and the body nearly cold. It is
supposed that as he reached the margin of the
beaten path in crossing the road, his foot tripped,
and he fell, striking his forehead upon a stone and
beating in the skull. There was no appearance of
his having moved hand or foot, and he probably
had no consciousness of pain, being in a moment
released from the prison house of life. "How many
fall as sudden-not as safe."  More than thirty
years before his death, he embraced the Christian
faith, and became a communicant in the Baptist








PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


395


Chur'ch. Though he had reached second childhood
lie had not lost the knowledge of God. During
the warm weather of the last summer of his life he
was in the habit of frequenting a grove near by, to
pray in secret, and in the silence of the night before his deatlh, his daughter with whom he was living, awoke and heard him praying. IIe often spoke
of his departure being near, and "endcured as seeing Him who is invisible."
O   SCAR 1. DRISCOLL. This gentleman belongs to that grand band of patriots to
SCAR Bt. I)RISCOLL. This gentleman bewhom   our country owes its present peace
and prosperity and its continuance as a Nation,
and to whom the debt of gratitude can never be
repaid. He is a thorough arid practical engineer,
having had quite a long experience in charge of
both locomotive and stationary engines, and in
Jackson is well known as a competent mechanic,
having been in charge of the City Water Works
and other prominent estallishments.
The subject of this sketch is a native of Alden,
Erie County, N. Y., and a son of James Driscoll,
an early settler in the Territory of Michigan and
now a resident of Jackson, where lie has made his
home since 1836. James Driscoll was born in
Batavia, Genesee County, N. Y., and is the son of
James Driscoll, Sr., who resided in that place some
years, thence removing to Erie County in an early
day, and purchasing a tract of timber land neai
the town of Alden. There the grandfather of our
subject cleared a farm from the wilderness, resid.
ing thereon until his death, and there the father of
our subject grew to years of maturity. In 1836
James Driscoll, Jr., came with his wife to the Territory of Michigan, and for six years was a resident
near Tecumseh, Lenawee County. Hie then returned to his native State, and having remained
there until 1846, came again to Michigan, located
in the city of Jackson, and soon afterward engaged
in the butcher's business. This he continued for
some years, afterward working at the trade of a
stonemason.
The natal day of Oscar B. Driscoll was April 23,


1843, and having been but three years oll1 when
he was broughlt to Michigan, he has but slirght
recollections of any other than his adopted home.
lie attended the city schools of Jackson until
twelve years of age, when lie began an apprenticeshil) at the trade of a carriage painter, serving tlhree
years, and subsequently doilg journey work eighteen months. Ile then engaged with the Michigan
Central Railroad as fireman on an engine, and on
the breaking out of the Civil War resigned his
position to take up arms in defense of the Union.
On the 25th of April, 1861, young Driscoll
bIecame a member of Company C, First Michigan
Infantry, and served therein five months, when, his
motler having objected very much to his enlistment, as he was but a boy, an order for his discharge was secured from Gov. Blair, and he returned to his home.   l-e was not contented,
however, and as the conflict still continued, in
November, 1862, lie re-enlisted as a member of
Company A, Ninth Michigan Cavalry, serving
under the gallant Gen. Kilpatrick, and lhaving
joined Sherman's army at Atlanta, made one of
the vast host which marched to the sea, returning
thence through the Carolin;Is to Jackson.
The regiment was discharged in Jackson, Mich.,
in August, 1865, and Mr. )riscoll returned to his
home and resumed his position as a fireman for
the Michigan Central Railroad.  I-e continued
thus occupied a yewa and a half, and was then promoted to be an engineer, remaining with the coinpany until 1876, at whicl time he resigned to
accept a position with the Ft. Wayne, Jackson &
Saginaw Railroad. After laving been in the employ of that company two years lie resigned and
accepted tlhe position of engineer of the Jackson
City Water Works, which lho retained until 1880,
when going to Dakota, lie acted as engineer on the
Northern Pacific Railroad five months. Returning
to his home, he obtained the position of engineer
for the Jackson Furniture Factory, but soon took
charge of the placing of four new boilers and two new
engines at the State Prison, and operated them for
five months.
In July, 1886, Mr. Driscoll engaged as traveling
salesman for the American Steam Brake Company
of St. Louis, but after traveling for them  five






396


PORTRAIT ANI) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


i




I


months, resigned tlie position in order that lie
might be with his family, and for a few mlonths
again operated the engines at the State Prison. -He
next returned to his former position as engineer at
the Jackson City Water Works, remaining there
until July 17, 1889, when he resigned to take
charge of the engines of the E(lison Light Company, in which position lie is now serving.
The family of Mr. l)riscoll consists of four children-Lizzie M., William B., Ednia A. and Samuel
0. The devoted wife and mother was removed
from her sorrowing family by the hand of I)eatlh,
May 24, 1886, after a happy married life of eight
een years. She had borne tle mailen name of
Olive T. Maitland, was born in Muskingum County,
Ohio, to Mathew S. and Elizabeth Maitland, and
her many virtues and graces of mind and character had endeared her not only to the home circle,
but to many friends throughout the communities
in which she had lived.
Mr. Driscoll belongs to Jackson Lodge No. 17,
A. F. &A. M.; Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, No. 2; Red Cross, No. 24; Ed Polmeroy
Post, No. 48, G. A. R.; and to t. V.. l, No. 24.
As a citizen, lie is reliable and intelligent, and as a
man honorable in his dealings with his fellow —men;
in his domestic relations lie is affectionate andl kind,
and it is therefore needless to state that he has thle
respect of his fellow-citizens.
ENRY      J. ADAMS, an active factor in
promoting thle commercial interests of Jackson County, is engaged in the lumber business with C.. H.  lummer, and since 1887
lias had charge of their planing-mill and yards in
Jackson. Hle is a descendant of one of the leading
pioneer families of Southern Michigan, being a
grandson of the well-known Dr. E. Adams, a pioneer lhysician of Monroe County and one of its
earliest settlers, an( he is a fine representative of
the native-born citizens of this part of the State,
who are doing all in their power to advance its
growth and prosperity.
Our subject was born in Monroe, Noverber 15,


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1857, and is a son of Joseph E. and Eliza (Duffy),
natives, respectively, of Monroe County, Mich.,
and County VWest Meath, Ireland. Dr. Adams,
the grandfather of our subiect, whom we have
mentioned, was a New Englander by birth and
breeding, born in Vermont, in 1800. In the invigoiating air of his native hills he grew up to a
stalwart, intelligent manhood, scholarly in his
tastes withal, and when he became old enough to
adopt a calling in life, he close the profession of
medicine, and educated himself as a physician.
Wishingl a broader field in which to exercise his
vocation, the young doctor selected the then wild
and sparsely settled territory embraced in Southern
AIiclhigan, and at some time between 1820 and
1830 came here and located in Monroe, a place of
importance in those (lays, as the Government had
a land-office tlere. The Doctor thus became one
of the very early settlers of the town, and as physicians were scarce, as his skill became known he
was called upon by the pioneers far and near to
minister to their bodily ills, as sickness was very
prevalent in the newly settled country, the rich,
fresh soil when upturned by the plow for the first
time, loading tihe air with malaria. Often lie had
to travel over most impassable roads in the dense
primneval forests, or over the barely discernable
Indian trail to visit some primeval log habitation
to carry relief to the sick or dying inmates. A
doctor's life was not one of ease in those days, but
after all it had its compensations. In their hard
struggle witl the forests of nature, though the
people had but little time for the amenities of life,
yet warm and true hearts beat under their homespun, and they were ldrawn closer together, and
were always ready to lend 'a hand to those in distress. Thle wise and kind-hearted physician who
so often brought balm and healing to their bedside
was looked upon as their best friend and most
sagacious counselor, and he always held a high
place in their hearts, and their doors were always.
olen to him. Doctor Adams lived to see the
country well developed, countless happy homes,
productive farms. thriving towns and happy villages, where lie had traveled through a seemingly
endless wilderness, haunted by wolves, bears and
other wild animals, and  where  when lie first








PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


397


------- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -- -


I


entered it the Indians had not departed from their
ancient haunts. I-e continued to enjoy a large
and lucrative practice until his deatl, in 1872,
caused by his horse running and throwing him
from his carriage, and thus was brought to a close
the honored life of one who was known and beloved far and wide. His wife, whose maiden name
was Mary Paddock, survived him     until 1886,
when she departed this life in Minnesota, at the
age of eighliy-four years.
The father of our subject was born in 1829, and
grew to man's estate in his native city. receiving a
good education in the lublic schools. In his youllt
Monroe had a large percentage of French 1)opulation, and lie was taught the French language at
school, and writes and reads it with ease. Ele established himself as a farner, and was thus engaged in Monroe until 1864. In that year lie went
to Saoinaw to enter the grocery business, Saginaw
at that time beingl  a small village, witl no railway
connection with the outside world, with no bridges
over the Saginaw River, and deer and bears roamned
where the city now stands. IHe carried on his
business a few years with good profit, and now
lives retired. The mother of our subject came to
America when she was eighteen years old. Five
of the nine children born to her and her husband
are now living, namely: Henry J., Mary E., IMargaret A., Emma F. and Thomas.
Henry Adams was seven years of age when he
accompanied his parents to Saginaw, and there lie
was given good educational advantages, and attended the city schools quite regularly until he
was fifteen years old, and then commenced clerking
in his father's store. From the close confinement
necessitated by his employment, his health began
to fail and he was obliged to abandon the store.
lHe then went into the lumber region in search of
work, and was there given employment in scaleing
logs. His health was restored, and the knowledge
that lie gained concerning the lumber business has
been of inestimable value to him since lie has been
carrying it on himself. IIe has been associated
with Mr. Plummer for the last five years, and they
are doing an extensive and paying business.
Mr. Adams and Miss Lena A. Cicotte were
united in marriage Atugust 21, 18l8, and they have


I


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established a pleasant and comfortable home. To
them has been born one clild, Arthur J. Mrs.
Adams is also a native of Michigan, her grandparents being amongr the early pioneers of Monroe,
her birthplace. She is a daughter of HIilary and,Josep)line Cicotte, natives of Monroe.
Mr. Adams is a man of marked enterprise, of
financial ability, and in his business and social
relations his energetic character and practical sagacity find ample field for exercise. His extensive
acquaintance with every branch of the lumber
trade has l-laterially contributed to his high standing in business circles throughout the county.
\l ARRISON 1B. TRIP', the owner and occupant of a fine farm on section 10, Hanover.iy ' Township, is the son of one of the early pio(   neers of this county, and was one of the first
white clild(ren born in the township. HIis estate cornl)rises one hundred and sixty-five broad and fertile
acres. bearing good improvements, and devoted to
tlhe purposes of general farming, the cattle, sheep,
an(d hogs that are raised being of a high standard.
Altloulgh lMr. Trip;l has begun his journey down
the shady side of tlie hill of time, he has not given
up active charge of his estate, but still displays the
energy and activity which have secured to him an
abundance of tlis world's goods.
The subject of this sketch is a grandson of Cyrus
Tripp, a soldier of the War of 1812, who died at
tle age of eighty-four years. HIe married Polly
Ieland, who was born 1 784, and died in 1823; they
were natives of Vermont. His father was Elmon
B., who was born in New York in 1809, and who
married Miss Lucinda A. Parsons, who was born in
the same State in 1815. The mother of our subject was the daughter of Charles and Rebecca A.
(LIewis) Parsons, natives of Connecticut. Mr. Parsons was a clothier by trade; they came to Michigan in 1834. Mr. Parsons made and operated the
first separator in Hanover Township. The first
church in Hanover Township was built in 1855, as
a Union Church, and remains.so at the present
writing. The Horton cemetery was established in




398            PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


1840. The first house built in Horton, was a log
house built by Marlin Tripp, in 1836. Mr. and
Mrs. Elmon Tripp came to Michigan in 1832, settling on the farm which their son now occupies, in
1835, having secured it from  the United States
Government. It was all wild land, as was that
which surrounded it, and Indians were still lingering in the vicinity. Mr. Tripp was present one
day when the savages were cooking a coon in a
kettle, and they asked him "shemokeman" meaning
"white man, like coon."
The limit of land allowed by the Government to
any one claimant at the time Elmon Tripp took up
his tract, was eighty acres. He built one of the
first log cabins in the township, clearing off his
place, and a few months later married the lady before mentioned, whose parents were also early settlers here. The young couple began their life in
the primitive manner of the times, laboring handin hand to upbuild their fortunes and rear their
family in a becoming manner. They were blessed
with three children, two of whom are now deceased.
Mr. Tripp held the office of Treasurer of Hanover
Township in 1848, and he also served on the School
Board. His death occurred in 1868; his wife is
still living at the ripe old age of seventy-five years,
and makes her home at Montague, Muskegon
County.
Harrison B. Tripp is the first-born cf his parents'
children, and opened his eyes to the light June 6,
1837. Ile received a district school education,
which he has since supplemented by extensive reading. He remained at home and took charge of the
farm for his father until he was twenty-six years
of age, when he set up his own household. In the
fall of 1864, he removed to California, settling in
Tehama County, where he remained two years, after which he returned to his former home. He
has added to the original homestead of his father,
bringing the acreage up to the amount before mentioned, and successfully managing the entire estate.
On the last day of the year 1863, Mr. Tripp was
united in marriage with Miss Phoebe A., daughter
of Horace and Elizabeth B. (Sloat) Williams. She
is the fourth of nine children born to her parents,
and her natal day was October 3, 1841. She is a
well-informed, amiable woman, with housewifely




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skill and social qualities. Her parents came to
Michigan at an early day, and her mother is still
living at Horton at the age of eighty-three years.
Her father died in 1873.
To Mr. and Mrs. Tripp seven children have been
born-George H., HIettie M., Nellie E., Eddie Ray,
Clyde, Earl Elmond, and Arly. George H., the
eldest son, was graduated in the Class of '87, from
the Detroit Business College, receiving a special
recommendation from  the faculty; Nellie E. has
taught scliool in this county, winnirg a good record
in her profession; Hettie M. has a fine dressmaking establishment in Jackson, using the Madame
Kellogg system of dress-cutting. The other members of the family circle are attending school at
Horton.
Mr. Tripp takes an intelligent interest in the political issues, votes the Republican ticket, and has
been a delegate to the County Conventions on several occasions. In 1883 he was Township Supervisor, and for seven years he has been a member of
the School Board. He manifests the same energy
in local affairs, which has made him successful in
his individual efforts, and endeavors to fulfill the
duties of office in a creditable manner. He is a
member of the Masonic fraternity at Horton. His
qualities of mind and character are duly appreciated by his fellow-citizens, who accord him his just
measure of respect.
LIVER P. RICHARDS. Although quite a
young man, this gentleman already has considerable weight in the community where he
resides, a fact which is easily accounted for by his
strong principles, his active interest in the welfare.
of all around him, and the pleasant manners which
are the crowning charm of a fine nature. His parents
are numbered among the pioneers of this county, to
whom great honor is due for the manner in which
they bore privation and hardship, and the toils
which they underwent in giving to the generation
which followed them, a highly developed and
beautiful country with all the blessings of civilization. It would be strange indeed if a son of such






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.        399


parents should not possess the qualities which
would lead to his own financial success, and to a
highly-respected place among his fellow-men.
A brief outline of the life of Mr. Richards' parents will aid us in understanding the character of
our subject, even though we give but the outlines,
allowing the details to be filled in by the reader's
imagination. Henry Richards was born in Washington County, N. Y.. in 1811, and on April 8,
1833, was united in marriage with Mary A. Patterson, of Castleton, Vt. In 1836 he came to Michigan, and in this county worked by the month to
obtain means with whiich to bring his wife to the
region where he had determined to make his home,
and to prepare a place in whicl to dwell. The
year after his own arrival his wife came West, and
they took up their abode in IHanover Township on
a farm now owned Jby John Chilson. Ere long
they removed to a tract on section 34, which is now
owned and occupied by our subject. There were
some crude improvements on the place, but all the
luildings now standing upon it were erected by
Mr. Richards, and the most of the acreage was put
under cultivation by him. The industry whch lihe
exhibited met with its reward, and he became one
of the prosperous farmers of the vicinity. Not only
so, but he secured the esteem of his neighbors, and
they manifested their confidence in his ability and
iionor by bestowing upon him the offices of Road
Commissioner and Township Assessor. In 1874
lie removed to the village of Hanover, where he
continued to make his home until called from time
to eternity.  While on a visit to a brother in the
East he was stricken by paralysis, but lived a few
years, breathing his last September 30, 1887. He
left a widow and six children to mourn his loss.
The widow is still living, and is now seventy-four
years of age.
The subject of this sketch is the youngest child
in the parental family, and was born on the farm
lie now owns, August 10, 1852. His-schooling
was obtained in the district schools of the township,
and he continued to assist his father on the home
farm until he was twenty-two years of age. He
then set up a home of his own, on April 15, 1874,
being united in marriage with Miss Dollie A. Bidwell, who was born in the sIme township, August


19, 1853. She is descended from sturdy stock in
both ancestral lines, and her mother is a very
talented woman.  With a good common-school
education and careful training in useful domestic
habits and accomplishments, Mrs. Richards is a
lady well calculated to fulfill the duties which devolve upon her in home and society. She and her
husband hlave one child, a daughter, Maude, born
June 14, 1875. She attends the Hanover High
School, and is a very fine scholar, being especially
well versed in Arithmetic, United States History
and Physiology. Mr. and Mrs. Ricllards are rearing a boy, Willie Dunn, who was born July 21,
1876, and who will receive all the advantages of a
soln.
The father of Mrs. Richards, Stephen Bidwell,
was born in the Empire State, July 14, 1828, and
accompanied  his parents, Cepter and Gillian
(Powell) Bidwell, to Michigan, in 1834.  They
settled in Monroe County, but a year later removed
to St. Joseph County, sojourning but eighteen
months, when they returned to Monroe County,
where both died in 1838, only ten days elapsing
between their deatils. Stephen Bidwell spent six
years in Lenawee County, and in 1845 came to this
county, where he spent a year. He then returned
to Lenawee County, entered into partnership with
his uncle, Mr. Powell, and was engaged in the
mercantile business in Clinton three years. The
firm then suffered the loss of their store by fire, and
with the $300 which Mr. Bidwell saved lie bought
thirty acres of land, which he afterward gave to
his grandmother. On September 26, 1852, he was
united in marriage with Mary L. Cornwell, who
was born in New York, in 1836, and whose parents
settled in Liberty Township, this county, a year
later. This union was blessed by the birth of
eight children, of whom Mrs. Richards is the eldest.
Mr. and Mrs. Bidwell are now living in Liberty
Township, this county. Mrs. Bidwell has written
considerable poetry which has found its way into
print, and she writes much prose for newspapers.
She takes an active part in the Farmers' Club of
West Liberty.
Mr. Richards is a Mason, belonging to Blue
Lodge, No. 113, of Moscow, Hillsdale County.
He is also a member of the Patrons of Industry,






400


PORTR'AIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL~A   ALBUIM.


40       POTRI AN BORAHCALBM


and formerly belonged to the Knights of Labor.
He is Director of School District No. 7, and has
served in some capacity on the School Board a
dozen years. In 1886 he was Highway Commissioner of the township. IIe is now serving his
fourth year as Justice of the Peace, and during
this time has settled up every case but one that
came before him, the nlumber being nearly thirty.
lHe has served as a juror a great many times. In
politics he always takes an active part, and has frequently served as a delegate to county conventions,
and once as delegate to the State Convention.  lie
is temperate in all his habits, but cannot be a third
party man, and continues to affiliate with the
Democracy. The estate on which    ie carries on
general farming and stock-raising comprises one
hundred and fifty acres, all improved; the residence was erected by his father thirty. five years
ago. He has a very wide acquaintance throughout
the county, and few men of his years in any part
of the country are more highly respected.
T  JENJAMIN   DANN. No member of the
farming community comprising    Pulaski
' Township is held in greater honor and
esteem than this gentleman, and no one is
more worthy of the success that results from diligence, prudence and well-directed labor.  The
farm that he owns on section 1, is in every respect
as valuable an estate as any in its vicinity, its
well-kept surroundings, finely-tilled fields, neat
buildings and other evidences of care and thrift,
showing excellent management on the part of the
proprietor.
William Dann, the father of our subject, was a
native of Connecticut, and worked at his trade of
a cooper in the town of Ridgefield. During the remarkably cold summer of 1816 he and his fanlily
removed to the town of Mendon, Monroe County,
N. Y., where he engaged at his trade, and also
bought and improved some land. His last years
were spent in Livingston County, that State, where
he died at the age of sixty-seven years, The


I 


mother of our subject, whose maiden name was
Ruth Keeler, was also a native of Connecticut, a
daughter of Nehemiah Keeler, likewise of Connecticut birth. He was a successful merchant in
Ridgefield, was also a large land-owner and farmer,
and operated a distillery on his farm near Ridgefield, Conn. The mother of our subject died in
Monroe County, N. Y. She and her husb'and had
twelve children, of whom the following is the record: Amos, Harry and John are deceased, the
latter dying in infancy; Mehitable and Jane are
deceased; Maria is now Mrs. Atwell, of Jefferson,
Ohio; Benjamin was the next in order of birth;
Betsy and John arc deceased; Mary, Mrs. Logan,
of Atlas, Mich.; )ecator is deceased; Adanirai
lives in Alpena.
Benjamin I)ann was born in Ridgefield, Conn.,
July 10, 1807, and the early years of his life were
passed in that pleasant New England town. He
was nine years old when his parents removed to
Monroe County, N. Y., where the remaining years
of his boyhood and youth were spent. His advantages for an education were limited to an occasional term in a subscription school held in a log
house, and lie is in the main self-educated, and,
indeed, a self-made man, as he owes more to his
own efforts than to fortune. He was reared to
agricultural pursuits, and when fourteen years of
age began to work out by the month, his father
getting the benefit of his wages until he was twentyyears old. He then began working for himself,
was employed by the month for awhile, and then
began jobbing and teaming. In 1848 he came to
Michigan, coming by water to Detroit, thence by
rail to Port Huron, where he wintered. In the
spring of 1849 he went to Kalamazoo, where he
managed a farm on shares, the old Webster farm,
three miles out of Kalamazoo. He was thus engaged about two years, and the remainder of the
time did jobbing and teaming. In 1853 he came
to Concord Township, and was employed on Mark
L. Ray's farm the ensuing year. At the expiiation of that time he rented the old Albert Spratt
place, and operated it until 1863, when he bought
his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres.
It was then an undeveloped tract of land, which
by persevering toil he has improved into one of




PORTRAIT[' AND BIOGRAPC~fcHICGAL, ALBUM.~l`


401


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALI3IIYM.             401


the finest and most productive quarter-sections in
the county.  IIe has over two miles of stone
wall for fence, has seven acres devoted to a fine
orchard, and has substantial, conveniently arranged
buildings. He engages in grain and stock raising,
and has some good grades of Clyde horses.
Mr. Dann's marriage with Miss Marinda Richardson took place in Ontario County, N. Y., January
8, 1847. Three children hlave been born of their
happy wedded life-Laura J., their only daughlter,
died at the age of five years; George, an enterprising and capable young man, is a skillful well
driller; he married Miss Helen Kellog, and has es.
tablished a pleasant home in Homer; Floyd F.,
who manages the home farm, is a wide-awake
young man, and is well liked by all for his straightforwardness and pleasant manners; he married Miss
Anna West, and they have one child Governor
Benjamin.
The wife of our subject was born in Livingston
County, N. Y., in Livonia Township, June 26,
1818, and was the youngest of a family of fifteen,
all of whom grew to maturity, but only two are
now living, Mlrs. )ann and her brother 1)aniel,
who resides in Isabel County, Mich. Mrs. Iann
had good school advantages, and was thoroughly
drilled in all household matters, and is a fine housewife, knowing well how to look after tile comfort of
her household. IIer father, Jonathan Richardson,
a native of Rutland County, Vt., was of Irish descent.  His grandfatherl, who was killed by the
Indians in the Revolutionary War, was a popular
man in his homie among the green hills of Vermont,
where he carried on farming and engaged in the
mill business. The father of Mrs. I)ann was a
farmer, and also engaged in running tile old mill
that had belonged to his father. He subsequently
removed to Livingston County, N. Y., of which lle
was an early settler, and lie cleared a farm there.
lie took part in the War of 1812, and was a prisoner in the hands of the lritish for awhile. IIe
was a practical miller as well as a skillful farmer,
and buying a farm in Livonia, lie engaged in milling and farming very successfully.  Iis last days
were passed in Allegany County, N. Y., his death
occurring in Allegany Township at the venerable
age of ninety years. Mrs. l)ann's mother, whose


maiden name was Rtioda Thompson, was also a
native of Vermont.
In the sunset of life our subject and his most
estimable wife are enjoying the fruits of their early
years of united toil in a home that is the centre of
coziness and comfort, and in the enjoyment of a
good income. Though our subject has passed the
milestone that marks a journey of eighty.three
years on life's road, he retains much of the activity
and energy that characterized him in the prime of
life, and his fine mental faculties are unimpaired.
Ile is a great reader, an intelligent talker, as during his long life he has kept his observing powers
on the alert, and has a fund of imformation in regard to tile past and to the wonderful improve,
ments that lie has witnessed, and about the great
progress of the world since tie days when lie was a
boy. In all his dealings our subject has preserved
the inherent honesty ani] integrity of his character,
and he has always held the unlimiited confidence of
his neighbors an(d of all who know him, and is, all
in all, one of our best citizens. Ile takes an active
interest in politics, and is a Republic.an, first, last,
and( always.


EV. (:EOR(GE IIITNN     IIICKOX, Chaplain
i c    of the Mlielighan State Penitentiary,is a genJ\\ ttleman in every way fitted for tile duties
'of his responsible position and makes his
hea(lquarters at one of the pleasantest homes in
Jackson. IIe was born in Monroe County, N. Y.,
October 12, 1822, and is the son of Erastus Ilickox,
a native of Massachusetts and a farmer by occupation. His mother bore the maiden name of Lurana
Turner. She was a native of New York State.
The father died when George II. was only eightecn months old. He was the youngest of eight children, and the family was left in moderate circumstances. lie continued on the farm with his mother
and attended the district school until a youth of
fifteen years, whenl he began working out for the
farmers in his neighborhood. In 1845 the family
came to Washtenaw County, this State, locating on
a farm where George spent six years. Then leav





402            PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


----— ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ —I —~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ --- —


ing home he entered the Kalamazoo College at
Kalamazoo in order to study for the ministry, and
during the four years he spent there, he not only
made his own way by working at odd times but
provided for his mother. Upon completing his studies he accepted the p)astorate of the Baptist Church
at Dexter, where he remained three and one-half
years.
In the meantime Mr. Hickox was married, in
1856, to Miss Rachel Cummings, of Battle Creek,
and the daughter of Fisher Cummings, who spent
his last years in Battle Creek, dying in 1859.
Owing to his knowledge of farming, the family
desired Mr. Hickox to take charge of his father'sin-law estate until the personal property of the ertire estate could be disposed of. At the expiration
of the time mentioned he received a call from the
church at Lowell, Kent County, of which he remained in charge two years. Next he began recruiting men for the United States service and the
preservation of the Union. He was proffered a
captaincy which he was obliged to decline on account of physical disability.
Receiving then a call from the Baptist Church
at Pontiac, Mr. Hickox accepted and there spent
many happy days. Upon leaving Pontiac he went
into the army as a Christian Commission delegate
at Louisville, Ky., serving the delegate's term, lasting six weeks. During his absence he had several
calls to the pastorate of churches. Thinking to still
act in the army he accepted the appointment and
acted as a delegate for the distribution of sanitary
supplies to the hospital, his jurisdiction extending
over Louisville,Jeffersonville and New Albany,Ind.,
also having charge of all delegate work in those
cities. Twelve months later, on account of his
wife's illness he returned to Michigan, only to suffer
the bereavement of her death in September, 1864.
There had been born to them one child, who died
when two years old.
Still continuing in the ministry, Mr. Hickox was
next stationed at Lansing and presided over one
congregation eight years. In the fall of 1872 lie
accepted the chaplaincy of the Michigan State
Penitentiary, a position which he has since most
ably filled. He has been an industrious and efficient
worker, and although quite well advanced in years


may still be found in his office from early morning
until late in the evening. It cannot be doubted
that he has a conscientious regard for the duties of
his office and the responsibilities devolving upon
him, and he enjoys the satisfaction of having seen
the Michigan State Prison rise to rank among tile
best of penal institutions in the United States.
-- ------— ^^-2-^          -----------
)     DGAR BURNETT. This gentleman is wellknown as the Agent of the American Ex.
l  press Company and Merchants' Dispatch
Transfer Company in Jackson, having held the responsible position since 1873, when he first took
charge of the business of the American Express
Company here. He entered their employ at the
age of seventeen years and soon showed his business ability and the reliableness of his character,
and won the confidence of his employers.
Asa Burnett, the father of our subject, was an
early settler of Michigan, to which he came in
1832, locating in Ann Arbor, where he passed the
remainder of his life. His wife, formerly Miss
Delinda E. Sias, is still living there; she is a native
of New York, and is the mother of four daughters
and one son, the latter being the fourth on the
family roll.
Edgar Burnett was born in Ann Arbor, October
17, 1849, passing his early life as a pupil in the
public schools of his native city, and early began
the battle of life for himself. Upon leaving home
his first employment was farm labor, in which lie
was occupied three years.  -Ie then entered the
employ of the American Express Company, working for it in Ann Arbor for three years, and then
being given a position in Detroit where he remained
five years. In December, 1873, he took charge of
their interests in Jackson, where he has since remained.
On August 13, 1875, the rites of wedlock were
celebrated between Mr. Burnett and Miss Clara G.
Jaycocks, in Jackson, the bride being a native of
Palmyra, Wis. The parents of the bride had removed to that place from Connecticut. Mrs. Burnett is an intelligent and estimable woman, under






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL; ALBUM.


403


=I --- ~ ~ OTRI  AN  BIORAPICA  ALBUM.__   403 --- -I ---I


whose control the cozy and comfortable residence
at No. 331 Blackstone Street proves a true home.
The marriage has been blessed by the birth of
seven bright children, named respectively: Hattie,
Asa M., Grace A., Burt E., Gertrude,Adelaide and
H-arry.
A ERCHANT KELLEY is a prominent farmer and fine stock-raiser, living on section
tion 31, Columbia Township. His estate,
known as the Columbia Stock Farm, consists of one hundred and forty acres, which he has
owned for many years. Upon it he has made many
improvements of the first class, among them being
substantial barns and other convenient buildings,
and a fine two-story brick residence, pleasantly located and furnished in a style befitting the means
and taste of the family which occupies it. Mr.
Kelley has given considerable attention to the
progressive breeding of stock for eight years, and
is the owner of some fine animals. His Percheron
horse, "Marc Antony, Jr," is a splendid equine, six
years old, and weighing sixteen hundred pounds.
He has also four thoroughbred bulls, the chief
being "Butterfly of Rome." His sheep flock represents Shropshire stock and his swine are Berkshires.
The gentleman of whom we write was born on the
farm now occupied by his father, Nelson Kelley, on
section 31, Columbia Township, February 10, 1848.
The father is a native of Delaware County, N. Y.,
and the son of Thomas N. Kelley, a native of
America, but of Irish parentage and descent.
Thomas N. Kelley grew to maturity in New York,
adopting the occcupation of a farmer. He married
Miss Hannah Daugherty, who was born and reared
in the Empire State. When their son, Nelson, was
thirteen years old, Thomas Kelley and his wife removed to Michigan, crossing the lake to Detroit,
and thence overland to Lenawee County. Mr.
Lenawee secured some Government land on section
5, Woodstock Township, where he died a few
months later, being then a little past middle life.
He was a hard-working, upright man and a sue
cessful farmer. His wife survived him, dying
about the year 1870, when quite old; she was then
living with her second husband,who is now deceased.


Nelson Kelley, the father of our subject, being
left without a father's care in early youth, lived
with his mother and worked out until he became of
age. In the county in which he lived he was married to Miss M  gagaret Brooks, who was born in
Delaware County, N. Y., accompanied her parents
to Michigan in her girlhood and grew to womanhood in Lenawee County. After their marriage,
Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Kelley began life in the way
common to new beginners in that early day, content with the moderate belongings, encouraging
and aiding each other, and looking forward to a
home of ease and comfort in later years. They
located on section 31, Columbia Township, this
county, where Mr. Kelley owns one hundred and
sixty acres of good land, most of which is thoroughly improved. He is now sixty-seven years of
age, his wife being a few months older. Slie is a
member of the Baptist Church. Of the children
born to them, two are still living-our subject
and his sister, Eva, wife of J. S. Flint, living on
an eighty-acre tract in the same township.
Merchant Kelley was reared and educated in
this county, and in his own township married Miss
Nettie Swartout, whose womanly virtues and accomplishments won his regard and gain her many
friends. She was born August 13, 1844, in Woodstock Township, Lenawee County, reared and educated there, remaining under the parental roof
until her marriage. She is one of eight children
born to Isaac and Mary A. (Lockwood) Swartout,
natives of Ulster County, N. Y. After their marriage they came to Michigan, settling on a new
farm, which was their home during tile remainder
of their lives, both dying at a good old age. Mrs.
Kelley is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr.
Kelley and his father are sound Democrats in their
political views.


M ICHAEL LOSEY, a son of one of the earli\  est pioneers of this county, belongs to one
of its representative families. His parents were Oliver and Cynthia (Cadey) Losey, the former of whom is now deceased and the








404


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


latter living with our subject. The Losey family
was represented in the Revolutionary War by
Jesse, a great-uncle of our subject, who fought
under the direct command of (Ger. Washington.
Oliver Losey and his estimable wife were both born
in Pennsylvania, and about 1835 came to Michigan Territory, locating first in Sandstone Township, Jackson County, where they remained one
year. Thence they removed to Ingham County,
where they lived several years, and afterward returning to this county, settled in Tompkins Township, living there also many years. Their next
removal was a return to Sandstone Township, they
locating upon the land which their son, our subject, now occupies.
The father of our subject here purchased sixty
acres, and performed a large amount of pioneer
labor. IHe was one of the first settlers of Tompkins Township, there being only a few   houses
within a radius of several miles from the land upon
which lie located. He was a man much respected
in his community, and attained to his threescore
years and ten, departing this life I)ecember 14,
1885. The parental houselold consisted of twelve
children, six of whom are living, viz: Andrew, of
Tompkins Townslip; Michael, our subject; Sarahl
A., the wife of Harrison Bradford, of Sandstone
Township; Phebe, Mrs. Myron Raymond, of Tompkins Township; George, also a resident of tlat
township; and Estella, Mrs. Burton Pomeroy. MAr.
Losey was a sound Republican, politically, and
bore an enviable reputation for honesty and integrity, making for himself a record which lis children are proud to look upon.
The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood and
youth in a comparatively uneventful manner, learning to till the soil and obtaining such education as
the schools of this region afforded. lie )pursued
his first studies in the primitive log schoolhouse,
to which he walked two miles back and forth, attending principally during the winter season. UTpon
reaching man's estate, he was married, February 13,
1859, to Miss Rosalia Raymond, and there were
born to them two children-Oliver, who is now a
resident of Jackson; and Olive, Mrs. John Losey,
of Sandstone Township. Mrs. Rosalia Losey (teparted this life at the homestead, March 24, 18G64.


Our subject contracted a second marriage, July
12, 1865, witlh Miss Lucy A. Raymond. This lady
was born November 2, 1844, in Sandstone Township, this county, and is the daughter of William
and Olive (Stevens) Raymond, the former of whom
is deceased. Mrs. Raymond subsequently became
the wife of William Vedder, and is represented on
another page in this volume. Mr. Losey by his
second marriage became the father of seven children, five of whom are living, namely: Rosalia, the
wife of George Ives, of Jackson; Michael, Ernest,
Ansel and Harry are at home with their parents.
Mr. Losey has eighty acres of choice land in the
home farm and ten acres in Tompkins Township.
Iis career llas been that of a self-made man,
who started out in life dependent upon his
own resources, and who has earned a competence
simply by his unflagging industry and perseverance. Ile was trained by his honored father in
the doctrines of the Republican party, to which he
still loyally adheres. Mr. and Mrs. Losey have
seen much of pioneer life in this county, and as
peaceable and law-abiding citizens have contributed
their full quota to its growthl and prosperity.
-   YR[IS L. KINGSBURY. One of the most
flourishing business establishments of Jackson is thiat carried on by the firm of Kingsbllry, lHelling & Co., wholesale dealers in fruits,
tobacco, oysters and canned goods. They not only
have a good trade in Michigan, but their business extends in two or three States, and they employ two men as traveling salesmen. Their place
of business is No. 139, West Pearl Street, where
the genial proprietors, even in their busiest hours,
find time for a pleasant word with their friends.
The senior member of the above firm was born
at Cassopolis, Cass County, Mich., February 4,
1864, being the second son of Asa and Jane (Morris) Kingsbury. lHis father was born in Massachusettts and his mother in New York. During
his early life Asa Kingsbury was a farmer, but
later in life was engaged in the banking business,
at tile time of his death being one of the princi



v


  z WM




"'va-I ME
Av
-p y






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


407


pal stockholders in the First National Bank at Cassopolis. He breathed his last in 1885, his widow
surviving until 1887. Their family comprised five
sons and eight daughters, twelve of whom are now
living and all in the State of Michigan.
Cyrus L. Kingsbury obtained his education in
the schools of Cassopolis, and began his mercantile
experience as a clerk in the store of Herrington &
Smith in that city. With that firm he remained
about twelve months, after which he formed a copartnership with his brother, George M., in a general store. Four years later lie sold his interest,
and in October, 1884, came to Jackson. Iere lie
entered into a partnership with Charles C. lelling,
under the firm name before noted. and embarked
in the business which has grown to such important
financial interest.
An important step in the life of Mr. Kingsbury
was consummated February 5, 1884, when he became the husband of Miss Clara R., daughter of
Henry W. Richards, of )owagiac, Mich., a young
lady whose grace and culture, combined with her
agreeable disposition, are well calculated to make a
happy home. Mr. Kingsbury is a member of Jackson Lodge, No. 17, A. F. & A. MI., Ja.ckson Chapter No. 3, and Jackson    Commandery, No. 9,
Knight Templars. Politically, lie is a Democrat.
)ILLIAM C. LOVE. Worthy of considerable mention as a pioneer of Jackson County
as well as a prominent agriculturist and
stock-raiser, is the gentleman with whose name we
initiate this sketch. He ldates his residence here
from the year 1834,when in his early manhood, he accompanied his father to the then unimproved West.
His pleasant homestead is located on sections 1 
and 13, Columbia Township, and comprises one
hundred and ninety-eight acres of land. Since
coming to this county lie has improved and cleared
two liundred and thirty acres of land, part of which
has been disposed of. The estate is thoroughly
equipped with those structures that go to beautify
and make comfortable a rural homestead, and all
have been erected by Mr. Love.
In the second generation preceding our subject,


the direct line of paternal ancestry is represented
by John Love, a native of the Empire State and a
farmer by occupation. He was a cousin of the
well-known Judge Love, of Buffalo. N. Y., and
was reared in his native State where he married
Anna Burnett, a native of Connecticut and of New
England stock: she had come to New York when a
young woman and there met lher future husband, at
that time a prominent young man. A number of years
after his marriage, John Love took a large contract
on tlie Erie Canal, to furnish twenty-four hundred
tons of stone to build a lock near Auburn, N.Y. The
distance, seven miles, over which tile miaterial had
to be conveyed, made the job one of considerable
imnportance. THe and his son Calvin worked hard
to fulfill tlie contract and the father, over exerting
himself, (lied very suddenly, before lie could be
taken to his home in Cayuga County, some twenty
miles distant. I-He was but little past middle age
and the most of his life had( been spent as a farmer.
His wife survived him many years, dying in Ithaca.
N. Y., when nearly one hundred years old. Both
were nmembers of tie  apltist Church. They had a
family of eleven children, all but two of whom
lived to rear families, and all are now deceased.
Calvin Love, the father of our subject, was born
in the Empire State, growing to maturity in Washington County. H-e there married Miss Rhoda
Moore, a native of Washington County, where her
father, William MAoore, a prominent farmer died at
quite an advanced age. After the birth of their
first child, our subject, Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Love
removed to Tompkins County, and a few years
later to Cayuga County. There they were living
when the canal contract at Auburn was taken and
after the death of their father, Calvin Love and
his brothers completed the contract. For some
years following hle carried on farm work in the
same couiity and then removed to Erie County,
living in Buffalo a year, and then going to a farm
in Newsted Township, on the old Buffalo and
Albany Road.
In the spring of 1834, Calvin Love and his family
went to Buffalo, thence crossed the lake to Ietroit,
Miih., and thence up through a sparsely settled
country, over muddy roads but slightly traveled,
to the town of Clinton. There the family sojourned




I


408


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


for a time while the subject of this sketch returned
with their horses to Detroit for a load of goods
left behind. During his absence the father and the
second son, Thomas, walked to Brooklyn, this
county, to look for land. Some old New York
State friends had a short time before come to this
locality, and they preferred, if the prospects were
favorable, to make their home in the same vicinity.
At that time there were but two buildings in Brooklyn, four or five log cabins at Napoleon, and no
house between the two. The land, which still belonged to the Government, bore its primeval appearance and was known as oak openings.
Calvin Love soon' decided where he would preempt a homestead, and secured a choice piece of
land one mile north of Brooklyn-then called
Swansville. The land had to be entered at the
Government land office in Monroe, and the money
necessary to pay for it was entrusted to the second
son, Thomas, who went on foot to Monroe and secured the Government patent. The first tract of
land comprised eighty acres on section 13, to which
an eighty adjoining was subsequently added, the
quarter section afterward being the scene of the
labors of Calvin Love until his death. In the
summer of 1834 the family located on their claim
which was adorned by a log cabin. During the
summer ground was broken and a "patch" planted
to potatoes which produced a supply of this food
for the ensuing year. Notwithstanding their lrimitive manner of life, or perhaps because the family
circle was drawn more closely together by the privations they endured, the home was a very happy
one, especially prior to the death of the father.
That sad event took place some fifteen years after
his arrival in Michigan, he being then fifty-seven
years of age. He had lived only to see the country
commence a prosperous growth, but was not spared
to witness the height of its development. He was
a man of great energy, generous and kind to all,
and a loving husband and father. Iis wife survived him some years, dying when quite old at the
home of a daughter in Adiian. She had been a
true wife, a loving mother, and a good neighbor.
Both were members of the Baptist Church, of which
Mr. Love was an officer.
William C. Love, of whom we write, was born


in Washington County, N. Y., January 23, 1813.
I-e and his sister Maria are the only survivors in a
family which once comprised six members, five
brothers and one sister. The latter is the wife of
Daniel Welch, a money-loaner and well-to do resident of Adrian. After coming to Michigan our
subject worked with his father for two years, receiving sixty acres of the homestead for his services,
and at once beginning to farm on his own account;
afterward he increased his landed possessions to the
amount before mentioned and brought his present
farm to a high state of cultivation and improvement. He was first niarried in Erie County, N. Y.,
to Miss Mary Boyers, a native of that county and
the daughter of a farmer. In 1835 she came to
Micligan to join her husband, and from that time
until her death in 1886, by her counsels and personal efforts aided him in the upbuilding of his
fortunes and his duties as a citizen. She was the
mother of one living child, Helen A., wife of Judson
Freeman, one of the keepers of the State prison at
Jackson. When called from time to eternity she
was sixty-eight years old, and her death was
mourned by a large circle of acquaintances.
The subject of this notice contracted a second
matrimonial alliance, in the township which is his
home, his bride being Mrs. Hannah Hartwell nec
Parmenter, a native of New York, who came to
Michigan when quite young. She is a sister of
Mrs. Ruth Hoagland and a full history of the Parmenter family will be found in the sketch of J. B.
Hoagland. Her marriage with Harman HIartwell
resulted in the birth of three children: Ellen,
Henry and Melissa. She died at her home in this
township in 1887, being then in middle life.
Mr. Love was a third time married, the ceremony
being performed in his township and his companion
being Mrs. Lucy Love itee Gallap. She was born
in Erie County, N. Y., December 5, 1828, to Gardner J. and Polly S. (Crego) Gallap. When she was
but six years old her parents came to Michigan,
locating in Columbia Township, this county, where
the father died in 1846, at the age of forty-four
years.  His widow is still living, having now
reached the advanced age of eighty-four years, and
making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Ed.
Pratt. Mrs. Lucy Love was reared and educated






PORTRAIT AND lB10( RAPHICAL ALBTIM.


409




in this township, becoming the wife of Samuel
Love, a younger brother of our subject, who died
at his home on the old homestead January 24, 1872.
LIe was then fifty-four years old. lie left his widow
with two children, Rhoda M., wife of Ethelbert
Loomis, who is now living on the old Love homestead, and G. Percy, wlio is a clerk in the store of
Mr. Ennis, of Brooklyn, and who married Miss
Nellie Murney of that city.
Mr. Love is a stanch Republican and was formerly a Whig. He is a man of stanch ideas and
one to be relied upon whenever he las arrived at a
decision. With an intelligent conception of his
duties as a citizen, a feeling of good will toward
mankind, and a deep regard for his own family, he
endeavors to honorably fulfill all the duties tliat
devolve upon him, and in so doing lie gains the
respect of those with whom he comes in contact.
Mrs. Love belongs to the Baptist Church, of wlich
her former husband was a member. She possesses
such traits of character as have gained for her the
respect and good will of the entire community. A
portrait of Mr. Love accompanies his personal
sketclh,
I OlIN W. STEWART, a resident of Jackson, has been for a quarter of a century a
faithful and valued employe of tile Michi-, /gan Central Railway Company, and is at
prescnt engaged in rlunning a stationary engine at
the building department. Ile is a competent engineer, trusted by his employrs, anid thoroughly
understands the business in which lie has had so
much experience. He is generally respected by all
who know him for his many good qualities, and
stands well in the community..James Stewart, the grandfather of our subject,
came from his native Scotland in Colonial times,
and settling in Virginia, spent his last days in that
State. He threw in his fortunes with the Colonists,
and did patriotic service in the Revolutionary
War. IIis son, William Stewart, was born and
reared in the Old Dominion, and early learned the
trade of a saddler. Removing- to Kentucky when
a young man. he formed a partnership with another


gentleman and manufactured saddles in Lexington.
In 1836 he removed with teams to Indiana and
became a pioneer of Montgomery County, where
he bouglht a tract of land partly improved and
provided with a log house and stable. He soon
turned his attention to the study of medicine, for
which lie liad a natural taste, and practiced it until
his useful career was closed by his premature death,
in 1839. Iis wife bore the maiden name of Susan
Stone, and was by birth a Virginian and a daughter of Joln Stone, who was of English descent. She
died on the home farm, near Crawfordsville, Ind.,
in 1856.
Lexington, Fayette County, Ky., was the early
hone of our subject, and there he was born April
28, 1828. At the age of eight years lie accompaniedl his parents from the pleasant homestead of
his birth to the wilds of Indiana. Ile attended the
pioneer schools of that State that were first conducted in a log cabin. As soon as large enough,
he had to assist in the cultivation of the farm. and
proved to be an industrious and able assistant as
the years rolled on. Ile lived with his mother
until he was seventeen years old, and then coInmenced to learn the trade of a saddler at Crawfordsville, and worked at it until he was eighteen, when
his employer failed. He was subsequently employed
at various occupations until lie was twenty years
old, when lie went to Covington to learn the shoemaker's trade. lie followed that calling in Indiaina until 1859, when he removed to Michigan,
making shoes in Marshall one year and then in
Battle Creek two years. At the expiration of that
time he returned to Marshall, and was there employed as foreman in a shoe store until 1865. In
that year he entered the employ of the Michigan
Centi'nl Railroad Company as fireman, acting in
tlhat capacity about four years, when lie was promoted to be engineer. He was thus engaged on
the roadl until 1887, and since that time has worked
at the shops, where he is now running a stationary
engine.
Mr. Stewart has been twice married; the name
of his first wife was Martha Lacy, who bore him
two children, the youngest of whom died in infancy. James 0. married Nora Walters, and lives
in Brainerd, Minn. Ile is an engineer on the North







410


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


ern Pacific Railway. Mr. Stewart contracted a
second marriage with Miss Lizzie S. Lathrop, by
which he has three children-Kate M., Willie D.
and Charles H., all of whom are well established in
life. Kate married Lansing IH. Cobb, and they have
two children, Walter and Bessie; Willie is an engineer on the Northern Pacific Railway, and makes
his home in St. Paul; Charles formerly traveled for
the Northwestern Electric Light and Construction
Company, and is Superintendent of the Sprague
Electric Railway Company, with headquarters at
Portland, Ore.
The maiden name of the mother of Mrs. Stewart
was Sarah Keyes, and she was the dalughter of Solomon Keyes, an extensive farmer of Cambridge,
Vt., where he spent his last days. The paternal
grandfather of Mrs. Stewart was also a Cambridge
farmer and died in that pleasant Vermont town.
Mrs. Stewart was but five years old when her parents died, and she was taken to New York City to
live with an uncle. There being no railways connecting Vermont with New York City, the journey
was made by stage to Troy, and thence by tile
Iudson River on a steamer to her destination.
Mrs. Stewart remained with her uncle for two
years, but city life did not agree witl the little
girl, who pined for the fresh air of her native hills.
She was, therefore, sent back to the Green Mountain State to make her home with an aunt, at first
in Cambridge.   Her relative soon removed to
Guildhall, and thence to Newbury, where Mrs.
Stewart was reared to womanhood. In 1855 she
went to Indiana to live with her brotler in Covington. She is a lady possessing most estimable
traits of character, and is highly respected in the
community. Mr. Stewart is a stanch Republican,
and in the ranks of that organization is prominent
and influential.
W1    ILLIAM    WATTS, the son of a pioneer
\   of Leoni Township, was reared and educated within its borders and is now numbered among the most desirable citizens of the
community, as he is an intelligent, straightforward,


diligent man, managing his affairs witlh discretion.
He has been variously connected with the industries of the county, and is at present engaged in
raising seeds, and is making a financial success of
this venture.
IIe was born in the town of Royalton, about
twelve miles from Cleveland, Ohio, October, 6,
1848. His father, Robert Watts, was born in England in 1796, married there and there lived until
1844, when he emigrated to this country with his
wife and eleven children. HIe first located in Ohio,
and was engaged in farming there until 1853, when
he crossed the line and located in Jackson County
among the pioneers of Leoni Township, where he
bought a tract of partly improved land and moved
into the log house that stood on the place. With the
exception of two years' residence in Jackson he
made his home here the remainder of his life, dying
at a ripe old age in October, 1882. He was a
man of more than ordinary intelligence, a great
reader, and well posted on all subjects of general
interest. In the development of a good farm, on
which he erected a neat set of frame buildings and
otherwise improved it. he performed his share in
the upbuilding of the township, and his name will
ever be held in reverence as that of a worthy pioneer. Iie was twice married; the first time in his
native land to Sarall Cook, who was also born in
England. She died in Ohio two months after their
arrival in this country. Ten of their children were
reared to maturity-Robert, James, Ann, Sarah,
William, Susan, Elizabeth, John, Emma and Cook.
Their son Thomas died at the age of six months.
The maiden name of Mr. Watts' mother was Susan
Teachout, and she was born in the State of New
York April 1, 1819. IHer father, Abraham Teachout, was a farmer and resided in different parts of
that State, finally moving to Ohio about 1837 and
settling in Cuyahoga County, where he bought land
in the town of Royalton. Later he moved to Liverpool, in Medina County, and there the rest of his
life was passed. The maiden name of his wife was
Clarissa Troop, and she was, it is thought, a native
of Connecticut, her last days being spent in Niagara County, N. Y. There were four children born
to the father of our subject in his last marriage, as
follows: Lucius, Eliza, William and Ida.




PORTRAIT AND) BIOG RAPHICAL ALBUIM.


411


William  was five years old when his )parents
brought him to this State. HIe gleaned a good
education in the district school, and early commenced to help his father in the labors of the farm.
Ile remained with his parents until he was eighteen
and then began to learn the trade of a wagonmaker. lie followed that and carpentering a part
of the time, and also engaged in farming some until
1874. In that year lie erected a flourmill on section 16, known as the Wild Cat Flouring Mill, and
he operated it, making money out of it, three years.
At the expiration of that time he sold to his partner, Daniel Boynton, for a good sum. In the
meantime lie had located where he now resides, and
had commenced raising seeds, which business he
found so profitable that lie concluded to devote his
wlole time to it, and hence sold the mill.
In October, 1873, by his marriage with Miss
Fanny Taber, he secured the co-operation of a
capable and energetic wife to assist him in the
upbuilding of a home. Mrs. Watts is a native of
Livingston County, N. Y., and a daughter of Consider Taber, who was born in the sanle State, his
birthplace being in Westchester County. He was
reared and married in his native State, and having
learned the blacksmith trade lie located in the village of York, Livingston County, and there bouglit
a house and lot, also a shop, and established himself at his calling. Ile remained there until 1865,
when lie sold his property and came to Michigan.
He bouglht the farm  where his widow and her
daughter and daughter's husband now reside, and
in turning his attention to agricultural pursuits he
proved himself to be as good a farmer as lie was
a skillful mechanic. There was a small frame house
on the place when he bought it, but he replaced it
by a more commodious residence and a fine set of
buildings. EIe was twice married, tile maiden name
of his second wife, Mrs. Taber, having been Susanna Johlnston. She was born in Northumberland,
Saratoga County, N. Y., March 10, 1810, being a
daughter of Andrew Johnston, a native of Scotland. His father, Peter Johnston, was born in
Dundee, Scotland, and emigrated from   there to
America in Colonial times, accompanied by his wife
and two children. He settled in the town of Wilton, Saratoga County, andc was among its earliest


settlers, and there cleared a farm in the wilderness,
where his life was brought to a close at a good old
age. Mrs. Watts' grandfather was ten years old
when he crossed the Atlantic with his parents, and!le was reared and marriied in Saratoga County. He
bought a tract of land there on the bank of the
Hudson River, in the township of Northumberland,
the land having been confiscated by the State from
tlie Tories. The remainder of his life was spent in
the home that he built up there with the aid of his
wife. IHer maiden name was Susanna Hilmans; she
was born in Massachusetts on Martha's Vineyard
Island and died on her husband's farm in Saratoga
County.
Mr. Watts is a man of frank, pleasant bearing,
and not only self-helpful, but willing to aid others
who need assistance, and thus in neighborly kindness establishing his right to the esteem which is
accorded him in this community where the most of
his life has been passed.
&/, RS. OLIVE VEDDER. In the settlement
of a new country tie pioneer wives and
i mothers bore a conspicuous part, and in
mianycases it was through their courage and
devotion that the husbands, fathers and brothers
were enabled to maintain their position and fight the
battle to a successful issue. The lady with whose
name we introduce this sketch is widely and favorably known in Sandstone Township as a widow of
two of its prominent pioneers, both of whom were
men of standing in their community, making for
themselves a good record and leaving to their families an honest name. She was born November 26,
1813, in New York, and is the daughter of Seneca
and Mary (Green) Stevens, who were likewise natives of that State.
While yet in her girlhood Miss Stevens removed
with her parents from her birthplace to Genesee
County, N. Y., where she was reared to womanhood. She enjoyed only limited educational advantages, but was trained in all useful housewifely
duties and eminently fitted to be the partner of a
good man. She was first married in Genevee








412                     PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
County, N. Y., December 12, 1831, to William   great favorite among both old and young. She
Raymond, a native of her own State,:and by whom  has for many years been a consistent member of
she became the mother of eleven children. Six of  the Methodist Episcopal Church and has always
these are living: Rumina became the wifeof John  sought to do a kindly act as she has had the opporLosey and they are living at' the homestead in  tunitv. One of her grandsons, John J. Losey, reSandstone Township; Clarissa J. is the wife of Gor  sides on the farm and is conducting it in the
don Standish, of 'lompkins Township; Chloe mar-  old-time successful manner. Mr. Losey was born
ried hlenry Losey, and lived in Tompkins Town-  in Sandstone Township, this county, May 22, 1859,
ship; Lucy is the wife of Michael Losey, and they  and is the son of Henry Losey one of its worthiest
live in Sandstone Township; Susannah, Mrs. John  pioneers. Lie was married in 1855 to Miss Olive
Frazier, is a resident of Hanover Township; Phi-  C. Losey, a cousin, and the daughter of Michael
delia married Aaron Raymond. and has her home  Losey, one of the early settlers of Sandstone Townin Liberty Township.                           ship. Mr. Losey owns eighty acres in Tompkins
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond in 1856, leaving their  Township. Politically, lie is a sound Republican.
native State, emigrated to this county and Mr.
Raymond purchased over two hundred acres of.-__,-  _.___
Government land, paying therefore 81.25 per acre.
The nearest land office was at Monroe and he went
thither to obtain his title. They commenced on the  I-ORGE COTTON.       The subject of this
new farm in true pioneer style and there the wife  ((   notice is a genuine type of the sturdy,
and mother lhas since lived. Mr. Raymond de-          honest Englishman, who came to America
parted this life March 7, 1865. I-e was a man of  with the expectation of bettering his fortunes and
strict honesty. industrious and enterprising, po-  who is in full sympathy with Uncle Sam's system
sessed more than ordinary intelligence and was  of Government. Iis liligence and perseverance
highly respected by all who knew him. lie was a  have met with their merited reward and we find
Republivan politically, and in religion had identi-  him tlle owner of a snug homestead on section 36,
fled himself with the. Baptist Church. His (leatll  Sandstone Township, surrounded by the comforts
was mourned not only by his immediate family,  of life and with a competence for his declining
but tile entire community. He left to his widow  years.
a valuable estate, including two hundred and eighty  The native place of our subject was in Staffordacres of land which she still owns and occupies.  shire and the (late of his birth I)ecember 17, 1842.
After payingfor his land Mr. Raymond had only  His father, James Cotton, likewise of English birth
money enougli left to buy two cows and three yoke  and ancestry, spent his entire life on his nati'e soil,
of oxen. Later as he grew prosperous he was at  dying in 1888. The mother is still living in Stafone time the owner of five hundred acres of land,  fordshire. Of the children born to her and her
a part of which he gave to his children.       husband seven are living.  George was reared
On the 16th of August, 1872, Mrs. Raymond    to manhood in his native shire receiving very limwas joined in wedlock with William Vedder, also a  ited advantages, but being largely self-educated
pioneer of this county. Mr. Vedder was a na-   and obtaining the most of his book knowledge by
tive of New York State, and departed this life at  reading, since cnoming to this county.
what is familiarly known as the old Raymond      Mr. Cotton when a lad of ten years went into
homestead in June, 1876. He was a lifelong farmer  the coal mines of Staffordshire where he worked
by occupation, a Republican in politics, and after  until a man nearly twenty-five years old. In the
his marriage with Mrs. Raymond looked after the  meantime he was married, March 6, 1864, to Miss
operations of the farm during the few short years  Eliza Hurley, who was born May 24, 1842, in Stafhe was permitted to live.                      fordshire, as was her husband. Her parents, John and
Grandma Vedder is known far and wide and is a  Elizabeth (Christopher) Hurley, the latter of whom


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P()RTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


413


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is deceased, were natives of England and her father
lias all his life been engaged in mining. There
were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cotton in England two
children, John J. and George, and then they decided
upon emigrating to America. In the fall of 1868,
taking passage at Liverpool on an ocean steamer,
they were landed ten or eleven days later at Castle
Garden, N. Y., and thence came directly to this
State. Not being very generously provide(I with
means, Mr. Cotton at once sought employment with
the Woodville Coal Company and was engaged in
mining coal by the car in the same mine four years.
Later he worked in the Jackson mines seven years.
In the spring of 1879, Mir. Cotton settled on his
present farm, which comprises sixty-four acres of
choice land. This he has thoroughly tilled and
erected upon it substantial buildings. His excellent
wife has been his efficient helomate in all his toils
and struggles and deserves equal mention with him
in the labors which have resulted in the possession
of a home and a competence for his declining
years. Both are members in good standing of the
Episcopal Church and are highly esteemed among
their neighbors. Upon becoming a voting citizen
Mr. Cotton identified himself with the Republican
party, of whose principles lie is a warm defender.
HIe is identified with the Ancient Order of United
Workmen of Jackson, also the Independent Order
of Oddl Fellows.
After coming to this country there were born to
Mr. and Mrs. Cotton five more children besides
John J. and George, these latter being Ed win, who
died when fourteen months old; Samuel, William,
Joseph andl Mary.
- ORNELIUS XV. VINING, deceased, was
one of the old settlers of Columbia Township, and a prominent and successful farmer.
He was a hard working, earnest man, extremely
honest and upright, and had become very well
known to a large number of the residents in this
part of the county, enjoying their esteem and confidence,  lis death took place at his home on sec

tion 30, February 4, 1883, when he was upwards of
threescore and ten years of age.
Mr. Vining was born in New York, was there
reared and educated, early in life becoming thoroughly acquainted with farming, which he determined to make his life work. While living in
Cattaraugus County, he was united in marriage
with Miss Zipporah Clark and the day followingMay 10, 1838 —the young couple set out for the
new country of Michigan, traveling overland and
by water to this county, where they took up a tract
of Government land and began their wedded life.
The land which Mr. Vining chose consisted of
an entire section in Columbia Township, at the
foot of Clark's Lake, where, living in the style of
the times, he began his improvements, ably assisted
by his companion, who proved herself a true helpmate. The greater part of his land was brought
to a good state of iml)rovement wen Mr. Vining
became a member of the Fourier Association which
was organized on a plan of equality among its
members, and they as a colony settled in Kalamazoo
County. Two years later the society disorganized
and Mr. Vining joined the Indiana Community,
sometimes known as the La Grange Association,
sp)ending five years in La Grange County, Ind.
At the end of this period tlat association disbanded and Mr. Vining returned to Michigan,
securing two hundred and twenty-three acres in
Columbia and Liberty Townships, where he spent
tlhe remainder of his life, his home being in Columbia Township. This he lived to make a place
of comfort and pleasant surroundings, accumulating
a sufficiency of this world's goods to ensure freedom
from want to the faithful woman who had for so
many years been his cherished companion, and
leaving behind him a name which can be remembered with pleasure.
The natal (lay of Mrs. Vining was March 29,
1818, and her place of birth Newsted Township,
Erie County, N. Y. She was reared and educated
there, being the recipient of careful training. Her
father, the Hon. Archibald Clark, was one of the
prominent men of the Empire State, where lie had
faithfully and ably served his constituency in the
Legislative halls, and in other capacities had served
his fellow men and won their regard, A fuller avc
n~~~y  +v++v~, I~~~~~~~~~~~r u~~~~r  ~~~vrr-~~~~~~ — u-~-  -~~~~~~~~~~~~~v-, ~~~~~-~~~n:::t;::: W






414


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


----— ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


I


count of his life will be found in the biography of
J. D. Clark who is represented elsewhere in this
work. He died when his daughter of whom we
speak, was but four years old.
Mrs. Vining is a woman of much ability and
many noble traits of character, numbering among
her friends many of the best people in this section.
She is still living on the farm around which many
memories cluster. Although seventy-two years of
age, her hair is but slightly tinged with tile frost
of time and she is still a bright eyed, active and
intelligent woman. Her religious belief is that of
the Universalist Church. Mrs.Vining is the mother
of eleven children, ten sons and one da-ughter,
of whom eight lived to maturity. They are all
married.
ANIEL P. CREGO is the owner and occupant of a pleasant farm located on section
p(j    12, Columbia Township. It comprises
ninety-four acres, which were taken from
the Government by the father of our subject in
1835. It is well improved, a substantial and coin
modious residence and good barns being included in
the line of buildings which adorn it. It is devoted to the purpose of general farming, and has
been the scene of successful labors of both father
and son.
John Crego, the father of our subject, was a native of Dutchess County, N. Y., the son of a
farmer who bore the same name, and who spent his
life in his native State. The mother of our subject
was a native of Vermont, and bore the maiden
name of Jeanette Paddock, the family from which
she descended having been associated with the
history of the New England States for many years.
While following her profession as a teacher in
Erie County, N. Y., she made the acquaintance of
her future husband, John Crego. After their marriage they settled on a farm in that county, remaining there until after the birth of three children.
They then, in the spring of 1835, emigrated to
Michigan, settling on a new farm, which Mr. Crego
brought to quite a good state of improvement, and




=


which has since been still more thoroughly improved by his son, our subject.
Nine years after their removal to this State, Mrs.
Crego was called from time to eternity, leaving
five children-the first is Nancy, who is now living
in Lawrence Township, Van Buren County, and
unmarried; the second is Polly, wife of HIarry
Gates, now living on a farm in the same township;
the third is the subject of this sketch: the fourth is
Aaron, who married Dimia Nash, and lives on a
farm in Columbia Township, this county; and the
fifth died in infancy.
The father of our subject contracted a second
matrimonial alliance, taking as his wife Mrs. IHannah Perkins, nee Russell, who was born in the
Empire State, and there married John Perkins,
with whom she removed to Brooklyn, Mich. Mr.
Perkins died leaving five children. Mrs. Hannah
Crego died in Van Buren County, Micli., when
seventy-five years old, having survived her husband, John Crego, some time. She left one child
as a result of the second marriage, Nettie, wife of
Frank Randall, a carpenter living in Van Buren
County. The death of John Crego occurred in
1863, wllen he had attained to the advanced age of
seventy-eight years.
The gentleman whose name initiates this sketch
was born in Clarence Township, Erie County,
N. Y., March 28, 1834, and was yet an infant
when his parents removed to this State. After the
death of his mother, which occurred (luring his
boyhood, he was reared by his father, with whom
he remained until his marriage. That interesting
event took place in Columbia Township in 1863,
his chosen companion being Miss Otilla Nash. The
bride was born in New York, February 26, 1843,
rand came to this State when quite young, growing
to womanhood in the township, where she was living at the time of her marriage. (For the full
family history see biography of Alphonzo Nash.)
She has borne her husband five children, two of
whom, Nellie G. and Minnie, still gladden the
parental fireside. The first born, John L., married
Miss Ida Wordon, of Stockbridge, Ingram County,
and is engaged in tilling the soil in Columbia Township; the second son and child, Harry A., lives on
a farm in Napoleon Township, this county, his wife


--




PORTRAIT AND BIOGHKAPHICAL ALBUM.                             417
- -.._...-._. -..,... _ ~ _~ -~ ~   __ _   _   =   _   _7 _ _-   _   _ -.  -


being Miss Hattie Baker; Nelson D. died at the
age of three years, six months and twenty-five days.
Mr. Crego casts his ballot for the candidates of
the Democratic party, in whose principles he is a
believer. He and his wife are classed among the
worthy citizens, the active and intelligent members
of the farming community, and receive their due
measure of respect from all those with whom they
come in contact.
W       *ILLIAM S. CULVER. A cursory view of
the business establishments of Brooklyn
reveals a creditable degree of enterprise
among its dealers and also proves the fact that one
of its most prominent and successful merchants is
he with whose name we introduce this sketch. The
firm, which was organized under the title of W. S.
Culver & Co., in January, 1888, has an annual
trade of more than $35,000 and carries a fine assortment of general merchandise. Their store is a
conveniently arranged and substantial structure of
brick and occupies the same site where Mr. Culver
lias been in business for many years. All of his
active life has been passed in merchandising either
on his own account or as a clerk and manager for
others; he has, therefore, acquired and practiced
the most honorable and successful business methods
as well as those genial and pleasing manners in.
separable from a prosperous career as a merchant.
Mr. Culver is a native of this county, in which
his parents and grandparents were early settlers.
The latter were Martin and Polly (King) Culver,
the former of whom   was born in New York in
1782. He came West with his family in 1838, settling on new land in what is now Columbia Township, this county, and where he died in 1856. Mrs.
Culver died in Brooklyn at the age of eighty-six
years. She was an active member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church and a very devout woman.
Cyrus Culver, son of this worthy couple, was born
in Augusta, N. Y., in 1812, and was reared and
educated in his native Slate, where he began life as
a farmer. Soon after his marriage to Polly Sherman, a prominent young( lady of his native county,


he also came to Michigan, securing a small tract of
new land in what is now Norvell Township, this
county. There he lived until the death of his wife
in 1853, when he turned his face Westward, and
spent sometime in traveling throughout Wisconsin.
IHe subsequently returned to this State, dying in
Paw Paw, Van Buren County, in 1856. at the age
of forty-four years. He was a skillful performer
on the violin and played for many a dance in this
county in the early days. HIe was also a teacher of
vocal music, but his accomplishments (lid not prevent successful operations as a farmer. He and his
wife were prominent among the early settlers and
highly esteemed for their goodness.
William S. Culver was born February 15, 1840,
in what is now Norvell Townslip, this county, and
lost his parents early in life. His school privileges
were meager,'but by constant application lie has become well informed and has cultivated his inborn
business qualifications to a degree which has led to
prosperity.  In 1854, at the early age of fourteen
years, lie began his mercantile career as a clerk in
the store of A. P. Bates, an old settler of Brooklyn.
Later he was employed by A. P. Cook, an(l in 1865,
in company with Mr. Clark, began a general merchandise trade under tile firm name of Culver &
Clark. After carrying on the establishment some
fourteen years, Mr. Culver took charge of the large
business of his uncle, W. B. Sherman, then a business man of the place but now living in Havana,
N. Y., and as sole manager continued the same
until the organization of the present firm, when the
new building was erected after his own plans and
well filled with a carefully selected stock.
The marriage of Mr. Culver was celebrated in
1862, his bride being Miss Betta Clark of this (Columbia) Township, where her birth took place
March 12, 1840. She was reared and educated here,
receiving careful home training from her parents,
Archibald and Betty (Stranahan) Clark, who were
prominent people in this section. Mr. and Mrs.
Clark were natives of Clarence Hollow, N. Y.,
and came to Michigan after their marriage in 1832.
They lived on a farm in Columbia Township, on
Clark's Lake, where the father pursued a successful
agricultural life, and he and his wife won the respect of their associates. Mr, atnd Mrs, Culver are






4183


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM..-                   ----—..|..........


--.1 1 1....1...-1-   - - - -   l...   A. -...   _,.....- -   - -.. I......-,- --


I. I I I. — I-".1....-.1I-,.., --- -. -- -.-l

the parents of two daughters, well educated and
estimable young ladies. Lizzie is now the wife of
B. W. Amsden, a jeweler in Manchester, this State,
and Loise is yet at home.
Mr. Culver is Treasurer of Brooklyn village, has
been Township Treasurer for six years and Township Clerk for four years. He is a sound Democrat il politics, and is a charter member of Blue
Lodge, No. 169, and Chapter No. 90, of Brooklyn,
hlving been Master of the former eight years and
High Priest of the latter ten years. Mr. and Mrs.
Culver and their daughters belong to the Episcopal
Church, in which he has held the offices of Trustee,
Warden, Secretary and Treasurer for twenty-five
years. It will be plainly seen that he is a man of
influence in thi community, bearing an important
share in the enterprises which tend to its growth
and prosperity, and that lie is entitled to and receives the respect of his fellow men.
In connection with his personal sketch we are
pleased to present a lithographic portrait of Mr.
Culver.
O    RLANDO C. STONE. Among the citizens
of solid worth, hard-working and possessed
of the faculty of good management, temperate and kind in all the relations of life, Mr. Stone
occupies a prominent position in Hanover Township. IHe is the only living male representative of
his family within its limits, and right worthily has
he upheld the name. His aged mother makes her
home in this township and is a bright, active old
lady, who has now attained to the advanced age of
eighty-two years. Mr.. Stone and his family are
comfortably situated on a well-regulated farm occupying a portion of section 9. By diligence and
perseverance lie has gathered around those dear to
him all the needful comforts of life.
The Stone family was known in New England in
the past century and the immediate progenitor of
the subject of this sketch, Charles S. by name, a
native of Barry County, Vt., was born in 1809.
When a boy of nine years, he accompanied his
father, Nathan Stone, to Niagara County, N. Y.,
and there sojourned until reaching manhood, in


the meantime serving an apprenticeship at cabinetmaking. In 1832 he started for the Farther West,
and after reaching Ann Arbor, this State, worked
there one year, and the year following changed the
scene of his operations to Hanover Township, this
county. Hanover was then a part of Spring Arbor
Township. Mr. Stone took up forty acres of Government land, and the fact that he was obliged to
borrow $10 in order to secure this indicates his financial condition. Later, he added to his landed
possessions by the purchase of one hundred and
twenty acres more. He put up the first frame
house in Hanover Township and was prospered in
his labors, becoming well-to-do, and was at one
time the owner of four hundred and thirty acres
of land. He built the gristmill at Horton in 1852.
He put up the first cabinet-maker's shop in Hanover Township, within which was manufactured all
the furniture used for some years in this locality.
He also made brooms and built fanning-mills, lbesides other articles required on the farm and in
the household.
In 1855, the Stone family, leaving Hanover
Township, moved to what was then Vandercook's
Mills, now called Lake Mills, where they sojourned
two years while the father operated the gristmill
there. Their next removal was to the city of
Jackson, where Mr. Stone established a store of
general merchandise, which he conducted two
years. When first coming to this section, he found
the present site of the city of Jackson occupied
simply by a log store, a log hotel and one dwelling.
After two years lie sold out his store in Jackson
and returned to the mill, which he operated two
years, and then going back to the farm, there spent
his last days, his death occurring January 23, 1890.
In religious belief he was a Universalist, and for
many years he had been identified with the Masonic fraternity.
Charles S. Stone was married November 20,
1834, to Miss Sarah E., daughter of Jonathan and
Ruth (Childs) Brown. Grandfather Brown was a
native of Pennsylvania, while his wife was born in
New Jersey. They settled in the latter State,
where the grandmother died. They were the parents of six children, and Mrs. Stone, the mother
of our subject, is the only survivor. Mrs. Saral




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICI'AL ALBUM.


419


----  --- I- ---
- -- ---




E. (Brown) Stone was born November 20, 1807,
in New Jersey, and came to Michigan in 1834.
Subsequently she made the acquaintance of her
future husband, and it was believed they were
about the first couple married in Hanover Township. They settled on a tract of land and endured
all the hardships and toils of pioneer life.  In due
time they became the parents of eiglt children,
six of whom are still living and four are residents
of Ianover Township. Julia M. is the wife of
Maynard Shlarp and the mother of four children;
Mary 1I. married Harvey I). Griswold, of Hanover
Township, and is the mother of one child; Delia
S., Mrs. Teeter Blair, is the mother of six children
and a resident of Tomlkins Township; Myra J. is
the wife of C. P. Ha. tch, and they live in [lanover Township; they have no children. Albert N.
inarried Miss Caroline, daughter of James L.
Thorn, who is represented elsewhere in this volumne; they live in Arkansas, and have three clil
dren. Orlando C., our subject, is the youngest of
the family.
Mr. Stone was born February 8, 1846, at the old
homestead in Hanover Township, and completed
his education by attendance at the Jackson Schools.
IIe started out on his own account at the age of
twenty-one, employing himself at farming until
1871. That year he removed to Sumner County,
Kan., and planted the first fruit trees within its
limits. Not being satisfied with the change, he
only remained there one season, then returned to
this county, and in company with his brother, purchased the old homestead and gave his attention
to farming until 1880. That year he opened a
store in Horton, but after a year's experience as a
merchant, returned to the farm under the impression that agriculture was his legitimate calling.
In 1881 Mr. Stone exchanged the old homestead
for his present farm, and put up the residence
which he now occupies at a cost of about $1.500.
Hle has one hundred and forty-five acres under a
good state of cultivation, and the barns and other
outbuildings requisite for the shelter of stock and
the storing of grain. His family includes his wife
and one child, the latter a daughter, Flora A..
born December 9, 1876, and now an interesting
little maiden of thirteen years, Mrs, Stone bore




I


the maiden name of IHarriet A. Stuart, and was
wedded to our subject February 8, 1876. Slhe was
born December 7, 1858, in llanover Township, and
is the daughter of James I). and Martha A. (Crafte)
Stuart, the former of whom came to Michigan
alout 1836. Mrs. Stuart came eleven years later,
in 1847; she died at lier home, in Hanover, in
1886. Mr. Stuart is still living and a resident of
Hanover Township. They were 'the parents of
two children only, Mrs. Stone being the elder.
HIer brother, Albert, married Miss Ida Collumi;
they live in Summit Township andl have two children.
Mr. Stone cast his first Presidential vote for
Greeley, and hlas since supported the principles of
the Democratic party, altlhough quite conservative
in his political views. IIe is a Director of School
District No. 5, and llas served as Road Overseer.
Socially, lie belongs to the order of tlhe Red Cross,
at Jackson. A man lhonest and ullrighlt in his
dealings, lie probably has not an enemy in the
world, and is one wlhose woird is considered as
good as his bond. The family is considered one
of the old landmarks in the history of Jackson
County, and it, is eminentlky plroper that the name
should be l)reserved and handed down to posterity
as relresenting one of the worthiest families who
assisted in transformingl  a portion of the wilderness into the abode of a civilized community.'
E 1NECA STEIVENIS. The pioneer element
of Jackson County is worthily represented
j by the subject of this notice, who owns and
operates a well-developed farm ol section
14, Sandstone Township. He came to Michigan
Territory in 1835, and has been a resident of this
county for the long period of fifty-five years.  He
was born July 4, 1823, in Penfield, N. Y., and is
the son of Seneca, Sr., and MIary (Green) Stevens,
who spent their last years in Michigan. His paternal grandfather served in the Revolutionary
War.
Mr. Stevens was a lad of thirteen years when
coming to this county with his parents, who lo





420


PORTRAIT AND BlOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


420-l:__I1111_  _       PRTRI__ AN       B     R=     -A        M =                L


cated in Sandstone Township on land which was
mainly as the Indians had left it. Wild animals
'were plentiful and the cabin of the white man
could only be seen at intervals of miles. Young
Stevens completed his education in the primitive
schools, and at an early age made himself useful in
the development of the pioneer farm. He remained a member of the parental household until
attaining his majority and then struck out for himself, working by the month on a farm, usually at
$14 per month, although one year lie received
$20 per month. That, however, was in Illinois.
Mr. Stevens was first married in 1844, soon after
reaching his majority, to Miss Matilda Baker.
Of this union there were born two children-Jerome, a farmer of Tompkins. Township, and Julietta, the wife of John Kent, who is a resident of
Bay County, this State.    s. Matilda (Baker)
Stevens departed this life in 1848, after being
wedded only about four years. Mr. Stevens contracted a second marriage, January 12, 1854, with
Miss Fanny Wilson. This lady was born December 23, 1833, in Cayuga County, N. Y., and is the
(laughter of George and Betsey (Mattison) Wilson, who were likewise natives of the Empire
State. The mother died when her daughter, Fanny,
was a child of six years, in Madison County, N.Y.,
where Mrs. Stevens was reared to womanhood. In
1853, accompanied by her cousin, Ezra Mattison,
she came to Michigan and for a short time resided
in Ingham County. After her marriage to Mr.
Stevens they lived in Bay County several years,
then returning to this county in 1864, settled upon
their present farm. This comprises one hundred
and twenty acres of good land with neat and substantial buildings. Of the second marriage of our
subject there have been Porn five children, only
three of whom are living, namely: George, a resident of Tompkins Township; Lester, of Bay City;
and Seneca, who remains at home with his parents.
The deceased are William and Laura.
Upon coming to this farm, Mr. Stevens settled
in a log house, and has brought about all the improvements which we now see. He may most
properly be termed a self-made man, having commenced in life at the foot of the ladder, dependent upon his own resources. Mrs. Stevens ias


assisted her husband greatly in his labors and efforts, and deserves credit for the part she has taken
in thelaccumulation of a property and the where.
withal to procect them from want in their declining years. They endured many hardships during
the early days, but their toils and sacrifices have
met with ample reward. Mr. Stevens, politically,
is a sound Republican, although in local matters
he votes for the best man irrespective of party.
Ite beloigs to the Patrons of Industry, and while
a resident of Bay County was the Road Commis.
sioner of Williams Township for four years. Mrs.
Stevens is a member in good standing of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, of Sandstone, which
at present holds its services in the Bennett Schoolhouse.
l ACKSON DELAMATER. This gentleman
may be properly denominated in Western
parlance as a "hustler."  Probably no man
) in Columbia Township is better known or
more highly respected or occupies the position of
honor at the head of a more interesting or intelligent family. His estimable wife is one of the leadin( maitrons of the community, and their home is
one of the most cheerful and attractive in the
township, embracing a well-developed farm pleasantly located on section 35. He removed to this
place in April, 1880, from  another farm in the
same township, of which he is an early resident.
Mr. DeLamater came with his parents to this
county during its pioneer days, and with the exception of two years spent in New York State and
three years spent on the Pacific Slope, he has been
a resident of Columbia Township. During the
gold excitement of 1850, and when a young man,
he journeyed via the Isthmus to the Golden Gate,
landing in San Francisco in July, 1850, and thence
proceeding to the Nevada and Grass Valley Mines.
He was engaged in hunting for the precious ore
two and one-half years, and six months later returned to New York State by the same way il
which he had gone. Thence he at once set out for
Michigan and locating in this county began w6rking on a farm. In reverting to his earlier antecee




PORTRAIT ANaD BIOGR.APHICAL ALBUM


421


P   A


dents we find that he was born in Pompey Township, Onondaga County, N. Y., Septemb)er 11, 1827,
and is the son of Isaac DeLamater, reference to
whom will be found in the biography of Alanson
H. DeLamater on another page in this ALBUM.
The father of our subject was born in Duanesburg, Schenectady County, N. Y., April 20, 1791,
and in 1801, when quite young was taken by his
parents to Onondaga County, where le lived until
reaching his majority. About that time he was
married to Miss Didama Barnes, who was likewise
a native of Pompey Township, and the daughter
of Asa Barnes, one of its early settlers. Mr. D)eLamater was one of the elder members of his
father's family, and early in life learned the hatter's trade. He was also familiar with farming and
upon coming to Michigan, in company with his
brother, Anson, took up a tract of land from the
Government upon which he labored two years and
then, in 1835, changed the scene of his operations
to Columbia Township, this county, where he settled permanently, opening up a farm upon which
lie resided until his death, at the advanced age of
eighty-seven years. The wife and mother survived her husband a few years, dying in 1886,
aged ninety-one. They were Universalists in religious belief, worthy and upright in their lives
and made for tlemselves a good record as parents
and neighbors.
To Isaac DeLamater and his estimable wife there
was born a family of nine children, two daughters
who are now deceased, and seven sons who are all
living. The boys are all married, and two of them
are residents of Josephine County, COe. where they
are engaged in mining. Jackson, the subject of
this notice, was, like his brothers and sisters, subjected to careful parental training, growing up
with habits of industry and receiving a practical
education in the common schools. He attained to
his majority in Columbia Township, in the meantime becoming familiar with tile labors and vicissitudes of life on the frontier. IHe was married in
Columbia Township, April 26, 1863, to Miss Elizabeth Hollister, who was born February 6, 1835, in
Genesee County, N. Y.
Mrs. DeLamater came to this county with her
l)arents when quite young and remained under the


home roof until her marriage. She is the daughter of Reuben and Eunice (Carter) Hollister, wlo
after many years of arduous labor, died at the
homestead which they had built up in Columbia
Township, and which is now owned and occupied
by their daughter and her husband. Six children
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. DeLamater, one
of whom, a little son, George, died when two years
old. Isaac N. married Miss Belle Kinney, and is
employed as a railroad switchman in Jackson;
Frances is the wife of Milton Every, a farmer of
Columbia Township; Florence married George
Johnson, who is also farming in this township;
May E. and George A. remain under the home
roof.
Mr. DeLamnater cast his first Presidential vote
for Lewis Cass, and continues to give his unqualifled support to thle I)emocratic party. He is a
first-class farmer, and in giving his close attention
to his legitimate calling has little time to strive for
the spoils of office. HIis home and everything
about the premises indicates, in a marked manner,
the industry and enterprise of thle proprietor. lHe
keeps himself posted upon modern metlods of agriculture, avails himself of improved machinery
and in fact makes of farming an art and a science.
Mrs. DeLamater was reared in the doctrines of the
Methodist Church, with which she is still in harmony, although not being formally identified in
membership with any religious denomination.
YF   DWIN    N. LINCOLN, a man of influence
and prominence in Pulaski Township, is one
-    of the most enterprising and successful farm 
ers and stock raisers in this part of Jackson County.
He has one of the finest and best appointed farms
in this locality, comprising two hundred and forty
acres of well-tilled land on section 18, and here he
and his wife have a dwelling replete with all.the
conveniences and comforts of a modern home, where
lospitality reigns supreme.
The father of our subject, Daniel Lincoln, was
born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., where his father, Leonard Lincoln, carried on farming. The








422


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


latter removed to Sullivan County, later in life,
and there resided till his death when about sixty
years old. The father of our subject was a shil
carpenter, and worked at his trade on the Erie
Canal boats in Syracuse, and at other places, his
skill and experience making him a valuable workman. In 1 843 he came to Michigan, and located in
Scipio Township, Hillsdale County, where he
rented land till 1853 and devoted himself to farming. In that year he bought a f.arm, whichl he operated witll success until his death in 1885, at the
ripe age of seventy-five years. IIe was a sound
Democrat in his political views, and was in every
way a good and loyal citizen. The mother of our
subject makes her home witll her children in Pulaski
Township. Shle is of the Swedenborgian faith, and(
is an earnest and liberal Clristian.  Her maiden
name was Betsy Cross,and sle was born in Windham
County, Conn., eighty-one years ago. Her father,
Shubael Cross, a native of Connecticut engaged in
farming in Windham County until his deatll. Mrs.
Lincoln is the mother of three children, as follows:
Ellen, now Mrs. Carr, her husband a farmer in
Pulaski; Mariette, Mrs. loounds, wife of a farmer
in Cowley County, Kan.
Edwin N. was born in Madison County, N. Y.,
August 14, 1840, and was therefore but three years
of age when his parents brought him to Michigan.
They came by water to Toledo, and thence by
team to Scipio Township, and there his boyhood
was passed. lHe gleaned an excellent education in
the local schools, and a good practical knowledge
of farming. At the age of twenty-one he took
clharge of his fathei's farm, and operated it until lie
was thirty years old. In 1873 he located on his
present place, wllich was given to him by his uncle
James Cross of Connecticut, who was a soldier of
the War of 1812, and had bought it when it was
Government land, deeding it to our subject at a
later period. Mr. Lincoln generously gave a portion of it to his sisters, forty acres to one and
eighty acres to the other, and of the original three
hundred and twenty acres retaining two hundred
and forty acres, on which lie has since made the
most of the improvements. I-e has cleared and
broken the most of it, with the exception of sixty
acres, and has developed it into a choice farm. lie


I
IjI
J


has a picket mill, and is fencing his land with a
woven wire picket fence, and he has erected a line
residence, roomy barn and other needed buildings.
A corner of his land, comprising a half acre, he
gave to the Cincinnati, Jackson & Mackinaw Railway, for right of way. Watered by the South Brancl
of the Kalamazoo River, his farm is admirably
adapted to stock-raising, and our subject has devoted much time to that branch of agriculture, and
has a fine flock of sheep of a choice breed, comprising about one hundred head; and he has eleven
Hambletonian horses of a good grade.
The marriage of Mr. Lincoln and Miss Caroline
French took place in Scipio, October 9, 1862, and
has proved of mutual benefit. She is a lady of re
finement and intelligence, and understands well how
to make home pleasant and attractive to its inmates, and to their many friends. Two children
have been born to her and her husband. Charles
A., a successful young farmer in Pulaski Township,
married Miss Edith Snyder, and they have two
children, Earl M. and Hazel P. Fred G. is prosperously engaged in operating a part of his father's
farm.
Mrs. Lincoln is a native of Michigan, born in
Scipio Township, July 12, 1837. She had the advantage of a good common-school education, and
in the home of her parents, where she remained until tier marriage, she was carefully trained in all
that goes to make a good housewife. Her father,
Thomas Frencl came to America when a young
man from   his native England, and located in
Pennsylvania, where he engaged in farming. In
1835, he came to Michigan and bought a farm of
eighty acres in Scipio Township, where he resided
until his death in 1854, at the age of seventy-seven.
H-e was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. I-e was twice married. First in England to Sarah Paine, by whom lie had the following
six children: William, a farmer in Hillsdale Townslip and county; John, deceased; Thomas, a farmer
in Scipio; Benjamin, deceased; Joseph, who lives
retired in Hillsdale; Mary A., deceased. His second
wife, mother of Mrs. Lincoln, was a native of England, her maiden name being Harriette Pine. She
was a woman of energy and business talent, and
after er r husband's death managed the farm and








PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


423


reared her children to lives of usefulness. She was
a devoted Methodist, and at her death in 1875, at
the age of seventy-seven years, that church lost one
of its most venerated members. The following is
recorded of her eight children: Bathsheba is deceased; Charlotte, now Mrs. Marvin of Calhoun
County; George is deceased; Jane, now     Mrs.
Mosher, of Mosherville; James is a farmer in Placer
County, Cal.; Robert is a politician of Marquette;
Caroline, the wife of our subject; Albert is a farmer
in Placer County, Cal. Robert and Albert were
soldiers in the late war. Robert was a member of
the First Michigan Infantry, and served with credit
throughout the war. IHe was taken prisoner at Malvern Hill, and after two months of life in a rebel
prison, was exchanged. Albert was a member of
the Fourtll Michigan Cavalry, enlisting in 1863,
and doing gallant service until the close of the war.
A man of excellent habits and fine principles,
possessing in a large degree those traits of character that conmmend him to the confidence of all
about him, Mr. Lincoln is in all things a man of
high standing, and his influence is always exerted
for thle benefit of the community. His fellow-citizens lnever look to him in vain for good counsel,
and when hie has been called to office, lie has administered the public affairs that came under his
charge in a vigorous and able manner. I-e was Justice of the Peace for two years; Commissioner of
Highways one year, and in the various school offices
that he has held for several years he has looked
well after the educational interests of this locality.
His political sympathies are with the Democrats,
but he is a strong temperance man and is interested
in the work of the Prohibitionists.
' SRAEL B. HOAGLAND. In the recent decease of the above-named gentleman, Columbia
i Township lost one of her finest representative farmers.  Hc owned one hundred acres of
highly improved land, on section 11, which he obtained in 1865, and upon which lie had erected
fine buildings, among them being a well-designed
and substantial residence, and other adequate struct

ures. Every detail of the work upon the estate
was carefully looked after, the motto of Mr. Hoagland being, "'Whatever is worth doing is worth
doing well.' Carrying out this principle led him
to practical success, and he was justly regarded as
one of the most skillful farmers in this township.
The natal day of Mr. Hoagland was Seltember
25, 1826, and his birthplace Coshocton Township,
Steuben County, N. Y. His father, John Hoagland, a carpenter and joiner, was also a native of
the Empire State, and was of German ancestry.
lie was a well-known contractor and builder, who
gained the respect of his fellow-men, as a straightforward, honest man and a gool citizen. His
death occurred in Steuben County, when he was
seventy years of age. lie was a worthy mepmber of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics
was a Republican. His wife, in her girlhood Miss
Ractael Campbell, was born in Steuben County,
dying there some years before her husband, and
when about threescore years old. She was also a
member, in good standing, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To this worthy couple nine clhildren were born, lie of whom write being one of tlle
youngest.  Ie grew to maturity in his native
township, and under his father's training acquired
the mechanical trade in which his father was proficient, although after his marriage lie gave little
attention to that business, but devoted himself to
farming as a means of livelihood.
The marriage of Israel Hoagland and Miss Ruth
Parmenter was celebrated in his native township,
which was also the place of birth of tle bride.
She was born April 3, 1825, to David and Ruthl
(Kenyon) Parmenter, her father a native of Boston, son of Isaac Parmenter, who spent his later
years in the Empire State, dying at an advanced
age. The Parmenter family is an old and wellknown one in New Fngland, tracing their lineage
to the mother country. Mrs. David Parmenter
was a native of New York, a member of an old and
respectable family of that State, wherein she was
called to her rest January 26, 1867, when past threescore years and ten. The wedded life of this couple
began in Steuben County, when that region was
quite new and sparsely settled. There Mr. Parmenter owned a farm, a grist and saw mill, giving






42-1


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


I


his time mostly to operations as a miller and a lumber dealer.  He was prominent in the line of his
business, and one of the representative men of the
county.   -Ie was a Republican in politics, and he
and his wife were believers in the Universaiist religion. His death occurred at the ripe age of
eighty years, on May 1, 1874.
Under the roof of her estimable parents Mrs.
Ruth Hoagland was well reared, receiving an excellent education in select schools, and adopting the
the profession of teaching, in which she proved
her tact and ability to impart instruction. She is
one of the younger members of quite a large family. She is the mother of five children, one of
whom, Samuel W., (lied at the age of two years.
Abbie became the wife of James McCready, a
farmer, who died in this township, leaving two
daughters, Mabel R. and Maude A., to the care of
his bereaved widow. Ile was of Scotch lineage
and a native of the Province of Ontario, Canada.
Iis widow now makes her home with lher mother.
She has been a teacher in Columbia Township for
fifteen years, during six years of this time having
charge of the primary department in Brooklyn.
The second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hoagland is
Addie, wife of Alvia (iles, a farmer in Napoleon
Township, where they have lived for some years;
they have five children-Frank, Leon, Corwin,
Lydia and Israel B. The only surviving son of
our subject and wife is Albert I., who married Lydia Carpenter, and now lives on a farm in Napoleon Township. Rachael A. is the wife of Ira M.
Lewis, a farmer and miller in Liberty Township,
and is the mother of one son.
Mr. Hoagland was a man who took an active interest in all local matters which would tend to
develop the resources of the region, to increase its
material prosperity, or add to its moral and intellectual growth. TIe was an active politician, being
a sound Republican and ever laboring for the success of the principles of that party. IIe held the
office of Supervisor and other positions of public
responsibility in the township. His religious faith
was that of the Universalist Church, to which his
wife and children also belong. His death, which
occurred at his home, December 9, 1889, was
deeply regretted throughout a large circle of ac



quaintances, to whom his excellent character and
manly life had endeared him, and who sympathized deeply in the bereavement which had befallen his faithful companion and loving children.
A.. -         ___^ —
HARLES B. HYDE. Among the men who
have filled public positions in Jackson, the
__1  gentleman above-named holds a prominent
place as one who thoroughly understands the business in which he has been engaged, and fulfills his
contracts in a reliable and conscientious manner.
lie has an extended acquaintance, and the estimate
of those who know him includes a hearty respect
for his private character, as well as their good
opinion of him as a civil engineer.
The parents of the gentleman above named were
Christopher and Hannah (Gilbert) Hyde, whose
family comprised four children, Charles B. being
the second. The mother was born in Windham
County, Conn., and the father opened his eyes
to the light in the town of Franklin, Conn., in the
same house in which his son Charles was afterward
born. Christopher Hyde was a tanner, and also a
farmer, and traced his ancestry to England.
The natal day of Charles B. Hyde was October
2, 1816. His early childhood was passed in the
place of his nativity, whence, at the age of ten
years, he accompanied his parents to Oswego
County, N. Y., wherein he passed the most of his
school days. The earlier instruction which he received was added to during an attendance at the
Mexico Academy, after leaving which he entered
an Engineering and Scientific School, from which
he was graduated in 1841. He then engaged in
the study of medicine, but on account of ploor
health gave it up.
After his graduation young Hyde was variously
employed until 1851, when he obtained a position
as civil engineer on the New York Canal, retaining
the same for nine years. From 1860 to 1866 he
followed farming in connection with his surveying.
He then removed to Michigan, and until 1871 was
employed on the Air Line Railroad from Ridgeway
to Niles.  )uring 1872 he worked on the Michi











C.-S              (I





PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


427


I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ - - - - -


gan Central Railroad, and then retiring from the
service of that company. was appointed   Civil
Engineer of the city of Jackson.
During the year 1873, Mr. Hyde acceptably
filled the position, to which he was again appointed
in 1879, and reappointed until his service had
amounted to six years in all. In 1883 he was engaged as a contractor in the construction and building of the Grand Trunk Railroad, and he then
settled permanently in this city, where he has carried on the work of a surveyor, botli in city and in
country, and for private parties as well as in public
service.
The marriage of Mr. Hyde was celebrated in
1856, his bride being Miss Ellen L. Newkirk, of
tills State, who has borne him one daughter,
Ella M.
EONID)AS AI. JONES, MI. D. This gentleman has been engaged in the practice of his
profession at Brooklyn for nearly thirty
years, and is well-known far beyond the limits of
the town, as a successful physician, a member of
various medical societies. and a contributor to
medical journals. IIe was graduated from  thle
Western Homneopathic College of Cleveland, Olio,
in the class of 1858, when the institution was
young and John Wheeler its President. Since that
time he has devoted his life to his profession, lias
met with remarkable success and been rewarded by
securing quite a large amount of worldly goods.
He has belonged to the Hlomeolathic Medical Society of Michigan since its organization at Jackson
in 1873, has been Vice-President of the body for
some years and became its President in 1889. Since
1875 he has been a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy, whiclh is a National institute.
IHe has been Medical Examiner for three different
insurance companies and his connection with them
has given them credit among the people. He takes
an active interest in everything that pertains to his
profession and articles from his pen form a valuable
addition to medical literature.
Dr. Jones traces his lineage to Wales, his pro

genitors for a few generations having lived in New
England. He was born at Painesville, Ohio, August
24, 1822, being the third child of his parents, who
in October, 1828, came to Michigan and secured a
claim in Hillsdale County. Iere the lad spent his
boyhood, pursuing the usual studies and then taking
up a thorough course in medicine botlh with local
physicians and alone. A part of llis time he was
under the tutorship of Dr. I. N. Minor, a wellknown local surgeon of Coldwater, who (lied while
an army surgeon during tile late war. After his
graduation IDr. Jones located at Camden, Mich.,
and there spent about two years, opening his office
in Brooklyn, July 7, 1860. He has since made
this the scene of his labors, llavingi a wide field for
llis practice, ar;d steadily gaining in reputation as a
reliable physician among the citizens for miles
around.
In Camden, Dr. Jones was united in marriage
with Miss Charlotta A. C. Holcomb, who was born
in the State of New York, July 3, 1821. She
possessed many of the virtues which make the name
of woman honored, one of her prominent characteristics being extreme kindness of heart. Her
home was the spot to which her thoughts ever
tended and within whose walls she found her greatest joy in the society of her husband and their
son to whom she was devoted. She died at her
home in Brooklyn, February 4, 1883, cheered by
the comforts of religion, being a member of the
Presbyterian Church. She left one son, 0. Q. Jones,
now a practicing lphysician of Tecumseh. Her
parents, James and Hannah (Bentley) Holcomb,
were natives of the Empire State, whence in 1836
they removed to Hillsdale County, Mich., and there
both died at a ripe age.
Dr. Jones contracted a second matrimonial alliance in Brooklyn, taking as his companion Miss
Bessie Freeman. She was born in Canandaigua,
N. Y., and came when young to Michigan, living
until lter marriage with her adopted father, Byron
Freeman, now of Brooklyn. She is the mother of
one daughter, Florence.
Dr. Jones is a prominent member of the Masonic
fraternity in Brooklyn. He is Treasurer of Blue
Lodge, No. 169, and Scribe of Chapter No. 90,
having held both positions for some years. He






428


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


I


has been Trustee of Brooklyn Village nine years
and Acting President one year, working earnestly
for the advancement of the place in material prosperity and intellectual and moral growth. He is
an advocate of the principles of temperance, voting
for temperance measures at all times, and has
always taken a deep interest in the cause of education, serving as Trustee of the village schools
fifteen years. He and his wife attend the Method(ist Episcopal Church. They are leading members
of society, where the intelligence and refinement
of Mrs. Jones make her ever welcome, and give
her a standing such as should be merited by the
companion of a gentleman of Dr. Jones' character
and ability.
The grandfather of our subject was Benaiah
Jones, Sr., a native of Connecticut and of New
England parentage.  He was engaged in farming.
After his marriage to a Miss Blish of Connecticut,
he moved to B(rkshire County, Mass., where, near
Pittsfield, he reared a large family. His son, Benaiah, Jr., one of the youngest members of the
household band, was seventeen years old when the
family changed their residence to Painesville, Lake
County, Ohio.   The country was new and the
family endured those trials which were common to
pioneers. There Mrs. Jones died ripe in yea:s.
Some years later the bereaved husband came to
Michigan, joining his sons and (lying in Jonesville
in 1839, at the age of eighty-four years. He was
a patriot of the Revolution and participated in
many active engagemlents during that conflict. In
religion he was an earnest Presbyterian.
Benaiah Jones, Jr., the father of our subject, became of age in Northern Ohio, and married Miss
Lois, daughter of Daniel and Lois (Stanley) Olds,
natives of Massachusetts, the daughter being born
near Pittsfield. Mr. Olds was one of Washington's
aids throughout the first struggle for American in(ependence. During the War of 1812 he and his
family removed to Iainesville, Ohio, where the
daughter married. Mr. and Mrs. Olds subsequently
came to Michigan, where they died of old age.
They were members of the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Olds was a Whig, as was his frien'd and neighbor, Benaiah Jones, Sr.
After the birth of five sons, Benaiah Jones, Jr.,




located in Michigan as has been previously mentioned, securing a claim in IHills ale County in
1828. He subsequently purchased a tract of oak
openings from the Government and in 1832 laid
out the town of Jonesville. He was a soldier in
the Black Hawk War and was made Major-General
during that contest. He afterward went South
and lived in Texas until his death, which occurred
during the Civil War, when he was sixty-eight
years old. His wife survived him and died at the
home of our subject in Brooklyn, in 1875, at the
advanced age of eighty-four years.  She was a
Presbyterian and a woman whose good qualities
were appreciated by all those who surrounded her.
She was the mother of eight children, of whom five
are yet living.
The reader's attention is directed to a lithographic portrait of I)r. Jones, to be found elsewhere in this volume.
'.-R ---REDERICK ABBEY.      This name represents another of the early settlers of this
/L.  Ccounty, who located in Sandstone Township at a time when its inhabitants were few and
far between. IHe forms one of the class of men
who have done good service in bringing a portion
of its soil to a state of cultivation, erecting a good
homestead and rearing a respectable family, who in
their turn will assist in perpetuating the honesty
and morality of the community.
Mr. Abbey was born on the other side of the Atlantic, November 4, 1816, in the Province of HesseDarmstadt, Germany, and is the son of Sebastian
and Agnes Abbey, being their youngest child. He
lived in his native province until a youth of eighteen years, and learned the carpenter's trade, which
he has followed until a few years since. In accordance with the laws and customs of the Fatherland,
he was placed in school at an early age, thus gaining a practical education. He lived in Germany
until a man of thirty years, then not satisfied with
his condition or his prospects, resolved upon emigrating to America. Taking passage at Bremen






PtORTRAfIT~l1 AND BIOGRAPHICAH1CL ALBUM.~1


429


POR~hAIT AC


for London, he worked there two years in a bakery
and in 1848 started for the New World, embarking at Liverpool on a sailing-vessel, which, after a
voyage of two months, landed him at Quebec,
Canada.
Leaving the Dominion soon afterward, Mr. Abbey came over into the States and worked at his
trade in Albany, N. Y., two years. We next find
him in the city of Buffalo, where he sojourne(d for
a number of years, working as a carpenter, andl in
the meantime became a member of a volunteer fire
company. From Buffalo he migrated to Attica, of
which he was a resident two years, and in the fall
of 1854, he set out for Michigan. His objective
point was this county, and soon:afterward( lie purchased forty acres of land on section 12, Sandstone
Township, paying therefor the sum of $200. Much
of this was covered witl timber, and lie settled in
the woods, his domicile being a little log sllanty,
16x20 feet in dimensions. By working dilig'ently
early and late, lie brought his land to a good state
of cultivation, and added to it by purchasing a:
part of section 1. I)During the war he put up his
present residence, a well-built structure, and which
is still in good condition. Iis f1arm now compr)ises
one hundred and twenty acres of land, and1 IIis surroundings are those of a man in comfortable cir.
cumstances.
Mr. Abbey was first married in Rochester N. Y.,
in 1848, to Mrs. Louisa Coons, who bore him five
children, three of whom are living. 'The eldest, a
daulghter, Elizabeth, is tlie wife of Joln Gillespie, of
Tompkins Township; John is living in the northern part of Michigan; and George is at home with
his father. Mrs. Louisa Abbey departed this life
in 1883.
Mr. Abbey was again married May 5, 1888, to
Mrs. Rebecca Hutchinson, widow of Henry Hutell.
inson, of this county. She was born June 5, 1821,
in Ulster County, N. Y., and is the daughter of
Peter and Rebecca (Bishop) Lane. Peter Lane
was of Dutch descent, while tlme mother was partly
of English extraction. Mrs. Abbey remained a
resident of her native county uutil reaching womanhood, then went to New York City, and was
there Inarried to Mr. Hutchlinson. Of this union
there were born four children, two of whom are


living, Thomas and Henry. Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson lived fourteen years inl New York City, then
came to Grass Lake, this State, where Mr. Hlutchinson died. He was a ship carpenter by trade, which
lie followed in New York State, but after coming
to Michigan, was employed on a railroad.
Mr. Abbey after becoming a voting citizen, identified himself with the Democratic party, and he
finds his religious consolation within the pale of
the Catholic Church. He is one of the leading
German citizens of Sandstone Township, a man
honest in his transactions, and respected by all who
know him.
(,    lIM. ClREGO belongs to a family who are
well-known for their success in the work of
'~~ agriculture, for their thrift and industry,
and lie is a good representative of the family char-'
acter and prosperity. His beautiful estate comprises one hundred and sixty acres on section 14,
Columbia 'Township, which lie obtained in the
summer of 1863, and which from a state of partial
improvement lie has marked with a full line of
excellent farm buildings and brought up to a high
state of cultivation. Ile has been engaged in farminr and( stock-raising, and in both lines of work
has plursued a successful career.
The gentlem:an of whom we write first saw the
light of day in Clarence Township, Erie County,
N. Y., August 2, 1831, being the seventh soin in a
fraternal band comprising eight brothers and one
sister. A full history of his parents will be found
in thle biography of Hiram Crego, on another page
in tlis work. ile was five years old when his
father planted a home in Michigan, coming with
the full determination to make a fine farm, and rear
his family to honorable and trustworthy manhood
and womanhood. None of the pioneer families of
tills county have done more than Richard Crego
and sois to build up their own homes and make
a country suitable to live in.
After C. M. Crego grew to manhood he attended
the Seminary at Leoiii, after which he taught
school three winters. His health failing, he aban





I


430


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


doned professional labors and began work as a
farmer. He was first married, in Steuben County,
N. Y., at the home of his bride, Miss Jane Con
nor. She was born in that county in 1835, her
father, Dennis Connor, being a farmer, whose entire life was passed in the Empire State. The
daughter was the recipient of excellent home training and a good education, beginning her labors as a
school-teacher in her own county, and afterward carrying on the same work in Michigan, whence she
returned to her native county prior to her marriage. That interesting ceremony took place in
1861. She was spared but a few years to her
husband and child, dying at her home in this
county July 22, 1865, while still in the prime of
life. She was a member in good standing of the
Presbyterian Church.  Her marriage had been
blessed by the birth of one daughter, Nora J., who
died when four years of age.
Mr. Crego contracted a second matrimonial alliance, April 7, 1868, the ceremony taking place in
Cambridge Township, Lenawee County. The bride
was Miss Delia N. Wyman, who was born in
Saline Township, Washtenaw County, on October
5, i846, to Jonas and Rachael (Wilson) Wyman. Her parents were natives of Penn Yan, N. Y.,
were there reared and married, at once locating in
Michigan, settling on a farm  where they lived
some seven years. The health of the mother giving away in 1847, they went to Texas, seeking to
restore it, and subsequently returning toward their
home were forced to abandon their journey at
Little Rock, Ark., where Mrs. Wyman succumbed
to the lingering disease, consumption, and entered
into her rest. She was then but twenty-four years
old, and her daughter, now Mrs. Crego, an* infant
of two years. The father returned to Michigan,
and in 1850 started for the West, going overland to
California, where he engaged in mining for some
yeats, finally going to a place twenty miles north
of Sacramento, where he spent his last days, dying
in.Jule 1888, when seventy-three years old.
After the death of her mother, Mrs. Crego be
came a member of the family of Mr. Milton Redfield, of Cambridge Township, Lenawee County,
where she received her education in the common
schools of the county and in the city of Adrian.


She is possessed of a high degree of intelligence, as
well as a character which entitles her to the hearty
esteem of those who know her and especially en..
dears her to her own household. She has borne
her husband eleven children, of whom three sons
-Clark, Charlie and Roy-died quite young.
Dennis M. is attending school at Brooklyn, and
living at home; Walter L. attends the schools of
Napoleon, from the parental home; Addie M.. a
smart young lady, is pursuing her studies in the
Brooklyn schools; Edith A., Maggie E., Cora E,,
Gayle L. and Iva L. are still at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Crego belong to the Presbyterian
Church at Brooklyn. Mr. Crego has always given
liberally to the support of the church, and to all
public enterprises which merit his support. He is
a Republican, and has held the loc.al offices of the
township. He belongs to the Blue Lodge No. 169,
of Brooklyn.
iAMnES B. POMROY is the owner and occupant of a fine farm on sections 29 and
30, Concord Township, and section 5, Pu(    laski Township. The land is in a high state
of cultivation, is well fenced, and supplied with a
full line of farm buildings, including houses, barns,
a windmill, etc. It is evident to even the most
causual observer that the estate is under the management of a practical and progressive agriculturist. Labor-saving machinery of the latest and
most improved models is used, and the greatest
neatness and order prevails. The place is one of
which any man may well be proud to be the owner.
General farming is carried on upon it, wheat and
other grains being raised, and good grades of cattle
and hogs being kept. The two teams of horses
used in carrying on the work of the estate are
graded Wilkes.
The gentleman of whom we write is an adopted
son of Austin Pomroy, who was a prominent man
in this section from 1835 to 1877. Austin Pomroy
was born in Hamilton, Madison County, N. Y.,
January 23, 1804, being a son of John and Deborah (Foster) Poinroy, who were pioneers of the




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


431


county in which he was born. His father was a
farmer and also a surveyor, and the son followed
is his father's steps when he became a man. The
remote ancestry are French, the name being (lerived from the French words meaning "Apple
King. "
Austin Poinroy was a delicate child, who was not
thought to have a long lease of life. lIe attended
the common schools, and had one term at the academy at IHamilton. In 1830 he went to Lockport
and hired out on a farm, teaching during the winters for four years. He then made a tour through
Southern Michigan, but returned to his native State
without having located. After spending a few
montis in Lockport again, in 1835 he returned to
this State, and bought Government land on sections
29 and 30, Concord Township, tills county, put up
a log house, and began farming and stock-raising.
While attending the academy Mr. Pomroy had
learned surveying, and after coming to this State
he engaged in such work, surveying the township
several times. In 1857 he was elected County
Surveyor, and with the exception of two years
held the office continuously till 1869, giving general satisfaction to the people. Iuring the years
1850-51, lie was Township Supervisor; lie also held
the offices of Commissioner of Highways and Overseer of the Poor. Known throughout the county,
he was highly reputed and wielded an influence
that falls to the lot of few men, being loved as well
as respected. Ie cast his first vote for John (Q.
Adams, was a stanch Abolitionist, and a Republican
in later years. In the Presbyterian Church he was
an Elder thirty-four years, and was one of the organizers of the society at Concord. IIe lived on
the farm that was his first home ill this county until
March 23, 1877, when lie laid down the burdens of
life and entered into his rest.
On April 28, 1836, Austin Pomroy and Betsey
Randall were joined in holy wedlock. The bride
was a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Robinson)
Randall, who were natives of St. Lawrence County,
N. Y., whence they removed to Niagara County,
later making their home with their daughter in
this State for a time. Subsequently they went to
Illinois, where both died. Mr. and Mrs. Randall
were childless, bhit adlopted the subject of this


sketch. and in every respect treated him as a son,
bestowing upon him the care and the love that
were denied their legitimate objects.
The subject of this sketch was born in Grass
Lake, this county, June 22, 1843, and was but two
years old when his mother (lied, and he was adopted
by those to whom lie became a son in all but the
bond of blood. His father Roswell Tucker, a native of Cherry Valley. N. Y., came to Michigan
about 1837, and located at Grass Lake, where he
became the owner of a good farm. ITe was also engage(l as a clerk in a store in that town for years,
until he grew too old for such duties. He t'.en removed to Alamo. Kalamazoo County, where he
died in 1878. lHe was a Republican in his political
affiliations, and a member of the Congregational
Church. His wife, iMiss Smith, was born, reared
and married in the Empire State. She bore him
four children: Rilla, now deceased; Othelbert,
wlho lives in Plano, this State; Elizabeth, now Mrs.
Buck, of Chicago, Ill.; and our subject.
After becoming a member of the family of Austin Pomroy, lie of whom we write grew to maturity
in tile region where lie yet lives, studying in the
(listrict sclools. He learned surveying, becoming
quite conversant with the theory, but thought the
practice required wading through too much water,
and soon abandoned the work. lie remained at
home, carrying on the farm, working with his
adopted father, and upon his death inheriting the
estate.  It comprises one hundred and twenty
acres in Concord Township, and forty acres in Pulaski Township, the most of the present improvements being his own work.
In HIomer, Calhoun County, in 1867, Mr. Pomroy was united in marriage withl Miss Permilla E.
Snyder, an estimable young woman, whose domestic
accomplishments and fine character gain the esteem
of many friends, and the deep love of her own
household. She is a daughter of Jeremiah and
Rachael (Broas) Snyder, of Tompkins County,
N. Y., who settled in this State in 1838. They located at Albion, but in 1859 came to this county
and located in Pulaski Township, where the father
continued      rmin orain       nt   his farmin oerations until his death.
The mother is still living on the old homestead,
and is now past seventy-five years old, She belong::




1


432


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


to the Methodist Episcopal Church. She bore her
husband five children, viz.: Urial, now living in
Pulaski Township, this county; Otis; Ruth, Mrs.
Benham, and Charles, living in Homer Township,
Calhoun County; and Mrs. Pornroy. The latter
was born in Albion, July 13, 1848, and reared there
and in this county. The father of Mr. Snyder was
a farmer in Tompkins County, N. Y., aid a soldier
of the War of 1812. His given name was Peter,
and his age at the time of his death was nearly
ninety-six years. The father of Mrs. Snyder was a
Revolutionary soldier.
Alound the hearthstone of Mr. and Mrs. Pomroy
four bright sons and daughters cluster. They are:
J. A.; Charles J., who is yet attending the common
schools; and Inez Adella and Ida Luella, twins.
Mr. Pomroy does not aspire to public office, finding
sufficient to occupy him in the care of his estate,
and his indivi lual duties as man and citizen. His
social nature finds recreation in tlhe home circle, and
in the fraternities to which he belongs. IHe is a
member of Willey Lodge, No. 176, I. 0. 0. F., at
Concord, of which he has been Past Noble Grand;
also of the Encampment No. 63, at Albion, from
which he has been delegate to the Grand Lodge;
and to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In
politics he is a Republican of the stanchest sort.
Admired and liked by every one, with a pleasing
family, and in a prosperous condition in life, Mr.
Pomroy is one of the few men who llave reason to
be content with their lot, and wlo manifest their
satisfaction.
____,^-.2= _ __
t   ]~ALLACE J. WEE~KS, MI.D. In giVilng
If\M//t  t "honor to whom honor is due " in the
VY    (development of this county, mention
should certainly be made of the above-named gentleman, who h.s labored long and arduously in this
vicinity, displaying his energy and capability in
several lines of work. lie is the owner and occupar.t of a good farm on section 9, Hanover Township, where he has made his home for some years,
and where he is engaged in breeding fine horses, in
addition to his professional labors. He owns a fine
equine k" Mack," by kl Hambletonian Gift," and a


mare five years old, sired by " Grand Sentinel."
The latter is in foal to "Ambassador," a celebrated
Kalamazoo stallion valued at $30,000.
The parents of him of whom we write were Ira
B. and Emeline (Bowerman) Weeks, who were
united in marriage in New York. The former was
born in Chenango County, of the Empire State,
and the latter in Barnstable County, Mass. In
1826 they removed to Ohio, where they remained
about four years, returning then to the Empire
State, where thev lived until 1847. The mother
rode the entire distance on a pony, carrying the
Doctor, then an infant of eight months, in her
arms, while his elder brother, three years old, rode
behind on the lony.    This journey was from
Huron County, Ohio, to Livingston County, N. Y.
They then came to Michigan, settling on a farm in
H-Ianover Township, this county. There the mother
died in 1868, her death being the first in the family for forty years. The father followed her to
tlhe grave the following year. They were the parents of nine children who grew to maturity, and
eiglht of whom 're living.
)1r. Weeks is the second born in the parental
family, and his birth occurred in New ILaven,
Huron County, Ohio, I)ecelnber 23, 1830. His
elementary ieducation was obtained in the common
schools of Mlonroe County, N. Y., alnd at the age
of eleven years he left the )arental roof to make
his home with a neighbor, in whose family he remained three years. He then spent a year in Canada with an uncle, returning to New York for a
twelvemonth, and then turning his steps Westward, and becoming a permanent resident in this
State. While in Canada he worked for $4 per
month in the winter and $5 per month in the summer, and from this stipend lie clothed himself and
saved $15.50. This money was the nucleus for
raising, and saving enough to bring the family to
Michigan, and from it all the possessions of the
Doctor have sprung by dint of energy, prudence
and ability.
When the Weeks family came to this county
almost the entire section was in a wild state, but few
fields having yet been tilled, although on many large
tracts the trees had been girdled. Frame houses
were very rare, the residences being mostly log






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


433


- I

cabinS. and the schoolhouses also built of logs.
Apples were very scarce, as the trees were too
young for bearing, but peaches were quite abundant. But few are now living in this section who
were here at that time, an(t the heads of the families
are nearly all gone from earth.
During the first three years the subject of this
sketch turned his hand to chopping, making rails,
grubbing and well-digging. IHe then turned his
attention to carpenter and joiner work under the
supervision of his father, who followed that trade.
1)uring the winter of 1850-51 lie worked on a
frame house on 1Bundy's Hill at five shillings per
day. In the fall of 1 850 young Weeks bought one
hundred acres of land one and one-half miles south
of Horton, for which he paid $500. It was partly
improved in a rough way, and a log house stood
upon it. The following splring he took a companion in life, and set up his household upon this farm.
There he remained four years, after which he sold
the property and purchased eighty-four acres in
Liberty Township, to which he removed, remaining ul)on it eleven years. During this time he carried on his farm, and also took contracts for
building, furnishing all material, work, etc. A
great many of the btlildings in Spring Arbor
Township were erected by him.
Twenty-six years ago Mr. and Mrs. Weeks removed to their present home, which then contained
two hundred and fourteen acres. In 1869, the
Ft. Wayne & Jackson Railroad was built through
here, and lanover Township raised $30.000 to aid
it. In this work Mr. Weeks bore a noble share,
also contributing to the Air Line Railroad. In
1870 or 1871 he went to the village of Horton as
railroad agent, in company with his father in-law,
D. C. Iatch, Sr., and together they built the
freight depot. Ere long he bought out the interest of Mr. Hatch, and being appointed depot
agent, put up tlie passenger depot. While not
neglecting his duties as agent he handled lumber,
plaster, etc., and was the first grain buyer in the
village. HIe also bought wool and carried on a
general business for about three years.
In the meantime Mr. Weeks had built a large
edifice to he used as a store, with a Masonic hall
overhead, anrd he opened in this building a stock


of dry-goods, groceries, boots and shoes, clothing,
drugs, medicine and hardware. He carried on his
mercantile business as well as his other occupation
for nearly two years, and then sold out tile depot
buildings, gave up the railroad agency, and gave
his attention exclusively to his store for about six
years. H-e then retired to his farm, where he has
since lived with the exception of two years spent
in thle village. By tile advice of some of the physicians here he began the study of medicine, and
after a year's reading at home lie entered the Detroit Medical College, where lie took two full
courses in medicine, being graduated in 1880.
Since that time lie has been in constant practice,
following tle regular school, and having an excellent rieputation throulghout the surrounding country.
The lady to whom Mr. Weeks was united in
marriage, March 1, 1851, was Miss Eliza J. Hatch,
daughter of one of the lrominent pioneers, of
whom information is given in the biography of
John A. Iatch, found elsewhere in this volume.
Mrs. Weeks was born in Steuben County, N. Y.,
December 30, 1829, and no native of the county
grew to a more worthy womanhood      than she.
Throughout her lhappy married life she has been a
valued companion and a true helpmate to tie man
of ler choice. She is the mother of three children
-Mary was born in 1853, became the wife of
EdwPrd Tripp, and died June 19, 1888, leaving no
children; George W., born in 1855, married Miss
Sarah Frazier, and lives in the sane township as
his parents; he and his wife have one son, Joln;
Charles W. was born in 1863, and at the age of
twenty married Miss Katie Brownlee; his wife was
removed from him  by death September 11, 1887,
their union having been childless.
The health of Dr. Weeks was so reduced a few
years since that he was obliged to go South, in
1885 and 1886, remaining until the cold weather
abated. IIe has been a strong supporter of the
Universalist doctrines, in whichl his wife also believes  He is a member of the Grange and of the
Masonic fraternity. having membership in the Blue
Lodge at tEorton, and in the Commandery at Jackson. He was a charter member of the Blue Lodge,
and has been Senior Warden. Not only in a business capacity, but in his connection with local


i:




434


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


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affairs, Dr. Weeks has been active and useful in his
(ay and generation.  In the early times lie was a
Constable, for many years he served as School
Director, and also as a Trustee for the Methodist
Episcopal Church; he was Justice of the Peace six
years and Town Clerk two years. He has always
been an active worker in the cause of temperance,
and has been deeply interested in political affairs,
affiliating with the Democratic party. Both he and
his wife are related to many of the first families in
this vicinity, and throughout their large circle of
acquaintances are regarded with deep respect and
have many warm friends.:0.,..,,0,,X 


I,  ON. JOSHUA CLEMENT has been for many
years not only one of the prominent and
prosperous agriculturists of Leoni Town(@   ship, where he owns and occupies a valuable farm, but lie has taken a leading part in the
management of public affairs, and has wisely and
ably discharged the duties devolving upon him
while an incumbent of important township and
county offices.
He was born in Orange County, N. Y., September 3, 1818, a son of Bartlett S. Clement, who was
a native of Long Island. Daniel Clement, the grand -
father of our subject, was born in England, and
coming with two brothers to America in Colonial
times, lie and one brother settled permanently on
Long Island, the other brother subsequently moving to Canada. The father of our subject passed his
early life in the home of his birth, and when a
young man went to the main llnd, and settled in
Orange County, and was there married, Catherine
IcCulloch becoming his wife. She was a native of
Ireland, born of Scotch parentage, her ancestors
having been among the people who colonized the
north of Ireland. She came to this country when a
young woman and was living in Orange County at
the time of her marriage. Early in 1820 the parents
of our subject took up their residence in Tompkins
County, locating in the town of Ithica. Mr. Clement was engaged there a few years in working land
on shares, and then removed from there to Danbv,




where he bought a small farm, and operat(d it till
1843, in which year he came to Michigan, and
settling in Leoni Township was a respected resident
of this place until his death, which occurred at the
home of his son, and he now lies sleeping his last
sleep in the Leoni cemetery.  Iis wife also spent
her last years with our subject. Slie was the mother
of fourteen children, eleven of whom were reared
to maturity: Daniel, David, Wright, Joseph, John,
Joshua, Absalom, Charles, Hannah, Ann Eliza,
Sarah, and of these three are now living, Joshua,
Charles and Ann Eliza.
Joshua Clement, of whom these lines are a brief
life-record, was bred to man's estate in Tompkins
County, N. Y., and early commenced to help his
father in his work, and thus gained a good practical education in farming. He remained an inmate
of the parental household until he was twenty one
years old, and then started out for himself, finding
employment as a farm laborer, working by the
month. In 1843, he accompanied his parents to this
State, his father havingo previously bought a tract
of land in Parma Township, which lie soon traded
for a part of the farm now owned by our subject.
A few acres had been cleared, and a log house stood
on the place. The county was still sparsely settled,
ald deer, wild turkeys and other kinds of game
furnished food for tile pioneers. In 1844 our subject settled on hIis present farm, and has been a resident of the township ever since. IHe has been
greatly prospered, and has added to his landed
estate until it now comprises two hundred ard nine
acres of valuable and highly productive farming
land.  -le has erected a neat set of frame buildings
and has otherwise greatly improved the place.
On March 19, 1845, the marriage of Mr. Clement
with Miss Elizabeth Taylor was consummated.
Mrs. Clement is a native of New Jersey, born in
Bergen County, April 14, 1815. Her father, Elisha
Taylor, was an honored pioneer of Jackson County,
settling one mile south of the city of Jackson, where
he improved a good farm. HIe and his wife spent
their last years with Mr. and Mrs. Clement. The
maiden name of Mrs. Clement's mother was Elizabeth Bennett. She and her husband lie sleeping
side by side in the Jackson cemetery.
The wedded life of our subject and his wife has




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


435


been darkened by the death of the three children
born unto them. Their eldest son, a bright and
promising young man. born May 27, 1846, entered
the University at Ann Arbor in 1870, and died
while pursuing his studies there March 10, 1873.
Their only daughter, Kate Elizabeth, born May
13, 1848, died September 10, 1865. Their youngest son, Bartlett, was born May 13, 1850. He married Miss Annie E. Sullivan, and established a
pleasant home, from which he was removed by
death January 10, 1890. May the beloved parents
and friends of tkese three thus early removed from
the cares and trials of this life, be sustained by the
hope of meeting them in a future "where the hopes
and dreams of earth shall be turned to sight, and
the broken circles of life be rounded to the perfect
orb."
This brief review of the life of our subject shows
him to have always been the sanie level headed,
clear-brained, practical man, just and upright in all
his acts, that lie is to-day, and tlie township and
county where he has had his llome for so many
years have found in him a very useful citizen.
Recognizing his fitness for office his fellow citizens
have called him to responsible positions, and the
vigor and shrewdness of his management of his
private affails have been carried into his official
work, making him a valuable civic official. iHe
was elected to the State Legislature in the fall of
1870, and he has represented his township on the
County Board of Supervisors ten years. Politically,
he is a sound Democrat.
MASA W. MARSH. In the death of the
aboved named gentleman, which occurred
at his home on section 19, Columbia Township, January 10, 1890, this county lost
one of ler early settlers and most industrious and
enterprising agriculturists. While taking no prominent part in political or social affairs, he was interested in the development of the material and
intellectual resources and in the prosperity of the
State which he had chosen for his home. His good
citizenship was acknowlcdede by all with whon he


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came in contact and they also admitted his right to
the title of an honorable man.
The parents of him of whom   we write were
Samuel Marsh, a native of Connecticut and of New
England parentage, and Polly Barnes, of New
York. The father began life as a tanner and currier in Pompey Township, Onondaga County,
N. Y., where he spent all his active days, dying
there when forty-five years old. His wife lived to
come to Michigan and spent her last days witl lher
children here, dying at the home of her sonr Samuel,
(now deceased), in this county, in 1878, when past
four-score years of age.
A. W. Marsh was one of a large family, of whom
five sons and two daughters lived to years of maturity. He was born in Onondaga County, N. Y.,
October 17, 1816, remaining under the parental
roof until the death of Ills father, when he went to
live with his uncle Philo Peck. At his home he
spent the remainder of the years until he attained
man's estate, and was married to Miss Lydia Lindsday, also of Onondaga County. In 1837, not long
after his marriage, Mr. Marsh visited the wilds of
MIichigan, selecting the tract of land whicl afterward became his homie and obtaining it from the
Government, then returning to New York. In
1839, accompanied by his wife, he made the journey across the country to his new home witi teams,
at once beginning the improvement of the estate
which was the scene of his active lab'ors from that
time forward. IIe became the owner of a good
farm of one hundred and forty-two acres which is
now the comfortable home of his second wife and
those of his children who are yet unmarried.
The faithful woman who accompanied Mr.
Marsh to Michigan, aiding him in his early efforts
to build up a good home in the West, was removed
from him by death January 26, 1851. He was
the second time married at Tecumseh, Lenawee
County, taking as his companion Miss Eliza,
daughter of Samuel and LMartha (Shlell) Totten.
Her parents were born in Albany County, N. Y.,
and were both of English ancestry. After their
marriage they removed to Oneida County, where
their daughter Eliza was born April 17, 1827. In
1846, Mr. and Mrs. Totten came to Michigan with
their family, settling at Tecumseh, where both






436


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


died, Mr. Totten when he had almost reached his
three-score years and ten, and Mrs. Totten when
seventy-two years old. They were worthy citizens,
good neighbors, and menmbers in good standing of
the Congregational Church.
Mrs. Eliza Marsh, widow of the subject of this
sketch, was one of two daughters and six sons, and
was nineteen years old when her parents removed
to this State. She is a worthy woman whose chief
aim has ever been to be a true helpmate to her husband and a faithful mother to the children whom
she hlas borne and to the son of her husband's
former marriage. She is the mother of four children, namely: S. Lavern,at home; Hortense, wife
of Fred Foot, a farmer of Liberty Township, this
county; Florence, wife of Norman Birdsall, a
farmer of Columbia Township; and William T., at
home. By his first marriage Mr. Marsh hlad two
children-H-Iomer, who is now deceased, and Clifton A., who is still living with his step-mother.
Mr. Marsh was identified  with the Universalist
Church, in the doctrines of which his widow is also
a believer. IHe was a Democrat and the sons follow the faith of their father..o- v..\!  r i


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tory, they locating in Lenawee County where he
spent the greater part of his time until 1856. The
following year he in 1857 removed to Brooklyn,
Jackson County, and engaged in the real-estate
business for ten years and one-half. Then turning
his attention to agriculture, he purchased a farm in
Summit Township where lie lived three years.
Selling out lie then bought a farm in Blackmlan
Township where he lived three years and we next
find him on a farm near the village of Grass Lake,
whence, a year later he removed to Napoleon. He
has thus been a resident of this place since March,
1873. Contrary to the usual adage that 'a rolling
stone gathers no moss," Mr. Blackmar has usually
bettered himself in his migrations and is now tle
owner of three hundred and fifty broad acres, all
in tills county. He superintends the cultivation of
this which is carried on by other parties. He takes
an active interest in political affairs and is a pronounced Prohibitionist, condemning teetotallv the
manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors. Both
hIe and his estimable wife are active members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church in which Mr.
Blackmar has beel a pillar, holding many offices
for these many years. He has been a man at all
times enjoying the esteem of his fellow-citizens and
hIolding various positions of trust and responsibility. When but a boy in his native State lie received
a Corporal's commission from Gov. Stephen T.
Mason, and went with Gen. 1rown to drive off the
Ohio men from the ten-mile strip, which purpose
was thoroughly accomplished. Many and great are
the changes which he has witnessed since coming
to the Wolverine State and he may reasonably feel
that lie has contributed his full quota in transforming a portion of her soil from the wilderness to the
abode of a civilized and prosperous people.
Mr. Blackmar was first married in his native
State to Miss Jane Loucks, who was born there and
who bore him a son and daughter. The son died
when two years old; the daughter, Octavia J., is
now the wife of William H. Loomis. Mrs. Jane
Blackmar departed this life in Cambridge Township, Lenawee County, this State, in 1851. 'Lhe
second wife of Mr. Blackmar was Papiria Blair, and
of this union there were also born two childrenCharles who died when a year and a half old, and


ILLIAM    S. BLACKMAR. This sturdy
veteran of three-quarters of a century, in
years, gives comparatively little evidence
that he has passed so many milestones on the highway of life, being still active in mind and body
and possessed of the intelligence, memory and a
fund of information constituting him a companion
with whom an hour may always be spent in a pleasant and profitable manner. He is well fixed, financially, and is now living retired from the active
duties of life in a pleasant home in Napoleon. He
is known to the people of this county as one of its
most solid citizens, possessing the sterling qualities
of character which have enabled him to build up a
record of which his posterity will never be ashamed.
A native of the little town of Wales, Erie County,
N. Y., Mr. Blackmar was born July 24, 1815, and
lived there until a lad of fourteen years. He then
came with his parents, in 1829, to Michigan Terri





PORTRAIT ANI) 1BIO(1lRA l'IICAL ALBUMlI.                437
-0   0 '  0   3   D  0   f  f  0  1.   I   I   -            -    '


Ella P. who is the wife of Charles D. Richardson
of Genesee County, Mich.; Mrs. Papiria Blackmar
died at the homestead in Lenawee County in 1854.
The present wife of our subject to whom he was
marrie(d November 25, 1857, was in her girlhood
Miss Christia A. Buckland and the weddirg took
place at the bride's home in Moscow Townshiip.
Mrs. Christia A. Blackmar was born in Genesee
County, N. Y., November 25, 1833, and c:ame to
Michigan with her parents in childhood. Of this
union there have been born thle following children:
'The firstborn died in infancy; Ada B. clied when
twelve years old; Anna L. is with her parents; Florence died when an infant; William S., Jr. remains
under the home roof. The daughter, Anna, is a
)right and accomplished young lady, possessing
fine talent as an artist as various paintings upon tlhe
walls of the dwelling indicate, and she has attained
quite a reputation in this line.
The father of our subject was Charles Blackmar,
a native of New York State and the maiden name
of his mother was Nellie Rice, who was born and
reared not far from the early home of her husband.
After their marriage they removed from    Erie
County to ITHuron County, Ohio, where they lived
three years. In 1829 they set out for Mlichigan
Territory and located first in what is now Cambridge Township, Lenawee County. The fattier
only lived five years afterward, being taken away
when a young man, in 1834. The mother survived
her husband over twenty years, her death taking
place at the home of her daughter, in Woodstock
Township in 1856. They were the parents of seven
children, of whom William S. was the eldest son
and third child. Three of the others are living and
located in Michigan.
I)N C. CORWIN. This gentleman, whose
pleasant home is situated on section 21,
Sandstone Township, is one of the oldest
l(j settlers now living in this county, and many
an interesting tale can he tell of life in pioneer
times, and of the toils and pleasures of those olden
days. lie numbers a Ievolutionary soldier among


his ancestors, and the King and Corwin families,
from which he sprung, have not been without their
men and women of true worth and character.
Elias and Mary (King) Corwin, the parents of
our subject, were born in New Jersey, whence they
removed some time after their marriage to Tompkins County, N. Y. In 1836 they continued their
progress Westward. and reaching this county, located in Leoni Township. MIr. Corwin bought
one hundred and twenty acres of land there, and
began the work of developing it, a work lie was
not spared to complete, as le died in 1839. -He
was the father of ten clildren, the only survivor
at this day being the sublject of this sketch. The
mother passed from 'imie to eternity in 1 854.
T'le gentleman with whose name we initiate this
sketcll was born in Morris County, N. J., March
10, 1 818, and was but four years of itge when his
larents removed to the Empire State, where lie
passed his boyhood an(d youth, attending the common schools and acquiring useful habits and fine
principles. lie was entering upllon his youngl manhood when the famnily became residents of this
county,, and his father dying soon afterward, lie
was obliged to assume the place of a guardian, and
upon him tile support of the family largely delen(led.  Ile continued the work of clearing, the
land whlich his father had purchased, and establishing a good home, for seven years continued to act
as tie head of the family.
In 1843 Mr. Corwin was united in marriage with
Clarissa, daughter of Daniel Perry, an early pioneer in this county, aud )purchasing land in this
township, where Timothy Titus now lives, lie remained upon it three years. Tie then removed to
Spring Arbor Township, where he lived two years,
after which lie became a keeper in the State Prison
at Jackson, in which capacity lie served five years.
He then returned to Spring Arbor Township, and
purchased a farm, upon which he resided a number
of years, and from which lhe removed to his present home in 1876. The estate which he now occupies comprises one hundred and twenty acres of
fine land in a good state of cultivation, and its
acquisition and fine condition afford the best proof
of the ability and prudence of the owner.
The second marriage of Mr, Corwin took place
-C  L1~~~~~~~~~~~~~J  UlcIV~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~t+Y   ~f~'-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~"+'r~~~~::  d:0:0






438


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


March 4, 1873, his companion on this occasion
being Mrs. Sarah A. Hibbard. She was born in
Windsor, Vt., September 26, 1825, but became a
resident of this county in her early childhood, and
received her education principally in the public
schools of Jackson. She afterward spent a year at
a select school in Detroit. She was first married
in 184i, her husband, Samuel K. Hibbard, being a
man of prominence in this county, and connected
more or less with official life therein. The union
resulted in the birth of two children, one of whom
is now living; this is Walter B. Hibbard, of Detroit. The father departed this life in 1854, and
for nearly fifteen years after his death his widow
was Matron of the Reform School at Lansing. During her stay in that institution thirteen hundred
and sixty-two boys were inmates.
The parents of the present Mrs. Corwin, Dr.
Oliver and Orinda (Towne) Russ, were born in
Vermont, whence in 1832 they removed to this
State, locating in Jackson. Their house was the
first one with painted doors and windows in that
town. Dr. Russ was one of the first physicians
resident there, and was a successful practitioner, his
professional work extending all the way to Branch
County. Hle was a manl of prominence and influence in other capacities, having held many of
the important offices of the county, from a Judgeship down. He was one of the first advocates of
the establishment of public schools, and one of the
most public-spirited men of the time. He was
highly cultured, having been a graduate of Harvard University. His death occurred in the year
1844.
The first marriage of Mr. Corwin was blessed by
the birth of six children, three of whom are now
living. They are: Fenner K.; Jennie, wife of
Ernest Griffin, of Albion; and Della. Mr. Corwin is now serving his second term as Justice of
the Peace of Sandstone Township, having formerly
held a similar position in Spring Arbor Township.
He is a Republican, ever ready to cast his vote and
to wield his personal influence in behalf of the
party. Both he and his wife may be classed among
the representative pioneers of the county, whose
gradual growth they have witnessed, and in whose
civilization they have ever been deeply interested,


They take an active interest in the social affairs of
their neighborhood, and are looked upon with respect by their fellow-citizens, and with a more
affectionate regard by these who are best acquainted
with their lives and character.,   ROSS G. POND. By means of great industry, careful and prudent management, this
gentleman has become a large property
holder in Jackson County, owning a farm on sections 28 and 29, Liberty Township. One of the
prominent features of the homestead, is a fine twostory brick residence, built in 1880 at a cost of
$2,500. The barn, which was erected in 1876, cost
$1,000. The soil has been carefully developed, and
yields good crops of all kinds of grain, besides
fruits. Mr. Pond has also been quite successful as
a stock-raiser.
In tracing the genealogy of Mr. Pond, we find
that he is the son of Josiah Pond, a native of Vermont, and born September 19, 1791. IHe served
as one of the Green Mountain boys in the War of
1812, doing valiant service in his country's behalf.
By trade he was a shoemaker, and owned a farm in
Steuben County, N. Y., in the township of Cohocton. He married Miss Nabby Gates, born likewise
in the Green Mountain State, February 14, 1791.
Her father was a soldier in the War of 1812. After the marriage of Josiah Pond, which occurred in
Vermont, he continued to reside there for a short
time, thence going to New York, which was his
home until 1845.
Upon coming to Michigan in 1845, Josiah Pond
settled in Liberty Township, and worked on shares
a farm just east of Liberty Mills. After continuing this for three years, he purchased eighty acres
in 1849, and this land is the present home of his
son, our subject. At the same time Mr. Pond operated a farm of two hundred and forty acres, now
the property of Lewis Bros. IHe put up a plank
house, and began improving the place and fencing
it. The first schoolhouse in the township was on
his farm. It was rudely made of logs, with a large
old-fashioned fireplace, and chimney made of mud




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


439


and sticks. In 1862 lie bought one hundred and
sixty acres of land, where Philetus Lewis now
lives.
In 1863, selling out to his sons, Gross G. and
Trafton II., Mr. Pond removed to Liberty Mills,
bought a small place there, and worked at his trade
of shoe-making until his death April 20, 1885. His
wife had preceded him to the better land ten years,
dying in September, 1875. They were Christian
people, large-hearted and generous, being liberal
supporters of the church. lIe was interested in
political affairs, voting the Democratic ticket, and
always an earnest advocate of the right against the
wrong. They were the parents of eleven children,
five of whom are living.
Gross G. Pond, the sixth child in his father's
family, was born January 6. 1828, in Cohocton
Township, Steuben County, N. Y., and was prevented from enjoying the splendid school facilities
of modern life, his attendance being limited to a
rate bill school. After reaching his tenth year, his
school privileges were limited to an attendance of
only three months out of the year, these being during the winter term, in New York State, when he
Ioarded out and gave one and a half days per week
besides doing the chores, to pay for his tuition in
school. After coming here, he was a pupil in the
district school in winter until he was twenty years
of age. IHe remained at home until of age, and all
of his earnings went to help the father.
Upon starting out for himself, Mr. Pond worked
for Edward Delamater, of Columbia Township, for
$12.50 per month, this being one-half dollar more
than the ordinary wages. He worked six months
for this man, and while there, cut in one (lay eight
acres of wheat with a cradle, his brother-in-law,
Orsmnas Phelps, raking and binding it after him.
l)uring the remainder of that year he worked out
by the month, then resolved thereafter to work for
(G. G. Pond. Taking up a farm on shares, with the
proceeds of six months' work, he bought a team of
cattle, for which he paid $25. Then he traded the
cattle for a horse, sold the horse, and bought a pair
of calves for $60. Later he exchanged them for a
yoke of oxen, giving $10 to boot.
Together with his brother-in-law, Mr. Phelps,
our subject took a large farm, two hundred acres
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in extent, and this he worked, putting in forty
acres of wheat, besides corn, oats, etc. After living there one year, he moved east of Brooklyn,
where he took a farm on the north side of Vineyard
Lake, known as Irving Crane Farm. After a year's
residence there, he came to his father's home in this
place, and worked land on shares for about seven
years. In 185) hle made a trip to California, going from New York by way of the Isthmus in a
steamer. He was gone eight months, returning home
in June, 1860. While there he engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1864 he made another trip
to California, this time going overland across the
plains with his family. They left Liberty Township April 4, that year, and located in Nevada, at
Virginia City, October 11. In the meantime he
stopped on the way, and worked for the Indian
agent of the Shoshones, who numbered about three
hundred. IHe was there six weeks, cutting two hundred tons of hay during that time.
During his four years' residence in Nevada, Mr.
Pond worked for the Yellow Jacket Mining Company, and later was on a ranch, but returned to the
employ of the mining company, with whom he remained as long as lie was in the West. On his first
expedition to the Pacific Slope, his brother, Ambrose D., accompanied him, and died in Nevada.
Upon the settlement of the estate, the proceeds
went to the father, who used the money to pay for
one hundred and sixty acres of land before mentioned.
On his return to Michigan, Mr. Pond worked a
farm for three years on shares. In 1871 lie purchased the old homestead from his father, to whom
he had sold it prior to his previous departure for
the West. Upon this land, which he has since made
his home, he has made many important and valuable improvements. Mr. Pond was first married
November 6, 1850, to Miss Rhcda L. Orvis, a sister of Calvin T. Orvis, This lady died February
20, 1852, and by her union with our subject, became the mother of one child, Cynthia L., born July
23, 1851, and died February 10, 1872. Mr. Pond
was again married July 11, 1852, his bride being
Miss Sarah Huestis, daughter of James and Almira
(Ballard) Huestis, natives of New York. They
came to Michigan about 1848.  Mr. Huestis died






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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


August 14, 1866. His wife is also deceased. Of
their twelve children, eight are now living. Mrs.
Pond was born Marlc 12, 1827, in Saratoga County,
N. Y., and accompanied her parents to the Badger
State, where she was united in marriage with our
subject.
Our subject and his wife became the parents of
two children: Emma A., born February 23, 1854,
and Sereno G., September 23, 1855. Emma was tile
wife of Albert Cain, and died December 26, 1878,
leaving no children; Sereno was married February
22, 1875, to Miss Mary M. Cain, a daughter of
Fred F. and Julia A. (Searles) Cain, natives of New
York, who came to Michigan in 1859. The young
couple live on the homestead of our subject, and
have four children, as follows: Ambrose D., born
April 29, 1876; Lena iM., May 2, 1878; Arthur J.,
August 21, 1882; and Charles B., April 20, 1889.
They are bright, intelligent children, who will in
time receive all the advantages of a good education and practical training for the luties of life.
S. G. Pond andl his wife are well-known in social
circles, and are highly esteemed by their many
friends.
The family are members in good standing of the
Metlhodist Episcopal Church, of whicli MrI. Pond is
Treasurer and Trustee, and has been Steward, besides occuping other positions of trust. Ie takes
an active interest in the Sunday-school department,
of which he has been Superintendent, as well as a
teacher of the Bible class. lie is a member of the
Masonic fraternity of Liberty Mills, having filled
the position of Treasurer in the same. I-le also belongs to the Order of Patrons of Industry, and is
Chaplain of Liberty Farmers' Club. Ile is Director
of School District No. 5, and politically, is a Democrat, and takes quite an active interest in all matters of general importance., ETEI R   ~CASH. Norvell Township contains
no more enterprising and progressive farmer and citizen than Mr. Cash, who has
invested $10,000 in lands and improvements, and who has furnished an example of thrift


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and industry well worthy of emulation. His fine
estate, comprising one hundred and ninety-seven
acres of good land, is finely located on sections 24
25, and largely devoted to stock-raising. This has
been the home of Mr. Cash for a period of thirty
years, and indicates at all points the industry witll
which he has labored, and the good management
which has been exercised in the care and cultivation of the land, while surrounding himself and
family with all the comforts of life.
Mr. Cash came to Michigan in 1853, and with
the exception of two years spent in Manchester
Township, Washtenaw   County, has since been a
resident of Norvell Township. His native place
was in Osgodby, near Market Rasen, Lincolnshire,
England, and the date of his birth February 20,
1820. His father, George Cash, was likewise a native of Lincolnshire, where his ancestry had been
known for two hundred years as tenantry of Lord
Maxwell. rhe paternal grandfather, Edward Cash,
spent his entire life on the old Maxwell estate, of
which lie had charge, and was sole proprietor; his
wife was Jane Wilson. George Cash, father of
our subject, married Miss Sarah Brocklesby, of Lincolnshire, and after the birth of all their children,
he sold out, and with the exception of one daughter, they embarked in May, 1853, on the sailer
"William Topscott," for America. After a voyage
of one month's duration, which was remarkably free
from storms, they landed in New York City, June
2, and proceeded directly westward to this county.
Prior to this, one of the sons, Isaac, had come
hither and purchased the land upon which the family located. Upon this farm George Cash and his
excellent wife spent the remainder of their days.
The father died October 3, 1863, when seventyfive years old, and the mother October 25, 1867,
aged seventy-four. From  their youth they had
been members of the Catholic Church.
Peter Cash was the eldest child of his parents,
whose family consisted of eight children who lived
to come to America. When fourteen years old, he
started out in the world on his own account, employing himself as a laborer for a time, and evincing stuch fidelity to duty, and natural adaptation to
business, that he was finally proffered the management of a large farm, owned by William M. Hep



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


441


ten, of Lincolnslire. This was considered one of
the finest estates in the county, and of tills he had
supervision for a period of eight years. Then.
much against the wishes of the owner, he resigned
in order to come to America.
Mr. Cash landed in this county equipped witll
$1,000 in money, the savings of his labors in his
native England, with his wife, four children, and
sixteen hundred pounds of baggage. They were thus
able to settle themselves comfortably, and Mr. Cash
invested his capital in land, which has doubled and
trebled in value, so that he is now financially independent. His estimable wife, to whom lie was married in Lincolnshire, May 14, 1845, bore the maiden
name of Elizabeth Coney. Mrs. Cash was born in
Walesby, Lincolnshire, August 10, 1823, and was
the daughter of Thomas and Ann (Cooper) Coney,
natives of Lincolnshire, and of English ancestry
from away back. IHer parents spent their entire
lives upon their native soil. The mother met her
death in a most distressing manner in the prime of
life, being fatally burned by her clothing catching
fire from an open grate. Her daughter, Elizabeth,
was then a child of less than two years old. Mr.
Coney lived to be quite aged, his death taking
place in 1854.
Mrs. Cash remained with her father until old
enough to earn her own living, and was thus occupied until her marriage. Of this union there have
been born eleven children, one of whom, a son,
James, died unmarried, July 15, 1874, when twenty-six years old; George married Miss Elizabeth
Blanco, and is farming in Norvell Township; Henry
married Miss Mary Kelley, an(] occupies himself
as a grain buyer at Brooklyn; Sarah A. is the wife
of M. Dealy, who is cashier of the bank in Rolette
County, N. 1)ak.; Maria remains at home with her
parents; Vincent P. is dealing, in grain and other
commodities at Portland, this State; M-argaret E.,
born December 4, 1854, died' on June 22, 1855;
Mary J., born September 25, 1853, died on the
same day; Agnes, Eliza, and Alice, remain under
the home roof. Mr. and Mrs. Cash are members
in good standing of the Catholic Church, at Manchester. Mr. Cash, politically, is an uncomproprising Democrat, and has held the various local
offices in his township and school district. He is


looked upon as a representative citizen, and has
contributed his quota to the material interests of
his adopted county.
Mr. and Mrs. Cash, after an absence of nineteen
years from their native Lincolnshire, revisited the
shores of England, and spent several months in a
very pleasant manner among the friends and associates of their childhood.
/r   ORDON H IT1T. This gentleman is the owner
and occupant of a fine farm comprising one
',  hundred and forty acres of thoroughly cultivated land on section 17, Columbia Township.
It is marked with excellent improvements, including a substantial and convenient residence, and a
full line of substantial farm buildings.
Dennis Hitt, the grandfather of our subject, was
born in New England, of tile old Yankee stock.
During the Revolution he was a mail carrier, and
while in pursuit of his mission, ran many chan(es
of being cal)tured by the British. His occupation
was that of a farmer, and he died in New York
when quite old. In the Empire State, his son Ephraim was born, becoming a farmer and lumberman.
He married Miss Ellen Radcliff, a native of the
same State, her paternal lineage being Low D)utch,
and her maternal ancestry French. Mr. and Mrs.
Ephraini Hitt began their married life in l)elaware
County, where two sons and seven (laughters were
born to them. One daughter died there, and tle
remainder of the family came to Michigan in the
spring of 1835. Their journey was performed by
means of a team of horses and wagon, the route
being through Canada, and the journe3y a tedious
one. The intended destination was White Pigeon,
but hearing flattering accounts of the region about
Clark's Lake, Mr. Hitt decided to locate there.
Selecting a tract on the north side of tlie lake,
Mr. Hitt built a log cabin which was covered with
bark, and formed the family shelter for some years.
Cultivation was begun, and improvements made as
time passed on, the place continuing to be occupied by the parents until called from time to eter







442 '


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


nity. The father lived to be seventy-seven years
old, and the mother to be almost four-score. Both
were members of the Methodist Episcopal Chlurch
for the greater part of their lives. Mr. Hitt had
served his country in the War of 1812. He was
stationed in the borders of his own State all the
time, and althoughl he saw some fighting, escaped
unhurt. He belonged to no political party, aithough most frequently casting his ballot with the
Democracy. The only survivors of his family are
the gentleman of whom we write, and his sister,
Catherine E., widow of Capt. A. I,. Thayer, whose
home is in Jackson.
Gordon Hitt, of whom we write, is the youngest
but one of his parents' children, and was born September 14, 1832. Being quite young when the
family removed to this State, he has spent most of
his life within the borders of Jackson County. The
farm which he now owns is a part of the homestead
upon which he was reared to manhood, and around
which the memories of his boyhood cluster. Reared
upon a farm, he early became acquainted with tile
details necessary to a successful pursuit of agriculture, and his early training has been made useful
in his own business career. He is enterprising and
progressive, endeavoring to keel) abreast of tile
times in the use of the best methods devised by
modern thought, or acquired by investigation. In
politics he is a stanch Republican. He and his wife
belong 1o the Baptist Church, have high standing
in that denomination, and are respected by the citizens in general.
In Washtenaw County, Mr. Hitt met, wooed and
married Miss Eliza M. Aulls, a native of Bridgewater Township, that county. Her natal day was
July 5, 1843. Her parents, William H. and Lois
(Hoyt) Aulls, were natives respectively, of Steuben and Saratoga Counties, N. Y., were married in
Steuben County, and began their wedded life on a
farm there. In 1833, the family, which then consisted of the father, mother, and three children, set
out for Michigan, coming all the way overland,
stopping at some country tavern, or camping by
the wayside at night, and finally bringing up in
Washtenaw County. They settled on Government
land which they had selected the year before, while
making a tour of investigation in Southern Michi

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gan. There three children were born to them, the
next to the youngest being Mrs. Gordon Hiitt, who
was reared in her native township, and who possesses many womanly virtues. Mr. Aulls died at the
home of his son, Columbus, who was then occupying the homestead, December 9, 187i, at the age of
sixty-nine years. His widow subsequently came to
this county, dying at the home of her daughter.
Mrs. Hitt, March 8, 1878, when nearly seventyfour years old. Both were members of the Congregational Church at Clinton, and were prominent
members of their community. Mr. Aulls served
as Justice of the Peace in Bridgewater Township,
Washtenaw County. In politics he was a Republican.
To Mr. Hitt and his estimable wife five children
have been born, one of whom, Bruce, is now deceased; Elmer married Miss Idell A. McReady,
who is now deceased, her husband making his home
on his father's farm; Mary became the wife of
William Robertson, Jr., who occupies a farm in this
township; Frank R. married Anna Spencer, of
Spring Arbor Township, and they now live on a
farm there; Bessie lives with her parents.,.,-... --- LIJAH 1 BENN. None are more worthy of
L  mention in a volume of this kind, than the
eif-  late Elijah Benn and his widow, Mrs. Jane
Benn, who began their married life in the wilderness from which they hewed out a home, and from
which their reputation extended over a wide extent of country. To all who are interested in the
history of pioneers, a record of their life and works
will be interesting, and the efforts which they made
well deserve remembrance by their posterity.
Mr. Benn was born in Oneida County, N. Y.,
March 17, 1827, being a son of Henry and Sophronia (Coon) Benn. He grew to manhood in his
native State, but was early thrown upon his own
resources, and was therefore a self-made man in the
truest sense of the word. His school privileges
were quite limited, being mostly confined to attendance at evening schools, while working during
the day. lie was, however, a natural mathemati



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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


445


cian, and being a reader all his life, kept himself
well-informed regarded current events and general
topics of interest. His mother died when he was
eleven years old, but though his father lived many
years longer, our subject received no assistance
from him.
On April 23, 1853, Mr. Benn was united in marriage with Miss Jane Barber, and the young couple
settled on section 16, Sandstone Township, where
the widow still resides. The only improvement
upon the place when they took possession of it, was
a log shanty, but ere the death of the husband, the
farm had been thoroughly improved and cultivated, and other property accumulated. In 1855, so
wild was the country, that Mrs. Benn saw three
deer eating in front of the log house, Mr. Benn
himself chopped all the timber that was cut on the
place, and was noted as the best wood chopper in
the neiglhborhood. Many an "old timer" who knew
him, takes pride in recalling his prodigious efforts
in that line, and pointing to his record as an example to the younger generation. Throughout his
life lie was a hard worker, while his honesty and
uprightness were well-kno wn, gaining him the high
respect of all who knew him. His memory will be
green long after his earthly remains have returned
to their mother (lust. In his death, which occurred October 21, 1884, the county lost one of tier
best and most public spirited citizens, the wife a
good husband, and the children a devoted father.
'The cultured and refined woman who for nmany
years took especial pride in assisting and advancing
the interests of her husband, was born in Toronto,
Canada, June 22, 1835. HIer father, James Barber,
was a native of Ireland, and her mother, formerly
Miss Jane Field. was born in Canada. In her early
infancy her parents removed to Washtenaw County,
Mich., where amid the scenes of pioneer life, she
grew to wonanhood. Her father was a gardener,
and buying land near Ann Arbor, then a small village, he there followed his occupation, beginning
withl small means, but growing more and more successful as the city developed. His (leath occurred
in October, 1863, being hastened by the loss of his
only son, Joseph, who was a member of Company
C-., Tenth Michigan Infantry, was killed near Atlanta. Ga., and buried there. Tle only other child


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of the family, is sle who became the wife of Mr.
Benn. Her mother died in Flint, in March 1888.
In his youth Mr. Barber received but limited
educational advantages, but he endeavored to bestow greater privileges upon his offspring. In
politics lie was a Whig, and lat'era Republican, and
his religious belief coincided with the doctrines of
tlie Presbyterian Church. His daughter. Mrs. Benn,
received her education principally at Mrs. Eliza
Page's Seminary, at Ann Arbor, where she was
graduated when quite young. Leaving school at
the age of fourteen years, she learned the tailoring
trade, which she pursued some three years. After
her marriage she devoted herself with all the energy
of her nature to the welfare of her husband and
children, not neglecting (leeds of neighborly kindness. She bore her husband the following clildren: Mary J., wife of Robert Barber, of Flint;
George H., deceased: Frinklin E., of Sandstone
Township; Dorr, living in Chattanooga,Tenn.; Victoria'V., deceased; Martha, wife of W. II. Pierce,
of Chicago, Ill.; Flora, wife of C. P. Litchfield, of
Jackson; General Benn, deceased; Elijah, Laura
V.; Tillow D., deceased; and Howard H., Mrs.
Benn owns one hundred and twenty acres of
land, besides which her husband left much other
property, having been a successful business man.
His widow possesses good business qualifications,
and wisely manages the affairs that have been left
in her hands. She is a member of the Wesleyan
Church, and sle and her family are highly respected by all who know them.
l UCIUS D. WATKINS.        This name needs
little introduction to the people of this part
l.  of the State of Michigan, as he who bears it
is one of its prominent and wealthy men and has
contributed largely to the growth and development
of the Wolverine State. His landed interests represent one tliousand acres in Norvell Township, while
he has over four hundred acres in Manchester
Township, Washtenaw County. Lying on the line,
it forms one body of land and more than one
thousand acres is under a state of cultivation. The




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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


farm buildings in point of architecture, solidity
an(l convenience will compare with anything of
the kind in Jackson County. Mr. Watkins is a man
of more than ordinary ability and good education,
and for some time has been the Agent of the United
States Signal Service for this section of country.
The residence of Mr. Watkins, a fine brick structure, occupies a gentle elevation and overlooks
a fine landscape including the beautiful Norvell
plains, famous in this part of the State. Surrounding this comfortable home are grounds finely laid
out in the shape of a lawn and park, arranged after
the design of the proprietor. These with the other
appurtenances of the homestead make it one of the
most attractive and desirable in the State. The
farm is well supplied with fine stock, including
some of the best breeds of horses, cattle, sheep,
swine and fowl known in the Union. Mr. Watkins
leaves no stone unturned in order to carry on agriculture in a first class manner. He is the owner of
the only mare in the Northwest sired by the
famous Lexington, who is well-known to horsemen
throughout England and America.
As a business man Mr. Watkins has no peer in
this section of the country. Twenty-one years ago
the need of a sound bank was much felt at Manchester and in order to bring such an organization
to a successful completion, Mr. Watkins with
a few other prominent farmers soon had tie stock
subscribed and the bank located at Manchester,
duly chartered under the State law and with a capital stock of $50,000. It was owned strictly by
money loaners and consequently there was no one
to endanger it by becoming a borrower or speculator. Organized in 1869, it was given the name
of the Peoples' Bank of Manchester, and Mr. Watkins was elected its first President. He has since
been continuously connected with it in this capacity,
being re-elected annually without a dissenting
vote; and the bank under his wise management has
never failed to pay a semi-annual dividend, thus
being one of the soundest institutions in the State.
While controlling a large interest in the bank and
giving it his personal attention Mr. WVatkins also
finds time to overlook the operations of his large
farm which is the source of a handsome income.
The subject of this notice has spent all his active


life in this county, having been only seven years
old when his father came hither. The latter located
on land which is now included in the farm of Mr.
Watkins, and where the family settled as early as
1834. The elder Watkins had secured this in 1830.
Lucius D. developed into manhood amid the influences of a good home and intelligent parents, and
was given a first-class academic education. Soon
after reachingt his majority he became manager of
the farm  and later its sole proprietor. Notwithstand(ing his own personal interests have been large,
demanding much time and thought, Mr. Watkins
has been a lilberal-minded and public-spirited citizen, giving his moral and financial support to all
enterprises having for their object the welfare of
the people around him. Politically, he is a stanch
supporter of Democratic principles, but he has
never sought office, preferring to give his leisure
hours to the investigation of the arts and sciences,
and for twenty years lhas been a prominent member
of the Scientific Association of Detroit. He is a
member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, at Detroit, and is also a
member of the Executive Board of the State Agricultural Society of Michigan, and to this has given
much time and material aid. Lie is Superintendent
of the Michigan Horticultural Society and also of
the Jackson County Agricultural Society.
Socially, Mr. Watkins belongs to the Ancient
Free and Accepted Masons, in which he has arisen
to the Knight Templar and Comrandery degrees,
and the Chapter Lodge and Council at Manchester,
together with the Blue Lodge at Brooklyn. A lover
of beauty in all its forms, both in art and nature,
he has naturally given much thought and study to
all subjects in connection with these and chooses
his associates among the cultured and refined element of the community. He possesses a remarkably good  memory and his mind is thus a
storehouse of useful knowledge. He has utilized
a goodly portion of his income in travel, having
visited the Eastern Continent and all the important
cities of Europe, likewise Iceland and almost every
corner where the foot of the traveler can go. In
our own country lie has crossed the Rocky nMountains and visited many parts of the Northwest. IIe
is a skilled hunter and has many trophies from the




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447


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game which he has laid low-elk, deer and other
animals-which serve to embellish his home with
antlers of rare beauty and size.  Mr. Watkins has
also traveled in the other direction, visiting the
everglades of Florida and other Southern States.
The subject of this notice is of New  England
antecedents and a native of Keene, Cheshire
County, N. H., his birth occurring October 13,
1827. He traces his parental history back for several generations, the family being located along tile
Connecticut Valley since the Colonial times. His
father, Royal Watkins, was reared among the llills
of Southern New Hampshire and his paternal
grandfather flourished in the Colonial times, and it
is believed, assisted in securing for the Colonists
their independence. Royal Watkins was reared in
the old  Covenanter faith, was studious in his
habits-in fact a regular book-worm-and supplemented a practical education by a course of reading
which resulted in his obtaining a fine fund of information upon scientific and other subjects. He
adopted the profession of a teacher, which he followed for eighteen years in the public sclools of
his native commonwealth.
While a resident of Keene, N. I., Royal Watkins was joined in wedlock to Miss Sally Carpenter, who came of a renowned old family who had
been known among the hills of the Granite State
since the Colonial (lays, and who traced their line
of descent directly from old English Covenanter
stock, which the Crown had sought to rid the
country of by granting them large grants of land
in the Connecticut Valley and providing them
with plasses hither, also with means of protection
against the Indians. These old straight-laced Presbyterials made their first landmarks of civilization
in Southern New Hampshire and thereafter figured
largely in tile history of the State. They were
skilled as hutlters and Indian fighters and when thle
Colonists sought freedom from British rule, they
were among the first to burnish up their old flintlock rifles and go forth to battle for freedom.
The father of Sally Carpenter, Seth by name, occupied a conspicuous place in Cheshire County,
N. H., as a farmer and a representative citizen, also
as a soldier of tlhe Continental Army. He married
a maiden of his own county, a Miss Howard, whose




parents were likewise of Covenanter stock and
among the first settlers along the Connecticut Valley. They were equal to the Watkins family in
point of bravery and skill and in contending with
savages and wild beasts. After their marriage
Seth Carpenter and his wife establislled themselves
among the hills of Keene, Cheshire County, and at
the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, Grandfather Carpenter numbered one of the body-guard
of Gen. Washington. The men chosen for that
high office were selected on account of their stature,
carriage and build. Seth Carpenter was six feet
in height, straight as an arrow and one of the finest
specimens of physical strength and symmetry in
the country. He acquitted himself gallantly in
the service and after the war was ended, returning to
his home and his family in the vicinity of Keene,
N. I.. spent, with his excellent wife the remainder
of his ldays; loth died at a ripe old age. Their
home was the abode of hospitality and good cheer
and their kindness and benevolence endeared them
to all the people of that region.
After their marriage Royal Watkins and his
wife settled among the hills where their forefathers
had flourished, remaining there until 1834. Four
years prior to tlhis, as before stated, the father of
our subject had secured the land in this county
which still remains the heritage of his descendants.
In 1834 he brought his wife and family overland
to Albany, N. Y., thence across to Buffalo on the
Erie Canal, and from there to Detroit on a lake
steamer. At this point Mr. Watkins secured teams
for the transportation of his wife and five children
and their household effects. The country over which
they traveled had scarcely been trod before h)y the
foot of a white man, and the track which was
nam(Id a road, was at times almost impassable.
After a journey of ten (lays in this manner they
took up their abode on section 13, of what is now
Norvell Township, and commenced in frontier
style to build up a home in the wilderness.
Notwithstanding his early habits and studious
tastes, his scholarship and learning, Royal Watkins
made a good farmer and was very successful in his
labors as a tiller of the soil. He accumulated a fine
property and spent his last days amid the comforts
of a pleasant home and the friendship of those who








448


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


-----------   -— ~ --- —  --------- ~ --- —---------- l -— l --- —----- ---- -- ----                  ---- -- -- - - ----- -- -                  _ —_ -— _- ----- ----- --              -77- --- -  ----- -_        - - -- -- -- -  - -


had learned to value him at his true worth. He
spent his last days with his only surviving sonthe subject of this sketch —passing away in July,
1877, when nearly eighty-nine years old. Politically
lie was a Jackson Democrat, but broad and liberal
in his views and a man who was of inestimable
value in his community. The wife and mother
passed away in 1855, twenty two years prior to
the decease of her husband, at the age of sixtyfour. She was a fine type of the pioneer wife and
mother, the true helpmate of her husband and the
wise counselor and guide of her children. Their
wedding had taken place in May, 1810. and they
thus spent forty-five long years together with interests as one.
The subject of this notice was first married to
Miss Lucy J. Bartlett, who died in 1852, leaving
one son, Willis L. In September, 1856, Mr. Watkins contracted a second matrimonial alliance with
Miss Sarah E. English, at the bride's home in Manchester Township, Washtenaw County. This lady
was born July 13, 1835, between the cities of Dublin and Galway, Ireland, and is the daughter of
Richard and Susanna (Greene) English, who were
likewise of Irish birth but of English and Scotch
ancestry. They came of a long and honorable line,
and a brother of Richard English is now holding
an office of trust and responsibility under the
English Government. Richard was reared to farming pursuits and was married in his native county
to the maiden who grew up not far from the home
of her husband. They settled near the place of
their birth, but after becoming the parents of several children, decided upon emigrating to the
United States. Coming directly to Michigan they
settled on a tract of land in Manchester Towhship,
Washtenaw   County, where they constructed a
bome from the wilderness and spent the remainder
of their lives, dying when ripe in years.
Mrs. Sarah E. Watkins was but a child when her
parents came to America. She grew up under the
home roof and completed hier education in Hillsdale College. Subsequently she followed the profession of a teacher until her marriage. Of the
children born to her and our subject one, a son,
Parley, died in infancy. Willis L. was graduated
from the classical department of the Mi(chigan


State University and until quite recently was
cashier of the Peoples' Bank at Manchester. He
married Miss Flora Van Duyn, and they live in
Manchester. Cora S., also a college graduate, is
the wife of Elmer S. Cushman, a farmer, and they
are living near Delhi Mills; Mr. Cushman possesses
considerable genius as an inventor and is the patentee of a wagon coupling from which he enjoys a
fine royalty. Emma, who is finely educated, married Sidney W. Clarkson, Cashier of the First
National Bank at Ann Arbor, and Director in a
Detroit bank, and also in the bank at Manchester.
Ruth W., an intelligent and well-educated lady, is
the wife of John Patchim, an attorney at Manchester. Hubert remains at home and has the management of his father's large farm. L. Whitney, the
youngest son, is pursuing his studies in the Agricultural College at Lansing. Anne, the youngest
child, remains with her parents and is attending
school.
Among the lithographic portraits of representative citizens of Jackson County, that of Mr. Watkins is presented on another page of the ALBUM.
i  OBERT TAYLOR DILLON, a well-known
plaster contractor in Jackson, was born in
County Armagh, Ireland, where his father
and grandfather, both of whom    were
named John, also opened their eyes to the light.
Preceding them in the ancestral line was John
Dillon, a native of Scotland, who emigrated from
his own country to County Armagh, Ireland, and
there remained during the balance of his days on
earth. The grandfather of our subject was a
farmer, and his entire life was spent in his native
county, as was that of his son, who after learning
and following the trade of a cooper for a few years,
adopted the occupation of farming and during the
remainder of his life continued so engaged. The
mother of him of whom we write was Ellen, daughter of Robert Taylor, and like her husband she was
born in County Armagh, and was of Scotch descent. Shle bore eleven children, of whom ten were
reared, but two only came to America; these were






PORTRAIT AND BIO( RAPHICAL ALBUM.


449


our subject and his sister Sarah, tile wife of John
Stewart, of Jackson.
The natal day of Robert T. Dillon was Septemb)er 5, 1832, and in the country of his birth lie was
reared and educated, and engaged in farm labors
during his early years. In 1852 he determined to
seek a home in the New World, and embarking at
Liverpool. lie reached New York after a voyage of
eleven weeks and three days. Although a stranger
in a strange land and but a poor boy, the siglt of
land was a most grateful one, and with a determination to rise in life, he at once sought employment. EIe first found work in Albany, N. Y., as a
teamster and after a short time apprenticed himself
to learn the trade of a plasterer.
The gentleman under whom       young Dillon
learned his trade was James Boyd, a heavy contractor who took contracts in various parts of the
country, arid with him, in 1854, the young man
came to Michigan. After serving an apprenticeship of three years, Mr. Dillon did journey-work
for his former master for a time and then became
apartner with him. In 1861 they came to Jackson, their first contract being to plaster a church,
and since that time Mr. Dillon has continued to
reside in this city. iie has continued as a contractor in his trade to tile present time and his business
career has been one of success, his honorable and
reliable fulfillment of his engagements having
given him an excellent name and brought him a
large share of tlhe business of the city.
Soon after coming to Jackson Mr. Dillon b)ought
a lot on Blackstone Street, upon which lie built
a home, but the following year he purchased on
Blackman Avenue, and there erected    the first
dwelling on that avenue; in this he has since resided, surrounded by the comforts which his circumstances warrant, his home being presided over
by a lady of intelligence, good taste and housewifely skill. This lady, formerly Miss Ann Hart,
was born in County Cavan, Ireland. Her father,
James Hart, was presumably a native of the same
county and was private secretary for a minister.
He came to America, settling in Canada, where lie
died and whence his widow came to the United
States, first locating in Detroit, where her daughter
was married. T'ie last years of Mrs. Hart were


spent inl tlis State. IHer matiden name was Martha
Looney and she was a daughter of George Looney,
a Scotchlman. who went to Ireland when fourteen
years ol(1, and there tilled the soil until death, having married and rmared his family there.
Mr. l)illon belongs to Jackson Lodge No. 17,
F. & A. M.; to Jackson Council No. 13, R. A. M..
and to Jackson Council No. 32, R. & S. M. He and
his wife were reared in the Episcopal faith and
manifest the fruits of their early teaching in thleir
moral lives.
HARIES F. SHIUMWAY, dealer in boots,
shoes, clothing and general furnishing goods
at Concord, althougll having been a resident of this place but a short time, has already established himself in the esteem and confidence of
his fellow-citizens. He is affable, honest, energetic
and a stirring business man, and is already recognized as a valuable addition both to business and
social circles. lie was born in Sweden, N. Y.,
February 28, 1859, and is the only child of Solomon and Nancy (Howard) Sliumway, who were
natives of New York State, both being born in
Sweden, Monroe County.
Solomon Shu;nway migrated from his native place
in 1862. With his little family he removed to
Genesee County, going upon another farm near
Leroy. He was very successful at agriculture and
became the owner of two finely cultivated farms,
still maintaining his residence in the Empire State.
Politically, lie is a stanch Republican and in his religious views, is a Universalist. The paternal
grandfather, I-osea Shumway, was born in France
and being a Huguenot, came to America with his
brethren for the sake of oltaining religious freedom; he spent his last days in Sweden, N. Y.
Mr. Shumway spent the days of his boyhood and
youtli under the parental roof, making himself useful about the farm and attaining an excellent edu
cation. When twenty-two years old he took
charge of one of his father's farms and was very
successful in his operations, but finally conludled




450


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


that he was better fitted for some other occupation.
He first embarked in the grocery business at Otterbein, Mich.. where he remained until 1888, when
he came to Clio and established himself in general
merchandise where he remained until 1889. He
then removed to Concord and engaged in the boot
and shoe business which he is now carrying on.
He keeps a well selected stock of goods and thus
far has been successful, having already a fine trade
and feeling fully able to compete even with the
city of Jackson in style and quality of goods.
Mr. Shumway was married in Leroy, N. Y., January 18, 1882, to Miss Adelaide, daughter of
Albert and Catherine Hendee. Mrs. Shumway
was born December 18, 1860, in New York. Her
father was a farmer in good circumstances and
both he and his wife were of French descent. Mr.
and Mrs. Hendee were accidentally killed at a railroad crossing in New York, in 1887. Mrs. Shumway is a well educated lady and a Universalist in
religious belief  She taught school for some time
prior to her marriage. Of this union there have
been born two children —Maude and Harold. Mr.
Shumway, politically, is a sound Republican, having abundant faith in the rectitude of the party's
principles iand believing that by these alone the
Government will be honorably perpetuated.
OHN McCURDY, whose home is on the corner of First and Cortland Streets, Jackson,
has been in the employ of the Michigan
Central Railway Company for more than
forty-two years, the most of the time as engineer,
and is deservedly held in high esteem by his employers and associates. He comes of sterling pioneer stock, both his father, Nathaniel McCurdy,
and his grandfather, Jacob McCurdy, being well
known early settlers of this region, coming to
Michigan in territorial days, when the country was
but sparsely settled, and deer, bears, and other
kind of wild animals roamed undisturbed through
the vast primeval forests and over the sunny, uncultivated, uninhabited prairies. The grandfather
was of Scotch ancestry, born in the North of Ire


land, and coming to this country with his parents
when but five years of age, lie was reared in New
York State, and was there married to Elizabeth
Kimber, a native of New England or New York.
They spent several years of their married life in
the Empire State, where lie was engaged in farming. In 1836 they broke up their old home, and
joining the tide of emigration that was sweeping
into the new country embraced in Southern Michigan, they began life anew in the wilds of Wayne
County. After residing a few years in Dearborn,
they removed to Grass Lake, in this county, and
on the homestead that the grandfather purchased
on the east side of the lake, he and his wife passed
their last years, he dying at the advanced age of
eighty-four years.
The father of our subject was reared and married in New York, the State of his birth. Barbara
Bell, also a native of New York, became his wife,
and for some years they lived in that State, he being engaged at the cabinet-maker's trade. In 1836
they decided to build up a new home in Michigan,
and came here by the lakes on a steamer. After a
stormy passage of fourteen days they arrived at
Detroit, and proceeded from there with a team to
Dearborn, and soon afte r came to Grass Lake, in
this county, where Mr. McCurdy had contracted to
build a hotel. After completing that he erected
another one on the Territorial road one mile west
of Grass Lake. lie soon bought a tract of wild
land on the east side of the lake, and built a log
house, in which his family lived that year. After
locating there he worked at his trade, and also carried on carpentering and building, and at the same
time superintended the improvement of his farm.
He resided there till about 1842, and then sold and
removed to Wheatland, in Hillsdale County. He
resided there a few years, and then bought a farm
in Adams Township, and devoted his time to agriculture and to his trade, and made his home there
till his demise, in May, 1887, in his eighty-seventh
year, his wife having preceded him in death in
1880. They were the parents of fourteen children,
seven of whom are still living, as follows: Harriet,
Almira, John, Margaret, James, Luther, Sarah.
The subject of this biographical review was born
in Canadaigua, Ontario County, N. Y., September






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


451


27, 1831, and he was therefore four years of age
when hiis parents brought him to Michigan, and
here hie was reared amid tile pioneer scenes of tle
early days of the settlement of the southern part
this State, and attended the early schools in the
primitive log houses, with rude home-made furniture, thle seats being made by splitting boards and
inserting wooden pegs for legs, and tie room  was
heated by a large fireplace. Our subject, as soon
as large enough, assisted his father, and in 1848 he
left home to engage as fireman on the Michigan
Central Railway.  He was thus employed three
years, and was tlhen promoted to the position of
engineer on a freight train, and nine months later
he was advanced to be engineer on a passenger
train, and has held that responsible position since
then, and is one of the most trusty engineers on
the road, understanding perfectly the mechanism of
the engine and its management, and never endangering the lives of the p)assengers who ride behind
it. It is quite remarkable that during his long
period of service lie has never lost more than nine
months time, but is nearly always to be found1
faithfully at his post. From the time that he entered the employ of the railway company till 1888,
lie was a resident of Marshall. In that year he removed to Jackson, having previously bought his
present home.
The marriage of Mr. McCurdy to Miss Lorenza
S. Smith was solemnized in Malshall, Mich., January 3, 1859. Mrs. McCurdy is of New England
birth and antecedents, a native of Massachusetts,
and a daughter of George IH. and Soplia (Cowls)
Smith, also natives of the Old Bay State, and
former residents of North Amherst, in that State.
The pleasant wedded life of our subject and his
wife has been saddened by the (death of their four
children: Carrie B., at tle age of six years; Anna
Belle, aged three years and nine months; George,
at the age of nine months; Freddie, aged five
months. Mrs. McCurdy is a true, womanly woman,
devoting her life to her husband, and she is a sin
cere Christian, and an exemplary member of the
Episcopal Church.
Mr. McCurdy is a man of strong, sturdy, selfrespecting character, and is looked upon by all who
know or lhave dealings witll lirm, as in every way


worthy of confidence and regard. Iie was influential in establishing the Brotherhood of Engineers,
as one of the originators xf the lodge, and has ever
since been an active member. In 1861 he was one
of the first members of the first lodge organized at
Marshall, and namled the Brotherhood of the Footboarl, which was later reorganized as the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and he is now a
member of Division No. 2. HIe is a valued member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to St.
Alban's Lodge, No. 20; and he also belongs to
Lafayette Chapter, No. 4, and to Marshall Commandery, No. 17. Politically, he has always been
a stanch Republican..O[IN  R. DETWYLER.      This gentleman,
who is now practically retired from the active duties of life, has resided in Jackson
for twenty years, and bears an excellent
reputation among her citizens as a man of upright
character, a high degree of intelligence and sterling business qualities. The paternal line of descent is traced to French Huguenots, who fled from
their native land to escape religious persecution
and sought an asylum in Switzerland, there to enjoy the liberty of thought, which was denied them
in tlie land of their birth. All students of history
know the sterling quality of the French-Huguenot
character, and the desire for knowledge which is
inherent in the breast of those born amid the grand
and plicturesque scenery of Switzerland, and can
scarcely fail to picture to themselves the mind and
character of those born under such circumstances
as were our subject and his wife.
The gentleman whose name stands at the head of
this sketch was born in the Canton of Aargau,
Switzerland, on November 10, 1818.    IIe was
reared there, and learned the trade of a baker.
which his father, Casper Detwyler, followed in connection with farming. Casper Detwyler joined the
army when a young man, and passed a few weeks
in active service. His father, Henry Detwyler,
and his grandfather, Johannas Ulrich Detwyler,








452


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM..    ---  - --   ---   - - - -. -   ---—... ---..........1........-. L...-.1.....


were farmers and stock dealers, and both held offi
cial stations in the Swiss army. All were natives
of the same Canton in which the subject of tlis
sketch was born and reared.
In 1840, he of whom we write entered the miliitary school and the following year was called into
active service on account of tle Civil War in his
native Canton. He participated in the principal
battle of the conflict, which was fought at Villmergen. He was again called out to aid in suppressing the rebellion of 1847, and to force the
seceded Cantons into the Republic, and during
this struggle he took part in the battle of Gislikon.
A threatened German invasion in 1849 caused his
services to be again demanded in guarding the
border, and in 1850 lie was assigned to the reserve
corps.
While not in active service Mr. Detwyler had
followed his trade, and lie continued thus occupied
until 1854. when lie determined to seek a home
across the Atlantic where a broader field might be
found for his energies and abilities. Bidding adieu
to his native land and the friends of his youth, he
took passage for America, and after a long and
stormy voyage landed at New York, nine weeks
and three days having been spent on the briny
deep. Unable to understand a word of the English
language, he was indeed a stranger in a strange
land, and might well have been pardoned had his
thoughts turned longingly backward to the shores
he had left.
Proceeding at once to Rochester, N. Y., where
lie had friends, Mr. Detwyler secured a good situation, being very proficient in his trade. lIe spent
three years in that city and the following three
in Newark, Wayne County, whence lie went to
Phelps, Ontario County, where he established himself in business and continued until 1869. At that
date he came to Jackson, Mich., and secured a posi
tion with a firm of lumber dealers, in whose employ
he remained sixteen years, after which he retired
from active labor. Two years after coming to
this place, he bought the property on which his
house stands and erected the dwelling within whose
walls culture, good taste and fine principles have
been displayed, where hospitality has abounded,
ani( where a true home ihas ever been found,


In 1844, Mr. Detwyler became the husband of
Miss Elizabeth Mattenberger, who was born in
Birr, Aargau, Switzerland, and was a descendant of
one of the finest educated families in the Republic.
she herself having been schooled under the personal tutorage of Pestalozzi, the great teacher, author and philanthropist. Her happy union was
blessed by the birth of seven children-Mary
Anna, Elizabeth, Bertha, Emma, Rudolph, Charles
Frederick and William HIerman. The children,
although thoroughly Americanized, never forget
their fatherland. They are well educated in both
the English and Swiss languages, their mother having devoted her life to their education, and llaving
in return received from them the most devoted attachment. The rare attainments and lovely character of Mrs. Detwyler drew around her many
friends, whose sympathy was generously bestowed
upon her bereaved husband and family when she
was called hence April 9, 1879.  Mr. and Mrs.
Detwyler both joined the Presbyterian Church in
Newark, N. Y., having previously been members
of the Reformed Church in Switzerland.    Politically he was first a Republican, but after the
election of HIayes he became a Democrat.
-— ~,-.  ^...-t-..'.^-  r -— ^ _ ".
-7OIHIOMAS F. CUFF, son of the well known
Thomas Cuff, deceased, was born in Sandstone Township, this county, September
23, 1852. He commenced life on the pioneer farm,
assisted in its development and cultivation, atLended the district school and spent his early life
in a manner common to the soIns of farmers, during
the early settlement of this county. IHe was married April 12, 1878, to Miss Nellie Shaw. The
young lady was born December 19, 1857. IHer
parents were Henry W. and Rowena (Bean) Shaw,
who, like the Cuff family were also early settlers
of this county-indeed her grandfather was the
first to make a wagon track from Jackson to Spring
Arbor. Her mother was brought to this region
when child of two and one-half years, but her
father was a young man when coming to this
region from New York State. Mr. Shaw departed












c9&








(.'7O






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
*                                                         -- --  -  L  -l- - ---- - - - -   'l -  = =  =; C   0 D = = = = 


455


I


this life January 14, 1889; Mrs. Shaw is still living
and makes her home iii Spring Arbor Township,
and is now in the sixty-first year of her age.
To Mr. and Mrs. Shaw there was born a family
of four children, viz: Charles W., a resident of
Spring Arbor; Abbie, Mrs. Ostrander, of Jackson;
Nellie, Mrs. Cuff, and Clara, Mrs. Griswold, also a
resident of Jackson. To Mr. and Mrs. Cuff there
have been born two child ren-Sewell S., November
11, 1878, and Roy D., March 16, 1884. Mr. Cuff
owns the farm which lie occupies on section 27,
Sandstone Township, and is numbered among its
most successful and public-spirited citizens. An
extended biography of his father's family will be
found on another page of this ALBUM. They have
entered largely into the growth and development
of this county and are numbered among its most
praiseworthy citizens.
ON. LEWIS M. POWELL. The subject
r  i of this notice is everywhere recognized
'i./  among those familiar with his career, as a
man of fine attainments and possessing more
than ordinary ability. He became a resident of
the city of Jackson in 1857, when a young man,
and entered the law office of Johnson & HIigly,
where he improved his time and opportunities to
such good advantage that two years later lie was
admitted to the tar. Judge Edwin Lawrence presiding. Hie commenced the practice of his profession in Jackson, but soon afterward, on account of
failing health, returned to his father's homrn in
Grass Lake, where he resided a few years. On
the 27th of June, 1868, having returned to Jackson, he opened an office, and has since been continuously engaged in the practice of his profession
in this city. Not only has he won laurels as a
bright light in the legal profession; but as a
member of the community he has proved himself
invaluable.
The native place of Judge Powell was Troy,
Bradford County, Pa., and the date of his birth
September 9, 1828,  lis father, Lewis Powell, Sr.,


I
I


was a native of Dutchess County, N. Y., and was
reared in his native State, whence he removed to
Pennsylvania with his parents in his youth and
was married in Bradford County. He purchased a
tract of land in Troy Township,where he engaged in
'arming and resided until 1833. IHe then changed his
residence to Yates County, N.Y.,where lie sojourned
until the fall of 1835. We next find him in Michigan Territory, located in what is now Sharon Township. The removal from New York was made with
a team of horses and a wagon, the travelers consisting of husband and wife and four children, and
the trip consuming seventeen days.
In Sharon Township, among the Oak Openings,
the father of our subject took up a tract of land,
built a log house and endured all the hardships
and privations incident to life in a new settlement.
It was before the time of stoves and the mother
did her cooking before the fireplace. She also spun,
wove afid carded wool and flax, thus manufacturing all the cloth for use in the family. Ietroit
was the nearest spot for supplies and also the market for the greater part of Michigan. To this
point the settlers journeyed laboriously, sometimes
with horses, but more often with oxen. Deer,
wolves and other wild aninials were plentiful. The
Powell family made their home in Sharon Township until 1858, then selling out, came to this
county, and the father purchased a home at Grass
Lake. They resided there two years, and then
lMr. Powell purchased another farm, three miles
southeast of Grass Lake. There he spent his last
days, passing away August 13, 1865.
Mrs. Betsey (Marvin) Powell, the mother of our
subject, was, like her husband, a native of Dutchess
County, N. Y., and the daughter of Jesse Marvin,
a native of Connecticut. Mr. Marvin emigrated
to New York State at an early day, settling first in
Dutchess County, but later removed to Monroe
County and purchased a farm in the town of Ogden. He there spent the remnainder of his life.
The mother of our subject departed this life at her
home in Grass Lake Village, in November, 1879.
The parental household consisted of four children,
the eldest of whom, a daughter, Cordelia, married
Dexter Dewey; she is now deceased. Lewis M.
was tile second child; Mary became the wife of






456


PORTRAIT AND BIIOG RAPHICAL ALBUM...............3.6.-.........P..OR..R-..... AND- BIO RA  -HICA  A B   M.. - -—.  ------- 


Judali R. McLean, and resides at Grass Lake;
Eliza, Mrs. Theodore Price, died about 1861.
Judge Powell was the only son of his parents,
and was a lad of seven years when the family
came to Michigan Territory. He attended the
schools of Sharon Township, and was stimulated
in his exertions to obtain an education by his honored father, who erected the first schoolhouse in
that section of the country. The structure was
built of logs with rude wooden benches for seats,
a fireplace extending nearly across one end of the
building and the chimney built outside of mud
and sticks. The schoolhouse on Sundays was utilized for religious services, and in the evenings
frequently by debating societies. After two or
three years it was destroyed by fire, and another
structure of similar lproportions and style was
erected upon the old site. Young Lewis in due
time became a student in Grass Lak, Academy,
and at the age of eighteen years commenced teaching a district school in what is now Chelsea District, Sylvan Township, Washtenaw County. A
year later, in 1847. he repaired to Cincinnati,
Ohio, and taught in the schools of that city for
three years.
In the meantime Judge Powell employed his
leisure hours in reading law, obtaining books from
the office of Salmon P. Chase, afterward Chief
Justice of the United States, and Henry Snow. In
the early part of 1850 he returned home, and in
the fall of that year, going to Louisiana, engaged
in surveying State lands and remained there until
May, 1851. Then, on account of ill-health, he returned to Michigan and engaged in farming until
his removal to Jackson, in December, 1857.
Judge Powell assumed marital ties January 2,
1861, being wedded to Miss Lovina Polley. This
lady was born in Brockport, Monroe County, N.Y.,
and was a daughter of Hiram and Hannah (Remington) Polley, who spent their last years in Michigan. There were born of this union two children,
namely: George and Helen May. Mrs. Powell
departed this life November 13, 1882, and Judge
Powell married his present wife, who bore the
maiden name of Mary Haight, October 6, 1886.
To them have been born two children, Lewis
M. and Lovina A. Mr. Powell east his first Presi

dential vote for Franklin Pierce, and has since
maintained his adherence to the principles of the
Democratic party.
Almost from the time of becoming a resident of
Jackson, Mr. Powell has been closely identified
with her social, moral and educational interests.
lie served as a member of the City School Board
and was City Attorney two terms. In 1874 lie
was elected Prosecuting Attorney for Jackson
County, and two years later was elevated to the
Probate Judgeship, which position lie held four
years. In 1882 he was again elected City Attorney, holding the office two years, and in 1884 was
once more elected Probate Judge, serving four
years. Socially, he belongs to Jackson Lodge, No.
17, A. F. & A. M., Jackson Chapter, No. 3, R.A.M.,
and Jackson Commandery, No. 9, K. T.
Elsewhere in this volume may be found a lithographic portrait of Judge Powell, whose name is
prominent in the list of representative citizens of
Jackson County. The Powell family occupies a
pleasant and attractive home on East Main Street,
and number their friends and associates among the
most cultured people of the city.
OHTN N. WINFIELD is classed among the
foremost of the substantial, intelligent
members of the farming community of
Leoni Township. -Ie has been a resident
of Michigan for thirty years, and during that time
has brought his farm to its present high state of
cultivation and improvement, so that it compares
with the best in this part of Jackson County.
Our subject, a native of the town of Starkey,
Yates County, N. Y., was born February 7, 1825.
His father, Henry Winfield, was born in New Jersey, and being left an orphan at an early age, was
reared by a farmer in his native State. He married
in New Jersey, Mary Wilson, a native of the State,
becoming his wife, and soon after settled in Yates
County, N. Y., of which he was a pioneer. Iie
bought a tract of timber land in the town of Starkey, and built there a log house, in which humble
abode our subject was born. In 1833 the father




PORTRAIT AND BIOGKAPHICAL ALBUM.         457


sold his possessions in that place and removed
with his family to Ontario County, locating in the
town of Canadice where lie bought forest-covered
land, of which a few acies were cleared, and he
made his home there until his death in 1844. The
mother of our subject also spent her last years on
the home farm   in Canadice. There were nine
children born to tie parents of our subject, and
his mother had one child by her former marriage.
The son, a review  of whose life is recorded on
these pages, was reared in the home of his birth until
lie was eight years of age, and the remaining years
of his childhood were passed on his father's farm
in Canadice. He received his education in the
district schools, and as soon as large enough began
to assist his father in his work, and at the time of
the latter's death he took charge of the farm, though
he was then but nineteen years of age, but tie
showed himself amply competent to manage affairs
in a business-like manner. lHe subsequently bought
the interest of the other heirs, and retained possession of the old homestead until 1860. In that year
having the wisdom to see the especial advantages
that the State of Michigan afforded to a practical
farmier, lie resolved to locate here, and settling up
his affairs in his native State, he crossed the line
and became a resident of this commonwealth, locating at that time on his present farm in Leoni
Township. This fine farm, pleasantly situated
three miles east of the city of Jackson, contains
two hundred and twenty acres, the greater part improved and in pasture, and is one of the most productive and desirable estates in this locality.
During all these years Mr. Winfield has not been
without the valuable assistance of a good wife, his
marriage to Miss Hannah Coykendall taking place
in 1845. Mrs. Winfield is a native of the town
of Starkey, Yatcs County, N. Y., of which her parents, Joel and Sallie Coykendall, were pioneers.
Mr. and Mrs. Winfield have four children livingMNary,John F., Herbert and Asa. Mary married R. S.
Towle, of Blackman Township, and they have four
children —Essie, Wilber. John and  Ray. John
married Lavinia Critenden: they live on the home
farm, and have one child, Ida. Herbert married
Mary Pierce; they reside in D:akota, and have one
child, Ollie. Asa married Etta Wing, and lives in


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Jackson. Wilber was born in May, 1859, and died
February 19, 1878, being killed while cutting timber, the tree falling on him. Two children died
in infancy.
Our subject has proven a valuable addition to
the citizenship of the community, for besides materially assisting in the development of the agricultural resources of Leoni Township, he has been an
influence for good as a man of sound sense, unswerving integrity, and kindly, thoughtful disposition, which makes him just and considerate in his
dealings with others. He and his wife are actively
identified with the Christian Church in Jackson as
two of its most consistent and valued members,
their daily lives showing the genuineness of their
religion.
^EEORGE WOOD, one of the earliest settlers
(I ^v of this coulty, has been the privileged wilness of its growth and development, and
may justly feel that he has been no unimportant
factor in assisting it to its present condition. A
substantial, reliable man, he has been the architect
of his own fortune, and by a course of unflagging
industry and economy, has gained for himself a
competence, likewise the esteem and confidence of
his fellow-men. His headquarters comprise a finelydeveloped farm on section 25, Sandstone Township,
where he holds no secondary position among its
b-est citizens.
The native place of our subject was Otsego
County, N. Y., and the date of his birth February
14, 1826. He is the son of Jotham and Annie
(Lincoln) Wood, who were natives of New Ilampshire, and the father was born in Westmoreland
County, about 1786. He was there reared to manhood, and received such education as the schools
of his native township afforded. When starting
out for himself, he was located for a time in Vermont, but later emigrated to Otsego County, N. Y.,
of which he was a resident many years. The parents were married in the Green Mountain State,
and there were born to them seven children, four
of whom are living: Jonathan and Charles are residents of Blackman Township, this county; Lin





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RAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


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coin lives in the city of Jackson. The three deceased were named respectively: Jotham, Semira,
and Joseph C.
Jotham Wood came to Michigan Territory in the
spring of 1830, and secured three hundred and
twenty acres of Government land in Blackman
Township, also one hundred and sixty acres in
Sandstone Township, paying therefor $1.25 per
acre, Ie settled in Blackman Township prior to
the time of even wagon roads, when Indians and
wild animals were plentiful, the former mostly of
the Pottawatomie tribe. On his first trip he was
accomnpanied by his oldest son, Jonathan. They
built a frame house 32x20 feet in dimensions, and
prepared for cultivation, ten or twelve acres of
land before briingig the family the following year.
Theii nearest milling place and depot for supplies
was Detroit, to which place they traveled laboriously over roads which at times were almost impassable. Later they repaired to Ann Arbor for
their flour and provisions until a mill was built at
Jackson. The story of their pioneership is similar
to that of hundreds of others, a story which has
been often detailed in this volume. Jotham Wood
after a well-spent life, died at the old homestead,
February 2a, 1862. The wife and mother had preceded her husband to the silent land, her death
taking place August 10, 1 857, aged sixty-six years.
The father of our subject belonged to the old
Whig party during its existence, and later joined
the Republicans. He was prominent in local affairs, and served as Supervisor of Jackson Township two terms-the township at that time comprising the present bounds of Blackman and Summit
Township, likewise the city of Jackson.
The subject of this notice came with the other
members of the family to Michigan Territory in
the spring of 1831, and was thus reared amid the
wild scenes of pioneer life. IHe assisted in the development of the new farm, and when reaching
manhood, started out on his own account, and
cleared a farm of one hundred and ten acres for
himself. This lay in Tompkins Township, of which
he was a resident about fourteen years. His early
education was obtained in the log school house with
puncheon floor and slab benches, under a system of
instruction corresponding with his tirroundings,


He has, however, made the most of his opportunities for useful knowledge, and by keeping abreast
of the current events of the day, has become a wellinformed and intelligent man.
After perfecting his plans for the establishment
of a home of his own, Mr. Wood took unto himself a wife and helpmate, Miss H:Lnnalh Houseman,
to whom he was married at her home in Blackman
Township, I)ecember 28, 1852. Mrs. Wood was
born September 11, 1825, in Orleans County, N.
Y., and is the daughter of Jacob and Polly (London) Houseman, who were likewise born in the Empire State. Her maternal ancestors were of Holland
stock, and her paternal grandfather, George Houseman, emigrated to America when a youth of nineteen years. and in time to have a hand in the Revolutionary War. Iler great ul:cle, John Houseman,
also fought in that struggle on the side of the Col
onists.
In 1837, Jacob Houseman set out for Michigan
with his family, and coming to this county, purchased two hundred acres of land in Blackman
Township, on section 29. They settled in the woods
being the first to locate in that region, and lived
there until about 1850. Then they removed to
lonia County, where the father departed this life,
October 14, 1860. The mother had died in this
county in 1843, when compaiatively a young
woman. Their family comprised ten children, seven
of whom are living: Jane is the wife of Paul Steele,
and they live in lonia County; Mary married William Grant, of Spring Arbor Township; Hannah,
the wife of our subject; Thomas is a resident of
Iowa; Sally, Mrs. Nathaniel Morrill, lives in Blackman Township, this county, which place is also
the residence of Alonzo; Clarence lives in lonia
County. The thlee deceased bore the names respectively, of Jacob, George, and William. The
father was a member of the Free Will Baptist
Church.
Mr. and Mrs. Wood are the parents of two children, Jotham J., and Ella S., the latter is the wife
of F. M. Dwelley, of Jackson City. After their
marriage, they settled in Tompkins Township,
where they lived until the fall of 1864, and then
removed to their present farm. This comprises
one hundred and seventy-eight acres of well-tilled




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


459


land, with substantial modern improvements which
constitutes it one of the most desirable estates in
Sandstone Townslip. Mr. Wood may be most properly named a self-made man, as lie las had very
little assistance in hi struggle at gaining a competence, while he has preserved the integrity which
has given him a clear conscience, and enalled him
to look the whole world in the face, conscious tliat
lie has never defrauded any, an(d has done good to
his fellow-man as opportunity presented itself. A
straight Republican, like his honored father, he has
filled many positions of trust, and has served as
Townshil) Commissioner in each of the townships
where he has lived. The cause of education finds
in him a stanch friend as well as does every other
enterprise calculated to advance the interests of the
people. He and his estimable wife are still in the
prime of life, able to enjoy the fruits of their early
labors, and the companionship of their friends.
OURTLAND R. PALMER. There is not a
more pleasant or attractive home within
J the limits of Napoleon Township than that
which was instituted by the subject of this notice
and his amiable and estimable wife. They represent
the substantial and reliable elements of their community and by a long residence, filled in with
hospitality and kindly deeds,have thoroughly established themselves in the good will of their fellowcitizens. Their farm, one hundred and seventy-two
acres in extent, and located about one-half mile
south of Napoleon, with its buildings and appurtenances is looked upon witl an admiring eye by
all who pass by it; and lie who is so fortunate as to
be invited over their threshold, meets with that
cordial welcome, whether lhe be friend or stranger,
which is tihe surest evidence of birth and breeding.
In noting the career of a useful and successful
man, we naturally revert to those from whom he
drew his origin. Joshua G. Palmer, the father of
Courtland R., was born, it is believed, in Stonington, Conn.. and he married Miss Esther Randall,
whom it is known was a native of that place. They
left New England soon afterward and settled in


Madison County, N. Y., whence they emigrated to
the Territory of Michigan some time in the '30s.
Selecting this county as his tramping ground, the
elder Palmer took up a large tract of land-after
having made several visits hither in search of a
satisfactory location. After a residence in tlhis
county of a few years, becoming somewhat dissatisfied, le returned to New York State, and took up
his abode in the village of Canastota, where he sojourned several years. Then coming back to this
county, in 1866, he finally took up his abode with
his son, our sulject, where he died, January 6, 1868.
The mother of our subject accompanied her husband to New York after they had lived in this
county for a time, and died there June 15, 1849.
Of this union there were born seven children, viz:
Stephen N.; William II.; Polly C.; Hannah H.;
Huldah M.; Courtland R. and Martin F. Mr. Palmer contracted a second marriage with Mrs. Freelove (Randall) Kinney, a sister of his first wife and
she (ied at the residence of our subject in Napoleon
Township, July 10, 1870.
The subject of this notice who was the sixtl child
of his parents,was born in Lennox, Madison County,
N. Y., October 14, 1833. He lived there on his father's farm until reaching man's estate and when
twenty-three years old accompanied his brother,
Martin to this county and lived on land belonging
to his father about two years. Then returning to
Lennox, N. Y., hle sojourned there until the spring
of 1863. Returning then to this county he was soon
afterward married and settled on the farm wlere
lie has since lived. The maiden of his choice was
Miss Augusta A. Case and they were wedded at
their home in Napoleon Township, May 3, 1863.
Mrs. Palmer is the daughter of Lewis and Melissa
(Horth) Case, who were natives of Washington
County, N. Y.
Mr. Case came to this county in June, 1832,
being then a single man and his wife soon joined
him, after which they were married and settled in
Napoleon Township. Subsequently they removed
to Bunker Hill, Tngham County. Mr. Case while
on a business trip to Washington County, N. Y.,
died in Hartford that county, October 18, 1848.
Subsequently Mrs. Case was married to Hiram Converse; she is a second time a widow and now makes






460


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


her home in Lansing. Of her first marriage there
were born five children, viz: Cordelia; Mary E.;
Augusta A.; Lodeska J. and Milton H. Mrs. Palmer was tie third child of the family, and was born
in Bunker Hill, this State, March 15, 1841. The
children of her union with our subject arc recorded
as follows: Lewis G. was torn July 10, 1864; Walter S., April 21, 1866; Herbert F., May 16, 1869.
Mr. and Mrs. Palmer are members in good standing of the Baptist Church and our subject, politically, is a sound Republican. He is quite prominent
in local affairs, having served as Supervisor one
term and as Commissioner of Highways for several
years. All the projects tending to the general
good of the community, socially, morally and financially, have never failed to receive his hearty sup
port. HIe is one of those men whose names will be
honorably remembered long after they have been
gathered to their fathers.
--  LEXANDER A. OSIER. No business establishment in Jackson has been more
prosperous from   its beginning than the
J7    Home Steam   Dye Works, of which the
above named gentleman is the proprietor. They
were established by him in 1882 and starting in a
small way, he has by close attention to his business,
and by reason of being an experienced and practical
dyer, had a steadily increasing custom  which is
now bringing in a good income. Mr. Osier has all
the latest and best improved machinery for carrying on his business successfully, and the works,
located on the northeast corner of Milwaukee and
Liberty Streets, are run by steam power.
Mr. Osier was born in Ogdensburg, St. Lawrence
County, N. Y., August 6, 1850. His father, Joseph Osier, who died when he was a small boy, was a
French Canadian, born in the Dominion of Canada,
and a gardener by occupation. Ellen (De Cair)
Osier, the mother of our subject was also a native
of Canada, who removed with her parents to Ogdensburg, N. Y., where her married life began.
After the death of his father in 1860, young Osier
started out among strangers to earn his own living::~~~~~~~~VVC-bL:V:CIII~              I~~CL


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and begin a career for himself. [Ie found employment on tile Erie Canal as a driver on the tow
path, which occupation he followed six seasons.
After quitting the canal Mr. Osier went to Pine
Valley, Chemung County, N. Y., where he worked
on a farm during the summers, attending school
winters, making his home with J. C. Roberts. After a time lie returned to his mother's home at
Gouverneur, St. Lawrence County, where he remained two, years. HI-  next went to Syracuse,
where he learned the art of dyeing, serving an apprenticeship of three years. In 1882 lie came to
Jackson, Mich., and started in business with the
result before mentioned, his business establishment
now being well-known throughout the city. He
dyes all kinds of goods-coats, vests, pantaloons
and dresses of all kinds, without ripping-together
with all goods pertaining to men's, women's and
children's wear, and household decorations. Uniforms of all kinds are cleansed and stains removed
from them, without the removal of gold, silver or
other facings. At the home of the bride, in Fowler, N. Y., in 1876, Mr. Osier was united in marriage with Miss Ella Lamb, who was born in that
city, September 3, 1858, and there educated and
reared to womanhood.    The happy home over
which she presides with grace, has been blessed
with two children, a son and a (laughter. Clare
B., was born August 23.1879, and Ray Jay, March
30, 1884.
Politically, Mr. Osier is a stanch Republican.
He and his wife are both mlembers of the First
Methodist Episcopal Church.
^-,IMOTHY BENEDICT ST. JOHN is a son
of a pioneer of Jackson County, and since
attaining man's estate has himself borne an
honorable part in advancing the agricultural interests of the county. He is numbered among the
prosperous farmers of Leoni Township, whlere he
has a farm that in point of cultivation, general
improvement, and productiveness, is considered
one of the most desirable in its vicinity, and here
he, with the cheerful aid of a capable wife, has es



PO RTRAIT AN D B lOG. R.,&PHICAL ALBUMh


461


PORRi AN BIGAPIA ALU         4


tablished a pleasant home, where comfort and hospitality abound.
Our subject comes of good New England blood,
and is a native of that part of the country, born
March 17, 1825, in the town of Ridgefield, Fairfield County, Conn. IIis father, Zina St. John, was
born in the same county, a son of Samuel St. John,
who is also supposed to have been born there. The
grandfather of our subject was a farmer, and spent
his last years in the town of Ridgefield.  His wife,
whose maiden name was Chloe Weed, was also a
native of Connecticut. The father of our subject
was reared and married in his native State, and
resided there till 1835, and in that year he became
a pioneer of the Territory of Michigan, starting
from his old New England home with a team and
proceeding to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and from there
going on the Hudson River and Erie Canal to Buffalo, and thence by lake to Detroit, and from that
city with teams to Jackson County, this last stage
of the journey occupying three days. He found
the country here in a wild condition, with deer,
wolves. bears, and other wild animals plentiful, In(dians still making their homes in the forests, and
the country but sparsely settled otherwise. Mr. St.
John located in what is now Columbia Township,
ent~-ring Government land there, but residing on
rented land in a slab house instead of building on
his own. There were no railways then, and all the
wheat that he and the otlier early settlers raised was
teamed to Adrian, Monroe, Detroit, or Toledo. In
1845 he sold his land there, and bought wild land
in Leoni Townshlip, on which he erected a suitable
set of frame buildings, and made that his abiding
place until his death. The maiden name of the
mother of our subject was Hannah Gray, and she
was born in Connecticut, a daughter of Joseph
Gray, a soldier of the Revolution. He was a shoemaker by trade, and was a life-long resident of
Connecticut.
Ten years had passed over the head of our subject when he took the ever memorable journey
from his New England birthplace across the country to the forest wilds of Michigan, and here lie
was reared under the influences that prevailed in
the pioneer days of Southern Michigan. He assisted his father in the hard labors of the farm that


were not then lightened by machinery, the grain and
hay being all cut by hand. He was well drilled in
agricultural pursuits, remaining with his parents
until his marriage, when he bought eighty acres of
land on a school section in Leoni Township. His
first work was to build a log house, in which lie
and his bride commenced their wedded life. By
dint of hard labor he improved about fifty acres
of land, and resided on it until 1862, wllen he sold
that property and purchased the place that he now
occupies. 'Ihere was a log house on the land at
the time, which lie has since replaced by a neat and
more commodious residence, besides erecting a fine
set of frame outbuildings, and he has the ninetyfive acres comprised in his farm under admirable
tillage.
In his marriage with Miss Mary Gates, November 21, 1848, Mr. St. John secured one of earth's
rarest blessings, a true-hearted, devoted wife, and
to them have been born three children-Smith
G., the eldest, died when two years old; Charlotte
A. and S. Edwin are both married and well settled
in life. Charlotte married Ivester Young, and
they have four children-Fred L. Carrie M., Alace
A. and Flovd H. Edwin married Annie Young,
and they have two children-Lewis E. and Ward B.
Mrs. St. John was born in Chautauqua County,
N. Y., her father, Increase Sumner Gates, being a
native of Conway, Mass. His father, Aaron Gates,
is also thought to have been born in tlat State.
He removed from there to Ontario County, N. Y.,
and became a pioneer of the town of Phelps. On
the farm that he cleared from the forest wilds his
death occurred at a good old age. Mrs. St. John's
father was six years old when his parents removed
to New York. He was reared in Ontario County,
and after marriage went to live in Chautauqua
County, buying a tract of timber land there, and
building a log house for the shelter of his family,
that humble abode being the birthplace of Mrs.
St. John. He aided the pioneers among wliom he
settled in developing the resources of the county
by clearing and improving a farm. In 1839 he
sold his property and came to Michigan, accompanied by his wife and three children, making the
entire journey from Chautauqua County to Jackson County with ox-teams, bringing their house







PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


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hold goods along, and for four long weeks they
were on the road. Mr. Gates located on a tract of
wild land on section 9, on what is now Lconi Township, building a log shanty, with a slab roof for
temporary shelter, replacing it later with a substantial hewed log house, and in that home resided
until his death, February 4, 1854. The maiden name
of his wife was Louisa Kinney. She was born in
Phelps Township, N. Y., and died on the home
farm in this township, in September, 1879, aged
seventy-four years. She was a notable housewife,
and an expert spinner and weaver, and made the
cloth for her family. She was the mother of five
children: Mary, Israel, Charlotte, Charles S. and
Susan Rebecca, the latter two twins.
Mr. and Mrs. St. John are very fine people,
pleasant, intelligent, and abounding in all those
qualities that make them good and trusty neighbors
and true friends, and they are very highly regarded
by the entire community. Sincere and earnest
Christians, they are members of the Congregational
Church, which finds in them liberal supporters and
active workers. In his political views Mr. St.
John, formerly a Whig, has been a Republican
since the formation of the party.
\ HESTER R. HARRINGTON. This sturdy.(     veteran, who is approaching the seventyeighth year of his age, bears the distinction
of being one of the earliest pioneers of this county,
coming wittlin its borders before the time of canals
or railroads and enduring all the vicissitudes of
life on the frontier. In company with his excellent wife he built up a home from  the wilderness,
and by the exercise of unflagging industry transformed a portion of the timbered land into -the
beautiful farm which they now own and occupy.
This is finely situated on section 8, and is embellished with good buildings, forest and fruit trees
and all the other appurtenances of the modern
rural home. Mr. LIarrington is now retired from
active labor, and in reviewing the scenes through


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which he has passed during a long and worthy life,
may justly feel that the world is better for his having lived in it.
The subject, of this sketch was born in Otsego
County, N. Y., June 24, 1812. When lie was four
years old his father removed to Genesee County,
that State, where Chester R. was reared to manhood
and where he continued to live until setting out
for Michigan in October, 1831. I-e was then a
young man of twenty-two years, unmarried and
with life all untried before him. He had very little capital, not sufficient to purchase a tract of land,
but employed himself as a farm laborer until he
could accomplish this, and he selected a part of
that which he now owns and occupies and which
has therefore been in his possession for tlle long
period of forty-six years. When taking up his
residence upon it his neighbors were few and far
between, the country round about being peopled
principally by Indians and wild animals. He commenced farming with crude implements and under
the disadvantage of a distant market, to which he
and his neighbors journeyed laboriously overland
with ox-teams. The transformation which he has
witnessed during tile years which have followed
have been such as to gladden his eyes and in which
he has borne no unimportant part. Every man
who developed a homestead from the wilderness is
worthy of having his name handed down to posterity, and Mr. Harrington not only did tis but
proved himself a kind and accommodating neighbor and a useful member of the community.
The marriage of Chester R. Harrington and
Miss Julia A. Godfrey was celebrated at the bride's
home in Jackson, February 13, 1833. Their life
has been a peculiarly. happy one, absolutely free
from disputes. Love and affection has characterized their whole wedded life. Mrs.  -Iarrington
was born in Batavia, Gevesee County, N. Y., March
26, 1814, and is a daughter of Thomas and Miriam
(Wright) Godfrey, who were natives of New York
The father died in New York and the mother in
Jackson. Mrs. HEarrington came to Michigan with
her mother and other members of the family about
1831, and their experience in tile pioneer times was
similar to that of their neighbors. Mr. and Mrs.
Harrington after their marriage began the journey
in                       "'""'"J" n"


--   - ~ I —.- - - -— _ --,- -.




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PORTRAI[T AND BI`OGRAPH-ICAL AL;BUM..


465


PAAL


of life together on the little farm which has now
assumed the proportions of two hundred acres. In
(ue time there were born to them eight children,
only four of whom are living: Jerome is married
and living in Jackson; Flavell is married and a
farmer in this township; Frances is the wife of Byron Foote; they also live in Summit Township.
Chester R., Jr., is married and farming the hole
place; one child died in infancy and tle others deceased are Henrietta, Louisa and Ella.
Mr. IIarrington cast his first Presidential vote
for Jackson and hlas always remained a stanch supporter of the Democratic party. D)uring his younger
years he held some of the school offices but has
never been ambitious for political preferment. M r.
and Mrs. Iarrington identified tllemselves with the
Baptist Church many years ago, and with this
church their children are also connected. The
family is highly esteemed in the community and
the Harrington homestead stands as a monument of
all that is worthy and of good repute.
-t-                    ~ 
YRUS V. FRENCH. On the opposite page
is presented a lithographic portrait of this
gentleman, who has lived in Brooklyn and
vicinity for a quarter of a century, while he lhas
been a resident of Jackson County since 1838.
Ite now makes his home in Brooklyn, somewhat retired from the more active duties of life.  His
upright character, good citizenship and cordial
manners are highly valued by tliose with whom lie
comes in contact. In the department of engineering, to which he has devoted his time and attention
since attaining to manhood, he has become proficient,
being thoroughly acquainted with his business and
possessing a high degree of mechanical ability.
In politics, Mr. French is a l)emocrat, stanch and
true. IIe has occupied the position of City Marshall, and socially, belongs to Blue Lodge No. 169,
in which he has filled the various Chairs, and is also
a member of Chapter No. 90, both of Brooklyn. He
was a mere child when, in 1838, he came to this
county, hav;ng been born August 20, 1833, in
Berkley, Mass. His early education was received


in the schools of his district, and at the age of seventeen, lie commenced to learn engineering. Between the years 1851 and 1853 he ran an engine
on the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad. In 1875 he put the engine in the Brooklyn
gristmills and operated it for some time, being for
two years a partner in the business.
The attempt to destroy the Union and establish
a Southern Confederacy had been the means of
armed strife but a few months, when Mr. French
becarme a member of the Union Army, enlisting
September 1, 1861, in Company C, First Michigan
Light Artillery, his commanding officer being Capt.
Dees, of Detroit. The regiment was assigned to
the Army of the West under Gen. Sherman, their
first notable engagement being before Corintlh.
They afterward took part il the battles of Iuka,
Lookout Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta,
Nashville and Savannah, and many other conflicts
less widely known, though not less dangerous to
life. In every engagement Mr. French conducted
himself as became a man of valor and patriotism,
winning not only the admiration of his comrades
but also the respect of his superior officers. He
fortunately escaped wounds, although he became
nearly deaf as thle result of working over the guns
and as a rammer. During the last two years of his
army life lie acted as artificer.
The first marriage of Mlr. French took place in
Liberty Township, this county, his conpanion on
that interesting occasion being Miss Adelia Nicholas, a native of New York. At an early age she
accompanied her parents (now deceased) to Michigan, where she grew to womanhood, making ler
home in Liberty Township until her marriage.
Her death occurred at her home January 1, 1875,
when about forty years old. Religiously, she was
a worthy member of the Baptist Church. She bore
her hlusbaind two children: Dora, the wife of Frank
Goodlwin, who lives on a farm in lTacoma, Wash.
and Vernon, who resides in Berkley, Mass., with
his uncle, Larston French.
Mr. French contracted a second matrimonial alliance in Branch County, where he became tle
husband of Miss Frances Kirnyon. She was born
in Onondalga County, N. Y., June 22, 1848, to
A. W. and Hannah (Purdy) Kinyon, also natives




466            PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


I


of the Empire State. They were reared and married in Chenango County, and afterward lived on
a farm in Olondaga County, whence, in 1852, they
came to Michigan locating in Slierwood Township,
Branch County. The land upon which they settled
was obtained by Mr. Kinyon from the Government
in 1833, and held by him until the time of his removal to it. He died there in 1880, at the age of
seventy-two years. His widow is yet living, and
should she be spared till September, 1890, will be
seventy years of age. They were well respected
citizens of Branch County, where their daughter
was reared and educated, remaining under the parental roof until her marriage. She has borne her
husband one child, a daughter, Nettie.
The father of him whose name initiates this
sketch was Vernon French, who was born and
reared in Massachusetts, acquiring a knowledge of
the trade of a carpenter and joiner at a suitable
age. He took for his wife Miss Bethsheba Hathaway, who was reared and educated at Berkley,
being of New England parentage and ancestry.
Mr. French followed his trade in his native State
until 1837, when he came to Brooklyn, Mich., traveling to Detroit in the usual manner, and thence
on foot to his destination. Here he worked until
the following Spring, then returning to the Bay
State, brought his wife and two children to the new
home, where they resided ten years. The husband
and father then purchased a small farm about a
mile south of the town, abandoned work at his
trade and engaged in farming. lie passed from
time to eternity, April 12, 1885, bein, nearly seventy-five years of age. His widow, who is now
past her' threescore years and ten, is living on the
old homestead, with her eldest daughter, Mrs. Caroline Stacy.  She is a member of the Baptist
Church, in which belief her husband also rejoiced.
The father of Vernon French and grandfather of
our subject was Capt. Samuel French, a native of
Massachusetts, and a sea captain for many years.
In the pursuits of his chosen avocation he visited
many countries, including the West Indies, the
South Sea Islands and many other foreign shores.
He could speak seventeen languages, and was thus
enabled to communicate with the various races and
tribes whom he encountered. On more than one


occasion he was attacked by pirates, but got along
with them so well as to escape unharmed. He was
once captured by a Portuguese man-of-war but his
ability to communicate with officers and crew insured his release. IHe spent his last days on shore,
dying in Berkley, Mass., at the age of seventy-two
years.
G     LARENCE A. ELLIOTT, a well-known farmer of Napoleon Township, owns and operates three hundred and thirty-three acres
of good land, giving his entire attention to the pur
suits of agriculture. He has a fine set of buildings, and is a man of enery and push-one, who
having begun life without means, and dependent
upon his own resources, has climbed up to a good
position, socially and financially. lHis home is presided over by one of the most amiable and excellent wives, Mrs. Elliott having been the most efficient helpmate of her husband in his labors and
undertakings. Their property is located on section
32, and forms one of the most desirable estates in
Napoleon Township.
The subject of this notice is the eldest child of
his parents, Daniel and Loretta (Rose) Elliott, who
were natives of New York State, where they were
reared find married, and whence they came to Michigan at an early day. Mr. Elliott died in 1854,
but the mother is still living, making her home in
Denton, Wayne County, Mich. The parental family consisted of two sons and two daughters.
Mr. Elliott was born in Ypsilanti, this State, January 9, 1846, and lived there until reaching manhood, attending the common schools, and becoming
familiar with the various pursuits of farm life.
With the exception of one year in which he was
employed as clerk in a grocery store, he carried ori
farming during his stay in Washtenaw County. He
left there in April, 1874, and for twelve years
thereafter engaged in the flour and feed business at
Jackson. In the meantime, in company with others, he put up a llouring-mill, which was known as
the Jackson City Mills, with which he was connected until coming on his farm. He came to Napoleon Township in July, 1884, settling upon his






PORTRAIT AND BIO)GRAPHICAL ALBUM.


present homestead. Here he has a fine set of buildings, and is prosecuting agriculture after the most
modern and approved methods.
The wife of our subject was in her girlhood Miss
Delia Benham, and they were united in wedlock
May 8, 1872, at the bride's home in Ypsilanti.
Mrs. Elliott was born in Washtenaw County, September 26, 1840, and is the second child of Milo
and Nancy (Coe) Benham, who were natives of
New York, and are now residing in Michigan.
Their family consisted of six children, four of whoin
arc living and residents of Michigan. To IMr. and
Mrs. Elliott there has been born one child only, a
daughter, Grace E.
Mr. and Mrs. Elliott are active members of the
Meth)dist Episcopal Cllurch, in which Mr. Elliott
has held the offices of Treasurer and Steward. In
politics he is a sound Republican, and hlas held the
office of Justice of the Peace for six years. Iie
takes an active interest in all matters pertaining to
the welfare of the county, and is looked upon as a
representative citizen, enjoying the esteem and confidence of all who know him.
3 RASTUS PHERDUN.         In the annals of
jj  Sandstone Township, none of the pioneers
i  made for themselves a more worthy record
than lie with whose name we introduce this sketch.
He was born on the 9th of February, 1822, in Delaware County, N. Y., and departed this life at his
home in Sandstone Township, May 16, 1888. IHe
was the son of William  and Charlotte Pherdun,
and came with his parents to Monroe County, this
State, when a lad of nine or ten years. Mr.therdun developed into manhood on the frontier, and
was married in September, 1843, to Miss Betsey
Huntley. The clildren of this marriage were a
daughter and two sons. The daughter died when
about three and one-half years old, and one of the
sons, Charles 1., died at the age of thirty eight
years. The only surviving child is John, a resident of Sandstone Township.
Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Pherduri
settled on the farm, which the latter now owns and


occupies. This was transformed from its primitive
to its present condition, largely through the labors
of Mr. Pherdun, who was a man of great industry,
laboring early and late until he had accumulated a
a competence. He learned the cooper's trade in
his younger years, which lie followed considerably
until quite late in life. Hie was a man highly respected in the community, and served two terms as
Treasurer of Sandstone Township. Politically, he
was a stanch Democrat, decided in his views, and
one not easily turned from his convictions when he
was assured he was right. IIe held a worthy place
in the Masonic fraternity, and his remains were
laid to their last rest with the solemn services of
the brotherhood. H-onest and upright in his transactions. none could point to a dishonorable act of
wlhich Erastus Phlerdun was ever guilty.
Mrs. Betsey (HIuntley) Pherdun was born August 24, 1823, in Otsego County, N. Y., and is the
datlghter of Benjamin and Margaret (Lighthall)
Iluntley, who were natives respectively of Bennington County, Vt., and Ilerkimer County, N. Y.,
the father born on the 17th of May, 1780. Before
their marriage, they emigrated to New York State,
and thence in 1835, to this county. After coming
to this county, Mr. Huntley purchased a tract of
Government land in Sandstone Township, several
hundred acres, including that now occupied by Mrs.
Plierdun, and in the care and cultivation of this he
occupied limself the remainder of his life. He
was called hence about 1861. The mother's death
preceded that of ier husband several years.
The Huntley family included six children, only
two of whom are living, there being besides Mrs.
Pherdun, her sister, Rhoda, Mrs. Tunnicliff, also a
resident of Sandstone Township. The Huntley
family lived in a log cabin, and endured many
hardships and privations in their efforts at building up a homestead, and accumulating a competence. Mr. Huntley, politically, was a Democrat,
a man of sound principles, and one looked up to
in his community. Mrs. Pherdun, like her brothers andl sisters, could be given only limited advantages, pursuing her early studies in her native
State. She remained under the parental roof until
leaving it to become mistress of her own home.
She was the efficient helpmate and sympathizing






468


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


companion of her husband in his labors and struggles, and enjoys the friendship and association of a
large number of the people among whom  she has
lived so many years.


EELSON I. PETERSON. In noting the pioneer settlers of Sandstone Township the
name of Mr. Peterson deservedly occupies
a place in the front rank. A man of large means,
industrious, active and enterprising, he has been no
unimportant factor in the development of the
county and here has expended the labors of a lifetime, here also investing his hard-earned c.pital.
He is widely and favorably known througlhout this
part of the county and is numbered among its
leading citizens.
A native of Saratoga County, N. Y., Mr. Peterson was born November 28, 1834, and is the son of
John and Sarah (Collamer) Peterson, who are believed to have also been born in the Empire State.
The paternal ancestors were of Scotch extraction,
while the maternal grandfather of our subject was
probably a descendant of one of the early families
of Connecticut, in which State he was born. IHe
emigrated at an early day to Saratoga County,
N. Y., and there spent his last days.
The subject of this notice was reared in his native county and acquired his early education in the
common school. He learned the art and science of
farming, although his father was a wool n manufacturer, who died when Nelson I. was a lad of nine
years. Since a boy of ten Mr. Peterson has practically made his own way in the world. He emigrated to Michigan in 1856, sojourning in this
county a few months, then went to Illinois and was
a resident of Chicago a year and a half, running on
the Northwestern Railroad between Chicago and
Janesville, Wis., as engineer, he having been an
engineer in New York before coming West. At
the expiration of the time mentioned he came back
to this county and purchased one hundred and sixty
acres of the land constituting his present farm, paying therefor $12.50 per acre. Forty acres of this had
been partially cultivated but the balance of the


land was in its primitive condition. The exercise of
industry and perseverance in the course of a few
years brought the whole to a productive condition.
When first settling on this farm, Mr. Peterson
lived in a log house 16x20 feet in dimensions for a
number of years and then put up the present fine
residence. This is flanked by convenient barns and
outhouses, while around it is a goodly assortment
of fruit and shade trees and the other embellishments and necessary comforts of life. Mr. Peterson avails himself of modern machinery in the
cultivation of his land and keeps himself posted
upon the best methods of agriculture.
The subject of this notice was first married, in
Summit Township, September 2, 1858, to Miss Ann,
daughter of Jackson and Lucy (Raymond) Crouch.
Of this union there were born nine children, six of
wllom are living, namely: Ada M., the wife of Dr.
G. C. Rhines, of Houston, Minn.; Collamer, Frank,
Roy, Berten, Edna, and three deceased. The latter were Thomas S., Willie and Ella J. Mrs. Ann
Peterson departed this life at the homestead April
21, 1887. Mr. Peterson contracted a second marriage June 2, 1888, with Mrs. E. R. Waite, widow
of Daniel C. Waite of this county, and the sister of
Mr. Peterson's first wife. The present wife of our
subject was born in Steuben County, N. Y., June
2, 1834. Her mother died in Jackson County,
Mich. She was a native of New York State, while
Mr. Crouch was born in Connecticut. They came
to this county about 1857 and settled among the
early pioneers of Summit Township. Daniel C.
Waite, the first husband of M1rs. Peterson, was a
native of New York, and they were married October 30, 1851. Of this union there were born three
children, only two of whom are living, John J. a
resiclit of Summit Township, and Eva A., the
wife of Frank Fowler, of Spring Arbor Township.
The deceased is Clara, who died when seven years
old. Mr. Waite came with his family to this county
about 1858 or 1859 and settled upon land in what
is now known as Summit Township. This now lies
in the suburbs of Jackson, comprising over one
hundred and fifty-three acres and is valuable property. Mr. Waite was an invalid for about twentytwo years and departed this life March 28, 1886.
For the first one hundred and twenty-four acres




PORTRAIT AND BIOG(IRAl'P1IICAL ALBUM.


469


I~~~~~~~~

of land upon Mr. Waite settled he paid a trifle less
thlan $21 per acre. His live stock consisted of a
pair of oxen, a cow and a pig. Although unable to
do much manual labor, he w:ls a good manager and
after a few years tlie Waite family were in very
good circumstances.. M.  aite was a man greatly
respected in lhis community, being ihonest and upright in his dealings, intelligent and industrious,
and his death was not only mourned by his iminediate family but the entire community.
Politically, AMi. Peterson is a straight Republican
and although frequently solicited to accept various
local offices, has steadily declined assuming the responsibilities attached thereto. Ilis circumstances
have materially changed since the time when lie
followed the plow and an ox-team, striving to bring
a tract of new land to a state of cultivation. His
fortunes have mended, together witl those of his
adopted county, in whose growth and development
tie has borne no unimportant part. I-e is a inember in good standing of the First Methodist Clhlurch
of Jackson, to which lie contributes lilerally, and
he is regarded as a public-spirited citizen who uniformly gives his support to every worthy enterprise. His first wife was ani invalid for seventeen
years, which naturally involved great expense and
care. Mrs. Peterson united with the Methodist
Episcopal Church in her youth, of which she still
remains a consistent member.
L -EWIS L. }FOWLERI. One of the miost thoroughly equipped farm s in Hanover Township
_\  is owned and occupied by the above named
gentleman, and it affords a striking example of
what can be accomplished by unflagging industry
and zeal, when backed by intelligence and good
judgment. The farm complrises three hundred
acres, nearly all of wlich is first-class land, and is
located one and a half miles from Horton. The
residence, which was erected in 1872 at a cost of
over $3,000, is both tasteful and commodious, in
its internal furnishing and arrangement doing credit
to the taste of the lady who presides over it. Three
fine barns, a wind-mill and various necessary sheds


and other buildings have been put up by Mr.
Fowler who still retains an active oversigllt of the
estate, although it is cultivated by his sons.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was
Joshua Fowler, a native of New York, who became
a resident of Moravia, Cayuga County, about the
year 1812. His occupation was that of a farmer,
and it was adopted by his son Joshua. who was born
May 8, 1803. Joshua Fowler, Jr., married Mahala
M. Lester, who was born in Dutchess County in
1806, and they remained in the Empire State until
1848. They then camne to Michigan, settling in
Hanover Township, this county, one and a half
miles west of Hanover Village. There the father
died in 1860, the mother surviving until March 24,
1874. The family comprised eleven sons and
daughters, seven of whom are now living.
Lewis L. Fowler was the second in order of birth
in the parental fanlily, his eyes having opened to
the light in Cayuga County, N. Y., March 8, 1830.
He received a rgood district-school education in his
native State, whence lie accompanied his parents to
Michigan when eighteen years old. Ite remained
under the parental roof until he was of age, when
lie started in life for himself empty handed. On
Clhristmas Day, 1850, he took unto himself a compalnion in life, and the first year after his marriage
hle worked a farm on shares. The second year he
was hired by the month, his wages being $13, and
his employer Mr. E. Dodd. l-e then bought eighty
acres of land on section 23, Pulaski Township,
built a log house and began clearing and breaking
up the land. There he remained until the fall of
1860 when he traded for a portion of the place
which he now occupies, to whichll he removed in
March, 1861. The farm, which consisted of one
hundred and thirty-six acres, was in a semi-wild
state, tlhe iml)rovements upon it being a frame
house and a barn that was much better built than
the dwelling.
When he took possession of this place Mr. Fowler was in debt over 81,900, $1,000 of which was
drawing interest at ten per cent. Within four years
this indebtedness was paid up in full, and during
this time Mr. Fowler also sent a substitute into
the Union army at a cost of $750, although he was
never drafted and there was no legal occasiop for






470             PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


-  -        -      -                                                                                                                I


his doing so. It was not long before twenty-five
acres were added to the estate, and in 1882 an additional forty was purchased. The ninety-nine
acres known as the Marshall Fisher farm were added
to it. in 1888, making up the fine acreage which has
been before noted and upon which such marked
improvements have been made. The estate is devoted to general farming and to the raising of
standard breeds of horses, cattle and sheep.
The lady who has shared in all Mr Fowler's joys
and sympathized in all his discouragements, assisting him by every means in her power for nearly
forty years, was in her girlhood Miss Lucy M.
Meachem. She is the youngest in a family of thirteen children, seven of whom are now living, and
was born in Genesee County, N. Y., March 30,
1833. Her parents, Lyman and Mercy (Goodspeed)
Meachem, were born in the same county in which
she opened her eyes to the light, and became residents of Ohio in 1842. Two years later they came
to Michigan, settling in Pulaski Township, this
county, where the mother died in 1851. Mr.
Meachem returned to the Empire State and died at
Dunkirk from the effects of an accident by which
his back was broken, and was buried there.
To Mr. and Mrs. Fowler four children have been
born: Walter married Miss Lucy Porter and lives
in the same section as that in which his father's
home is located; he is the father of two children.
Lester married Miss Hettie A. Williams and has
two children; he lives on section 10, and operates
the farm of his father. Adelia E., wife of Albert I.
Ayres, resides on section 15; Charles A. married
Miss Ella S. Rhoades, who has borne him three chil.
dren; his home is on section 21. Each of the sons
received from his father, in the fall of 1888, a deed
for forty acres of land, and all have made their
homes near the home nest. As all are intelligent
and honorable, it is a great pleasure to their parents to have them settled so near their own home,
and they enjoy the close association with their
daughter who also lives near.
Mr. Fowler is a Mason, holding membership in
Hanover Lodge, No. 293, at Horton, in which he is
now one of the Stewards, having previously held
the offices of Junior Warden and Senior Deacon.
Hie holds a demit from Chapter No, 3, and from




Commandery No. 9, at Jackson; he is also a member of the Grange at Horton and was Overseer in it
for a number of years. He has been Treasurer of
the school district for years and has also held the
position of Moderator. He likewise served his
neighbors as Overseer of Highways. Interested,
as all American citizens should be, in the political
issues of the day his sympathy is given to the
Democratic party, with which he votes on national
questions, although in local elections lie votes for
tlhe best man irrespective of party.
The early education of Mr. Fowler has been considered by him as only a foundation on which to
build a broader and deeper knowledge in various
lines of thought, and by realing, observation and
intercourse with his fellow-men he has accumulated
a varied fund of information. He is a man of liberal ideas and one whose means are being used to
make more pleasant and comfortable the pathway
of himself and his dear ones. Last fall he made a
pleasant trip to California, spending a month and
visiting his brother, Charles C. Fowler, who hlas
been a resident of Monterey County for over twenty
years. The westward journey was performed over
the Central Pacific Railroad and the ieturn over
the Southern Pacific to El Paso, Tex., thence to
Ft. Worth, to Kansas City and home. He has made
three trips to the old homestead in New York,
which was the scene of his youthful memories and
association.,i,,,^@11~~11...___.......
IHARLES IH. LEWIS, M. D. A continuous
practice of nearly twenty-four years in the
/ city of Jackson has fully established Dr.
Lewis as a successful and reliable member of the
medical fraternity of this county. From his birth
his interests have centered here, he being a native
of Concord, where he first opened his eyes to the
light November 10, 1840. His early education
was conducted in the schools of his native city and
when a youth of seventeen years he emerged
therefrom prepared for college. Hie attended the
Commercial College in Jackson one year and at
the expiration of this time, going East, became a








PORTRAIT AND ]BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


471


P  R   A  IT................... A  BP  A LBU..      47.  1 ----—............
--- --.L..........-..-..... -................... 


student of the State University at Burlington, Vt..
where he remained two years, with the exception
of a few weeks spent ill teaching a country school
at North Jay, N. Y.
In 1860, young Lewis, returning to the West,
entered the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor and taking the classical course was graduated
two years later. Afterward he spent a year in the
chemical labratory and in 1863 entered the medical
dlepartment, remaining three years and being graduated in 1866. I-e commenced the practice of his
profession in Jackson, remaining here until the
spring of 1870. Ile then removed to Chicago, but
only remained there until the following December
and we next find him in Union City, Brancli
County, this State. IHe remained there until 1873,
then returned to Jackson, of which lie has since
been a resident.
The marriage of Dr. Charles H. Lewis and Miss
Mary Barry was celebrated at the bride's home in
Ann Arbor, August 29. 1866. Mlrs. Lewis was
born in Ann Arbor, Mich., and is the daughter of
Major R. J. and Sarah (Moseley) Barry, who weie
natives of New Jersey, and Massachusetts respectively.  The father is deceased and the mother
is living in Oakland, Cal. There were born of this
marriage two children only, a son and a daughter,
Edward R. and Sara C.    The son, a promising
young man who has inherited much of the talent
of his father, is now a student in the Michigan
University at Ann Arbor. Sarah C. remains at
home with her parents. Dr. Lewis, politically, is a
sound Republican and his religious views coincide
with the doctrines of the Congregational Church.
HIe belongs to the American Medical Association,
the State Medical Society and the American Academy of Medicine. In the year 1889 and for the
session of 1890, he was chosen President of the
Medical Alumni Association of Michigan University.
The subject of this notice is the son of Dr. Edward Lewis who was born in Hampton, Washington
County, N.Y., July 16, 1796. The paternal grandfather, Edward Lewis, Sr., was a farmer by occupation and removed from New York to Fairhaven,
Rutland County, Vt., and from there later came to.Michigan during the early settlement of Jackson


County. He purchased a tract of land near which
afterward grew up the town of Concord,constructed
a home from  the wilderness and there spent the
Iremainder of his life. His son, Edward, made the
most of his opportunities to secure an education,
and when a young man commenced teaching school,
following the profession in Fairhaven and at
Black Rock, Erie County, N. Y. From  the latter
place he walked home to Vermont, traversing on
foot the entire length of the Empire State. Later
lie turned his attention to the study of medicine,
paying his way through college by teaching, and
was graduated from the medical department of
Castleton College in 1825. Hie commenced the
practice of his profession in the town of Benson
where lie sojourned until 1829, then removed to
Fairhaven and practiced there with unqualified
success until 1835. Then, on account of his wife's
failing health he resolved upon emigrating to the
West, and selling out his business, came to Michigan during its territorial days. The removal was
made via the Champlain and Erie Canals to Buffalo,
and thence by the lakes to Detroit, whence they
proceeded by team overland to this county. They
located near tle small, but flourishing village of
Concord, when the country around was a howling
wilderness, teeneing with deer, bear, wolves, and
other wild animals. Detroit. then a mere village
on the lake, was the nearest market and depot for
supplies.
'rhe elder Lewis entered from the Government
several large tracts of land, some of it for himself
and some for parties in the East. He followed
agriculture two years, then began operating a flouring-mill at Concord. Later he entered upon the
practice of his profession at that place, but in
1843 changed his residence to Jackson where he
built up a large and lucrative business. Ile was a
very benevolent man, especially kind to the poor
to whom he gave his services without recompense,
andI in fact acted the part of the Good Samaritan
until called hence. He rested from his earthly
labors on January 1, 1867, mourned -not only by
his immediate family, but by the entire community,
as one whose place it would be difficult to fill.
Identifying himself with the Congregational Church
in his youth, lie served as a Deacon in Vermont








472


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


and was one of the pillars of the church after lhis
settlement in Jackson. He was an Abolitionist
from the start and until the abandonment of the
old Whig party was one of its most ardent adherents. Later he gave his support to the Republican
party.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name
of Caroline Davey. She was born in Fairhaven,
Vt., and accompanying her husband to the West,
died in the city of Jackson, August 5, 1848, when
comparatively a young woman. Only four of the
eight children comprising the parental family lived
to mature years, and they still survive. Willard
C. is Cashier of the Peoples' National Bank at
Jackson; Caroline married George D. Walcott and
lives in Jackson; Lucy D. is a resident of Jackson;
Charles H. completes the list of the surviving
members of the family.
^,  IMRI IM. IARIER, in point of settlement
the oldest citizen of Leoni Township, where
he owns and manages a fine farm, has contributed to the advancement of Jackson County
materially, socially and morally; has taken part in
its public life, and is well-known and greatly respected throughout Southern Michigan. lie claims
Royalton, Niagara County, N. Y., as his birthplace,
September 18, 1816, being the date of his birth.
His father, Benedict lBarber, was born in Vermont,
and after attaining manhood among the hills of his
native State he went to Canada, and was there
married to Laura McNall. She was a daughter of
Uriah McNall, a native of Canada, born of Scotch
parentage. He subsequently removed to Royalton, and casting his lot with its pioneers, cleared a
tract of timber land. and at the time of his death
had improved a part of the farm.
After marriage Mr. Barber accompanied   his
father-in-law's people to New York, the removal
beiug made with teams, and he bought a tract
of land from the Iolland Purchase Company, in
Royalton, and in the forests built a log house, which
was the birthplace of our subject. There were no
nails or sawed timber used in its construction, and




=


- -


the roof was made of split shakes, leld in place by
weight poles; boards were split to make the door
and floor, and wooden pins were used instead of
nails. In 1822 the father died in his pioneer
home, and his community was deprived of a good
and useful citizen. The mother of our subject was
left with three children to care for, the youngest
being but three months old. She married a second
time, in 1825, becoming the wife of James H. Otis,
a native of Vermont, and a pioneer school teacher
in Royalton. Previous to his marriage he had
bought a tract of land in Lockport, and there he
andl his family made their home till 1829, when
they returned to Royalton, where he purchased a
part of the farm  on which our subject was born.
They resided there till 1831, and in the fall of that
year sought greener fields and pastures in the Territory of Michigan, coming thither by the way of
Erie Canal to Buffalo, from there by lake to Detroit on the steamer '"H-enry Clay," arriving in the
latter city after a long voyage of thirteen days,
double the time that it takes the fast ocean steamers of to day to cross the Atlantic. In Detroit
Mr. Otis, having brought a team with him, hired
two others to convey his family and houselold
goods to Jackson County. The route lay through
a wilderness, and from Ann Arbor there was nothing but an Indian trail for a road, and deer, bears,
wolves, wil(l turkeys and other game at times
crossed the path of the travellers. Mr. Otis took
up a tract of land in what is now Leoni Township,
the surrounding country being sparsely settled, and
still in the hands of the Government, the price being $1.25 an acre. There were n9 railways here for
some years, and Dexter, twenty-five miles distant,
was the nearest milling point, while Detroit was
the nearest depot for supplies. Mr. Otis built a
house on his land, which included the northwestern
quarter of section 2, on the present site of the village of Leoni. -le was active in aiding the development of the township, and his death, on his
homestead, was a loss to the community, and its
material interests were affected. The mother of
our subject survived hei husband a number of
years, dying at a ripe old age in the home of her
daughter, Mrs. Winans, in Leoni. The three children of her first marriage were: Zimri A,, our




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


473


subject; Isaac, who (lied in 1848; Julia A., widow
of Oliver Winans, now residing in California. By
her second marriage slie had six children, namely:
Sophia, James, Urial, George, Herman and Mary.
Zimri Barber was fifteen years old when lie came
with his p;arents to Michigan, and here he grew to
manhood amid the pioneer influences that prevailed
in Jackson County, and in such a life lie acquired
a strong, bold, self-helpful character. Ile remained
an inmate of the parental household till he was nineteen years old, and then returned to his native
State. After three years he came lack to Jackson
County, and in 1835 learned the trade of a carpenter, and soon became a millwright also, and followed that calling some years, acquiring great skill
and a thorough knowledge of the trade, and he assisted in building many of the first mills in Southern Michigan. In 1842 lie resumed farming, buying
his father's farm. He erected a comfortable house
thereon, and took his mother and her family to care
for. But eighteen acres of land were cleared at
the time of his purchase, and lie went to work vigorously to clear the rest of it. In January, 1850,
lie started for the gold fields of California, hoping
to better his fortunes in that Eldorado of the daring and venturesome. Going by the way of the
isthmus, while waiting, there for a steamer he accepted the fine position offered him by the Pacific
Company to take charge of their lumber yard, and
to do their carpenter work. He remained in tleir
employ two years, and then continued his journey
to California, where he mined with varying success three years. In 1855 he gathered together
his savings and set his face homeward. After his
arrival he resumed agricultural pursuits, and has
been a resident of this county ever since.
The year following his return to these parts, Mr.
Barber took unto himself a wife in the person of
Mrs. Hannah (Burkhart) Tinker, daughter of William and Eliza Burkhart, and widow of Lawrence
Tinker. She was born in Pennsylvania, January 1,
1821, and died in the home of her husband February 12, 1879. EIer life record, extending over a
period of more than half a century, in which she
well sustained the relations of daughter, wife,
mother and friend, shows her to be a woman of
great worth, good unllerltanding, and keen sensi

bilities, whose every act was prompted by a true
heart, and these traits endeared her not only to
lher household, but to a large circle of friends, and
made her a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of the five children born to our
subject and his wife two are now living: Fred
Claude is engaged in the mercantile business, and
is Express Agent at Leoni; Flora May is deceased;
Kate Adell married Barry Chappell, and resides
with her father. In the kindness of their hearts
Mr. and Mrs. Barber adopted and reared Albert
Barber, the only son of a brother of our subject
who was left an orphan at an early age, and he
now resides in a home of his own near by.
The subject of this sketch las, in a life which has
reached its evening, nobly discharged the duties
devolving upon him in his family relations, and as
a neighbor and a citizen, with characteristic fidelity
and manliness. IHe has regulated his affairs with
admirable judgment and sound discretion, and by
the exercise of prudence, forethoulght and untiring
zeal lie long ago placed himself in good circumstances. He has performed a useful part in the
administration of public affairs. Ile was at one
time Supervisor, representing his town on the
County Bolard for two years, and was twice appointed Postmaster of Leoni. He was one of the
early members of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance
Society, was once a Director of the society, and
also Secretary, and is also an active member of the,Jackson County Pioneer Society. Ever since the
formation of the party he has been a true Republican. Ile is an earnest and sincere member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and has faithfully
served it as Trustee and Steward for many years.
j  CICHOLAS D. CRAWFORD. Next in imp ortance to the early pioneers are their
children, most of whom are worthily wearing the mantle of their honored sires. The subject
of this notice, one of these, was born in this township, December 9, 1839, and is the son of Zeba
and Asenath (Crouch) Crawford, both of whom
were natives of Steuben County, N. Y.    Zeba






474            PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


--  - -  ----  -         I-~`   - ~ ~  — I" ------  - --.-   -   -   -  ---  --.- ' — --  --  -  --- ---  -  ".  ---------  - - - -   ---- ~


Crawford emigrated to Michigan Territory about
1835, and took up the land upon which his son,
Nicholas D., now resides, and which is located on
section 13, Sandstone Township. IHe purchased
over two hundred acres from a Mr. Nickerson, and
first put up a shanty, in which he lived for a time
and until he could build a substantial log house.
The family occupied the latter many years, and
then the father of our subject built the present fine
residence which is the admiration of the country
around.
Zeba Crawford occupied the above-mentioned
comfortable dwelling many years previous to his
death, which took place June 23, 1875, at Jackson,
to which place he had removed. The mother survived her husband nearly thirteen years, dying
November 15, 1888, after having reached the ripe
old age of over eighty years. They had endured
all the vicissitudes of pioneer life, living far from
mill and market in a country which had but recently been the home of the Indian and still
abounded in wild animals. Father Crawford for
many years was not able to own a team of horses,
doing his plowing and hauling with oxen. Patience
and perseverance, however, in due time brought
their reward, and they lived to enjoy the fruits of
their toil, and to see their children grow up lo
useful and honored citizens and comfortably settled
in life.
To Zeba and Asenath Crawford there were born
seven children, the record of whom is as follows:
Minerva J., the eldest born, became the wife of
David Lane, and is a resident of Leona Township;
Electa A. is the wife of Chester Taylor, of Jackson;
Elizabeth married M. Richardson, and went with
him to California; Salmon Z. is a resident of Blackman Township; Nicholas D., our subject, was the
next in order of birth; Adelia is the wife of Mason
Riclmond, of Michigan Center; Marcus D. is living in Sandstone Township.    Zeba Crawford,
politically, was in early life a member of the old
Whig party, and after its abandonment identified
himself with the Republicans. He was a man of
strict integrity, of sound common sense, and was
frequently solicited to fill the local offices, but invariably declined. In the early days he frequently
drove his team to Ann Arbor to dispose of his


wheat and bring back his flour. He enjoyed an
extended acquaintance throughout the county,
where ihe had hosts of friends.
The subject of this notice was reared to manhood
under the parental roof, receiving a limited degree
of book learning in the primitive school.  He assisted in developing the new farm, and literally
grew up with the country, being an eye witness of
its transformation from a wilderness to the abode
of an intelligent and prosperous people. IHe also
has a right to feel that he has assisted in bringing
it to its present condition, and no man is more
vitally interested in all that concerns its material
welfare.
Mr. Crawford remained a bachelor until thirty
years of age, and then brought a Iride to the old
roof-tree, being married April 6, 1869, to Miss
Isabel Moe, at the bride's home in this township.
Mrs. Crawford is likewise a native of this county,
and was born September 18, 1849. Her parents
were Ira and -Harriet ()Dunham) Moe, the former
of whom is deceased.  Mrs. Moe after the death of
her hus-and was married to Charles Champlin,
who is also deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Moe there
were born three children, the eldest of whom, a
son, Hiram F., is a resident of Jackson; Adelia is
the wife of Elias Pierce, of Sandstone Township.
Mrs. Crawford was the youngest born. A more
detailed history of the family will be found in the
sketch of Hiram S. Moe, of Sandstone Township.
Mr. and Mrs. Crawford are the parents of four
children-Maude, who died when two years old;
Rolla N., Ira M. and Ethel A. With the exception of about two years spent in Blackman Township, Mr. Crawford has resided on his farm since
his birth. Besides this he owns a finely-improved
farm of one hundred and sixty-five acres, one hundred and twenty of which are in Sandstone Township, and the balance in Blackman. In the building
up of their elegant home he has been ably assisted
by his intelligent and capable wife, who has stood
bravely by his side through storm and sunshine,
and done her share in all respects in accumulating
a property and maintaining the reputation of the
family.  Mr. Crawford, politically, is a sound
Republican, although in the local elections he aims
to support the men whom he considers best quali









PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


475


field for office, irrespective of party. He is connected with the Patrons of Industry, and keeps
himself thoroughly posted upon current events,
uniformly giving his encouragement and sup)port
to the enterprises calculated to benefit the people,
socially, morally and financially.
RADLEY B. ANDERSON, M. 1)D. A biographical AiLIU:-i of Jackson County would
IRjbe incomplete if within its pages was not
found a sketch of the above named gentleman, who has a high standing among the professional men of Jackson and an extensive practice in
the city and vicinity. I-e is a man of more than
ordinary intelligence, was the recipient of excellent
educational advantages and acquired an extended
knowledge of other branches before taking up the
study of medicine, which lie carried on systematically and thoroughly, becoming well-versed in the
science of Therapeutics, and having since applied
his theoretical knowledge to excellent advantage,
acquiring a high degree of skill in the diagnosis
and treatment of diseases.
It is believed by all students of human nature
that the ancestry and early training and surroundings of men exert such an influence over their lives
that a knowledge of the former gives one a very
good idea of what may be expected in the latter;
therefore a few lines regarding the progenitors of
our subject will not be out of place in this sketch.
I-is father, John W. Anderson, was born in New
York, and having been left an orphan at a very
early age, was reared by an uncle at West Point.
IIe learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner in
Niagara County, whither he went when a young
man and where he sojourned laboring at his trade
until 1837. He then came to the Territory of Michigan, accomplishing the journey via the Lake to
Detroit and thence by stage through a sparsely
settled country where the roads were so poor that
the passengers were obliged to walk a part of the
way. He located in Albion, Calhoun County, but
after spending four or five years there employed at
his trade, bought a tract of land near Parma, Jack

son County, and engaged in agricultural pursuits.
After spending about ten years there,'lhe sold and
bought property in Concord Township, upon which
he was engaged in'tilling the soil until the time of
the Civil War, when he sold and removed to Parma.
Thence he subsequently went to Tekonsha, Calhoun
County, in which place he resided until his death.
His widow is now living with her children, of whom
she has reared four. She was born in Madison
County, N. Y., to Sherman and Ann (Merrills)
Beecher, and was christened Eliza A. Her children
are, our subject; Frances, the wife of Julius Clapp,
of Parma; Henry, who lives in the same place, and
Ann, who married Charles Ferguson of Jackson.
The; gentleman whose name initiates this notice
was born in Albion, Calhoun County, Mich., November 16, 1841, and after receiving an elementary
education in the district schools entered Albion
College, where lie was pursuing his studies when
the Civil War broke out and his parents cha.nged
their place of residence. In 1861, hlie began to learn
the trade of a boot and shoe maker, and worked at
the same until 1865, in February of which year he
enlisted in Company C, Ninth Michigan Infantry,
joining his regiment at Chattanooga and serving
until after the close of the war, receiving his discharge with the regiment in September, 1865.
Returning to his home, Mr. Anderson resumed
work at his trade but ere long abandoned it for professional studies, and in 1874 attended medical lectures at Detroit Homcepathic Medical College. He
began the practice of his profession in Tompkins
Township, this county, and after acquiring some
practical experience continued his studies with a
more thorough understanding of the use which was
hereafter to be made of them, as is the case with all
students who combine practice with theory. The
young doctor attended lectures at Pulte College,
Cincinnati, and later at Hahnemann College, Chicago, being graduated from the latter in the class
of 1879-80, after which he located in Jackson,
where he has built up an extensive practice and a
highly creditable reputation for skill in his chosen
profession.
The lady, in whom Dr. Anderson found united
the qualities which he desired in a life companion
was Miss Amelia A., daughter of Dr. Samuel P.






476


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRIAPHICAL ALBUM.~


476             PORTRAIT A  BIOL AL B.  I-...  UM. _  -


and Martha A. (Barrett) Town, and the rites of
wedlock were celebrated between them  May 16,
1872. Mrs. Anderson possesses the intelligence and
culture which fit her for the companionship of one
of the Doctor's intellectual attainments, together
with the estimable character which exerts a strong
influence for good over those with whom she comes
in contact. She has borne her husband four children, named respectively: Frederick, Birdie, Warren and Jessie.
Dr. Anderson and his wife are members of the
First Baptist Church. The Doctor has always been
a temperance man and an advocate of temperance
principles. He was one of the charter members of
Tekonsha Lodge I. O. 0. F.; belongs to Edward
Pomeroy Post, No. 48, G. A. R., to Parma Lodge,
A. F. & A. M., and is a member of the ITom(xnpathic
State Medical Society. Politically, he is a Republican.
iRREDERICK M. FOSTER. A             high rank
/ i'  among the deserving citizens of Jackson is
that held by the subject of this sketch, who
may well be classed as a pioneer resident of the
town, where he first made his home in May, 1842,
and with whose business interests lie has been identifled as a manufacturer and a professional man for
many years. He comes of a line of patriotic and
reliable citizens, his grandfather Foster having held
a Lieutenant's commission during the Revolution,
and his father having been engaged during the
War of 1812.
Moses Foster, the father of our subject, was born
in or near Boston, Mass., and accompanying his
parents to Vermont, where their last years were
spent, he was married, in Guilford, to Miss Betsey
Goodwin, and removed to Bridport, where he car.
ried on his trade of a blacksmith. In 1820 he
changed his location to Crown Point, N. Y., where
he established a shop which he carried on some
years, after which lie took up his residence with his
son in Madison, Lake County, Ohio, and there
died when sixty-nine years old. The most prominent engagement in which he took part in the War
of 1812, was the battle at Plattsburg, N, Y. His


wife also died at the home of their son Willard, in
Madison, Ohio, breathing her last when nearly
ninety years of age. The family of this worthy
couple comprised nine sons and daughters.
The gentleman whose name initiates this sketch
was born in Bridport, Addison County, Vt., July
27, 1813, and spent the first seven years of his existence in his native State, the remainder of hislife
until manhood being passed in New York, where as
soon as he was old enough to do so he began work
on his father's farm. At the age of twenty he
went to Rochester, and spent a year as helper in an
edge-tool factory, after which he returned to Crown
Point for a sojourn of a few months, and then entered an edge-tool factory in Honeoye Falls, where
he learned to finish tools, and where he remained
until 1837. He then paid his first visit to Michigan, spending the wint r traveling in Oakland and
Macomb Counties, and visiting Jackson in the
spring. Returning to Honeoye Falls, N. Y., he
resided there a few months, after which he entered
an ax factory at Seneca Falls, where lie remained
employed until May, 1842.
At that date Mr. Foster, in company with lis
brother Ienry, engagyed in the manufacture of
pumps in Jackson, Mich., and in connection with
this business established the first machine-shop in
the city. The brothers continued in business together until 1846, when he of whom we write sold
his interest to his brother, and himself opened a
daguerreotype gallery. After conducting the latter
business in this place for some time, Mr. Foster
was located in different places, including Niles,
Mich.; Ft. Wayne, Ind.; and Madison, Ohio; but
in 1849 he returned to Jackson, took up the study
of dentistry, and has since been a permanent resident of this place, where he has carried on his profession for many years.
Mr. Foster has been twice married. EIis first
companion, with whom  he was united September
23, 1839, was Miss Lucinda Lumbard, who was
born at Honoeye Falls, N. Y., in 1817. Her father,
Capt. Benjamin Lumbard, commanded a company
in the War of 1812. After a few years of wedded
happiness Mrs. Lucinda Foster was called hence, in
June, 1844, leaving one son, who met his death by
accident on the Rock Island Railroad, August 18,




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


477


I


1859, when nineteen years of age. In September,
1849, Mr. Foster contracted a second matrimonial
alliance, choosing as his bride Miss Iarriet M.
Cook, who shared his ioys and sorrows until July,
1881, when she breathed her last. She was born in
Madison, Ohio, August 12, 1817, was a daughter
of Erial and Phoebe (Turner) Cook, was a devoted
member of tle Baptist Church. and had many
friends in the community where she had so long
made her home. Of the three children whom she
bore to our subject, one died in infancy; Sarah is
tlhe wife of Morrison Allen, and with them the subject of this sketch makes his home; Horace M.
married Carrie Russell, has one child —Hazel-and
is a resident of Jackson.
The substantial brick structure which is the present home of Mr. Foster was purchased by him in
1850. lIe was confirmed in the Episcopal Church,
and throughout his long life has made a record
among his fellow-men as an 'uright and honorable
man and citizen. Politically, he has always been
a Democrat. In 1844 he joined the Odd Fellows,
and at different times has held all the offices of the
Subordinate Lodge; one year was Grand Master of
the Grand Lodge of the State of Michigan, and
one year Grand Patriarch of the State, and seven
years Grand Representative of the Sovereign Grand
Lodge of the United States for the jurisdiction of
Michigan. About 1850 he joined the Masonic fraternity, and is a charter member of the Blue Lodge,
and also of the Commandery to which he belongs,
and as a Knight Templar is well known among the
fraternity in this section. He has held the offices of
Supervisor, Alderman, Recorder and Treasurer of
the city of Jackson.
EMUEL C. TO)WNSEN).            Among the
business enterprises of Jackson none probably are more familiarly known than Townsend's Rc:al Estate Exchange, which deals in farms
and city property, hotels, factories and timbered
land. Thle proprietor, with whose name we introduce this sketch, has his office in the Union Block


and presents a picture of a self-made man who,
from a modest beginning, has climbed up to a
good position socially and financially. There is no
question that some men are better adapted to one
calling than another, and in his real-estate business
Mr. Townsend has distinguisled himself as an A
No. 1 man, having a full understanding of the
proper manner in which to'conduct it. lie also
carries on a thriving loan and insurance business.
Mr. Townsend is a native of this State, and was
born October 27, 1849, in Litchfield, Iillsdale
County.  His father, Warren Townsend, was a
prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Hillsdale
County, to which he removed from Livingston
County, N. Y. Warren Townsend was born in
the Empire State and was there married to Miss
Helnrietta Crocker, a native of Livingston County,
and the daughter of Lemuel Crocker, who was of
Holland-Dutch ancestry. The father of our subject
departed this life at his homestead in Hillsdale
County, December 13, 1889; the mother is still
living. The paternal grandfather of our subject,
Robert Townsend by name, was a New Englander
by birth and an Englishman by descent.
The subject of this notice spent his boyhood
days in his native town, attending the public schools
and he entered Albion College where he took a
business course and from which he was graduated
in 1867, after having been und4er a thorough course
of instruction from the noted Prof. Mayheu. Upon
leaving college Mr. Townsend received the appointment of State Superintendent of the Mutual Benevolent Association of Minneapolis, Minn., which
position he held, operating in that State for four
years. Then at Minneapolis lie engaged in the realestate business, having his office in the Seneca
Block on Nicollet Avenue, and transacting an extensive and profitable business.  He remained
there until the fall of 1882, when lie returned to
Albion, this State, and blecame interested in real
estate which he had purchased during his stay in
Minnesota. Ile opened an office and remained in
Albion until 1889 when he transferred the scene of
his operations to his present location, opening an
office in the Union Block. His transactions extend
over not only the State of Michigan but several
others. So uprightly and conscientiously has he




478


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


--  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_~~~~~~~_ ______~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_ ___ _~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_________~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ —::::I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~:~~


pursued his calling that he has gained the unqualified confidence of those with whom he has had
dealings, and being a man of excellent judgment
his advice is invaluable upon real estate and property matters.
Mr. Townsend in 1870 was united in marriage
with Miss Mary E., daughter of John Drury. Mrs.
Townsend was born April 22, 1849. Her parents
were natives of Michigan and the father is deceased,
the mother still living. Her mother bore the maiden
name of Barritt. To Mr. anl Mrs. Townsend there
has been born one child only, a daughter, Belle,
October 25, 1880. The family residence is pleasantly located in the city, and its inmates enjoy the
society of the refined and cultured element in the
social circles of Jackson.
HRISTIAN RATH. Until " time shall be
no more" the hearts of men will not cease
to beatt in unison with the deeds recorded
on the pages of history-to thrill with admiration
of moral and physical courage, to glow with righteous indignation over tales of wrong doing and
crime, or burn with sympathy for the sufferings of
humanity. Standing out conspicuously on the pages
of American tistory are the two sanguinary struggles, the Revolution and the Civil War-and as
long as the Republic endures will the lives of men
engaged in them be read with interest. The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch bore a
part in the late irrepressible conflict, bearing a
gallant share in the heat of battles and the arduous
duty of campaigning, and when the dark cloud
caused by the death of our first martyred President —'"honest Old Abe" —hung over the land, in
an official capacity was present during the terrible
scenes which resulted from the death of the
Executive.
In Wurtemberg, Germany, October 22, 1831,
John Adam and Mary (Slee) Rath, were blessed by
the birth of a son who is the subject of this biographical sketch. The parents were natives of the
Fatherland, and of the Lutheran faith, in the prin



ciples of which they carefully reared their son. The
lad was well educated, attending the State School
six years, and leaving it at the age of fourteen to
begin work at the trade of a shoemaker, which he
completed about five years later.
In 1849, young Rath ran away from home and
joined the Revolutionary forces under Gens.
Hecker and Strube, remaining with them  three
months and going through Baden, plundering and
burning that country. The forces were driven
from the country to Switzerland, and finding himself within thirty-five miles of home, Mr. Ratl returned to the parental roof, but on account of his
connection with the insurgents could not remain
there. He therefore fled to America and proceeling at once to Detroit, entered the United States
Navy, in which he served about a twelvemonth.
Tiring of naval life he left the service and removed
to Jackson during the year 1850, spending about
three years as a journeyman shoemaker in the employ of Robert Graham, after which he embarked
in business for-himself. On May 22, 1853, he was
united in marriage with Miss Eveline Henry, a native of Auburn, N. Y., who has borne him two
sons-Hick L., and John A.-both of whom are
now in the jewelry business at No. 225 East Main
Street, Jackson.
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Rath belonged to Withington's Independent Company, but
on account of the birth of his son John, felt compelled to remain at home when the company went
to the front. The next year Gen. Withlington
raised a regiment and he joined Company G, as
Second Lieutenant, turning his shoe-shop into a
recruiting office. As soon as the regimental roster
was full, they proceeded to Detroit and encamped
there several weeks before going to Washington,
drilling and studying army tactics. Reaching the
capital they were quartered at Ft. Baker near the
city, remaining there a week and continuing the
drills of the comparatively new recruits, and leaving
the foit to join McClellan who was marching to
intercept Lee.
The first engagement in which Lieut. Rath took
part was the battle of South Mountain, which began at 2 P. M. September 14, 1862, and lasted until
dusk, the Union forces being successful. During




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


479


this engagement Company G lost both Captain and
First Lieutenant, those officers being wounded and
incapacitated for duty, and the command thus devolved upon Lieut. Rath. Two days following he
was engaged in the battle of Anteitam and although
wounded in the arm in a charge made on the rebel
line, did not leave the company of which he was
the only officer. After the battle of Fredericksburg, at which he acquitted himself with honor, he
was promoted to a First Lieutenancy and transferred to Company T, of the same regiment. In
the spring following the regiment moved to Newport News, Va., and thence to Vicksburg, Miss., to
participate in the contest there, during which he of
whom we write was promoted to be Captain. After
the surrender of Gen. Pemberton to Gen. Grant,
July 4, 1863, his company formed a part of the
force which successfully battled with Gen. Joseph
Johnston at Jackson, Miss.
The next march of the regiment was with Gen.
Burnside to Louisville, Ky., whence they crossed
the mountains to Knoxville, Tenn., during the fall
of the same year, taking part in a number of engagements and in hard marching, living on starvation diet, as they were cut off from communication
with the Nortl and reduced to short rations. They
were finally driven into Knoxville by Gen. Longstreet and were laid siege to three months, having
built fortifications in which they lived day and
night, not daring to show themselves above the
trenches for fear of rebel sharpshooters.  One
Saturday night the Confederate forces made an
attack and captured the Union skirmish lines, and
early on the following morning moved up the hill
in full force to make a general attack. About
twenty yards in front of Ft. Sanders, as the trenches
were called, two lines of wire had been stretched
about a foot from the ground, and when the enemy's lines advanced every man in the front fell to
the ground, tripping over the wires which they had
not observed in their rapid onset. The rear lines,
struck with astonishment, wavered, and Capt. Rath
making a sally at this moment brought in three
hundred prisoners. Finally a request was sent to
Gen. Burnside for an armistice to carry off the
dead and wounded, and this being granted the two
factions which had but lately been active foes


mingled freely with each other during a respite of
three days from active warfare. Soon after reinforcements were brought from Chattanooga, Gen.
Longstreet beat a retreat, thus ending Capt. Rath's
campaign life in Tennessee.
The Ninth Army Corps, which was that to which
our subject belonged, returned to the Army of the
Potomac, and rendezvoused at Annapolis, Md.,
three weeks, drawing rations, pay, and clothing.
The command next marched toward the Rapidan
and on May 5 and 6, 1864, took part in that terrible struggle of the Wilderness, where Capt. Rath's
regiment lost heavily.  Three days later they
fought at Spottsylvania, where nearly the entire
regiment was captured, and where the Captain
made his escape by breaking from his guards and
dashing for liberty. Regaining the remnant of his
regiment and taking command, he joined it with
the Second Michigan, which had also lost heavily,
the two depleted bodies remaining together several
(lays. The regiment to which Capt. Rath belonged
was then detailed for provost duty at Gen, O. B.
Wilcox's headquarters, and held that place during
the remainder of the war.
Capt. Rath now took the position of ProvostMarshal on Gen. O. B. Wilcox's staff, and participated in all the fights from the Wilderness to City
Point, Va., finding Gen. Lee intrenched at Petersburg, the key to Richmond, as they approached
that city. When Gen. Grant attacked and captured Petersburg, Capt. Rath continued on to Appomattox Junction, where news reached the army
of Lincoln's assassination. Capt. Rath was at that
time Provost-Marshal of Dinwiddie County, Va.,
was promoted Brevet-Major of Volunteers on the
recommendation of Gen. 0. B. Wilcox, and was
ordered to report to General Auger's headquarters
at Washington.
Repairing at once to the capital, Provost Rath
presented himself to Gen. Ilartranft, who was on
duty at the old District of Columbia penitentiary,
adjoining the arsenal, wherein were confined the
Lincoln conspirators: Mrs. Surratt, Payne, Atzerodt, Harrold, Dr. Mudd, O'Laughlin, Arnold, and
Spangler. Receiving the appointment of ProvostMarshal under Gen. Iartranft, commander of the
prison, Mr. Rath remained during the trial of the






r


480


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


- ~~


conspirators, at the conclusion of which he executed
Payne, Atzerodt, Harrold and Mrs. Surratt. He
remained on special duty until July, 1865, when he
was promoted to Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel of
Volunteers, and discharged and returning to Jackson took up his old trade of shoe-making. 
In the winter of 1868, Capt. Rath made an ap- 
plication for the position of mail agent on the
Michigan Central Railroad, and at once receiving
the appointment retained the position until 1885.
He was then transferred to the Grand River Valley
Route, where he still remains. Although on the
shady side of life, lie is hale and hearty, giving
promise of living to a green old age, and is an entertaining companion, being especially pleased to
talk over his war experiences with any who are interested in the personal recollections of men who
bore a part in those trying scenes. Ile has tile
confidence and respect of those with whom lie associates, and is looked upon as one of the most
worthy citizens of Jackson.
YRUS H. COWAN. Among the many fine
farms of Parma Township, that of our subject would be noted by the passer by as one
which bears evidence of being under the management of a skilled farmer and man of progessive
ideas. It comprises two hundred and eighty acres
on section 10, and has been the home of our subject since 1854, at which time he and his father
came to this county and settled upon it. The present owner might well be numbered among the pioneers of this State, as his labors within its bounds
began in 1836, while he was still but a lad. Ie
was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., August 11,
1821, and from Irish and Scotch ancestors has derived the strong character which has led to his
success in life.
The parents of our subject were William and
Clarissa Cowan, natives of the Empire State, who
became residents in Genesee County when he of
whom we write was about two years old. Some
six years later they emigrated to this State, the
father taking up one hundred and sixty acres of


land in Eaton County, for which he paid the usual
price of $1.25 per acre. The land was heavily
timbered, and formed a part of Eaton Rapids
Township, of which the family were among the
early settlers. In common with other pioneer families they endured many privations and much arduous toil. Their first home was of the usual
character, a structure of logs, plastered with mud,
and heated by a fireplace.
William Cowan, during his residence in Eaton
County, served as Supervisor of his township. As
before stated he came to this county in 1854, and
with his son. our subject, bought a landed estate,
upon which he died in June, 1866. His widow
survived until February 17, 1878. In politics lie
was a Republican, and ir religion of the Methodist
Episcopal belief. He was the father of five children, the subject of this notice being the first born.
The oldest daughter, Charity A., is the wife of the
Rev. Lewis Griffin, of Albion; Fidelia F. is the
wife of William Burnham, of Erie County, Pa.;
Jane is the wife of Jacob Haite, of Eaton Rapids,
this State; Elizabeth is the wife of Lucius A. Ives,
of Ingham County.
Cyrus Cowan, of whom we write, received his
fundamental education in the common schools of
Michigan, supplementing this by an attendance of
one year in the seminary at Albion, Calhoun
County, now converted into Albion College. He
has devoted his life to the pursuit of agriculture,
and during his latter years has demonstrated the
usefulness of his early training amid pioneer surroundings.
The marriage of our subject and Miss Emma
Anderson took place November 18, 1857. The
bride was born in this county, August 2, 1836, her
parents being Col. John and Caroline Price Anderson, who were early settlers in Sandstone Township; both were natives of New Jersey.   Col.
Anderson boughtGovernment land in the northern
part of Sandstone Township, settling in the woods,
from which he cleared a fine farm on which he
lived many years. IHe then removed to Parma
village, where he died December 20, 1877. The
title by which he was commonly known was gained
in the State Militia of New York, and he served as
Captain during the Civil War, being an officer in




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(I~~~? 7 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


483


the Twentieth Michigan Infantry, and in the field
two and a half years. IHe fought at Gettysburg,
Fredericksburg, and at other points where the supremacy of tile Union was hotly contested. IHe
understood the trade of a carpenter, and followed
it during the greater part of his life in connection
with farming. He put up the first stone grist mill
in Albion. and many other buildings in that town.
In politics he was a Republican. He enjoyed a
large acquaintance, and was considered a representative citizen of his township.  His widow now
lives in Saginaw, Mich.
Of a large family born to Colonel and Mrs. Anderson, the following are now living: Maria. the
wife of WW..     Dean, of Parma; Caroline, wife of
Elliott Aubury, of Belevue, Idaho; Mrs. Cowan;
Lavonia, wife of Col. Charles Iloughton, of New
Jersey; Effie, widow of Harvey Kenaston, living
in Syracuse, N. Y.; Martha, wife of Henry Driggs,
in Galesburg, Ill.; Flora, wife of John [Driggs, of
the same place: Eva, wife of Martin Farmer, of
Saginaw, this St^te.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Cowan has been
blessed by the birth of four children. Cora, the
first born, is the wife of James Hicks, of Ingham
County; Effie is the wife of Almon Merrill, of
Parma; William is the only son; Minnie is the
wife of Melvin Reynolds, of Parma. Mrs. Cowan
is a member of the Methodist EpiscopalfChurch at
North Parma. Mr. Cowan is a Prohibitionist.
iT)OBER'T D. KNOWLES, Attorney-at-law, has
been a resident of this county for the long
lperiod of twenty-seven years, having emi
grated hither in 1863. He was then a young
mani of twenty-nine years, having been born May 6,
1834, and is a native of Niagara County, N. Y.
Ile spent his boyhood and youth in his native
town, and completed his education in Wilson Collegiate Institute, from which he was graduated in
1857.
After leaving college Mr. Knowles engaged in
teaching, and on the 8th of May, 1858, was united
in marriage with Miss Julia A. Foster, at Niagara


Falls, N. Y. They continued to reside in Niagara
County until 1863, then coming to Michigan located in Grass Lake, and Mr. Knowles engaged in
the hardware business. He gave to this his close
attention until 1866, and then, having rendered
efficient services in local affairs, was elected County
Clerk on the Republican ticket. In January, 1867,
lie removed to Jackson in order to assume the duties of his office, and after the expiration of his
first term was re-elected twice, thus holding the
office three terms of two years each. Afterward he
acted in the capacity of Deputy Clerk for three
years.
In the meantime Mr. Knowles improved his
spare time in the reading of law, and to such good
advantage that lie was admitted to the bar. He was
the first elected Alderman for the Third Ward
when the city was divided into eight wards, and
served two years in the Council. Hie was for a
number of years Secretary of the County Agricultural Society, but latterly has given his close attention to the practice of his profession, winning an
enviable position in the legal fraternity of this section. He possesses fine natural abilities, which have
been enlarged by much practical experience and
good judgment. His portrait is shown on another
page.
Mrs. Knowlos was born in Syracuse, N. Y., in
June, 1838, and is the daughter of John Foster,
a native of Miendon, that State, who is now deceased. Her mother bore the maiden name of
Dox. To Mr. and Mrs. Knowles there were born
three children, the eldest of whom a son, Frank, is
mailing clerk in the Jackson post-office. Louis E.
is shipping clerk in the Coronet Colset "Factory.
Edward D. is employed with the well-known jeweler. George E. Case, of Jackson. The sons are
all enterprising young men, filling lucrative positions, and all of them vote the straight Republican
ticket. Mr. Knowles has been a member of this
party since its organization, voting for John C.
Fremont in 1856.
The father of our subject was William Knowles,
a native of Pennsylvania, and born in 1795. He
removed to Niagara County, N. Y., in 1816, settling among the earliest pioneers of that region.
Soon afterward he was wedded to Miss Olive, sister






484


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


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of Robert Davis, a late resident of Grass Lake. He
took up land on the old Holland Purchase, from
which he constructed a farm, and there spent the
remainder of his life, departing hence in 1858.
Politically, he was an Old-Line Whig. The mother
came West about 1867, and is now living with
Mrs. Anna Tower, a daughter, at Charlotte, and has
arrived at the advanced age of eighty-seven years.
J   OSIAH  CROSBY  RICHARDSON, Treasurer and Manager of the Reliance Corset
Company, is pie-eminent in all that relates
to the commercial, social and political life
of Jackson, standing, as he does, among the foremost men of far-reaching foresight, large enterprise, and exceptional financial ability, who have
contributed so largely to raise this metropolis to
its present position as one of the first cities in
point of growth, wealth and importance in Southern Michigan.
Mr. Richardson is of New England birth and
antecedents, coming of good old Revolutionary
stock. He was born among the beautiful hills of
the southwestern part of New Hampshire, the town
of Alstead, in Cheshire County, being the place of
his birth, and March 4. 1842, the date thereof.
His father, Edward P. Richardson, was born in the
same county, in the town of Stoddard, that also
being the birthplace of his father, Theodore Richardson, who was descended from  one of three
brothers who came to America in Colonial times,
and took part in the Revolution, casting in their
fortunes with the Colonists. The grandfather of
our subject was a farmer and spent his entire ilife
among his native hills.
Edward Richardson acquired a good education,
and he adopted the teacher's profession when a
young man, teaching in New Hampshire till 1850.
In that year, ambitious to see something of the
Great West and to try life on the frontier, he emigrated with his family to Missouri, traveling by
rail to Troy, N. Y., thence by Erie Canal to Buffalo, from  there by lake to Detroit, across this
State by rail to Lake Michigan, going by boat on


its waters to Chicago, and from that city by canal,
river and stage to Springfield. After spending a
short time there, they proceeded to Clinton, Mo.,
then a frontier town and the centre of border ruffianism. The country roundabout was in a wild,
sparsely settled condition, with no railways or
other means of communication with the outside
world except rough roads and muddy streams.
Deer, bears, wolves, and other wild denizens of the
forest and prairies abounded, and Indians still
lingered in the vicinity of their old haunts. Mr.
Richardson engaged in his profession there till his
useful and honorable career was terminated a year
later by his premature death, whereby a good citizen and noble man was lost to the community.
His wife remained in that place one year, and then
returned to their old home in Alstead, N. H.,
where she still resides. He was twice married. The
maiden name of his first wife, mother of our subject, was Eunice Crosby. She was born in the State
of New York, and was a daughter of Josiah and
Theda Crosby, She died in 1845, leaving the precious memory of a good and true womanhood to
her family. The maiden name of the step-mother
of our subject was Amanda Marvin.    She was
born in Alstead, N.H., a daughter of Capt. William
Marvin, of that town.
Josiah Richardson, of whom we write, was eight
years old when he accompanied his parents to Missouri, and he has a distinct recollection of the incidents connected with their pioneer life in that
part of the country. He returned to New Ilampshire with his mother in 1852, and at eleven years
of age went to live with an uncle in Swanzey,
N. H., remaining with him till he was eighteen
years old, and at that age he entered upon his mercantile career as a clerk in the establishment of S.
A. Gerould & Son, of Keene, N. H. taving served
an apprenticeship of three years, and thoroughly
mastering every detail of the business, and having
married in the meantime, at the age of twenty-one
lhe was admitted into the firm, the firm name being
changed to Gerould, Son & Co. He was given a
third interest, and was buyer and general manager
of the business eleven years, during which time
the affairs of the firm prospered beyond precedent,
our subject displaying uncommon judgment and




PORTRAIT AND BIOGHKAPHICAL ALBUM.           485,,..........,....,.,...,....,.... _. 


sagacity in his Inanagement of tle affairs. In
1873 he severed his connection with Gerould &
Son, selling out his interest in order to take up
his residence in Jackson, as he riglltly judged tlat
here would Ibe a fine opening for a wide-awake,
energetic man to establish hiimself in business. In
February, 1874, he entered into the wholesale and
retail millinery business. In October, 1886, he left
the control of that business to his partner, Mr.
Edwy Knight, to straighten out the affairs of the
Jackson Corset Company, which at that time were
in a very unsatisfactory condition. In January,
1889, having put the company on a sure basis, lie
resigned his office, and the following Marchl assisted in tile formation of the Reliance Corset
Company, with the following officers: Clarence H.
Bennett, President; E. L. Stnith, Vice-President;
Edwy Knight, Secretary; J. C. Richardson, Treasurer and Manager. Under the skillful and judic.
ious management of our subject tlhe company is
doing a large and constantly increasing business,
and its finances are in a flourishing condition.
On January 22, 1862, Mr. Ricthardson waIs united
in marriage to Miss Isabelle Chamberlain, a woman
of rare worth, who has greatly aided him in the
establishment of their attractive home. Mrs. Richardson is a daughter of John and Caroline (Farrar) Chamberlain, and is a native of Westmoreland, Cheshire County, N..  Two sons complete
the household circle of our subject and his wife:
Leon J., a student at tile State University at Ann
Arbor; and Arthur HI., a lad of eleven years.
Their only daughter, Isa F., died at the age of
six years and six months.
Mr. Richardson is of a bright, frank, genial nature, a man of broad outlook, liberal in his views
and acts. lIe has acquired his present position in
the business, social and public life of this city
through strict attention to the highest principles
of morality, honesty and integrity, and by diligent
attention and devotion to those duties that tend to
make a man a good citizen. Hle has taken an active part in public life, and is a leader in politics as
President of the Jackson County Republican Club,
which was an important factor in tle Harrison
campaign. IHe represented the Second Ward in
the City Council two years, was Chairman of the




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Committee on Poor the first year, and President
of tile Council the second year. lie is Past Eminent
Commander of Jackson Commandery, No. 9, and
'President of the Merchants' and Manufacturers'
Association, having been re-elected the third year.
lie is also a member of the Board of Public
Works, and is President of the Globe Council of
National Union, an insurance orlganization of much
merit. Religiously, he is a Unitarian, and was one
of the founders of the Unitirian Society, of Jacksonl, and is still an active worker in that body,
having been its Secretary since its organization,
and lie has ever used his influence by example and
otherwise to advance thle moral status of the community.,  IIRAM    B. ELIIOTT. The Elliott home) stead forms one of the points of attraction
in Tompkins Township, comprising a fine
body of land, embellislied with neat and
substantial buildings and pleasantly located on
section 2. 'lle proprietor is recognized as one of
the most liberal-minded and public-spirited men
in his community, uniformly giving his support
anld enconragement to the projects calculated to
lpromote its general welfare. He is a native of
New York State, and was born in Chautauqua
County, November 24, 1829.
Mr. Elliott was a lad of about eight years when
coming to this county with his father and with the
exception of two years spent in California, he has
resildeld here since 1836. His early years were
passed in a comparatively uneventful manner in
attenldanc  at the t district school, and becoming
famil ar with tile various employments of farm
life. After reaching his majority he was married,
April 30, 1851, in Ingham County. to Miss Elizabeth A. Miller. The young couple settled on a
f:arm in Tompkins Township, Jackson County,
which is included in the present homestead, but the
following year Mr. Elliott was seized with the California gold fever, and making his way to the Pacific
Slope engaged in mining until 1854, meeting with
fair success. Then returning to his farm he resumed agricultural pursuits and is now the owner








486


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


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of two hundred and eighty acres of prime land
from whicl he realizes a handsome income. He
meddles very little with public affairs, but is a
stanch supporter of Republican principles. So.
cially he belongs to Blue Lodge, No 190, at Onondaga. and Leslie Chapter and Leslie Council, at
Leslie. His estimable wife is a member of the
Eastern Star Lodge in Leslie.
Mrs. Elizabeth (Miller) Elliot was born, April
31, 1829, in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., and was
the third child of Alexander R. and Philema
(Howard) Miller who were natives respectively of
New Jersey and Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. Miller
after their marriage settled in St. Lawrence County,
N. Y., whence they removed, first to Ohio and then
to Ingham County, this State, settling in the latter
in 1845. There they built up a home from the
wilderness, and there the father died at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. The mother
departed this life in Mason, Ingham County, Mich.,
April 11, 1890, aged ninety years. There had been
born to them  eight clildren.  Their daughter
Elizabeth, in common with her brothers and sisters,
acquired a fair education in the common sclool.nd was trained to habits of industry and economy,
which has made her the most efficient helpmate of
her husband and enabled her to assist him in all
his worthy undertakings. She is a lady of more
than ordinary intelligence, a.nd well worthy of mention among the long list of women who have assisted 
their husbands in acquiring a competence, and making for them a good record as men and citizens.
There have been born to this worthy pair two
children only, one of whom, John N., died when
about three years old,; [-. Branch, who was born
April 2, 1862,, in tils township. Mr. Elliott has
held some of the school offices, but has been very
ingenious in evading the cares and responsibilities
of official life. His farming operations include the
breeding of fine horses, in which he is a decided
success.
The father of our subject was Oliver Elliott, and
his mother bore the maiden name of Betsey Logan.
They were born, reared and married in Vermont,
and after uniting their lives and fortunes emigrated to Chautauqua County, N. Y. Thence they
changed their residence to Erie County, Pa., where


they lived four years, and from tlere, in 1836, set
out for the Territory of Michigan. After a journey performed by canal, lake, and teams overland,
they settled in Columbia Township, this county,
where they sojourned five years. Their next removal was to Rives Township, where the mother
died about 1867. Mr. Elliott survived his wife
for a period of twelve years, and died at the residence of his son, our subject, in 1879. They were
the parents of nine children, four of whom are
living.
- AVII) H. LOCKWOOD is descended in
) the paternal line from an old New Engt    land family of English ancestry. His
grandfather, Joseph Lockwood, was born
in Connecticut and with the exception of a short
time that he spent at the home of a son in the Empire State, his life was passed in his own State. He
was a saddler and harness-maker by trade. His
wife bore the maiden name of Lucinda Bennett,
and both died at their home in Norwalk.
In that town their son, Joseph B. Lockwood, the
father of our subject, first saw the light of day. He
was reared in his native State, but when a young
man went to Carmel, N. Y., where lie learned the
trade of a shoemaker, at which he afterward worked
in Peekskill and Fishkill. In the latter town he
he was united in marriage with Miss Ann, daughter of Robert and Sarah (HIaight) ITadger, who was
born in Dutchess County. The young couple went
to Cayuga County, where they bought a small
farm upon which they resided until March, 1836.
Mr. Lockwool then sold tie property and, coming
to the Territory of Michigan, entered a tract of
Government land on sections 23 and 14, of what is
now Leoni Township, tils county. The following
September 15, the family removed thither, the re
moval being made with an ox-team to Buffalo,
where they embarked, team and all, on a steamer,
landing at Detroit whence they continued their
journey with the team. There being no building
on the father's land the family found shelter in a
small board house near, which they occupied until






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHllIBAL ALBUIM.


487


a log house could be built for them. At that time
the country was sparsely settled and deer, turkeys,
geese, ducks, and all kinds of wild game abounded,
while bears and wolves were very frequently seen.
On the land which he improved Mr. Lockwood continued to reside until his death, l)ecember 25,
1872. -Ie had lived to see the country well developed, fine farms and flourishing towns taking the
place of the almost trackless wilderness which
clothed it upon his arrival. The widow continued
to make her lhome upon the farm until she too was
called from earth, May 28, 1882. Seven children
were born to the parents of our subject, named respectively: Stephen, David IH., Robert, Sarah, Matilda, Deborah and Charles-five of whom reached
years of maturity.
David H1. Lockwood, the second child of his
parents and the only one now living, was born four
miles north of Auburn, Cayuga County, N. Y.,
March 3, 1824. He well remembers the incidents
of the journey to this State, and of pioneer life.
'There were no schools in this neighborhood for
some time after he came here, and he went to what
is now Blackman Township, where he attended
school, doing chores to pay for his board. Later
he attended a select school in Leoni, taught by
Ii. H. Bingham. In 1841 he returned to New
York wh;ere le attended school winters, during tile
remainder of the year, workiong by the month on a
farm. lIe remained there until 1844 when, at his
father's request, lie returned here to assume charge
of his father's farm, which he now owns and occupies. Always very industrious and( possessed of
good judgment, Mr. Lockwood has been very successful in his operations. He has erected a substantial set of frame buildings, purchased other land,
and his estate now comprises three hundred and
twenty acres, all located in Leoni and Napoleon
Townships.
Mr. Lockwood has been twice married, his first
alliance having been contracted in 1850, with Miss
Elizabeth Watkins, who died in 1862, leaving three
children-Bingham W., Clarence E. and Willie II.
She was born in this State and was a daughter of
Bingham Watkins. In 1861 Mr. Lockwood was
again married, his companion being Miss Hilah A.
Austin, a native of Chittenden County, Vt. Her


father, Dennis Austin, was born in Colchester, of
that county, and is a son of Stephen Austin, a native of New England and a farmer by occupation,
who spent his last years in the town in which his
son was born. The grandmother of Mrs. Lockwood bore the maiden name of Lucy Iyde; she
was also a native of Vermont, her birthplace having been Middlebury. Dennis Austin     married
larriet Lyon, who was born in the same county as
himself, and they now reside on their farm there.
The second marriage of Mr. Lockwood has been
blessed by the birth of seven children-Stanley L.,
Amy, Hattie, Joseph B., Floyd A., Alta, and an
infant unnamred.
Mr. Lockwood was formerly an Abolitionist and
joined the Republican party at the time of its formation and has since been its firm adherent. He
has filled various offices of trust. He has been (lelegate to many of the county, district and State
conventions; served as Constable in Leoni Township nine years; Township Treasurer six years, and
was Deputy United States Marshal four years. Ile
was elected Sheriff in 1864, serving two years, and
being again elected in 1880, filled another term of
two years. Hle is a very useful man in the community, whose counsel is very often sought, and
las been called on many times to settle the estates
of deceased friends. He attended two Presidential
Conventions, in 1860 when Lincoln was nominated,
and again when Garfield was nominated in 1880.
Mr. Lockwood worked nights and Sundays when a
boy to pay board and secure an education.
4-.' ---   __ __ =_______  =  -_-___: ___-__   _
ERA J. KINGSTON, General Manager of
the Evening Courier, was born March 20,
1855, at Girard, Branch County, this State,
' and is the son of Samuel and Bianca (Sherman) Kingston, who were natives of New York
State. They came witl their respective parents to
this county during the pioneer days and the father
taking up land prosecuted farming a number of
years until retiring from active labor. He is now
a resident of Hillsdale.
In the above-mentioned city young Kingston
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


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spent his youthful days acquiring a cornmmon-school
education and while still pursuing his studies became owner of a small printing outfit and coninenced doing light jobs. He seemed peculiarly
adapted to the "art preservative," and later secured
a position on the Hillsdale WTeekly Business, edited
by H. T. Farman. There ihe worked mornings and
evening until sixteen years old, and was then enabled to give his whole attention to that for which
he had a singular liking, remaining three years in
that same office. When nineteen years old he
purchased the Reading Rough Notes, a weekly
paper published at Reading, and which he conducted three years.
At the expiration of this time Mr. Kingston removed his office to Coldwater and in 1877 established the Coldwater Daily and Weekly Press.
This however lie sold out that same year. That
year also he was married at Coldlvater, but soon
afterward accepted a position with the Monroe
(C0ommercial, at MIonroe, where lie remained two
years. Then receiving the offer of a foremanship
in the news room of the Dacily and Weekly Parrtot
at Jackson, he accepted it, continuing there one
year. He was then placed in chalrge of the city
circulation and collections, and subsequently acted
as cashier and book-keeper, holding the latter position three years. In the fall of 1889 he was prof.
fered the management of tle Daily and Weekly
Courier. This journal is independent in politics,
and devoted largely to the local interests of Jackson
and vicinity. It is owned by a stock company and
in form is an eight column folio, printed on a power
press, run by an electric motor. The office is
equipped with modern appliances for first-class
newspaper and job printing. It occupies No. 115
South Mechanic Street, the building comprising
three stories and a basement. The Courier was
established September 1, 1883, by W. Parley Heaton
as a daily, and was run as a four-column folio for
six months. It was then enlarged to a five-column
quarto and later assumed its present proportions.
Tlhe plant was purchased by Henry Hunt, August
1, 1887, who sold it to the present company, October 1, 1887. It is outspoken and independent in
its views and enioys a wide circulation, being popular among all, and especially the laboring classes.


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Mr. Kingston was married at Coldwater, Mich.,
Marlch  1, 1877, to Miss Belle F., daughter of Mrs.
M. L. Warren. Of this union there is one child, a
son, Sbherman, who was born January 9, 1888. Mr.
Ki nston belongs to Monroe Lodge, No. 27, F. &
A. M. and the Jackson Typographical Union, No.
99; is also a charter member of the Jackson Bicycle
Club, and was elected President of the club in the
fall of 1889. Politically, Mr. Kingston is a Democrat.
— 3,=       ^E............ --
i ILO C. B;EMAN, a veteran of seventy|1/ 1 two years and one of the pioneers of
Pl  -  arma Township, has made for himself a
- ood record as a member of the community, and for many years was widely and favorably
known as Justice of the Peace. He has been a
life-long farmer, however, and has a good homestead on section 29, where lie lives at )peace with
his neighbors and( enjoys a large meInsure of their
confidence and esteem. He is of New England
antecedents, and a native of Bennington County,
Vt., where his lirth took place January 31, 1818.
The parents of our subject were Milo qnd Ruth
(Cushman) Beman, both likewise natives of the
Green Mountain State.   Ills paternal ancestors
came from Scotland. IIe was the eldest in a family of seven children, and when about seven years
old went with his parents to Jefferson County,
N. Y., of which they were among the earliest settlers. Tlere Milo C. developed into manhood and
became familiar with the various employments of
farmn life, receiving such educational advantages as
were afforded by the common schools. These, it
is hardly necessary to state, were far inferior to
those enjoyed by the young people of to-day, but
Mr. 1eman, by reading the weekly newspaper, has
kept himself posted upon current events, and may
be properly looked upon as a man of more than
average intelligence.
Shortly after reaching his majority Mr. Beman
was married, April 2, 1839, to Miss Lucy Berkett.
This lady was born in Oswego County, N. Y., and
became the mother, of five children, the eldest of




PORTRAIT ANMD BIOGRAPHICAL AL-BUM


489


PORTRAI AN   IGAHCA        LU                    8


wholn, a son, Albert, is now a resident of Iowa;
Alson lives near Alanson, this State; Finette is
the wife of W. G. Bennett, of Onargo, Ill.; Frederick is a resident of Aurora, Ill.; and one daughter died in infancy. Mrs. Lucy Beman departed
this life at the homestead in New York, October
29, 1853.
Mr. Beman contracted a second marriage June
25, 1854, with Miss Julia, daughter of Frederick
and Orpha (Cogswell) Berkett, who were natives
of Connecticut and early settlers of Oswego County,
N. Y. There were born of this union the children
who are recorded as follows: Dell became the wife
of Charles Abbott, and they live on a farm in
Parma Township; Hobart L. is likewise a resident
of this township; William makes his home at
Colon, this State; Frank and Carrie remain at
home with their parents; Rosetta (lied when about
five years old, and one child died unnamed in infancy.
When about nineteen years old Mr. Beman with
his parents removed to Oswego County, N. Y.,
where lie made his home until coming to Michigan.
Later he settled on a dairy farm of two hundred
acres, where he lived until 1866. That year lie
came to this county and located on section 30,
Parma Township, where he lived three years. He
then removed to the vicinity of Jackson, being
located in Summit Township, and sojourned there
three years. Thence, in 1872, lie took possession
of his present farm. This embraces one hundred
and forty-five acres of well-developed land, which
with its improvements is looked upon as one of the
best farms in the township.
Mr. and Mrs. Beman are members in goo1 standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Albion,
in which Mr. Beman is a Steward, and to which he
contributes a lileral support. While a resident of
Oswego County, N. Y., he served as Township
Clerk of Orville Township several terms, and was
Commissioner of Highways and School Inspector.
For one term he served as County Superintendent
of Schools, and for two years was Overseer of the
Poor. Since coming to this county he has held
the office of Justice of the Peace about eight years.
In politics he is independent, aiming to support
the man whom he considers best qualified for office.


He naturally has a large acquaintance throughout
Parma Township, and is lookedl upon as one of
the old landmarks whose name will be held in
kindly remembrance long after he has departed
hence.
M   I ORTON E. BEEBE. One of the thriving
Il 1i\ business establishments of Jackson is that
|||   t located at No. 618 Francis Street, where
the above-named gentleman is engaged in
the sale of groceries. A  full and well-selected
stock is kept, and the business, conducted according to honorable methods, is proving remunerative
to the proprietor, whose trade is constantly increasing. From WVelsh and German ancestry and two
generations of Ameiican progenitors Mr. Beebe has
inherited the combination of thrift, tact and energy
which lead to a successful business career, and the
qualities of mind and heart which give him good
repute in society and as a citizen.
The p)arents of our subject, Ephraim and Mary
(Buck) Beebe, were born in Vermont and New
York respectively. In 1836 they removed from
Warsaw, N. Y., to Jackson, Mich., locating upon a
farm in Pulaski Township, where they resided three
years. They then returned to New York, but ere
long came again to tile West remaining l)ermanently
in this county. Mr. Beebe died in March, 1887,
when nearly four-score years old, the year of his
birtlh having been 1808. His widow is still living,
making her home with her oldest son. Of the five
children whom she has borne all are yet living.
The gentleman with whose name we introduce
this sketch was born in Pulaski Township, this
county, April 27, 1845, being the fourth child in
tlhe paternal household. His boyhood was spent
principally in the ruial districts where he had the
advantages of the common schools, after which he
attended the High School at Leoni. After completing his education, lie taught school one term
an  then turned his attention to clerking and bookkeeping. In the spring of 1870, having not long
before taken a wife, lie located in Jackson where
for a term of years he was occupied in house and
sign painting. HIe then entered the employ of the






490


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


Central City Car Company, having a position in
the paint shops, of which he became foreman. He
had labored in that capacity three years when the
company closed out the business, and he entered
the paint shop of the locomotive department of the
Michigan Central Railroad.
After two years spent in the employ of the railroad company Mr. Beebe began his mercantile
experience as a clerk in a grocery store, which he
continued until December, 1884. He then opened
an establishment for himself on Milwaukee Street,
but after conducting the business there until February, 1887, he moved to his present stand. lie is
administrator of lis father's estate and in the
duties of that position manifests a careful oversight
and a deep spirit of brotherly kindness.
The true-hearted woman with whom Mr. Beebe
was united in marriage in 1869, was Miss Ruth,
daughter of Consider Taber, of this city. H-er
parents formerly resided in New York. The happy
union has been blessed by the birth of two daughters, Nellie P., and Amy M., young ladies who
have been carefully reared by their worthy parents
and given every advantage possible tliat would fit
them for useful and honored lives. Mr. Beebe was
nominated for Alderman on the Republican ticket
and in a city that is strongly Democratic he was
defeated ty but a small majority. This fact is a
proof that his popularity is not confined to his
own party but that his good qualities are appreciated by the citizens in general.
LEXANDER W. M ORE Y. Among the
solid residents of Waterloo Township may
be most properly mentioned Mr. Morey, a
leading farmer, a man well-to-do financially and
one who exercises no small influence in the affairs
of his community. A native of New York State,
he was born in Schoharie County, February 28,
1823, and is the son of Jesse and Bertha (Vaughan)
Morey who were natives respectively of New
York and New Jersey. Jesse Morey was of New
England parentage and after his location  in
Schoharie County prosecuted farming there until


1828. He then removed to Livingston County,
where he sojourned until 1836. Then coming to
Michigan while it was still a Territory, he located
in Sharon, Washtenaw  County, where he lived
until 1842. His next removal was to Waterloo
Township, this county, where he purchased the
land which his son Alexander now    owns and
occupies. The father died here in 1847 when
fifty five years old. He was a self-made man in
the broadest sense of the term, a member in good
standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a
man looked up to in his community as a man of high
moral character and more than ordinary intelligence. The paternal grandfather of our subject
was Ilazard Morey who spent his last years in New
York State. Mrs. Bertha (Vaughan) Morey, the
mother of our subject, was born in Monmouth
County, N. J., December 12, 1790, and died in
Ann Arbor, this State, in the winter of 1862.
Her father was John Vaughanl a native of New Jersey, who spent his last years in that State. There
were born to Jesse and Bertha Morey a family of
five children, viz: Alexander W., Hazard J.,
Percilla M., Adeline II., and Milton J. Our subject
and his sister Adeline, are the only surviving
members of the family. The latter, Mrs. Guitteau,
resides in Toledo, Ollio.
Mr. Morey was thirteen years old when his parents came to Michigan and le remained with the
family during their subsequent removals, settling
upon the farm which he now owns and occupies in
1842. This comprises one hundred and sixty acres
on section 20, and is embellished with a fine two
story residence with a good barn and other outbuildings requisite to the convenient prosecution
of agriculture. To this Mr. Morey has devoted
his entire life and is one of the few who have
made of it an unqualified success. He is a strong
Republican, politically, and has held the various
local offices.
More than forty years ago the subject of this
notice and Miss Roxa J. Robinson joined their
fortunes for life, the wedding taking place at the
bride's home in Waterloo, January 16, 1849. Mrs.
Morey was born in Nunda, Allegany County, N.
Y., December 12, 1824, and is a daughter of
Elisha and Mary Mendel Robinson, who were












7o41


I






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


493


natives of Saratoga County, N. Y., They came
to Michigan in 1843 and settled on section 8,
Waterloo Township, where they spent the remainer of their lives. Mr. Robinson was a man of
fine abilities and became prominent in local affairs,
serving as Justice of the Peace during nearly all
the time of his residence in Michigan and as Supervisor of Waterloo Towiiship for the long period
of eighteen years. Ie was a member of the Congressional Convention of 1850 and in connection
with this as with other reforms, displayed a sound
judgment and a fund of information by wlich
he came to be regarded as a man whose opinions
could be relied upon as safe to follow. He was
a sound Democrat, politically from  his youth.
Both he and his estimable wife were prominently
connected with the Methodist Protestant clurch.
To Mr. and Mrs, Morcy there have l:een born
five children, viz: Eugene S.. Mary B.,John M.,
Hazard and Jessie E. There has been spared them
only one, the youngest, Jessie,who is now living at
home.
^  EV. THEOPHILUS BUYSE. On the op-!l>/^  posite page is presented a lithographic por\  trait of this gentleman, who is the popular
and highly esteemed pastor of St. John's
Catholic Church at Jackson. Of superior intellectual attainments, thorough knowledge of human nature and pleasant personal address, his character at
once commands respect, and wins admiration.
Father Buyse is of foreign birth, and first opened
lhis eyes to the light in the village of Rumbeke, East
Flanders, Belgiumn. Ie is now scarcely past the
prime of life, his birth having occurred June 7,
1832. His grandfather was a well-to-do farmer,
residing in Rumbeke, and was Mayor of that village during the time of Napoleon's campaign.
lIaving unknowingly assisted two French soldiers
to escape, he was imprisoned for nearly two years.
Peter Buyse, the father of our subject, was educated in the village of Roulers, with the intention
of becoming a physician, but changing his mind regarding his occupation, he engaged in tile mercantile business in Rumbeke, and for some years held




=




responsible positions under the Belgian Government. He died when forty-one years of age, leaving four sons; Aloysius is Secretary of the parish
of Rumbeke, and being one of twenty-five who had
been the longest in continuous service of the Belgian Government, was decorated with the iron
cross, in 1889; Adolphus became a priest, and was
the Superior of an institution in his native place,
where lie spent his last years; Constant was a
brewer, and spent his entire life in the place of his
nativity.
The subject of this biographical sketch, received
his early education in a school in the city of Roulers,
and at the age of thirteen years, entered a seminary
which he attended ten years, making a specialty of
and thoroughly mastering six languages. In 1856
lie came to America, and after stopping a short
time at Detroit, went to Cincinnati and entered Mt.
St. Mary's Seminary, then under the charge of
Bishop. Quinlan. After continuing his studies there
one and one-half years, lhe took his first charge at
Ira, St. Clair County, Mich., in addition to which
he had charges in Sanilac, Huron, Macomb, Tuscola and Lapeer Counties, and preached in four
different languages.
In 1871 Father Buyse came to Jackson to take
charge of St. John's Catholic Church, which was at
that time the only one in the city, and with which
about two hundred and fifty families were connected. The church has flourished rapidly under
his administration, and it has not only been found
necessary to make an addition to the church edifice,
but to divide the body and establish a second society, the original one now having a menmbership
representing upwards of three hundred families.
Father Buyse has also established an excellent
school here, which is attended by about three hundred pupils. He also has a charge at Bunker Hill,
where he preaches twice a month, and one at Leslie,
Ingham County, where he has established a church,
and erected an edifice from his own funds.
The advantages which were bestowed upon Father
Buyse in his earlier life, were used, not only in the
acquirement of the languages which he made a
specialty, but of other branches of learning, and the
result has been a degree of erudition which enables
him to cull from all ages, and from  many climes






494


PORTRAIT AN D B3IOG RAPHICAL ALBUM.


49     PRRATAN IORAHCA LBM


the knowledge gleaned by others in various fields
of thought, and to pursue investigations unknown
to those of a less extended knowledge. His nature
is a genial and kindly one, and the care which he
exercises over his flock, is indeed a fatherly one,
while the ardor of his belief in the tenets of his
own religion, does not prevent a feeling of charity
and good will toward all mankind. Among the
members of his charge he is extremely popular,
while his character and attainments win the respect
of the citizens in general.
--       --- ^- ^ -A
B    1)DMIUND ROBINSON. There is not a finer
3  home within the limits of Grass Lake Township than that owned and occupied by the
subject of this notice. The residence, a beautiful
modern structure, is set in the midst of handsome
grounds, while the barns adjacent are ample and
convenient and the machinery, live stock and all
the other appurtenances indicate in a marked manner the enterprise and refined tastes of the prol)rietor. As an agriculturist Mr. Robinson is not excelled
by any man in the county. He possesses a thorough understanding of the business, keeps himself
posted upon modern methods and theories and
makes of his vocation an art and a science. It is,
therefore, not surprising that he has been rewarded
with success. As a man and a citizen he stands
high in his community, enjoying the esteem and
confidence of all who know him.
The native place of Mr. Robinson was Long
Island, N. Y., and the date of his birth September
13, 1819. His parents were Shepard and Elizabeth
(Raynor) Robinson, also natives of Long Island,
where they were married and lived for some years
when they removed to Tompkins County, where
they lived until 1837. That year, coming to Michgan they settled in Lodi, Washtenaw County, and
went from there to Manchester, and then to Sharon
where Shepard Robinson departed this life about
1848, at the age of fifty-eight years. He was a
seafaring man and also followed shoemaking in
early life, but after coming to Michigan turned his
attention to farming. After leaving his native


place lie sojourned for a time in Tompkins County,
N. Y. The family is of Scotch origin, and after
coming to America some time prior to the Revoluticnary War, settled on Long Island, and some of
them subsequently engaged in the great struggle
for American Independence. The mother of our
subject passed away prior to the decease of her
husband at Sharon, Washtenaw County, in 184-3,
aged fifty-six years.
The parental household included seven children,
of whom Elizabeth, Edmund and Nancy are the
only surviving members. The others were named
respectively, Rebecca, Deborah, Herrick and Martha
J. The subject of this notice was the fourth child
and was reared in New York State, acquiring
his education in the common school. He accompanied the family to Washltenaw County, this State,
making his home in Lodi, Manchester and Sharon
until 1852. That year, coming to this county,he purchased one hundred and twenty-seven acres of land
on sections 25 and 36, Grass Lake Township, to
which he subsequently added until lie is now the
owner of two hundred and fifty-four acres. The
residence is on section 36. Mr. Robinson is considerablv interested in fire insurance, being one
of the charter members of the Jackson County
Mutual, and subsequently he was a charter member
of the Eastern Jackson County Insurance Company.
For several years he has been a Director of the
Farmers' Bank of Grass Lake. He has always
maintained an interest in those enterprises affecting the general welfare of the people and possesses
unbounded energy. He has been for some time
general superintendent of the East Cemetery.
Although not connected with any religious organization, lie believes in the establishment and maintenance of churches and gives to those within his
township liberal support. He keeps himself thoroughly posted upon the leading questions of the
day and has gained considerable knowledge by his
personal observation of men and things, having
traveled quite extensively and being accompanied
in much of his journeyings by his estimable wife.
He has very little to do with politics with the exception of voting the Republican ticket.
M-r. Robinson was married, December 18, 1845,
at Sharon, Mich., to Miss Lucy Dewey. This lady




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


495


was born in Granby, Oswego County, N. Y., Novenmber 2, 1827, and is a daughter of William and
Elizabeth (Williams) Dewey, who were natives.
respectively, of Vermont and Massachusetts. 'The
parents of Mrs. Robinson came to Michigan in 1841
and settled in Waslltenaw County. Mr. Dewey
prosecuted farming there until the gold excitement
in California, whenl he proceded to the Pacific Slope
and died there. The mother survived her husband
many years and spent her last days in Grass Lalke.
To our subject and his estimable wife there were
born two children only, Florence A., October 4,
1846, and who died in Michigan January 10, 1851,
and Frank E., born April 6, 1849, and died December 28, 1889 He was married, November 25, 1873,
to Miss Cora Felt, who died in Grass Lake May 17,
1883. Of this marriage there was born one child,
a son, Clarence E.,October 12, 1879, and who d(ied
Marcll 25, 1884. After the death of his first wife
Frank E. was married, November 8, 1886, to Miss
Linda Fobes, of Cherokee, Iowa. Their son Edmund was born November 10, 1887.
William  Dewey, the father of Mrs. Robinson
served in the War of 1812, and nine others, who
were her near relatives, died in the army during
the late Civil War.
OHIN CARROLL. There is not within the
limits of Sandstone Township a man more
widely or more favorably known than
sturdy John Carroll, who is one of its earliest pioneers, and who, in addition to building up
a snug homestead, has been enabled to lay by something for a rainy day. His native place was New
York City, and the (late of his birth August 25,
1827.  I-is parents were Thomas and Hannah
(McConnell) Carroll, who were n:tives of Ireland
and who emigrated to America early in life, settling in the great metropolis, where they lived
until removing to Massachusetts.
When John Carroll was a lad of three years he
was taken by his parents to New Bedford, Mass.,
and in 1834 they removed to New York, where
they lived until 1836  The family then set out


----— I ---


for Michigan Territory, and spent the following
winter in Ann Arbor. In the spring of 1837
they removed to Sandstone Township, this county,
and the father purchased eighty acres of Government land, comprising a part of sections 13 and 14.
Upon this there had been made no attempt at cultivation, it lying as the Indians had left it, and was
part of a tract of country inhabited principally by
wild animals. There the father lived and labored
until resting from his toils, in January, 1854. The
mother survived her husband many years, her
deatli occurring in October, 1888, after she had
reached the advanced age of eighty-four. Thomas
Carroll was a man of a genial and companionable
dislosition, and formed an extended acquaintance
throughout the county, by whose citizens he was
held in high esteem. The parental family included
one child.
Mr. Carroll thlus spent his boyhood and youth
on the frontier, obtaiinig a limited education in
the primitive schools. He, however, was fond of
his books, making good headway on the road to
knowledge, and finally develop)ed into a teacher,
which profession he followed several winters, while
in the summer time he occupied himself at farm
work. When ready to establish a fireside of his
own, lie, in 1856, was wedded to Miss Mary A.
McDonouglh, who (lied in February, 1862, without
children. Mr. Carroll, in 1862, was married a
second time, to Miss Charlotte A. Cochrane. This
lady was born February 2, 1837, in Hillsboro
County, N. I., and is the daughter of James and
Abigail (Buxton) Cochrane, further mention of
whom is made in the sketch of E. B. Cochrane on
another page in this volume. The result of this
marriage is one child, a daughter, Mary M., who
remains with her parents.
Since his marriage our subject has occupied the
ol:l original Carroll homestead, until removing to
his present farm in the spring of 1867.  This
latter comprises two hundred and forty-one acres
of choice land, with substantial buildings and the
other appurtenances belonging to the modern country estate. Mr. Carroll in his labors and investments has been more than ordinarily successful,
while at the same time he has taken an interest in
township affairs, and been no unimportant factor




496


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL AL1BUM.I


4..                       PO  T    I   A D                     ALBUM — -,-  --  -  -------—. = -- -_


in promoting the welfare of its people. I-e was
School Inspector of Sandstone Township for a
period of eight years, and subsequently for ten
consecutive years represented it in the County
Board of Supervisors.  -Ie also served as Justice
of the Peace four years. Politically, heis a stanch
Democrat, having cast his first vote for James K.
Polk, and has uniformly sustained the principles of
the party since that time. Socially, he belongs to
the Masonic fraternity, being a member of Jackson
Lodge, No. 17.    He keeps himself thoroughly
posted upon the leading events of the day, is a
spirited conversationalist, and a man with whom all
hour may always be spent in a pleasant and profitable manner. His hospitality is proverbial and
his friends are many.
Mrs. Carroll is an intelligent and well-educated
lady, and a graduate of Mt. Holyoke (Mass.)
Female Seminary. Prior to her marriage she followed the profession of a teacher, and she has
greatly assiste(1 her husband in maintaining the
standing of the family.
___il' i  ____  LZ -LZJ
JM  RS. ELIZA M. FITZGERALD) is the oc..
cu lant of one of the fine homes of Concord
and is in easy and affluent circumstances.
Besides her beautiful home in town, she has
a third interest in the homestead of ninety acres in
Spring Arbor Township. She has charge of her
own affairs, personally attending to the business,
and demonstrating the fact that financial ability is
not a strictly masculine quality. She possesses
more than ordinary intelligence, keeps herself well
informed on current topics and in various lines of
thought, and is interested in all efforts which are
being made to advance the interests of the community, evincing a high degree of public spirit; she
has a fine character and an agreeable disposition,
and is one of the most companionable women to be
met with in a day's journey.
Mrs. Fitzgerald was born in Wyoming, Genesee
County, N. Y., December 13, 1833, and while yet a
child came to Michigan with her parents, Samuel
and Dotha (Spencer) Humphrey. Her father was


a native of Rutland County, Vt., and in early life
was a stockman and drover. At the age of eighteen
years he married and became the possessor of a farm
which he operated. In 1833, he became a resident
of Genesee County, N. Y., about two years later
coming to this State. Locating in Spring Arbor
Township, this county, lie purchased eighty acres
of land, which he improved and upon which he
spent the remainder of his life as a farmer. IHe was
a highly educated and polished gentleman, and
possessed a very fine temperament. He was a devout
member of the Free Will Baptist Church. His death
occurred in 1879, when he had reached the age of
seventy-six years. His father, Samuel Huml)hrey,
Sr., was a large farmer and drover in Rutland
County, Vt., and a man of prominence in his day.
He was the son of an Irishman and the family are
lineal descendants of Sir John Ilumlphrey.
The wife of Samuel Humphrey, Jr., and the
mother of our subject was born near Ticonderoga,
Washington County, N. Y., and reared on the banks
of Lake Champlain. She was very athletic, could
handle an oar as well as anyone, and received a fine
education, beginning her labors as a teacher when
eighteen years old. She taught seventeen terms,
spending about five years in that occupation after
she and her husband came to Michigan. She died in
Spring Arbor at the age of eighty-five years. She
was the mother of nine children, namely, Josephus,
now deceased; Wilson, living in Spring \rbor
Township. this county; Nancy, now Mrs. Lyons of
Mason; Mrs. Fitzgerald, of whom we write; Edgar
and Edwin, twins, the former living in Flint and
the latter in Ingham County; Sam'iel D. F., and
Mrs. Mollie Tefft of Spring Arbor Township;
Henry, deceased. Samuel enlisted in 1862, in the
Eleventh Michigan Cavalry and after serving a
year was taken sick and honorably discharged on
account of physical disability. All the brothers of
this fraternal band are large men, none less than six
feet in height and three of them standing over that.
The father of Mrs. Samuel Humphrey and grandfather of the lady with whose name we introduce
this sketch, was Wilson Spencer, a farmer in Washington County, N. Y., whence in 1835, he came to
Michigan. Ile bought one hundred acres of land in
Spring Arbor Township, this county, where he




PORTRAIT AND 1310GRAPITICAL ALBUM..


497


PORTRAIT AND I3IOGRAPIIICAL ALI3IIJM.  497~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


spent tile remainder of his days, d(ying at the advanced age of eighty years. Tle was a commissioned
officer in the War of 1512. HIe was a Class Leader
in the Methodist Episcopal Church and a highly
respected citizen. His father was a native of England.
The journey of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Humphrey
from New York to Michigan was performed in the
usual manner as far as Detroit, whence they journeyed by team to this county and to the farm upon
which they settled. There she who is the subject
of this sketch grew to maturity, attending the common schools in the old fashioned log schoolhouse
with its slab benches, and under the parental roof
learning many lessons of moral and domestic
value. On August 24, 1854, Elder Lyman pronounced the words which made her and Mr. John
Fitzgerald man and wife.
Mr. Fitzgerald was the ninth in a family of ten
children and was born in Syracuse, N. Y., March
11, 1828. His parents removed to Michigan in
1832, and he was reared and educated in this county.
In his youth he was quite a hunter and became an
excellent shot, killing deer and other game. He attended Spring Arbor College two years and when
twenty years old went to Racine, Wis., where he
spent two years attending school, and in hunting
and other sport. Returning to his home he remained with his parents until his marriage, when
he bought the old homestead of ninety acres in
Spring Arbor Township, where he engaged in
farming and in stock buying and shipping. Ile was
a successful agriculturist, was ably seconded in his
efforts to accumulate a competence by his wife,
and their farm became a well improved and pleasant abode before they left it.
In 1886. Mr. Fitzgerald rented the place and
moving into Concord bought the residence and
grounds now occupied by his widow. There they
lived in placid enjoyment until the fatal illness of
the husband, which was terminated by his death
November 23, 1887. In him the county lost a good
citizen and a mIn of strict morality, well educated,
well informed, and one who made friends wherever
lie went. His speech was easy and flowing, and it
was a pleasure to converse with him. IIe held various township offices, having been Justice of the


Peace eight years and Township Treasurer three
years. Politically he was a strong Democrat. He
belonged to Concord Lodge A. F. & A. M., and to
a body of Royal Arch Masons at Albion. His
widow is a member of the Eastern Star and other
kindred degrees. He was a Universalist in religion,
both he and his wife being active in the work of
the society and among those who assisted in the
erection of the church edifice. The family which
they reared comprises two chilllren-Alta, now
Mrs. Grover, of Concord, and Mary, Mrs. Hatch,
who lives in Spring  Arbor Township.
The father of Mr. Fitzgerald also bore the name
of John and was a farmer in the Empire State in
which lie was born. In 1832, he came to Michigan
and purchasing fourn hundred acres of Government
land in Spring Arbor Township, this county, he
successfully operated the same, becoming quite
well-to-do. Appreciating the advantages of a good
education he bestowed that blessing upon each of
his children. In religion he was a close communion
Baptist. Iis death occurred about the year 1858.
His wife, who also died in Spring Arbor Township,
bore the maiden name of Abigail Burroughs, was
like himself a native of the Empire State, and was
of German and Spanish descent.
LBERT A. TOWNLEY. A compendium of
b Iiographies of citizens of Jackson County
j  would be incomplete without mention with.
in its pages of the above-named gentleman, who is the owner and occupant of one of the
valuable farms of Tompkins Township. It comprises two hundred and forty acres on section 29,
and is the original homestead procured by his father
from the Government about fifty years ago. On
it he was born April 8, 1845, and upon it his early
boyhood was spent, attending the district schools
of the township.
Anson Townley, the father of our subject, cane
to this county in 1835, with other members of his
father's family, and with them labored in the pioneer work of building up a home in the wilderness.
The surroundings of his early manhood. and the.f  -;0::






498


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPH-ICAL ALBUM..


498                       PORTRAIT       AND    BIO   RAPIC          ALBUM.ii~i~-1111111 iiiiilll ii iiiiii --- —~~ ---~ iT~~~-~`' ---=.....-..?111 — '-ii —.. ^....~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


family history will be found in the sketch of Richard Townley, on another page. In Ingham County
he was united in marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of John HIurlburt, whose acquaintance he had
made while she was teaching the first school in the
township where he lived. She was born in Pennsylvania, fand came to this State with her parents
about the year 1836. Her marriage was celebrated
in 1840, and on the farm now occupied by our subject, the young couple resided until 1856.
Anson Townley was then elected County Treasurer, and removed to Jackson, where he spent the
most of his life from that time until his death in
June, 1885. In 1858, he was elected Register of
Deeds, re-elected in 1860, and again elected to the
position in 1870, holding the office continuously
from that time until his death. Mrs. Townley died
at her home in Jackson, in June, 1888. She was
a member of the Congregational Church, and a noble woman. To her and her husband six children
were born, the subject of this sketch being the second son and third child; Loretta M., was born in
September, 1840, and died in February, 1889; she
was the wife of Dr. N. S. I)arling, and left two sons;
Franklin, born in 1812, went to Alaska in the spring
of 1887; Arthur and Allen live in Jackson; and
Eddie died at his home there in 1880.
On October 1, 1861, although scarcely more than
sixteen years old, Albert Townley enlisted in Company B, Thirteenth Michigan Infantry, and served
in the armies of the Union until July 20, 1865. He
entered the service as a private, but in the summer
of 1863, was promoted to the position of Ordinance
Sergeant. After the close of the war he returned
to Jackson, and to the home farm, upon which he
remained until 1868, when he went to Iowa, where
he was engaged as telegrapher and traveling agent
on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad five years.
He continued to work in a similar capacity elsewhere some eleven years longer. [He then engaged
in hotel keeping at Grand Junction, Iowa. four
years, after which he began farming in that vicinity. In the summer of 1889, he came back to the
homestead in this county, leaving a fine farm of
four hundred acres in Boone County, Iowa, in order to reside where his boyhood had been passed.
In Sidney, Ohio, the interesting ceremony took


place, that transformed Miss Marie E. Joslin into
Mrs. A. Townley. The cultured and estimable
bride was born in the city in which her marriage
took place, and where her parents, Robinson and
Susan (Wells) Joslin still live, her father being
now four-score years old. She is the mother of
three daughters-Maude, Susie, and Fannie. Mr.
Townlev is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and
of the Patrons of Industry. Ile and his wife are
held in excellent repute wherever they are known,
and have many and dear friends.; O(IN F. SOPER is one of the younger farm'~ OHN F. SOPER is one of the younger farmI ers of Grass Lake Township, who was born,
I reared, and has spent his whole life therein.
} On section 16 he opened his eyes to the
light, November 25, 1852, and after acquiring a
good practical education, adopted the vocation into
which he had gained an insight in boylood, and
which has been his life work. His pleasant home
is located on section 29, and his landed estate comprises upward of one hundred and forty-five acres
in that and section 28. He is a politician only to
the extent of understanding the platforms of the
parties, and casting his vote, which is given to the
Democracy. He lias held some minor offices, but
devotes himself almost wholly to his own )ursuits
and personal affairs.
The marriage of Mr. Soper took place April 12,
1876, the estimable woman whom he chose as his
companion being Miss Ella M. Cooper, of Leoni
Township. She was born in Franklin, Lenawee
County, June 27, 1857, being a daughter of Calvin
and Sarah (Thomas) Cooper, natives of New York.
She has borne her husband four children-Bertlha
D., Carlton G., Mattie C., and Clara L. The only
one now living is Carlton G. Mr. and Mrs. Soper
are intelligent, unassuming and industrious, and
their w-orthy qualities gain for them a due measure
of respect from their fellow-citizens.
The parents of him of whom we write, were
Abram and Mary (Quick) Soper. The former was
born in New York, but came to Michigan about
the year 1836, with his father, John Soper, being






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


499


then a young man. They all took up Government
land in Grass Lake Township, this county, grandfather Soper settling in what was then Grass Lake
Center, where he kept an hotel for many years. IIe
had eight children.
During the gold excitement Abram Soper made
tile overland journey to California, but ere long returned to this State and spent the remainder of his
life in this county, where he turned his attention
to farming. IHe became the owner of a large landed
estate worth perhaps $30,000, and was a self-made
man. In politics he was a Democrat. Altllough
not a member, he was a supporter of the Baptist
Chlurch. His death occurred in Blackman Township, in 1831, at the age of sixty-three years. His
widow is still living at the age of about sixty-one
years. Like himself she was born in the Empire
State. She is the mother of four children-Jane,
John F., William D., and Adel.
LARK SWEET. This gentleman, who is
now     occupying a small portion of his
former estate, at the village of Michigan
Center, has retired from the more arduous duties
of life and is passing his declining years in the enjoyment of the prosperity to which his long years
of labor fairly entitle him. He is a descendant of
old and respected families in New York State, of
which lie is himself a native. His l)aternal grandfather, Godfrey Sweet, is believed to have been a
native of Rensselaer County, in which he at least
slent many years of his life. He owned a fine farm
at Stephentown, where he breathed his last. H-is
wife, in her girlhood, Miss Lucy Babcock, survived
him several years and was a second time married,
becoming the wife of Mr. Scribbens. The later
years of her life were spent in Steuben County.
Her first matrimonial alliance resulted in the birth
of eight children —Caleb, Amos, Godfrey, Steplhen,
Sarah, Lucy, Catherine and Dianea.
Godfrey Sweet, Jr., the father of our subject,
was born in Stephentown, Rensselaer County,
N. Y., and was but thirteen years old when his father died. He continued to live with his mother


until the breaking out of the War of 1812, when
he took part in the defense of American liberty,
serving under Gen. Scott. He was present at
Sackett's Harbor when the British raided  that
place. After the close of the war he located in
Cortland County, where he lived until the winter
of 1822-23; he then removed to Onondaga County
and located at what was then known as Cody's
Corners, later as Cicero Corners. There lie bought
a tract of timber land, built a log house, and at
once commenced clearing, having quite a tract
cleared when he found that the title was defective.
Ite then sold his claim for what lie could get and
went to Rensselaer County, but from that time lie
led rather a roving life, living a few years at a
time in different places. lie spent his last years in
Wisconsin.
The wife of Godfrey Sweet, Jr., and mother of
our subject, bore the maiden name of Loana Evans.
Her father, Samuel Evans, was a native of Connecticut, whence he removed to Montgomery County,
N. Y., where in Johnstown, the daughter was born.
In 1817 Mr. Evans removed to Cicero, Onondaga
County, being one of its pioneers and clearing a
farm from the wilderness, on which he spent his
last years. Mrs. Godfrey Sweet eventually came
to Michigan to live with her chillren, and died in
Eaton County.
The gentleman with whose name we introduce
this notice was born in Truxton, Cortland County,
N. Y.,;-ovember 26, 1817. When eight years of
age lie was bouind out to a farmer living in Cicero,
Onondaga County, with whlom lie remained two
years. lIe then returned to his mother's home, remaining( a year, and then found employment in a
steam sawmill, acting as a foreman and remaining
there five years. Ile next began to learn the
cooper's trade, at which he worked two seasons, subsequently engaging in a steam sawmill at Clay
Corners_ There he remained until 1839, when he
leased a half interest in a sawmill at Cicero, which
he ran one year, afterward working at the cooper's
trade one summer. Purchasing tle unexpired redemption of a mill at Clayville, he soon afterward
bought the mill, which lie sold two years later. In
the meantime the mill where he had first worked at
Cicero Corners was destroyed by fire, and he






500


PORTRAIT AND BI)OGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


erected a mill on the old site. Two years later he
sold it to good advantage and concluded to come
West to seek a location.
Journeying by the Erie Canal and Lake Erie to
Detroit, Mich., and thence by rail to Marshall, Calhoun County, Mr. Sweet started on foot to explore
the country. He walked on to Lansing, thence to
lonia, thence to Grand Rapids, and by the way of
Grand Haven to Battle Creek. The portions of
the State which he visited were mostly wilderness,
and he determined to tarry a while longer in the
Empire State. Returning therefore to Onondaga
County, he bought a farm two and a half miles
west of Cicero Corners, but a year and a half
later sold it, built a steam sawmill at Oak Orchard, on the Oneida River and re-embarked in his
former operations. In 1851 he sold the mill and
again came to Michigan, first stopping at Marshall,
where he left his family, and started out on foot
to seek a spot on which to make his home. Ile purchased one hundred and five acres of land in Converse Township, Calhoun County, twenty acres of
which were cleared. He cleared the remainder of
the land, erected a good set of buildings, and later
bought other land ulntil his farm  included two
hundred and four acres.
On that estate Mr. Sweet remained until 1865,
when he rented it, moved into Marshall and began
dealing in hides, lime, plaster, etc., remaining there
thus occupied four years. He then bought one
hundred and seventy acres of land in this county,
lying on section 4, Leoni Township, close to the
village of Michigan Center. It was practically unimproved,but he has since erected an excellent set of
farm buildings and placed the land under a high state
of cultivation. In 1889, he sold the estate to his
son-in-law, E. A. Sager, retaining a small portion
for his own occupancy.
The marriage of Mr. Sweet took place October
23, 1839, his bride being Miss Eveline C. Waite.
She was born in Canada and was but an infant
when her mother died and she was placed in the
care of her aunt, Mrs. Elizabeth Cookman, of St.
Albans, Vt., with whom she remained until ten
years of age, after which she lived with various
parties until her marriage.  Her father, Minor
Waite, is thought to have been born in New York,


I
I


I


as his father, George Waite, was a farmer in Schoharie County. Minor Waite married Miss Catherine, daughter of John Clock. He removed from
New York to Canada where he lived three years
ere returning to the States, the last years of his life
being spent in Boston. His occupation was that of
a horse-dealer.
To Mr. and Mrs. Sweet eleven children have been
born, eight living, named respectively: Minor A.,
Jasper, Charles N., Raymond, Susan S., Emma E.,
Mary and Martha. For more than fifty years the
parents have shared each others joys and sorrows,
and rejoiced together in the prosperity that has attended their own efforts and the section in which
they live, and together endeavored to faithfully
discharge their duties as parents, neighbors and
citizens. They have gained the respect of those
about them, and it is to be hoped that they have
many years of peace and usefulness yet before them,
a hope that is the more probable of fulfillment as
both enjoy very good health. The names of their
three deceased children are William F., who enlisted in the Sixth Michigan Infantry and died while
in the service, aged twenty-two years; Homer and
George E. died when four and a half and two and
a half years old.,  _,..,,f,.),.___




-.co -. " w     e) 


K EWIS ATWELL. In noting the pioneer
settlers of this county the name of Mr. Atwell should by no means be omitted from
the list. He makes his headquarters at a snug
farm on section 22, Sandstone Township, this comprising a well-tilled tract of land which he transformed from its primitive condition to its present
fertile acres. He was born in Orleans County, N. Y.,
March 28, 1831. and at a very early age was deprived of a father's care, that parent dying in the
Empire State. Lewis, in 1835, accompanied his
mother to Michigan Territory and they located
first in Washtenaw County where they resided several years.  Thence they removed to Ingham
County where our subject developed into man
hood and obtained such education as was afforded
by the common school. He commenced working








4.
I   i
I








672Z2$7&iIIIi






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.            503
---- ~~~~~~. -..1...-.......~~                                 ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~~ I'l.. - - - - - I   -....


out when a lad of twelve years an(d thus formed
those habits of industry and self-dependence which
have done him such good service in his later years.
After being employed a number of years as a farm
laborer, lhe secured a team and commnenced lreaking
land and later ran a threshing machine, thus obtaining a little cp.ital with which lie might secure
a farm of his own.
One of the most important events in the life of
our sulject, took place on the 11th of May, 1876,
when he was joined in wedlock to Mrs. Almnirt J.
(Eastman) Groat. This lady was born July 9,
1834, in Genesee County, N. Y., and is a daughter
of Amos and Cynthia (MeNilt) Eastman, who were
natives of New England and the mother born in
New lHampsllire. IHer grandfather, Amos McNilt,
did good service for the Colonists in the Revolutionary War. Of the marri(ge of Miss Eastman
with Isaac Groat there was born one son, Sherman,
who is now in Wisconsin.
In I.6 7 Mr. Atwell came to this county and settled on his present farm, this comprising eighty
acres of choice laud under a good state of cultivation. -le had very little assistance financially, at
the start and presents tie example of the self-made
man who has arisen stel) by step to a good position
among his fellow-citizens by whom lie is heldl il
unqualified respect. Politically M:r. Atwell is independent, giving his suplport to those whom lie
considers the most responsible men, irrespective of
party. IIe keeps himself posted ul)on events of
general interest, is a friend of tlhe workingman and
a member of the P'atrons of Industry.
O\. ONANSON  1. I)ELAMATEIR. Within
fj)lb   the bounds of Jackson County, or indeed of
the entire State, no better representative of
honest. upright manhood can be found than
tle above-named gentleman, who has been for
many years identified witl the work of the county,
and especially of Columbia Township, in which his
lhome is located. HIis fine farm  comprises two
hundred acres on tie shores of Clark's Lake, and is
known as '"Forrest Home."   It bears substantital
buildings, and is a home which any man may well


be contented with owning. Even a casual observer would recognize it as the abode of people of
intelligence and good taste, as well as of assured
financial standing; for everything aboult it indicstes the qualities that make a dwelling-place a
home indeed.
The DeLamater family is of ancient French
origin. During the supremacy of the papal power
in France they removed to Holland, where they
sojourned for a brief period. But the New World
offered them a wished-for opportunity to worship
God according to the dictates of their conscience,
and they therefore sought its friendly shores. The
first settlement in this country was made in 1652,
by one Claude 1)eLamater, who located on Long
Island. Subsequently he settled in Iarlem, N. Y.;
later his descendants settled in Ulster County, and
finally spread throughout tle entire State, being
usually pioneers in making settlements. Wherever
we find them they have been closely identified with
the successful classes and the leading elements of
their localities, as mechanics, farmers and business
men, wlile as educators, professional men and
public officials, they have also held a high rank.
The grandfather of our subject was Isaac DeLamater, who was born in Amenia. Dutchess
County, N. Y. At the age of eigliteen years he
entered a store to learn the mercantile business, in
which he subsequently embarked at tlie place of
his birth. In 1776 he enlisted in the Colonial
Ariny, serving as Commissary for several years.
in 1791, he settled in Schenectady County, but
selling his farm there in 1801, removed to Pompey,
Onondaga. County, where he purchased a large
farm in 1803. This he carried on in connection
with the mercantile business, being connected with
his son John, who had opened a large store there
in 1802. Together they did a flourishing business.
lsaac DeLamater had married in his native county
Miss Hannah Barlow, a member of the Presbyteterian Church, while he was of the Universalist
faith. Both were well-known and highly respected,
and obtained a position of prominence in the
community where they lmade their lhore. lie died
in 1833, at Pompey, Onondaga County, while his
wife came to Michigan and lived with her children
until her death, April 17, 1845.








504


PORTRIAITL AIND  BIOG~RAPHICAL; ALBUM.


504-_111   _____ — — P=RT T  AND B=  O  R A P = =  ALB --- —-— UM --- — - _-.-__. -- -=l  -


John DeLamater, the father of our subject, was
a leading farmer and merchant of Onondaga
County, in 1800. He was the first to commence
mercantile business in the place now called Fayetteville. In 1802 he moved to Poinpey, where the
years of his active career were spent. He moved
in the winter of 1828, to Sullivan, Madison County,
where he had a large farn of four hundred acres,
and where he died, the 28th of December, 1828, in
the fifty-second year of his age. He possessed unbounded energy, a character of strict integrity,
and was loved and respected by all who knew him.
Like his father, he was one of the Universalist
faith, althoughr the DeLamater family were of the
Huguenot school for generations prior to their
time. His wife, whose maiden name was Zoa
Eaton, bore him a large family. She belonged to
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was a consistent member of that denomination, endeavoring to instill into the minds of her children the
principles of right living, and rear them to useful
manhood and womanhood. She survived her husband some years, dying at an advanced age in
Onondaga County, where she had spent her entire
life.
The gentleman with whose name we introduce
this biographical compendium was the recipient of
excellent advantages during his boyhood and youth,
his home training being supplemented by a good
practical education and a knowledge of civil engineering, which enabled him to survey land while
he was yet a youth. When he was eighteen years
of age his father was removed by death, and for a
year he looked after the affairs of the farm, after
which he began life on his own account. He was
about twenty-three years old when, in the month
of April, 1834, he set out for Michigan in company
with Edward DeLamater, Samuel T. Marsh and
Anson -I. Taylor. They crossed the lake from
Buffalo to Detroit, arriving on the last day of the
month, and on May 1st set out on foot for the unbroken regions beyond. Passing over a country
which was very sparsely settled, and had scarcely a
road through it, they pusled on to Clark's Lake,
partly with a view of investigating a mill site at
what is now known as Jefferson, at the foot of that
body of water. Seeing the beautiful land on the


southern border of the lake, across the placid
sheet of water, Mr. DeLamater remarked that there
he was going to make his home.
At once selecting four hundred acres of land,
Mr. DeLamater walked to Monroe to enter his
claim at the land-office, after which he returned to
the land, erected a log house, broke some of the
virgin soil and sowed some grain. In July he returned to Detroit on foot, and thence to his home
in Madison County, N. Y. After a few weeks'
sojourn there, he brought his wife to the West,
and they began life in their new home with an earnest will and a determination to succeed in their
efforts to improve it, and bear a hand in the upbuilding of the frontier region to which they had
come. Mr. DeLamater became one of the most
successful agriculturists in the town, being ably
seconded in his efforts by his noble-hearted companion as long as she was spared to him, and by
his second wife, who stood by his side during many
years of mingled trials and successes.
For some time after his arrival in this county,
Mr. DeLamater was engaged in surveying, laying
out most of the highways and many of the farms
of his county. In 1843 he was sent to the State
Legislature, having been elected on the Democratic
ticket. His first vote was cast for Andrew Jackson
in 1832, and he has since been a stanch Democrat.
When Columbia Township was organized he became
its first Supervisor, and served in that capacity
thirteen years. He has been a Director of the
Jackson Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company, and
President of the Jackson County Pioneer Society.
Although now seventy-nine years of age, his mental
powers are unimpaired, his memory as clear as that
of a boy, and he is yet capable of an active interest
in the affairs of the section. He has ever manifested a high degree of public spirit, has interested
himself in every movement which would tend to
advance the interests of his county and State, and
can look back with a just pride over his past
record both as a public official and a private citizen, and hopefully forward to wielding an influence
for good so long as life is spared him.
Mr. DeLamater was first married in Madison
County, N. Y., to Miss Anna Alida Adams, who
was born in Troy, and grew to womanhood in the






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


505


county where she was married. She died at her
home in Michigan in 1840, being yet in the prime
of life. She had been a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, but at the time of her death was
a liberal Christian.
The second marriage of our subject was contracted in 1842, in Steuben County, N. Y. His
companion on this interesting occasion was Miss
Lydia Ann Parrnenter, who was born and reared in
that county, of which her father, David Parmnenter,
was an old settler. She was a faithful and loving
companion, a Kind neighbor, and was highly respected by the entire citizenship of the county.
Her religious belief was that expressed by the
Universalist Church. She died at her home in
this county, in October, 1886, being then sixty-six
years of age.
The third matrimonial alliance of Mr. DeLamater
was celebrated in Columbia Township, this county,
his bride being Mrs. Hannah Pierce, nee Wait, one
of those noble women whose influence is felt
throughout a community, and who are looked upon
as models of womanly virtues. She is a daughter
of William W. and Polly A. (Parmenter) Wait,
who were numbered among the prominent and
well-to-do citizens of Steuben County, N. Y., where
they spent all their active lives. Mr. Wait was a
prominent business man of that county, and was
regarded as one of the most honorable, upright
and useful of the citizens of Cohocton. Both he
and his wife died in middle age. Their daughter,
now the wife of our subject, was reared in Cohocton,
and there marrie(d Harvey Pierce, of the same
county, with whom she came to Michigan in 1862.
Mr. and Mrs. Pierce settled in Columbia Township, this county, where they not only acquired a
comfortable fortune, but soon gained a position of
prominence among the better class of citizens.
Mr. Pierce died in 1876, at the age of forty-one
years, leaving a record for thrift and energy in his
chosen vocatioh and in his duties as a citizen; as a
kind husband and parent his memory will ever be
held in loving remembiance by his family. He
left six children, all yet living-William W. iq now
engaged in teaching in Manistee County; Addie
A. is the wife of William Randall, a farmer of this
township; May E. married Brayton S. Wright,




and they reside oii a farm in Dundy County, Neb.;
Jerry W. married Carry M. Wright, and is now
living on and operating the Pierce estate; Frank
and Grettie L. are at home. After the death of
her husband she continued to manage the farm,
assisted by her children, until her marriage. She
was often forced to go into the field, and under her
able supervision the land yielded a bountiful
supply of the various grains and proved to be remunerative. It consisted of three hundred and
twenty acres, and she superintended it for thirteen
years.
Mr. and Mrs. DeLamater are liberal and intelligent thinkers, actively interested in all matters of
local importance, both of a social and public nature, and wield a decided influence throughout the
community, and even beyond the vicinity of their
home.
In connection with this biographical sketch, a
portrait of Mr. I)eLamater is presented to the
readers of the ALBUM.
A~   ARL 0. JOHNSON.        A compendium of
bIiographical sketches of Jackson County
\   citizens would be incomplete without an outline of the life of the above named gentleman, who,
although quite young, has already gained an excellent reputation in the fine arts in Jackson and
vicinity. He is now, in company with his sister,
Miss Nettie Johnson, carrying on a photograph
gallery on East Main Street which he purchased in
December, 1889, while continuing his work in oil
painting.
The father of him of whom we write was John
Johllson, who was born in a village twenty miles
from Christiana, Norway, where lie learned the
trade of a machinist and followed the same until
1872. He then emigrated to America, locating inl
Manchester, N. H., where he remained three years
employed at his trade and whence he came to Jackson to accept a position with the Michigan Central
Railroad Company, in whose employ lie remained
until sickness compelled him to resign. He was a
most skillful mechanic and his services were highly








506


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


valued by his employers, while his personal
character was such as to entitle him to the respect
of his associates.  He was borne to his grave on
October 7, 1889, leaving a widow and two children
to mourn his loss.
Carl 0. Johnson opened his eyes to the light in
Christiana, Norway, April 12, 1864, and was
tlierefore a lad of eight years when lie came to
America. Totally unacquainted with the English
language on his arrival, in six weeks time he had
so far mastered it as to be able to understand and
quite readily, what was said by those about him,and in two months lie was able to take his place in
the city schools of Manchester. There he pursued
his studies until the removal of his family to
Michigan, when lie continued his acquirement of
knowledge in the schools in this city.
At an early age young Johnson showed      a
marked talent for artistic work and when fourteen
years old began his lessons with A. 0. Revenaugh
in ink and water colors, remaining under his tuition
ten years. He then opened an office making a
specialty of oil paintings in figures and portraits,
and manifesting an unusual degree of skill, leading
his friends to a confident hope that ere many years
lie will have a wide reputation as an artist.
( AMES N. TOOLE, junibr member of the firm
of Gilson & Toole, dealers in boots and
shoes at Jackson, is one of the younger
t enterprising business men of the city, and
by his strict attention to  his calling and his
courteous treatment of those with whom he has
dealings, has gained a large and lucrative trade.
I-le endeavors in every possible way to advance the
iAterests of Jackson and has contributed not a little
to its present lrosperity. Of Irish descent he inIherits the substantial qualities of a long line of
worthy ancestors, and his genial manners and
sturdy integrity have endeared him to a large circle of acquaintances.
The native place of our subject was Rennselaer
County, N. Y., and the date of his birth March 6,


1846.   Iis parents, Mark and Rosanna (Cosgrove)
Toole, were natives of the Emerald Isle, and emigrated to America early in life, and there were
reared and married. After their marriage they
settled on a farm, and became the parents of seven
children, of whom six are now living.  James N.
was next to the oldest in the family, and when a
boy of eight years came with his parents to
Michigan, they locating on a farm  near Three
Rivers in St. Joseph County. The early education of our subject was obtained in the schools of
his district, and his studies were completed in the
High School at Three Rivers.  He was thus l)repared for the active duties of life by a good education, which subsequent reading enlarged.
Until hle became of age our subject remained
under the parental roof, and assisted his father in
the development of the farm. Desirous then of
embarking in business for himself, lie learned the
trade of carpentering, which occupied his mind and
hands until his remloval to Three Rivers five years
afterward. At that time he entered upon a long
and honorable  career as an employe of the
Michigain Central Railroad, in the building department of which lie remained for a period of
eighteen years, being for four years of that time
foreman and much of the time a draftsman. Possessing considerable inventive genius, lie perfected a
danger signal which proved of great service and is
now in use upon many railroads in this part of the
county.
In June, 1887, Mr. Toole changing his occupation somewhat and deciding to invest his capital in
business, formed a partnership with John B. Gilson
and securing a stock of boots and shoes they
established themselves in business at No. 104 West
Main Street. Mr. Gilson is a practical shoe man,
having had an experience of twenty-four years in
connection therewith. The firm occupies a storeroom, 18x100 feet in dimensions, which is literally filled with articles in their line of trade and for
which there is a constant demand. T'hey have
made for themselves a permanent place among the
solid business firms of the city.
A very important event in the life of Mr. Toole
was his marriage, which was solemnized in August,
1875, with Miss Vennie Mulvahill of Ontario,






PORTRAIT AND          1BIOG(  AIX'tL'IlICAL ALBUM.A.                          507
-,   If.         I  -                          -   " -- -  I. D Df.  f. -, L0- -   I   -.. I.. I  -   i= L.-.7


Canada. Mrs. Toole was horn in that city and is
the daughlter of Thormas and Sarah (Terwilliger)
Mulvalill who were natives of Orange County, N.
Y. There have been born of this union three
children, namely, Vincent, MLary T., and Joseph W.
Mr. and Mrs. Toole are consistent members of St.
Mary's Catholic Church and IMr. Floole belongs to
the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association. Their
residence is pleasantly located at No. 402 Page
Avenue and their friends comprise the refined and
cultured element of the city. Surrounded by all
of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life,
their home is a happy one. In the business circles
of Jackson Mr. Toole is highly respected for his
straightforward horesty of purpose and uprightnes of character.
A  AIILON H. RAYMON), M. D. This popular physician of Grass Lake, stands high
socially and professionally, has one of the
finest homes in the town and is in the enjoyment of the esteem and confidence of hosts of
friends. A man in the prime of life, he was born
June 19, 1836, and is a native of Michigan, his
birthplace bei(ng in Sharon, Washtenaw County.
1)r. Raymond traces his genealogy back to tlree
brothers who left Franlce during the Revolution
and crossing the Atlantic, settled in New York State
prior to the commencement of the struggle which
resulted in the ilndependence of the colonies. The
name was originally spelled Raymong an(l was
Americanized after the settlement of thle family in
this country.
The subject of this notice is the son of Cyrus and
Lorena (I)ickinson) Raymond, natives of New
York State, the father born in Yates County and
the mother born in Steuben County. The latter
died in Wasltenaw County, this State, in October,
1883. She was the daughter of Amos l)ickinson,
likewise a native of New York and of English (tescent. Cyrus Raymond early in life worked as a
general mechanic, but in 1836 came to Michigan
Territory and taking up land in W aslltenaw County,
turned  his attention to farming. The paternal


grandfather, David Raymond, also a native of New
York State came to Michigan in 1833, and died in
Washtenaw County, about June 28, 1858, at the
advanced age of ninety years, seven months and
ten (lays. lie was the son of Samuel Raymond, likewise a native of New York and who served as Cap.
tain of a company in the Revolutionary War; he
died in 1821, in Benton, Yates County, N. Y. The
l)arental household included five children, namely:
Melvin M., who died when three yeais old; Mahlon
II., our subject; Melvin D.; Ha-rriet E. and Morton L.
Young Raymond remained on the farm with his
parents in Washtenaw County during his younger
years, attending the common school and assisting
in the labors around the homestead. He was studiously inclined, however, from a youth and entered
Albion College in due time, but began teaching
before completing his education. In the meantime
lie employed his leisure hours in the reading of
medicine and finally entered the medical department of tile Miclhigan State University from which
he was graduated in the spring of 1859. Locating
then in Crass Lake, lie entered upon the prosperous
fnd successful career of thirty years which has won
him botli property and popularity.
Dr. Raymond watcled tile progress of the Civil
War until September, 1862, and then joined the
army as Assistant Surgeon with the Twenty-sixth
Michigan Infantry. In April following lie was
cormmissionedl surg6on of the same reimnent in
wliichi capacity he acted until the close of the war,
receiving an honorable discharge and being mustered out at Jackson June 4, 1865. Returning then
to Grass Lake he resumed his regular practice
which lie las followed almost uninterruptedly to
the present time. lie belongs to both the Jackson
and Washtenaw County Medical Associations. He
has wisely invested his capital in real estate, being
the owner of a fine farm, two hundred and sixty
acres in extent and comprising a portion of sections
6 an(d 36, Grass Lake Township. This land is
regularly cultivated and is the source of a handsome income.
Without neglecting his profession, Dr. Raymon(l
has still found time to interest himself in the public
and political affairs of his county, and after filling










508


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
-1 — --- 1-l.                                   --—.-......... 


other positions of trust and responsibility, was
brought forward by the Republican party as their
candidate for the State Legislature. He was duly
elected in 1S78, and served with credit to himself
and satisfaction to his constituents. He has been
Piesident of the Grass Lake Village Board for five
years and for twenty-two years has been connected
with tle Board of Education. His religious views
harmonize with the doctrines of the Methodist
Episcopal Church of which he is a prominent and
contributing member. lie is a Royal Arch Mason
and a warm defender of the principles of the fraternitv.
For a period of thirty-one years there has presided over the pleasant home of Dr. Raymond,
one of the most estimable of ladies, who bore the
maiden name of Jennie E. Gould and to whom he
was wedded at her home in Ypsilanti, April 6,
1859. The sole daughter and child of their house
and home is Nina L., who was born May 118, 1860,
and is now the wife of E. A. Croman of Grass Lake.
The family residence is located in the east part of
town and it is hardly necessary to add that it is a
frequent resort of the refined and cultured people
of Grass Lake 'lownship. Dr. Raymond is a man
whose name will ever be held in kindly remembrance as one who has contributed his full quota to
the growth and advancement of his town and who
has reflected credit upon the medical profession of
this county.
il    ON. MOSES A. McNAUGHTON.         It is
universally conceded that the city of Jackson is largely indebted to the subject of
this sketch for its almost phenomenal growth
and prosperity. Its mercantile and railroad interests received an impetus from his energy and enterprise, while its moral and educational welfare
was never overlooked by him for a single moment.
Coming to the young State as early as the spring
of 1841, he devoted himself to the profession of
medicine for about ten years and then engaged in
the purchase and sale of real estate, dealing mostly
in the city and its immediate vicinity.
A large number of people who came to this


county during its pioneer days poor in purse and
with little of this world's goods, remember Dr.
McNaughton as one of their early benefactors.
Through his assistance they obtained land and
established homes paying for them gradually at a
low rate of interest. His sympathies have always
been with the poor and laboring classes and he
always maintained that no matter how poor a family
were, they were never any the worse for having a
home of their own. He purchased large tracts of
land and made various additions to the city, also
put up business blocks, and finally a private residence, which in point of beauty of design and location constitutes one of the finest homes in the
whole Northwest.
Dr. McNaughton during the early days was also
largely interested in the railroads centering at
Jackson and it was greatly through his instrumentality that they were gotten under way and successfully completed. The roads with which his name
has been the most intimately associated are the
Jackson Branch of the Michigan Southern coming
from the main line near Adrian, up to this point;
Grand River Valley, extending to Grand Rapids
and beyond; and the Michigan Air Line now leased
by the Michigan Central. During the time of the
projection of some of these roads Dr. McNaugton
as a member of the State Senate, was untiring in
his exertions to effect that which he considered,
and which proved to be, for the best interests of
the tax-payers and the people. He and his compeers, as is usual in such enterprises, met with opposition in some quarters, but they were men of
resolute will and finally accomplished their purpose,
receiving the thanks and congratulations of a grateful community.
IHe with whose name we introduce this biographical outline comes of substantial Scotch ancestry
and was born in Argyle, Washington County,N.Y.,
January 4, 1813. His father, Robert McNaughton,
a native of the same county, was born September
14, 1767. The paternal grandfather, John McNaughton, was born, it is believed in Argyleshire, Scotland, whence he was taken to County Antrim,
Ireland, by his parents when quite young and was
there reared to man's estate and married. In company with his parents, he crossed the Atlantic








PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
-1 --- --...-1.-,  


509


about 1760 and located among the wilds of Washington County, N. Y., near what was afterward
the flourishing town of Greenwich, purchasing a
tract of land and engaging in agriculture until his
death.
Robert McNaughton spent the years of his
boyhood and youth in his native county and was
there married, about 1790, to Miss Isabella Watson.
Afterwaid lie purchased a tract of timber land in
Argyle Township where he established a home and
clearing a farm  resided there until his.children
were grown. He then went to live with his son,
Thomas, in Saratoga County, where his death took
place in 1845. His wife, Isabella, spent her last
years in Michigan with her son, the Doctor. She
was born in Washington County, N. Y., February
12, 1768, and like her husband, was of Scotch descent. After his death she came to Michigan and
spent her last days with her son, Moses A., passing 
away August 21, 1856. There had been born to
this worthy pair a family of ten children, nine of
whom   were reared to mature years: they were
named respectively, John, Mary, Thomas. Edward,
Alexander. Joseph, Margaret, Jane, Elleln, and
Moses A. The deceased child died in infancy.
The nine all lived to mature years, were married
and reared families.
Moses Archibald IMcNaughton attended the district school in his boyhood days, mostly during
the winter season and in summer assisted his father
on the farm until a youth of fifteen years. Then
starting out for himself he repaired to Allegany
County, N. Y., where lie sojourned one summer
with a brother and the following winter taught a
district school. For six years following he officiatedl
as a pedagogue and studied alternately, spending a
part of the time in Wyoming Academy. and hle was
a student two years at Union College, Schenectady.
In the meantime he utilized his spare moments in
the study of medicine and finally attended three
courses of lectures at Fairfield and was graduated
with the degree of M. D., in January, 1840.
Dr. McNaughton commenced the practice of his
profession in his native county, remaining there
until 1841. That year he came to Michigan and
opened an office in the young city of Jackson, there
being at tile time four other physicians in the


place. None of the four are here now. After
twelve years of continuous practice Dr. McNaughton became interested in real estate to which he has
since given much of his attention. He has witnessed the growth and development of his adopted
city with unalloyed satisfaction and may justly
feel that no man has contributed in a greater degree
to her prosperity. H-e first settled among a population of one thousand five hundred and the city
now numbers thirty thousand souls. In the meantime the surrounding country, which was then
largely a wilderness, has been transformed into
fertile fields and beautiful homesteads, the results
of the industry and perseverance of an intelligent
and thrifty people. During those   early days
hunting formed one of the chief pastimes of Dr.
MacNaughton, deer, wild turkeys and other game
being plentiful, while bears and wolves often
frightened and annoyed the settlers and the Doctor
has shot many a deer within the present limits of
the (ity of Jackson.
The marriage of Dr. Moses A. McNaughton and
Miss Sarah Orcutt was celebrated at the bride's
home in Wyoming, Genesee County, N. Y., July
1, 1835. This lady was born in Rutland, Vt.,
September 12. 1812, and departed this life at her
home in Medina, Orleans County, N. Y., June 25,
1836, the year following her marriage after becoming the mother of twin boys-Moses and Hughwho were born April 6, 1836. The first mentioned died in infancy.   Hugh married Miss
Martha G. Pierce and died at his home in Jackson,
November 1, 1876. His wife died September 28,
1875. 'Ihey were the parents of four children,
namely: S. Frances, John, Susan and Frederick.
Dr. McNaughton contracted a second marriage
April 6, 1848, with Miss Mary R. Turner. Mrs.
Mary MeNaughlton was born August 30, 1818, in
Pittsfield, Mass., and was the daughter of Bela and
Mary B. (Nash) Turner. She died in April, 1887,
at the family residence in Jackson. Of this union
there were born four children, the eldest of whom,
a son, Charles, died September 10, 1869, at the age
of twenty years.   Mary Isabella is the wife of
James W. Blakeley and has two children —Archibald, named after his grandfather, and Charlotte.
Robert T. married Miss Lizzie Potter.ndl has four




510


PORTRAIT AND, BIOGRnAPH-ICAL ALBUM.I


510            POTRI AN BIGAPIA ALBUM.


children-Edith, Ruth, Mary and Helen. Alchibald W. married Miss Cora Stringham, March 18,
1890. They reside at Tacoma, Wash.
A stanch Republican, politically, Dr. McNaughton, although mixing little with politics, keeps
himself thoroughly posted upon the leading events
of the day and is able to express himself intelligently upon most any subject which can be introduced. Hie at one time represented his Ward in
the City Council, and served as Mayor one term.
His religious views coincide with the doctrines of
the Congregational Church, of which he is a prominent member and to the support of which he contributes lilerally.
From Argyleshire,Scotland, in the western section
of the Highlands came the Watsons from whom
the mother of Dr. MAcNaughton descended. the
McNeals, the MaIcDougalls and the MacDonnells,
witll many of whom the McNaughtons were connected by intermarriage. The name was generally
written Macnaghten and in lill's work, entitled,
" The Mac Donnells of Antrim," appears a sketch
of the family from which we learn that " the Macnaghtens are descended from  Ferchar F:tda, one
of the early )alriadic Kiings of Scotland.
' Several leading families of clans owned estates
in Glenarchy and on the shores of Loch Arve in
Argyleshire and were zealous adherents of Robert
Bruce during the struggle for Scottish independence.
In 1343, King D)avid II. granted Alexander
Macnaghten all the lands which llad belonged to
his deceased father, John, his grandfather, Duncan
and his great-grandfather, Alexander.
B'etween the years 1390 and 1406 David III.
confirmed to Maurice Macnaghten a grant of extensive lands on the shores of Loch Arve.
"On a small island, or rather peninsula at the
northern extremity of this beautiful loch, stands
the ruins of their ancient fortress or castle, called
Froach Elan, the keeping of which was granted to
Gillechrist Macnaghten in 1267, on the condition
that he or his heirs would keep it in good order
and well furnished for the reception of the King as
often as the latter might be pleased to visit it.
'l'The first of the Macnagten family to settle on
the Antrim  coast was John, surnamed Dhu, or


'dark haired,' a nephew of Sorley Mac I)onnell.
"This John Macnaghten became principal Lieutenant to his cousin, the first Earl of Antrim  and
his place of residence was at Ballymingary in the
vicinity of I)unluce Castle. Hle died in 1630 and
was buried n (ar the entrance to the Antrim vault
in Bunnamlairgo, where the following inscription in
Roman capitals on a slab of red freestone is still
legible:
"' Heir ]yeth the Bodie of John Macnaghten,
first Secretarie to the first Earle of Antrim, who
departed this Life in the yeare of our Lord God,
1630.'
"' The Antrim  branch of the Macnaghtens remaining in Ireland  lias worthily sustained the
ancient family name and is now represented by Sir
Edmun d Wlortman Macnaghten, Baronet of Dundarasie."
C~    HARLES B. COLWELL is of the firm of
(  Colwell Bros., manufacturing druggists and
' pharmacists and wholesale and retail dealers
in druggists' merchandise, No. 241 East Main
Street, Jackson. The Colwell family is of English
descent, the ancestors of the line in America having
emigrated from England in 1653, during the troubles between Cromwell's adherents and those of the
I kings. They were dissenters from the Church of
England and upon reaching America joined Roger
Williams, forming a part of his colony in Rhode
Island. In Providence, of that State, Joseph Colwell, father of our subject, was born February  1,
1771. After reaching man's estate he married
Miss Laura, daughter of l)aniel Smith, wlo was
born in Connecticut in 1781. To them were born
ten children, of whom the subject of this sketch is
the ninth.
Ir. Colwell opened his eyes to the light in Hamilton, Madison County, N. Y., June   14, 1823.
His early boyhood and scliool days were passed in
Hamilton, his higher studies being pursued in a
select schlool there under Prof. Morse. He then
entered the office of an older brother who was a
physician and druggist, remaining with him in the
capacity of clerk for several yelrs. He was mar



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


511




-


ried at Oswego, N. Y., March 30, 1847, to Miss
A. E. Ruggtles, daughlter of A. Ruggles, Esq. They
have two sons, viz: Prof. Charles N. Colwell and
Frederick M\. Mrs. Colwell died September 10, 1861.
In 1851 lie elngage(l in the drug business on his own
account in Oswego, N. Y., and later, in 1855, lie
engaged in the same business in Madison, Wis.,
where he continued tlree vears, next removing to
Janesville, Wis., where lie remained similarly engaged until 1871.
We next filind Dr. Colwell at Marshall, Mich., 
still continuing tile drtlrg business, but removing
from that city to Jackson in 1873. For forty-nine
years lie has been engalged in the drug trade, now
hlaving associated with him his son, Frederick M.
They carry a good stock of drugs and medicines,
a1d  manufacture several proprietary  remedies
among them being the noted Maglic IEgyptian Oil,
which is sold to tl:e jolbbing trade generally. I)r.
Colwell is a membler of the Jackson County Phlarmaceutical Association of which he is President,
and lie also belongs to the Michigan State Plarnacuetical Association.  In politics he is a stanch
Republican.
By intermarriage Dr. Colwell is a lineal descendant of R:oger Williams, the first governor and
founder of Rhode Island. Through the same blood
lie is descended from MAr. Brown, the founder of
Brown University, Providence, R. I., and also from
the Harris family, who were noted in the early
history of that State.
OH-N nI. HIARTUNG. There came to Mlichigan during its early settlement men from
1ll parts of the Eastern as well as the mnidij   die States, intent up on bettering their financial condition. Appearances would indicate that
the majority of them made the experiment a success, as we find them  generally situated in comfortable homes, and with a competence for their
declinlilg years. Thle subject of this notice may
be classed amongl tlis number, and occupies a good
farm on section 30. SanIdstone Township, where by
his energy and iindustry lie has reared for himself


I


a lasting monument. Personally, he is a representative citizen of a community more than ordinarily
intelligent, and pursues the even tenor of his way
peaceably and law. abidinCg, tlus giving his encouragement to the social and moral welfare of those
around him.
A native of Warren County, N. J., our subject
was torn August 6. 1837, and is the son of Williair andL Caroline ((Gwinnup) HLartung; the father a
native of New Jersey and the mother of New York
City. It is supposed that the Hartung family
originated inl (:Germany, and the mother was probab)ly of lHolland ancestry.  John IM. was reared to
mlanhood in his native county, becormiin familiar
with the various employments of farm life, and acquiring a practical education in tlhe common
schools.  He started out for himself when about
twenty years of age, emigrating in 1857 to this
State, in company withl his brother Luther, and
joiinin their parents wlo had settled in Oakland
County tile year previous... Hartungi followed
farming there about two years, then changed the
scene of his operations to Calhoun County, of
which lie was a resident several vears.  In that
county lie was married, November 5, 1867, to Miss
Iois Drake. Mrs. Ilartung was born August 25,
1846. in Calhoun County, and by her union with
our subject became tlhe mother of five childrenClarles, Alfred, Emma, (lay and Frank, all at
lhome.
Mr. Hartlung after his marriage settled on a farm
in Homer Townshipl Calhoun County, but not long
afterward removed to Concord Township, this
county, wlere lie resided about two years. HIis
next removal was to Parma Townshlip, and from
there lie went into Pulaski Township, of which lie
was a resident several years. In the spring of 1880
lie removed to his present homestead. Here he has
one hundred aind three acres, all under cultivation
and improved with good buildings. Mr. HIartung
is also engaged in raising fine horses, having now a
stud of eleven head, among others being Joe Barker, Pilot Chief, The Wilkes and Lou Sutton. He
generously acknowledges that in his efforts of acquiring a home and a competence, he has been
ably assisted by his devoted wife, who has always
been a safe counselor and who il the managment




512             PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


- ----— ~ --- —  -~-~~~~ --- —   -~-^~1 ~1~  ~ -~x~-i- ~ I  -~~ ----~` —      ' —~ ----                 -   -~'~-~ —~~-                        - ---— ~ —~~~~
- - -,  -"  ---             ----  ------  -   — I-    -   ---- - - - - -~ —                                                          -- --— ~~ ~-   ---— 1~-- -----


of her household affairs, has exhibited a prudence
and economy which each year has been the means
of saving hundreds of dollars.
Mr. Hartung, politically, votes the straight Re
publican ticket, but meddles very little with matters outside of his farm and his family, preferring
to relegate to others the cares and responsibilities
of office. He is one of a family of twelve children,
the eldest of whom, a daughter-Charlotte-died
when about fifty years old; Emma became the wife
of William  Ribble, alnd they live in Macomb
County, this State; Hannah and Jabez are deceased; Luther and Clay are residents of Calhoun
County; John M., our subject, was the next in
order of birth; Mary is the wife of Grover Summers, in the northern part of this State; Caroline is
the wife of Alexander Grover, of Parma Township;
Lizzie, Mrs. Charles Beebe, lives in Oakland
County; William is a resident of Calhoun County.
George Drake, the father of Mrs. Hartung, was
born September 8, 1816, in Wayne County, N. Y.,
and came to Michigan during its pioneer days, locating among the earliest settlers of Concord Township. Her paternal grandparents were William and
Betsey Drake, natives of New York State. The
paternal ancestors probably originated in Germany.
Mr. Drake was reared to manhood in his native
county, an:l came to Michigan in the spring of
1835, in company with his father and other members of the family. George Drake purchased a
tract of Government land in Concord Township,
and on the 30th of May, 1838, was wedded to Miss
Sally Woodworth. Mrs. Sarah Drake was born in
Genesee County, N. Y., February 15th, 1820, and
is the daughter of Charles and Desire (Babcock)
Woodworth. She became the mother of three children: Joseph B., a resident of Concord Township;
Lois, the wife of our subject: and Elnathan, also
residing in Concord.
This family, like the pioneers around them, settled in the woods of Concord Township, and labored industriously for years in the opening up of
a farm. The father did a large amount of breaking, employing seven yoke of cattle. His land lay
on section 32, and upon it he first built a log house
about 16x24 feet in dimensions. The family occupied this dwelling a number of years, then aban

doned it for a more modern and convenient
structure.. The wife and mother departed this life
June 9, 1887, at the old homestead. Mr. Drake is
still living, and is a member in good standing of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he
is a sound Republican. He has now only sixty
acres of land, and is living comfortably in his old
age, surrounded by his children and friends. He
bears the distinction of being the oldest living settler in Concord Township.
l,,,;,.l- As _  8C= i._
(CI-^ IMOTIHY T. TITUS, one of the oldest settlers in Sandstone Township, has been an
eye witness to the growth of this county
and the contiguous territory, having been here
since 1833, and from early boyhood has borne a
part in the labors necessary to the upbuilding of a
new country. lie is truly worthy of representation
in p volume of this nature, througho which the future
generations are to learn somewhat of the trials and
privations that have given them the higher c:ivilization they enjoy, and of the characters that stampi
their impress on the thought and spirit of the ages
to come.
In the paternal line tie subject of this notice
traces his lineage from England whence his progenitors came many years ago, his grandfather,
Benjamin Titus, having been a Revolutionary soldier. The ancestral line emigrated from  Long
Island to New Jersey, in which State Cornelius
Titus was born. He married Mary Smith, a worthy
woman of German descent, who bore him six children, but two of them being now alive; these are
Timothy T., of this notice, and Maria L. whose
home is at Parma.
The parents of our subject removed from the
Empire State to this county? in 1833, settling in
Sandstone Township on section 29. The father
bought over one thousand acres of land from the
Government, paying $1.25 per acre and the first
thing he did was to clear space for a log cabin on
the section named, where C. H. Harrington now
lives. Not a stick of timber had been cut on the
place, but everything there was inP the condition in








PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


51 3


I


which the red men had left it. Under the efficient
control of Mr. Titus it was not long ere there were
signs of civilization more noticeable than the log
house. The sound of the woodman's axe, the cry
to the oxen that were man's chief dependence for
tilling the soil, and the voices of domestic animals
took the place of the silence and wild cries of forest rovers, and as years rolled on a beautiful expanse of cultivated land met the eye.
For more than tlirty years Cornelius Titus occupied that farm, after which lie removed to Parma,
where he died in 1865 at the advanced age of
eigty-four years. In his deatli the county lost one
of her earliest pioneers, a public-spirited citizen,
and an honorable man who was well known and
highly esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances.
lie was originally a Whig and later a Republican.
Timothy Titus was born July 15, 1822, in Niagara County, N. Y., and coming to this State in his
early boyhood grew to maturity amid the scenes
of pioneer life and not only witnessed the gradual
develotment of this county but bore an active part,
as fast as his strergth would permit. in the toils by
whlich that success has been secured. In common
with the other members of the parental household,
he endured some of the privations of the place and
time, but by that very self-denial his character
grew and strengthened, and he acquired those habits
that have led to his own success as a farmer and an
individual. His educational privileges were somewhat limited and did not include the advantages of
the schools of the present time, but such as they
were lie ilmproved, and has since endeavored by
reading and study to keep posted regarding the
topics of general interest, becoming well informed.
On the 13th of February, 1851, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between Mr. Titus and Miss
Laura J. Pool. Like her husband, Mrs. Titus
thoroughly understander s what is meant by pioneer
life, as she was but six years old when her parents
came to this State and she grew to womanhood in
a frontier setttlement, learning the useful arts and
lhabits that fitted her for a place among the highly
respected and useful members of the community.
She was born in Genesee County, N. Y., June 2,
1826, being a daughter of William and Jane (Beckwith) Pool, natives of Connecticlt, Upon coming


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to this county, in 1832, Mr. Pool settled on a tract
of Government land near the present site of Trumbull's Station. in Sandstone Township, being one of
the first settlers in that neighborhood. There he
lived many years. selling the place early in the '50s
anid moving into Parma. In that town he remained
but a few years, when he bought land in Blackman
Township upon which lie resided until his death.
Like the father of Mr. Titus, he enjoyed an extended acquaintance and was regarded with respect
for hlis life and labors. In politics he was first a
Whiig and later a Republican. He was a member
of the Baptist Church.
In 1853 Mr. and Mrs. Titus settled on the tract
of land they still occupy, which forms a part of
section 17, Sandstone Township. The present estate comprises two hundred and fifteen broad acres,
well improved and under careful cultivation. Success has crowned their efforts to secure a comfortable. home and a competence for their declining
years, and to aid in securing for the generation
that follows them various advantages which they
themselves lacked. Mr. Titus is a Republican, and
in all other connections favors that which he believes to be progressive and uplifting. Both he
and his wife are worthy scions of representative
pioneer families, and have the personal characters
that make it a pleasure to represent them in this
ALBUMI, and which gain for them the respect of all
with whom they have to do. To them have been
born three children-Jane, Cornelius, and William,
the lattei of whom is deceased.
I[ ULIUS P. I)EAN. The farming community
of Napoleon Township recognizes in the
subject of this notice one of its representat ive citizens and noted agriculturists.  He
has a fine estate, embracing two hundred and forty
acres of well-tilled land, lying on section 1, and
where, by a course of unflagging industry and a
wise economy, he has not only constructed a fine
home, but laid up something for a rainy day. The
township wherein tle now lives has been his life





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PORTRAIT ~AND BIOGR~APHIICAL UBUM.


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long residence, as he was born within it September
19, 1835, and here have centered his closest interests.
The subject of this sketch is a son of Horace
Dean. a native of Windsor, Vt., and who was born
Mlay 11, 1809. The latter when a lad of seven
years was taken by his parents to Washington
County, N. Y., where lie developed into manhood
and in Hartford, that State, was wedded to Clarissa
M   h. ha. This lady was born in Kingsbury, N.Y..
September 3, 1812. Prior to his marriage, however, Mr. Dean, in 1832, had visited this county
and taken up a tract of Government land in what
is now Napoleon Township. After marriage he
brought with him his young wife and they settled
upon it in 1834. The country around themn was
mostly in its primitive state and Michigan was still
a territory. They were among the first settlers of
this county and after settling in the wilderness labored in true pioneer style in the building up of a
liome and to secure a competence. Horace Dean
was prospered in his labors, opening up a fine farm,
erecting thereon a neat and substantial set of buildings and gathering about himself and family all of
the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. Of
his union with Miss Shaw there were born three
children: Julius P., our subject. Willard F. and
Horace Jr. Mrs. Clarissa M. Dean, the mother of
these children departed this life January 11, 1890.
The two brothers of our subject died young and
Julius P. is therefore, with the exception of his
father, the only surviving member of the family.
Mr. Dean spent his boyhood and youth on the
pioneer farm, assisting to bring it to a state of cultivation and becoming thoroughly familiar with
the art and science of agriculture. He grew up
with a courageous heart and a strong healthy body
and when ready to establish a fireside of his own,
was married February 3, 1859, to Miss Lucy M.
Weeks. This lady is the daughter of John T. and
Lucy (Phelps) Weeks, the latter of whom died at
the parental home in Columbia Township, March
23, 1881. Mr. Weeks was one of the earliest settlers of this county, coming hitller fromn Hermitage,
N. Y., in 1835, during the territorial days. To
him and his good wife there was born a family of
six children, Mrs. Dean being the second child.


She first opened her eyes to the light in Columbia
Township, November 20, 1837. Her childhood
and youth passed in a comparatively uneventful
manner in attendance at school and in becoming
familiar with all useful household duties. Of her
union with our subject there were born three children: Marion L., Nora C. and Villa F., tile latter
of whom died August 2, 1879 when sixteen months
old. Mr. Dean takes an active interest in political
affairs and is an ardent supporter of Republican
principles. Both he and his estimable wife are
members in good standing of the Baptist Church.
His father, Hlorace Dean, assisted in the organization of the Baptist Church at Napoleon and is now
the only living constituent member. The family
is widely and favorably known along the southern
line of the county and has performed no unimportant part in its growth and development.;(AME)S DOREI1lMUS.   Few, if any, of the
men now living in this county lave llad a
more extended experience as frontiersmen
~    or can recall more of interest regardin, pioneer times in this State than the gentleman with
whose name this sketch is introduced. For nearly
sixty years he has lived in the State, much of tile
time having been passed in this county. He is a
fine representative of Christian manhlood, publicspirited citizenship, and pioneer energy.
The natal day of our subject was November 4,
1809, and his birthplace Seneca County, N. Y.
His great-grandfather in the paternal line was a
Hollander by birth, who came to America in an
early day, making his settlement in New Jersey.
In that State, Jacob Doremus, the father of our
subject, was born and reared, and followed Iis
trade of a shoemaker in Newark for a time. I-le
married Esther Dye, a native of the same Stale,
who bore him eight children, our subject being tlle
only survivor. Leaving his native State, Jacol
Doremus spent a year in New York City, and then,
when about twenty-five years old, removed to
Seneca County, where lie remained until his son


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515.~ ~ ~PRRI AN BIGAPIA ALUM     51


James had grown to manhood.    He was a soldier
during the War of 1812.
The subject of this biographical notice received
such advantages as were furnislhed the masses in
the early part of this century, and is principally
self-educated, having been a reader all his life andendeavoring to keep posted regarding current
events and general topics of interest.  In the fall
of 1831 he emigrated with his parents to WVashtenaw County, Mlicl., the fatller settling oni a farm
near Delhi, erecting one of the first sawmills on the
Huron River. The ldeath of the father took place
in Ann Arbor.
James Doremus lived   in Waslltenaw County
some ten years, engaged in farming and sawmilling, and in the spring of 1841 came to thlis county,
purchasing seventy acres of the land upon which
lie now resides. It forms a p)art of section 25,
Parma Township), the present estate comprising
one hundred and ten acres under good cultivation,
and furnished with all necessary and adequate
bulildings, with. fruit and shade trees. and presenting an attractive appearance. The original acreage was in a wild condition, with the exception of
eleven acres whiclh had been p)artly improved, the
(dwelling being a rudely constructed shell of a
house made of wliite wood boards. In that tlie
family found shelter for a time, when it was repaired and enlarged, adding to its comfort as a
place of abode. In the summer of 1886 the piesent residence was built.
The woman who was a faithful and devoted
companion to Mr. Doremus for nearly lhalf a century, bore the maiden name of Rebecca Barber.
She was born in Washington County, N. Y., in 181 1,
her parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Barber, becoming early settlers of Washtenaw County, Mich.
Her marriage took place at her home in tllat
county, in January, 1833, and the union was
blessed by the birth of ten children. The survivors of this circle are: Edward, who remains witll
his father; Thomas, whose home is in Jackson;
Julia, the wife of George Lancaster, of Concord
Township; and William, who is now in Texas.
1Elizabeth, Hecnry D., Carrie, Lucy, Jane and an infant have been calied from the scenes of life. The
wife and mother breathed her last May 8, 1880,


leaving behind her a wealth of love and affection
from  her family and immediate friends, and the
esteem  of all who had known her. She was a
member of the Presbyterian Church.
In his political views MAr. Doremus is a Republican, but in local matters lie votes for the best
man irrespective of party. Ile served as School
Director for a time, buto his energies have principally been devoted to tle good of his own family
and to his duties as a private citizen.  He enjoys
tlie confidence and esteem of all who know him, his
word being considered as good as a bond at any
time, and his useful labors being duly recognized
by his fellow-men. HIe is a member of the Presbyterima Church, at Parma.
AJAMES WELCHI. The gentleman witll whose
name we introduce this biographical outline
bears tile distinction of being one of the
|( @  early pioneers of this county,, and one who
long years ago established hlimself in the confidence
and esteem of his fellow-citizens. lie was born in
Niagara County, N. Y., August 10, 1814, and is a
son of James and Keziah (IBarrett) Welch who were
natives respectively of New York State and New
England.
James Welch, Sr., followed farming all his life
and was an extensive contractor on the New York
& Eiie Canal. He was at one time a man of large
means, but finally lost his prop)erty, and in 1824,
resolved to seek his fortunes in the far West. Coming to Michigan Territory from Niagara County,
N. Y.. lie located first in Washtenaw County, but
eleven years later came to this county and took up
one hundred and sixty acres of land in Grass Lake
Township. He lived there for a time, tlen selling
out lpurclasel property in Michigan Center to which
lie removed. Later he changed his residence to
WVayne County, settling near Northville. From
there he removed to thie vicinity of Parma, this
county, where his death took place in 1860, when
he was about eighty-five years old. The father of
our subject was a member in good standing of the
Presbyterian Church with which he united in boy





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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


hood and of which he is a liberal supporter. He is
a man of high character and after the organization
of the Republican party was one of its firmest supporters. The paternal grandfather was of Irish birth
and ancestry and emigrated to America prior to
the Revolutionary War.
Mrs. Keziah (Barrett) Welch, the mother of our
subject, accompanied her husband to the West and
survived her husband five years, her death taking
place at Concord, Mich., in 1865, and she also was
eighty-five years old. The parental family included
eleven children, six of whom are deceased, namely:
Alpheus, Hannah, Maria, John, Benjamin and Bctsey. The survivors are, Caroline, James, Keziah,
Theoda L. and George.
The subject of this notice was a lad of ten years
when his father's family came to Michigan and he
remembers the journey well. They traveled by
canal and lake to Detroit and thence overland with
teams to Washtenaw County. Their removal to
this county was also made with teams and since
1835, he has been a resident of Grass Lake Township. He was reared amid the scenes of pioneer
life, becoming familiar with the arts of agriculture
and chose this for his vocation. The habits of in.
dustry and economy which he was taught in his
boyhood have resulted in the accumulation of
ample means. He tills three hundred and eightyseven broal acres, lying on sections 18 and 19, all
of which has been accumulated by his own exertions. Most of the improvements upon his farm
have been effected by Itis own hands. Like his father before him Mr. Welch is a sound Republican,
politically, and although keeping himself posted
upon events of general interest, he has held aloof
from the responsibilities of office.
Mr. Welch was married June 1, 1836, after having reached his majority, to Miss Susan Tnylor,
then a resident of Grass Lake Township. She was
born in Hurley, N. Y., May 3, 1814. and was the
daughter of Benjamin and Charity (Bull) Taylor,
who were natives of Orange County, N. Y., and
who came to this county early in the '40s. The father located in Grass Lake Township and there
spent the remainder of his life, his wife dying in
Ingham County, Mich. To Mr. and Mrs. Wel(h
there have been born five children, viz: Alpheus A.;


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I,John C.; Mary Z.; Sarah Francelia and Orcelia.
1 Mr. Welch in his style of living makes no pretentions to elegance, simply having around him tle
substantial comforts of life with an ample competence for his old age.
the many educated and cultured men who
make their homes in Jackson, none are
more deserving of notice in a volume of
this kind than the Hon. D. P. Sagendorph who is
possessed of a high degree of mental ability, of attainments of no mean order, and of a character
that wins for him the respect of his fellow-men. He
is a native of this county, which is honored by his
upright and useful life, his legal acumen, varied
knowledge, and his interest in all that tends to promote the welfare of the citizens.
Thle paternal arcestry of our sulject were of the
German race, and the three generations preceding
himself were natives of Columbia County, N. Y.
His grandfather, Nicholas Sagendorph, was a shoemaker, and used to "whip the cat," that is to say,
ihe went from house to house to make boots and
shoes for the different families, making yearly
'round(s among them. IHe owned a farm on which
his son, Jacob Sagendorph, whose birth too k place
November 27, 1800, was reared to agricultural pursuits. When a young man the latter went to Genesee County and purchased a farm one mile east of
Batavia, upon which he resided until 1832, when
he sold and came to the Territory of Michigan.
Arriving in Jackson County in February, he selected a tract of Government land on section 35, in
what is now Leoni Township, and secured a patent
from the President of the United States, the paper
bearing the signature of Andrew Jackson, the President of the United States.
After having built a log shanty on the land
which is still in the possession of his heirs, Mr.
Sagendorph returned to the East and accompanied
by his wife and two children, and bringing their
household goods, he made his second journey to
this county. They traveled with teams to Buffalo,






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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


517


thence crossed the lake to Detroit, whence they
again journeyed with the teams, arriving at their
new home on the 1st of May. The West contained
no railroads, Ann Arbor was the nearest milling
point,and Jackson contained but three frame houses,
the remainder of the few residences therein being
built of logs. The family found shelter in the cabin
which had been erected for them, until Mr. Sagendorph could build a substantial double log house
for their accommodation. The land which he had
selected was of the kind known as oak openings,
and he at once began to clear a farm which he thoroughly improved and upon which he resided during the remainder of his life. He was prospered,
and added to his landed estate until at one time his
possessions amounted to nearly one thousand acres.
Prior to his death, which occurred in July, 1870,
he had witnessed the growth of the country from
an almost trackless wilderness to a populous and
wealthy region. From the formation of the Republican party he had given it his vote and influence, and previous to that time had been a Whig.
The wife of the above named and the mother of
our subject, was in her girlhood Miss Mary Perry,
and was born in Batavia, N. Y., February 22, 1807.
Her fattier, Daniel Perry, came to Michigan in
1832, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of
land now included in the city of Jackson and covered by the fair ground, etc. He resided here a few
years, and then selling at quite an advance, bought
a large tract of land in Spring Arbor Township,
and engaged in farming, remaining upon his farm
until his death. Mrs. Sagendorph removed to Jackson after the death of her husband, and died in this
city in August, 1886, She had borne seven children, rearing six to years of maturity. Of these
Ezra is now deceased; Jacob lives in Jackson; Helen
is the wife of Barney Culver, also of this city. The
next on the family roll is our subject; Maryette
married Henry Batchelder of this city; Juliette is
the wife of A. J. McKersie, also of this place.
The birth of Daniel Perry Sagendorph took place
in Leoni, this county, June 13, 1840, and he well remembers many incidents of pioneer life there. In
his youth wild turkeys, deer and wolves were
abundant, roaming at will through the forests and
clearings, and affording fine sport for the hunter.


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Tlie lad attended school in the log schoolhouse, and
after securing a good fundamental education became a student in the Western Union College, then
located at Leoni, and now at Adrian. Entering this
institution at the age of fourteen years, he remained
there until 1862, familiarizing himself with the
various branches taught in the scientific course. Ile
then entered the Law Department of the University of Michigan and was graduated therefrom in
1864, on the 5th of April, being admitted to practice in the Supreme Court at Detroit and in the
United States Circuit Court for the Eastern District
of Michigan.
After having passed the rigid examinations required and been given the rights of a full-fledged
lawyer, Mr. Sagendorph came to Jackson and began
practice with Messrs. Bennett & Bancker. In August of that year, however, he formed a partnership with John W. Nichols, prosecuting attorney
of Eaton County, and locating at Charlotte con.
tinued in practice there until February, 1888. I-He
then changed his place of residence to Jackson.
Mr. Sagendorph was united in marriage October
20, 1868, with Miss Mary Angeline, daughter of
Amos H1. and Angeline Munson. She was born in
Little Falls, Herkimer County, N. Y., and possessed
an intelligent mind and an estimable character.
She departed this life March 30, 1878, leaving two
children, Kate and William K. Mr. Sagendorph
contracted a second marriage in November, 1881,
choosing as his companion Mrs. Elmira Pennington,
nee Kirk, a native of Ohio, daughter of Elisha Kirk
and widow of Pliilip E. Pennington. Her mental
attainments and Christian character are such as to
win for her the respect and affectionate regard of
many friends.
Early in life Mr. Sagendorph became a devotee to
the principles of the Republican party and before
he was entitled to a vote was using his ability as a
stump speaker in its behalf. His first vote for a
gubernatorial candidate was cast for Austin Blair
and his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln. He was a Republican until the formation of
the Prohibition party, when, having always been an
advocate of temperance, he joined the organization
whose main plank was a temperance one. He was
the candidate of the party for Governor in 1882,






518            PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.




and such was his personal record that he ran two
thousand votes ahead of his ticket; lie was also a
candidate for Judge of the Supreme Court, on
which occasion he ran five hundred ahead of tle
ticket; and as candidate for the State Legislature
the district records show three hundred votes for
him  against sixty-five for the candidate of the
previous year. Ulon the organization of the Prohibition party lie became its Secretary and retained
tlhat position until mnade Clairman of the State
Committee and vice-Clairman of the National
Executive Committee. l)uring his residence in
Charlotte, Mr. Sagendorph served as a member of
the School Board several years. In 1864 lie joined
the Masonic fraternity at Grass Lake, afterward
took the Chapter Degree in Eaton Rapids, and upon
the organization of the Charlotte Chapter entered
it with a demit and was the first Scribe in the Chapter. In the same city he joined the Independent
Order of Odd-Fellows Lodge and Encampment.
In 1864 he also joined the Independent Order of
Good Templars, and was three times elected Grand
Chief Templar of the State and Secretary of The
Riglt Worthy Grand Lodge of the world. )uring
tlle war he was a prominent Imemnber of tile Union
League. Botll he and his wife are members of the
Congrtgational Chiurch and lie has always been a
worker in the Sunday school and is now Superintendent of the Sunday-sclool of the Congregational
Church of this city. In addition to the offices before mentioned Mr. Sagendorplh has three times had
the nomination for Attorney General of the State
by the Prohibition party.
ItILANDER E. PIERCE. This gentleman
)and his wife are thoroughly acquainted with
the circumstances attending the upbuildino
I   of the prosperity of Jackson County, having
long been residents of the State and valuable assistants in its civilization and development. Both are
natives of the Empire State and both accompanied
their parents to this county a few years after its
organization, and during their young manhood and
womanhood and after their marriage participated in 


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tlhe scenes of pioneer life, bearing a share in the
toils and privations incident to their surroundings,
and exhibiting not only the persevering industry
but the kindly natures which make our pioneer citizens such an honor to the land.
The gentleman whose name introduces this sketcle
was born in Hamilton, Madison County, N.Y., Febuary, 14, 1825. IHis grandfather Pierce, a native of
the New England States, was one of the pioneers of
H-amilton, where he bought a tract of timberland,
and cleared a fine farm upon which he lived until
death. His wife, formerly Abigail Howard, was
also born in New England, and she breathed her last
in Jackson County, Mich.
Following William Pierce in the direct line of
descent was his son Martin who was born in IHamilton. N.Y., in 1798, and was the father of Philander,
and who in the place of his birth married Mary A.
Jackson, daughter of John and Patience (Payne)
Jackson, born in Columbia, Herkimner County, in
1800.  When the slubect of this sketch was but five
years old his parents removed to Alleghlany County,
but after a short residence there changed thleir location to Cattaraugus County, buying a tract of land of
the Iolland Company and cleared a farm   upon
which they remained until 1836. They then took
up their abode in Clhautauqua County, where they
remained until the 10th of December, 1844, when
witli three horses and a wagon, the family started
for Michigan. Their journey was made overland
and they arrived at Jonesville, Hillsdale County,
thirty days after leaving their Eastern home. The
remainder of the earthly lives of the parents was
spent in this State, the father dying in Lawrence,
VanBuren County, in 1856, and the mother breathing her last at the home of our subject in Jackson
County, many years later, and being buried in Lawrence. Their family was madle up of six sons and
two daughters.
Philander E. Pierce was nineteen years old when
he came to Michigan. HIe had attended the public
school in New York and an Academy at Westfield
and had taught one term of school there. At the
age of eighteen he began the trade of a harnessmaker with his uncle in Earlville, Madison County,
with whom lie had worked a few months. After
arriving in Michigan he went to Ann Arbor where












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POTATAD.IGAHCA  LU      2


he worked at his trade for a few months, then taking up the same emlloyment in Dexter, and on the
15th of April, following (1845) engaging with Albert Howe, the pioneer harness-maker of Jackson,
with whom he continued two years, after which lie
started in business for himself.
Mr. Pierce carried on his shop in Jackson until
the capital was located at Lansing, where he removed to that place. I-e attended the land sales there,
bought a lot, and erected one of the first dwellings
built there, and building a shop also, opened the first
harness-making establishment of that city. After
a residence of nearly two years he sold out, and returning to Jackson again, he engaged at his trade
here; and having bought several tracts of land began
iarket gardening, being the first practical maiketgardenerin Jackson. Subsequently he en barked in
the grocery trade and continued in it some time,
building one section of a three story block on Francis Street. He pu)rchased a large amount of real
estate in the city, and has a farm of 130 acres in
Summit Township.
The marriage of Mr. Pierce and Miss Mandana
Laverty was celebrated Novembber 11, 1846. The
bride was born in Royalton, Niagara County, N.Y.,
July 20,1826, and was brought to Jackson County,
by her parents in 1832, at which time her father,
David Laverty, located in what is now Leoni Township. The journey from the Empire State was
accomplished by lake to )etroit and thence by ox
team, and upon land entered from the Government,
Mr, Laverty built a frame house. lie cleared and
improved his farm and resided thereon during tile
balance of his life, after which his family removed to
Jackson. His wife was Eveline Darling,whlose natal
day was December 31, 1804, and wlose birth-place
was Woodstock, Windsor County, Vt. She was a
daughter of Joseph and Huldah Darling, the former
a Revolutionary soldier, and a pioneer of Jackson,
having entered land from the Government whlich is
now included in the city limits, upon which he lived
until deatlh. The mortal remains of Mr. Darling
and Ilis wife Huldah, now repose side by side in East
Maine Cemetery. Mrs. Darling was a practicing and
very successful physician many years, and was one
of the first physicians in the county. Mr. and Mrs,
Pierce are the parents of two children: Erminia,


who was tile first girl born in Lansing, mlarried
A.A. Sprague of Hudson, Mich, and now resides in
Crawfordsville, Ind.: she has one daughter, Lillie
Belle, who recently graduated from the Academy
at Crawfordsville, Ind. Corydon married Maggie
IIunt of Jackson, and has two children, Florence
an( WiAnfield. In 1878 Mr. and Mrs. Pierce went
to California to visit their son who was then living
at Woodland, Yolo County. Mr. Pierce spent six
months and( his wife a year in the Golden State,
visiting various p)oints of interest, and in 1885 Mrs.
Pierce accompanied by her mother, who was then
seventy eight years old, visited the coast a second
time, spending two years on this occasion amid the
glorious climate and beautiful scenery of that farfamed State.
I t~ —H
'IOS'WEILL W. CH-AMBERLIN. Among the
who are most familiar with its history and
proud of its growth in prosperity and civilization, Mr. Chamberlin is deserving of mention.
For a number of years he labored to build up his
own fortunes and advance the interests of the
county, and after securing a competence gave up
tile more arduous duties of life to enjoy a merited
repose and case during his declining years. Since
1873 he has been a resident of the city of Jackson,
where his re)putation is of the best as a man of
probity and intelligence, as well as one of those
who deserve the thanks of tlie community for
their labors (luring the period when life in this section was an arduous and self-denying one.
'l'e grandfather of our subject was Elias Chamberlin. a native of New England and one of those
who served from tlhe beginning of the Revolution
until victory had perched upon the American banner and the Independence of the Colonies was established. About the year 1800 he removed from
the Green Mountain State to Livingston County,
N. Y., of which lie and his son Loomis were very
(arly settlers and in which both eventually died.
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N. Y., to Roxie, daughter of Jabez Lewis, who was
also one of the first settlers in the county whence
they had come from Connecticut. Mr. Chamberlin
bought a tract of heavily timbered land and built
a log house, and there amid the primitive surroundings of the frontier the family began their home
life. For many years neither railroads nor canals
were known to them, and their nearest market town
was Rochester, twenty-five miles distant. As was
the custom of the time, all merchandise was taken
into the section by teams and traveling was done
on foot or on horseback. Mrs. Chamberlin carded,
slnpn and wove, clothing her family in homespun
made by her own hands. The forests were the
haunt of bears and other savage animals, while (leer
and other less ferocious game were abundant. Mr.
Chamberlin cleared a farm and erected good frame
buildings upon it as time passed on, and at his
death in 1827, left a well-improved and cultivated
estate. His wife also died on the old homestead,
after having reared a family of eight children. The
greater number of the settlers in the locality having removed to it from the Green Mountain State,
caused it to be known as Vermont Street.
In the log house built by his father at Livonia,
Livingston County, N. Y., January 20, 1813, Roswell W. Chamberlin was born, and amid the scenes
of frontier life he grew to man's estate. His schooling was obtained in the pioneer temples of learning, and in the intervals of study he assisted his
father on the farm, gaining a practical knowledge
of the work of a frontiersman and developing the
sturdy manhood which seems to have been almost
inseparable from such a life. After the death of
his father he remained with his mother until 1836,
when with five companions he started for the Territory of Michigan.
The journey from New York was made via Canada and with one team upon which the six comrades took turn in riding, and on the 1st of April.
one month after leaving their hoines, they arrived
in Jackson. The country to which they had come
was then sparsely settled, and but twenty-six
houses were standing where the beautiful and flourishing city of Jackson now lifts her towers, spires
and manifold roofs toward the blue sky. Game
was abundant and included some of the more fero

cious wild animals, making life not only dreary to
those far away from neighbors but endangering
the domestic animals and even the lives of men in
their lonely journeys to and from their base of supplies.
Mr. Chamberlin bought a tract of land three
miles north of the Hibbard House, uoon which a
half acre had been cleared and a log house built,
in which there were neither windows nor doors, and
when joined by his wife he hung blankets over the
openings left, thus keeping out the storms and
making a slight barrier against the inroads of the
animal creation. Indians still lingered in the neig'lborhood and were frequent callers at the house
although they were never otherwise than friendly.
In 1852 Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlin went to California via New York and the Isthmus, landing at
San Francisco, whence they went to Auburn, Placer
County, where Mr. Chamberlin engaged in mining.
Subsequently they kept an hotel and he carried on
a livery business, remaining in California six years.
They then returned to Michigan, and having purchased a tavern in Blackman Township, known as
the Center House, Mr. Chamberlin managed it and
carried on his farm for some years. The estate
which he had cleared and improved at the expense
of many weary hours, and which he had improved
and built upon to the value of $7,000, was his home
until 1873, when he sold it and came to the city of
Jackson and bought the residence where he is still
living.
The noble-hearted woman who has ably assisted
her husband as counselor and helpmate since June
18, 1834, bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Jones.
She was born, September 9, 1816, in Richmond,
Livingston County, N. Y., of which place her father, Ebenezer Jones, was a pioneer. He cleared a
farm from the wilderness and resided upon it many
years, but during the later years of his life lived
with his children, his death taking place in Plymouth, Mich. The mother of Mrs. Chamberlin was
in her maidenhood Miss Lydia Kingsley, and she
also died in Plymouth. Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlin attend the Unitarian Church, and have many
friends in the community, not only among those
of their own generation but among the younger
people to whom they are known.




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


525


We are glad to be able to present, in connection
with this sketch, excellent likenesses of these estimable old settlers and honored members of the community.
ANIEL B. BROWN is one of the most enterprising and public-spirited men to be met
with il Jackson County, and one whose record in civil and military life is an honor to
the county, and may well be regarded with pleasure
by his family and friends. He enjoys the distinction of having been the second child born in Spring
Arbor Township, his natal day having been November 22, i834. He spent the early years of his
life in the midst of primitive surroundings, the
dwelling of the family being a log house, and their
household appurtenances such as were then common in sparsely settled districts. An Indian trail
led past the front of the house. fIe had the advantage of attendance at good common-schools, although he was early set to work on a farm, and llis
studies broken in upon by labor upon the place.
He drove oxen when a mere child, land otllerwise
aided in the improvements going on.
When twenty years old, young Brown left his
home and worked out five months, then returning,
remained under the paternal roof until after the
breaking out of the Civil War, he and a brother
renting the farm and working it on shares. In September, 1861, he joined the First Regiment of
Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, in Company II,
being mustered into the service at Marshall. an(d
sent South with a corps of bridge and road builders. IHe took an active part in the battles of Perryville and LaVerne, renn., and the remainder,f
the time was with his regiment engaged in the duties whicll especially pertained to them. Their
work was one of great hazard, as they were frequently exposed to a concerted attack, and liable
at any time to be picked off by rebel sharp-shooters, while the work itself was toilsome and laborious
and not without the chance of accidents.
The body to which Mr. Brown belonged, accompanied Sherman to Atlanta, at which place thcy
werm when the time for which he had enlisted ex

pircd. I-Ie went to his captain, Marcus Grant, and
asked permission to go to Savannah, but it was not
granted.. He was sick for a time, and was considered to be almost at the point of death more than
once. In November, 1864, he was mustered out,
was honorably discharged at Detroit, and returned
to his home.
Upon resuming the arts of peace, Mr. Brown
again took up the pursuit of agriculture in which
lie has been engaged during almost his entire life.
For over two years he was in the employ of the
Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad Company, having a contract for wood sawing, but with
this exception, and his army life,he has been a farmer
and labored on the estate which his father first secured in tlis section. He now owns eighty-eight
acres on section 4, being a part of the homestead,
and he has cleared, tiled, and thoroughly improved
it. He has put up neat fences, built a dwelling
*house, two barns, erected a windmill and tank, and
otherwise supplied the estate with the conveniences
of life. Fruit abounds, the orchard trees including
peaches and the other products of the temperate
zone, while small fruits of various kinds are raised.
General farming is carried on, the principal grain
crop being wheat, and some stock is raised. The
home is pleasantly located eight miles from Jackson, and presents an attractive appearance to the
passer-by, that is not belied by the view presented
and tile comforts afforded upon crossing the threshold.
The grandfather of Daniel Brown was born in
New York, August 28, 1774, and was christened
Israel. He was a farmer and a miller, and having
unfortunately lost his property, his mind became
affected. One of his children was Anthony J., who
was born in Burdett, Schuyler County, July 9,
1804. Hle studied law, but the care of the family
devolving upon him when his father lost his mind,
lie abandoned his profession, and engaged in farming. He also did some work at the carpenter's
trade. He owned a farm of eighty acres on Burnt
Hill. On January 7, 1826, he was married to Miss
Electa Truesdale, who 'was born in Burdett in
1809, and was reared by her grandmother Gillespie.
In June, 1833, Mr. A. J. Brown, came to Michigan,
performing his journey in the usual fashion on the




526


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


canal and lake to Detroit, and by team to this
county. He bought eighty acres of land on section 4, Spring Arbor Township, where lie put up
a log shanty into which his family moved the following year. He succeeded in his labors in life, by
degrees surrounding his family with more and more
of the comforts of life, and buying adjoining land
until his estate amounted to three hundred and
forty acres. He (lid not live to see the thorough
(levelopment of the country, but breathed his last
September 17, 1856. In politics lie was a Whig,
'and in his religious belief a Baptist. Hle was liberal and public-spirited, gave largely to Spring Arbor College, and assisted in other enterprises for
the good of the community.  His wife survived
until March 28, 1889, when she died ripe in years.
She also was a Baptist, belonging to the organization at Parma. Three of the children whom  she
bore died in infancy; William K. is now living in
Jackson; Mrs. Mary Van Winkle in Napoleon 
Township; Samantha died at the age of eighteen
years; the next on the family roll is the subject of
this sketch; Charles is a dealer in groceries in Jackson; George (lied when eight years old, and Milton
at the age of four years. William K. was a mein -
ber of the same regiment as his brother Daniel, and
served the same length of time in the late war.
The marriage of Mr. Brown of whom we write,
was celebrated in Paw Paw, Van Buren County,
January 31, 1870. His bride, Miss Addie Saxton,
was born in Reading, Hillsdale County, April 23,
1843. She was reared in Van Buren County, attending the public schools, and after completing her
education, learning the trade of a dressmaker. She
continued to reside withl her parents until her marriage. She has two children: Cora Frances, now
attending the Jackson High School in the class of
'92, and A. J.
The father of Mrs. Brown was Joseph Saxton,
a native of Steuben County, N. Y. He learned
the trade of a tailor at Saratoga Springs, serving an
apprenticeship of seven years. In 1838 he came
to this State with his family, making his first settlement in Spring Arbor Township, this county.
He then opened a shop in Concord, returning to
Spring Arbor for a sojourn of three years, and
thence removing to Reading, Hillsdale County.


He bought a farm which is the present site of that
town, and operated it and carried on his shop for
four years. In 1847 he removed to Paw Paw by
wagons, and buying eighty acres of land near the
town, carried on a merchant tailoring establishment the-e, until quite old, when he retired from
business. He finally sold his farm, and became a
resident of the town, where ie breathed his last in
1879, when in the eightieth year of his age. lie
was formerly a Whig, and in later years a Republican. He belonged to the Baptist Church, in which
he had held the office of Deacon from the time he
experienced religion, until his death. He was a
contributor to the support of the Kalamazoo College.
The wife of Joseph Saxton was born in Burdett,
N. Y., and bore the maiden name of Margaret
Gillespie. Her father, Joseph Gillespie, was born
in Scotland, but having come to America prior to
the Revolution, served in tile Colonial Army,
throughout that struggle. lie made his home in
Tompkins County, N. Y., where he was engaged in
farming, and the real-estate business, and became a
large land owner. He owned the original sitesix hundred acres-of the village of Burdett, which
he sol(d for a red-covered morocco pocket-book,
when he was intoxicated. As almost all men in
those days imbibed freely, and he was wealthy, the
affair was never looked into. He went into the
War of 1812, and was killed by the Indians. His
wife. Annie Gary, was born in New England, was
descended in the maternal line from the house of
Stuarts, her mother having been born in England.
Margaret Gillespie was reared in her native place,
and was very well educated. She died in Paw
Paw, Mich., in February, 1886.
Mr. and Mrs. Saxton were the parents of twelve
children, namely: Adelia, who died in 1886; Mrs.
Mary Thomrns, of Concord; Eliza, deceased; Nelson B., a physician of Concord; Mrs. Harriet Gillespie, of Jackson; Hiram, a farmer in Idaho; Byron,
twin brother of Hiram, a shoemaker in Van Buren
County; Mrs. Elizabeth Juick, of Paw Paw; Louis,
who died young; Mrs. Brown; Mrs. Nellie Kidder,
of Reading; and Mrs. Frances Wade, who died in
Concord. Byron was in Missouri when the war
broke out, and was eating his dinner one day when




PORTRAIT AND BIO()GAPIllCAL ALBUAM.                                    527
I....~...-...... —.... --.............77............ --— I L - - --.-~-, -- -  
I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~            L 


- -                                 I


the rebels came to shoot him. Having been in
formed of their intention by a lady, he left by one
door as they came in by another, and was hidden in
the woods four days. He desired to obtain his tools
and personal property, but failing to accompllsh this
lie escaped from the country. He enlisted in a Michigan regimelnt, and serve(l the Union until tle close
of the war.  liram enlisted in a New York regiment in the spring of 1861, and served in the war.
He took part in fourteen of the heavy battles of
the war, was wounded five times, was taken prisoner
and spent five days without a mouthful to eat, but
was exchanged and survived all his afflictions.
Mr. Brown belongs to the Patrons of Industry
of Sandstone, being Treasurer of the society, and
his wife is also a member. He belongs to the
Parma Lodge, No. 183, A. F. & A. l., and to the
Grand Army of the Republic Post at the same
place, in which he has held the rank of Surgeon.
In politics le is a stanch Republican, but does not
aspire to office. He is a member of the Baptist
Church at Parma, and both he and his wife are
highly respected wherever they are known.
-- ACKSON W. HEWITT.        This gentleman
I    is engaged in the manufacture of road carts
and buggies at Nos. 120 & 122, Cortland,s treet, Jackson, and is one of the prominent
business men of the city. He now employs from
thirty to fifty men in his shops, all reliable workmen, and uses the best of material, constantly adding to his reputation and increasing his trade,
finding ready sale for his carts and buggies in various States, in addition to the large local demand.
The gentleman of whom we write was born in
Wayne County, N. Y., April 17, 1830. His father,
Orson Hewitt, was born in New England, was a
farmer, and died in the Empire State in his ninetyfourth year. He was a son of Nathan Hewitt, a soldier in the War of 1812, and a man of Scotch
descent. Orson Hewitt married Anna Pollock, a
native of Wayne County, N. Y., who bore him
eight chlildren.
The boyhood of Jackson Hewitt was passed in




his native county, and his early school days were
spent in what is known as the old Sodus schoolhouse. Ile remained at home until fourteen years
of age when lie begar to learn the trade of a blacksmiti, afterward spen(tingl a year as an apprentice
to the trade of a wargon-maker, and then beginning
to travel as a journeyman. In 1852 he came to
Jackson, Micl., and was employed at the prison by
the firm of D)avis, Austin, Tomlinson & Co., manufacturers of wagons, for a period of five years.
In 1857 Mr. I-ewitt started in business for himself in the same block that is his present stand, but
upon a: small scale. As his business demanded, he
from time to time increased the capacity of his
works, and advanced his sales over a more extended
territory, as his reputation for reliable work became
more broadcast. IHe is the oldest continuous manufacturer in his line in the city.
()n December 25, 1857, Mr. Hewitt was married,
the lady whom he was so fortunate as to win being
Miss Charlotte A. Ross, of Ypsilanti. She was
born in New York but came with her parents to
Michigan when but six years old, and in this State
acquired her education and training. Her father,
Alexander Ross, was a native of Scotland, who
came to the United States when twenty-one years
old; he was a miller by trade. He married Miss
Maria, daughter of Josepl Whitman, who was born
in New York. Under the careful training of her
worthy parents, Mrs. J:ewitt grew  to womanhood
in the possession of many virtues and graces such
as well fitted her for the position she occupies. To
her and her hulsband two children have been born:
Willets J. and Minnie D., the latter the wife of
Benjamin Cowan, book-keeper in Mr. Hewitt's office. Politically Mr. Hewitt las always been a
stanch I)emocrat. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church.? CIABOI) STODDARD. This gentleman, who
is now in his declining years enjoying the
/    r fruits of an industrious and useful life, is wellknown and respected throughout the county in
which he has lived for many years, He occupies an






528


PORTRAIT AN) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


estate on section 19, Sandstone Township, where he
settled in 1855, and where by dint of energy, perseverance and hard labor, he made for himself a
good home. His occupation is that of a farmer and
stock-raiser, his life from boyhood having been
passed in the pursuit of agriculture.
The parents of our subject were Seth and Freelove (Morgan) Stoddard, natives of Connecticut, the paternal ancestry probably being Scotch.
The father belonged to the American army during
the War of 1812, balt did not take part in any active contests. Our subject was born March 15,
1817, in New London County, Conn., whence his
parents removed to Sullivan County, N. Y., when
he was a lad of twelve years. His schooling was obtained in the two States at a time when the advantages afforded the youth were not equal to those of
the present day, but taking advantage of the opportunities afforded him through the medium of
the printing press, he has kept himself well posted
on general topics and added to the knowledge obtained in the schoolroom.
At the home of the bride in Connecticut, in the
year 1840, Mr. Stoddard was united in marriage
with Miss Phoebe, daughter of Charles and Abigail
Rogers. By her he had six children, three of whom
are now living. They are: Sarah, wife of William
Shelton, a farmer of this county; Eliza, wife of
George Snow, of Cheboygan County; and David,
whoise home is in Sandstone Township, this county.
In 1855, with his wife and two children, Mr. Stoddard emigrated from New York to this State, settling on the farm where he yet resides. He purchased
one hundred acres of land which was but slightly
improved, which he has brought to its present
state, during that time witnessing much of the development of this section of country. He now owns
eighty-eight and a lalf acres of land, the home
farm including eighty acres. A part of the dwelling in which he resides was built years ago, being
added to and remodeled some time later.
The noble woman who had been Mr. Stoddard's
cherished companion and valued assistant for nearly
half a century, departed this life December 10,
1886, respected by all who knew her. Not only
has sle been sadly missed in her own family, but
the neighbors attest to her many virtues and good


ness of character and recognize their loss. Mr.
Stoddard has served as Treasurer of the School
District and in his own quiet way has favored those
projects which would add to the prosperity of the
section in which he made his home. He is a Republican and as thoroughly interested in the success of the party as in his earlier years.
J  AMES CLARK is one of the residents of the
county whose property has resulted from his
own exertions and ability, and is a standing
monument to the success that may be attained by thrift and perseverance. He is the more
deserving of credit as he has had a large family to
rear and support. He owns and occupies one of the
most valuable farms in Grass Lake Township, comprising one hundred and forty acres on section 8,
and is a model farmer, under whose oversight every
detail of farm work is carefully done.
John Clark, the father of our subject, was born
in or near Wheeling, W. Va., about 1772, and lived
in that section until after his marriage. Lie then
removed to Seneca County, N. Y., where he lived
many years, moving thence to Niagara County,
where he spent the remainder of his life. IHe was a
millwright by trade and a farmer also, and before
his death in 1854 had accumulated a good property.
For many years he was a member of the Baptist
Church. He was a son of James Clark and of Irish
descent. His wife, Mercy Swick, was born in New
Jersey, and died in Seneca County, N. Y., in 1824,
at the age of fifty-two years. She was a daughter
of Tunis Swick, who was a native of Holland. Mr.
and Mrs. John Clark reared two children to maturity-James and John S., both yet living.
The gentleman of whom we write was born November 5, 1804, in Seneca County, N. Y., where he
was reared on the farm and obtained a commonschool education. Early in life he took up his residence in Tompkins County, but ere long removed
to Niagara County, where he lived until 1856. He
then came to Michigan, bought land in Sylvan
Township, Washtenaw County, residing there until
1867, when he sold out and came to the place which.




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


529


--       - 7             - ----      -,     - - " — ",
11  - 1.11, -..   -,  -. -              -   -      I -       -  - - -1 —              17       ---- -                      -              - -,:  -_ L —         -               - --         — =      --
I


lie now occupies. The years which he has spent in
this county have given his fellow-citizens abundant
opportunities to learn his worth of character, which
is duly appreciated by a large circle of acquaint-:anses. Mr. Clark is a strong Republican; his first
Presidential vote was cast for John Q. Adams.
While in Washtenaw County he served as a Justice
of the Peace.
The worthy woman with whom Mr. Clark passed
a lhappy married life of more than sixty years, and
who was removed from him by death in September,
1886, bore the maiden name of Mary R. Swick.
She was born in Seneca County, N. Y., in 1806, and
her marriage was celebrated there March 16, 1826.
Throughout her long life she exhibited the qualities
of true womanhood, devoting herself to the coinfort of her husband and the care and trainin(g of
the children who were given her, not neglecting a
kindly interest in the welfare of those about her
and leaving behind her a record upon which her
bereaved companion and children can look with
pleasure.  HTer parents, John and   Magdaline
(Covert) Swick, were natives of New Jersey, and
both of them died in Niagara County, N. Y. To
Mr. and Mrs. Clark fourteen children were born.
The deceased members of the household band are:
John, Magdaline, Mercy A., Easton, James, Margaret and Adeline. The survivors are, George,
Nancy T., Mary J., Amelia, Caroline, James G. and
Orange S. Our subject and his wife were members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
-— 4 —*- --            -
l   \APOLEON     B. G-RAHAM, of Parma Township, first set foot upon the soil of Michigan
I.-. Territory in 1832. He is one of the earliest
pioneers of Parma Township, and is the owner of
a well-developed farm on section 31, where he has
prosecuted agriculture successfully for the last
fifty-eight years. Among its intelligent and praiseworthy citizens he occupies no secondary position,
and is widely and favorably known to a majority of
its people.
A native of Painesville, Ohio, Mr. Graham was
born January 21, 1825, and is a son of John and


Chloe (Graham) Graham, who were likewise natives of the Buckeye State. His paternal grandfather, Samuel Graham, was a Scotchman by birth,
and emigrated to America in the latter part of
1700, and in time to participate as a soldier in the
Revolutionary War. He fought on the side of the
Colonists, and when the struggle was ended settled
in the woods of Northern Ohio on a tract of land
near which the city of Painesville afterward grew
up.
Grandfather Graham, however, must have experienced something of the feeling of Daniel
Boone as the white settlers kept crowding around
him, and finally leaving Ohio, came to the wilds of
Michigan and spent his last years in Parma Township, this county, dying when nearly ninety-six
years old. His wife remained his companion almost
to the end, she passing away on her ninety fifth
birthday. The five children born to them were
named respectively: Solomon, John, Betsey, Samuel and Sarah.
In the spring of 1825 John Graham and his family removed to Erie County, N. Y., and settling in
Clarence Hollow, resided there a number of years
engaged in agricultural pursuits. Then, in 183i,
the father of our subject came to this county, purchasing six hundred and forty acres of land lying
on sections 31 and 32, Parma Township. He
brought his family the following year. He had
paid for this land $1.25 per acre, and during
the winter of 1831-32 sent his son, Lorenzo,
and a hired man from New York State to put up a
shanty, which later was substituted by a log house
about 20x25 feet in dimensions. They occupied
the latter over a year, and then Mr. Graham built a
"tavern " about a mile east, on land now owned
by Squire Beman. This was the first regular public house in the township, and was operated a
number of years by Mr. Graham. In it was held
the first big ball in the township, to which the
people came from far and near, and which was the
occasion of unmixed enjoyment to all concerned.
The first town meeting was also held under its
roof.
Finally Mr. Graham removed back to the farm
and later built the Bath flouring-mills in Concord
Township. These were completed in 1845-46, and






530


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM...Z-,~.L-   -_._.~:.......~.~              I.               -... --- —............................. j...~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


- - I


Mr. Graham died in the fall of 1848, surviving his
wife two years, she having died in 1846. They
were among the leading residents of the county,
people highly respected by all who knew them.
Of the eight children born to them there is surviving only one-Napoleon B., of this sketch. The
deceased were named respectively: Lorenzo, Mary,
Asaph, Porter, Samuel, Sophronia and Andrew J.
John Graham, politically, was a stanch Democrat,
but steadily declined the responsibilities of office
which his fellow-citizens often sought to thrust
upon him. Both he and his estimable wife were
members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The subject of this sketch assisted his father in
the development of the new farm, and spent his boyhood and youth under the parental roof in a comparatively uneventful manner, attending school
during the winter season, and employing himself
in plowing, sowing and reaping the remainder of
the year. In 1852 he was seized with the California gold fever, and getting together a team and a
covered wagon, started across the plains, driving
the entire distance of twenty-five hundred miles
in company with others. They camped out whereever night overtook them, and the journey occunpied four months. They went via Salt Lake City,
and located in Placerville, where Mr. Grallaam spent
over a year, then returned home by the Isthmus of
Pan:ma and New York City. After this experience Mr. Graham was content to settle down to
the farming pursuits which he has since uninterruptedly followed.
The marriage of Napoleon B. G:raham and Miss
Mary J. Pierce was celebrated December 5, 1847,
at the bride's home in Parma. Mrs. Graham was
born near Lockport, N. Y., in March, 1831, and is
the daughter of James and Ann (Loomis) Pierce,
who were natives of New York and spent their last
years in Michigan. Of this union there were born
seven children who are located as follows: Asa,
somewhere in the Farther West; Ellen, the wife of
Henry Tunnecliff, is a resident of Dakota; Elsie A.
is the wife of George Bishop, of Concord Township; William L. is farming in Parma Township;
Mary J. is the wife of Lewis Bishop, of Concord
Township. Mrs. Mary J. Graham departed this


I
I
I
I
i


life at the homestead in Parma Township, May 19,
1879. She was a lady of many estimable qualities,
and her death was deeply mourned by her family
and her many friends.
The farm of Mr. Graham comprises one hundred
and twenty acres of well-tilled land, upon which
he has erected substantial buildings, and the whole
premises reflect great credit upon his industry and
goold management. Politically, lie affiliates with
the Democratic party. The first town meeting in
Parma Township was held at the home of his
father, John Graham. The family has been closely
identified with the growth and development of this
section of country, and the present representative
is most worthily bearing the mantle of his honored
sire.
(, ONATHAN      CADY. The subject of this
notice is certainly entitled to be considered
not only one of the pioneers and enterprising farmers of the county, but one of its respected and honored citizens and a man of more
than ordinary ability. In his career we find that
of a man whose course in life has been such as to
commend him in a marked manner to the esteem
an(l confidence of his fellow-citizens. Upright in his
lealings, generous and public-spirited, lie has, as a
member of the community, exerted a good influence around him, and furthered the enterprises
calculated to upbuild the moral and religious elements of society. In this praiseworthy labor he
been encouraged by one of the best of women,
a lady possessing rare qualifications and one wlio
has assisted in drawing around herself and family the best social elements of the community.
We thus find a home without pretensions to elegance, but encircled by an air of culture and
refinement, and a most delightful resort.
The Cady family originated in England, and it
is supposed that the first members of the family
who came to America settled in Columbia County,
N. Y., early in the eighteenth century. This, however, is only traditional and cannot be given as a
positive fact. The paternal grandfather of our
sutlject was Elijah Cady, who was a native of the




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


531


I ~ --- —

county above named, in which his son, Sylvester,
the father of our subject, was also born. The
latter died in his native county when only about
thirty years of age, and 1)t a few facts pertaining
to his history are obtainable. He was a wellto-do farmer and a man of' strictly moral character. His wife, Polly Crego, was born in Hlerkimer
County, N. Y., and (lied at the home of her youngest daughter, in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, at
an advanced age. Sylvester and Polly Cady ihad
born to them four cilldren-Elsie, Jonathan, Gager
T. and Mary J. Of tlese, only Jonathan and Mary 
J. now survive. The latter is the widow of Otis
Whipple and lives at Irving Park, Chicago.
The gentleman of wliom we write first saw the
light of (lay, August 14, 1811, in Columbia County,
N. Y. I-e remained at home until twenty-one
years of age, and then started out in tle world for
himself with no capital except wilat nature had be.stowed upon him and a good conmmon-school education. Ile hired out to work on a farm when he 
was a boy for one shilling a (lay, and had many
hardships to endure, but by economy saved up
quite a little sum of money, witl which, in 1833, he 
came to the Territory of Michigan. Here lie rouglhed
it for two years before going back to his native
county. but the following year le returned to this
State with his mother. He bought one hundred andj
sixty acres of land on section 10, Grass Lake
Township, this county, and spent several years on
that farm.
Finally selling the property to his brother, Mr.
Cady removed to where lie now resides, on section
18, the same township, where he owns two hundre(l and ten acres of fine and well improved land.
Having accumunlated a corfortable competency,
lie has wisely retired from active labor. It is maintained by some that mortals are largely the victims
of circumstances and that a man's misfortunes or
prosperity are largely dependent upon his surroundings and opportunities. Tiese sentiments,
however, become questionable in reviewing the
career of Mr. Cady. Although he meddles very
little in politics, he keeps himself thoroughly posted
upon the march of events the world over, and
gives his support to the Republican party. IIe is
not a member of any religious dlenomination, but


believes in the establishment and maintenance of
churches, and has always given freely of his means
for church and chlaritable purposes.
One of the most interesting events in the life of
Mr. Cady was his marriage, which took place in
Grass Lake, this county, September 28, 1849. The
bride was Miss Martha S. Price,  wo was born in
Ossian, Allegany County, N. Y., August 13, 1828,
and is a daughlter of Joshua V. and Nancy (Bennett Price, natives of New York and Connecticut
respectively. Mr. and lMrs. Price came to Michigan in 1833 and settled on a farm near Grass Lake
Village, where they lived for many years. They
then moved into the village, where both died ripe
in years. Mrs. Cady has been a member of the
Baptist Church at Grass Lake since she was fourteen years of age. She has borne her husband five
children, as follows: Mary L., born September 28,
1850; Albert O., I)ecember 28, 1852; Emma J.,
January 1, 1862; Henry D., November 16, 1864;
John was born March 24, 1873, but died soon after.
A\VID J. SOPER:I, who is a well-known
farmer of Grass Lake Township, was born
in this townslip February 2, 1851. IIe is
a son of one of the earliest pionoers of this
county, Cornelius Soper, who was born in Dutchess
County, N. Y., and who, upon reaching man's estate, was wedded to Miss Eliza E. Wood.
The father of our subject remained a resident of
New York State until sometime in the '30s, tlen
decided to seek his fortune in the far West. Selecting this county as his location, lhe journeyed hither
overland and by water and took up a tract of Government land upon which he lived for many years.
IHe was very successful as a farmer and spent his
last days in Grass Lake, passing away June 4, 1882,
when about seventy years old. His career was
that of many who came to this region empty
handed and who, by a course of prudence and
economy, accumulated a large share of this world's
goods. He was a man of decided views and a
stancll Democrat, but made no effort to push hirm


A






532


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


self into office, and consequently lived the life of a
lprivate citizen. His father, John Soper, accompanied him to Michigan and died in Grass Lake
Township. Some of the early members of the
family served in the Revolutionary War.
The mother of our subject departed this life at
the homestead in (Grass Lake Township June 28,
1879, at the age of sixty-eight years. The parental household was completed by the birth of eleven
children, viz: Hiram, Mary C., Mary L., Nicholas, Job, Joln, Daniel, Josephine, Rosella; Levi
and David J. The latter, of whom we write more
especially, was reared at the old homestead within
a half mile of where he now resides. IHe acquired
his education in the common-school and at an early
age was taught to make himself useful on the farm.
-Ie remained there until a man of twenty-seven
years and then started out for himself. In 1878
he bought one hundred acres of land on section 18,
Grass Lake Township which is included in his
present homestead. To this he later added forty
acres, and whole of which has been brought to a
good state of cultivation. Mr. Soper belongs to
the Patrons of Industry and in his political views,
is, like his father, strongly Democratic.
The 26th of February, 1878, was a day made
mnemorable in the life of Mr. Soper by his marriage
with Miss Mary E. Glenn at the bride's home in
Leoni Township. Mrs. Soper was born in England,
July 2. 1858, and is the d(aughter of William and
Emeline 'Allen) Glenn, who emigrated to America
in 1865. Coming directly westward they settled
in Leoni Township where they still live. Mr. and
Mrs. Soper are the parents of three children-Eva
E., Ray G. and Mearl L.
-      1HEODORE T. ANDERSON. This veteran
pioneer of Sandstone Township constitutes
one of the old landmarks in the growth and
development of this county with which he has been
closely identified for a period of over forty years.
He was born in Wayne County, this State, August
27, 1819, and is the son of Paul D. and Amanda
(King) Anderson, who were natives respectively of


Vermont and New York City. His paternal ancestors originated in Scotland.
The father of our subject left the Green Mountain State about 1816, and made his way to Michi.
gan Territory nearly twenty years prior to its
admission into the Union as a State. I-e secured a
tract of land in Wayne County, and being a millwright by trade, followed this the most of his life,
putting up two mills in Wayne County and others
elsewhere. In the meantime he left his family in
Detroit while he worked at his trade and managed
to bring a portion of his land to a state of cultivation. He spent his last days in Wayne County,
Mlici., dying about 1837. In early manhood he
affiliated with the old Whigig party but after its
abandonment cordially endorsed Republicai principles. A warm defender of the principles of Masonry he was one of the earliest men in this region
to represent the fraternity.
To the parents of our subject there was born a
family of four children, of whom Theodore T, is
the only survivor. The latter lived mostly in Detroit until he was a youth of seventeen years and
then the family removed to a farm about seven
miles west of the city. He received his education
mostly in the schools of that city and had for one
of llis youthful comrades Thomas W. Palmer, who
a few years since was a member of the State Senate.
After the death of his mother our subject went
to St. Lawrence County, N. Y., and attended
school at an academy one year. When completing
his studies he began learning the carpenter's trade,
which he followed about ten years. In the meantime he was married October 23, 1849, to Miss
Betsey Wright. This lady was a native of Vermont and by her union with our sulject were
born the following children: Theodore E., William F., of Chicago, Ill.; Mart-ha A., the wife of F.
D. Walworth, of Springport Township; Garland
W., Charles K. and Mary G. In 1850, Mr. Anderson brought his wife to Sandstone Township and
they settled on the farm where they now live, this
comprising eighty acres which under the careful
management of the proprietor has been brought to
a productive condition and is the source of a comfortable income. For this he paid $11.25 per acre,
thirty-five acres being somewhat improved. The






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


533


I


balance, however, was wild land and involved considerable labor and expense in bringing it to its
present condition.
There are few who can enlighten Mr.'Anderson
very much upon the toils and hardships of the frontier-especially those who commenced with limited
or no capital, as he did. He added to his first
purchase and now has one hundred and twenty
acres in the home farm besides twenty-two acres
on section 5. He acknowledges that his estimable
wife was his nost efficient helpmate and counselor
and he met his first great affliction in her death,
which occurred September 15, 1886. Not only
was Mrs. Anderson deeply mourned by her immediate family, but the entire community felt that it
had sustained a less.
Mr. Anderson votes the straight Republican
ticket and in former years belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Jackson. He
enjoys an extended acquaintance among the best
people of the county and although perhaps not
making any great stir in the world, has fulfilled the
duties devolving upon him in a creditable manner,
doing good as lie has had opportunity and furnishing an example of thrift, industry and honesty well
worthy of imitation.
ITGUSTUS N. FOOTE, Secretary and Treasurei of the Jackson Electric Light Company, and also Secretary of the Battle
~]     Creek and Albion Electric Light Companies, has been a resident of Michigan for a
period of more than sixty years, and is one of
the oldest residents of the State, in point of settlement now living in Jackson. Iis large experience
in finances and as a business man places him
among the foremost men of enterprise and ability
who are doing so much to advance the interests of
the city and county in every direction.
Mr. Foote's native place is Villanova, Chautauqua County, N. Y., he having been born there
September 18, 1823. He comes of good old New
England stock, his paternal grandparents being
life-long residents of Coinnecticut, and there lis


father, Milton Foote, was born in the town of
Litchfield, Litchfield County. He was there reared,
and in 1809 was married, in Newtown, to Lois Briscoe. who was born in that place July 26, 1792. In
1812 they removed to New York State and commenced to build a new home in Grotton Hollow,
Cortland County, Mr. Foote buying a tract of
heavily-timbered land. Ile cleared quite a tract of
it and was much prospered for a time, but later he
was so unfortunate as to lose his all, and to have
to begin life anew. So, in 1820, he borrowed money
to buy a pair of oxen, built a sled and started
with his family for the Iolland Purchase. After
they had traveled one day the snow melted, and
they had to finish the journey with the sled on
bare ground. Mr. Foote located in Chautauqua
County, and once more commenced the hard pioneer task of hewing out a farm from the primeval
forests. He bought heavily timbered land of the
Holland Purchase Company, and at once erected
a pole shanty to shelter his family, replacing it
soon after with a block house, in which dwelling
our subject was born. The father was very industrious, and besides clearing seventy acres of land,
erected two hewed log barns, and planted a large
orchard. There were no railways or canals in that
part of the country at that time, and consequently
no markets for farm  produce, therefore Mr. Foote
concluded that he never should be able to pay for
his land and that it would be better to seek a
more favorable location, and in 1830 he sold his
improvements for $300, and started for the 'erritory of Michigan, accompanied by his wife and
nine of his ten children, the removal being made
with a pair of horses and a covered wagon. After a
joulney of twenty days, they arrived in Lenawee
County, and found the now prosperous and flourishing city of Adrian but a mere hamlet, with only
one frame house and several log structures. The
surrounding country was but sparsely settled, the
land being mostly held by the Government, and
for sale at $1.25 an acre. Mr. Foote bought eighty
acres of land near Adrian, tile same tract upon
which the Wabash Railway station now stands.
The land was known as,ak openings, and therefore was not as difficult to improve, and the first
year he girdled the trees on ten acres, and sowed




534                                        PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
--   -   I0.   ~_-  -  "I  =   I"   - I  ^,. ^   7 ^  ^ -,  D _-,. -  a -  --, _,:   ~ =;. ----.:.~  X -   X-~ - -.   -,- --  -   ,^.-  - -   - -  = = ===.-  D   -.- -   " -:-7- — L --,- --  -  - -


I


it to wheat, which he cut with a sickle the next
hlarvest. Bread-stuff was scarce, and being in a
hurry for flour, Mr. Foote threshed a part of it in a
blanket, and sent our subject and an elder brother
a distance of four miles on foot for a hand fann ingmachine, a primitive affair such as could be made
by any one having boards and tools. Wishing to
secure more land, Mr. Ioote sold that near Adrian
in 1835, and removed to Ilillsdale County, and settled in Adams Township on a tract of forest-covered
land, and built a log house in the wilderness to shelter his family not only from the inclemency of the
weather, but from  bears, wolves and other wild
beasts that roamed through thle woods. Deer and
other wild game furnished good meat for their
table, such as would be considered a luxury now-adays in manly homes. He spent the remainder of
his life there, his death occurring in 1842, and his
wife, surviving him, lived on the homestead until
1853, when she went to make her home with our
subject in Adrian, and in October, 1882, forty
years after lier husband's death, she, too, passed
peacefully away.  They were devoted meml)ers of
the Methodist Church, and religious meetings were
frequently held at their home, in which the itinerant preacher was always hospitably entertained. The
following is recorded of the ten children born to
the parents of our subject, all of whom were reared
to maturity: tHannahl M. married Pharis Sutton,
and lives in Lenawee County; John Milton died
in Adams, Hillsdale County; Abba is the wife of
Sylvanus Kinney, of Adrian; James (lied in Adams
Township, Hlillsdale Connty; Cemantha  married
L. S. Bangs, and died in Adams Township; William B. also died there; Eliza is the wife of,Joseph
Kempton, and lives in Colorado; our subject was
the next in order of birth; Adelia married Knight
Record, and lives in Farmington, Minn.; Eli S. jesides in San Antonia, Tex.
Augustus Foote, of whom    we write, was but
seven years old when he came to Michigan with
with his parents, but he remembers well the incidents of the long and tedious overland journey,
and of the subsequent pioneer life. I-e was educated in the primitive log schoolhouses of the
early days of the settlement of Michigan. Like all
the farmers' boys in those days, he was early called


I


I


upon to assist in the labors of the farm, which he
relinquished soon after his father's death to learn
the trade of a carpenter with his brother-in-law,
Mr. Sutton. He worked with him about two years,
and then found employment in Adrian with James
Berry, a contractor and later a very extensive lumber dealer. Mr. Berry was not long in appreciating
the fact that our subject had much business ability and tact in managing affairs, and he made him
his confidential agent with power of attorney to
buy and sell for him. Our subject showed himself keenly alive to the trust imposed in him,
and the responsibility thrust uplon him, and never
did his employer have cause to regret his selection of him to aidl hiin in carrying on his vast
business, and never was a man more faithfully
and conscientiously served or his interests more
closely looked after by another man than in the
case of Mr. Berry and Mr. Foote. They were thus
closely united for more than a quarter of a century, from  1858 to 1886, and upon the death of
Mr. Berry in the latter year our subject was appointed administrator of his estate. In 1887 Mr.
Foote came to Jackson to make his home, and at
the present time is occupying the positions before
referred to.
The marriage of our subject, in 1853, with Miss
Sarah S. Parks, was an event that has had an important bearing upon his life. She was born in
Windom County, Vt., and is a daughter of Abijah
and Rhoda Parks. Their wedded life has been
been blessed to them by the birth of six children,
five of whom are living, as follows: Will A., tile
oldest; Della, the wife of John L. Schooleraft, of
Adrian; Nettie, the wife of James B. Gibbons, of
Marshall, Minn.; James B. and Catherine, residents of Jackson. Edwin M. died at the age of
two and a half years.
A man of unblemished reputation, of kindly,
generous temperament, and of more than average
vigor of mind, Mr. Foote is justly considered an
honor to hii community. He and his estimable
wife are among the most prominent members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which lie
served as Class-Leader for upward of thirty years,
and as Superintendent of the Sunday-school, and
in their charitableness and quiet,unostentatious man,




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.                                   535.. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I   -I. —... --- 1   ~   - 1   - -...~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


ner of performing kind and neighborly deeds, and
by the conduct of their daily lives they do much
to strengthen the belief in Christianity. They occupy a high social position, and do what they
can to elevate society and to promote the best
interests of the city.
7'z LPHONZO NASH. Probably no man in
Columbia Township has a higher reputation for thorough honesty and reliability
than the above-named gentleman, who is
the owner and occupant of a farm  on section 17.
For thirty years he has operated a threshing machine throughout the township, and therefore has
a large circle of acquaintances, making his reputation more than a neighborlhood one. Since he began life for himself he has ever been hard-working
and energetic, and his l)resent possessions are due
to his personal efforts. Ils motto is "pay as you
go." and he is consequently established on a firm
basis. His estate comprises ninety acres of excellent land, which was obtained by him in February,
1868, and has been broulght by him to a high state
of improvement and cultivation, bearing a full line
of substantial and adequate farm buildings.
Mr. Nash is a native of Newsted Township, Erie
County, N. Y., having been born there (ctober
28, 1839, and his residence in Michigan dates
from April, 1856, at which time his parents made
a setttlement in this county. H:ere lie Iecame of
age and began his own work in life, earning the
confidence of those with whom lie came in contact
and becoming the possessor of a comfortable home.
In politics lie is independent, casting his ballot
for the candidate whom ihe thinks best fitted to
carry out the will of the people and subserve their
interests. He is a member of Blue Lodge, No. 169,
of Brooklyn.
Lewis L. Nash, the father of our subject, was
born in Chenango County, N. Y., whence he was
taken to Erie County by his parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Moses Nash, when an infant of eiglhteen months.
There his father, who was a soldier in the War of
1812, and was in Buffalo when Ft. Erie was blown


up, died at the aoe of seventy o(td years. Lewis
Nash was reared and educated in Erie County,
early in life beginning work at the carpenter's
trade. Ile married Miss Grace Gardner, who was
born and reared in Newsted and then removed to
Clarence Township, Erie County, and the young
couple continued to make that county their home
until 1832. They then came to Michigan, p)urchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land in Verona
Township, Calloun County, four miles from Battle Creek. upon which they remained two years..The healtll of Mr. Nash being impaired there, he
sold his property for twice what it had cost him,
and returned to the Empire State, whence, in
1856, lie came again to Michigan, locating upon
forty acres of land in Columbia Township, this
county, wliere he spent the remainder of his life.
His death occurred October 26, 1889, wlen he was
nearly four-score years old. His wife breathed her
last September 15, 1889, just six weeks before his
own (ecease, she being then seventy-three years
old. She was a member of the Metlodist Episcopal Church, at Napoleon, and regarlded as a
woman of great wortl of character..  r. Nash was
a quiet, unassnumino and reliable man, wlo fulfilled his duties in life in suclh a way as to merit
esteem.
The first settlement of Lewis Nash in this State
was made at the expense of some suffering and
privation, his journey being accomplislled in the
primitive fashion by a team from his Eastern home
to Buffalo, N. Y., Ltence across the lake to Detroit,
and concluded by a team. Thlle coutry in which
tie made his home was new and unbroken, and ie
labored hard to build up a comfortable home,
being assisted iin her own sphere by his worthy
wife. HIe passed through Jackson, putting tup at a
tavern kept by a Mr. Jackson, the first settler in
the county that now bears his name. the tavern
being the only house then in the city. Moses Nash,
grandfather of our subject, was born in Chenango
County. Iis wife, Hanna Gallop, was born in
the same county as her husband. They both died
at Royalton.
Jered Gardner, tile grandfather on his mother's
side, was born on Long Island, and Diamia Sherman was born in New York. They were married




536


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.,..... -- - T R E0 00. 7.............................................. —... --- —-.....-. —..-D —


in that State. He died in Newsted County, N. Y.
She is still living there at the age of ninety-six
years.
Our subject was married in Columbia Township,
Jackson County, Mich., October 28, 1864, to Miss
Mary E. Russell. She was born April 7. 1846.
She was the daughter of John and Angeline (Willis)
Russell, who were natives of New York, and now
reside in this county. They have one daughter,
Emma N.
//  OTTFRIED MAYER. This name repre{{(_, sents that of one of the leading German
~K farmers of Waterloo Township, and one
who by his unflagging industt'y, prudent economy
and good judgment has raised himself from   a
modest position in life to one of wealth and independence.  Ile is well-educated in his native
tongue, and spent the early years of his life in his
native Kilngdom of Wurtemburg, where his birth
took place January 24, 1815. He comes from
pure German stock, being the son of Fred E. and
Margaret (Mayroad) Mayer, who were born, reared,
married and spent their entire lives in the Fatherland. Their family consisted of twelve children.
The subject of this sketch was the seventh child
of his parents, and lived with them on a farm until
reaching manhood. In the meantime, in accord.
ance with the laws and customs of his native country, he was placed in school at an early age, and
pursued his studies quite steadily until a lad of
fourteen years. He then worked with his fatler,
and learned all the details of agriculture as prosecuted in the German Empire. lie remained with
his parents until coming to America, which land he
set out for in the spring of 1844. Embarking at
Antwerp, he arrived in New York after twentyeight days spent on the ocean, and at once set out
for the Far West, coming to this county and located in Waterloo Township. Soon afterward he
took up eighty acres of land from the Government, and with a capital of less than $100, commenced   farming  under many difficulties and
disadvantages. He had come to stay, however,
and permitted nothing to turn him from his purpose


1-1" ---.. —" ---" —.., ---~~-~ -----


of erecting a home and accumulating a competence.
To what good purpose he has labored is indicated
by his surroundings. IHe is now the owner of four
hundred and fifty-one broad acres, all of which is
in a productive condition, and upon which he has
erected substantial modern buildings, gathered
together the latest improved machinery, good
grades of live stock and all the other appurtenances required by the intelligent and progressive
modern farmer. The homestead proper lies on
section 16, and Mr. Mayer's estate is considered
one of the most valuable in Jackson County.
Remaining a bachelor until over thirty-two
years of age, Mr. Mayer was then married, May 16,
1847, to Miss Amelia Moeanch, then living in
Waterloo Township. Mrs. Mayer is a native of
Germany, also born in the Kingdom of Luxemburg, June 4, 1819. She came alone to America in
1846. and of her union with our subject there have
been born five children —Amelia, Dorothy, Charles,
Frederick C. and William A. Mr. and Mrs. Mayer
since early youth have been connected with the
Lutheran Church, and Mr. Mayer, politically belongs to the Democratic party. He is one of the
leaders among his countrymen in this county, and
a representative of their nationality of whom they
may well be proud.
G- 0  T L I E B HEYDLAUFF. Waterloo
Township contains no finer home than that
belonging to the subject of this notice, and
recognizes no better citizens than he. There
is combined in his make-up the qualities which have
enabled him to rise from an humble position in life
to one of prominence and affluence. Of a progressive and enterprising mind, he has disbursed
his accumulations in an eminently wise manner,
and surrounded himself with all the comforts and
luxuries of this life. He was born in the Kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, October 23, 1837,
and is the son of Andrew and Christina Catherine
(Reithmiller) Heydlauff, who were natives of the
same province as their son, and who there spent
their entire lives.




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


537




The father of our subject was a farmer by occupation, an upright and honest citizen, and a member in good standing of the Lutheran Church. The
parental household included six children, viz.:
Catherine; J. Gottlieb, our subject; Louisa, Hed.
wig, Fredricka and William. J. Gottlieb was the
second born, and spent his early years under the
parental roof, learning the art of agriculture, and
acquiring his education in the common school. At
the age of twenty years, filled with more than an
ordinary amount of ambition to be somebody in
the world, and seeing little encouragement for advancement in his native country, he, in 1857, set
out for America. IUpon reaching his destination
he turned his face toward the Farther West, crossing the Mississippi and settling first in Iona County,
Mich.; lhe there engaged in farming until the outbreak of the Civil War. Ite had by this time
become familiar with American institutions, and
had contracted a warm affection for his adopted
country. HIe now p)roffered his services as a Union
soldier, and enlisted  in Company B, Sixteenth
Michigan Infantry, which company was also llonored by the membership of Allen B. Morris, now
Judge of the United States Court.
Mr. lHeydlauff went to the front with his regiment, which was assigned to the Army of the
Potomac, and fought in all the battles of that campaign. l-e served faithfully until the close of his
three years' term of enlistment, then veteranized
and continued until the close of the war. Although
experiencing all the hardships and privations incilent to life in the army, lie was, compared with
many of his comrades, remarkably fortunate, escaping wounds and capture, and was never confined in
the hospital a day from illness. He participated in
the battles of Gaines Hill, Mechanicsville, Malvern
Hill, the second battle of Bull Run, Antietam,
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, th(
Wilderness, Petersburg, Five Forks, a)dc had the
satisfaction of witnessing the surrender of Lee's
army at Appomattox. He also fought in various
minor engagements. At the close of the war he
received his honorable disclarge, July 8, 1865, at
Jeffersonville, Ind.
Returning now to his old haunts in Michigan,
Mr. Heydlauff in due time located on his present


farm in Waterloo Township. lie hlas now two
hundred and thirty-five acres of well-tilled land,
all lying on section 30. This is considered one of
the best farms in the township, without including
its fine residence, the amplle and convenient outbuildings, and other appurtenances, which indicate
the supervision of a proprietor more than ordinarily intelligent and ntterprising. Mr. Heydlauff
landed in America without means, and at first
worked by the day. With genuine German thrift
anl prudence lie began saving in a short time,
lived economically, and has thus furnished an example of what a man may accomplish by a resolute
will and plodding industry. Both Mr. Heydlauff
and his estimable wife are members in good standing of the Lutheran Clhurch. Mr. ITeydlauff is a
pronounced Republican, and has held various local
offices.
Our subject took unto himself a wife and helpmate after returning from the army, being married
January 14, 1866, to Miss Catlerine Moeckel. This
lady was born in Waterloo Township, May 20, 1843,
and is a daughter of John G. and Elizabeth (Freymuth) Moeckel, who were natives of Germany,
and who emigirated to America early in the '40s.
They came directly to Michigan and located in
Waterloo Township, where they spent the remainder of their days. To our' subject and his excellent wife there has been born a family of nine
children, viz.: Clara C., Louise M., Clharlotte H.,
Rosa F., Emma D., Victor W., Carl F., Walter G.
and Cornelia A. They are all living, and present a
most intteresting group, the most of tlhem being at
home with their parents.
J   OSEPHI B. KLINESMbITH. It is always a
pleasure to the biographical writer to note
the prosperity tllat has attended the labors
of one who began life for himself at an early
age and under circumstances that test the capabilities, and to whose untiring energy that prosperity
is due. The subject of this sketch is one of this
class, and having been left fatherless at an early




.538


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.




I


age the burdens devolving upon the head of tile
household fell largely to his lot from  that time.
He was born in Seneca, Ontario County, N. Y.,
September 25, 1845, reared on a farm where he
was early set to work and taught the value of industry and determination. Prior to the age of
nine years he had attended the district schools, but
the knowledge which he has acquired since that
time has been self-obtained. His father lost his all
Iby the breaking of a bank, and during the later
years of his life carried on his occupation of farming on rented land.
Young Klinesmith had scarcely entered his teens
when his father died. In 1861 his mother and two
sisters were brought by him to Michigan, and the
mother bought a tract of land in Spring Arbor
Township, this county, upon which they made
their home, the care of the place devolving upon
the young son. He did the clearing and improving, using oxen for the farm work, and carrying on
the estate for his mother until 1872. lie had manifested an uncommno:l degree of energy and enterprise and had proved quite successful in his
agricultural endeavors.
Upon leaving the farm he went to Evart, Oseola County, where he remained six weeks, after
which he engaged in the lumber business at Luddington, obtaining a position as foreman on the
docks. At tllis work he continued until December, 1873, when he was called home by the illness
of his mother. She died a few weeks later and he,
having bought the home farm, located permanently
upon it. It comprises eighty acres on section 10
and twenty acres on section 9, all improved, well
fenced, and with tie usual buildings-dwelling,
barn, granary, etc. The orchard was set out by
him in an eariv day of their possession, and the
stone for the dwelling was drawn when he had no
expectation of becoming the owner of the place.
Two teams are employed in the work of the estate,
where general farming is carried on, wheat being
the principal grain raised, and hogs, sheep, and
full-blooded Short-horn cattle being kept. The
orchard furnishes a good supply of various fruits
and proves a remunerative and attractive feature
of the estate. During the past winter Mr. Klinesmith has sawed one hundred thousand feet of


I
I
1
1


T


I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ -


Ilumber from lis lplace, having a contract with the
coal mill company.
Mr. Klinesmith is of German ancestry in the paternal line, his grandfather having come from the
Fatherland prior to the Revolution, during which
he served in the Colonial army. lie entered one
hundred and sixty acres of land in Pennsylvania,
where lie spent the remainder of his life. There
Andrew Klinesmith, the father of our subject, was
born and reared. H-e learned the trade of a glass
blower and when a young man found employment
in a glass factory in Seneca, Ontario County, N. Y.,
where lie remained until his marriage. He then
began farming on rented land. IIe had inherited
one hundred and sixty acres in Pennsylvania, wllich
lie sold and bringing the money home put it in a
bank, but the collapse of the institution resulted in
the loss of the $3,000 which lie had deposited, and
he was left without capital and obliged to struggle
manfully to improve his financial condition. He
diedin August, 1858, at the age of sixty-one years.
Iis suffrage was given to the Republican party.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name
of Charlotte Morton. She was born in the north
of Ireland and was of Scotch-Irisl lineage, and being orlphalned in childhood came to America,at the
age of seven years to join her brother John. Her
parents were quite wealthy but the estate went to
the oldest son and the younger members of the
family were obliged to shift for themselves. After
the death of her husband Mrs. Klinesmith endeavored to fill the place of both father and mother
and rear lier children in a becoming manner. After
puchasing the home in this State, with the aid of
her little family she had placed it in a comfortable
condition prior to her deatl, which took place in
January, 1874, when she had reached the age of
seventy-three years. She was a worthy member of
the Presbyterian Church. Her family comprised two
sons and two daughters, the subject of this sketch
being the youngest. The first born, Mrs. Charlotte
Kirk, now lives at Hillsdale; Andrew, the eldest
son and second child, came to this State in 1860
and worked out until August 6, 1861, when lie entered the Union army. He was enrolled in Company I, Sixth Michigan Infantry, and being sent
Southeast was at Baltimore nearly a year. He




9      I  I    I
W, I 
















PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


541


then went with Gen. Butler to New Orleans and
thence to Baton Rouge, where the command was
attacked by Gen. Breckenridge, August 6, 1862.
He was shot in the abdomen, the wound being received about 9'clock and his death occurring the
following morning at daybreak. The third child
is Mrs. Mary Shuret, of Montcalm County.
An important step in the life of our subject was
taken October 2, 1882, when in Brooklyn, this
county, he was united in marriage with Miss Ida
M. Woodworth. She is a daughter of Selden and
Malvina (Garrett) Woodworth, natives of the Empire State, who were reared and married at Wolcott. The ancestry of Mr. Woodworth is noted in
the sketch of his sister, Mrs. Aldrich. Mrs. Woodworth having lost her mother when quite young,
was reared by an older sister. Her father, Monte
Garrett, was a farmer whose death occurred at Lyons, Ohio. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs.
Woodworth removed to Akron, Ohio, where tile
husband engaged in carpenter work, although he
was also a cabinet maker. In 1861 he entered the
Union army as a member of the One hundred and
Sixteenth New York Infantry, of which he was
made color bearer. At Cedar Creek he was
wounded. After the war he went to Buffalo, thence
to Lyons, Ohio, subsequently coming to this county
and engaging in carpenter's work at Jackson.
Later he made his home in Weston, whence he removed to Spring Arbor, this county, where he is
now living, having abandoned work at his trade
and being now occupied in the sale of spring beds.
Hie has been Justice of the Peace four years. In
politics he is a Republican. Mrs. Woodworth is a
member of the Free Methodist Church. She is the
mother of seven children: Mrs. Elizabeth Sharpstine, of Jackson; Warren, who carries on a bleachery in the same city; Sarah, whose home is in
Jackson, also; the wife of our subject; Mrs. Emma
Converse, of Lyons, Ohio; Leonard, collector for a
house in Buffalo, N. Y., and Benjamin, who lives
in Spring Arbor.
Mrs. Klinesmith was born in Akron, October
11, 1857, and was about ten years old when she
came to Jackson. She finished her education in
the schools of that city, and under the careful parental training gained a knowledge of useful do

I
i


I


mestic arts an('. acquired fine principles by which
her life has been governed. She remained under
the parental roof until her marriage, since which
time she has devoted herself to the duties of her
home and neighborly kindness. She las borne four
children-Edith, Elton, J. B., and Warren, an interesting group around the family fireside. Mr.
Klinesmith has been a juryman, has served as
School Inspector one term, and been a delegate to
county conventions of the Republican party.
that year in Cass County, this State, and
ten years later took up his residence in Jack) ' son, where he worked at the trade of a carpenter for a number of years, then embarked in
the grocery business. About 1888 lie removed
ivith his family to Bay View, Mich., where his decease occurred August 24, 1888.
3IM. Brown was born in Dutchess County, N. Y.,
March 15, 1820, and was the son of Joel and Abigail (Sherwood) Brown, who emigrated to Michigan when Joel D. was a youth of sixteen years.
They spent their last days in Cass County, this
State. Young Brown acquired a practical education in the pioneer schools, and chose farming for
his vocation, which he followed a number of years
in Cass County. On the 18th of October, 1846, he
was joined in wedlock with Mercy Ann Durand.
This lady was born neart Ft. Edward, Washington
County, N. Y., Marci 4, 1815, and is still living,
being one of the earliest pioneer women of the
Wolverine State, and an honored resident of this
county, now making her home at the residence of
her daughter Nettie, in the city of Jackson. She
is descended from a worthy ancestry, being the
daughter of John Durand, a native of Connecticut,
and the granddaughter of Samuel Durand, whom it
is supposed was also born in that State, and who
traced his ancestry to France. The latter removed
from Connecticut to Washington County. N. Y.,
at an early day, and there spent the remainder of
his life. In the meantime lie fought on the side of
the Colonists in the Revolutionary War.








542


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


John Durand was married, in Washington
County. N. Y., and resided there until 1816. That
year he changed his residence to the vicinity of
Junius, Seneca County, making the removal across
a wild country with teams. He lived there six
years, then removed to Niagara County, und until
1830 was a resident of Royalton. The Territory
of Michigan was then attracting many people to its
borders, and thither John Durand decided upon
going. He entered upon the tedious journey with
his family, going by the canal and lakes to Detroit,
wliere he was met by a son-in-law with ox teams,
and by this slow method of locomotion they proceeded to Nankin, near Lavina, Wayne County,
where they halted and spent a few months. In the
meantime Mr. Durand and his son, John T., visited
this county, and being pleased with the outlook
entered a tract of Government land, including the
ground now comprising a part of the site of Jackson City. The only indications of a future town
was a group of half a dozen log buildings, one of
which, a double house, was utilized as a "tavern.'
Mr. Durand added to the architectural features
of the place by putting up another log house, and
ill the fall of that year prepared the ground for the
first wheat which was sowed in this county. This
labor completed he returned to Wayne County,
and in January following came back to this county
with his family, making the removal as before with
teams. This was long before the time of railroads,
and Ann Arbor, forty miles away, was the nearest
milling place and depot for supplies. The settlers
almost without exception, farmed and traveled with
ox-teams. Wolves and bears frequently frightened
and annoyed the settlers, whose cabins were built
mostly at long distances from each other, while
wild game at all times, including deer and turkeys,
was plentiful, and furnished a luxury for the table,
whatever else it might have lacked.
The log cabin of the Durand's was by no means
complete when they moved into it. Glass for window panes was a luxury not to be thought of, and
accordingly greased paper was nailed over the
opening in its stead. A fireplace extended across
nearly one end of the building, and a chimney was
erected of earth and sticks. There were no stoves
probably in Michigan at that day, the mother do

ing all her cooking by the fireplace. She also
manufactured the clothing for the family, carding
wool and flax, spinning and weaving. The privations and hardships endured by the Durand family
were similar to those which have been detailed so
often in noting the lives of the other pioneers of
this section, a large number of whom are represented in this ALBUM. John Durand succeeded in
building up a comfortable homestead, from which
he departed hence January 26, 1852, at the age of
eighty-two years. His wife, who bore the maiden
name of Mercy Thomas, is supposed to have been
a native of New York State. She passed away
April 21, 1838, aged sixty-six years.
To John Durand and his estimable wife there
was born a family of seven children, the eldest of
whom, a daughter-Lucy-married Ulysses Woodbury, both being now deceased; Polly married
Isaac Underwood; Laura became the wife of Dexter Briggs; Sophia, John T., Caroline and Mercy
Ann complete the list. Caroline became the wife
of the Rev. Orin Gregory, and is now deceased;
Mercy Ann, Mrs. Brown. was fifteen years old when
she came to Michigan with her parents, and she
completed her education in the pioneer schools.
In 1839 she returned to New York State, and lived
with her sister, Mrs. Woodbury, in East Mendon,
where she attended school for a time, and subsequently taught school two terms. In 1841 she
came back to Michigan, and was employed as a
teacher two terms near Jackson. She became acquainted with her future husband while on a visit
to her sister in Cass County. On March 4, 1890,
she was seventy-five years old, and she can look
back upon an experience made interesting with
many events through a period during which Michigan was admitted into the Union as a State, and
the wild country upon which her eyes first looked
in this region was slowly transformed into the
abode of a civilized and prosperous people. She
and her husband were among the earliest settlers of
Jackson City, which from a hamlet of a few log
houses has grown to an important commercial and
industrial center, with a population of twenty-five
thousand peop!e. The tales which she might relate,
if properly illustrated, would make a good-sized
volume, replete with thrilling interest. Mrs. Browr






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


543......  ---  ~ — ---     ---— ~ — - - ~ —.  --  - I -- — ~ ---~ —`~~ ---- - -- --- - - ----—,

_ —~-~~-~ —~ —~ —~-  _~~-~'~~- _  _ ~..  _   _......,                      ---- - _


is surrounded with all the comforts of life, not tile
least of which is the friendship and companionship
of many who have known her long and well, and
by whom she is held in high respect. Included in
her household is Miss Eva Underwood, the granddaughter of her sister, Mrs. Underwood. Mrs.
Brown and her husband were not blessed with children, but Mrs. Brown has performed the part of a
mother to an adopted daughter, Nettie A., with
whom she resides. Mr. and Mrs. Brown became
members of the Baptist Church over fifty years
ago. Politically, Mr. Brown was originally a Democrat, and became a Republican on the organization
of that party. It will be a pleasure to his many
friends to see his portrait in this volume.
IV7  EONARD S. WALDO, one of the earliest
l @of this county, is classed among its leading
)/*x, citizens and most successful agriculturists.
He owns and occupies a fine farm comprising three
hundred and twenty acres, all in a high state of
cultivation, and furnished with a substantial set of
frame buildings, which include every necessary arrangement for the comfortable housing of stock
and crops. The estate is located on sections 8 and
17, of Leoni Township, and is one of which any
man might be proud to be the owner.
So much of the character is foreshadowed in the
history of one's ancestors, that it will not be amiss
to briefly record that, of our subject. His grandfather, Capt. Duthan Waldo, served under Gen.
Washington in the Revolution, during the progress
of which he was wounded in the wrist, and discharged on account of disability. After the war
he located in Vermont, where the remainder of his
life was spent, and where his son, Justus Waldo,
was born. The latter learned the trade of a blacksmith,at which he worked in Connecticut and Massachusetts. He married Miss Samantha, daughter of
Richard and Lovina Beckwith, of New Hampshire,
and after his marriage lived for a time in Alstead,
that State. In 1817, he determined to seek a home
for himself in the West, and therefore went to
Avon, N. Y., where he opened a shop which he


operated a year. In the winter season be returned
to Vermont with a pair of horses and a sleigh, and
then removed his family to Ontario County, N. Y.
Being in poor health at the time, lie determined to
abandon his trade, and buying a tract of timber
land in Richmond Township, he built a log house,
and at once began to clear and otherwise improve
his farm.
In 1831 Mr. Waldo determined to move still
farther West, and in December of that year, with a
pair of horses and a wagon he journeyed through
Ohio, goilng as far West as the present site of Kalamazoo, Mich. After spending about a month in
that vicinity, he went to Washtenaw County, and
entered one hundred and twenty acres of land in
Sylvan Township. The following year his family
joined him, but after living there about a twelve.
month, the husband and father entered a tract of
land in this county, one mile east of the present
limits of the city of Jackson. On his new farm he
built a log house in which the family resided a year,
after which lie sold it, and bought another tract
near the village of Leoni. After living there two
years, he bought and returned to the place he had
formerly occupied on section 21, Leoni Township,
and which he had first taken from the Government.
There lie improved a farm on which lie lived for
many years. He died at the home of the subject
of this sketch in 1871, in the ninetieth year of his
age. His family comprised six sons and daughters:
Samantha is deceased; Lovina married Harlow
Gregory, and lives in Jackson; Oraline, now deceased, was the wife of Henry Pease; Leonard S., is
tie fourth on the family roll; Cyrus is deceased;
and Alvin died when quite young.
Leonard S. Waldo was born in Alstead, N. H..
April 5, 1817, and was fifteen years old when he
came to Michigan with the family. Their journey
was made from their home in Ontario County, N.
Y., with a team to Buffalo, thence via the lake to
Detroit, where the rest of the family were left, while
young Waldo took passage in a stage for Chelsea,
Washltenaw County. There he procured two yoke
of oxen, and a wagon, with which he returned to
Detroit for the family and goods. On their arrival
in Chelsea, lie proceeded at once to plant two and
a half acres of the land, which he sowed to wheat






544


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


and from which he harvested eighty-four bushels
the following year' D)uring the winter they erected
a log house into which the family moved in the
spring of 1833. At.that time the country was very
sparsely settled, deer, wolves, and smaller game
abounded, and bears were occasionally seen; on
one occasion a bear came into the yard and stole a
pig from the pen.
In 1834 young Waldo came to this county with
his parents, and has been a continuous resident here
since. He las witnessed the growth and developnent of the whole section of country, and has seen
Jackson grow from a hamlet of a few log houses,
to a city containing upwards of twenty-five thousand inhabitants. In 1845 he bought a tract of
wild land which is included in his present farm,
and which he has added to and brought to its present state of perfection.
On August 7, 1859, Mr. Waldo was united in
marriage with Miss Betsey St. John, a sister of T.
B. St. John, (of whom see sketch). She was born
in New York, had been the recipient of careful
training and good advantages. She was spared but
a short time after her marriage, dying in January,
1861.
Mr. Waldo contracted a second matrimonial alliance November 1, 1869, his companion being Mrs.
Carolina (Townsend) Miller. She was born in Niagara County, N. Y., to Minor and Jane Townsend,
and was the widow of Conrad Miller, who lost his
life in the late war. By him she had two children,
Eugene and Florence. Her present union has been
blessed by the birth of two children, Franklin L.,
and May S., both students of Jackson High School,
and receiving every advantage that their parents
can bestow upon them, instilling useful and upright
principles into their hearts, culture into their minds,
and proper habits into their lives.
Mr. Waldo was formerly an Abolitionist. IIe
was present at the meeting under the oaks in Jackson when the Republican party was formally organized, joined it at that time, and has since been a
strict adherent to its doctrines. The high principles which have characterized him throughout his
life, have given him good repute as a man and a
citizen, while his intelligence and enterprising spirit
and his kindly nature, give him a still higher place


in the esteem of his fellow-men. His estimable
wife possesses those traits of character which make
a woman's influence so widely felt throughout a
community, and many friends testify to her worth
of character.
i L  ORACE W. DARLING. The homestead
l ))) owned and occupied by the subject of this
' notice is one of the most desirable and attractive within the limits of Tompkins
Township, and has been brought to its present condition by him who still remains its proprietor. It
is pleasantly located on section 11, and embellished
with a fine large brick residence, flanked by a barn,
well-built and of ample proportions, together with
the sheds and other outbuildings required for the
successful prosecution of agriculture and stockraising. The place in all its appointments indicates, in a marled manner, the hand of thrift and
industry.
From  his youth the interests of Mr. Darling
have been centered in this region, as he was born
in Concord Township, this county, the date thereof
being October 26, 1843. His father, Lewis Darling, a native of Massachusetts, came to this county
in 1836, while Michigan was still a Territory, and
purchased a tract of heavily timbered land from
the Government, this lying in Concord Township.
There were then only three houses between his land
and the present flourishing city of Jackson, twelve
miles away, it being then a mere hamlet.
The father of our subject came to Michigan Territory poor in purse, making his way hither from
New York State. He employed himself as a farm
laborer by the month thereafter, for probably two
years in New York, to which he had returned after
selecting his land; and after coming back to Michigan hle not long afterward was joined in wedlock
with Miss Jane, daughter of Hubbard and Anna
(King) West. The young people began the journey of life together in true pioneer style, and in
accordance with their means and surroundings.
The father had put up a frame house, and there in
due time three children were born and reared, viz.:






PORTRAIT AND BIOG RAPI ICAL ALBUM.


545


Horace, Amasa I-I. and Martha J. The father died
at the home of his son, Amasa, in Tompkins Township, January 6, 1876, at the age of sixty-four
years. The mother had preceded her husband to
the silent land, dying at the home of Iorace W.,
our subject, in 1868, when forty-eight years old.
Mr. Darling spent his boyhood and youth anmid
the wild scenes of pioneer life, assisting his father
in the cultivation of the farm, and obtaining a limited education in the primitive schools. He remained under the parental roof until reaching
manhood and May 5, 1865, as the preliminary step
toward establishing a home of his own, was joiPed
in wedlock with Miss Martha, daughter of Thomas
and Mahala (Myers) Blair. Mrs. Darling was born
December 26, 1838, in Seneca County, Ohio, and
came with her parents to this ctunty in 1850.
Thomas Blair was born in County Armagh, Ireland, while his wife was a native of Ohio. They
spent their last years in Tompkins Township, this
county, the mother dying in 1859, when coinparatively a young woman. Mr. Blair survived his
wife a period of thirty years, dying August 25,
1889, at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Jane 
True, of this township.
Prior to his marriage Mr. Darling had purchnsed
one hundred and sixty acres of land, on section 12,
Tompkins Township, and there the newly-wedded
pair began the journey of life together in a small
log house. Mr. Darling was prosperous in his labors as a tiller of the soil, and later invested a
portion of his capital in additional land, buying
four hundred and fifty acres, which constitutes his
present homestead. This was then slightly improved, but bore no comparison to its present
condition. Two hundred acres are in a good state
of cultivation. In the meantime Mr. Darling parted
with some of the land heretofore mentioned, and
purchased other tracts so that the homestead proper
comprises three hundred acres, and in addition
owns three hundred acres near the home place, in
this township.
To Mr. and Mrs. Darling there have been born
two children only, L. B. and Mary, who are at
home with their parents. Politically, Mr. Darling
supports the principles of the Republican party.
He has served several terms as Township Super

visor, but- intent upon his farming operations,
prefers to relegate the cares and responsibilities of
office to some man who probably would not make
so successful a farmer. He gives considerable attention to fine stock, making a specialty of Shorthorn cattle and Merino Sheep, including a goodly
number of registered animals.
i\ -,ILLIAM II. COON. A fine farm of fifty\\/ esix acres is owned and operated by the
'V Y  subject of this sketch, who, beginning with
no capital save a brave heart and a pair of strong
hands, has by unremitting labor accumulated a
competence, besides having purchased his estate,
and embellished the same with many improvements
of a modern type. He has a good substantial barn,
a commodious residence and all the outbuildings
essential to the proper cultivation of the homestead.
Coming of worthy parentage, Mr. Coon prides
himself on the honor, good citizenship and patriotism of his forefathers. Especially is he justly
proud of the part taken in the Civil War by his
father and elder brothers. The father, Willis S.
Coon by name, was a native of New York, whence
after his marriage to Miss Patience Nichol, likewise
a native of the Empire State, he emigrated in 1842
to Michigan, locating in Rives Township, this
county. Eight children were born of this union,
namely: Lewis, James, Amasa, William H., our
subject; John B., Emma, Willis and Mary L.
William H. was born in Rives Township, September
6, 1849, and was early inured to the hardships of
frontier life.
After the outbreak of the Civil War the father
enlisted in 1863 in Company E, First Michigan
Sharpshooters. He participated in many desperate
engagements and others less deadly and important.
Being wounded at the battle of Petersburg he was
taken prisoner and conveyed to Anderson ville, Ga.,
to that famous dungeon in which hundreds no less
brave or gallant than he were thrown, perhaps to
never again see the light of day. The fate of Willis
Coon is not positively known, but doubtless hu








54G


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHIICAL ALBUM.


546.O T AD BC  A


starved in the prison where the hatred of his torturers had consigned him. He died in a noble cause,
and while mourning their severe loss, the family
realize that to fall as a martyr for his country is
the grandest death one may be permitted to die,
unless he perish in defense of his religion.
James Coon, the second son in the family,
is now;a resident of Leslie, this State. Amasa
served in the late war, enlisting in the same company with his father; he also was taken prisoner
and was kept four months and twenty-four days in
Libby Prison, but managed to get out alive. He
came home for a short time, but later re-enlisted,
returning to his regiment and serving until the
close of the war. After his return to Michigan he
married Miss Priscilla Cobb, and died some years
later. Another brother, Lewis, the eldest, during
the war was in the same regiment, and was in active
service until the close of the campaign. He was
wounded by a gun-shot in the hip, also having his
eyes injured in the war. He is at present living in
Grand Rapids and as a result of his injury is nearly
blind.
While the older members of the family were
fighting in their country's defense, our subject remained, the eldest child at home, caring for tle
younger children, and( aiding his mother in every
possible way. He worked the farm until the death
of his mother, which occurred Mav 10, 1865, before
the return of the soldier boys from the field of
warfare. Afterward our subject lived with Charles
Hurd, of Henrietta Township, until twenty-one
years of age, when he commenced to labor by the
month. By frugal living and constant economy he
was able in 1878 to purchase forty acres of land,
the nucleus of his present farm, on section 7, in
Henrietta Township. The farm was barren of improvements and had no buildings nor had the soil
been rendered fertile by the careful husbandman.
The marriage of our subject occurred December
4, 1878, to Miss Marietta, daughter of John and
Mary A. (Hallifax) Gott. Mrs. Coon is a native of
this county, and was born August 17, 1860. She
was trained from childhood to habits of industry,
and was prepared for the responsible position of a
prudent housekeeper and a devoted wife. She has
borne her husband two children, daughters, namely:


Winnie and Imogene. She is a member of the
Episcopal Church, as is likewise her husband and
he holds the position of vestryman in the church
at Henrietta. Politically he is a strong and enthusiastic Republican, and has served as Constable of
the township two terms. He is a member of the
Order of Patrons of Industry, and is in various
ways identified with the interests uppermost in the
minds of the loyal citizens of Jackson County.
AVID H. CREECH, an early settler of Jackson County and one of its highly esteemed
vi   citizens, is of Irish ancestry and descended
from Richard Creech, who spent his last years in
Banden, County Cork, Ireland, where he took up the
occupation of a weaver, although his early life had
been passed as a seafarer. In the town where the
last years of this man were spent, his son Edward,
the father of our subject, was reared and educated,
going thence to New Brunswick, where he sojourned
for a short time, ere returning to his native place,
and then crossing the Atlantic to the United States.
He located in Jersey City and determining to make
this his permanent home, sent for his family which
at that time consisted of his wife and five children.
Mr. Creech found employment at various kinds
of work and hoarded his resources until 1835
when he determined to secure a home of his own
in the West. He therefore, in company with his
brother and oldest son, started for the Territory of
Michigan, via the Hudson River and Erie Canal to
Buffalo, thence across the lake to Detroit from
which place they started on foot to Jackson County,
Mich. This section of country was but sparsely
settled and the greater part of the land was still
owned by the Government and for sale at $1.25
per acre while Jackson was a village of but a few
houses. Selecting a tract of land which is now included in Summit Township, Mr. Creech walked to
Monroe to enter it at the Government Land Office
and after filing his papers built a rude log shanty
in which he resided a few months while breaking a
small acreage. He then returned to Jersey City
and worked there until 1842 when, accompanied by






PORTLRAIT AND) BIOGxRAPHICAL ALBUM.Z~


547


P   A  I


his wife and three children, he returned to Michigan and took up his abode on his land.
A log house with one room on the ground floor
and one above roofed with slabs between which the
snow would sift on cold winter nights, and with a
stone chimney on the outside, was shared by the
family of Mr. Creech and another man and family
of five persons until the former could erect better
quarters for his household. Times were hard and
money scarce; dressed hogs sold at one and onefourth cents per pound, potatoes in the field at
seven cents and corn and oats at ten cents. Mr.
Creech set about improving his place, as soon as
possible building a dwelling which was the first
frame house in the vicinity. It was a story and a
half structure, 18x30 feet, with an " L," the timbers hewed and its cost $280, and it was the work of
a man who combined the trade of a carpenter with
the labors of a preacher of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Mr. Creech continued tilling the soil
about ten years, then sold his rural home and repaired to Sandwich, Mass., where he lived retired
from business a few years, thence changing his residence to West Troy, N. Y., and a few years later
coming to Jackson, where he died in 1866.
The mother of our subject was in her maidenhood Miss Ann Morris. She was a native of the
same town in which her husband had opened his
eyes to the light and her last years were spent in
Jersey City, where she died at the advanced age
of ninety-eight. She and her husband were devoted members of the Episcopal Church in the
faith of which they had been reared. Their union
was blest by the birth of seven children of whom
six were reared, viz: John, Thomas, Richard, James,
Edward and David H., the latter being the only
one born in the United States.
The subject of this biographical notice was born
in Jersey City, N. J., March 11, 1830, and received
his early education in the place of his nativity
whence he came to Michigan at the age of twelve
years. He then assisted his father in the improvement of the farm, remaining under the parental
rooftree until he had attained his majority, when
he purchased eighty acres of land in Summit
Township. the terms of purchase being a small
cash payment and the balance on time. So well


was his estate managed, and so prudently were the
affairs of the household conducted that the land
was soon paid for from the product3 of the place.
After having lived upon the farm ten years, Mr.
Creech rented it and came to Jackson where he engaged in teaming, soon buying a lot and erecting
a dwelling. Ere long he engaged in the grocery
business, but after conducting that branch of trade
about two years, he began dealing in real estate in
which he has since continued a successful career.
He is now building on the corner of First and
Wesley Streets an attractive modern residence
which, when completed, will be an ornament to
that part of the city.
The marriage of Mr. Creech was celebrated
September 22, 1852, his bride being Miss Mary
Morris, a native of Banden,Treland, but an American
by education and training, as she was quite young
when her parents emigrated to the United States.
She died June 24, 1885. Mr. Creech has always
been a Democrat. Although reared under the teachings of the Episcopal Church, he does not belong
to any religious body, but is liberal in his belief.
ARCUS P. WADE, owner and occupant of
a fine farm on section 16, Tompkins Township, was born in Wayne County, N. Y.,
July 27, 1815. In July, 1834, his father,
Joseph Wade, with his wife and two children, came
to Washtenaw County, Mich., to which our subject
followed them  in November. The father rented
land upon which a little shanty stood, and there
they lived about eighteen months. They then, in
May, 1836, came to this county, where a piece of
wild land was purchased, and a settlement made
among Indians and wild animals. Mr. Wade was
the fourth actual settler of Tompkins Township,
in which he lived during the remainder of his life,
improving and cultivating his farm. His death
took place July 18, 1846, at the age of sixty-four
years. He was a soldier in the War of 1812.
The wife of Joseph Wade was born in Connecticut, and bore the maiden name of Rhoda Rundle,
being a daughter of William and Mary Rqndle, qf






i


548


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM., —                                                                                              - ------          --------- -~~~-~~`   -~- -~- -~-~~-   ~   I-~-~ — I~- ~   '
I --- —------------ ------- --- ------— ~ --- —--------— I                   ~. —


New England. She also died on the Michigan
homestead, the date of her decease being December 28, 1861. She had lost one child in its infancy
while they were still living in the Empire State,
and one has died since her own death. The living
children are: Louisa, widow of James l)avenport,
now living in Monroe County; our subject, Uriah,
and Joseph, all of the sons living in the same township.
The gentleman with whose name we introduce
this sketch, was married September 24, 1839, to
iiss Marissa Cramson, the ceremony taking place
in Onondaga, Ingham County, and said to be the
first marriage in that village. Ths wedding was
attended by two Indian squaws, who took great delight in the style of dress of the bride. Mrs. Marissa Wade was spared to her husband and children
only until April 13, 1847, when she breathed her
last. Hier daughter Ellen, became the wife of Andrew Healy, and the mother of three children:
George, who was graduated at Albion, and is now
in the Theological school at Chicago, being a minister of the Presbyterian Church; Howard and Herbert, both of whom are deceased, the last named
lhaving died at the age of seven years. The second child of Mrs. Marissa Wade was named for the
mother; she married E. E. Thompson, and (lied
June 23, 1876, leaving one son, Fred W.
The present wife of Marcus Wade,bore the maiden
name of Abigail Giles. Her parents, Ephraim and
Esther (Pratt) Giles, were natives of Massachusetts
anit Vermont,respectively, and in the latter State she
opened her eyes to the light, March 12, 1823. The
family came to Michigan in 1845, and some five
years later located in Tompkins Township, where
Mr. Giles died September 5, 1868, and Mrs. Giles
January 26, 1878, the latter aged eighty-four years.
Their family comprised ten children, of whom Mrs.
TWade was the fourth, and six of whom are yet living. One daughter, Betsey M., married Lovinus A.
Hall, December 21, 1854, her husband dying at
Washington, about the close of the late war; she
has a nice home in the same neighborhood as her
sister, Mrs. Wade. The latter has borne our subject two children: Mina E., wife of Theodore
Weston; and they have three children living-Girtie L., Hattie A., and J. Wade; Charlie A. mar 


ried Libbie Woodard, and they have one son, Clarence M.
Mrs. Wade's grandfather, Ebenezer Giles, was
born in Townsend, Mass., in 1759, and when seventeen years old, enlisted in the Colonial Army,
and served until the close of the Revolution. At
the battle of Trenton, he was wounded and taken
prisoner by the Hessians, taken to Staten Island,
and held a prisoner eighteen months. He died in
Vermont in 1838, aged seventy-nine years. His
wife, Betsey Melvin, bore two children, the younger
of whom died at the same time as the mother.
Mrs. Wade's maternal grandfather, James Pratt,
was born in Ware, Mass., in 1762, and died in
1854. lIe was an officer in the Revolution. His
wife was Sallie Giles, a cousin of Mrs. Wade's
father; she died in 1834. Of the nine children
whom she bore, all lived to be past thirty years of
age. Back another generation in this line was Capt.
Elisha Pratt, of the Revolutionary army, who died
in 1807, at the age of seventy-eight years, his
widow dying in 1827, at the age of ninety. This
Capt. Pratt belonged  to the Congregational Church,
and was a very consistent and conscientious member. At one time when his family were very much
in need of meat, he refused to shoot a deer on Sun(lay, saying: "If the Lord wants us to have that
buck, He will cause it to come another day." The
deer came on Monday, and was shot.
The ancestors of Marcus Wade are of the old
New England stock, numbering among them pilgrims and Revolutionary soldiers. His grandfather
Alverson Wade, was born in Maine, in 1759, and
died in Wayne County, N. Y., in 1828. He was
the eldest child in a family of six. His father,
Dudley Wade, was a surgeon in the Revolution,
and treated the wounded at the battle of Bunker
Hill.  A day or two after that battle, the son
reached Boston with a supply of clothing, meat,
blankets, etc., whicl he had carried to the Continentals, having a team of two yoke of oxen with a
horse in the lead, hitched to the cart that held his
supplies. On his journey he had heard the cannons
during the renowned battle.  His wife, Naomi
Munger, traced her ancestry in a direct line to the
Pilgrims.
The farm owned and occupied by the subject of








PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL'~ TTCL ALBITM.I


551


POTRi AND- BLO-C —A —HICAL- ALBUM. ----1
- -~~ — I~~~ —' --- —- ', -.  - 


this sketch, comprises one hundred and eighty-two
acres in a high state of cultivation, the dwelling
and barn being particularly well-built and attractive.
The owner is an enterprising and progressive agriculturist, a reliable citizen, and an esteemed member of society. He is a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, and has held the office of
Justice of the Peace of the township. His worthy
wife is also a highly respected member of the community, where her kindness and intelligence are
well-known and appreciated. Mrs. Wade's mother
reared six sons, and none of them ever swore an
oath or touched a drop of liquor, or used a bit of
tobacco. Mr. and Mrs. Wade have been consistent
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for
upwards of fifty years, a record of which they have
cause to be proud.. ^-      =.


O    HARLES 1. MOE is the owner and occupant of a fertile and well-improved tract of
land on section 24, Sandstone Township,
where he has resided since infancy, being reared to
manhood amid the scenes of pioneer life and assisting his father in the development of the estate.
His paternal ancestors are said to have been of
French lineage. His father, Perrin Moe, was born
in Vermont, September 21, 1805, and was reared
to manhood in his native State receiving but limited
educational advantages compared with what the
youth of the present day enjoy; however, by making good use of the means of information which
came in his way, he was able to add much to his
store of knowledge and kept well informed on
topics of general interest. In his youth he learned
the trade of a carpenter and joiner, and in after
life followed it in connection with farming.
About the year 1828, while still a single man,
Perrin Moe emigrated to Michigan and spent some
time near Pontiac, Oakland County. He then settled in Ann Arbor, and establishing a shop for the
manufacture of fanning mills, carried it on for
several years. He came to this State comparatively
poor, but being industrious and prudent he was


successful in materially improving his financial
condition and ere his death had secured a most
excellent farm with pleasant home surroundings.
In 1834, lie purchased one hundred and sixty acres
of land in this county, paying the Government the
usual price of $1.25 per acre. Some three or four
years later he settled upon the farm, practically in
the woods, the family dwelling being a log house
about 14x20 feet in dimension. Although under
his supervision two Englishmen had commenced
the clearing of the farm, yet he entered into the
work (,f development, enduring the usual hardships
to which the pioneers were subject, and at an early
day had to buy and sell at Detroit whither he drove
with a team. lIe married Miss Eliza A. Bunker, a
native of New York, who encouraged and aided
him in the battle of life and proved herself a worthy
helpmate. She bore him three children: Charles
I., Myron and Nellie, the subject of this sketch
being the only one now living.
In the little log house the Moe family lived for
several years, but at length the dwelling now standing was erected, while various other improvements
took the place of the primeval forest, all being a
standing monument to the industry, perseverance
and good management of Mr. Moe. His death
occulrred on the farm, January 15, 1890. He was
widely and favorably known throughout the county,
where he had served as Superintendent of the
County Poor Farm, and had endeavored by every
means in his power to aid in good works. In
politics he was a Democrat, and was at one time a
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
His wife passed from earth September 28, 1882,
leaving belind her an honored name.
Charles I. Moe. the subject of this biographical
sketch, was born in Ann Arbor, November 27,
1834. His early education was obtained in the
district schools of this county, to which, as before
noted, his parents had removed while he was still
an infant. The estate of one hundred and sixtyfive acres which his father left, and in the development of which his early years were largely spent,
is still his home, and upon it he is meeting with
success in his agricultural efforts. He has served
as School Director and Township Commissioner of
Highways, is an active member of society, respected




552


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.




I




for his honorable dealings, energetic life, and upright character. In politics he is a thorough Republican.
The first marriage of him of whom we write, was
celebrated November 28, 1862, his bride being
Jane, daughter of John and Ann Brewer. She was
a native of this county, in which her parents were
early settlers. After her death Mr. Moe contracted
a second marriage October 19, 1885, his bride
being Mrs. Sophia Nararnore, daughter of Iiram
and Betsey (Cowdrey) Sheppard.   Her parents
were natives of New York and the father of English descent. He is now making his home in this
county, and is past fourscore years of age. The
daughter became the wife of Samuel Naramore,
with whom she came to Washtenaw County, this
State, in the autumn of 1868. In the spring of
1869 they came to this county, settling in Blackman Township. Mr. Naramore was a miller, and
followed that occupation all his life, his death being
occasioned by an accident in a mill at Owosso,
Shiawassee County, October 27, 1876.
Mrs. Moe is the mother of six children by her
first husband. Of these, Julia is the wife of A. H.
Laverty, of Spring Arbor Township, this county;
Libby is the wife of Mathew Proud, of WexfordO
County; Fred lives in this county; Leda is the wife
of Henry Skidmore of Macomb, Ill.; Irving resides in this county; and Roy is deceased. Mrs.
Moe is active, intelligent, and possessed of a disposition and character that make her useful and honored in the community.
A portrait of Mr. Moe accompanies his personal
sketch and represents one of Jackson County's
most popular citizens.
ACOB C. DUNN. We take pleasure in representing within this volume, this member
of one of the leading pioneer families of this
county, who has himself done much pioneer
labor in his young manhood. He occupies a fine
estate on section 15, Parma Township, being a portion of the old Duni; homestead, and including one
hundred and twenty-nipe broad acres, It is under


k
I
I


thorough tillage, bears adequate improvements,
and its possession reflects credit upon its owner and
his wife, who has ably assisted him in its acquirement.
The parents of our subject were Thomas and
Margaret (Cosborn) Dunn, both of whom were natives of the Empire State. The paternal ancestors
were mostly of Irish descent, and grandfather
Dunn was a soldier in the War of 1812. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dunn included nine
children, two of whom-Lucy and Clark-are now
deceased. Plhoebe, is the wife of Benjamin Calkins, of Parma; Jacob C., is the next in order of
birth; Sarah E., is the wife of Alonzo Pickett, of
Parma Township; John lives in Tompkins Township; Orville, resides at Albion, Calhoun County;
Harvey, lives in the same county; and Dennis in
Sandstone Township, this county. The parents of
this family left the Empire State in 1843, turning
their footsteps westward, and locating in this
county. Land in Parma Township, a short distance west of Dean's Corners, was bought and was
their home for several years. Although a small
orchard had been set out, and a log house and stable
built, the farm  was practically under timber and
unimplroved.
With the assistance of his sons, Mr. Dunn cleared
and improved the place, making of it a good farm,
as he also did that of which our subject now owns a
part. In his death, which occurred September 28,
1863, the county lost an excellent citizen, a publicspirited pioneer, and a man whose hospitality was
known far and wide. The news of his death caused
a thrill of sadness in tle hearts of a large circle of
acquaintances, to whom he had become well and favorably known. In politics he was a Democrat.
The gentleman with whose name we introduce
this brief sketch, opened his eyes to the light in
Orange County, N. Y., September 14, 1839, and
was brought by his parents to this county in early
childhood, and reared amid tile scenes of pioneer
life. While still but a boy he began to hear such
a share as his strength would admit in the work of
improvement going on about him. At the age of
nineteen he began life for himself, during the
breaking season following the large breaking plow,
which was drawn by six yoke of oxen; he also as,






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


553


I~


sisted his father at intervals, until the fall of 1861,
when he determined to visit the Pacific Coast.
Going to New York City, Mr. Dunn embarked
on a steamer for Panama, and crossing the Isthmus, continued his journey to San Francisco by
boat. The first winter on the Slope was passed in
Butte County, mining on Butte Creek; and two
and a half years were spent in the Golden State,
this time being divided between mining, sawmilling and driving a freighter's outfit over the mountains. He returned to Michigan in 1864. and settled
on his present farm, where he has since resided,
successfully prosecuting his life work, and winning
a competence from the soil of mother Earth.
The first marriage of Mr. Dunn took place January 20, 1866, his bride being Lydia J. Dunn, who
survived only until May 12, 1867. After remaining a widower until January 5, 1871, Mr. Dunn
became the husband of Emily M. Pease, who has
not only by her prudent management of household
afiairs, and her wise counsels, assisted him in the
accumulation of property, but by her intelligence
and amiability has made his home a happy one.
She was born in Oneida County, N. Y., September
19, 1843, and is one of seven children born to her
parents. Her sister, Margaret, is deceased; the remaininig members of the family are: John L., of
Wexford County; Sarah, wife of Franklin McCully,
of Homer, Calhoun County; Mrs. Dunn, of this
sketch; Wellington W., George H., and Mrs. Mary
Dunn, all of Eckford, Calhoun County. To Mr.
and Mrs. Dunn five children have been born-May,
George, Gertrude, Harry, and one who died in infancy.
John W. Pease, the father of Mrs. Dunn, was
born in Cambridge, Washington County, N. Y.,
October\15, 1793. He married Rebecca Mumbrue,
who was born in Montgomery County, November
30, 1805, their marriage taking place March 19,
1831. They lived in Oneida County, N. Y., until
the spring of 1836, when they removed to Michigan, spending the remainder of their lives in Calhoun County. The death of Mr. Pease occurred
on the 3d of September, 1889, his widow surviving
until February 10, 1890. He was ninety-five years,
ten months and eighteen days old when he breathed
his last, and she was ill the eighty-fifth year of her


age. Mr. Pease was a Republican in politics, was
a strong temperance man, and a member of the
Free Will Baptist Church.  He was a kind husband
and a gentle, loving father, while in his intercourse
with his fellow-men he was also kindly and courteous. Mrs. Pease possessed similar traits of character, and was highly respected by neighbors and
friends.
Mr. Dunn, of whom we write, has followed the example set before him by his father, and has favored
all those movements in which his judgment concurred as likely to improve the county and elevate society, manifesting a degree of public spirit that leads
him to a prominent place in the regard of his fellow-citizens. -He served one term  as Treasurer of
Parma Township, but has not been an aspirant for
public honors, preferring the more quiet duties of
private citizenship.  In politics he is a Democrat.
c; S  RNEST PETERS. The milling business in
which the above named gentleman is en_..__ A gaged at Tompkins Center, is always an impoitant industry, and when, as in the case of our
subject, it is conducted according to the best
methods and turns out products second to none, it
becomes still more worthy of notice. The mill
owned by Mr. Peters now has a full roller process
with a capacity-of about eighty barrels in twentyfour hours, run by a fine water power; an  engine
has lately been put in and it is the intention of the
proprietor to considerably increase the capacity.
The business is excellent, as the flour made is second to none, and square dealing is to be expected
in all transactions.
Mr. Peters opened his eyes to the light March 3,
1838, in Prussia, being the eldest son of Gottlieb
L. and   Charlotte  H. (Housen)   Peters.  His
parents were born in Brandenburg, where the
father died and where the mother still lives. Their
family consists of seven children. He of whom we
write was reared and educated in the land of his
nativity, beginning to learn the milling trade at
the age of thirteen years. He served an apprenticeship of three years, after which he worked at his






05 5 


PORTRAIT AND) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


554    PORRAIADBOGAPHCAALUM —


trade in his own land until 1864. He then determined to seek a new field of labor, and sailed from
Hamburg on a steam ship, landing in New York
after an uneventful voyage.
Mr. Peters first found employment in Greene
County, N. Y.. where he worked at his trade about
six months. He then enlisted as an engineer in the
First New York Engineer Corps, with which he
served ten months. After the close of the war
in 1865 he came to this county, securing a position
in the old Vandercook mill three miles south of
Jackson, which he retained three years. His next
position was as foreman in a Kalamazoo nill an
equal length of time, after which he spent five
years in Oakland County. He then returned to
Jackson and soon after bought the mill property
that he now owns and which he has operated
from that time. The interior of the mill has
been remodeled tiree times, the aim of Mr. Peters
being to use the best machinery and to keep up
with the improvements of the age.
The marriage of Mr. Peters was celebrated in
Jackson in 1868, when lie was united with Miss
Amelia Kromery. The bride, who was born in Germany, came to the United States with her mother
and step-father. She is a worthy woman who discharges the duties devolving upon her in a-conscientious and capable manner.  She has borne her
husband four children, named respectively: Franklin M., Ernest, Flora and Nellie. Both Mr. and
Mrs. Peters were reared in the Lutheran faith, their
parents having been members of that church.
AVID E. CROUCH who is one of the most
prominent among the successful farmers of
Spring Arbor Township, came to Michigan
in 1856 and since that time has been a resident of this township, being located now on section
21 where lie has a well-improved farm, one hundred
and ninety-three acres in extent. Of this he took
possession in 1866, having prior to this lived on a
farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 24.
His present homestead lies only a half mile from
the village, is well watered by Sandstone Creek and


is thus very valuable. Mr. Crouch made a specialty of wheat and sheep during his years of active
labor, from which he is now retired, the farm being operated by his son-in law, Mr. Reed.
Mr. Crouch was born March 5, 1835, in Cohocton, Steuben County, N. Y., and lived there until
a youth of twenty years. He reeeived a limited
education in the common school, but at an early
age was put to work doing farm work in summer
and employing his time in a sawmill during the
winter. tIe was strong, robust and ambitious and
delighted in being able to perform a man's labor
before he had attained to man's estate. Shortly
before reaching his majority he was wedded in his
native county to Miss Mary E. Jones, a maiden
who had been the companion of his childhood, the
ceremony taking place at the bride's home, January
17, 1856.
Mrs. Crouch was born on the banks of Lake Erie
at Silver Creek, Erie County, N. Y., June 11, 1838.
Her parents removed to Rochester when she was an
infant, and she lived there until a girl of eleven
years. Her parents then removed to Bristol, Ontario County, where they lived three years, and
from there went to Steuben County.   In 1857
they came to Michigan, and located in Hanover Township, this county, where the father
enogaged in farming until the fall of 1866. His
next removal was to Winnebago County, Ill., and
he settled in Cherry Valley Township, six miles
from Rockford, where he now owns sixty acres of
land, and is still living. His wife, formerly Miss
Roxanna Barber, was born in Broom County, N.
Y., and was the daughter of Joseph Barber, a native of Connecticut, and an early settler of the
Empire State. He spent his last days with his sonin-law, John E. Jones, at Bristol, Ontario County,
N. Y. Mr. Jones is now seventy-seven years old,
while his wife is seventy-four.
Grandfather William Jones was a native of Connecticut, and served as a soldier in the War of 1812.
He emigrated at an early day to New York State,
and was one of the earliest settlers of Broom County,
where he spent his lest days. There were born to Mr.
and Mrs. Jones five children, viz.: Ruth C., Mrs.
Allen, of Winnebago County, Ill.; Mary E., the
wife of our subject; Charles A., of LaGrange, Ind.;




;555


PO RTRAIT A~ND BIOG RAP141CALr ALBUI~M.


PORTRAIT ---' --- —-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~- AN   BIOGR PHICA   A L BM::~~          ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -l.  ---  - -- - -   -- I,, —  -- -   - -, -   -------- - --- " -


Joseph H., of Lima, Ind.; and Eunice L., Mrs.
George, of Winnebago County, 111. Mr. and Mrs.
Crouch are the parents of three children. Their
eldest born, Mettle, died when two years old;
Frankie M., after leaving the common school, first
attended Spring Arbor Seminary, then the Jackson
High School and finally the State Normal at Ypsilanti, one year. She married Clarence J. Reed,
who operates the home farm, they have one child,
a son, Raymond C.; Roy E., lives with his parents.
Mr. Crouch is an ardent Prohibitionist and a probation member of the Free Methodist Church.
Aside from serving on the juries he has lived
wholly as a private citizen.
The father of our subject was Jackson Crouch, a
native of Colchester, Conn., and a son of Richard
Crouch, a native likewise of that State, and a
farmer by occupation. The latter, in 1817, removed with his family to Steuben County, N. Y.,
where he opened up a farm from the wilderness
and spent his last days. His father came from
Wales during the Colonial days. Jackson Crouch
was eight years old when his parents removed to
New York State, and he lived there until reaching
manhood, engaged in farming and sawmilling, and
at the latter especially was very successful. In
1856 he sold out, and coming to Michigan, purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in
Summit Township, this county, upon which lie operated until old age compelled him to retire. Ile
is still living, making his home with his children,
and is now eighty-one years old. He is a Methodist in religious belief, and gives his political support to the Prohibition party.
Mrs. Lucy (Raymond) Crouch, the mother of our
subject, was born in New York State, and was the
daughter of Rufus Raymond, a well-to-do farmer
of Steuben County. Grandfather Raymond emigrated to Michigan in 1837, locating in Lenawee
County, where he opened up a farm and spent the
remainder of his days. Mrs. Lucy Crouch departed
this life at the homestead in 1873. She was a lady
of many estimable qualities, and a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The parental family included the following children:
Elizabeth R., was first married to a Mr. Wait, wlio
died; she was then wedded to a Mr. Peterson, and


they live in Sandstone Township; David E., our
subject, was the second born; Ann, Mrs. Peterson,
(lied about 1881; Clarissa, Mrs. Evory, lives in
Summit Township; Thomas, went to the Far West,
and died in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in 1874;
Mary E., Mrs. Webster, lives in Summit Township;
and Francis S., is a resident of Spring Arbor Township.
— T DWARD W. ROCKWELL. A pleasantly located tract of land in Leoni Township, is the
home of the above-named gentleman, who
has been engaged in farming for a few years past.
His estate comprises one hundred and forty-eight
acres of fine land, upon which good buildings have
been erected, and which presents an air of neatness
and comfort that is creditable to the occupants,
and attractive to the passer-by. The owner and
operator of the valuable property was born in Jackson, May 11, 1846, was educated in the schools of
that city, whence his father removed to a farm
when he was twelve years old. There he acquired
some knowledge of theI pursuits in which lie is now
engaged although the property was so near the
town, that lie still remained virtually a town boy.
In 1869 Mr. Rockwell began work as a railroad
man by filling a position as brakeman on the Michigan Central Railroad. Eighteen months later lhe
was promoted, became a conductor, and for six
years had a run on the Grand River Valley division. Resigning at the expiration of that. period,
lie became clerk in a store in Jackson, but a year
later returned to the railroad, continuing on it until 1886. Again resigning the position that he
held, he settled on the farm which lie now occupies,
and where he is testing his ability as an agriculturist.
Mr. Rockwell has been twice married, th3 first
contract having been consummate; in 1867. The
bride was Miss Susan Daniel, a native of England,
who was removed from him by death in May,
1875. The lady who now presides over his home,
and with whom he was united in Jackson, bore the
maiden name of Ann Isadore Parker. She is a
daughter of Jehial and Hannah Parker, (see sketch






556           PORTRAIT AND


BIOGREAPHICAL ALBUM.


--— ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~- ~ ~ ~ ---


-55 6'  = --- - - — PO-R I T-  -  -            -- -AND BI-O-GRAPHCAL=L


of William H. Parker), and at the time of her mar
riage to our subject, was the widow of Morgan
Elliott. That gentleman was a son of Henry and
Lucy Elliott, pioneers of Washtenaw County, in
which county in the town of Saline, he was born.
His union with Miss Parker resulted in the birth of
three children-Maynard H., Walter W., and Herbert H. By her present alliance, Mrs. Rockwell
has become the mother of two children, Edward W.
and Nellie Grace.
Mr. Rockwell belongs to the Republican party,
and is always ready to cast his vote in its interest.
Honorable in his business relations, reliable in his
citizenship, and kindly in social life, he is numbered among the respected and respectable members of the community, and his estimable wife also
enjoys the esteem of her acquaintances.
The subject of this sketch is descended from natives of the Empire State, the remote ancestry having been English. His grandfather Rockwell was
born in Westchester County, N. Y., lived in New
York City for a few years after his marriage, and
then removed to Troy. In 1816 he took up pioneer work in Onondaga County, in company with
his brother-in law, Capt. Chase, buying a tract of
timber land in Lysander Township. Their removal to their new home on the frontier was made
with teams, and there were neither railroads nor
canals.
Mr. Rockwell cleared the land and began tilling
the soil, continuing his residence there until 1828,
when he sold and removed to Onondaga Hill, then
the county seat, and one of the most flourishing
towns in Central New York. A year later he
bought a farm in Onondaga Hollow, which he occupied until 1836, when lie sold and removed to
Cleveland, Ohio. Two years later he made another
change of location, coming to Jackson, Mich., where
he spent his last years at the home of his son, the
father of our subject. His wife, in her maidenhood Miss Sallie Tyle, also spent the latter years of
her life in Jackson. She was a native of the Empire State, and the daughter of Edward Tyle, a
native of England, who, on coming to America,
located in New York, and spent his last years in
Onondaga County.
Benjamin W. Rockwell, the father of our sub

ject, was born in New York City, January 31, 1812.
He grew to manhood in Onondaga Counly, and
married in Jackson, January 24, 1844, Samantha,
daughter of Judge William R. and Mary DeLand,
and who died on the 29th of June, 1853. (See
sketch of C. V. DeLand).   He continued his
residence in Onondaga County until 1837, when he
came to Michigan and located in Jacksonburg, as
the city of Jackson was then called. IHe at once
engaged in the mercantile business, keeping a general stock for some time, after which he opened a
crockery store, the first store in the city devoted
exclusively to that of line of merchandise. As
there were no railroads in this section of country,
all merchandise had to be transported from Detroit
with teams. After a few years spent in merchandising, Mr. Rockwell bought a farm comprising
sixty acres of land that is now included in the city
limits. He is now making his home with his son
Thomas, in Leoni Township. Of the children born
to himself and wife, three are now living: Sarah was
born November 24, 1844, and is the wife of Frank
Palmer; Thomas was born April 4, 1852, and married Lida Acker; and the history of Edward W. is
outlined above.
(     HOMAS C. FAULKNER, a native of Calhoun County, Mich., residing in Jackson, is
an engineer on the Michigan Central Railway, and is amply qualified for his responsible position, as he is a thorough and skillful machinist,
and is possessed of a quick wit and cool nerve. He
was born in the town of Marshall, in Calhoun
County, July 24, 1852. His father, Thomas Faulkner, was a trusted employe of the Michigan Central Railway for many years, and it gives us much
pleasure to incorporate in this biography of the son,
the following sketch of the life of the father, that
appeared in the Marshall Statesman of September
20, 1889.
"Thomas Faulkner, who died at 5 o'clock P. M.,
September 16, 1889, was born in Shawside, Lancastershire, England, December 14, 1826. son of William and Jane Faulkner. He was married, January
t




0                                                1      I


PO RTRAIT AND BIOGGRAP'HICAL ALBUM.


557


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.  557


24, 1846, at Manchester, England, to Miss Sarah
Lowe, and came to this country in 1852. His
father, mother, and brother John had preceded
him, and were engaged in farming and lumbering
at Lee Centre, in this county, and Thomas became
the engineer for them as soon as he arrived. He
remained there about one year, when lie removed
to this city, and entered the employ of the Michigan Central Railway Company, in the repair shops
at this place. After a short time he went upon the
road as a fireman, and in time was given an engine,
and continued in that capacity till about ten years
ago. In the '50s and early '60s the great danger
and responsibility of the men who ran railroad en-,gines was not appreciated by those who employed
them-at least the small wages paid them was evidence of that fact-and the men were restive under
what they regarded as a wrong. Marshall being
the terminus of the Michigan Central eastern and
central. divisions, a large number of engineers and
other trainmen resided here, and these engineers
had, during the winter of 1862-63, many consultations. W. D. Robinson and Thomas Faulkner
were leaders in the discussions, and finally, during
the forenoon of the 1st of April, 1863, they, with
John McCurdy, George C. Watrous, Henry Hall,
J. C. (" Yankee") Thompson, Samuel Heath,
Thomas Hayward, George Adams, Henry Lathrop,
S. Keith, Otis Kingsbury and E. Elwell, met by
appointment in front of the old round house, and
adjourned to meet at the residence of J. C. Thompson in the afternoon. When the hour came they
were all there, and their deliberations resulted in
the formation at Detroit, on the 17th of the following August, of Division No. 1, of Detroit; and
Division No. 2, of Marshall, of the Brotherhood of
the Footboard (afterward changed to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers), with WV. 1). Robinson as Chief of Division No. 1, and Thomas
Faulkner, Chief of Division No. 2. Mr. Faulkner
was always a hard, conscientious worker, never
shirking any duty which his superiors might require,
and just why his services were dispensed with by
the manager of the Michigan Central without explanation could not be understood by his friends.
"Mr. Faulkner and his good wife were the parents of eight children. John and William H. were


born in England. John died before the family
came to America; William died in this city, April
23, 1888; Joseph and Thomas C. reside in Jackson;
James F., in Helena, Mont.; Frank W., in Muskegon; and Samuel A., Fred L. and S. Jennie, in this
city, all of whom but James were present at the
funeral of their father."
The son of whom we write was educated in the
city schools of Ma.rshall, and when seventeen years
old began his career as a railroader in the employ
of the Michigan Central Railroad Company, and
has been in its employ continuously since that
time. After firing four years he was promoted to
be engineer, which position he has since held to the
entire satisfaction of his employers. He has a full
understanding of his business, is careful in the discharge of his duties, and always prompt and watchful in any emergency.
Mr. Faulkner continued to reside in Marshall
till 1883, and in the meantime he had wisely saved
quite a sum from his earnings, and removing to
Jackson in the year just mentioned, in the following year he erected the substantial residence he now
occupies on East Main Street. Possessing a frank,
open-hearted-nature, always considerate and obliging, Mr. Faulkner is popular with his brother
engineers and other railroad men with whom he
comes in contact, and a man of his disposition and
habits is a worthy addition to the citizenship of
this community. I-e is a prominent member of
Division No. 2, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, with which his father was so conspicuously
identified; and he also belongs to Jackson Lodge,
No. 72, A. 0. U. W.
The marriage of Mr. Faulkner with Miss Grace
L. Perry was consumated October 6, 1881. They
have one child, Nina Louisa. Mrs. Faulkner is a
native of this city, and a daughter of William W.
and Antoinette Perry. Her father was born in the
town of Slatersville, R. I., in the month of May,
1816. He removed from there after he had attained to man's estate to New York, and settled in
Royalton, Niagara County, and there followed the
trade of a carpenter till 1855. He then came to
Jackson, and has resided here since. The maiden
name of his second wife, mother of Mrs. Faulkner,
was Antoinette Lee. She was born in Royalton,






I S


558


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.. --- ---- ---------------------------—  --- —-----




- ---- ----------—  ---------------------------




Niagara County, N. Y., a daughter of Daniel O.
and Sally (Haner) Lee, natives, respectively, of
Connecticut and Delaware County, N. Y. They
came from the latter State to Michigan in 1844, and
settled in Summit Township, where Mrs. Faulkner's
grandfather bought a farm, which he made his
home till death. Mrs. Faulkner's mother was first
married to John H. Phillips, a farmer of Columbia
Township, where he died in 1851. After the death
of her husband Mrs. Phillips returned to New
York, where she married Mr. Perry. They now
make their home with their daughter, Mrs. Faulkner. Politically, Mr. Faulkner is a stanch Repub.
lican.,_-               A1-^ir   3


ELOS J. MINER is one of those worthy
men who, taking no active part in public
life, pursue the even tenor of their way in
their chosen avocation, winning a good
maintenance and gradually securing a competence.
His attractive and valuable home farm is located
on section 14, Parma Township, and comprises one
hundred acres of well-improved land, which by his
efforts has been reclaimed from a wild and primitive condition.
The parents of Mr. Miner were James L. and
Abra (Waldron) Miner, both natives of Tompkins
County, N. Y., the Miners being of English stock,
and the Waldrons, in all probability, German. His
maternal grandfather was a soldier in the War of
1812. In the spring of 1837 James L. Miner left
his home in the Empire State, and drove the entire
distance to Kalamazoo County, Mich., in a waterproof covered wagon. He spent one and a half
years in this State, then removing to a point thirty
miles south of Chicago, Ill., where he purchased
land and remained two years. At the expiration of
that time he returned to his native county, residing therein until the fall of 1844, when he again
turned his footsteps westward.
Coming to this county, he purchased forty five
acres of land on section 14. Parma Township, and
upon it continued the work of improvement which
had been but just begun. A few acres had been
cleared and a log house, 18x24 feet in dimensions


I


stood in the clearing, that edifice sheltering the
family of Mr. Miner until 1855. He then built a
better house, his industry and energy having enabled him to surround his family with a much
greater degree of comfort, than that in which the
first few years of residence here was passed. He
added to his original purchase until he at one time
owned one hundred and twenty-five acres.  As
one of the early settlers of this section he endured
a share of the hardships incidental to life on the
frontier, but survived them all and lived to see the
country thoroughly improved and thickly populated.
The parents of our subject had four children,all of
whom are living, and all but one residing in Parma
Township. 'he subject of this sketch is the eldest
member of the family circle; Frank is the second
born; following him is Mary, now Mrs. Mackey;
the youngest child is Harriet, wife of David Keeller, of Sandstone Township. The father breathed
his last January 5, 1881. and the mother was called
hence November 7,1882. The county lost at their
decease two of her most worthy citizens and pioneer workers.
The birth of the gentleman with whose name we
introduce this sketch, took  place in Tompkins
County, N. Y., October 13, 1836. Having come
to this county in early boyhood, he received his
education here, the advantanges afforded being
greatly inferior to those of the present time, but
being improved to the utmost and supplemented
by extensive reading during later years.  The
scenes amid which his early life was spent, were of
such a nature as to develop the sturdy qualities of
character, and insure his understanding of the work
necessary in developing an estate. He took possession of his present home in 1865, since which
time he has brought it to its present fine condi
tion.
In Miss Anne Langdon, who was born in Monroe County, August 11, 1848, Mr. Miner found the
qualities which he thought most desirable in a companion, and his regard being reciprocated, tley
were united in marriage May 24, 1877. Mrs. Miner and her brother George, of Monroe County, are
the only survivors in a family of five children born
to one of the early pioneer families of their county.












0.; AJ






t
KK&
/






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.          561


-I ----~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


The parents, the Hon. Nathaniel and Mary A.
Langdon, were natives of the Empire State, and
became prominent citizens in their section of Michigan. Mr. Lang'don was Supervisor of Ida Township, Monroe County, twenty-nine years, serving
twenty-three years in succession. At one time lie
was a State Senator, and at all times he was esteemed by those who knew him as a man of integrity and intelligence.  His death took place August
1, 1889.
To Mr. and Mrs. Miner three children have been
born, named respectively: Allen, Abra and Nathaniel. They form  an attractive band, in the
development of whose understanding and the culture of courtesy and good principles in their youthful hearts, their parents take.great delight. Mr.
Miner gives his political suffrige to the candidate
whom he thinks best qualified to advance the welfare of the public, irrespective of party lines or
dogmas. Mrs. Miner belongs to the Metlodist
Episcopal Church, and is an active and, highly respected member of society, a fit companion for a
man of her husband's position and reputation.
AT'TON MORRISON. The city of Jack) son contains a great number of fine blocks
occupied by successful business men, many
of whom have been identified with the
interests of the city for years and to whom the
present prosperity and beauty of the place is owing.
One of these early residents and capable men is the
subject of this sketch, his place of business being
a commodious structure, three stories in height
and 40x100 feet in dimensions, on Main Street.,
between Jackson and Mechanic Streets. Since the
(lays in which he established a grocery business on
a moderate scale in a small frame building, he has
successfully carried on his enterprise, increasing it
from year to year, and accumulating means which
have been spent in rational enjoyments, and in
works of benevolence of such a nature as to extend the moral influence and intellectual worth of
the world.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was


John Morrison, a native of Ireland and of Scotch
ancestry, who with his wife and children came to
America, and settled at Little Britain, Orange
County, N. Y. There he purchased a tract of land
and built a stone house, spending his years in agricultural pursuits and trading. There Francis Morrison, the father of our subject, was born, reared
and spent his entire life. He married Matilda Patton, daughter of William Patton, an Englishman,
who after coming to America bought a farm at
Newbury, Orange County, and there engaged in
agricultural pursuits. William  Patton was quite
successful in his career in life, and was enabled to
purchase several small farms which he gave to his
children. His wife, formerly Jane Wood, was a
native of the Mohawk Valley, and her lineage
traced from Holland.
The gentleman of whom we write was born in
Little Britain, Orange County, N. Y., January 7,
1816, and was reared and received his early educa.
tion in his native county. While still a boy he
began working out on a farm, receiving $6 per
month for his services at eighteen years of age.
In 1837 he determined to try his fortunes in Michigan, and made the trip to the territory in the
usual manner, via the Erie Canal and lake to Detroit. Thence he journeyed by rail to Ypsilanti,
an(l by wagon to Jackson, having decided upon
this county as his place of settlement.
Mr. Patton was a single man when he took up
his abode here, and hi. first employment was cho)ping wood by the cord at eighteen cents per cord,
while his expenses for board and lodging were
$1.50 per week. The following summer he found
employment upon a farm, receiving $13 per month
during harvest time. The country at that time
was hut sparsely settled, and deer, wild turkeys
and other game were plentiful and roamed at will
throughout the forests and clearings. Mr. Patton
salved his earnings preparatory to a business career,
and in a few years engaged in trade, buying the
frame edifice in which he first opened his store and
in which for some years he conducted it. The
structure was destroyed by fire, and he then erected
that in which he has since carried on his business,
and within whose substantial walls a complete
stock is carried and a fine trade done.






562


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHlICAL ALBUM.


At the home of the bride in this city, October
26, 1843, Mr. Morrison was united in marriage
with Miss Harriet Mortimer. The bride was born
in Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pa., was reared
and educated in Rochester, to which place her parents removed about the year 1824, and whence
she came to Jackson with her sister, in 1836. Her
grandfather, Peter Mortimer, was born in Germany, and there reared and married, and upon
emigrating to America, became one of the first settlers of Rending, Pa., where he spent the remainder of his life.  In that town, Henry Mortimer, the
father of Mrs. Morrison was born and reared, after
his marriage removing to Carlisle, and still later
to Rochester, in which place lhe died. His occupation was that of a farmer, and during his resi.
dence at Carlisle he served as sheriff of Cumberland
County, and held other minor offices.
To Mr. and Mrs. Morrison three children have
been born, with all of whom they have been called
to part. Katie J. died in 1867, aged twentythree years; William  was run over by the cars
when ten years old, and hreathed his lst on Christmas Day, 1862; Nina E. died the same year, aged
three years.  Mr. and Mrs. Morrison have carefully reared thirteen children, including one colored girl. caring for them until they were large
enough to go out into the world and care for
themselves, and so equipping them for the conflict
of life that their futures may be useful and honorable.
During the early days of Jackson County, Mr.
Morrison used to hunt, and now each year he and
llis wife spend a few weeks in the northern part of
the State, during the hunting season, when Mr.
Morrison joins friends in the hunting grounds,
finding recreation and recuperation in deer-stalking and other sport. The couple have traveled extensively, visiting Yellowstone Park and various
points on the Pacific Coast, including Alaska. During their absence Mr. Morrison writes frequent
letters to the press, which are read with interest,
as lie is a keen observer and possesses the faculty
of reproducing on paper the incidents and surroundings of their various excursions, and presenting to the minds of his readers a vivid picture and
an adequate understanding of the same.     The


years have shown the wisdom of Mr. Morrison's
choice in a companion, and the fruits of their labors are affording them added culture and enjoyment together, with an unselfish addition to the
capacities of others.  Their portraits occupy a
a place in this volume, and will be viewed with
pleasure by all who read of their lives.
HARLES W. HORR.          This gentleman is
now representing the Sixth Ward of Jackson in the City Council, of which body he
has been a member since April, 1886, and in which
he has ever been identified withl those who were
working most faithfully to advance the true interests of the city. The ordinance for electric lights
in the city streets was drafted by him, and the
title of "Honest Charlie," by which he is popularly
known, demonstrates the esteem  in whicl he is
held. tie is an excellent conversationalist, possessing not only the requisite intelligence, but the persuasive speech and manner which carry weight and
add force to his ideas.
In 1847, Thomas Horr, a native of County
Limerick, Ireland, came to America and located at
Detroit, where he carried on his trade as a plasterer. Two years after his arrival on the shores of
the New World, Miss Theresa Miller, a native of
the same county, also took up her residence in the
States. This worthy couple were united in marriage in November, 1852, and reared a family of
eleven children, of whom the subject of this sketch
is the eldest. The mother is still living in Jackson,
to which the family removed in 1857, and where
the father breathed his last, March 3, 1874. Thomas
Horr was devoted to the tenets of the Catholic
religion, while his widow is of the Protestant faith
Thomas IHorr was also a soldier during the Civil
War, being a member of the Thirteenth Michigan
Infantry two years, and one year in the Third
Michigan Cavalry.
The eyes of Charles Horr opened to the light in
Detroit, March 25, 1853, and he was scarcely more
than an infant when his parents became residents
of Jackson. In this city his boyhood was spent in






PORTRAIT AND BIO(GRAPHICAL ALBUM.


563


-L

attendance at the Union schools, and in the acquirement of a good fundamental education. Leaving
the schoolroom at the age of thirteen, he spent
four years in acquiring a thorough knowledge of
the mason's trade, and immediately after the great
fire in Chicago, he repaired to that place and helped
in its rebuilding. After working there a year and
four months he returned to Jackson, where for
four years he carried on his trade. He next went
to Ft. Wayne, Ind., where he was occupied in the
same way for two years.
Returning again to Jackson, Mr. Horr began
contracting, and is still carrying on that business.
After the big fire in Jackson, in 1885, he took con
tracts for building and plastering the Haehnele
Union Block, Brenkenfelter's Block, the Stowell
House, and St. Mary's School. He has a most excellent reputation as a master workman, and one
whose contracts are fulfilled in a most honorable
manner. In politics lie was reared as a Jackson
Democrat of the stanchest kind, and the party with
which he votes nominated and elected him to the
position which he fills in the Aldermanic Board.
He follows in his father's footsteps as a believer in
the Catholic faith.
Mr. Horr owns a residence on Pleasant Street,
No. 505, and the cozy mansion is presided over
by an amiable companion, in her girlhood Miss
Alice Ryan, with whom he was united in marriage
June 22, 1886. Mrs. Hoir is a native of Troy,
N. Y., and is a lady of intelligence and worth of
character. Two daughters, Mary Louise and Theresa Gertrude, have come to bless this union.


ment of the new settlement more than fifty-four
years ago and has been no unimportant figure in
shaping its destiny. Although exceedingly modest
in his demeanor and totally guiltless of assuming
any virtue that he does not possess, Mr. Bunker
should derive much satisfaction in the contemplation of the part which he has played in life, building up a record which his descendants may look
upon with pride. By a course of industry, prudence and good management, he has become wellto-do financially and has a fine residence, barns and
outbuildings which indicate in a marked degree to
what good purpose the proprietor has labored and
expended at least a portion of his capital.
Mr. Bunker enjoys the distinction of being one
of the very first settlers of Grass Lake Township
and his home occupies a portion of the ground
whereon his father settled in 1836, taking up land
from the Government. He was born in Greenfield,
Saratoga County, N. Y., February 27, 1830. His
paternal grandfather was a native of Germany but
emigrated to America when a young man and set.
tied near Albany, N. Y., where lie followed farming
and spent the remainder of his life. The date of
his settlement in the Empire State is not accurately
known but is supposed to have been a short time
prior to the outbreak of the Revolutionary War.
Grandfather Bunker had three sons and two
daughters of whom John, the father of our subject,
was the eldest. tHe was born near Albany, N. Y.,
May 7, 1800, but after attaining manhood went
into Saratoga County, where he was married and
lived until May, 1835. lie then started for Michigan Territory but stopped in Cayuga County, N.Y.
until May 5, 1836, when he and his brother Joel
set out for Michigan together with wagons and oxteaml. They landed in this county May 19 following, andl Grandfather Bunker immediately entered
eighty acres of Government land which is now a
part of section 29, Grass Lake Township, where
Samuel now resides. He lived on that place and
in this vicinity until his death, July 5, 1877. He
ranked among his brother tillers of the soil as the
sturdy oak among the forest trees, being a fine
illustration of the self-made man who commence(l
in life at the foot of the ladder and by his own
exertions attained to a high position socially and


AMUEL BUNKER. As a worthy representative of the intelligence, the integrity
and the moral worth of the people of
Grass Lake Township, the subject-' of this
notice occupies an important position. He is widely
and favorably known along the eastern line of this
county and the fact that lie is well spoken of by
high and low, rich and poor, is sufficient indication
of his character. He was a leader in the establish.






564


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


financially. Nature had provided him with an ample
share of sound common sense and good judgment
and he was endowed with that independent spirit
which is disinclined to ask favors, choosing rather
to rely upon his own efforts. The result was that
he could look around upon a good property, accumulated by the hand of frugality and industry and
in the evening of his life was able to enjoy the
comforts which he had so fairly earned.
While not connected with any church organization, Grandfather Bunker was in religious belief, a
Universalist. IIe attended all churches, however,
and was a liberal contributor to religious and charitable institutions. Although a sturdy advocate of
the principles of the Democratic party, he never
aspired to any office. During the Rebellion he
contributed liberally to the Union cause. His wife,
who bore the maiden name of Lavina Hall, was
born in New London, Conn., November 29, 1805,
and died in Grass Lake, Mich., November 15, 1888.
Her parents, Samuel and Mary Hall were natives
of Connecticut and traced their ancestry to old
Puritan stock.
To the parents of our subject there were born
the following children, viz: Samuel, first and
second, George, Joel, Arad and Robert E. He, of
whom we write, and who was the second child, was
but six years old when his parents came to Michi.
gan. His early training was on the farm and his
education was obtained in the district school and
at Grass Luke Seminary, then an institution of considerable note. When about twenty years of age,
he left the farm and was occupied in railroading
until 1859, in the employ of the Michigan Central
and the South Michigan and Great Western in
Canada.  In these three companies he held the
position of Roadmaster and Special Inspector of
Roads, and was also in charge of the construction
department. In 1859 he resumed farming to which
he has since given the most of his attention. He
is the owner of two hundred and fifty-nine acres,
lying on sections 27, 28 and 29, Grass Lake Township, the whole under thorough cultivation and
comprising some of the best land in this region.
A Democrat in politics like his father before
him, Mr. Bunker has been quite prominent in local
affairs and in 1879 was nominated as a candidate


for the State Legislature and made an active race,
but was defeated with the balance of his ticket
by a small majority. He was appointed Postmaster
of Grass Lake during the administration of President Cleveland, holding the office until 1889. He
has been School Inspector and Township Treasurer
and for three years represented the township in
the County Board of Supervisors. In London,
Canada, he, in 1854, identified himself with the
Masonic fraternity and subsequently was one of
the charter members of Excelsior Lodge, No. 116,
at Grass Lake, in which he has held the positions
of Junior and Senior Warden and for fourteen
years was Master of the lodge. He has been thle
first officer of the Chapter at Grass Lake since its
organization and he belongs to the Council at
Jackson. He tihs taken a warm interest in the
prosperity of the fraternity and usually attends the
Grand Lodges.
Thirty-eight years ago, February 11, 1852, Mr.
Bunker was united in marriage with Miss Emma J.
Updike of Grass Lake. Mrs. Bunker was born in
Tompkins County, N. Y., November 15, 1835, and
is the daughter of Enoch and Elizabeth (Henry)
Updike who were also natives of the Empire State;
they spent their last years in Michigan. Six children were born of this union, viz: Elizabeth,
Charles W., Ella. Frances L., George M., and
John E.
t) JILLIAM GRANT, the owner and occupant
\  of a fine farm in Spring Arbor Township,
belongs to an old family of the Empire
State and is of German descent in the paternal line.
He is one of the oldest settlers in the county, where
lie has done much in his quiet way for the development of the country and the advancement of its
interests. His nature is not one of those which
pushes a man to the front in public life, although
lie possesses a good deal of enterprise and is capable of efficient work in anything which he undertakes, as everything about his home indicates.
The paternal great-gradlfather of our subject
emigrated from Germany to New York State, and
in Herkimer County, Morks Grant was born and




PORTRI
lived for many years engaged in far
a soldier in the War of 1812. To I
son William who followed the fath
in his native county until his marri
Hayner. He then bougllt land in (
but afterward removed to Oneida
lie owned a good farm, and carrie
business. There the wife died afte
six children, only two of whom a
These are: Mrs. Mary Shumway c
he of whom we write; the deceased
of Elizabeth, Norman, Reuben and
wife and mother was a consistent
Baptist Church.
In 1833, William Grant, Sr., cam
locating near the old Territorial Roa
Spring Arbor Township. He bought
hundred and forty acres, a part of wl
cupied by our subject. There he conl
cultural work, improving the land
resided until his death, that even
1855. He had added to his origir
land, until becoming the owner of tw
sixty acres. He also was a member
Church.
William Grant, Jr., was born at L
County, N. Y., June 24, 1821, and
farm, where he early began such
strength would permit. His school I
such as were common to the boys (
schoolhouse being made of logs, wit
an open fire-place, and primitive surn
lad was not yet in his teens when i
West and they each (lrove a team of
journey. They crossed the Niagara I
through Canada to a point opposite
they crossed into the States. Jackso
a swamp hole, various wild animals v
Indians still roamed throughout th
the homes of white settlers were y
between.
The education of young Grant wa
the primitive schools of this section 
continued to assist his father in farn
mained an inmate of the paternal
was of age, when he began farming
count qn his father's land. He becawm


UT AND BIOGRAPI'lICAL ALBUM.                              565
rming. He was    of one hunllre(l and fifteen acres of the home farm
him was born a   which he still retains, having one acre additional
er's occupation  on section 3, an(l twenty acres on section 34, Sand
age to Rebecca  stone Township. He has built a substantial house,
Otsego County,   barn, and other buildings needful to the success of
County, where   his enterprise, and has a remarkably fine orchard
d on the dairy  of his own grafting. So successful has he been in
r having borne  the latter work that his services have been called
re now living.  for in grafting many other orchards, and he has
)f Jackson, and  taken a number of premiums on his fruit at the
bore the names  county fairs. ITe raises full-blooded Short-horns,
Hayner. The     keeping six head, full-blooded Chester white hogs
member of the   and draft horses, two teams being employed in the
work of the farm. A fine spring of pure water is a.e to Michigan,  much appreciated feature of the estate.
id on section 4,  In Sandstone Township, in 1844, Mr. Grant was
a farm of two  united in marriage witl Mlary A. Lavery, an estihich is now oc-  mable lady who was born at Ann Arbor, Washtetinued his agri-  naw County. She bore him five children —Norman,
upon which lie  now engaged in farming in Spring Arbor Townt occuring in   ship; Elizabeth, deceased; Sarah, the wife of William
ial purchase of  Chambers, a farmer in Spring Arbor Township;
vo hundred and  Dell, now Mrs. Reeder, of Washington, and Levant,
of the Baptist  deceased.
On December 22, 1863, at the home of the bride,ennox, Oneida  in Sandstone Township, Mr. Grant was married to
reared on the   Mrs. Mary (Houseman) Wheeler. She is a grand.
work as his   (laughter of George Houseman, a German who
privileges were  came to America when sixteen years old, served
)f tlat age, the  during the Revolutionary War on the side of Amerh slab benches,  ican freedom, and then settled in the Empire State.
roundings. The  There lie was engaged in farming, becoming welliis father came  to-do. He died in Orleans County, where his son
E horses on the  Jacob, the father of Mrs. Grant, lived until 1837.
River, traveled  He had been extensively engaged in farming in his
Detroit, where  native county, and upon coming to Michigan at the
n was then but  time named he continued his agricultural labors in
were numerous,  this county. Ile had bought one hundred and sixty
e country, and  acres of land in what is now Blackman Township,
'et few and far  and he operated the same for some time, removing
from it to Ionia County, where lie died in 1855.
is continued in  Politically, he was a Democrat, and religiously a
and he likewise  member of the Free-will Baptist Church.
a work. He re-    The first wife of Jacob Houseman was Polly,
home until he   daughter of Thomas Souden of German descent
on his own ac-  and an early settler on the Ilolland Purchase, where
ie the possessor  he died, Mrs. Houseman was born near SeVpeg,


I: I  I 










566                      POR''RAIT AND BIOC
Lake, N. Y., and died in Blackman Township, this
county, in 1843. She was the mother of ten children-Jane, widow of Paul Steele, of Ionia County,
Mary, Mrs. Grant; Mrs. Hannah Wood, of San]stone Township; Mrs. Sallie Morrell of Jackson;
Thomas, of Delaware County, Iowa; Alonzo, of
Blackman Township, this county; Jacob, now deceased; Clarence, living in lonia County, Mici.;
William, who was a member of the Michigan Cavalry and died in the army, and George. The latter
was a member of a Michigan regiment in the Civil
War, was taken prisoner and confined in Andersonville until he was so nearly dead that he was paroled; lie reached his home but died two weeks
later of disease contracted in the prison.
By a second marriage Mr. IHouseman had three
children, namely: Mrs. Ada Reese of Jackson;
Jacob, who entered a Michigan regiment early in
the war and died soon afterward, and Clarence, who
served in the Michigan Cavalry three years.
Miss Mary Houseman was born in Ridgeway,
Orleans County, N. Y., in June, 1824. She received
excellent educational advantages and superior home
training, remaining with her parents until her marin 1847 to Mr. Enos Wheeler. He also was a native
of the Empire State and was engaged in farming in
Sandstone Township, this county. In 1852, with a
brother and nephew he started for California, on
the overland route. HIe did not live to reach the
Eldorado toward which his steps were turned, but
was stricken with fever and died in Carson Valley
on the Humboldt River. His widow continued to
occupy their home in this county until her marriage
to IMr. Grant, our subject. By her first husband
Mrs. Grant had three children — eorge Wheeler,
who was educated in Albion College, taught school
and is now a farmer in Spring Arbor Township;
Loraine, Mrs. Morris, Postmistress at Sandstone;
Charles Wheeler, a railroad conductor in Louisiana.
To her second husband, Mr. Grant, she has borne
one daughter-May, who died when three years
old. Mrs. Grant is very much interested in poultry and raises fancy fowls of various breeds. She
now has the finest flock in the neighborhood, numbering one hundred and fifty fowls.
Mr. Grant is a stanch Republican, who never
fails to deposit his vote and exert his personal in

BRAi


PHICAL ALBUM.


--. —I-                                         -— ~ — - - ' ~   `~~-   ~ ~ -— ~~~- I~~~~- ----- ~ '~  ~
'-`-         -— ~-  --- ~ ^- ~ I~-~ —   ~` —' ~ — ~~  ~ — ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  - ` — ~- - 


fluence for the principles in which he believes. As
before stated he is not one to occupy a prominent
public position, the most conspicuous place he has
held having been as a juryman. He has ever been
regarded with respect by his fellow- men, and to his
family and intimate friends exhibits great kindness
and consideration. Mrs. Grant belongs to the Congregational Church at Sandstone, and is highly esteemed by those who know her for her estimable
character and useful habits.
— 7  RANKLIN DWELLE. The farming community of Grass Lake Township recognizes
Ij    in the subject of this notice, one of its most
worthy representatives. His home is pleasantly located on the eastern limits of the village, and in all
its appointments indicates the home of a well-to-do
citizen, who by a course of prudence and industry
has been enabled to gather around himself all the
comforts of modern life, and to lay up something
for a rainy day.
The native place of Mr. Dwelle was Gorham,
Ontario County, N. Y., and the date of his birth
July 17, 1844. His parents were Abner and Catherine A. (Coe) Dwelle, who were also natives of the
Empire State, the father born in Saratoga County,
April 11, 1804, and the mother in Orleans County,
in 1810. Abner Dwelle was reared a farmer's boy
and folloo ed agricultural pursuits in his native
State during his early mantood, acquiring a moderate amount of property. In 1865 he came to this
county and purchasing land in Grass Lake Township, prosecuted agriculture until his death, in
1887. This proved a very fortunate move on his
part, as he became wealthy, leaving an estate valued
at about $250,000. He made the whole of this by
his own unaided exertions, and bent his energies
mostly to the accumulation of wealth.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was Lemuel Dwelle, who traced his ancestry to old Huguenot stock. He spent his last years in New York.
The mother of our subject accompanied her family to Michigan, and died in Grass Lake in 1870.










PORTRAIT AND BI(




=


The parental household consisted of five children,
viz: Adelia, Franklin, John C., Lavina, and Lemuel E. Franklin. our subject, was reared in his
native town, where he attended the district school
(luring his boyhood, and later pursued his studies
in the academy. When emerging from this institution, he entered the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he studied three years, and thus became
thoroughly well-informed in the aits and sciences.
He followed farming in New York State until coming to Michigan, and after his settlement here,
found the soil of the Wolverine State responding
so generously to the labors of the husbandman, that
lie has since continued his operations in this line
with unqualified success. He is the owner of seven
hulndred broad acres which are highly productive.
and yield to the proprietor a handsome income.
These farm lands lie in Grass Lake, Waterloo, and
Leoni Townships. -He makes a specialty of highgrade stock, including horses, cattle and imported
Shropshire sheep.
Two years after coming to Michigan, Mr. Dwelle
was married, December 11, 1867, at the bride's
home in Troy, N. Y., to Miss Kate L. Crandall.
Mrs. Dwelle was born in Troy, N. Y., November
14, 1846, and is the daughter of Ethan A. and
Leona Crandall, who were also natives of that State,
anwl there spent their last days. Of this union
there have been born three children-Agnes M.,
Annie L., and Adelia E.
T^H  OMAS O. DOREMUS was born in Parma
j(((, Jackson County, Mich., May 17, 1843, and
Be'^ well remembers many incidents of pioneer
life when deer and other kinds of wild game were
plentiful and roamed through the wilderness near
his boyhood's home. When eleven years old he
went to live with an uncle who was a merchant in
Vermontville, Eaton County, and after remaining
there nearly two years returned to the parental
roof. While at home he assisted his father on the
farm as his strength would allow, attending the district school, acquiring a good common-school education and habits of Industry and usefulness.




)GRAPHICAL ALBUM.                           567
In the summers of 1862 and 1863, he was engaged in buying sheep in Jackson, Washtenaw and
Ilillsdale Counties.  The last lot he bought in
1861-62 was a flock of twenty-three hundred which
he assisted in driving to Leavenworth, Kan., traversing the States of Illinois and Missouri and arriving at his destination after traveling four months
and nine days. In the fall of 1863, he again visited
Leavenworth, going via St. Louis, and engaging
with Caldwell & Co., freighters, to drive an outfit
of six yoke of oxen and a freight load across the
plains to Ft. Laramie. At that time all except the
eastern part of Nebraska and Kansas was unsettled
and during the trip large herds of buffalo were met,
besides deer, antelope, etc. One trip across the
plains was sufficient in the estimation of the young
man, and February, 1864, found him again in his
home.
In June of the same year, young Dorernus began
his career as a railroad man by accepting a position
as night watchman at the Michigan Central Railroad
depot at Parma, and seven months later he became
a brakeman on the road, continuing so employed
two years. In 1868, he engaged as brakeman on
the Saginaw Railroad, and thirty days later was
promoted to the position of conductor which place
he held ten years. He then resigned to accept a
position as salesman in a wholesale house in Jackson, and during the following five years continued
in the employ of the firm, a portion of the time
being spent in the house in Jackson and a portion
on the road. He then took a contract to build a half
mile of brick sewer in the eastern part of Jackson.
On December 6, 1881, he accepted a position as
Trainmaster on the Ft. Wayne, Jackson & Saginaw
which road was merged into the Lake Shore Railroad in 1882, and has since held that place, performing its duties in a manner entirely satisfactory to
the company.
At the home of the bride's parents in Albion, the
marriage rites were celebrated between Mr. Doremus and Miss Emily L. Carr on August 29, 1868.
John W  Carr, the father of the bride, was born in
Rochester, N. Y., where he learned the trade of a
carpenter and joiner, following it in his native
State until 1856, when he came to Jackson County.
and bought a home in Albion, where be lived until


I                4






568S


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


-                                                                                                                                                                                   ------— L-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


a few months ago,when he came to Jackson and now
lives with his son George. His wife, who died in
September, 1888, bore the maiden name of Lavina
Joiner and was born in Wayne County, N. Y.,
where their daughter, Mrs. Doremus, also opened
her eyes to the light. The father of Mrs. Carr was
a native of Vermont and one of the earliest settlers.
of Wayne County, where he purchased a tract of
timber land, cleared a farm and resided until his
death. Around his log house in the wilderness,
deer, bear and wolves were numerous some years
after his settlement. To Mr. Doremus and his intelligent and cultured wife one son has been bornDwight Bertrand.
In 1871, Mr. Doremus purchased property which
was then on the eastern borders of Jackson, on
which he has erected a comfortable and attractive
set of frame buildings, making for himself and family a most pleasant home, where hospitality and
good cheer are ever met with. The limits of the
city have extended since the property was purchased, and it is built up for half a mile beyond Mr.
Ioremus' home. In politics he of whom we write
is a Republican; for four years lie represented the
Eighth Ward on the Aldermanic Board. He belongs to Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A. M.; Jackson Chapter No. 3, R. A. M.; and to the Ancient
Order of United Workmen; an intelligent and wellread gentleman, a trustworthy citizen, and a man of
honor in his relations with mankind, Mr. Doremus
is held in excellent repute by his fellow-men.
The paternal grandfather of our subject. was
Jacob Doremus a native of New Jersey, whose first
inemoval from his native State was to Seneca
County, N. Y., where he bought a farm upon which
he lived until about 1832. Hle then removed to
the Territory of Michigan, journeying via the Erie
Canal and Lake Erie to Detroit; thence by team to
Washtenaw County, and taking up a tract of land
in Delhi Township, where lie continued to reside
until his death. His son, James Doremus, born in
New Jersey in 1809, was reared in New York and
there learned the trade of a carpenter. He came to
Michigan with his parents, built a sawmill on tile
Huron River, in the township in which they resided,
and carried it on in connection with a farm until
about 1840. Ile then located in Parma Township,


Jackson County, having traded his former estate
for a partly improved farm there. He is still residing on his farm and although now eighty-one
years of age is hale and hearty. His wife, whose
maiden name was Rebecca Barber, was born in
Argyle, Washington County, N. Y., to Mr. and
Mrs. Thoinas Barber. Her death occurred in 1879,
when she had reached the age of sixty-eight years.
Ten children were born to her of whom those now
living are: Edward, Thomas O., Julia and William.
j-9 tt IMMET  M. EVANS, wholesale dealer in
3   fresh and salt meats, with a large cold stori. J age room    at No. 122 East Pearl Street,
Jackson, is one of the principal dealers in the city.
He was born in Syracuse, N. Y., April 19, 1849,
being the eldest of the five children comprising the
family of Alexander M. and Elmira (Thomas)
Evans. Ilis father was born in the same city as
himself, the ancestral lineage being Dutch. His
mother was a native of the old Bay State. Alexander Evans was a tutcher and a dealer in meats,
carrying on the latter business for many years. He
removed to Jackson, Mich., in 1864, where he
breathed his last ten years later; his widow still
survives.
Emmet Evans passed his school (lays in his native place, attending the public schools and the
Geddes High School, after leaving which lie assisted his father in the meat business until the removal to Michigan. Ile was still in   his teens
when lie accompanied his parents to this State, and
when seventeen years old formed a partnership
with his father in butchering and tie sale of meats.
The partnership continued several years, when the
son purchased his father's interest, after which he
turned his attention to the wholesale business, disposing of his shops and embarking in the present
line. Through his excellent judgment regarding
meats and his honorable dealing, he has built up
an excellent trade and an honorable reputation
among business men.
At the residence of Mr. Harry Hague in this
city, in 1873, the rites of wedlock were celebrated
















PORTRAIT AND BIOGKAPHICAL ALBUM.         571.


between his daughter, Lura A., and Mr. Emmet
Evans. The intelligent and charming bride was
born in England, but came to the United States in
her girlhood. She presides with grace over the
residence which she and her husband occupy in the
east part of the city near the corporation limits.
Mr. Evans belongs to Jackson Lodge, No. 50,
A. F. &A. M.; to Jackson Lodge No. 4, I. O. 0. F.;
and to the Knights of Pythias. His social, friendly
nature and benevolent spirit are indicated by his
connection with these orders, and it is needless to
state that he is the subject of much friendly regard.
AMUEL CHAPEL, A. M., whose portrait
is presented on the opposite page, is a
son of one of the earliest pioneers of this
county and the youngest of his father's
family. He first opened his eyes to the light December 10, 1833, in Sandstone Township, and here
his lifelong interests have centered.  Ie i s the
offspring of a good family, being the son of the
Hon. Caleb M. Chapel, a native of Salem, Conn.,
and who was born February 11, 1797. The paternal grandparents were Charlott and Sally Chapel,
who were natives of New England. The Chapel
family is of French origin, the name being originally spelled Chapelle, and after the settlement of
the family in America the simpler orthography was
adopted.
The father of our subject was reared to manhood
in his native State and was married to Miss Mary
H. Comstock, by whom he became the father of six
children. Of these Samuel, our subject, is the only
survivor. In 1829 the family emigrated to New
York State and for three years were residents of
Genesee County. In 1832 they sought Michigan
Territory and, coming to this county, the father
purchased three hundred ard twenty acres of land,
comprising the west half of the east half and the
west half of section 33, in Sandstone Township, s3curing the same from  the Government
at $1.25 per acre. The patent was made out on
parchment and signed by President Andrew Jackson, the Democratic executive wtho officiated as his


I
I,




own secretary. This relic is preserved by our subject as one of the heirlooms from which he would
not willingly part.
The land which the elder Chapel purchased was
part wood land and lie labored for many years industriously in the building up of a homestead and
securing a competency for his declining years. He
accomplished this in the most praiseworthy manner and rested from his earthly labors June 9, 1873.
When coming here he had with him just enough
money to pay for his land and provide himself with
the implements for its cultivation. He and his family
endured the usual hardships of life on the frontier,
and they were about the first settlers who remained
residents of Sandstone Township. Caleb Chapel
became prominent in the community, signalizing
himself as a liberal and public-spirited citizen and
holding many of the local offices. In early life he
was a Whig politically, and after the abandonment.of the old party cordially endorsed Republican
principles. He served as Supervisor for several
terms with credit to himself and satisfaction to his
constituents. Although not a member of any
church organization he contributed liberally to religious enterprises, was public spirited and in favor
of everything to improve the county and elevate
society. After occupying other positions of trust
and responsibility lie was selected to represent this
county in the State Legislature, sometime in the
'50s, and in this as in all other po itions observed
that fidelity to duty which gained, him the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. After a
well-spent life lie departed hence June 9, 1873.
In his death the county lost one of its best citizens.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden
of Mary H1. Comstock; she was born in Salem,
Conn., to Joshua and Mary (Holmes) Comstock.
who traced their ancestry to England. The family was represented in America prior to the Revolutionary War. Three of the children born to this
worthy pair are living. Mrs. Chapel departed this
life at Sandstone March 5, 1864.
Samuel Chapel until twelve years old attenled
the district schools of his neighborhood, making
good use of his time, and then entered Albion Seminary where he was a student for two school years.
From this institution he went to Michigan Central


I




572            PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


College at Spring Arbor and was likewise a student  will rei
of that institution for about the same length of  for yea
time. In 1853, still advancing on the road to    by inc
knowledge, he repaired to Ann Arbor and took a   resider
literary course in the Michigan State University,  out th
from which four years later, il 1857, he was grad-  opened
uated with honors. In the meantime he also com-  1876, 1
pleted a course of civil engineei'ing in the university,  conferi
intending to follow this profession but owing to the  which
financial depression of 1857, when there were prac-  him m(
tically no railroads being built, he drifted into farm-  disting
ing which he has followed up to the present time.  and int
One of the most important and interesting events
in the life of our subject was his marriage, which
occurred May 3, 1865, the bride being Miss Amy
A. King, a native of this county and the daughter
of Jonathan King, one of its earliest settlers. Of 
this union there have been born five children, four
of whom are living, viz., Mary E. Samuel R., Flor- 
ence B. and Robert G. Mrs. Chapel departed this  start in
life at the old homestead December 10, 1881. Mr.  when t
Chapel has been an interested eye witness of the  years
growth and development of this county, to which  additio
lie came when Indians were numerous and likewise  seventj
wild animals. He represented Sandstone Township  and wl
cne term in the County Board of Supervisors and  section
has held other positions of trust and responsibility.  proved
In politics he is a pronounced Democrat, his motto  home a
at the present time being "Cleveland and free      The
trade."                                          York,.
The farm of Mr. Chapel comprises three hundred  old wh
and twenty acres of well-tilled land, the same that  Baniste
was purchased by his father from the Government.  in what
This fact in itself is sufficient to make it of great  They
value to its present proprietor who has added to it  nearest
from year to year by the various improvements   the wils
naturally suggested to the enterprising and pro-  were v
gressive farmer. Mr. Chapel has been a member    wolves.
of the Old Settlers' Association since its organiza-  which 1
tion and is now its Vice-President.  He belongs to  meat.
the Masonic fraternity at Parma, the Temple de-  wheat a
gree at Jackson, and has held all the important of-  road b
fices of his lodge. Only one name stands between  years sl
him and that of Gen. Jackson, and that is the name  Baniste
of his venerable father, attached to the deed given  the scha
of this farm which possesses for him a far more  he mad
than moneyed value, It is to be hoped that it    There h


main in the possession of the Chapel family
ars to come. It has never been incumbered
lebtedness. Mr. Chapel has continued his
ice upon the ground where he was born withe exception of a single (ay since he first
I his eyes to the light. On the 28th of June,
ie returned to his alma mater, and there was
red upon him the degree of A. M., an honor
lie has justly earned and which was accorded
ost cheerfully by the university where he had
ruished himself as one of its most faithful
telliygent students.
----— 4 — L, ~: ~~      ---------


IARLES L. BANISTER, the owner and occupant of an excellent farm on section 16,
Tompkins Township, made his financial
i life by breaking new ground with ox-teams
his section was comparatively new. In seven
he broke more than eight hundred acres in
n to his own land. His estate comprises the
y-two acres on which he began housekeeping
here he now lives, and twenty-five acres on
9 of the same township. All is well imand forms a comfortable and attractive
n(d place of business.
subject of this brief sketch was born in New
January 29, 1828, and was about four years
len his parents, Asil and Lovina (Lunnon)
Ir, came to Michigan, settling in the woods
t is now Fairfield Township, Lenawee County.
built a cabin that was five miles from the
neighbor and began to hew out a home from
derness. Indians were numerous and so also
wild animals of various kinds, including
bears, deer and turkeys, the last three of
furnished their table with its chief supply of
The nearest mill was at Ypsilanti, where
was hauled by ox-teams through a forest, the
eing marked by blazed trees. After nine
pent upon the land in Lenawee County, Asil
r removed to this county, buying a part of
ool section 16 in Tompkins Township, where
le a good farm in the midst of the timber.
lis wife (lied leaving nine children of whom




4


PORTRAIT AND BIOGR[CAPH14"AL ALBUM..


573


PORTTNDIORA


the subject of this sketch is the third. While visiting a son near Detroit the father was stricken by
death. He had served in tie War of 1812.
The first school which Charles L. Banister attended was in a little log building in Lenawee
County, and a similar structure was the temple of
learning ill which le studied after the family came
to this county. His educational advantages were
necessarily somewhat meager, but in common with
his associates he made the best use possible of the
opportunities he had. He was married in this
county to Miss Margaret Fenton, a native of New
York who has resided in this State since 1858.. The
union has resulted in the birth of eight children,
named respectively, William, Alexander, Maggie,
Anna, John, Frank, Mariette and Hattie. All are
living except Maggie.
The parents of Mrs. Banister were Peter and
Grace Ann (McWilliams) Fenton.     The father
died in the Empire State and the mother with her
family of four children, came to Michigan in May,
1858, dying here some years later.
Mr. Banister is a member of the Patrons of Industry. His life has exhibited the qualities of
sturdy manhood which are so frequently developed
amlid pioneer scenes and his good qualities are appreciated by those with whom he comes in contact,
while his worthy wife is regarded with respect for
her housewifely energy and skill, and her kindly
nature.
OHN NICHOLSON. One of the most attractive homes of this county, both in its
external surroundings and in the home life
under its roof, is that located on section 14,
Parma Township, and owned and occupied by the
gentleman above named. The estate includes the
original one hundred and twenty acres purchased
by his father from the Government in 1836, and
eighty acres additional, which has been added to
the homestead by himself. The owner of this fine
property is a man of intelligence and progressive
ideas, a practical and successful agriculturist, and
one who in every department of life fulfills the
duty that lies before hlim in a creditable manner.


Mr. Nicholson is a native of this county, having
opened his eyes to the light November 13, i841,
on the farm lie still calls his home. His early years
were spent in the manner common to the children
of all early settlers.in an attendance at school during a portion of the year, and in various labors necessary to the clearing and improvement of the estate.
Although the sclool privileges were meager compared with those now received by the children in
the county, he made the best use of those lie had,
adding largely by his own efforts to the instruction
which ie had received. His farm is furnished with
a complete line of most excellent farm buildings
and a splendid resident e that is presided over by a
lady of housewifely skill and many estimable traite
of character.
The marriage of Mr. Nicholson and Miss Mary
A. Davis was celebrated January 23, 1867, and has
been blessed by the birth of three children. Caroline, the only daughter, is now the wife of R. Z.
Allen of Parma Township; Charles H. lives in Chicago, Ill.; William C. remains with his parents.
Mrs. Nicholson is the daughter of B. S. and Caroline Davis, early settlers of Parma Township, and
natives of Essex County, N. Y. She was born in
Parma Township, March 25, 1842, being one of
eight children. Three others yet survive, namely:
George Davis of Tompkins Township; Charles of
Parma Township; Andrew Romondo of Albion.
The deceased brothers and sisters are: Benjamin
W., Frances, Joseph and Helen. Joseph gave his
life for his country, (lying about the close of the
war; Charles also served in the Union army.
For a short time after becoming a resident of
this county Mrs. Nicholson's father resided in Concord Township, but lie then settled in the woods on
section 20, Parma Township. He is a shoemaker
but he had his farm developed and the.family lived
upon it, the sons clearing and working it principally. Mrs. Davis, who died December 16, 1861,
belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr.
Davis is well-known throughout this county. His
present home is at Albion and he has now reached
the advanced age of eighty years. He belongs to
the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows and the
Masonic fraternity at Albion.
Mr, Nicholson is now serving as Moderator of




a74


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
_ _ _, _..,.. _.., _ _ _ _.. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


School District No. 6, having been School Treasurer six years. He has also been Township Drain
Commissioner one year and Highway Commissioner
five years. He belongs to the Ancient Order of
United Workmen Lodge at Albion, is actively interested in social matters and ranks among the
representativ2 citizens of the locality. Ils wife is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and
she also is one of the active members of the coinmunity.
ARQUIS D. CRAWFORD. There have
grown up amid the pioneer scenes of this
/   county, some of its most substantial and
reliable men. Many of them  were born
upon its soil in its primitive days, among whom
was the subject of this notice, who first opened his
eyes to the light at his father's old homestead in
this township, July 26, 1848. He practically grew
up with the country, and is now the owner of a
good farm on section 13, to which he has given his
best efforts for many years, which efforts have been
crowned with success. Although only forty-two
years old, he is well-to-do, with a competency for
his declining years.
The parents of our subject were Zeba and Asenath (Crouch) Crawford, natives of Steuben County,
N. Y. Zeba Crawford came to this county about
1835-36, sojourned in Sandstone Township one
year, then returned on foot to the Empire State,
a distance of six hundred miles. He made the last
eighty miles without resting more than to partake
of his luncli. From this it may readily be guessed
that he was a man of iron constitution, and great
endurance, as well as resolution.
The subject of this sketch grew up on the homestead amid early surroundings similar to those of
the neighboring farmer's sons who lived at considerable distance from each other, as the country even
at that time was not very thickly settled. He attended the primitive schools, enjoying advantages
far inferior to the young men of the present day,
even in the country districts. He made good use
of the books and newspapers which fell into his
hands during his youth, becoming well-informed




upon events of general interest, and quite early in
life began to lay his plans for. the future. The
most important of these was the establishment of a
home of his own, and he was accordingly married
October 31, 1872, to Miss Emeline Moe.
Mrs. Crawford was born March 8, 1852, in Sandstone Township, this county, and is the daughter
of Charles and Caroline (Perry) Moe, who were
among its earliest pioneers, and of whom further
mention is made in the biography of Hiram  S.
Moe, on another page in this volume. The newly
wedded pair commenced the journey of life together under somewhat more favorable auspices
than did their parents before them, and have since
been reasonably prospered. Two children have
blessed their union: Walter Z., born October 18,
1874, and Lena B., January 31, 1881. In politics
Mr. Crawford votes the straight Republican ticket.
He has served acceptably on the School Board of
his district, and uniformly gives his support to the
enterprises calculated for the benefit of the community at large. His farm comprises one hundred
and eighteen acres, and the homestead with its surroundings reflects credit upon the intelligence and
industry of the proprietor. In a work designed to
perpetuate the best elements of Jackson County,
the name of Mr. Crawford should be given due
prominence.
To the parents of Mrs. Crawford there were born
three children, only two of whom are living-herself and sister Mary, the wife of Charles Green of
Kent County. Rhoda A. died when seven years
old, and Mr. Moe departed this life at the homestead, February 23, 1866. The mother survived
her husband ten years, dying in July, 1876. The
farm upon which her father first settled is now
owned by E. F. Pierce.
J   OHN HEYDLAUFF. The subject of this
notice is a fair representative of the thrifty
German clement of this county, who have
borne such an important part in its growth
and development. The sons of the Fatherland
throughout the Northwest, as in nearly all portions




,BUM                  5755


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL AL


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL AL BU M575~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


of America, have signalized themselves as among
the best elements of its population. The subject
of this notice is one remove from the land of his
ancestors, being a native of Herkimer County,
N. Y., and was born February 27, 1835. His
parents, Martin and Elizabeth Heydlauff, were
natives of the Kingdom of Wurtemburg, Germany.
The parents of our subject emigrated to America
more than fifty years ago. and settled first in Herkimer County, N. Y. Soon afterward, however,
they sought the Far West, coming to Washtenaw
County, this State, and lived there five years. In
1842 they changed their residence to Waterloo
Township, this county, where tle father engaged in
farming, and where both parents spent the remainder of their lives. Martin Heydlauff departed
hence in 1868, at the age of sixty-eight years. The
wife and mother survived until 1885, dying at the
advanced age of eighty-five years. The five children born to them   were named respectively:
Andrew, John, Mary, Elizabeth and Frank. All
of these are living and residents of Michigan.
The subject of this notice was the second child
of his parents, and spent the first nine years of his
life in his native State. He accompanied the family in their subsequent removals, acquired his edu
cation in the common school. and chose farming
for his life vocation. In 1868 he settled upon his
present farm, this comprising two hundred and
seventy-two and one-half acres of some of the
choicest farming land in Waterloo Township, and
finely located on sections 26, 27 and 28. Upon it
has been erected one of the finest residences in this
part of the county. Adjacent are the barns and
other necessary outbuildings, all in keeping with
the acknowledged enterprise of the proprietor.
Mr. Heydlauff avails himself of the latest-improved
machinery in the cultivation of his land, and keeps
himself posted upon all matters pertaining thereto.
The consequence is his fields yield abundantly the
richest crops of Michigan, and he has thus become financially independent. A man of more
than ordinary intelligence, he is looked up to in
his community, and he is self-made in the broadest
sense of the term, having begun life dependent
upon his own resources, and climbing up to his
present position solely by hard work and good


management.   All the improvements which we
behold to-day upon his farm, have been brought
about by the present proprietor, and too much
credit cannot be given him for the manner in
which he llas labored and the success which has
attended him.
The 15th of April, 1860, was made an interesting day in the life of our subject by his marriage
with Miss Christina, daughter of Michael and
Mary (Hincemann) Reithmiller, of Waterloo Town.
ship. This lady was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, November 23, 1842, and came with her
parents to America, settling at once in Waterloo
Township among its earliest pioneers, and where
they continued to make their home until death.
Of this union there have been born seven children,
namely: Emanuel, Paulina M., Lydia C., Samuel
M., Sarah A., Lewis H. and August. Samuel M.
died in March, 1867, when six months old. Mr.
Heydlauff upon becoming a voting citizen identified himself with the Democratic party, and has
held some of the minor offices. He has one of the
most beautiful homes in the township, and occupies
no secondary position among an enterprising and
intelligent people.
E<9PHRAIM REED. This gentleman is numbered among the pioneers, having begun his
l_,1~ residence in Michigan in 1837, and in this
county in 1847. Coming here lie bought and settled upon a tract of land on section 7, Parma
Township, his first dwelling being a log cabin 16x22
feet in dimensions, in which he lived about twenty
years. He then began the erection of his present
comfortable and commodious home,which was completed in 1867, and entered by the family November
28, of that year, which was the fiftieth birthday
of the owner. His home was made in the woods,
where wild turkeys, deer and bears were numerous,
and the one hundred and ninety acres which comprises his estate have been cleared by him from the
stump. He and his wife have experienced the
usual hardships that pioneers endure, but have








576.PORTRAITL AND BIOGRAPHI~CAL ALIBUM.


576-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PORTRAIT AND  BIOGRAP"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~iCAL ALBUM.


lived to see their efforts crowned with success in the
accumulation of a valuable piece of property and
its thorough improvement, and to enjoy many
comforts.
When Mr. Reed reached this county he had but
little means, and for the first twenty two months of
his residence here he worked for others, receiving
$12 per month during a portion of the time, the
second season getting $12.50, and during the winter but $10. He saved within $20 dollars of enough
money to pay for his first forty acres of land, and
worked with a will, gradually adding to the acreage.
For several seasons he broke land for other settlers,
the large plow being drawn by from four to seven
yoke of oxen. "Tle little old log cabin" is still
pr served on the place as a relic of pioneer days.
Mr. Reed is a native of the Empire State, having
been born in Clinton County, November 28, 1817.
His paternal ancestors were English, and emigrated
to Connecticut at an early day, in that State his
father, Ephraim Reed, having been born. His maternal grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier, his
home being in New York, where Sarah Hayes, who
became the wife of Ephraim Reed, was born. They
lived in Clinton County, N. Y., from  1799 until
1826, when they changed their residence to Franklin County, where our subject was reared amid the
pioneer surroundings in which his father had settled. IIe received but a common-school education,
but by reading and observation has been enabled
to keep up with the generality of humanity in intelgence and knowledge. The first few years of his life
in Michigan were spent in Calhoun County, his
later efforts having been already noted. He is the
sixth of eleven children born to his parents.
The wife of Mr. Reed was in her girlhood Miss
Lydia A. Peabody. She was born in Ontario
County, N. Y., September 2, 1827, her paternal ancestors being English, and those in the maternal
line supposed to be of Scotch-Irish origin. Her
parents, Daniel and Janet (Patterson) Peabody,
were natives of Connecticut and New Hampshire,
respectively. In her native State she remained
until her fifteenth year, when her parents removed
to Michigan, settling in Eckford Township, Calhoun County. There the mother died, her father
breathing his last in Iowa. Her marriage was cele

brated at her home May 6, 1847, since which time
she has been her husband's best counselor and most
encouraging friend.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Reed comprises
seven sons and daughters. Casper is now living in
Calhoun County; Rebecca is the wife of Miles
Pearson, of Eaton County; Esther is the widow of
R. L. Everett, of Parma Township, this county;
Helen lives in Kalamazoo; the home of Andrew is
in Knoxville, Tenn.; Satirah is the wife of I. 0.
Walker, of Coles County, Ill.; Alva also lives in
the Prairie State.
Mr. Reed has been solicited to serve in important local offices to which he has been elected, but
would never qualify for them, preferring the quietude of his own fireside. The only public position
in which he would serve has been that of a School
Director, and for many years he has held that position. He has always been a supporter of churches,
schools, and other elevating influences, and is an
excellent representative of good citizenship and
upright manhood. In politics he is a Democrat.
Both himself and wife are well-known throughout
their locality, where they have many friends and
are looked upon as leading citizens.
~. ~~_iw.   f           (. _,ir B.~.


E      EORGE   SCHWAB. There is usually a
perio( in all men's lives to. which they look
back with a certain degree of satisfaction,
and that in which Mr. Schwab justly takes pride
was the time which he spent as a Union soldier
fighting the battles of his country with the Army
of the Potomac. He is now one of the most peaceable members of the community of Parma Township where he has one hundred and eighty acres of
well-developed land on section 35. He was torn
September 10, 1842, in Genesee County, N. Y.,
and is the son of Christopher and Clarissa (Halleck)
Schwab, the latter of whom died about 1882.
The father of our subject was of German birth
and ancestry and a native of the Kingdom of Bavaria whence lie emigrated to America when a
youth of eighteen years of age. On reaching this
country he settled near the infant town of Darien,




577


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


- ^I --- — I~-~ --- ——. --- ——. —   -~- ~ ~... ----.-~  --— I-..~.   -   - ----- -. --- --   -—.~._._-__~-  - ------  --- -------..__..-._,
-— ~-.~.-.-. ---- -  ===:.1. --.-. ---  - - -  -  -- -,-  I~ —.- -


where he followed the trade of a weaver until retiring from the active labois of life. He is living
and is about eighty years of age. He still makes
Ilis home in Genesee County, N. Y. There George
was reared to manhood on a farm and acquired
his education in the common schools. He was
eighteen years old at the outbreak of the Civil
War and on the 17th of February, 1863, enlisted
as a Union soldier in Company F, One Hundred
and Fifth New York Infantry. Going to the front
with his comrades, he participated in the second
battle of Bull Run, was at the seige of Petersburg
and fought at Rapahanlnock Station, Gettysburg
and in various other minor engagements and skirm..
ishes. He was captured by the rebels at Bull Run
but  was exchanged   within a week and rejoined his regiment. At Petersburg he was again
captured, August 19, 1864, on theWeldon Railroad, and was taken to Libby Prison where lie
was robbed of all of his effects by the rebel authorities under various pretexts, and the following week was taken to Belle Isle, where he
was detained two months. Thence he was conveyed
to Salisbury, N. C., where he was confined over
three months. In all he was about six and onehalf months the prisoner of the Confederates.
When Mr. Schwab entered the prison at Salisbury it contained about nine thousand unfortunates
and four thousand five hundred of these were
starved and buried during his continuance there,
at one time being carried out at the rate of eighty
per day. He was finally exchanged and struck the
Union lines at Wilmington, N. C., whence he went
to Annapolis, Md. There lie was taken ill with typhoid fever and was confined in the hospital from
the middle of March to about the middle of April,
when lie returned to his old home in Genesee
County, N. Y. IIe received his honorable discharge July 19, 1865, and remained a resident of
his native county until 1874. In the meantime he
was married February 14, 1867, to Miss Viola E.
Shepard. This lady like her husband was a native
of Genesee County, and they became the parents
of two children —.Bertie and Grant. The mother
of these died at her home in Parma Township, this
county, October 30, 1875.
Mr. Schwab contracted a second marriage April


26, 1877, with Miss IHattie A., daughter of Thomas
and Elizabeth Spencer. Mr. and Mrs. Spencer
came to this county during the pioneer days and
the father spent his last days in Rives Township.
The mother is still living. By this union our subject is the father of one child, a son, Stewart.
In 1874, leaving his native State Mr. Schwab
came to this county and settled on his present
farm. This is a choice tract of land, one hundred
and eighty acres in extent, which under the management of the present proprietor has been brought
to a good state of cultivation. There had been
little improvement made in its original condition
when he assumed ownership and its appearance today indicates to what good purpose he has labored
and with what good judgment his capital has been
disbursed. Mr. Schwab is a self-made man in the
broadest sense of the term, having started in life
dependent upon his own resources and worked his
way upward to an enviable position, socially and
financially.
Mr. and Mrs. Schwab are members in good
standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church at
Parma, in which our subject officiates as Trustee.
He is a sound Republican, politically, and belongs
to the Grand Army of the Republic, holding the
office of Commander of Levant Rhine's Post, No.
374, at Parma. He is in favor of everything to
improve the county and elevate society and is
looked upon as one of the most liberal and publicspirited men within its limits.
thaEORGE B. HALL. This name represents
fE    R that of one of the earliest pioneers of Jack/ | son County who may usually be found at
his well-regulated homestead on section 7. EHe is
a man of large experience and close observation of
men and things, aud as a citizen he has acquitted
himself with credit and honor. HIe came to the
young State of Michigan in 1838 and first located
on section 30, Parma Township, where he resided
with his parents a year and a half, then starting
out for himself, he was occupied four years in
breaking prairie, using from three to six yoke of








578


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


oxen. He had received a very good education,
completing his studies by attendance one term at
Albion Seminary and was thus practically wellfitted for the ordinary duties of life. With very
few exceptions the young men of that period were
industrious and self reliant and young Hall was no
exception to the rule.
The subject of this sketch was born October 24,
1824, in Orleans County, N. Y. and is the son of
George and Lucy (Garrett) Iall, whose family
consisted of nine children.  Thile parents were
both of the State of Vermont, and spent their
last years in Michigan. George B. when ready to
establish a home of his own was married December
22, 1848, to Miss Rachel Fowler.  This lady was
born August 12, 1827. in New York and was a
daughterof Edwin and Hannah (Thomkins) Fowler,
who at that time were residents of Calhoun County.
Ten children were born of this union, of whom the
following are living: Frank, Edward, Flora, Effie,
the wife of Oscar Childs, and Emma. The deceased
were George, Mamie, William, Charles and Mary.
Mr. and Mrs. Hall commenced their wedded life
together in Albion and in 1853 removed to the
place which has since remained their home. Mr.
Hall is the owner of about one hundred and liftytwo acres of land, the most of which is under good
cultivation. Much of this has been cleared by his
own hands and the improvements upon it are all
the result of his own industry and good management. He has witnessed the growth and development of his adopted county with the warm interest
felt only by the true citizen and has contributed as
he was able to the general good of the community.
In politics he has always been a sound Democrat.
Mrs. Rachel (Fowler) Hall after remaining the
devoted companion of her husband for a period of
over forty-one years, departed this life at the homestead December 28, 1889. She had been a devoted
wife and mother, a kind neighbor and a faithful
friend, and was not only mourned by her immediate family but the entire community. Mr. Hall
in 1851, seized with an attack of the California
gold fever, started for the Pacific Slope and walked
about three-fourths of the distance across the
plains. Settling in Eldorado County, he for nearly
two years followed blacksmithing which he liad




learned in his youth and at which he has worked
altogether for nearly twenty years. For a number of years he operated a shop on his own farm
which institution proved a great convenience for
his neighbors. He may be properly termed a selfmade man, as he commenced in life dependent
upon his own resources and it cannot be denied
that lie has made for himself a good record.
UDOLPII WORCH, editor of the Michigan
4I\   Volksfreund, at Jackson, occupies a leadJ l \ ing place among the German journalists of
the West. He was born in the city of
Berlin, June 10, 1846, and is the son of Maj.
Christian Worch, who, after coming to the United
States, served as Captain and Major in the Sixtyeighth New York Volunteers, (luring the War of
the Rebellion.
The subject of this sketch was a youth of sixteen years when coming to America, and while
with his father, who assumed command of a body
of troops at Luray, Va., was taken ill and placed in
a farm house. Upon this a sudden attack was
made by the rebels, and Maj. Worch was obliged
to retreat with his command, leaving his son Rudolph, who was captured by the enemy and taken
to Winchester. He made his escape some ten weeks
afterward, and after teaching school in Washington, D. C., was appointed to a clerkship in the military department of the post-office at Washington,
where ie remained until after the close of the
war.
We next find Mr. Worch on the staff of the German Correspondent, a daily paper of Baltimore,
with whom lie remained until 1869. He then established the Maryland Staats Zeitung, which lie
conducted nine months, and then, it not being successful financially, he sold the plant and assumed
the position of editor with the Daily Cincinnati
Volkcsblatt, under Frederick Hassaurek. There he
remained until 1871, when he was proffered the
editorship of tie Ft. Wayne (Ind.) Volksfreund.
This was a weekly paper, and Mr. Worch, subse

0














THOMAS CUFF.


CLARISSA CUFF.




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


)58t


 ---` - ----- -------


quently purchasing it, changed( it to a daily. He
remained in Ft. Wayne until 1877, then selling
out the daily and job office, retained only the
weekly, bringing it to Jackson, where he has since
conducted it successfully.
The VTolksfreund is an eight-page, six-column
quarto, Democratic in politics, and enjoys a circulation of twenty-four hundred.  Mr. Worch is
prominent in local affairs, but never held a political office, his tastes inclining him more to the social
circle and literature. He has been a contributor of
poems of no mean order to the various periodicals
throughout the country.  -Ie is a member of the
Great Council of the Improved Order of Red
Men of the United States, also of the Knights of
Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is a Trustee of the city cemetery, and
has held positions of responsibility in various societies. He maintains the modest and courteous
bearing which are the sure passports to tle confidence and esteem of a community.
Mr. WorchC was married March 2, 1869, in Baltimore, Md., to Miss Mathilda, daughter of Charles
F. Lehman, a frescoe painter by trade, and an expert in his calling. Of this union there have been
born four children, three of whom are livingCarl C., foreman of his father's printing-office;
Louis A., the clief clerk of his fatther. and Isa
bella A. Henrietta II., the third child, died, December 15, 1886, at the age of fourteen years.
The family attend the Unitarian Church, and oc
cupy a high position, socially.
-   bIHOM AS CUFF. Among those worthy pio/  neers whose hands are folded and their
\   J/ labors done, may be properly mentioned
the subject of this notice, who, after a well-spent
life, departed from the scenes of his earthly labors
at his home in Sandstone Township, December 5,
1884. He was born August 12, 1811, in the North
of Ireland, and was the son of Patrick and Margaret Cuff, wlo were likewise natives of the Emerald
Isle, and who emigrated to the United States about
1818. For some reason Thomas did not accorn

pany them, but two years later, when a lad of nine,
came with his uncle and joined his parents in Canad,. They lived thereafter about one year at the
city of Quebec, then removed to Middlebury, Vt.,
lwhere Thomas was reared to man's estate. He was
given very good advantages, acquiring a commonscllool education in the Green Mountain State, and
1 eing more than ordinarily intelligent, became a
well-informed man. He was industrious and frugal, and at tle age of twenty-one took the first
step toward the establishment of a home of his own
by being marrie(l, September 9, 1832, to Miss
Clarissa Frost.
Mrs. Cuff was born February 4, 1810, in Addison County, Vt., and( was tle daughter of Frederick
and Clarissa (ltulburt) Frost, who were natives
reslpectively of Massachusetts and  Connecticut.
'The Frost family was of Scotch origin, and was
first represented in America by three brothers, who
came over in tile "AMayflower," landing at Plymouth llock, an(t settled in New England. The
patelnal gr-andfather of Mrs. Cuff was Elisha Hulbuirt, who di(d good service on the side of the
Colonists in thle IRevolutionary War. After safely
braving tile dangers of shot and shell, the old hlero
came to his death by drowning in Middlebury
Creek, Vt. Frederick Hulburt and his brother
William were drlIftcd into the army during the
War of 1812, but were not compelled to go.
Mr. an(l  Mrs. Cuff spent the first years of their
wedded life in Vermont, and from there in 1838
emigrated to Michigan, and settled among the pioneers of this county. Mr. Cuff for the first year
was employed as a guarl at the State Prison in
Jackson, and later he assisted in getting out the
tamarack poles and driving them into the ground
around the prison to make it more secure against
tlhe escape of criminals. Later, for probably tlree
years, lhe assisted in the building of the Michigan
Central railroad, completing the track from the
Blackm   'i T'owvnship line one mile west.
In the fall of 1838 Mr. Cuff sent for his wifeand
family, wlo started for Michigan in October, and
arrive( in D)ecember following, he meeting them
at Buffalo. Soon afterward he purchased one hundred and forty acres of land on section 27, San 1 -stone Township, from  one Capt. Chester Wall.






582


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


I..       1.        -.   I  - %- -  --              4F-l
I


They did not settle upon this, however, until about
1844, after which Mr. Cuff purchased twenty acres
additional from the Government, this being adjoining. Their first dwelling was a log house,
25x30 feet in dimensions, in which they lived a
short time, and then put up the frame dwelling
now occupied by their son, Thomas F.
Upon this land, when Mr. Cuff took possession,
there were practically no improvements, and the
country around was mostly in its original wild con.
dition, much as the Indians had left it. Mr. Cuff
had very little means, and the family endured the
usual hardships and privations incident to life on
tile frontier. Years of persevering industry, however, worked a vast change in his circumstances,
and in due time he received the reward of his
labors. At the time of his death he was surrounded
by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
He had made for himself the record of an honest man
and a good citizen, had served as Road Commissioner and in other positions of trust. Politically,
he was a Democrat, and religiously, a member of
the Catholic Church. He left an estate including
one hundred and sixty acres of land, improved
with good buildings, besides valuable personal
property. Mrs. Cuff is still living, making her
home with her son, Norman J., and is a lady respected by all who know her. She differed somewhat from  her husband in her religious views,
being a member of the Congregational Church at
Sandstone. The portraits of these worthy pioneers
occupy another page in this volume.
There was born to Mr. and Mrs. Cuff a family
of ten children, eight of whom are living-Danliel
is a resident of Gratiot County; Norman J. occupies the home farm: Emily is the wife of Giles
Mattison, of Sandstone Township; Clara married
Alexander Brown, and lives in Jackson City; Jane,
Mrs. Rome, is a widow and a resident of Jackson;
Belle is the wife of Dwight Stringham, of this
county; Lizzie married Perry Stringtham, and lives
in Sandstone Township; Thomas is likewise a resident of this township.
Norman J. Cuff was born in Rutland County,
Vt., January 16, 1838, and was brought by his
parents to this county when an infant. He has
thus grown up with the country, and possesses


many of the qualities which contributed so much
to the success of his honored father. He acquired
a practical education in the common school, and
was married, December 3, 1876, to Miss Libby
Shorter. Of this union there have been born two
children, only one of whom is living. Mrs. Norman J. Cuff departed this life at their home, July
14, 1886.
6_ENRY LOVEWELL. The name of this
))) honored pioneer of Parma Township will be
held in remembrance for many years to
come. He is now numbered among those
whose hands are folded and whose labors are
done and he made for himself a good record as a
father, husband, citizen and friend. He was born
and reared in NewYork State and departed this life
at his homestead in Parma Township.
Born in the latter part of 1700,Mr. Lovewell about
1804 removed with his parents to Orleans County,
N. Y. where he developed into manhood and was
married to Miss Polly Houseman. This lady was
the daughter of George Houseman. The Lovewell
family is of English ancestry and the father of
Henry was born on the other side of the Atlantic
whence he came to America during the Revolutionary War as a soldier of King George's army, much
against his will, being pressed into the service to
fight against the Colonists. He soon perceived the
justice of the latter's cause and as soon as possible
deserted the ranks of the British and went over
into the American army.
To the parents of our subject there was born a
family of seven children, four of whom lived to
mature years, viz: Lorinda, Mrs. Graham, of
Traverse County, Minn.; Julia A. and Prudence,
residents of Parma Township, this county, and
Henry, our subject. The family came to Michigan
about 1837 and. settled in the woods of Parma
Township, the father purchasing from the Government eighty acres of land on section 17. He first
put up a log cabin which the family occupied for a
number of years, when it was abandoned for the
present residence. Wolves and Indians were plentiful then in this region, but the latter were peaceable






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.        583


bein  tetdknl byterwienibos


I




being treated kindly by their white neighbors.
Mr. Lovewell had very little money left after paying for his farm and the family frequently lived
on short rations during the early days. Perseverance and industry, however, in due time met with
their legitimate reward and the Lovewell family,
like their neighbors, gradually surrounded themselves with all the comforts of life. Mr. Lovewell
died during the same year in which President Lincoln was cut down by the assassin. T'he mother
survived her husband several years.
The early education of Mr. Lovewell was conducted in the schools of his native county and were
of a character in keeping with the time and place,
being much inferior to the advantages enjoyed by
the young men of to-day whether in country or
city. He served as a sold(ier in the war of 1812
and participated in several battles. He was a lifelong l)emocrat, but liberal an(l public-spirited and
always maintained a warm interest in the welfare
of his neighbors or friends who never called upon
him in vain for assistance in any shape when
lie was able to render it. His two daughters, Julia
A. and Prudence reside at the homestead and are
the ofwners of eighty acres of land. The family
occupies no secondary position among tlhe best
elements of the county.
~*....  t  z  l  -      f.........:.l2


i
i


spring of 1850. Of her union with our subject
there have been born three children, viz: Paul,
Clare and Mahala.
Mr. I)arling owns three hundred and fifty acres
of prime land which is under a good state of cultivation and embellished with substantial buildings,
including a good residence and a fine large barn,
the latter 42 x 76 feet in dimensions. He is considerably interested in fine trotting horses of which
lie is able to exhibit some handsome and valuable
specimens.  He Ihas inherited in a marked degree
the industry and application to business which have
placed him in the front rank among the well-to-do
citizens of the county where lie is held in high
esteem.
I7IOItlMAS RIIEAD. This highly respected
old resident of Napoleon, and upon whom
all classes look with marked respect, served
for many years as Justice of the Peace, but his
now retired from the active labors of life, and amid
thle comforts of a quiet home is spending his declining years. He was born in Staffordshire, England, June 26, 1819, and is the son of Thomas and
Mary (Clark) Rhead, who were also of Englisl
birth and ancestry, and spent their entire lives on
their native soil.
Mr. Rhead spent the first twenty-two years of
his life in his native shire, and then not being satisfied with his condition or his prospects, embarked
for America on the broad Atlantic. He came directly westward, and in September, 1842, located
in what was then Napoleon, but is now Norvell
Township. Securing a tract of land lie engaged
continuously in farming until 1886, then wisely retiring from active labor, removed to the village,
wlltre he hlas since resided. He owns about one
hundred and twenty-five acres of land, which is the
source of a comfortable income, and has sufficient
of this world's goods otherwise to defend him
against want in his declining years.
After coming to this county, Mr. Rhead made
the acquaintance of a most estimable young woman, Miss Elsie M. Chaffee, to whom he was married, July 3, 1844. She was born in Onondaga


-MASA H. DARLING, a sketch of whose
father Lewis Darling, appears on another
4 page in this volume, is recognized as a son
of one of the early settlers of Jackson
County and a representative of a well-known and
highly respected family. He was born November
26, 1844, in Concord Township where he developed
into manhood and acquired a practical education in
the district school. Later he supplemented his
store of knowledge by attendance at the Catholic
school in Albion and South Bend, Ind.
After reaching his majority Mr. Darling was
married March 2, 1866, to Miss Sophia S., daughter
of Thomas and Mahala (Myers) Blair. This lady
was born in Seneca (ounty, Ohio, January 31, 1836,
and came to Michigan with her parents in the


i
I








584


PORTRArrrAND BIOGRAPHICCAL ALBUM.


8   P R   AN  B P   ALBUM


County, N. Y., and by her marriage with our subject became the mother of three children, the eldestof whom, a daughter, Altiviene E., who is now
the wife of Judson Swezey, of Ingham County, Mich.
George B. is farming in Columbia Township, and
Charles F. resides in Napoleon. The mother of
these children departed tils life in Napoleon, January 11, 1890.
During his residence on the farm Mr. Rhead
serve( as Justice of the Peace for a period of eighteen years, and upon coming to the village of Napoleon was re-elected and still holds the office. He
has been a Notary Public for many years, and as a
member of the Republican party has taken an active interest in politics. His religious views coincide with those of the Baptist Church with which he
has long been connected, in fact since the time of
its organization at Norvell, until he left the place,
in 1886, serving all the time as Deacon. HIe now
holds the same office in connection with the church
at Napoleon. Of this church also his estimable
wife was an active and consistent member. Without perhaps being the hero of any veiy thrilling
event, Mr. Rhead has pursued the even tenor of
his way, is an honest man iand a good citizen and
has been the uniform supporter of those measures
tending to promote the social and moral welfare of
the people around him. When called hence he
will leave behind him a worthy record, one of
which his children will never be ashamed.
HANCY C. SMITH. He with whose name
we introduce this biographical outline is
conceded by all who know him to be one
of the finest old,gentlemen in Napoleon Township.
The industry and good management of years past
lhas placed him in comfortable circumstances, and
he is spending his declining years amid pleasant
surroundings, and in the enjoyment of the esteem
and confidence of hosts of friends. He car, tell an
interesting tale of pioneer life in the Wolverine
State, and he has watched with warm interest its


transformation from a wilderness to its present
prosperous condition.
In reverting to the antecedents of our subject we
find that his father, David Smith, a native of Hartford, Conn., was one of the early settlers of Cayuga
County, N. Y. He married a maiden of his own
township, and soon afterward, making their way to
tile Empire State, they settled in the town of Aurelius, and later removed to Seneca Falls; there the
mother died. David Smith spent his last days
with his son, Chancy C., dying in the town of
Mentz, 'ayuga County. He was an intelligent and
well-educated man and during his early years occupied himself as a teacher.
The subject of this notice was born in Aurelius, Cayuga County, N. Y., November 25, 1815.
He lived there until about fourteen years old, then
removed with his father to Seneca County, and
made his home in the vicinity of Seneca Falls until
a young man, probably twenty-two years old. Going then to Mentz, Cayuga County, he sojourned
there until coming to Michigan. In the meantime
he learned carpentering, which lie followed for
about fifteen years. In the summer of 1852 he
came to this county and located on section 32, Napoleon Township, where he has since made his
home, thus covering a residence in this section of
thirty-eight long years. During that time, with
the exception of three years he was engaged in buying wheat, he has followed farming continuously.
During that interval, however, he superintended
the operations of the farm, hiring the work done
by other parties. He is now the owner of one hundred and ninety-five well-tilled acres, whereon he
erected, many years ago, substantial buildings and
has everything necessary to the enterprising and
progressive agriculturist.
Mr. Smith was first married in Mentz, Cayuga
County, N. Y., in 1840, to Miss Harriet Van Winkle. This lady was born in Mentz, and by her
union with our subject became the mother of nine
children. The eldest daughter, Eliza J., is living
at home; Caroline A. is the wife of Warren Holmes.
of this county; Charles H. died when between three
and four years old; Antoinette N. is the wife of
Jasen Clark; Emeline A. is the widow of Richard
Brunk, and lives in this county: Susan M. is the




PORTRAIT AND BIOG3RAPIIICAL ALBUM.        585


-     ------                                                                                                         --
- - -—,                                              --- --- ---  - I- - 11 -- -         -__ :f                                     - --- _- -- -- - - - - - -- -  -_- 7 -—: ---- - -    ---- --  - -  -:  _7 -_,-  — "   - --   - —, -- 77 —, - 77- -1 ---  -- -I —


wife of Ilenry Murray, and they live in this
cunty; Grace G. married Vernon Cornell, and she
is a resident of this county; Charlotte S. married
Lumon Dunton, who is now deceased, and she
lives in this county; Lucy T., MArs. John Dake, is
a resident of New York City.
Mrs. Harriet Smith died in April, 1860. Mr. Smith
was then married to Mrs. Eusebia (Swain) Butler, a
native of New York State, who died at the homestead in Napoleon Township, October 29, 1889.
Mr. Smith, politically, is an active Republican, and
lie has been a member of the Baptist Church for
pirolably fifty years.
/t RS. SALLIE M. HtUBERT, one of the old.
//  \ est pioneers of tis county, having resided
wi - within its bounds for nearly half a century,
has been an eye-witness of its gradual
growth from a sparsely settled and slightly cleared
section of country to one of the most thoroughly
developed and beautiful counties of the broad
State. Her home is on the farm which her husband located upon in 1842, and where for many
years they labored side by side, undergoing many
privations and self denials, but gradually gathering
about them more and more of the comforts of life,
until they had reached a position of assured financial staiding. The farm occupies a part of sec
tion 14, Parma 'Township.
Mrs. Hubert is a native of Tompkins County,
N. Y., having been born May 6, 1812. IHer parents,John and Mary Waldron,natives of New Jersey,
were among the first settlers of her native county,
to which they removed during the first year of the
century. She grew to womanhood under excellent
home care, acquiring the best education possible at
that period and in that section, and learning many
useful habits and domestic accomplishments. On
June 14, 1835, she became the wife of John B. Hubert, and a few years later accompanied him to the
western frontier.
The husband was born in New Jersey, August
10, 1810, to Peter and Sallie Hubert, and when
about twenty years of age removed to the Empire


State, choosing the county in which he was married. Some time later, when he and his wife came
to Michigan, le purchased a small piece of land to
which le added by subsequent purchase until lie
hlad acquired one hundred and ninety acres which
he brought to a fine condition. The farm which lie
first secured had a small orchard planted upon it,
and a log house and barn afforded shelter for man
and least. It was otherwise unimproved, but lionest and industrious labor told upon it, and secured
the additional arleage and the more modern buildings of a later day.
Mr. Hubert hield some of the minor offices of the
township. I-e was a lDemnocrat during earlier years,
but later was a Prohibitionist. Public-spirited and
interested in the improvement of the section in
which lie liad made his home, lie gained respect
and won good will. On October 14, 1886, he
closed his eyes to earthly things, leaving an honored memory as tle best. leritage to his family. He
was thle father of six children, four of whom- V'
Mary J., Dana, Seylmour and John-are deceased.
'Fhle suirvivors-Bradford L. and Edwin G.-both
live in the township to whose earlier prosperity
their father and mother added by their efforts.
"; Grandma" Hubert, as she is commonly called,
has many friends in the vicinity where her virtues
and usefulness have become proverbial.
RTErMUS L. STILES, who is a well-known
anld ligltly respected resident of Jackson
f   County, is numbered among its most sub(*(|/  stantial and well-to-do citizens. By shrewd
management he has acquired a comfortable property, and on his fine farm, pleasantly located just
outside of the city limits of Jackson, lie makes his
home, having erected a commodious and well-appointed residence and other suitable buildings in
1882.
Cohocton, Steuben County, N. Y., is the birthplace of our subject, and March 9, 1825, tle date
of his birth. His father, Elijah Stiles, was born in
'Ontario County, N. Y., May 27, 1795, his father,
Samuel Stiles, having been a pioneer of that county,
b  ~:"VI:1 rL:0;f+ 






586


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


moving thither from his native Massachusetts with
a three-horse team. He bought a tract of timber
land in the wilderness in Canandaigua Township,
which by hard labor lie developed into a well-cultivated farm,[which he made his home until his
death. He was a veteran of the Revolution. The
father of our subject was reared on the old homestead where he was born, and resided with his parents until lie attained his majority. He then started
out in life on his own account, buying a tract of
land at the head of Cohocton stream in Steuben
County, whereon lie erected a sawmill, and for
years engaged in'the lumber business, as well as
carrying] on farming. He made his home there
many years, but spent the latter part of his life in
Springwater, in Livingston County. The maiden
name of the mother of our subject, was Lovina Lincoln. Stle was born in Ontario County, N. Y., a
daughter of Otis Lincoln, a pioneer of that section of
the country, to which he went from his native New
England. He cleared a fine farm on the east side
of the lake, and resided there until he was called
hlence by death, lie being drowned in the lake, by
the capsizing of his boat. He served as a soldier
in the Revolution. The mother of our subject survived her husband many years,lher death taking
place in Jackson, at an advanced age. There were
four children born to her andther husband, namely:
John B., Augustus V., Artemus L., and Mary E.
Augustus and our subject are the only survivors of
the family. The former was reared in his native
county, and was between sixteen and eighteen years
old when his parents went to I,ivingston County.
After attaining manhood, he engaged in farming,
and in the lumber business in that county. In 1865
he sold out his interests there, and removed to Steuben County, where he lived one year, and in 1866
came to Jackson, and was for some years associated
with our subject. He has lived a life of single
blessedness, making his home with his mother and
sister for some years after coming to Jackson, but
is now a welcome inmate of his brother's home.
Artemus L. Stiles was reared and educated in his
native county, and went from there to Livingston
County, where he resided until 1850, when he came
to Michigan. He was a single man at the time, and
spent a si:son with his uncle in Spring Arbor Town

ship. He then purchased a farm in Summit Township, and managed it himself until 1861, when he
rented it and came to Jackson to devote his time
more exclusively to the live-stock business, shipping cattle to Detroit, Buffalo, Albany, New York,
and Boston, continuing thus engaged very extensively for many years, acquiring a considerable
fortune. In 1868 he bought a farm adjoining the
city on the east, and since 1882, when he erected
his present substantial residence, he has made his
home there.
In this brief biography of Mr. Stiles, it is due to
his wife that credit be given her for having had a
share in building up her husband's prosperity by
her wise management of the household affairs, and
her helpfulness in various ways. They were united
in marriage, August 14, 1852, and of their union
two children have been born, Ida Frances, and Herbert Augustus, the latter dying in infancy; Ida F.
married William Harvey Potts, and they reside in
Jackson.
Mrs. Stiles' maiden name was Catherine B. Lindsey, and she was born in Pendleton, Niagara County,
N. Y., her father, John Lindsey, being one of the
early settlers of that county. He resided there until 1833, and then once more became a pioneer, coming to Michigan, then a territory, journeying by
the lakes to Detroit, and then with an ox-team to
Jackson County. He located in Summit Township,
of which he thus became one of the early settlers.
EIe at once built a log house, into which the family
moved before there were doors or windows, a
blanket being hung in the door-way to keep the
wild animals out, deer, wolves, bears, and other
denizens of the primeval forests then being plentiful in that region. Mr. Lindsey's death took place
here in 1811. The maiden name of his wife, Mrs
Stiles' mother, was Mary Brickley. She was born
in Seneca County, N. Y., where her father had removed from Pennsylvania. He followed the trade
of a miller there, and later removed to Royalton,
Niagara County, where he engaged in farming until his demise. After the death of her husband,
Mrs. Stiles' mother went back to New York with
her children. She lived there three or four years,
and then returned to her farm in Summit Township, where she resided until May, 1859, when she




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.         587


--






--


sold it and purchased a home at No. 406, First
Street, Jackson, and there the remainder of her life
was spent, her death occurring February 14, 1883.
Mrs. Hayes lived with her mother from  the time
she bought her city property, until she departed
hence. She was the mother of five children, Mrs.
Stiles being the eldest. The others are Jacob (now
deceased); Mary A., widow of Isaac N. Hayes,
who is now living with Mrs. Stiles, and is a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church; Mrs. Hayes
had one child, Lilian M., who died when two and
one-lhalf years old; Sarah A., and Susan M., are deceased.
Mr. Stiles inherited sterling qualities from  his
Revolutionary ancestors, that render him a good
and patriotic citizen. He is well dowered with
shrewdness, foresight, and thrift; is straightforward
nnd honorable in his dealings; is kind and considerate toward others, and is therefore justly held in
high regard by all. He takes an active interest in
politics, and in early life a Whig, on the formation
of the Republican party joined its ranks, assisted
in its organization in Jackson, and has ever since
been one of its stanch supporters.
TA ENJAMIN      STEVENS.     This veteran of
seventy-five years standing has long been
a familiar figure to the people of Parma
Ad    Township, and for many years has made
his headquarters at a snug homestead on section 4.
None are more worthy than he of a [)lace in a volume designed to perpetuate the names of those who
caime to this county in the pioneer days, and who
have been instrumental in its growth and prosperity.
The native place of Mr. Stevens was Schenectady
County, N. Y., and the date of his birth October
24, 1814. Iis immediate progenitors were Isaac
and Jane (Gage) Stevens, the father a native of
Massachusetts and the mother of New York State.
His paternal ancestors were of Welsh origin, while
his mother traced her descent to England and Germany. Benjamin was the third child of his pa

rents, whose family consisted of six sons and four
daughters. He was reared to manhood in his native township, acquiring his education in the district school and was at an early age taught to
make himself useful around the homestead.
When a. youth of nineteen years Mr. Stevens left
the farm, practically going out in the world for
himself, and commenced learning the irade of a
harness maker. He only followed this about three
years, however, his natural inclinations leading
hin to return to farming pursuits, which have been
his life occupation. He was reared among the
society of Friends, and completed his education in
a boarding school conducted by this sect in the vi.
cinity of Rensselaerville, N. Y. He is a man who
has always kept abreast of current events, by reading the weekly newspapers and other useful matter
which came his way. lIe has been an eye witness
of many changes, not only in his adopted State,
but throughout the whole country. He cast his
first Presidential vote for Harrison, first identified
himself with the old Whig party, and upon its
abandonment wheeled cheerfully into the Republican ranks, where he has since been a faithful
fighter for its principles.
Mr. Stevens was first married March 24, 1837,
to Mliss Mary Mott. This lady was born in Albany County, N, Y., and they became the parents
of seven children, of whom the following are living:
Maria, the wife of George Webster, of Florida;
Jane, Mrs. Frank Hall, of Oscar, this county; and
Alice, Mrs. Wilson, of Pine Grove, Nev. Mrs.
Mary (Mott) Stevens departed this life at her
home April 23, 1872. Mr. Stevens remained a
widower for a period of six years and was tlen a
second time wedded, marrying Miss Julia A. Powers, in November 1877. This lady was born April
10, 1829, in Ontario County, N. Y., and was a
daughter of Israel and Lovisa (Ensign) Powers,
who spent their last years in New York. Her
father was a soldier in the War of 1812, while her
grandfather carried a musket for the colonists in
the Revolutionary War.
Mrs. Stevens was reared in her native State acquiring her education in the schools of Ontario
County, and attending one year the teacher's department of the State Normal School at East






Eifi8


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
-. -.      - -   _ - - --   -.- -. -..,...... _.. — - -   -—.= -


_.........~

Bloomfield.  Subsequently she followed the profession of a teacher for twenty-six terms. In the
meantime, in 1857, she went to Ohio and taught
schoo,l several terms in Lucas County. From that
State she went to Lenawee County, Mich., v;here
she was employed several terms and then, in 1873,
went to Calhoun County where she resided until
her first marriage.
Mr. Stevens cane to Michigan in 1838, and settled on his present farm  in Parma Township,
where lie put up a log cabin, 18x24 feet in dimensions, and occupied this until 1861. That year
the cabin was abandoned for the present residence
which, without any pretentions to elegance, makes
a most substantial and comfortable home. Mr.
Stevens commenced at the foot of the ladder in the
the accumulation of his property, and it must be
admitted that in looking around uponl his surroundings he has little cause to be ashamed of what
he has been enabled to accomplish. His landed
property comprises one hundred and fifty. welltilled acres which is tle source of a comfortable income. Mr. Stevens was so situated that he could
not well take part in the late Civil War, but two of
his sons, Albert and Isaac, enlisted in Michigan
Regiments and assisted in the preservation of the
Union.
I)DWIN G. HUBERT. In acounty that contains so many finely improved farms and
_.    beautiful rural dwellings, it is hard to claim
pre-eminence for.any; but certainly any traveler in
Parma Township would decide at a glance that the
home of the subject of this sketch deserved a conspicuous place among them. The landed estate
comprises two hundred acres on sections 13 and 14,
in a fine state of productivsness and cultivation,
and bearing upon it a splendid rural residence and
other adequate and substantial buildings.  The
owner is a native of this county, and a son of early
settlers, who labored arduously in the improvement
of their land, the upbuilding of a good home, the
training of their children and the improvement of
society.
The natal day of our subject was August 24,


1849, and he is a son of John B. and Sallie M.
(Waldron) Hubert. His paternal ancestors were
German and his maternal grandfather was a soldier
in the War of 1812. He grew to manhood amid
somewhat primitive scenes, receiving his education
in the common schools of the county, and adopted
farming as his life work. Not long after reaching
man's estate lie was married and settled on section
13, Parma Township, where he remained until
1885, when he moved into the fine residence he now
occupies. Ie has been blessed with worldly prosperity, and has secured the esteem of his fellow-men
by his worthy character and honorable life; he favors
all movements which are made in the direction of
higher civilization and advancement. Ile is a Prohibitionist in politics, and he and his wife belong to
the Methodist Episcopal Church- of North Parma.
Ie is Steward in the religious body to which he
belongs, is also Class-Leader and Exhorter, and has
held the office of School Director in his district.
Mr. Hubert was fortunate in his choice of a life
companion, and on November 8, 1871, the rites of
wedlock were celebrated between him  and Anzoletta A. Hemingway. The bride was born in Washtenaw Country, of which her parents, Franklin S.
and Eliza Hemingway, were early settlers. lHer
father is now deceased, but her mother survives.
Of the parental household all are now dead but
Anna, who lives in Washtenaw County; Mrs Hlubert; and Jennie, wife of Joshua Laraway, Washtenaw County.   The family of Mr. and Mrs.
Hubert includes three daughters and oneson: Nellie was born January 18, 1874; Anna, October 21,
1877; John, November 24, 1880; Grace, November 24, 1886.
Ei-  DMUND B. COCHRAN. Among those who
have (lone pioneer labor in Sandstone Town[    ship the name of Edmund Cochran should
not be forgotten. Although his residence does not
date as far back as that of some in the township,
yel he took up his abode on a tract of land that
was unimproved and unbroken, and performed all
the work incidental to its development, He has








PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


589


--- -        ---- ---:-.:               -71 I - I - --    I- -- -- - -    - -,-,   ---                                                       -   --       ---      -                                                ---- ---- -        ----                       --- - -- ---- -             --- -   -
I                         - - -- - -, - ------- - ---   - 1-1- -      -— l-l                                                                           - --  -                    ---


been a life-long farmer, and a glance over his
farm will suffice to show that lie is well versed in
the management of an estate. His beautiful home
is on section 20, and comprises one hundred and
thirty-seven acres of land, with good buildings
and under good cultivation.
Mr. Cochran is a native of the Granite State and
is of Scotch-Irish lineage in the l)aternal line. His
grandfather's grandfather emigrated from the North
of Ireland about 1700, receiving a grant of three
lots of land, one hundred and sixty acres each,
from the British Government, the lands being located in New Boston Township, Hillsboro County,
N. H., and lie was secured from incursion by the
Indians by having a garrison of soldiers to occupy
a log fort near him. A son of the above gentleman
was James Cochran, who married Abigail Buxton,
a daughlter of John, who had served the cause of
liberty in the Revolutionary War, during which,
on account of his proficiency as a mathematician,
lhe was kept on board vessels to oversee their
course, etc.
The subject of this sketch was born in Hills.
boro County, N. H., March 14, 1819, to James
and Abigail Cochran, and on the home farm was
trained in the useful labors of a farmer's son. IHe
studlied in both pu1blic and private schools and
obtained a good education for the times, to which
lie has added by reading and observation. IHis
boyhood home was two miles north of "'Joe English's Hill."  In the fall of 1844 lie came to this
State, and selecting this county as the scene of his
future labors, bought eighty acres of land in Sandstone Township from Cornelius Titus, who ha(d secured it from the Government. The parchment
deed to the land signed by Andrew Jackson,
is now in the hands of our subject.   To that
l)urchased he has added at various times, bringing
up his landed estate to the acreage before noted.
The first stick of timber cut on the place was
felled by Mr. Cochran, who put up a log cabin,
11x16 feet, in which he kept bachelor's hall for
several years. Subsequently he erected a better
dwelling, and in 1876-77 built the present residence, a fine structure, such as becomes the estate
of a man of enterprise and ability. In the accumulation of his property and the advancement of


his material prosperity, as in the more intellectual
and moral enterprises of his life, he owes much to
the encouragement and good counsel of his wife
an.t to her thrift and wise economy.
The noble woman who has been Mr. Cochran's
companion since March 3, 1853, was born in Steu.
ben County, N. Y., September 7, 1834, and bore
the maiden name of Clarissa E. Bonham. Her paterial ancestors were early settlers in Maryland,
and her grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier.
Her father, Zedekiah Bonham, was a native of
Pennsylvania and of French descent, while her
mother, I)orcas Lane, was of Scotch and English
ancestry and born in New York. About the year
1837 they removed to this State and Mr. Bonham
boughlt land in Concord Township, this county,
settling in a log cabin in the woods. He afterward
bought property in Tompkins Township, where he
resided until his death, that event transpiring when
his (laughter, Clarissa, was fifteen years old. The
wife and mother had departed this life four years
before. They had born to them five children,
three of whom are yet living-Mrs. Cochran, a
b)rother, William, in California, and Celestia, who
married Luzon 1. Fletcher, and resides in Harford
Mills, Cortland County, N. Y.
Mrs. Cochran grew to maturity in this county,
of whose growth and (levelopment she has been a
witness from her earliest childhood. iHer union
with our subject has resulted in the b)irth of eight
sons and daughters, all living except Cora, who
was thle youngest but one. Edmund resides in
Washington; John in Texas; William, a clergyman of the Free Methodist Church, is now located
in Jackson; Emma, Charles and Mary are at home;
and Fred J. is teachling near Detroit.
Mr. and Mrs. Cochran may well be classed
among the representative pioneers of this county,
in which they have done so much to aid in the
good work of developing the resources of the
country and in advancing the interests of the
citizens. In their declining years they are able
to enjoy the fruits of well-doing in the respect of
their fellows, the comforts that resulted from their
former industry, and the reasonable pleasure derived from a retrospective view of their useful
lives. Mr. Cochlran is a Republican, He has served






590


PORTRAIT ANDn BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.,90            PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


as School Moderator and Director, giving good
heed to the cause of education and its progress.
On his farm Mr. Cochran has found many Indian
relics, such as arrow and spear heads, Indian chisels
and whetstones, and tomahawks. Mr. Cochran was
Fife Major in a New Hampshire regiment under
the laws which followed the Revolution army, it
being a law that each male citizen should train between the ages of eighteen and forty..  I    2       7IX7c; - ---- -  ---- -  -  --


OSEPH B. CHRISTIE. The well-tilled farm
of Mr. Christie invariably attracts the attention of the passing traveler on account of
its fine location, being situated on section
14, Tompkins Township, and also the industry and
good management which has unquestionably characterized its operation. The proprietor is one of
those men who have aided in building up for Jackson
County its enviable reputation among the communities of Southern Michigan, and his name is there.
fore eminently worthy of mention among those
which it is sought to perpetuate in connection with
this work.
A native of Oneida County, N. Y., Mr. Christie
was born January 17, 1845, and six years later was
brought to this county by his parents, James and
Mary A. (Patterson) Christie. The father of our
subject upon coming to Michigan purchased the
land since constructed into the farm occupied by
his son, and which on this account possesses for the
latter a far more than moneyed value. Here the
parents spent the remainder of their days, the
mother passino; away June 26, 1877, and the father
in 1884. They had endured all the hardships and
privations of life on the frontier, and made for
themselves a good record as people kind, hospitable and worthy, and have thus left a heritage to
their children which tle latter may hold of more
value than silver or gold.
Young Christie as soon as old enough com.
menced assisting his father in the cultivation of the
new farm, and was thus occupied with the excep.
tion of the time spent at school until after the outbreak of the Civil War, On the 25tb of August,


1862, leaving the farm  he enlisted as a Union
soldier in Company E, Third Michigan Cavalry,
and served until June, 1865. He participated in
many of the important battles which followed, and
escaping wounds and imprisonment returned safely
to his father's house with his honorable discharge.
He then occupied himself in farming, working out
by the month until his marriage. This important
and interesting event was celebrated on Christmas
Day, 1867, the bride being Miss Martha J., daughter of Louis and Jane (West) Darling. Soon afterward Mr. Christie purchased a farm near that which
he now owns and occupies, where he resided until
after the death of his mothei. He then purchased
the old homestead of ninety acres, and now has an
estate of two hundred and eighty acres, and has resided thereon continuously since that time. To
him and his estimable wife there have been born
four children, namely: Horace E., Mary J., Adelbert S. and Lena B. The parents of Mrs. Christie
were natives respectively, of Massachusetts and
New York.
t!   ----  ^gti w-gg*I  / 
JEORGE W. WELSH. No one now living
in Jackson County can claim a longer resi^j    dence in the State of Michigan than the
subject of this sketch and a brother and two sisters who still live in the county. The Welsh family
came to Michigan from the Empire State in 1825,
on the first steamboat that ran up to Detroit.
From early childhood and infancy therefore, the
members of this family have been citizens of and
as far as possible participants in the growth and
development of the glorious State between the
lakes.
The paternal ancestry of the subject of this notice is Welsh, his grandfather having come from
Wales to America when seven years old, located in
Connecticut and died there. Among the members
of his family was James, who became an early settler in Niagara County, N. Y., buying Government
land near Royalton. He was a member of the militia during the War of 1812. In 1825, with his
wife and eleven children, he came to the Territory




PORTRAIT AND BIOC GRAPHICAL ALBUM.                                              591
- - ---- --,7....,..................................... 


of Michigan, locating] in Washtenaw County, one
and one-half miles north of Ann Arbor, where at
that time but three houses stood. Ile bought
eighty acres of land for $100, which he improved
and uponjwhich he lived until 1835. He was also
engaged in brickmaking and made the first bricks
in that section-oftlhe country.
Having sold his property near Ann Xrbor, Mr.
Welsh cameeto this county in 1835,'and paying $200
for one hundred and sixty acres of land in Grass
Lake',Township, began the work of improvement
there. After laboring on the place for about two
years, lie bought near Mlichigan Center,'where he
owned 'some two hundr'ed acres. In 1842 lie removed into Oakland County, where he remained
seven years, his estate there comprising eighty
acres. At the expiration of the time noted he sold
that property and returned to this county, remaining with our subject until his death, September 3,
1857. IIe was then eighty-four years old. He was
a member of the Presbyterian Church, a man of
worth, and one whose years had been'full of useusefulness. His wife, in hergirlhood Miss Keziah
Barrett, was also a native offConnecticut, and a
woman whose record as wife, mother and neighbor
is one worthy of remembrance. She resided with
our subject until a short time before her death, but
when called hence was with her daughter, Mrs.
Perry, in Concord Township. The sad event occurred April 26. 1862, when she had reached the
ripe age of eighty-five years.
Of the large family born to Mr. and Mrs. James
Welsh, we note the following: John died in Wayne
County at the age of eighty-seven years; Alphe'is
departed this life in New York, when thirty-four
years old; Hannah, Mrs. Hitchcock, died in Adrian;
Betsey, Mrs. Griswold, died in Concord, this
county; Benjamin, a twin brother of Betsey, died
in Leoni Township; Caroline is now Mrs. Chubb,
of Corning, Iowa; Maria, Mrs. Chubb, died in
Lyons, Mich; James is living in Grass Lake Township; Keziah, widow of Oliver Chapel, lives in
Spring Arbor Township; Theoda is the widow of
Daniel Perry, of Jackson; the youngest member of
the family is the subject of this sketch.
The gentleman with whose name we introduce
this sketch was born in Royalton. Niagara County,


i


I


N. Y., October 3, 1824. The next year he was
brought to this State, spending the following ten
years near Ann Arbor, and afterward living at
Grass Lake, this county, where he attended the log
schoolhouse and sat on slab benches while continuing his studies. He was early set to work, and
drove oxen, cleared land, and in other ways made
himself useful upon the parental estate. He remove(d with his father to Oakland County in 1812,
and remained there until the fall of 1849. when he
returned to this county, making the removal by
team and bringing with him the estimable woman
who for nore than forty years has shared his'joys
and sorrows.
This lady, with whom Mr. Welshi'ladfbeen united
in marriage on New Year's Day, 1849, bore the
maiden name of Prudence E. Jones. She is a native of the same town in which he first opened his
eyes to the liglt, and her natal d.y was May 9,
1833. Her father, Thomas Jones, was born in
Cayuga County, N. Y., and lost his parents by
cholera when he was but a boy. H-e was then bound
out, was reared on a farm, an(l spent some time in
Niagara County after he had grown' to manhood.
He then became a resident of Michigan, locating
in Lyons, Oakland County, in 1833, upon Government land which he had purchased. He was a succeesful farmer, a worthy member of the Baptist
Church, and a well respected citizen. He died in
1875, his wife, whose maiden name was Mary A.
Bird. and was a native of the Empile State, having breathed her last in 1842. To them were born
eleven children, Mrs. Welsh being the fifth in order
of birth. She was but three months old when her
parents removed to this.State, and she was reared
and educated in Oakland County. Her many virtues win for her the esteem of those with whom she
associates, while her thrifty ways and good judgment have made her home a place of comfort and
given it a far reaching reputation for hospitality
and good cheer.
The family circle of which Mrs. Welsh made
one, included Mrs. Ruby Chase, of Grand Rapids;
Mrs. Lucretia Warner, of Brighton; Mrs. Betsey
Carpenter, of Lyons; Mrs. Hannah Soles, who died
in Gaines; Mrs.] Ann Harringden, of Kent City;
Hiram, a resident of Lyons; Henry, twin brother of








592


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


' — ~~~~~~~~~ — I — I"-   — 1- 1 --- —----— ` —~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ -— ~~~~~~~~~ —~~~~~-   ------  -------- -
~ — - ~ -... -~ —. --- —--— ~            _~_   _~~~_ ~   _~


Hiram, whose home is in Grand Rapids; Mrs. Laura
Starkweather, of Lyons; Susan, the widow of John
Skelton, of the same place; and Selinda, now Mrs.
Cressinger, of Maple Rapids.
After his return to this county, Mr. Welsh located on land which comprises a part of his present
estate in Spring Arbor Township. Ile had purchased one hundred and forty acres in June preceding his return, paying $200 in cash and
assuming an indebtedness of $1,300. There were
no improvements except a small house, and upon
taking possession he began the needful work with
the energy which has characterized him through
life. Ile was successful in his efforts and found no
trouble in making his payments at forty cents per
bushel for his wheat. He added to his original
purchase from time to time, in 1860 buying twenty
acres, in 1864 one hundred and twenty, and in
1883 fifty-five, now having three hundred and
thirty-five acres adjoining and situated on sections
G and 7.
Although the land is in one body it forms two
well-improved places, from which stones have been
picked, stumps have been grubbed and on which
every thing needful to make the land fertile and
l)roductive hes been done. Everything about the
estate is in excellent order and good repair, and
tlhe most unobserving passer-by would set the place
down as being under the management of one who is
a master of his business. It is well fenced, well supplied with fruit and shade trees, including maples,
evergreens and other ornamental trees, and four
orchards; there are three barns, a windmill and tank
and other conveniences, while tlhe fanl;ly dwelling
is a roomy and substantial edifice, worthy of its
setting. In the raising of wheat, Mr. Welsh has
been very successful, as well as in various departments of stock-raising. He keeps from one hundred and fifty to two hundred sheep, some high
grade Short-horn cattle and twenty-two head of
standard bred horses. He has taken premiums at
county fairs and has received as high a price as
$425 for a team of Silver Cloud driving horses.
The happy union of Mr. and Mrs. Welsh has
been blessed by the birth of seven children, on
whom have been bestowed the most careful instruction in courtesy and goodl principles and the best


of educational advantages. Adelia, the first born,
was graduated at Parma and then attended Albion
College; she married HIorace Perry, a farmer in
Parma Township. William K. died when six years
old. James, after finishing the course of study at
Parma, entered thle Northwestern University at
Chicago in the department of law, from which he
was graduated in 1876. He practiced his profession in Jackson and at Albion, and in 1882, after
traveling somewhat in Kansas, located in Wellington, Sumner County. There he carried on his professional labors until October, 1886, when he
returned to his father's home and while still continuing the practice of the law, entered into business
with his father on the home farm. On February
4, 1889, while sitting in the court-house of Jackson, conversing with some of his brother attorneys,
he was suddenly summoned from time and earthly
things. Iis death, which under any circumstances
would have been a grievous affliction, was rendered
doubly hard by the suddenness with whiclL the blow
fell. lie left a widow, formerly Miss Liza F. Clark, of
Wellington, Kan., and a darling child-Maud G.
Ethelia K., the second daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Welsh, is the wife of Thomas J. Power, who is engaged in the livery business at Albion, Calhoun
County; they have four children-J. Welsh, Nellie,
Murray and Bess. Delta, the third daughter, marlie d Fayette Gillett and has three children-George
M.. Fayette and Prudie; she is now living in Jackson, having lost her husband sometime since. Carrie, the fourth daughter, married Edward HIunn, a
falmer of Sandstone Township, to whom she has
borne two children-Lennie, now deceased, and
Edna. George W., the youngest child of Mr. and
Mrs. Welsh, died when two years old.
Although Mr. Welsh has been elected to official
positions and solicited to accept, he would not
serve in any but on the School Board. He believes
in building churches as well as schoolhouses, wisely
believing that
"Who wickedly is wise or madly brave,
Is but the more a fool, the more a knave."
He and his wife attend and support the Presbyterian Church. Politically, he is a stanch Republican, and has frequently been a delegate to county








PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


593


and State conventions and has also served on the
Township Central Committee. Personally lie is a
whole souled, jolly man, whose hearty hand- slake
testifies to the warmth of his nature, and it is not
strange that he has many and warm friends to
wliom his personal characteristics have endeared him,
while the labors which lhave been crowned with so
great a degree of success. and his usefulness in the
community, entitles him to the respect of those who
know of him only through these labors. His wife
possesses the intelligence and geniality which makes
her an entertaining companion, and it would be
hard to find a couple with whom time could be
more agreeably spent or who better deserve mention in a volume of this kind.
r   EODAT'US E. WRIGHT.      In  notin  the
)early pioneers of this county thle  ame of
'  Mr. Wright deserves special mention. He
makes 1;is headquarters at a snug farm on section
30, Parma Township, and has contributed his full
quota to the promotion of its best interests. lie
comes of an excellent race, being the son of Frederick and Sophia (Thomas) Wright, and was born
April 27, 1812, in Berkshire County, Mass.
The parents of our subject were likewise natives
of the Bay State and the paternal grancdfather,
Solomon Wright, served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. The Wright family is of German
and English ancestry, while the mother of our subject came from pure English stock. Frederick
Wright, about 1814, emigrated from Massachusetts
to Wayne County, N. Y., settling among its earliest
pioneers. His family consisted of four children.
Deodatus E. spent his boyhood and youth amid
the wilds of Wayne County, N. Y. and assisted in
the opening up of a farm from the timber. He
obtained such education as the primitive schools
afforded, but he kept his eyes open to what has
been going on around him in the world and by the
reading of books and newspapers, became a man
more than ordinarily well-informed.
When a young man of twenty-four years Mr.
Wright was wedded October 12, 1836, to Miss


Serena Fox. Mrs. Wright was born in Wayne
County, N. Y., May 25, 1816, and was a daughter
of Rosiel and Sarah (Foster) Fox who were natives
of New England and early settlers of Wayne
County. Six children were born of their union,
four of whom are living, viz: Adeline, who married Samuel Aikens, of Calhoun County, this State;
Ermeline, the wife of Smith Chase, of Wayne
County, N. Y.; Sarepta, Mrs. Wright, a widow,
living il Gratiot County, this State; and Serena,
tle wife of our subject. The Fox family is supposed to be of pure English ancestry.
Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Wriglit, seven of whom are living: Charlotte became the wife of William Pierce and they live in
Parma Township; James, in Grayling; Foster is a
resident of Gratiot County, this State; Albert lives
in IHuron County; L. T. makes his home in Grayling; Ida is the wife of Floyd McConnell, of Parma
Township. The deceased are Nathan, Smith W.
and HIannah E. Mr. WVrigkt came to tills county
in 1836 and purchased fifty acres of land on section 30, Parma Township, paying therefor $7.25
per acre. He l)rought his family the following
year and they hi:ve since maintained their residence
at the same homestead, although the farm has been
enlarged by the purchase of several hundred acres.
r. Wrighllt has divided up a large portion of this
among lis children and has sold considerable, so
that lie now has only one hundred and fifty acres
remanining.
The first residence of Mr. and Mrs. Wright in
Parma Township was a log cabin in the woods,
10x15 feet in dimensions and wlich they occupied
about two years. Mr. Wright then put up a frame
house, which sheltered them for a period of forty
years, but in the meantime undergoing various
changes and additions. By successive remrodeling,
it has now become a convenient and commodious
structure, making a typical farm dwelling and fitted
up with modern improvements. Mr. Wright commence(d in life with a capital of $7 and it must be
acknowledged that lie is entitled to great credit for
tlie manner in which lie has labored and disbursed
his capital. HIe has ever found a faithful assistant
in his devoted wife who has done her full share in
the building up of a home and the accumulation






594


rPORTIRAIT AN~D BIOG~RAPHICAL ALB`1UM...................- PORTRAI AN BGPC  ALU...


of a competency. They have labored side by side
and are now enabled to rest upon their oars and
enjoy the fruits of their toils and sacrifices. They
have journeyed together for over half a century
and bear the distinction of being the oldest married couple in Parma Township.
Mr. Wright cast his first Presidential vote for
Jackson and since that date has continued a stanch
adherent of the Democratic party. IHe has been
prominent in local affairs, representing his township
in the County Board of Supervisors eleven years
(ten years in succession), with credit to himself
and satisfaction to his constituents. For nearly a
quarter of a century he has held the office of Justice of the Peace. Ile served for many years as
Township Assessor, and in all the positions in which
he has been placed has maintained that adherence
to duty and that fidelity to principle which has
gained him the unqualified confidence and esteem
of his fellow-citizens. He has always been the
firm friend of temperance and has uniformly given
his encouragement to the enterprises calculated to
benefit the community around him.
e  IIARLES 1t. CONANT. This sturdy veteran
has seen three-quarters of a century on this
mundane sphere, and his form  has been a
familiar one to the people of Sandstone Township
for'a period of nearly forty years. He was born in
Franklin County, Mass., October 24, 1814, and is
the son of Benjamin and Eunice (Watts) Conant,
who were also natives of the Bay State. It is supposed that the Conant family originated in England. Charles R. was reared in his native State
until a lad of nine years, then went to Vermont and
lived with his uncle, William Myrick, with whom
he remained five years.
Young Conant now began working in a woolen
factory, and was thus employed until a man of
twenty-five years. Then, changing his occupation
somewhat, he tuined his attention to farming, and
for several years afterward tilled a portion of the
soil of the Green Mountain State. In 1851, when
a man of thirty-seven years, Mr. Conant, not satis

fled with his prospects in New England, decided
upon seeking the Far West. The young and growing State of Michigan was then holding out flattering inducements to the enterprising emigrant, and
hither Mr. Conant came, halting in this county and
purchasing eighty acres of land in Sandstone Township, where lie settled and upon which he has maintained his residence since that time.
Like most of the men around him, Mr. Conant
took up a piece of land upon which very little improvement had been made. It was considered no
disgrace to be poor in those days, as this was the
condition of most of the early settlers. They thus
stood upon a common level, and extended to each
other the assistance and hospitality which is rarely
now to be found in this region. Mr. Conant was
his own hired man and chore boy for a number of
years, bracing his shoulders steadily to the wheel
in order not only to make a living for his family,
but lay up something for a rainy day. There was
a log cabin upon his place when he purchased it,
into which he removed and lived a number of
years. Later he put up a frame residence, which
remains his dwelling at the present time. He has
now eighty-eight acres of land, the most of which is
in a productive condition. Without making any pretense to elegance or show, he has simply lived
comfortably, been prompt in meeting his obligations and endeavored to make the record of an
honest man and a good citizen.
Mr. Conant remained a bachelor until thirty-two
years old, and was then married, December 31,
1846, in Shoreham, Vt., to Miss Fanny Watts.
This lady was born in Stowe, that State, January
11, 1815, and was a daughter of Daniel and Caroline Watts, who were natives of New England.
Mr. and Mrs. Conant became the parents of four
children —Frances, who died when eight years old;
Amanda, who died at the age of sixteen years;
Chester, who is living at home; and Sarah, the
wife of Jasper Wellman, of Sandstone 'ownship.
Mrs. Conant is still spared to her husband, being a
few months his junior. Together they have watched
the growth and development of the Wolverine
State, and now, surrounded by children and friends
and the other comforts of life, may justly feel that
their time has been well spent, and that they will








POR~TRAIT A~ND BIOG RAPHICAL ALBUM.C1[


595..L:-lPO       TR I   AND.-  B O R P I A   AL UM.-i.................9... —. —.-1-^`-..1 ---... —.. -------
I


be kindly remembered long after they have departed hence.
When becoming a voting citizen, Mr. Conant
allied himself with the Whig party, but for many
years he has been a Republican of the first water,
and keeps himself posted upon the political issues
of the Day. He enjoyed only limited advantages
in his youth, but has kept his eyes open to what is
going on around him in the world, and frequently
contributes to the entertainment of the people
around him, both young and old, in the relation of
the many and varied experiences which have been
his, both among the hills of his New England home
and during his early residence in the Wolverine
State... P.-   -


/  ILO K. CRAFTS. No resident of Jackson
l// ll~ County was more highly deserving of the
Ij   esteem of her citizens than Milo Crafts,
now deceased. Ile died August 2, 1885.
As a business man he was energetic, discreet and
prudent, while his integrity and uprightness were
widely known. He was very liberal and charitable,
and ever ready to assist in every enterprise which
would advance the prosperity of the county and
the moral and religious interests of her citizens.
Entirely a self-made man as far as his finances were
concerned, he had made one of the finest homes in
the county, leaving his widow and children well
provided for when lie was called hence. His estate
comprised four hundred and seventy acres, located
on sections 30 and 31, Grass Lake Township, where
his widow has resided since his death. The dwelling is of brick, of excellent design and construction, and all the improvements in the way of farm
buildings are well built, the barns being especially
commodious and substantial.
The Crafts family are of the old Puritan stock,
the first members of the family reaching America
by the'Mayflower,"and many being men of note in
those days and highly educated. The parents of
our subject were Pearl and Lucinda (Kirby)
Crafts, natives of Connecticut. The father was a
physician in early life but spent his later years of
activity in farming. Mrs. Lucinda Crafts died in


Middlebury, Vt., in 1827, and in that town her husband contracted a second matrimonial alliance,
taking as his companion Miss Saiah Goodrich.
After her death he moved West, first settling in
Chardon, Ohio, but afterward going to Sharon, Ogle
County, 1ll., where he lived for many years. His
last years were spent among his children, and he
died at the home of his son Milo, in Grass Lake
Township, this county.
The subject of this sketch was born in Middlebury, Addison County, Vt., September 10, 1824,
being the youngest of the three children born to
his parents. He spent the first seven years of his
life in his native place and then accompanied his
father to Chardon, Ohio. When he was sixteen
years of age his father settled on a farm in Illinois,
where he assisted until twenty years of age when,
with his father's consent, he went out into the
world to make his own living. Having determined.to go into the lumber business he went to the woods
of Northern Wisconsin, where he prosecuted his
work for several years with active energy and
varied success. During the winters he worked in
the mills and in summer transported his lumber and
shingles on rafts by the Mississippi to St. Louis,
Mo. He furnished the shingles for the first Mormon temple built at Nauvoo.
In 1851 Mr. Crafts came to Grass Lake, this
county, to visit his uncle, Abram Kirby, one of
the pioneers. Being in feeble health Mr. Kirby
persuaded his nephew to remain with him and to
manage and operate his farm in his declining
years. This Mr. Crafts decided to do and two
years later lie settled on the farm where the remainder of his life was spent. The most of the
work of improvement was done by Mr. Crafts with
the result already noted. For many years he was
a Iirector of the Farmers' Bank of Grass Lake,
and hle was officially connected with the Congregation Church. In politics he was a strong Republican.
The marriage of Mr. Crafts was celebrated March
24, 1853, the lady whom he had chosen for his companion being Miss Mary E. Updike. She was born in
Tompkins County, N. Y., January 4,1835, and is a
woman with an intelligent mind, a thorough knowledge of useful, domestic and social arts, and an










596


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


estimable character. Her parents, Ralph and Mary
(Pickell) Updike, died in Grass Lake Township,
this county. (See sketch of Anson Updike for ancestry). To Mr. and Mrs. Crafts two children were
born, namely: William K., whose natal (lay was
September 5, 1859, and Arthur P., born November
4, 1865. The former is a farmer and sheep-breeder
in Grass Lake Township, and the latter is a graduate of the Brooklyn, (N. Y.) Hospital Medical College, and is settled in Detroit.
Abram  Kirby, the uncle with whom for some
time Mr. Crafts made his home, was born Decemher 22, 1796, and died April 27, 1862. His wife,
Lucy S. Crafts, was born in Pomfret, Conn., May
21, 1799. Their marriage was celebrated in 1827,and
in 1835 they came to Michigan from Middlebury,
Vt.,settling on a farm in this county. The land was
taken from the Government and was put in a state
of partial improvement when it was placed in the
charge of Mr. Crafts. Mr. and Mrs. Kirby were
blessed by the birth of four clildren-Lucinda,
Joseph S., Lucy, and Thomas, but bereaved of all
by death. They were members of the Congregational Church, in whicll Mr. Kirby was a Deacon,
and were highly respected members of the community. William K. Crafts married, October 14, 1880,
Miss Flora M. Dwelle, of Grass Lake Township;
they have one son-George P. Arthur P. married,
September 17, 1889, Miss Cora E. Bush, of Grass
Lake Township.
I  R. CHARLES B. BLACKMIARR. Among
the professional men of Jackson, nention
should be made of the above-named gentleman. His parents are Weston and Ellen M. (Blair)
Blackmarr. Mr. Blackmarr removed from    New
York to the Territory of Michigan in 1829, settling in what is now Cambridge, Lenawee County,
where he spent a number of years. It will be observed that Mr. Blackmarr was one of the earliest
pioneers of the State, and for the long period of
forty years has been a resident of this county. He
subsequently removed to Napoleon, this county,
where he still lives. The father is a native of New




I


York, and a son of Charles Blackmarr, of English ancestry; the mother is also a native of the
the Empire State, her parents being Charles and
Sarah S. (Church) Blair.   Her father, Charles
Blair, was a member of the Legislature representing the district of which Lenawee County forms a
part. Politically, he was a stanch Democrat. lie
and his wife are both deceased.
Tlhe birth of Dr. Blackmnarr occurred in this
county, April 21, 1854. His early years werespent
on his father's farm and in attendance at the conmon schools, after which hie studied in and was
graduated from a Highl School. He then attended
the State Normal;Schlool at Ypsilanti, taking a
select course in English branches, after which he
began his career as a teacher. He taught fifteen
terms. the last year being Principal of the schools at
Alma.
Abandoning the profession  of teaching, Dr.
Blackmarr took up tle study of dentistry, entering
the State University at Ann Arbor, and being
graduated from  the Dental I)epartment in 1883.
He then opened an office in the city of Jackson,
building up a high reputation and a good business,
and acquiring a fair share of worldly goods. fie
possesses valuable city property and other moneyed
interests; his nmat and comfortable dwelling, set in
attractive surroundings, and furnished with neatness and good taste, is a pleasant resting place from
business cares and annoyances.
The marriage of Dr. Blackmarr was celebrated
September 6, 1882, his bride being Miss Luna M.
Ely, of Alma. She was born in this State, and
reared under the care of her uncle, Gen. Ralph
Ely, having been left an orphan at an early age.
Her school days were passed in Alma. Her estimable character has won her many friends in her
later home, as it did in that of her youth.
I OIN T. TOWERS is engaged in general farm.
ing on section 5, Tompkins Township. lie
was born in Leicestershire, England, Octo^(l )ber 6, 1835, being the second in a family of
six children. In 1849 his parents, James and Al



I




lb




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


599


----— ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


ice (Jenkinson) Towers, came to the United Slates,
locating in Madison County, N. Y. In 1852 they
came to Michigan, and settled on a farm in Columbia Township, this county. There the father dlied,
August 27, 1868, the mother surviving until July
1, 1883, when she breathed her last at the age of
seventy —four years.
In Ingham County, February 20, 1861, the rites
of wedlock were celebrated between John Towers
and Cynthia Sherman, an estimable woman whl
was born in New York. and came to Michigan with
her parents in 1835. She is the fifth of six children born to Lowing and Hannah (Presson) Sherman, who after coming to tllis St-te lived in
Lenawee County two years. and then removed to
the farm where our subject now lives. The estate
was then wild land heavily timbered, and Indians
and wild animals were numerous. The first cabin
in which the family lived had no doors or windows,
and tlhe proximity of wolves and bears, and the
howling of the former would frequently keep the
family awake. Milling was done at Adrian, where
wheat was hauled by ox-teams and exchanged,
sold or ground. On this farm Mrs. Towers spent
the most of her girlhood and youth, and to it she
returned after her marriage.  Her father was a
soldier in the War of 1812. Hle died in 1860, and
her mother in 1881.
When Mr. Towers came to the farm which lie
now occupies, it was slightly improved; now it is
adorned by an excellent house and barn and other
improvements, while tlhe one hundred and sixty-four
acres which comprise it are (chiefly in cultivation.
A specialty is made of Holstein cattle, and Mr.
Towers also keeps good grades of horses and hogs.
lie has served as Justice of tile Peace, Highway
Commissioner, and Grain Commissioner of the
township, fulfilling tie duties of office in a manner
satisfactory to his constituents and creditable to
himself. He formerly belonged to the Blue Lodge
at Onondaga, and the Chapter at Eaton Rapids of
the Masonic fraternity, but is now demitted; to the
Odd Fellows at Onondaga, and to Sanborn Lodge,
No. 22, A. O. U. W. He is also a member of tle
Patrons of Industry, being one of those through
whom the charter was obtained for the society in
Onondaga. Mrs. Towers is a member of the Meth

odist Episcopal Church. Their family comprises
three children, namely: Nora, now the wife of
George Collier; Lucy Bell; and Forest J., who
married Inez Lane.
^    E. ItAMBILIN, as a farmer of more than
orldinary enterprise, sagacity and practical
ability, occupies a leading position in the
farming community of Pulaski 'Township, and is
active in sustaining and extending its agricultural
interests. lie is of pioneer antecedents and is a
veteran of the late war, going forth in the vigor of
early manhood to help fight his country',j battles,
and by the sacrifice that he made, and the severe
wounds incurred while in the service, proved his
patriotic devotion to the Government under whose
institutions lie was reared, his military record being one of which lie and his may well be proud.
Thle father of our subject, Stephen Hamblin, was
born in Madison County, N. Y., of which his
father, who was of Scottish descent, was an early
pioneer. The latter was a soldier in the War of
1812, and was present in the battle of Sackett's HIarbor. tIe was a farmer in New York for many
years, but finally sold his property and retired to
private life, spending his last years with his son
near Joliet, Ill. Stel)hen ITamblin was reared in
Ills native county, and in the spring of 1844 came
from there to Michigan, driving with a team the
entire distance. I-e located in Pulaski Township
among its l)ioneers, and buying forty acres of land
on section 16, twelve acres of which were cleared,
immediately set to work to improve a farm. So
successful was lie that at the time of his death he
was tlhe possessor of one hundred and forty acres of
choice farming land, having   been enabled  by
shrewd mnangemaent to increase his original purchase. IIe (tied in 1881 in his seventieth year.
The maiden name of the mother of our subject was
Phebe Wilber, and she was born in Madison
County, N. Y.. a daughter of Samuel Wilber, a
pioneer of that county. She had been married previous to her union with Mr. Hamblin, her first






600                                                                               PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
__ _. _ _ _. _ _. _ _ _ _ _... _ _............................................................................................ J _.. _ _ _ _ _. _..-...-...-...-.-. _. _ _.-_-_


husband having been Whiting Hawes. She had
one child by that marriage, Jane, now Mrs. Jacobs,
of Pulaski. Tie mother died in July, 1888, at the
advanced age of seventy-eight years. She was a
good woman, and a consistent member of the
Methodist Episcopal Chucrh. By her second marriage she had eight children, as follows: Cornelia,
Mrs. Clark, of Pulaski; Ward P., of Allen, Hillsdale County; Mary, Mrs. Baker, of Scipio; Orville,
of Concord; O. E.; William, of Pulaski; Stephen
W., dead; Phoebe, Mrs. Pickett, of Bay City.
Ward and Orville were members of the Second
Michigan Cavalry, enlisting in 1863 and serving
till the war closed.
O. E. Hamblin was born in Madison County,
N. Y., April 7, 1842, and was only two years of
age when his parents brought him to Michigan.
The scenes of h;s first recollections are connected
with Pulaski Township, and here he gleaned a
practical education in the public schools, which lie
attended in winter principally, for at other seasons, as soon as he was large enough to be of use,
his services were required on the farm. When
only about nine years old he was set to work driving two yoke of oxen to a breaking plow, and in
such labors his time was employed throughout boyhood and youtlh.
In the fall of 1861, though he was only nineteen
years of age, our subject was eager to enlist in the
army, to aid in defending the stars and stripes, and
became a member of Company E, Second Michigan Cavalry, but on account of his youthfulness
was rejected. After that he remained at home one
year, assisting his father, and then worked out till
1863, and in the month of December enlisted a
second time, enrolling his name among the memhers of the Second Michigan Cavalry, Company E,
and was mustered in at Jackson. His regiment
was sent to Camp Smith, Tenn., and in February,
1864, joined Sherman at Cleveland, and entered
upon the famous march through Georgia. Our
subject took an honorable part in the battles
fought at the following places: Varnell Station.
Tater Knob, Snake Creek Gap, Resaca, Dallas,
Peach Tree, Kenesaw Mountain, Burnt Hickory,
Lost Mountain, Powder Creek, etc. At the latter
place the men hurried the horses over to Cook's


Brigade, and went into camp at Nashville, remaining there till the veterans returned from their furloughs, and then fresh horses were given them, and
our subject and his comrades were sent to guard
the railroad from Nashville to Franklin, and later
were dispatched to guard Muzzle Shoals, where it
was expected Hood would cross.
They were called out at 10 o'clock, half of the
company, including our subject, reporting for duty,
and they laid in line till daylight when they were
ordered on picket duty, and remained thus employed until toward evening, when they were sent
post haste to Raccoon ford. When they arrived
there Hood had already crossed with a part of his
force, and they threw out skirmishers in a cotton
field, and the gallant men of Company E bravely
charged them alone, through a foolish mistake of
their lieutenant.  They were driven back, and
pouring their Spencer rifles into the rebels, they
had to retreat, as the enemy overpowered them.
Just as he was leaving the field Mr. Hamblin was
wounded severely, and had to drop on the ground
out of the way of the bullets that were flying
thickly around him. He was shot in the left arm
by a minie ball, which broke the bone, and was
taken prisoner October 30, 1864. His arm was
put in a sling, and he had to walk to Florence,
where he was taken to the rebel hospital, and on
October 31 his arm was amputated a little below
the shoulder. It did not receive proper attention,
was not dressed for nine days after the operation,
and gangrene setting in, nitric acid was used, which
nearly killed him.
In that hospital Mr. Ham blin lay for four weeks,
suffering intensely; as soon as he was able to get
around he was sent to Tuscumbia, and from there
soon afterward to Columbus to the general rebel
hospital, where lie lived on corn bread and coffee
for about six weeks. He was then transferred to
the prison at Cahaba, Ala., being put on board of
a boat on the Tombigbee, and carried down that
river and up the Alabama, with other prisoners
who were to be taken to Caliaba. There was no
escape and he was confined in the Cahaba prison
until March 15, 1865. His sufferings were incredible; the building in which he was confined was in
a fearful condition, cold and wet, mud and water






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


601


knee deep, and the prisoners, some twenty-five hundred men, made wood or log iheps to sit upon.
On the 15th of March they were placed on a rebel
transport, and were taken to the Gainsville prison,
where they staid one night, and were then conveyed
to Jackson, Miss., whence they were sent by boat
to the Big Black River.    They arrived there
March 23, and were detained in the rebel camps
until all prisoners were declared exchanged.
Our subject was then placed on board the "Sultana," there being twenty-three hundred men on
board, nineteen hundred and sixty-four of whom
were prisoners. The second night on the river the
steamer blew up. Mr. Hamblin was by the wheel
house when the boat began to burn, but the heat
soon became so intense that the passengers had to
leave, and he, jumping into the Mississippi, swam
for his life. Being a good swimmer he managed
to keep afloat with his one arm, and finally reached
an island, after having swam down the river two
or three miles. Catching hold of a tree that had
fallen into the water, he was rescued from his perilous position by some wood-choppers on the island,
who helped him ashore in a boat, and leading him
to their hut preferred him its shelter, and lie was
finally restored from his chilled, enfeebled condition. He says that he was never so cold in all
his life before. The "Sultana" had made its last
trip, and sank in the muddy waters of the Mississippi; our subject was finally picked up by the
'Pocahontas," and taken back to Memphis, where
the United States Sanitary Commission sent him
to the soldier's home, and provided him with suitable clothes. A few days later, after he had r.cuperated somewhat from  the sufferings he had
incurred by his adventures on the Mississippi, he
came to Cairo on the "Jonathan T. Graham," and
thence proceeded to Columbus, Ohio. He was in
the hospital there one month, and then came to
Jackson barracks; returning home on a short furlough. he was taken sick, and had to remain for a
time before he could return to duty. He was honorably discharged at Detroit, July 30, 1865. He
was a brave and capable soldier, and for the privations and sufferings that he endured while in the
service is well entitled to the pension of $45 a
month that he receives from a grateful Government.


I


I


I                                                                                         `-~~

Mr. Hamblin returned to his home after lie left
the army, and anxious to gain a better education
became a student at Mayhew's Commercial School,
in Albion, the following winter, and for three
months devoted himself to his studies.   After
leaving school he returned to Pulaski, and bought
twelve acres of land on section 16, and notwithstanding lhis infirmity, displayed great skill and
ability in improving it. In 1868 he traded it for
forty acres of land on section 21, which he has developed into a fine farm, with substantial buildings,
and all the modern machinery and improvements.
He made such a financial success of this venture
that he was enabled to enlarge his farm by the purchase of twenty acres on section 20; in 1872 he
began to work his father's farm in connection with
it, and since the death of the latter, has bought out
all the heirs, and now has one hundred and fortyseven acres of first-class bl:nd, with three residences
and all the necessary outbuildings.  He engages
both in grain and stock-raising, and from those
pursuits derives a good income.
December 27, 1867, Mr. Hamblin was united in
marriage to Miss Lydia Luce, the ceremony being
performed in Pulaski. She is a daughter of Harvey Luce, a native of New York.    His father,
Thomas Luce, was also a native of New York. and
was a turner in wood. He came to Michigan and
opened a wood-carving shop in Jonesville, which
he managed till his death. Mrs. Hamblin's father
came to Michigan when a young man, and being a
cabinet-maker, he opened a furniture factory in
Jonesville, and later engaged in farming there. In
1861 he came to Pulaski and bought one hundred
and sixty acres of land on section 17, and engaged
in its cultivation for some time. Finally he sold it
and removed to Charlotte, and then to Stanton,
where lie now resides. tIe is seventy-five years
of:ge, and is spending his declining years in honororable retirement. Mrs. Hamblin's mother whose
maiden name was Charlotte Purvis, was born in
New York, and died in Westville, Mich., in August,
1888. The children born to her and her hus
band were named as follows: Mary, deceased; Lydia; Sarah, Mrs. Bently, of Lake Odessa; Ella, Mrs.
Horton, of Vermillion, Dak.; Thomas, of Grand
Rapids; Jessie, Mrs. Palmer, of Stanton.  Mrls.








602


PORTRAITf AND ~BIOGRAPHHICAL ALBRUM.


02PORTRAIT AND                  IOGRAP;AL ALBUM. X. = = =. = ==.==_===..=.=..==-=-.=.


Hamblin was born in Jonesville, March 8, 1844'
and was fifteen years of age when she came to Pulaski with her parents. She gained an excellent
education in the schools of her native city, and is
in all respects a very fine woman, meriting and receiving esteem from all about her. To her and
her Lusband have been born four children: Lena,
the wife of F. M. Butler, a station agent and
farmer in Pulaski; Ernest, a telegraph operator at
Battle Creek; Merton and Edith, at home.
Mr. Hamblin's ambitious, resolute, courageous
spirit has overcome obstacles that would have been
fatal to the success in life of many a man, and by
persistent efforts, directed by far-sighted shrewdness, he has placed himself in good circumstances.
He has been identified with Concord Lodge. No. 31,
A. F. & A. M., since 863; and in commemoration
of his soldier life, he belongs to the Grand Army
of the Republic in that town. his wife being a
member of the Woman's Relief Corps. I-e is a
stalwart Republican in politics; and religiously, is
connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church,
is a trustee of the same, and contributes generously
to its support. He has been active in public life,
proving an invaluable civic official. He has been
Township Treasurer two years, Constable ten years,
Justice of the Peace three years, and has been
a School Director.
A lithographic portrait of Mr. HIamblin may be
found on another page.
j    LLIS SNOW. The biographer in interview]^-  ing the leading men of Sandstone Township
l_ J    lhad his attention called to the subject of
this notice, who is one of its early pioneers and
whom he found snugly located on a well-developed
farm occupying a portion of section 6. In recalling the reminiscences of his early life, we find that
Mr. Snow is a native of Allegany County, N. Y.,
and was born June 22, 1846. He is the representative of a substantial family, being the son of Ira
and Phebe (Clark) Snow, who were natives respectively of Vermont and New York State.
Ira Snow emigrated in his youth from Vermont


to the Empire State with his parents, who were also
New Englanders by birth and whose ancestors
must have settled with the Colonists at an early day.
Upon reaching manhood he was married and, in
1848, with his wife and five children came to this
county. He purchased sixty acres of land one
and one-half miles north of the present site of
Parma and settling in the woods commenced life in
true pioneer style, enduring the hardships and privations incident to that time. In 1852, however,
lie was seized with the California gold fever and
went to the Pacific Coast, where he remained two
years hunting for the yellow ore. Eie was successful, and returning to his county purchased one
hundred and seventeen acres of land which lay
mostly in its primitive condition and which is comprised in the farm of his son Ellis, our subject.
Some emigrant, however, had erected a log cabin,
18x24 feet in dimensions and in this the family lived
until 1861. That year the present residence was
put up and the father subsequently purchased one
hundred and twenty acres additional, so that in all
he was the owner of three hundred and forty acres
at the time of his death, which occurred in 1871.
Ira Snow upon his arrival in this county had a
cash capital of twenty-five cents, and so far from
that being a disgrace he looked upon it with pride
in after years, as well he might, for the success
which he met with indicated in a marked degree
the industry, perseverance and good judgment
which had attended his labors. The Snow family
were subjected to all the inconveniences and difficulties of life in a new country before the era of
even stages or wagon roads. Mill and market were
far away and to these they traveled laboriously,
usually with an ox-team. Mr. Snow after the organization of the Republican party joined its ranks
and was a public-spirited citizen endorsing every
enterprise calculated to advance the interests of the
people around him.
The father of our subject was twice married and
Ellis was the only surviving child of Ira Snow by
his first wife, who died in 1861. He assisted his
father in the development of the new farm, learning at an early age the arts of plowing, sowing and
reaping, and took pride in being able to do a man's
work before he had attained to a man's full stature.




PORTRAIT AND lBIOGRAPIIICAL ALBUM.


Before reaching tle age of twenty years he was
married, March 9, 1868, to Miss Emma Kilbourn.
Mrs. Snow was born in this county October 12,
1852, and is a daughter of Harry and Htarriett
(Merrill) Kilbourn, who were both natives of Vermnont. Her paternal grandfather made a good
record as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Her
parents emigrated from the Green Mountain State
to Michigan about 1850, settling first in Eaton
County. Thence they came to this county and took
up their abode in Sandstone Township, where they
spent the remainder of their days. Mr. Kilbourn
was a member in good standing of the Baptist
Church.
To our subject and his estimable wife there have
been born a family of five children, viz.: Jennie,
the wife of Willard Scott, of Parma Township;
Ida, Mary, Herbert, and Stella who died when
nearly two years old. The Snow homestead embraces one hundred and sixty acres of well-tilled.
land, with comfortable buildings and pleasant surroundings. The proprietor occupies a good position among his fellow-citizens. Politically, he is a
sound Republican, the friend of education and the
encourager of every enterprise calculated to benefit
the people around him. Mrs. Snow, with the exception of her brother Albert, who lives in Eaton
County, is the only survivor of her family.
*.[ -- -3^ ^||j^     --     ^ 
DELBERT W. DWELLE, one of the most
/    thorough and practical farmers of Grass, Lake Township, was born on section 1, of
that township, July 27, 1850. He is therefore still on the sunny side of life, but already has
gained a high standing in the work to which he has
devoted his life and to wlich he devotes his entire
attention-that of tilling the soil. His education
was received in the district schools and the Union
school at Grass Lake. In 1885 he settled where he
is now living, the farm being one mile east of Grass
Lake. He works and controls two hundred and nine
acres of fine land, every part of which shows that'
it is under the management of an industrious and
progressive man, who deserves the success that is


attending his efforts. A prominent feature among
the improvements of the place is the barn, which is
one of the finest and most commodious in the
county.
On October 10, 1875, Mr. Dwelle was united in
marriage with Miss Orcelia J. Welch, an estimable
young lady who was born in Grass Lake, July 11,
1857. She is a daughter of James and Susan (Taylor) Welch, an outline of whose history is presented
elsewhere. Her happy union with our subject has
been blessed by tlie birth of four interesting children, named respectively: Frankie A., Edith A.,
Walter J. and Alton W.
In 1876 Mr. Dwelle became a member of the
Masonic fraternity, in which he is deeply interested, and in which he has high standing; his membership is in Excelsior Lodge No. 116, at Grass
Lake. He is a Republican, but takes no special interest in politics except in so far as to deposit his
ballot on election day. He attends and assists in
the support of the Congregational Church at Grass
Lake, although he is not a member. He has an excellent moral character, is well informed on all
topics of general interest, and, with his wife, is regarded with respect by his fellow-citizens.
The subject of this sketch is the third child born
to Michael and Emeline L. (Hobart) Dwelle. His
father was born in Gorham, Ontario County, N. Y.,
December 24, 1821, and was reared and educated
there, following farming after reaching man's estate.
He remained in his native county until 1844, when
he came to Michigan and purchasing land in Grass
Lake Township, this county, settled where our subject was born. There he lived, carrying on farming very successfully until 1882, when he moved
into the village of Grass Lake and wisely retired
from active labor. He died January 31, 1889, being at that time the owner of five hundred and
twenty-four acres of fine land in Grass Lake Township and having abundant means. Iis accumulations were the results of his own efforts in the field
of agriculture and as a financier. His ability in
money matters was appreciated by his fellow-citizens, and no doubt led to his position as Vice-President of the Farmers' Bank of Grass Lake, which
he held for many years. He was an ardent admirer
of the principles of Masonry and was connected






604


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


I


with the order for many years before his death,
having attained a high degree in the same. Although not a member of any religious organization,
he was a regular attendant of the Congregational
Church and a liberal contributor towards its support. He was a son of Lemuel and Levina (Francisco) Dwelle, natives of the Empire State.
The parents of our subject were married October
29, 1845, to them came six children, of whom we
note the following: James L. is farming in Arizona;
Alice S. is the wife of W. H. Hill, a manufacturing
chemist at Detroit; the third on the family roll is
the subject of this notice; Milton W. married Miss
Fannie Monroe and is a farmer in Grass Lake Township; Flora M. married William K. Crafts, who is
also a tiller of the soil in that township; Frankie
died when nearly six years old. The mother, a
woman of marlred intelligence and many estimable
qualities of character, is now living in Grass Lake
village, occupying a palatial home in the eastern
part of town. She was born in Rushville, Yates
County, N. Y., March 25, 1822, and is a daughter


died at Rushville, Yates County, N. Y., at the advanced age of ninety years.
Our subject's grandfather was John, the third
child born to William and Patience (Flagg) Hobart.
His eyes opened to the light in Townsend, Mass.,
March 14, 1782. He was married in Benton, N. Y.,
November 16, 1810, to Miss Sarah A. Chadwick, a
daughter of Abel and Temperance Chadwick of
Lyme, Conn.   In that town Mrs. Hobart was
born April 19, 1786, dying at Rushville, N. Y.,
April 19, 1874. Her husband had breathed his last
October 15, 1860; in early life he was a clothier
but later turned his attention to tilling the soil. To
them were born ten children-Albert M., Adeline
M., Orville F., Henry H., Angelinel M., Emeline
L, Caroline C., Sarah A., Lawrence J. and Cordelia C.-the sixth of this family being the mother
of the subject of this biography.
---     --       --


of John and Sarah Chadwick Hobart.              a,ILLIAM    CAMPBELL.     The fine estate
The Hobart family trace their ancestry back to       which stands as a monument to the inone Edmund Hobart, who was born in HlinghaVm,          dustry and perseverance of him with whose
Norfolkshire, England, in 1574. The first members  name we introduce this sketch, is unexcelled by
of the family who came to America, were three   anything of the kind in Sandstone Township. It
brothers, who crossed the Atlantic on the "May-  embraces a stretch of rich farming land in a high
flower" and settled in the old Bay State. Some of  state of cultivation, improved with substantial
the members of the family in the early years of  modern buildings and stocked with good grades of
Colonial history were among those who established  the domestic animals. It is finely located on seethe first Congregational Church in Charleston,Mass.,  tion 6, and invariably attracts the eye of the
and some of them were noted Congregational di-  passer-by, who turns a second tine to admire its
vines (luring those times.                      beauty.
William Hobart, the great-grandfather of our    The native place of Mr. Campbell was in Parma
subject, was born in Groton, Mass.. May 23, 1751.  Township, this county, and the date of his birth
He married Miss Patience Flagg, November 16,    September 27, 1838. His parents were Alvah and
1777, and by that marriage had four children-   Hannah (Hemingway) Campbell, who were naWilliam L., Nancy, John and Israel. His wife Pali-  tives of New York State. They emigrated thence
ence having been removed from him by death,    to this county, in the fall of 1837, settling on land
William  Hobart married Miss Dollie Smith of    which the father had purchased in Parma TownShrewsbury, Mass., June 5, 1787. This marriage  ship the year previous. This comprises one hunresulted in the birth of six children-Baxter,   dred and sixty acres on section 11.
Hannah, Harvey, Joseph L., Abel B. and Walter P.  The father of our subject was the first settler in
The father died in Potter, Yates County, N. Y., -that part of Parma Township, and paid for his
January 1, 1801, when fifty-one years of age. His  land $1.25 per acre. His first dwelling was a log
widow su:vived until October 12, 1851, when she  cabin, 12x16 feet in dimensions, which the family:::~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~  ~~~~~~~~i '-nwi,efml




4105


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


occupied several years. Mr. Campbell was a man
of great energy and industry, and put his own
shoulder to the wheel until the farm  was paid for
and brought to a good state of cultivation. He was
successful in his labors, acquiring a competence, and
finally retired from the active duties of life, taking
up his residence in Parma Village, where he died
April 18, 1869. To the parents of our subject
there were born three children-William, of this
sketch: Franklin, who dlied when about forty-seven
years old, and Jay A., a resident of Jackson City.
Alvah Campbell was a man looked up to in his
community, and served several terms as a Justice
of the Peace. He enjoyed a wide acquaintance
throughout this part of the county, while his
sound sense and sterling integrity caused him to
be respected by all who knew him. He identified
himself with the Republican party soon after its
organization, and remained a firm supporter of its
principles until his death.  He found religious
consolation in the pale of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and served as Steward until his death.
The wife and mother survived   her hushand
about thirteen years, her death taking place December 29, 1881, in Parma.
The subject of this sketch at an early age became familiar with the various employments of
farm life, assisting in the building up of the homestead, and acquiring his early education in the district school. Later he attended Albion College,
and by a steady course of reading has always kept
himself well-informed, and with a good idea of the
general methods of doing business.
When twenty-three years old Mr. Campbell set
about the establishment of a home of his own,
being married, November 13, 1861, to Miss Addie
E. Lyman. This lady like himself is a native of
this county, and was born in Spring Arbor Township, March 29, 1839. Her parents were the Rev.
Alfred and Matilda (McCrory) Lyman, the father
a native of Connecticut and the mother of New
York State. Her paternal great-grandfather served
on the side of the Colonists in the Revolutionary
War. The Lyman family came to Michigan Territory about 1836, the father of Mrs. Campbell purchasing a tract of Government land in Spring
Albor Township. In connection with the cultiva



tion of this he officiated as a local minister of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and was one of the
pioneer preachers of the county. His family remained on the farm while 'he traveled over the
country upon his pious labors intent. He finally
removed to Calhoun County, settling in Ceresco
Township, where his death took place January 21,
1881. The mother followed her husband to the
silent land, October 10, 1887.
To the parents of Mrs. Campbell there was born
a family of seven children, only three of vwhom are
living-Jane is the wife of Charles Godfrey, of
Calhoun County; Nellie married Bradford L. Hubert, of Parma. Mrs. Campbell is the youngest of
those living. Mr. Lyman, politically, was a stanch
Republican, and naturally, owing to his extended
journeyings, formed a large acquaintance throughout the county and was very popular among the
people. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have three children —Edwin W., a resident of Parma Township;
George A. and Alfred L., at home with their parents. The home farm is one hundred and eighty
acres in extent, and Mr. Campbell has a good farm
of one hundred and seventy acres in Parma Township the most of which is under cultivation. Mr.
and Mrs. Campbell are members in good standing
of the Presbyterian Church, in which our subject
officiates as Elder. A man honest and upright in
his dealings, and possessed of more than ordinary
intelligence, he naturally occupies a leading position among the representative men of Sandstone
Township.,,,.... Cage'=,'e"
RANI    E. DILLA.     The Lake Shore &
Michigan Southern Railway is not only
)A    noted for its perfect equipments but for the
reliable character of its working force, not the least
among whom is the subject of this notice, who is
one of the ablest passenger engineers on the line.
He makes his headquarters in Jackson City, and
although on the sunny side of forty, brings to the
duties of his responsible position more than ordinary intelligence and efficiency.
Mr. Dilla was born in Jonesville, Hillsdale






606


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


County, this State, May 7, 1853, and is the youngest child of Carey and Harriet C. (Goss) Dilla, the
latter of whom was a native of Vermont and died
when Frank E. was between three and four years
old. Carey Dilla was a native of Pennsylvania,
and after coming to Michigan was married. The
newly wedded pair settled at the village of Jonesville, Hillsdale County, where the father opened a
blacksmith-shop and later carried on a carriage
manufactory for a number of years. He died there
in 1879. The two sons surviving him are Adam J.
and Frank E.
Mr. Dilla spent the first twelve years of his life
in his native town, and then went to work on a
farm, where he was employed two years. He next
began to learn carriage painting, and afterward
learned carriage making, at which he was engaged
until 1869. He then entered the employ of the
Ft. Wayne, Jackson & Saginaw Railroad Company
as rod man, carrying chain. Afterward he was
employed as a section hand. H-is next slep was in the
locomotive department as watchllman. In April,
1872, he became an engineer on a freight train, and
in 1879 was promoted to be engineer in the passenger service, running from Jackson to Ft. Wayne.
In 1882 the Lake Shore Company leased the Ft.
Wayne & Jackson, and Mr. Dilla was retained in
the service as passenger engineer, which position
he has since held. He is regarded as a careful and
reliable man, and as yet has been extremely fortunate in avoiding accidents.
Mr. Dilla contracted matrimonial ties October
21, 1883, with Miss Maude Shoemaker, of Waterloo, Ind. Mrs. Dilla was born near Waterloo, Ind.,
October 21, 1860, and is the daughter of E. R. and
Harriet J. (Miller) Shoemaker, residents of Waterloo, the father being an extensive farmer and dealer
in live stock. Of this union there has been born
one child, a daughter, Harrictte May. They occulpy
a neat home on East Main Street in the city of
Jackson, and have gathered around them many
friends. Mr. Dilla is quite prominent in railroad
circles. In 1874 he became a member of the
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and has
three times been elected as a representative to the
International Convention, which in 1882 met at
Louisville, Ky. The following year he could not


attend on account of other pressing duties. In the
summer of 1884 he was elected again to the convention, which met at San Francisco, Cal. —representing Jackson Division, No. 2. In 1886 he was
elected Chief Engineer of Division No. 2. He
presided at the first Grand Union meeting at the
opera house in Jackson, Miih., June 6, 1886. He
is a member of Ft. Wayne Lodge, No. 342, A. F.
& A. M., and Ft. Wayne Chapter, No. 19, R. A. M.,
also Jackson Commandery, No. 9, K. T. Mrs.
Dilla is a well-educated lady, having been graduated from Ft. Wayne College, and taught one year
in the High School at Waterloo. Politically, Mr.
Dilla is a Democrat., SCAR F. PEASE. The Pease family was
1one of the first to settle in this county,coming
hither when it was practically a wilderness,
traversed principally by Indians and wild animals.
Among them was the subject of this sketch, a native of Lockport, N. Y., and who was born June
24, 1829. His parents were William I-. and Lorenda (Kyse) Pease, the former of whom was born
in Niagara County in 1804. After his marriage
Mr. Pease lived in Lockport until the latter part
o-f 1829, and then decided upon seeking his forttunes in the Far Wtst.
Coming to wlat is now Grass Lake Township, the
father of our subject entered three hundred acres
of Government land, a portion of which is now
covered by the village of Grass Lake. lie journeyed first by the Erie Canal and the lakes to Detroit, and thence overland by teams. His land secured, he erected a log house on the around now
occupied by the residence of Oscar F., our subject,
in the eastern part of the town. He prosecuted
farming thereafter, and by his superior ability and
industry became a leading citizen and was one of
the first Representatives elected to the Michigan
Legislature from  this county. His education was
such as fitted him for almost any position. He
was an extensive reader and a deep thinker, and a
man generally looked up to in his community. For
many years he represented Grass Lake Township




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.                                                                         607
-...........p
------ -----—..'.                                -,-,................... —...   —.  X= — --  -   —:.,  -, --   -0


in the County Boar( of Supervisors, held the office
of Town Clerk and was also on the School Board.
The elder Pease identified himself with the Masonic fraternity, in New York State, and up)on the
organiztAtion of the lodge at Grass Lake, this county,
he was one of the charter members. At the building of the Michigan Central Railroad to this point
he was appointed the agent of the company at
Grass Lake, which 1losition he held a number of
years. He took a warm    interest in educational
matters, and during the late war gave freely of his
means to help the Union cause. The l)aternal
grandparents of our subject were George and
Phebe Pease, natives of New York State, who accompanied their son to Michigan and took up the
land now known as the J. B. Cadwell farm, which
lies half a mile east of Grass Lake Village. Grandfather Pease and his wife spent their last years in
the vicinity of Jackson, where they died(. le had
served as a soldier in the War of 1812. The family is supposed to be of Irish extraction.
Mrs. Lorenda Pease, the mother of our subject,
was born in Niagara County, N. Y., in 1804, and(
is still living, making lher home with our subject.
Although quite aged, she is still active and in 0(ood
health. She came with her parents to Michigan
early in the '30s, they settling in Grass Lake
Township, this county, where they spent the remainder of their days. To William H. and Lorenda Pease there was born a family of six sons,
viz: Oscar F., Douglas W., Charles H., George N.,
Eugene and DeWitt C. All of these are deceased,
except our subject.
The subject of this sketch was the eldest child of
his parents, and with tlhe exception of his mother,
is the only surviving member of the family. Mrs.
Pease is the only person living who was at the
head of a family at the time the first settlement
was made in this county. Oscar F. was reared on
a farm. where lhe now resides, and where he has
spent the greater part of his life. He has traveled extensively, and spent some time on the 1'acific Slope. For a period of fiteen years le was in
the employ of the Michigan Central Railroad Company in various capacities from  train boy to conductcr.  He finally resigned the latter position,
and tlen turned his attention once more to farm

ing. He pursued his early studies in the district
school, and coml)leted them at Albion College.
The Pease homestead comprises two hundred
acres of fine land, lying partly within and partly
witlhout the village of Grass Lake.  In addition to
general agriculture, our subject keeps high-grade
stock and makes a specialty of thorough-bred sheep.
lie is quite prominent in local affairs, and was at
one time President of the Village Council. As early
as 1856 lie identified himself with the Masonic fraternity at Albion, and is now a member of Excelsior Lodge, No. 116, at Grass Lake, and he also
belongs to tlle Conmmandery at Jackson. Politically, lie is a decided D)emocrat.
(n the 14tlh of I)ecember, 1861, Mr. Pease was
joiinel in wedlock witlh Miss Martha AM. HIill. This
la(dy was born    )ecenmber 12, 1842, in Ulster
County, N. Y.. and is a dlaughter of James and
Catherilne  Iill, wlo came to Grass Lake about
1 855 from New York State; they are now deceased.
Of tllis union  there were born    tlhe following
children: Ralpl)h WAV.; William  W. and William 1).,
ilwho are b)oth (]ecease(l; and an infant who died
lnname(d. T'le iPc lase family is very well known
thlroughout this county as representing its best
elemenlts.
PIIIL() J. IHAILL, senior member of the
J) firm of Ilall & IRowan, proprietors of the
I     Star Clothing Ilouse, Jackson, although
)  still a Voullln  man, has had a long experiin the mnerealtile business and gained a thorough
knowledge of the stoclk which he carries, and of the
best methods of pushing his business. The firm of
which lie is a member llas not long been established
but his extensive acquaintance and previous business life have enabled them to already gain a fine
run of custom. A    full line of clothing, gent's
furnishing goods, hats, caps, and valises, is carried,
the establishment being located at No. 158 West
Main Street.
Before briefly outlining the life-history of our
subject, a few items regarding his progenitors will
not be out of place. The Hall family is of English
ancestry, one of the early members in this country






608


PORTRAIT AND BITOGRAPHf~ICAL ALBUM.


60_ _PORTRAIT~~ _AN DI_ =__________..__.  -_ ---_ _BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. -  ___


being Gen. Johnson Hall of the Revolutionary
army who, for his services in the struggle for
American independence, received a land warrant
calling for six hundred and forty acres of land in
Onondaga County, N. Y. In that county his son
Isaac was born in 1803, and after reaching years of
maturity married Miss Phcebe, daughter of Elias
Ryder, of German descent. The family removed
to Michigan in 1845, first spending about three
years in Monroe County and then changing their
location to Van Buren County, where Isaac Hall
died -in 1853. His widow afterward went to Kansas, making her home with a daughter there during
the remainder of her life. Their family consisted
of three children, two daughters and a son, both
the daughters being now deceased.
William H. Hall, the only surviving child of
Isaac and Phoebe Hall, was born in Lafayette, Onondaga County, N. Y., September 22, 1826. He
passed his school days mostly in his native county,
removing to Michigan with his parents in 1845
and afterward spending one year in Adrian College.
In 1848 lie was united in marriage with Miss Lucinda J. Brayman. She was al daughter of Harry
Braynman and was born and reared in Ohio, afterward living in Leesburg, Ind.
After his marriage William  Hall settled on a
farm of forty acres in Parma Township, this
county, adding to his estate until it comprised one
hundred and sixty acres. This he afterward traded
for a tract lying near Jackson, to which he removed.
In 1886 he left his farm and became a resident of
Jackson, where lie now lives, occupying a dwelling
on the corner of HIigh and Merriman Streets. On
account of the paralysis of his lower limbs he has
retired from active duties, although his mind is as
vigorous as ever. He is a stanch Democrat, and
has taken the Jackson Patriot since 1849. His wife
died in Parma, June 24, 1866. She had borne him
three children-George H., Philo J. and Frank W.
Philo J. Hall was born in the town of Parma, this
county, December 17, 1850, and is the only living
child of his parents. He obtained his early schooling
at the district schools, afterward attending a select
school and still later being sent to Notre Dame
University, South Bend, Ind., where he prosecuted
his studies two years. Upon leaving school he en.


tered the clothing house of Douglas & Myers at
Jackson, in the capacity of clerk, retaining the situation two years. Subsequently he was employed
by B. F. Eggleston, one of the oldest clothing men
of the city, with whom he remained thirteen years.
He next spent about eighteen months clerking for
Bunnell & Co., clothing merchants, and in the
spring of 1887 began business for himself, forming
a co-partnership with George Rowan. They instituted the Star Clothing House which has already
taken a high rank among the clothing establishments of the city and will undoubtedly continue
its growth under their capable management.
Mr. Hall was fortunate in the choice of a life
companion, having been united in marriage, in
1880, with Miss Cora M., the daughter of S. W.
and Margaret Stowell, of this city. The estimable
and accomplished bride was born, educated and
reared to womanhood in this place, where she has
a large and select circle of acquaintances. She presides with hospitable grace over the neat and substantial residence on Cortland Street, where the
many conveniences and comforts of modern civilization may found. Mr. Hall owns a good farm
and is now engaged in breeding fine roa'sters and
trotting horses, finding this an agreeable relief from
his mercantile transactions which he does not, however, neglect. He also fits out and sells fine
matched horses, having not long since received
$5,000 for a span of mates noted for their beauty
and speed. The farm is supplied with excellent
barns fitted up especially for the comfort and
proper care of the animals in which Mr. Hall delights. He has for some time been a member of
Jackson Lodge No. 50, A. F. & A. M. Politically,
he is a Democrat.
-^3^^ ---^ ---g"g; — 4 ^> ---MONTELL HARRINGTON is well-known
in the agricultural and political 'circles of
his community. He is at present, and has
been for three years, Supervisor of Henrietta Township, and was Township Treasurer for two years,
and Highway Commissioner the same length of






PORTRAIT AND BIOGIAPHICAL ALBUM.                                              609
- --  - ---—..............=  -   -- - -........~...._..-.......... -.

time. In politics lie is a stanch 'Democrat, ever
steadfastly advocating such measures as in his
opinion will tend to the advancement of the township and county.  In partnership with his brother
Jack, he operates a good farm, comprising three
hundred and'sixty-five'acres of fertile land on section 5. By their united efforts the owners have
brought it to its present splendid condition, having
made all of the improvements, erected first-class
buildings and introduced modern machinery.
Of worthy New England stock'our subject was
born January 17, 1841, in Michigan. His father,
Stephen Harrington, was a native of New York,
and lived in Genesee County,whence he came to the
West. In the year 1830 he located in Summit,
this county, and sojourned  there until 1861,
when he came to this township, and here he died in
February, 1877, at the age of sixty-two years.
His wife bore the maiden name of Levina McCane,
and was born in the State of New York. She died
in Summit when forty years of age.
A family of seven children came to bless the
union of Stephen Harrington and his wife, and
they were named respectively: Elizabeth, the eldest, died in New York; Levant, is deceased; Jack;
Alice, (Mrs. Charles IHurd); Nellie, the wife of
Frank Olney; Levina, who married Frank Gibbons; and our subject, all reside in this township.
Mr. IIarrington contracted a second marriage in
this township, Mrs. Laura Hurd becoming his wife.
This lady was the widow of Henry Hurd, and was
born in Oneida County, N. Y., whence she removed with her husband about fifty years ago, and
became a pioneer settler of Jackson County. At
that time the country was wild and unsettled, there
being only one house between Jackson and this
township. Dense forests were on every side, and
through them wild animals roamed undisturbed.
She has been a witness of the growth of the community from a primitive condition, to one exactly
the reverse, and now has the honor of being one of
the oldest settlers of this township, where she lives
at the age of eighty years. When Mr. Hurd arrived in this county, he pre-empted a claim of
Government land on section 6, where he lived until his death in 1859, at the age of fifty-seven years.
He left, besides his wife, two children; Cassius, in


Blackman Township, and Henry, in Mason, Ingham
County, this State.
The early life of our subject was passed in the
State of his nativity, where he received a commonschool education. This lie afterward supplemented
by general reading on topics of interest. He was
not only fortunate and discreet in his monetary
transactions, but was especially wise in the selection
of a wife. she having- been tohlim a devoted helpmate and a trusted counselor. She is a native of
England, and bore the maiden name of Sarah Bailey, her parents being James and Harriet (Lee)
Bailey, of Warwickshire, England. There Mrs.
ilarrington was born March 31, 1846, and when
three years old accompanied her parents to America, they settling in this township. Mr. Bailey died
in 1859, and Mrs. Bailey in 1874. Of their five
children, Mrs. IIarrington was the fourth. The
others are: Eliza, Samuel; Harriet and Mary, deceased. Samuel is a citizen of Leslie, Ilgham
County, and Eliza, is the widow of Edward Girard, and lives in this State.
Three children came to bless the union of our
subject and his wife, viz.: Fred A., who is an intelligent and bright youth of seventeen years, and
Bert Ray, who is six years old. The oldest child
was a daughter, Nettie, and she died when four
years of age. Mr. Harrington is known for the
strict integrity of his character, and for his genial
manners, and with his family enjoys the universal
and merited esteem of all the community.
OHlNR. R. REYNOLDS, Food Inspector at
Jackson, has had a more checkered career
and seen more of the rough corners of the
X   i world than falls to the lot of many. Pushing
his way with sturdy perseverance, he has familiarized himself with business principles, thoroughly
mastered the details of a good trade, and pursued
a scientific study until he became well versed in its
principles and capable of microscopical and chemical analysis. He has been identified with various
movements which are calculated to benefit the rising
generation, to increase the material prosperity of






610


PORTRAITT AND BIt~OG RAPHICAL ALBUM.I


610. POTRI AN  BIGA CLABM


the community in which he lives, and to add to
the knowledge of the world. He is a son of
Thomas and Mary (Short) Reynolds, who were
natives of England, whence they emigrated to
America settling in New York at an early period
in their wedded life. Ilis father was a miner during his early years of manhood, but studying for
the ministry, entered that field in the Methodist
Episcopal Church. Hle was called to labor at different places and was killed by an accident near
Port Huron, Mich. The mother was so attached to
her native Cornwall, that prior to the birth of two
of her children she returned to the home of her
father, John Short, a prominent citizen of that
shire, that they might be natives of her own beloved
land. She (died about the year 1854, leaving a
family of whom but two now survive, they being
our subject and a sister, Mrs. Mary A. Trimble.
At the age of nine years John Reynolds left his
home and went to London, Canada, where his uncle,
William Reynolds, lived. With himn he made his
home for a time, attending school, but abandoning
his studies at an early age to start out on his own
account. He traveled over several States, having
many of the experiences to which the homeless
wanderer is subject, gaining a knowledge of mankind, and a partial insight into various lines of
employment and finally going to Connecticut where
he sought employment in the woolen mills. The
octupation did not agree with his health and he
was compelled to abandon it. He then determined
to learn the milling business and entered a flourmill, remaining until sufficiently acquainted with
the details of the business, when he went to Chicago,
11., and embarked in that line.
Mr. Reynolds next moved to Michigan and engaged in running a woolen-mill, doing a general
custom and carding business. In 1867 he sold out
the business and came to Jackson, entering the employ of H. A. Hayden & Co., with whom he continued twenty years, most of that time having
charge of their extensive mills. During this time
he studied chemistry and microscopy, to his knowledge of which he owes his appointment to his present position, which he assumed in 1888. While in
Chicago Mr. Reynolds enlisted, but on account of
his youthfulness he was not accepted. Iie however,


gave other assistance to the cause of the Union
helping to pay for two substitutes when his fellow
employes stood a draft.
In 1881 Mr. Reynolds was elected to the City
Council remaining on the Aldermanic body six
years. While a member of the Council lie helped
to put the fire department on a substantial footing
and establish several reforms in the policy of the
City Fathers; he was Chairman of the Ways and
Means Committee and a member of the same four
years. For several years he was one of the Directors of the Young Mens' Library Association. He
belongs to Jackson Lodge, No. 17, A. F. & A. M.;
Jackson Chapter, No. 3; Council, of R. & F. M.;
and Jackson Commandery, No. 9. He was a member of the Microscopical Society, which flourished
here for several years.
In 1879 the rites of wedlock were celebrated between Mr. Reynolds and Miss Helen Camp, of
Jackson. The parents of the bride were of English
descent, their ancestors being early settlers of New
England and they natives of Fairfield County,
Conn. Both are now deceased. The happy union
of Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds has been blessed by the
birth of two children, Edwin and Julia. Their
present home at No. 140 Stewart Avenue, is furnished and conducted in a tasteful and homelike
manner, and under its roof the parents find comfort and enjoyment in the companionship of their
interesting children and their many friends. His
library comprises about fifteen hundred volumes.
and on its shelves are found some of the best scientific, historical and philosophical publications.
Mrs. Reynolds is a member of the Episcopal Church.
Politically Mr. Reynolds is a Free Trade Republican.
I-ARLES E. HOWE. The results of indus-!\ J mtry and unflagging perseverance are evidenced in the career of the above named
gentleman,who is the owner and occupant of a splendid estate on section 8, Sandstone Township. His
life affords a striking example to the easily discouraged young men, who, having no large capital, are




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


6.11


content to dawdle on through life on a small salary,
because they have not the energy requisite to a
greater success. The limits of a sketch like this
allow us only to briefly outline tlle labois in which
Mr. Howe has been engaged, and in which for some
years past he has been well supported by his better
half.
In the paternal line Mr. Howe is descended from
English ancestors who made a settlement in New
England, prior to the Revolution.  Iis parents,
Robert A. and Amy (Horsner) Howe, were natives
of the Empire State, and in Dutchess County his
own eyes opened to the light, December 4, 1829.
He was reared to manhood in his native county,
attending the private subscription schools, and although the advantages at that.time were not equal
to those of the present (lay, he received what was
considered quite a liberal education, prior to his
eighteenth year. Upon that foundation of knowledge he llas built as opportunities were afforded
him, becoming well versed in general topics of interest. He acquired a knowledge of farming in his
early life, and to it lie has devoted the energies of
his manhood.
When young Howe was eighteen years old his
father died, and he became the head of the family.
In 1853, with his motherl, sister, and his nephew,
James Winegar, lie came to this State, locating in
Sandstone Township, this county. He purchased
one hundred and ten acres on section 17, a part of
the land being wooded, all stony and mostly unbroken, with practically no improvements. There
he resided about two years, carrying on the work
of development, after which lie removed to the
place now occuppied by Frank Benn, where he
mnade his home some eight years. He cleared the
latter estate, changing it from the primitive condition to one of comfortable appearance and upon it,
in 1854, built the log cabin yet stand(ing there.
In 1861 MrT Howe settled on the farnm he now
occupies, having purchased two hundred and forty
acres to which he has added by subsequent purchase
until he now has three hundred and seventy acres
of fine land. HIe broke the virgin soil with ox
teams, and has virtually developed and improved
the entire acreage, erecting the fine buildings that
now adorn it, and which testify to his zeal and un

flagging energy. In the course of his work in this
county he has endured some of the usual hardships
of pioneer life, and being an eve-witness to the development of this section, can tell many an interesting incident of early life and frontier scenes. For
some time his milling was (one at Albion, Calhoun
County, whence the journey was made with oxen
over rough roads. IHe recalls but eight span of
horses througllout this section in 1853, all the work
being done by oxen.
In 1861 Gov. Blair appointed Mr. Howe Recruiting Officer of the Third Congressional District, and
in that calacity he continued to act during the
war. HIe has served continuously for eight years
as a Justice of Peacde. In politics lie is a Prohibitionist. lHe has been a juryman in the Circuit
Court as often as every two or three years, and
probably has served as frequently as any man in
tle county. He and his wife belong to the Wesleyan Methodist Church in the Tompkins and Sandstone circuit, and lie has officiated as Class-Leader
a number of years. Public-spirited in the best
sense of that word, honorable in his business relations and kindly in social life, he enjoys the respect of a large circle of acquaintances, and a
deeper regard of those to whom his life and character are more intimately known.
The marriage of Mr. Howe was celebrated in
Delhi, Washtenaw County, in 1864, his bride being
Miss Sarah J. Valentine. She was born in Buffalo.
N. Y., Novemlber 24. 1843, and was but a child
when her parents removed to Grand Island, where
tley spent a few year', changing their residence to
this State when she was about twelve years old.
They located in Washtenaw County, where she
grew to maturity, engaging in the work of teaching after the completion of her education. Prior
to her marriage she had taught in the district where
Mr. Howe lived. Since their marriage she has been
his able assistant and his cherished conpanion. Her
father is now deceased, and her mother is living in
Jackson, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Howe have an
interesting family, named respectively: DeWitt
C., Frank C., Florence M., A. J., Alfred C., Louis
A., Edith B. and Mabel I.
Of the large family of eleven sons and daughters
born lo the parents of Charles E. Howe, but three






612


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


are now living. The only surviving (laughter is
Mary A., wife of George Lee, of Jackson; the sons
are the subject of this sketch, and Alexander H.,
who is engaged in the real-estate business in Brooklyn, N. Y.
J V AMES   IELMER. The task of the biographical writer is a pleasant one when it
falls to his lot to note the material success
and prosperity of his subject, and the high
character which gives him the esteem of all who
know him, and affords a worthy example to those
who are aware of his life. Such is the case in preparing a sketch of the gentleman above-named,
whose honesty and integrity are well known, and
whose word is considered as good as his bond. He
now holds the office of Town Treasurer of Parma
Township, his cozy home being situated on section 2.
Onondaga County, N. Y., claims the honor of
being the birthplace of James IHelmer, who first
saw the light of day, January 1 7,1820. His paternal ancestors were German, his grandfather, John
Helmer, having settled on the German Flats at
Greenbush, N. Y., a short distance below Albany.
His parents, Phillip and Lena (Harter) Helmer,
were both natives of the Empire State, and removed
from Herkimer to Onondaga County. They had
three children-William H., John and James-the
latter being the only survivor. He was reared to
manhood in his native county, at the age of sixteen years beginning the trade of a blacksmith, to
which he devoted himself about a quarter of a century. His youthful advantages in the way of education were somewhat limited, the privileges of
that time not being equal to those of the present
day, but by reading and observation lie has kept
well informed regarding topics of general interest
and uses his knowledge to good advantage. In
the Empire State for some years he followed his
trade as a journeyman, and also carried on a shop
for himself.
On October 15, 1843, Mr. Helmer was united in
marriage with Miss Laura Worden, a native of the


I


same county as himself, whose natal day was December 16, 1827. She was a daughter of Jabez
and Esther (Parks) Worden, who were also natives of the Empire State. Her parents had twelve
children, of whom the following are now deceased:
Sylvia, Walter, Maria, Eliza, Leroy and Jay. T'he
survivors are: Liberty, whose home is in Oswego
County, N. Y.; Mary A., wife of David Bartlette,
of Onondaga County, N. Y.; Anerica, who lives
in the same county; Mrs. Rachael Harter, widow,
of the same county; Leander, who also lives in
that county; and Mrs. Helmer, of our sketch. The
deceased children lived to years of maturity. Her
father and his nine brothers were soldiers in the
War of 1812, and their father was Captain of the
company called the Silver Grays.
To Mr. and Mrs. Helmer six children have been
born, five of whom are now living-Albert M. resides in Parma; John B, in Springport Township;
William  H., in Parma; James E., in Sandstone
Township; Joseph, in Parma Township; the deceased child bore the name of Sarah.
In 1847, with his wife and two children, Mr. Helmer enigrated to Michigan, traveling on a canal boat
to Buffalo, thence by steam to Detroit, and by
train to Jackson County. He brought his family
to Parma Township, making his home for a time
with his brother, and chopping wood. Shortly
after l is arrival he erected a blacksmith-shop on
section 14, running it about a year, and also assisting in various kinds of farm work andl other labors.
He then built a shop at Gidley Station, one mile
east of the village of Parma, but. carried it on only
about ten months. He later, in 1866, ran a shop
in Jackson a year. He bought his farm in 1853,
the estate consisting of two hundred and forty
acres in Parma Township, but after a time sold it,
purchasing it back in 1866. In 1855 he had returned to his native State, following his trade in
Onondaga County a year, but coming again to the
West and settling in Springport Township, where
he resided nine years. It was at the expiration of
this time that he spent a year in Jackson, after
which he located permanently in Parma Township.
Mr. Helmer has been Treasurer of the Township
tw) years, and Highway Commissioner for an
equal length of time. In politics, he is a Prohibi





PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM


613


-, —, t —  - - -


tionist. His social and benevolent spirit finds its
outlet in the Masonic Lodge at Parma. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which
he holds tle offices of Steward and Trustee. He
belongs to the Jackson Mutual Fire Insurance
Company, and has served on the Board of Auditors. His estimable wife and himself, while still in
their prime, are enjoying the fruits of useful and
industrious lives, and while recalling many scenes
of pioneer life, rejoice in the civilization which
they see about them.
John Helmer, the grandfather of our subject,
served during seven years of struggle for American independence without receiving a scratch, and
the father of our subject served during the War of
1812. Albert and John, two of our subject's sons,
joined the army of their country during the late
Civil War, John being but fifteen years old when
he enlisted.
EORGE C. LORD. The subject of this i-n
EORGE: C. LORD. The subject of this notice has been a resident of Michigan since
1825, and of Grass Lake since 1852. The
years which have intervened form the history of a
career honorable in the extreme, and that of a man
who has not only made for himself a good record
as a member of the community, but who has been
more than ordinarily successful in the accumulation of this world's goods. A leading merchant
of Grass Lake, he has during the thirty-eight years
of his residence here, established himself firmly in
the confidence and esteem of a large circle of friends
and acquaintances. Not only just to his fellowmen, but generous, he is kindly spoken of by all as
one who has really been a benefactor to those about
him.
Mr. Lord comes of sturdy New England stock,
his ancestors being of a strong, self-reliant, energetic
class, that sent so many brave and resolute men to
the subjugation of the wild West at a time when it
lay in its primitive state, inhabited principally by
Indians and wild animals. The forefathers of Mr.
Lord were probably early settlers of Connecticut,


the birthplace of his immediate ancestry, and were
of English descent.  His paternal grandfather,
Richard Lord, was born in that State, and died in
Sharon, Mich. His son, David E., father of our
subject, first opened his eyes to the light of day in
the year 1795, in London, Conn. His parents removed to New York State when he was young,
where he was reared and received his education,
this being such as was afforded at that early day.
The father of our sulject, after attaining to manhood, turned his attention to the study of medicine
and soon afterward entered one of the Eastern medical colleges, from whiclt he was duly graduated.
He immediately entered upon his professional duties at Moravia, Cayuga County, N. Y., where he
practiced continually until 1825. Then coming to
Michigan, lie located in Ann Arbor, putting up the
first frame house in that place. He followed his
profession there until his death. in 1830. He ac-.cumulated a good property and was always ready
to lend a helping hand to church and charitable institutions. He was an active member of the Presbyterian Church for many years. He was the first
County Clerk of Washtenaw County.
Mrs. Mary (Fargo) Lord, the mother of our subject, was horn in Herkimer County, N. Y., and died
in Manchester, this State. There were born to her
and her husband, five children, two sons and three
daughters, of whom  George C. was tie second
born. His native place was Cayuga County, N.
Y., and the (late of his birth August 22, 1820. IHe
was five years old when his parents came to Miichigan, and received a good education, entering the
academy when suitably advanced. When but a boy
lIe gained an insight into mercantile pursuits as a
clerk in Ann Arbor, and was subsequently thus employed until going into business for himself. At
the age of twenty-three years, desirous of a change,
lie turned his attention to farming, which he followed near Sharon, Mich., until 1850, and in 1851
he went to Dowagiac, Cass County, Mich. In 1852
lie came to Grass Lake, and established himself
as a general merchant,and has since continuously followed this business, dealing in all kinds of produce
in connection with dry-goods, and also in livestock. At the same time he carried on milling and
farming. Hie possesses a clear head, a sound intel



614


PORTRAIT AND BIC.T) 31(


)GRAPHICAL ALBUM.
I 


lect, and is a man to be relied upon il any and
every emergency.
A sturdy advocate of the policy of the Democratic party, Mr. Lord is keenly interested in all
the questions of the day, pertaining to the welfare
of our country. He believes in tile principles of
Masonry, arnd has been connected witl the fraternity many years, having taken the Chapter degrees.
He is in full sympathy witl the Congregational
Church, and contributes liberally to its support.
His home is pleasantly located in the town, and
presided over by a most estimable lady, who in her
girlhood was Miss Adelia E. Osborn, and to whom
he was married at her home in Washtenaw County,
N. Y., December 9, 1847. Mrs. Lord was born in
Columbia County, N. Y., in September. 1827, and
is the daughter of Melvin and Adelia (Pierce) Osborn. tHer parents were natives of Long Island,
N. Y., and spent their last years in NMicliigan.
Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Lord, the
eldest died in infancy; Edward, John and Florence
also died young.
__ of Hall & Rowan, proprietors of a firstclass clothing establishment at No. 158
West Main Street, Jackson, carrying the finest line
of goods in the city, and commanding a large
trade. Our subject is a fine representative of the
native-born citizens of Jackson County, who are
carrying on the work their fathers began, and are
doing much to advance the financial interests of the
county, and are otherwise exerting a beneficial iPfluence in promoting its prosperity and development.
Mr. Rowan was born in Spring Arbor Township
August 18, 1846. His father, Stephen I. Rowan,
was a native of St. Lawrence County, N. Y., born
in 1801. He lived there until 1812, when lie went
to Genesee County, where he was reared to man's
estate; and there was married in August, 1825, to
Miss Polly IHarrington, who was born in Cooperstown, Otsego County, N. Y., June 13, 1808. They
began their wedded life in Genesee County, making their home there five or six years, and then
emigrated to Michigan in October, 1831, making




the jour1ney to Buffalo with teams, thence by lake
to Detroit, and from there to Jackson with an ox
team, this latter stage of the journey occupying
eight days. They settled in what is now Summit
Township, just across the road from the residence
now owned and occupied by Alonzo McCain. Mr.
Rowan immediately built a shanty upon his homestead, covering it with b)asswood and basswood
bark, and mnovinlg into it when it had neither floors
nor window-lights. He and his family continued
to live in it about a year and a half, and then took
possession of the farm now owned by Chester R.
Ilarrington, which Mr. Rowan had purchased.
Th'ey resided there some years, and then moved
in to what is now Spring Arbor Township, and located on the " Coal Mine Farm," and made that
their home for many years. Eventually they returned to Summit Townshi), and there the last
years of the father was plasscd, his death occurring,
however, at the residence of our subject, December
10, 1874, while he was staying there temporarily.
HIis widow now makes her home with her children.
They were tle parents of eight children, as follows:
Orlando M., who died in Hlillsdale County, when
twenty-two years old; Horace W., who died in
Iowa in 1885, at the age of fifty-nine years: Le.
mont C.; Jeanette, whlo died when young; Layton
C., who (died when about six years old; Ann E.,
who is the wife of William  J. Smalley; Rosette,
wlho is tlle wife of Abbot Stiles; and George.
The latter, of whom we write, was reared on tlle
farm, and assisted his father in tilling the soil when
not attending the district school, where he laidithe
foundation of his education, which was advanced
by attendance at the Union School in Jackson.
After leaving school he continued in agricultural
pursuits until 1878, when lie entered upon a mer
cantile career in Jackson as a clerk for Mr. Bunnell. He remained in his employ until 1888, and
then entered into business on his own account,
forming a partnerslhip with Philo J. -lall, and opening a clothing store at their present location. They
have a well-appointed establishment, a store 26x1 20
feet deep, well fitted up, and supplied with a very
large stock of ready-made clothing, where a gentleman may obtain a complete outfit, with the exceptiol of boots and shoes.




I






I




*


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


617


To the lady wlio presides over his home and
makes it cozy and attractive alike to her household,
and to the numerous friends that often share its
gracious hospitality, Mr. Rowan was united in marriage in December, 1871. They have one son,
Frank, who is a student in the Jackson Business
College. Mrs. Rowan's maiden name was Della L.
Stimson,a daughter of Frank Stimson,of this county,
and she was born in Erie County, N. Y.
Mr. Rowan is manly and liberal-spirited, and is
endowed withl other good qualities that make him
a useful citizen, and have secured him the respect
of the community. lie is straightforward and fair
in his business dealings, and prompt and methodical, which traits have contributed not a little to
his success. Politically he is a Republican.
/     EF,ORGE  MOGFORD, a conductor on the
I   j )  Ft. Wayne Branch of the Lake Shore Railroad, is a well known and valued citizen of
Jackson, where he has a pleasant home at No. 136
Third Street, which he purchased in 1874. Ile is
of English birth and antecedents, born January
22, 1842, in Tiverton, Devonshire, England. John
Mogford, his father, was also a native of 'iverton,
a son of one John Mogford, who was a life-long
resident of England, and carried on the business
of a merchant tailor in Tiverton until his death.
The father of our subject learned the trade of a
merchant tailor and at the time of his father's
death succeeded him in business, which lie managed till his honorable and useful life wps brought
to a close in February, 1871. h'e maiden name
of the mother of our subject was Jane Yeo, and
she spent her entire life in Tiverton. Ten children
were born of her marriage, three of whom came to
America. John first lived in Rome, N. Y., and
went from there to London, Canada. William settled in Brooklyn, N. Y., and carried on painting
and paper-hanging at No. 487 Atlantic Avenue, his
sons succeeding him in business at the time of his
death.
At the early age of twelve years our subject, a
sturdy, intelligent, self-reliant lad, left the shelter


i
I


I




of the parental roof and venturing out into the
world on his own account, set sail for this country
from  the East India docks in London, March 9,
1854, landing in New York April 11, following.
lie at once joined his brother Joln in Rome,rN.Y.,
and went with him to London, Canada, where he
advanced his education by attendance at the excellent public schpols of that city. When sixteen
years of age he commenced to learn blacksmithing,
and after serving an apprenticeship of two years,
lie obtained a situation in the New York Horseshoeinlg shops on I,ared Street in Detroit. He
continued there till the spring of 1862, when lie
engaged to assist in governmlent surveys in the
Uplper Peninsula with Col. Graham and Capt. Gilman. In the fall of that year lie secured a position
as brakeman on tile Detroit and Milwaukee Railway.
He was promoted to be baggage master, and subsequently to be conductor. In 1870 he lesigned
his position on that railway, and on March 9 of the
same year acce)pted the position of conductor with
the Ft. Wayne, Jackson & Saginaw Railway, and
when tile road was leased to the Lake Shore Company he retained the conductorship, and has now
held tlat position for a period of twenty years up
to tile lresellt time, his run extending from Jackson to Ft. Wayne. Ie is extremely popular with
tile patrons of the road, who find him ever courteous, attentive, alnd obliging.
Mr. Mogford was married June 28, 1871, to Mary
E. McDermott, a native of Detroit and a daughter
of Eugene A. and Winifred (Nolan) McDermott,
well-known pioneers of that city. Mrs. Mogford
is a lady of refinement and culture, and her pleasant
home is the center of true hospitality, often extended to her numerous friends. Four children
have been born of her union with our subject,
namely: Georgien E., James L. McDermott, Mary
Irene and Edward George.     Religiously, Mrs.
Mogford is a Roman Catholic, while Mr. Mogford
was reared in the faith of the Episcopal Clurch.
A man of sound understanding, of liberal views
anrd commendable public spirit, Mr. lMogford is a
very useful member of society, one whose opinions
on public subjects are valued, as lie is well-informed on all topics of general interest. Politically,
he is a Democrat, and holds steadfastly to the doc



I


a


618


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


I


trines of his party. He has served very acceptably
on the Board of Aldermen in this city, representing
the Third Ward for a period of two terms. He
was for three years Chairman of the Committee
on Claims and was a member of the Committee on
Ways and Means, for one year. He is now Presi
dent of the Board of Fire Commissioners, and
socially, is a member of Michigan Lodge, No. 50,
A. F. & A. M., Jackson Chapter, No. 3, R. A. M.,
Commandery No. 9, K. T. He was for two years,
1887 and 1888, President of the Passenger Conductors' Life Insurance Company of the United
States, being elected to that position in Philadelphia,
and filling its varied duties with credit to himself
and to the public satisfaction.
We direct the readers' attention to a lithographic
portrait of Mr. Mogford, on another page of this
volume.
ONATHAN     TRUMBULL. There is probably not within the limits of Rives Township, a citizen more widely or favorably. known or one held in more general respect
that he with whose name we introduce     this
biographical outline. His life occupation has Leen
that of a farmer and we find him comfortably situated amid the surroundings of a pleasant home
on section 25, where he has instituted one of the
old landmarks, forming a monument to his industry and perseverance which will exist long after he
has been gathered to his fathers.
It must not by any means be supposed, however,
that Mr. Trumbull is an aged man, as, on the contrary, he is in the prime of life, having been born
November 20, 1848, and is a native of this county
having first seen the light in Rives Township.
He is the son of an old afnd honored pioneer, Erastus Trumbull, a native of Colchester, Conn., who
was born May 11, 1809. The latter came to this
region fifty-three years ago and with the exception
of one year spent in Cass County, this State, was a
continuous resident here.
Benjamin Trumbull, the paternal grandfather of
our subject was probably likewise a native of Connecticut and followed the profession of law at Col

chester. He married a Miss Elizabeth Mather and
died at the advanced age of eighty-four years, in
1850. His wife died at Colchester in 1823. The
paternal great-grandfather of our subject lived to
be eighty-four years old. He was a man of much
erudition and wrote a history of Connecticut. On
the maternalside, Grandfather John Haywood was
born in 1)evonshire, England. and died in Michigan
about 1820, at the age of sixty-five. His wife's
maiden name was Rosamond Bradford. She likcwise was a native of England, and died December
26, 1876, in Jackson County, Mich., aged seventysix years. The three children born to this worthy
pair were named Ann, Tamzen and Elizabeth, the
eldest being the mother of Mr. Trumbull, now living in Rives Township, and being sixty-one years
old. Elizabeth died at the age of fifty years in
Henrietta, this county; Tamzen died when ten years
old.
The children born to Grandfather Benjamin
Trumbull and his estimable wife are noted as follows; Benjamin M., who was in the United States
Land Office in Nebraska, died September 2, 1866;
John S. was born in 1821 and died in this county
February 1, 1880; David D. was born in 1811 and
(lied in this county October 18, 1889; Lyman
Trumbull, attorney at law at Chicago, Ill., is now
seventy six years old; George died in Chicago
October 19, 1888; Erastus, the second child was
born in 1809 and is now living in this county; Sarah
became the wife of J. H Trumbull, who died several
years ago, and she is now living in New  Iaven,
Conn. aged sixty-four years. To Benjamin and
Ann (Haywood) Trumbull there were born the
children mentioned as follows: Jonathan, our
subject, who was the eldest of the family; Laura
who was born September 21, 1850, and who died
November 12, 1854; Julia. who was born June 24,
1852, and is now at home; Laura E. who was born
March 2, 1855, and Caroline, who was born Octob)er 31, 1858, and is now living with our subject.
Laura E. became the wife of Dr. C. A. Littler, of
Onondaga, Ingram County, this State, July 12,
1877, and they have one child, Robert T., who was
born October 30, 1884.
The subject of this notice spent his early years
amid the quiet pursuits of farm life, acquiring a








PORTRAIT ANPUD BLC)C LAi'HLCAL ALBUJM.


619


I..              P    RT R -  A    T...._.,.-........................,  _..B. _IO ---AIC   A  B U


common-school education and remaining under the
home roof until his mariage. 'This interesting and
important event occurred October 18, 1871, the
the bride being Miss Agnes, daughter of John  B.
and Fanny (Kelly) Wheeler. Mrs. Agnes Trurnbull (lied in 1885, leaving one child, Herbert, who
is now.at home. The farm of Mr. Trumbull comprises eighty acres of choice land, he having sld1
eighty acres of his original purchase. His land is
very fertile and has been brought to a high state of
cultivation. The elegant residence was erected in
1883 at a cost of $3,000; it is finely finished, handsomely furnished and is complete with modern arrangements in the interior, while its surroundings
arc indicative of refined tastes and ample means.
Mr. Trumbull in his farming operations makes a
specialty of Durham cattle. Ile gives his political
allegiance to the I)cmocrat party and is serving as
Supervisor of his Township his second term.  He
belongs to the A. 0. U. W. lodge at Jackson and
was, one time connected with the Patrons of Industry. From   a sketch published in a Connecticut
paper some time since, we glean the following:
'iThe family of Trumoull, primitively Turnbull,
trace their origin to a peasant named Ruel, who
having by his strength and courage saved the life
of Kin(g Robert Bruce of Scotland from the attack
of a wild bull in Sterling Park, was given by his
Sovereign the estate of Badyruel near Peebles,
and the name and arms since borne by his descendants. Such, says the genealogical chart of the
Trumbull's, was the genesis of their family. Then
comes a gap of years and more three hundred years
between Bruce (A. D. 1300) and John Trumbull of
Newcastle-on-Tyne, England,who came to America
in 1637, settling in Massachusetts.  This interregnum of three and a half centuries, a representative
of the family, at present in England, is diligently
attempting to fill.
"It does not appear that tie name was generally
written Trumbull untill about 17;6. Readers of
these sketches have observed tihe early orthography
has been adhered to, for such was the practice of
the Rev. Benjamin to 1768-69, at which date he
seems to have conformed to what had become tihe
general observance by all the branches of the family. Hereafter Trumbull will be used.


"When the ordination services of Mr. Trumbull
were over andl the large delegation had gone home,
matters in the parish settled in their old time channel, although we must not-suppose so marked an
occasion was lightly dismissed. The people talked
of it for a long time. Thirteen ministers and
twelve messengers were duly billeted around the
parish and as the services occupied the most part
of two days everybody was sure to become more
or less interested. There was quite likely more
theology discussed and more hot cider drank than
on any similar occasion in the parish before or
since.
"But now they are all gone. 'he society had
voted that Madam Trumble should 'set' in the pew
where  Madam   Stiles 'sets.' "  One committee
cleared up the 'society lot;' another was rectifying
the bounds of "the green;" a third was repairing
the sanctuary, while the fourth was wrestling with
the problem "how to fill up vacancies in tile seats
of the meeting house."  Everybody apparently
was busy. A ministerial rate of two pence on the
pound was established for Mr. Trumbull's support
and this rate of taxation was maintained without
much fluctuation for some years."
I ENRY E. FRANSISCO. One of the finest
j) estates in Grass Lake Township has been
_ built up by the subject of this notice,
(.,  whose thrift and industry is apparent on
every hand. He is one of those men who, commencing in life at the foot of the ladder, have by
a course of unflagging industry, prudence and good
judgment arrived at an enviable position, socially
and financially, among their fellowmen.  Like
many of the successful men about him, Mr. Fransisco is a native of New York State, and was born
in Tompkins County, January 6, 1837. He is the
offspring of an excellent family, being the son of
Benjamin and Rachel J. (Earls) Fransisco, who
were natives respectively of Vermont and Eastern
New York.
The father of our subject removed with his parents to Allegany County, N. Y., when he was








620


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


quite young, and he was there reared and married.
Then returning to Vermont he sojourned in his
native place for a time, but subsequently went
back to New York State, and settled in Tompkins
County, where he lived until about 1850. That
year he came to Barry County, this State, of which
lie is still a resident. He has followed farming all
his life, and at one time was a man of large means.
Subsequently he met with financial reverses an(d
never recovered his fortune. He has now arrived
at the advanced age of eighty years. The family
is of old Huguenot stock and noted for longevity.
The mother of our subject accompanied her family
in their various removals, and died while visiting
in Norville, this county, in 1884, aged seventy-six
years. The parental family consisted of the following children: the eldest, a daughter, Lavina, became the wife of Charles Crawford, of Ithica, N. Y.,
and is now deceased; Julia A. is the wife of James
Nickbocker, a farmer of Barry County, this State;
John is farming in this county; Lucinda is the wife
Hollis Knowles, of Los Angeles, Cal.; Sarah J. mar
ried Leonard Lewis, of Barry County, and she is
now deceased; Charles is farming in that county;
Mary became the wife of Sheldon Brunson a mechanic, of Iastings, Mich., and is now deceased;
Amelia, Mrs. Henry Brunson, lives in Hastings;
Benjamin is farming in California; Henry E., our
subject, was the sixth child.
The subject of this sketch spent the days of his
boyhood and youth under the parental roof, and
after leaving the primary schools attended the
Baptist College, at Kalamazoo, most of the time
for five years. He was of studious habits, and decided upon following farming for his life vocation.
He was thrown upon his own resources at an early
age, but by hard work and close economy tie had,
in 1861, enough money to make a purchase of land,
selecting a tract on section 3, Grass Lake Township. He operated upon this until the spring of
1879, and then sold out and removed to California,
butt in the fall of the same year returned to this
county and purchased the farm which he now owns
and occupies. This comprises two hundred acres
of choice land, finely located on section 22. Mlr.
Fransisco has erected one of the finest residences
in the township, besides three large barns, and


thus has ample facilities for the successful prosecution of agriculture, the storage of grain and the
shelter of stock. He has gathered together the
latest improved machinery.
The marriage of Henry E. Fransisco and Frances A. Babbitt was celebrated at the bride's home,
in Grass Lake, April 3, 1861. This lady was born
in 1835, in New York, and is the daughter of Levi
and Lucy (Winchester) Babbitt, who came to
GraRs Lake, in 1837, from Rochester, N. Y. Levi
Babbitt was born in Massachusetts, January 30,
1805, and died in Grass Lake, October 20, 1860.
He was one of those men who form   one of the
foundation stones of a community, and by his upright life and abilities of a high order, has obtained
for himself a good position among his fellow-men.
He was chiefly interested in farming, and accumllated a large property. Mrs. Lucy (Winchester)
Babbitt was born April 23, 1807, at Petersham,
Mass., and (lied at Grass Lake, April 15, 1874.
Mr. Fransisco has traveled extensively and is
thoroughly informed upon all the leading questions of the day. IHe has been for years warmly
interested in the temperance question, and is a
lively Prohibitionist, signifying his interest in the
cause by contributing freely of his time and means
as he has opportunity.  He votes the Prohibition
ticket. Hle is not connected with any religious
organization, but is prominent in the order of Good
Templars.
ON. WILLIAM G. BROWN, one of the representative pioneer citizens of Parma Township, occupies a valuable estate on section
2. This location became the home of our
subject in the spring of 1850, at which time the
land which he now owns was largely in a primitive condition, the improvements which it bears,
and its splendid condition in every respect being a
standing monument to his industry and energy.
The acreage amounts to six hundred, and Mrs.
Brown owns about four hundred and fifty additional. It is indeed a model farm in an artistic
point of view, as well as for the products raised
upon it, and forms one of the finest rural homes in








PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAL'IIICAL ALBUM.


the entire State. Mr. Brown makes a specialty of
raising fine horses, and has been pre-eminently successful from a business point of view.
The subject of this notice was born in Tompkins
County, N. Y., March 9 1821, being ason of Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Goodwin) Brown, who were
also natives of the Empire State. In 1836 he accompanied his father, (his mother having previously died), to Micligan, the father purchasing
Government land in Springport and Parma Townships, this county. He is supposed to be the secon(l settler in Springport Township, where he made
but a short stay, ere removing to the farm now occupied by his son, oir subject. He subsequently
changed his residence to Spring Arbor Township,
where he died.
William G. Brown was practically reared to manhood in this county, amid scenes of pioneer life,
and has therefore witnessed a large part of the improvement here. In his boyhood he attended the
pl)ulic schools of Tompkins County, N. Y., and a
select school at Fleming, and upon this foundation
he has reared the structure of general intelligence
and extended information by those means which
are open to all who desire to continue the accumulation of knowledge. During his younger days he
engaged in teaching, but abandoned pedagogical
labors, to take up the busin(ss of farmuing and stockraising.
In all his worthy efforts in life during the past
forty years, Mr. Brown has been ably seconded by
a devoted wife, to whom he was united in marriage
in January, 1848. She bore the maiden name of Lucinda Landon, and was born February 10, 1829, in
Cayuga County, N. Y. Her parents, Herman and
Betsey LandDon, were natives of New York and
Massachusetts, respectively, hut settled in this
county in 1835, among the early pioneers of Springport Township. The father was a Whig in politics,
and a well-informed, but principally self-educated
man. Hie died some years since, but his widow still
occupies the Lan lon estate in Springport Township, being now in her eighty-second year.
Mrs. Brown is the only surviving child of the
six who were born to her parents. She has borne
her husband five children, two of whom, Louisa
and Carrie, are deceased. The survivors are: Mary


J., wife of Henry B. Fallis,,.of Grand Rapids; Benton G., of Springport Township; and Herman L.,
who lives witli his parents. As her father settled
in the woods, the early home in this county being
a log house, the early training of Mrs. Brown was
obtained amid pioneer scenes, and with such advantages as could be gained in Springport Township. They developed in her those qualities of
character which make ler useful in every department of life, and gain for ler the respect of all who
know her.
For a year after his marriage, Mr. Brown lived
in Springport Township, hut he then removed to
his present home. He has become well-known for
his integrity in all transactions with his fellow-men,
and for his intelligence, especially in political mate'rs, of whlich he has made a study. His hospitality is unbounded, and his public spirit is also wellknown.   Both lie and his wife belong   to the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and are active members of the society of their locality. Mr. Brown
has held various official stations in the church, and
in local affairs. lie was School Inspector of Springport Township for a time, and has served several
years in that capacity in this township. For nine
years he was Supervisor of Parma Township, seven
years being a successive incumbency of the office.
IHe is a stanch Prohibitionist, and on two occasions
his name hlas been on the ticket as a candidate for
Lieutenant-Governor; on tile first occasion Mr.
Fish, of Port Huron was the nominee for Governor,
and on the second, the candidate was Mr. Sagendorph, now of Jackson. Mr. Brown served one
term in the Legislature of this State in 1866-67.
i_.  _ ^^-41&aU-^^  em


NSON UPDIKE, a retired farmer, living
on his valuable, highly improved farm in
Leoni Township, is one of the oldest resi-!J      dents of Southern Michigan in point of
settlement, as he came to this State with his parents
in territorial days as early as 1827,.and was reared
amid the pioneer scenes of Washtenaw and Jackson
Counties, his father first purchasing a large tract of
land in the former county, and three years later










622,


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


settling in this county and developing a fine farm
within its borders. It has thus been our subject's
privilege to witness almost the entire growth of
this part of the country; to see the primeval forests
give way before the ax of the frontiersmen, the
swamps drained and fitted for cultivation by their
skill and energy, and smiling farms, thrifty villages,
busy towns and populous cities where once the
Indian hunted the wild beasts of tie wilderness; all
these evidences of an advanced civilization testifying to the untiring energy, force of character, and
far-sighted enterprise of the men who have had the
making of Michigan. Our subject has not been an
onlooker only, but he has borne an honorable part
in blringing about the great changes wrought since
he attained to man's estate, by the assistance that
he has afforded in developing the resources of thi'
county as an intelligent, keen-sighted, successful
agriculturist.
New York is Mr. Updike's native State, the town
of Ulysses, in Tompkins County, being the place
of his birth, and July 5), 1818, the date thereof.
His father, Ralph Updike, was born in New Jersey,
which State is supposed to have bee n the birthplace
of his father, Ralph Updike. During some period
of his life the grandfather of our subject removed
from  New Jersey to Tompkins County, N. Y., the
removal thither being made with teams, that part
of the country at that early day being but sparsely
settled and in a wild condition. He bought a tract
of forest covered land in tile town of Ulysses, developed it into a farm, and continued to reside in
the county, until his earthly pilgrimage was brought
to a close.
The father of our subject was but a boy when
the family moved to New York, and there he was
reared to man's estate. He early learned the tiade
of a millwright and boat builder, and followed
those callings in Tompkins County until 1827. In
that year he too became a pioneer, coming with his
wife and children to the wilds of the then Territory of Miclligan, journeying on the canal to Buffalo,
thence by the lakes to Detroit, and from there lo
Ann Arbor with ox-teams. There being no carriage
roads the trip into the interior of Michigan occupied five days. Ann Arbor, which was then the
most westur!n settlement in the territory, they found


to be only an insignificant hamlet of a few log
houses. Mr. Updike immediately began looking
for a proper location, the land thereabouts still
being in the hands of the Government and for sale
at $1.25 per acre. He soon selected and purchased
a tract of four hundred and eighty acres of land
two and one-half miles south of Ann Arbor. He
erected a log house, splitting shakes for the roof,
and making a rude fire-place to cook by, with an
earth and stick chimney. lie resided there three
years, and then located in Grass Lake, in this
county, one mile west of the village of that name.
lie built a log house on the tract of Government
land that lie purchased, and being very industrious,
at the time of his death had cleared and improved
quite a farm. The maiden name of his wife was
Margaret Richie, and she was born in Tompkins
County, N. Y., her father, Lawrence Richie, a native of New Jersey, being a pioneer of that county.
The mother of our subject survived his father four
years, and then she, too, passed away, dying on the
home farm. They were the parents of eight children,
of whom seven were reared to manhood and womanhood: Anson, Orrin, Paulina, Louisa, Lyman,
Caroline, Jane and DeWitt.
The subject of this brief biography was nine
years old when he accompanied his parents to Michigan, and he remembers well the incidents of the
pioneer life in the wilderness that followed, and that
deer, bears, wolves and other wild animals were
often seen by the early settlers, while the Indians
lingered here for many years after they settled
here. When he was young all the grain was cradled, and then the seed was either trampled out or
threshed with a flail. For some years Detroit, many
miles away was the nearest market for supplies. Mr.
Updike was reared to agricultural pursuits, and
settled on the farm on which he still makes his
home, in 1858. It comprises four hundred acres of
fine farming land, is under excellent cultivation,
and is amply provided with machinery and good
buildings, among which we may mention the commodious brick house in which he lives and a roomy,
substantial barn. Mr. Updike has been very much
prospered in his undertakings and is reckoned
among the substantial, well-to-do citizens of the
county. In the management of his affairs he has






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


623::


exercised keen judgment, xmarked foresight, and tle
wise economy that knows when to spend judiciously
as well as how to save. lie has been in ill-healtli
for some years, but his ample income allows him to
live in retirement in his comfortable home. During
his many years of residence in this county his life
of unswerving integrity, of unpretentious goodness,
and of kindly deeds has gained him a warm place
in the hearts of his fellow-citizens, and no one in
this township is justly held in greater honor and
esteem than lie. He has always taken an intelligent
interest in politics, and in early life identified himself with the Whigs, joining the Republican party
after its formation. lie is a faithful and zealous
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
has done as much to promote the moral welfare of
the community as to advance its material interests.
March 14, 1839, was the date of thle marriage of
Mr. Updike with Miss Harriet S. Updike, a native
of Tompkins County, N. Y., and a daughter of
Ralph and Mary (Pickell) Updike. Their malrriage
was blessed to them by the birth of seven children,
five living, namely: Montgomery, Marilda, HIerman, Sidney and Milo. On the 17th (lay of February, 1887, after a peaceful and happy wedded life
of nearly half a century, our subject was bereft of
tile companionship of his beloved wife. She was
worthy of him, ever a devoted wife and mother,
and a kind friend. She was likewise a communicant
of thle Methodist Episcopal Church, and in her daily
life showed that her religion was not a mere form,
but was deeply seated in her heart.
ENRY W. GIFFORD. The Empire State
has contributed a large number of first-class
citizens to the settlement of this county,
among whom may be mentioned him with
whose name we introduce this sketch. A native of
Washington County, N. Y., he was born August 8,
1819, and there spent the first fourteen years of his
life. Then with his parents he removed to Montgomery County, where they resided three years.
Their next removal was to Wayne County, and


I
I
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i
I
I
I.


i


tlhere Henry W. lived until nineteen years old.
We next find him in Cayuga County, where lhe
t worked nearly three years on a farm.
In 1844, Mr. Gifford with Ahis wife and one child
came to Michigan, and he purchased forty acres of
land on section S, Parma Township, for which he
paid $112.50. Upon this the little family took up
their abode, occupying it until 1855, when Mr.
Gifford sold out and purchased his present farm.
'his comprises one hundred and sixty acres of
good land, and is located on section 7. When he
took possession he settled practically in the woods,
from which scarcely a stick of timber had been cut.
Securing some lumber, he put up a rough board
house, and moved into it with his family before it
had either doors or windows. Their life thereafter
was similar to the lives of other pioneers of this
county, and which has been described so many
times in this volume. They endured many hardships, but finally patience and perseverance brought
their legitimate reward. In addition to the imlrcovement and cultivation of this farm, Mr.
Gifford interested himself in the general welfare of
thle community, and was soon recognized as a
valuable citizen. He served as Justice of the
Peace, was at one time Commissioner of Highways
and also a member of the School Board of his distri.dt. Politically, he is a sound Republican, and
has always given his encouragement and support to
the enterprises calculated for the advancement of
morality and education, and in his own life has
furnished an example of the peaceable and lawabiding citizen well worthy of imitation.
Mr. Gifford contracted matrimonial ties, March
8, 1843, with Miss Annie H. Hoag, who, like himself, was a native of New York State, and born in
Rensselaer County, February 2, 1820. The parents of Mrs. Gifford were Asa and Elizabeth
(Norton) Hoag, likewise born in New York State,
and whom it is believed were of English ancestry.
This union resulted in the birth of six children,
only two of whom are living-Calista E., the wife
of W. E. Thornton, of Detroit, and Jessie, Mrs.
Frank Feldaman, of Parma Township. 'rEe HIoag
family for several generations have been Quakers
in their religious belief.
The childhood and youth of Mrs. Gifford were




624


PORT'IRAIT A ND BIOGRA~PHICAL ALBUM.


624  PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.~~~~~~~~~~~


passed in a comparatively uneventful manner under
the parental roof, where she remained until her
marriage. She has been in all respects the true and
faithful helpmate of her husband, cheerfully bearing with him the trials and hardships of pioneer
life, and like him numbers her friends by the score
in this county. Mr. Gifford in 1851 took a trip to
California, crossing the plains overland with a
team, which journey occupied about four months.
He remained on the Pacific Slope until December,
1853, occupying part of his time in the mines, and
the balance in a sawmill. Tlis experiment proved
fairly successful, but he finally concluded that the
Wolverine State was the most desirable for a p)lace
of residence, and returning to Parma Township,
has since here contentedly remained.
The parents of our subject were Theron and
Lydia (Withey) Gifford, who were natives of New
York, and of English and Scotch ancestry respectively. Grandfather Withey served as a soldier in
the War of 1812, and spent the closing years of his
life in New York. The Giffords have been Quakers
in religious belief as far back as our subject has
any record. lIe was the eldest of five children, of
whom the following survive: Henry; Mary, the
wife of John Cornell (brother of the late Ezra
Cornell, founder of Cornell University, N. Y.);
Walter C., a resident of Newaygo County, this
State; and Calista, Mrs. Elijah Vermylia, of Lapecr
County.
OSlAII CRAMB, who took up his residence
in Norvell Township in 1866, after a series
of years spent in the practice of industry
and economy, is now living retired from
active labor on a snug homestead on section 29.
This comprises twenty-nine acres of well-developed
land, while on section 33, he has one hundred and
sixteen acres, this latter being occupied by his son
Austin. The estate is embellished with a fine set
of farm buildings, which speaks well for the progressive and enterprising spirit of the proprietor.
Mr. Cramb before coming to this county, lived
in Bridgewater Township, Washtenaw     County,
from  1854 until 1866. HIe was born in Lehighl


County, Pa., January 22, 1830, at his father's homestead in Heidelburg Township. The father, Peter
Cramb, was a native of Northampton County, Pa.,
and the paternal grandfather was a native of Germany. The latter crossed the Atlantic when a
young man, and occupied himself as a farm laborer
in Pennsylvania the remainder of his life. He,
however, did not live to be aged, and died in Northampton County. lie married a New Jersey lady,
who accompanied her parents to the Keystone State,
and who survived her husband many years, living
to be quite aged, and dying in Northampton
County.
Peter Cramb was one of a family of two sons
and a daughter, and was but a mere lad at the
time of his father's death. He learned the tailor's
trade, and was married in Lehigh County, to Miss
Anna Keener, who was born there. Her parents,
Daniel and Rosena (Cline) Keener, were natives of
New Jersey, where they were married, and whence
they afterward removed to Lehigh County, Pa.
They were members of the Lutheran Church, to
whose doctrines their forefathers had adhered for
many generations.
Mrs. Rosena (Keener) Cramb was well educated
under the instruction of her father, and remained
under the home roof until her marriage. Her father
followed farming until about 1854, and then the
family all came to Michigan, and settled on land in
Bridgewater Township, Washtenaw County. On
that farm Mrs. Cramb spent the remainder of her
days, being called from earth when fifty-five years
old. Mr. Cramb subsequently went to the home
of his daughter, Mrs. Jacob Nase, in Clinton, this
State, where he died about 1868, when nearly seventy years old. He and his wife were Lutherans
in religious belief.
The subject of this notice. was the eldest child of
his parents, whose family consisted of three sons
and five daughters. These are all married and living in comfortable homes of their own, presenting
a family circle still unbroken by the hand of death.
Josiah learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner
in his youth. and was married in Monroe County,
Pa., to Miss Sally Anglemyer. Mrs. Cramb was
born in Monroe County, Pa., January 5, 1S33, and
is the daughter of John aRnd Catherine (Rhode) An





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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


62,7


-- ---- ----  -------- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~     I —~- - - I~  — ~-  -- I'-~- ~ ~I-~ ~x --- —— ~ ---..... - --. --- ---- - -- -— I -- - -- — 1- - -,-. — --- -- -1. I- -.I- -- ---—. --- ——, ------—, - --  - -- 


glemyer, who were natives of Pennsylvania, where
they were reared and married. Afterwaird they settled in Pocono Township, Monroe County, where
they spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Anglemyer was quite aged at the time of his decease,
but his wife died in her prime, at the age of fortytwo years.
Mrs. Cramb was one of eight children born to
her parents, and is the eldest of the four now living. Of her union with our subject, there have
been born four children, one of whom, a daughter,
Emma, died when two weeks old; Louisa is the wife
of William hSuart, and they live on a farm in Norvell Township; Austin marriel Miss Ada Burcham,
and has been before spoken of as operating his
father's large farm; Minnie B., a very bright and
intelligent young ladly, remains with her parents.
Mrs. Cramb is a member in gool standing of the
Episcopal Church. Mr. Cramb, politically, is a
sound Democrat. Ile was once elected Justice of
the Peace, an(d has been Township Treasurer.
I' IIBERT B. HOGLE. It is seldom      the lot!(  -, of the biographer to encounter a finer representative of the substantial elements which
have conspired to bring this county to its present
position, than tha.t indicated in the character of Mr.
Ilogle, who is a native-bor;i citizen of Michigan.
IHe first opened his eyes to the light in Ionia
County, September 21, 1839, and in 1852 took up
his residence in Sandstone Township, to whose material prosperity he has contributed in no small degree. He is occupied in tilling a fine body of land
on section 5, which lie has brought to a good state
of cultivation. and whereon lie has erected substantiaJ buildings. He ranks as one of thle well-to-do
farmers of this community, and occupies no secondary position in business and social circles.
The offspring of an excellent family, our subject
is the son of William and Laura (Tyrril) Hogle,
the former of whom was a native of New York
State, and of German descent, The mother was


born in New Hampshire, and traced her ancestry
to England. The maternal great-grandfather of
our subject, whose name was Rider, (lid good service for the Colonists in the Revolutionary War.
William Hogle came to Michigan probably about
1835, and settled in Ionia County, where he was
married and became a prominent and well-to-do
citizen. His first purchase was a tract of Government land, which was mostly covered with timber,
and the family settled in the woods and suffered all
the hardships and privations of pioneer life. There
was born to them a large family of children, the
following of whom survive: Gilbert B.; Josephine,
a resident of this county; Erwin, living in Calhoun
County; Emma, the wife of Earl Raymond, of
Sandstone Township; Augusta, Mrs. Tripp, of
California; Belle is the wife of Andrew Watts, of
Spring Arbor Township; Dora is living in California, and Carrie is the wife of Frank Wellman, of
Sandstone Township.
William  ogle was prominent in local affairs, and
while a resident of Ionia County, served as a Justice of the Peace. Politically, lie was a stanch
Democrat, the friend of education and progress,
and deeply interested in the welfare of his adopted
county. lie died at the homestead in Standstone
Township, November 18, 1882. His wife Laura
survived him a few years, and died in Sandstone
Township, February 28, 1887.
The subject of this sketch spent the first twelve
years of his life in Ionia County, this State, then
came with his parents to this county, settling
shortly afterward in Sandstone Township upon land
now owned hy Nelson I. Peterson. Subsequently
they lived in various parts of the county. Gilbert
like his brothers and sisters, was required to make
himself useful at an early age, and enjoyed only the
advantages of a limited education. He keeps himself posted upon current events, however, and is a
man from whom one may always learn something
of practical value.
Miss Mary Malinda Leighton, a native of New
York State, was wedded to our subject, December
27, 1866, the ceremony taking place at the bride's
home in Eaton County, Mich. This lady was the
daughter of Alvin and Aurilla (Alden) Leigbton,
and was born April 13, 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Hogle
*r                                    S:  f.: f:0 




,628


PORTR~AIT AND BIOGr~RAPH~ICAL ALBUM.


628"                     PORTRA' —wI --- —-- IT  AND  BIOGRAPI CAL_ —"-~   ALBUM. ^ — ~~ —~-~-~` —~1-1`~~-'~''~"-~'-` —~x'-I~-I —~~-'~~~ —"I —   — ~~" ---~~1 —~~ — ~ ~1 --- —--   -— I"-~~~~~ ---" --- —------- I I -. --- —. —"-x --- --------------


are now the parents of three children-Homer,
Alice, and Jessie. After remaining the faithful and.
affectionate companion of her husband for fourteen
years, Mrs. Hogle was called away by death, July
1, 1880. We copy the following notice of the
death of Alvin Leighton, who passed away at his
home in IHamlin, Eaton County, Mich., July 26,
1888. aged seventy-nine years, five months and
twenty-three days.
"Mr. Leighton was born in the State of Maine,
February 3, 1809; removed with his father to the
State of New York at the age of ten years, and settled in Wayne County; coming to tlat place in a
one-horse vehicle, changing from wheel to sleigh,
and sleigh to wheel as the going permitted. He
grew to manhood in that place, and at the age of
twenty-two, was married to Miss Aurilla Alden,
April 19, 1833, and settled in the town of Sodus.
where they lived until 1854, when trading his farm
for Michigan land, he brought his family to this
State, and settled on the place where he has since
resided; it lbeing a new place, lie has cleared himself a home and has made the wilderness to bloom
as the rose (as it were).
"Six children blessed this union, all of whom
grew to manhood and womanhood: One George J.
gave his life to the service of his country, in the
late war; Mary Malinda, Mrs. Gilbert Hogel, died
in 1880. The four which still survive, are Alden
Leighton, of Montague; Mrs. Sarah Giddings, of
Eaton Rapids; F. S. Leighton, of Hamlin; and Mrs.
IJrana Brown, of Ellendale, Dak. The latter was
unable to attend the funeral.
"Mr. Leighton was twice married. His first wife
died, and he was married to Mrs. Sarah Hill, who
still survives him. Soon after his first marriage, he
was converted, and joined the Methodist Episcopal
Church, of which he continued a faithful member
to his death. Mr. Leighton was next to the youngest of five children, all of whom had passed on
before, except the youngest brother, George Leighton, of Otsego, Allegan County, Mich.
"The funeral services were held at the Griffith
Church, on Saturday afternoon, July 28, conducted
by the pastor, the Rev. William Taylor, who
preached a very appropriate sermon from Revelations, XIV, 13: "Blessed are the dead who die in::~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~::~~~~~~~~~~~~~


the. Lord from henceforth: yea saith the Spirit that
they may rest from their labors; and their works do
follow them."
During the first year of the Civil War, Mr. Hogle
on the 5th of September, 1861, enlisted as a Union
soldier in Company C, Ninth Michigan Infantry,
becoming a partf t  Ar     of the Army of the Tennessee. He
participated in the battle of Murfreesboro, where
he was wounded in the left knee, and was thereafter confined in the hospital about four months. He
was then unfitted for further military duty, and
was given an honorable discllarge in December,
1862. He now enjoys a monthly pension of $10.
He went with his regiment to Kentucky and Tennessee, sojourning most of the time in the Blue
Grass State, and being in the service about fifteen
months.
After leaving the army, Mr. Iogle returned to
his native State, and in 1868, made permanent settlement on his present farm. This embraces two
hundred acres of good land, while he owns seventy
acres elsewhere. In politics, he is independent, and
supports those whom he considers best fitted for
office. On another page of the ALBUM will be
found a lithographic portrait of Mr. HIogle, who is
numbered among the leading citizens of his township.
VEY. SIDNEY ALDRICH, is a local Deacon of
1(   the Concord Circuit of the Methodist Episi \\ copal lChurch. He is well read, a man of
fine intelligence, and a thorough theologian,
but now after the arduous labor of many years is
practically retired, and living amid the comforts of
a pleasant home in Spring Arbor. He and his estimable wife are held in high esteem among the
people of this place, and their home is the frequent
resort of the many friends whom they have gathered around them during their sojourn in this
county.
Mr. Aldrich was born in Suffolk County, England, January 2, 1817, and when three years old
went with his parents to Kettleborough, where he
attended a private school for a time, but at a very
early age was put to work, his parents being in






PORETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.I


629


_,OR TRAI_____ _  _, _  T____ _ ____, _  ___ _A__D_: B.:: -L.:=29.-: = —::-:-:-::::_:


limited circumstances. He distinctly remembers
the appearance of Framlingham Castle, which was
within a mile of where he attended scliool, and
was the scene of many an interesting story in the
olden time. By improving his leisure hours lie
succeeded in obtaining much useful knowledge in
his youth, and remained with his parents until a
lad of fifteen years. Learning then that his uncle,
David Aldrich, intended emigrating to America,
lie obtained the consent of his parents to accompany him. and started on the long voyage in March,
1832. They embarked at Yarmouth on a merchant
sailer, the "Baltic," bound for Quebec, and after a
voyage of seven weeks and three days landed on
Prince Edward's Island. Young Aldrich had little
enjoyment during his o.,ean voyage, being ill
nearly all the time, and was shut in the hold of the
ship three days at one time, on account of a storm
in which the masts were carried away.
Mr. Aldrich remained in (uebec until May, then
repaired to Plattsburg, N. Y., where lie hired out
on a farm at.6 per month; $5 in cash, the rest in
merchandise. About this time lie experienced religion, and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church,
giving $3 of his hard earned money to the miinister.
Tlle following summer lie worked on the same farm
at $7 per monlth. In 1834 he went to Buffalo. and
c mmenced an apprenticeship at carriage-making,
servilng four years, and thereafter was employed as
a journeyman. In 1839 he went to Clarence, N. Y.,
where he worked at his trade one year, in the meantime appropriately celebrating the 4th of July, that
year, by his marriage with Miss Lydia A. York.
Mrs. Lydia Aldrich was born in Onondaga
County, N. Y., September 23, 1818, and is a
daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth York. Stephen
York was one of the earliest settlers on the Holland
Purchase, being located near the town of Clarence,
Erie County, where he spent the remainder of hIis
days. His wife was a very well educated lady,
and was employed as a teacher; slle died in Liberty
Township, this county, March 2, 1882.
In 1840 Mr. Aldrich went into business for himself, put up a house and shop, and engaged in the
manufacture of carriages, first giving employment
to two hands, and later increasing his facilities and
employing more. HIe likewise bought thirty acres


of land, which he cultivated in connection with his
other business. His health becoming impaired he
was not able to do much work himself, and finally
abandoning the factory, purchased sixty acres of
land in Newsted, where he engaged in farming
for ten years.
In January, 1864, Mr. Aldrich took up his line
of march for Illinois, intending to purchase land,
but becoming ill at Urbana returned by the way of
Jackson, and stopping with a friend was persuaded
to buy a farm of one hundred acres in Summit
Township, this county. Returning then to New
Ylork State he brought his family hither, and locating on his new purchase, dugo out the stumps and
stones, cultivated the land, and became prosperous. He added forty acres, and remained upon
thf.t farm until 1881. Then, on account of his wife's
health, he rented the place and purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Liberty Township, in the
vicinity of Liberty Mills. This temoval, however,
proved of no avail, as the wife and mother passed.
away soon afterward. He then sold the Liberty
Township farm to his son, and resided with his son
George, in Summit Township, one year. On the
24th of February, 1883, he was married, in Jack.
son City, to Mrs. L. M. Dunnett. This lady is a
dlaughter of Leonard Woodworth, a native of Vermont, wlo removed to Saratoga County, N. Y.,
prior to his marriage, and sojourne( there until his
death. His wife, Abigail Parks, was born in that
county, and is the daughter of Solomon Parks, one
of its pioneers. Mr. Parks carried on farming and
merchandising, and at his own expense built a
bridlge across the Hudson River. His wife died in
Akron, N. Y., about 1866. Of the eleven children
born to them seven grew to mature years, viz.: Susan and Lorinda now deceased; Solomon P., a resident of New York State; Warren and Benjamin,
deceased; and Selden, who lives in Spring Arbor
Township, this county. The latter served as a
Union soldier from the beginning until the close. of
the Civil War.
Mrs. Aldrich was born June 5, 1824, in Saratoga
County, N. Y., and lived there until a child of ten
years on a farm. She was only seven years old at
the time of her father's death, and lived with a sister, but attended the best schools and acquired a










630


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


good education. In 1843 she removed to Akron,
N. Y., and on the 1st of July, 1846, was married
to George B. Dunnett. The latter was born and
reared in Clarence, N. Y., and was a shoemaker by
trade. He engaged in business in Akron, where
his death took place May 7, 1863. Mrs. Dunnett
subsequently carried on a millinery business until
coming to Michigan with her brother Selden in
1869.  Subsequently she removed to Jackson,
where she remained until her marriage to our
subject.
Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich after their marriage reimained in Jackson until April, 1883, and then
coming to Spring Arbor, Mr. Aldrich purchased a
home, and is now living retired from active labor, with the exception of acting as administrator
for tile estate of Betsey Weldy.
After thoroughly studying the Scriptures and
theology Mr. Aldrich began preacliing in Newsted
Township, where he received his license as a local
preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church. In
1860 he was ordained as a Free Methodist Deacon.
Upon coming to Michigan there was no church of
this denomination, and he was invited to take
charge of the Moscow Circuit, and was thus occupied one year. Since then he has officiate( as a
local Deacon, and although solicited to join the
regular conference, declined to do so on account of
advanced age. I-le was very successful in his labors in the Master's vineyard, instituting many
revivals, and laboring as lie had opportunity to
promote the good work.    Hie is a Trustee and
/:teward in the churcll at Spring Arbor, and has
officiated as Class-Leader many years.
Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich are the parents of nine
children, who were born as follows: Orlando W.,
March 30, 1840; Allen F., February 10, 1843, died
January 11, 1889; Anna L. was born March 5,
1845; Harriet A., June 16, 1846; Edgar L., born
September 25, 1850, died December 13, 1857; Sidney G. was born September 4, 1853; Charles A.,
born May 25, 1855. (lied April 10, 1868; Clarence
A., born March 30, 1858, (lied March 28, 1859;
Homer Willie, born January 29, i860, died November 23, 1883. Orlando W., at the age of
twenty-one, enlisted as a Union soldier in the Fourteenth New York Infantry, and served over two


years. He was slightly wounded at the battle of
Fredericksburg, a ball striking him in the nose. He
was a I)right young man and a close student. After
returning home he was married, then went to
Bloomington and entered the Wesleyan Unversity.
from which he was graduated with the degree of
A. B., A. M. and Ph. D. Later the degree of
LL. D. was conferred upon him by Prince Albert
University at Ontario, Canada. He commenced the
practice of law in Bloomington, and subsequently
was Professor of Law and German in his alvma
mater, also editor of the Monthly Jurist, at Bloomington. He possesses fine literary talent, and is the
author of "Contracts," and other law books. He
finally went to Columbus, Ohio, where he became
Attorney for the Mutual Insurance Company of
Columbus, a position which he occupied some
years. He afterward turned his attention to agriculture, and is now living on a farm near Columbus. He still prosecutes his law practice, however,
and is recognized as one of the leading attorneys
of the city.
Allen F., another son of Mr. Aldrich, served in
the One Hundredth New.v York Regiment, was present at several battles, and upon one occasion was
obliged to swim a river, which resulted in his contracting a severe cold. on account of which he was
confined in the hospital, and finally received his
honora-ile discharge.  Upon returning home he
engaged in farming in Liberty Township, and was
also interested largely in fruit growing, and was a
member of the Pomological Society. Ann L., Mrs.
Charles Filley, is a resident of Osceola County,
this State; Harriet A., Mrs. Roscoe Lewis, lives in
Gratiot County; Sidney G. was graduated from
Jackson High School, and then from the law department of Michigan State University.  He practiced in Vermontville until his health failed, and is
now farming in Gratiot County; Willie H. was
also graduated from the Jackson High School, after
which he started an insurance business before
reaching his majority. Subsequently lhe was engaged in the same business in Columbus, and afterward went to Chicago, where he was foreman of a
tannery, nnd died there of malaria.
Mr. Aldrich, politically, is a Prohibitionist. and
frequently has served as a delegate to the State






~PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICALT ALBUM.I


631,,,-PORTRAI AND, B,-TRAPHICAL- ALBUMI.                    61._..


conventions. He was a strong Abolitionist during
slavery times, and has assisted many a fugitive
along the underground railroad to Canada, feeding
and sheltering them, and protecting them in times
of danger, besides paying their passage to the Dominion. It will tlus be seen that he is a reformer
in the strictest sense of the term.
The father of our subject was Elijah Aldrich. a
native of Palgraph, Norfolk County, England,
and born in 1797. He was reared on a farm, and
followed agricultural pursuits his entire life, which
was spent near his birthplace. He was a Baptist in
religious belief, and died when about fifty-five
vears old. The maiden name of his wife was
Sidonia Vincent; she was born in Norfolk County
in 1793, and died in 1830. Her remains rest in the
Baptist Church at Chasfield. The four children
besides our subject who grew to mature years, all
died in England, being named respectively, James,
Letitia, Edgar and Anna.
e~/HEODORE A. KING. In a county that
has been settled as long as has this one,
-    well-improved farms are the rule, and many
are to be seen that present a very attractive appearance. One of the most beautiful of these, in
Spring Arbor Township, is that owned and occupied by the subject of this sketch. It comprises
three hundred and sixty-two and a half acres on
section 7, watered by Spring Brook, and bearing
improvements of more than ordinary worth. The
estate forms two farms and almost the entire acreage is under the plow, requiring three teams in
continual service for the farm labot. Thrifty orchards, several barns, all other necessary farm
buildings, a windmill and tank, fairm scales, and
modern machinery of various kinds prove the thrift
and efficiency of the owner.  llle residence, which
is located three miles from Parma, is not only well
designed and substantially constructed, but is furnished with every comfort and convenience of the
the modern farmhouse.
The owner of this valuable estate was born in
Spafford, Genesee County, N.Y., January 29, 835,


I
I


but has been almost a life-long resident of this section. His grandfather, George King, a native of
Connecticut, was an early settler in Genesee County,
N. Y., where lie died. He was a shoemaker by
trade, but lie also followed farming. He took part
in the War of 1812, among his active engagements
being that of Black Rock, and lie was present at
the burning of Buffalo. Iis son, Fenner, was born
in Genesee County and owned a small farm there,
wlich he sold in 1837 and came to Michigan.
Buying one hundr(ed and sixty acres of land at
$4.50 per acre, as a beginning, he was prospered
in his agricultural efforts, and subsequently added
to his original purchase until his landed estate
amounted to five hundred and fifty acres. In 1857
he sold that farm, and purchasing land near Parma,
resided there until his death, in I)ecember, 1880,
at the age of seventy-three years. lie was a subscriber and donator to the Michigan Central College, whichl was started at Spring Arbor. In early
life he was a Baptist, but hle afterward identified
himself with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Fenner King married Miss Eliza J. Godfrey,
who was born in the same county as himself, and
who died in 1841, at the age of twenty-one years.
She had borne two children-LaFayette, now deceased; and Theodore A. IHer father, Lebbens
Godfrey was a native of New England and a
farmer in the Empire State. Mr. King married a
second time, being united with Miss Nancy Perry,
of the Empire State, who d(ied in Parma some
years since. She bore him five children-James
ILI, of South Dakota; Horlace, of Parma Townslhip,
this county; Charles, of Spring Arbor Township;
Eliza J., now Mrs. Stimson, of Parma; and Emma,
who died in Albion.
The gentleman who is the subject of this biographical notice was in his third year when brought
to this county. The journey was performed by
boat to Detroit and by ox-team to Spring Arbor,
where our subject was reared and educated. He
had the advantages of the common district school
and of the college at Spring Arbor, and was early
set to work upcon the farm. Ile remained under
the parental roof until he had attained to man's
estate, becoming thoroughly acquainted with the
the details of agricultural pursuits and well equip



632             PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


ped for his future career. In 1861 he bought a
part of the home farm, paying $33 per acre for the
same, and began improving it. He also, in company with his brother. LaFayette, worked some of
the balance of the farm, their connection continuing two years. Since that time Mr. King has added
to his original purchase until his estate amounts to
the fine acreage before noted, nnd upon which he
has made all the improvements it now bears.
Mr. King devotes considerable attention to stockraising, keeping excellent breeds of all the domestic animals, and being especially interested in
horses and sheep. Hle owns an interest in a fullblooded imported Pcrcheron horse. "Pride of the
West," whose weight is sixteen hundred and fifty
pounds, and a high grade Cleveland bay, "Porter,"
weighing about fourteen hundred pounds,who takes
first premiums at the fairs. The son has two standard-bred colts. Mr. King raises Oxford Down
sheep, full-blooded or of high grade, on which he
also receives the blue ribbon. His hogs are of the
Poland-China breed and the cattle are full-blooded
Short-horns. Mr. King is a member of the County
Agricultural Society, in which he has been a Director for years, and in the work of which he is
actively interested. His own premiums last year
amounted to $50. He is also a stockholder in the
Parma Horse Breeders' Association, which he was
the means of organizing in 1886; this association
has a fine track, and is doing much to improve the
standard of equines throughout the vicinity.
The lady to whose intelligence, grace, and fine
character Mr. King owes the comfort of his home
and much of the pleasure of his existence, bore the
maiden name of Delia Chapel. She was born in
Spring Arbor Township, July 24, 1839, and was
educated in the Spring Arbor and Parma schoolf.
Her marriage to Mr. King took place at her home,
in Spring Arbor, April 7, 1858. The union has
been blessed by the birth of six children-Fenner,
who died when five years old; Royal; Eva, who
died in 1882, at the age of sixteen years; Jesse
and Josie, twins, who died in infancy; and Ray,
who is still with his parents. Royal is farming in
Spring Arbor Township; lie married Miss Kittie
Gear and has two children-Clyde and Eva.
The father of Mrs. King was David Chap l, a i


native of Hartford, Conn., and a son of Chorlatt
Chapel, of the same State. The latter was engaged
in farming there until 1835, when he came to Michigan and made his home with his son, David. He
and his wife died of smlall-pox in 1839. David
Chapel was a calrpenter and joiner. In 1883 he
came West with two yoke of oxen and a art, atid
located on Government land in Spring Arbor
Township. IHe improved the land, being successful in that line of labor and becoming the owner
of about three hundred acres. -He built all the
buildings upon his farm, and being an excellent
mechanic, in early (lays he made all the coffins
needed in his neighborhood. He was County Su.
perintendlent of the Poor several years, and Township Supervisor one year. He finally retired to
Parma, where he died in 1875.
The wife of David Chapel, and the mother of
Mrs. King, was born in Shoreham, Vt., and bore
the maiden name of Sarah Avery. Her father,
Ashbel Avery, was born and died in Vermont. Iis
widow brought her family to Michigan about the
year 1833, settling in Sandstone Township, tlis
county, where Sarah became the wife of David
Chapel in 1834. Hier religious belief coincided
with that expressed by the Baptist Church, of
which she became a member. Her death occurred
in 1875. the same year in which her husband died.
She was the mother of six children: Delia, Mrs.
King; George W., a prominent farmer of Spring
Arbor Township; Royal, who is in the employ of
the Michigan Central Railroad, at Kalamazoo;
Rollin, now deceased; David, a farmer in Spring
Arbor Township; and Elizabeth, the second child,
is deceased.
Mr. King is recognized as a man of ability not
only in the accumulation of property, but in more
public capacities, and has been called upon to
serve his fellow-men in several ways. He has been
a member of the School Board; was Township
Treasurer four years and Supervisor in 1875, 1876
and 1888. He has also served on juries, and has
been a member of the Township Central Committee and delegate to two State conventions. He belongs to the Republican party and is a strong
advocate of temperance. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being identified with Lodge No.








PORTRAIT AND B10(


183, A. F. & A. M., at Parma, of which he has been
Treasurer for fifteen years; the Royal Arch and
Commandery, No. 9, at Jackson. In addition to the
business and social qualities which win the esteem
of his fellow-men, Mr. King is a useful and consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, being
Trustee and Clerk of the organization at Parma.
lEMUEL DWIGHT GROSVENOR, a skill)ful architect of Jackson, has been the de/ ___ signer of the finest buildings in the city in
which lie makes his home, as well as many of those
in the capital of the State and elsewhere. His
plans are not only tasteful, but well adapted for
the purposes for which they are intended, the practical knowledge of Mr. Grosvenor in the trade of
a carpenter and joiner, and his experience in building, giving him a correct estimate of proper arrangements in the interior.
The subject of this biographical notice comes of
families who have been classed among the most
prominent citizens of Connecticut and Massachusetts and have filled positions of responsibility
before the public. The third generation preceding
him in the paternal line brings us to the Rev. Ianiel Grosvenor, a minister of the Congregational
Church, who during his years of pastoral labor
preacled in Sutton, Paxton, and other towns of
Massachusetts. The last years upon earth of himself and his wife, Deborah Hall, were spent in
Petersham and their mortal remains lie buried in
the village cemetery there. Following this worthy
couple in the ancestral line came Col. David Hall
Grosvenor, like his father a native of Pomfret,
Conn., who, after arriving at years of maturity,
bought a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits
at Petersham, Mass., and there spent the remainder
of his life.
Following the above-named in the line of descent
was David Rufus Grosvenor, who was born in the
Old Bay State, and married in Petersham to Irana
G., daughter of Stephen Goddard of that place, a
native of the State and of English ancestry. David
Grosvenor and his wife lived for a time on a farm;-RAPHICAL ALBUM.                          633
owned by his father in Paxton, returning thence to
Petersham and finally coming into possession of
the homestead there upon which they remained
some years. Mr. Grosvenor thence removed to
Kalamazoo, Mich., and a few years later, returning
to the East, located in Trenton, N. J., where lie
engaged in the real estate business, but after a few
years thus occupied, lie returned to his native State,
passing the last years of his life in Worcester, where
his death occurred in June, 1889, when he had
reached the advanced age of eighty three years.
His wife breathed her last in Petersham, in October, 1849, after having reared six children, of whom
our subject is the first born. George S., the second
member of the parental household, is practicing
law at Trenton, N. J.; Rufus Henry, who is now
dead, was a lawyer at Kalamazoo, Mich.; Ellen
married Prof. John Martin, of Hartford, Conn.;
Frances is deceased; and Eliza B. lives in Petersham, Mass.
Lemuel Grosvenor was born in Paxton, Worcester County, Mass., February 16, 1830, was reared
in Petershan, attending the village schools and:is
soon as he was large enough to do so assisting his
father on the farm, remaining with his parents
until twenty-one years old, after whiclh he spent a
short time working in a chair factory.  lie had
begun teaching at the age of seventeen years, and
in 1852, going into New York, he taught a term
near Meridian. The following spring he took
charge of a gang of men building a railroad in
Cayuga County, and in June went to Chicago. and
took charge of a section of the Galena and Western
Union Railroad, then in process of construction
between that place and Dixon. Chicago continued
to be his home for three and a half years and he
then removed to Niles, Mich., in which place he
sojourned until 1857, when he returned to his
native State.
After returning to Massachusetts our subject occupied himself in learning the trade of a carpenter
and joiner, working in Gardner and Athol, and in
Brattleboro, Vt., in the meantime improving every
spare moment in the study of drawing and architecture.  In 1860, he was employed by Maj.
Lamb in Worcester, Mass., but on account of ill
health, in the spring of 1861 gave up his position








634


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


I


Ii


f~~~~~


and removed to Kalamazoo, Mich., where he became a contractor and builder, and later turned his
entire attention to the employments-of an architect.
In 1871 he came to Jackson and opened an office,
continuing his successful career in his chosen work
and adding to his reputation as a thorough draftsman and an excellent designer.
The marriage of Mr. Grosvenor and Miss Cora
M. Leal was celebrated in 1872, and the lhappy
union has been blessed by the birth of two cLil
dren-George L. and Eleanor. Mr. Grosvenor
belongs to Lodge No. 940, K. of IH., and to the
American Institute of Architects, and is Vice
President of the State Association. His position
in the latter society is a proof of the rank which
he holds in the profession and of ilis popularity
among his associates.






AMES TAYLOR. Jackson County teems
with self-made men, those who, thrown upon
their own resources early in life, have dis/ played the metal that is in them, and to
them is this county indebted for its phenomenal
growth and prosperity.  Among them   may be
most properly mentioned Mr. Taylor, who started
in life at the foot of the ladder, and who by a
course of industry and prudence has attained to an
enviable position among his fellow-men. We now
find him the owner of a well-developed farm, embracing one hundred and sixty-seven acres, on section 15, Rives Township, to which he came in
1876, and commenced building up a home and a
competence.
A native of Niagara County, N. Y., Mr. Taylor
was born October 19, 1831, and three years later
was taken by his parents, James and Polly (Dyar)
Taylor, to Huron County, Ohio. There the mother
died, in 1837, when a young woman. The father
later, leaving his family in the Buckeye State, removed to Oakland County, Mich., where he sojourned a short time. Of the nine children born
to the parents, one died in New York State, and
one in Ohio. The paternal grandfather was John
Taylor, who spent his last years in New York.




Young Taylor lived in Ohio until 1844, then accompanied his brother-in-law  to Michigan, and
located in Wayne County, where he sojourned several years. In that county lie was married, Noveinmer 30, 1854, to Miss Polly A., daughter of
Cornelius C. and Mercy (Tyler) Post. Mrs. Taylor was born in Wayne County, January 23, 1837,
of parents who emigrated thither and settled in the
unbroken forests, where they built up a homestead
and spent their last days. The father was a native
of New Jersey, and is still living. The mother departed this life December 21, 1844. She was born
in 1814, and consequently at the time of her death
was in the prime of womanhood. She united withl
the Baptist Church in early life. In the eighteenth
year of the life of Mr. Post he left New Jersey, in
company with his nephew, John Vansice, and in
seven days they walked three hundred miles, going
to the State of New York; ihis was in 1826. Cornelius C. Post accompanied the family of Mr.
Tyler to Michigan, in 1832, arid two or three years
later Grandfather Post and other members of the
family came WTest, and settled in the Wolverine
State. In religion Grandfather Post was a member
of the Presbyterian Church; he received a pension
as a partial compensation for his services during
the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Taylor is of Holland descent, her great-grandfather having come
from that country to New Amsterdam, now New
Yoik. Cornelius Post, religiously, believes in the
Universal Church of God, and that all will come
to a knowledge of the truth.  His wife died as
above stated, in 1844, in Wayne County, this State,
and Mr. Post subsequently married Mrs. Mary A.
Connor, and is still living in that county, at the
age of more than four-score years. The parental
family'included six children by his first marriage,
only two of whom are living —Mrs. Taylor, and
her brother, who is a resident of Grand Rapids.
The maternal grand fihther of Mrs. Taylor was
Jason Tyler, who distinguished himself as a soldier
of the Revolutionary War, and quite late in life
came to Michigan, and died at his home in Wayne
County. His wife bore the maiden name of Polly
Wheeler. She accompanied her husband to this
State, and also died in Wayne County after his decease; she was a member of the Baptist Church.












9


~~7a~~~AI.lt






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 


637


Soon after his marriage Mr. Taylor and his
young wife came to this county, and began housekeeping in a log house which Mr. Taylor had put
up in the woods. Hie cleared a farm upon which
they lived a number of years, and which Mr. Taylor then traded for the one he now owns and occupies. Upon this latter he has effected a great many
improvements, including an addition to the house,
the planting of one hundred fruit trees, and bringing about the other comforts and conveniences
naturally suggested to the enterprising and pro-,gressive citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are both
members of the Adventist Chur:h. There have
been born to them nine children, the eldest of
whom, a daughter-Emnma J. —died when about
two years old; and Marvin died when eight months
old. The survivors are: Cornelius J., Jason E.,
Mercy A.. Samantha, Franklin, Joseph and Clara
B. Mr. Taylor belongs to the Patrons of Industry
and to the Grange. I-e votes the straight Republican ticket, and has held the offices of Township
Treasurer, Constable and others.
i'/  ORACE C. COOPER. The train service of
the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Raili,/ road, is acknowledged to be unexcelled by
) that of any similar corporation in the Northwest; and those connected with the passenger depaltment, comprise a line body of intelligent men,
among whom Mr. Cooper occupies no unimportant
position. A native of this State, he was born in the
town of Moscow, Hillsdale County, March 25,
1849, and is the eldest son of Abraham and Eliza
(Banker) Cooper.
Abraham Cooper, the father of our subject, was
a native of Chemung County, N. Y., and during
the late war enlisted in a Michigan Regiment, November 20, 1861, serving from near the beginning
until the close, and being honorably discharged
February 12, 1867, at Camp Lyon, Idaho Territory. He participated in twenty battles and skirmishes, the principal of which were Custer's Raid,
Spottsylvania, Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Winchester, and Cedar Creek, besides numerous skirmishes


not necessary to mention. During the latter part
of the service he was sent to the Western frontier,
being part of the time in Idaho, where he endured
many hardships, and upon one occasion came nearly
freezing to death. The toes of both feet were
frozen so that they were all amputated. IIe is still
living, and a resident of the village of Bankers,
Hillsdale County, Mich. Ile makes his home with
his son, William, on a farm.
The mother of our subject was a native of New
York State, and came to Michigan with her parents
when a little girl. Her father, Ebenezer Banker,
was likewise one of tlhe early settlers of Hillsdale
County, and a farmer by occupation. The paternal grandfather. James Cooper, was a native of the
Empire State, where lie passed his entire life. Eliza
Cooper, the mother of our subject, died May!,
1885. Of the eight clildren born to her and her
husband, five are living at the present time, and of
these Horace C. is the eldest.
The school days of Horace C. Cooper were spent
in his native county, and he remained at home assisting his father on the farm until a young man of
twenty-two years. Then believing he could find
more congenial occupation, lie entered the service
of the Ft. Wayne, Jackson, & Saginaw Railroad as
a brakeman. By strict attention to his duties, and
more than ordinary carefulness, and the practice of
total ibstinence from intoxicating liquors, he received the usual promotions, until in 1879, when
he was made passenger conductor, and continued
in the employ of this road through the various
changes of ownership which followed. He is now
running between Jackson and Ft. Wayne, Ind.,
making his home in Jackson. He occupies with
his little family a neat residence on Maple Avenue,
No. 124. The household includes a daughter and
son, Mabel M., and Charles II.
Mr. Cooper was married November 17, 1870, to
Miss Madora C. Palmer, of Mosherville, Hillsdale
County, and the daughter of Philip and Maria
(Rose) Palmer. Mr. Palmer was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., while his wife was a native of
Saratoga County, the same State. They had only
two children, Mrs. Cooper and ller brother, Marvin E., who resides in Toledo, Ohio. Mr. and
Mrs. Palmer settled in Saratoga County, where their








638


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


daughter, Madora, was born on the 15th of September, 1851. Mrs. Maria Palmer died on the 7th
of November 1884, and her husband returned to
Mosherville, Saratoga County, N. Y., where he now
resides. Mrs. Cooper is a member of the Methodist Church, and is greatly beloved by a large circle of acquaintances. Politically, Mr. Cooper is a
stanch Republican, and has identified himself with
the most important public measures that are brought
before the notice of the citizens of Jackson County.
A lithographic portrait of Mr. Cooper may be
found elsewhere in this work, and represents one of
the representative citizens of this section of country.


-il ---


=


OHN M. HORNING. One of the most attractive rural homes in Jackson County is
that owned and occupied by the abovenamed gentleman, and located in Norvell
Township. The landed estate comprises one hundred and eighty acres of highly developed and
productive land, all in one body, but lying on
sections 23, 24, 14, and 13. Eighty acres of tlis
land was entered by Mrs. Horning's father from
the Government. The buildings are situated on
the first named section, and comprise a full line of
edifices built after the most modern desigit and
finely located. This beautiful place has been the
home of our subject since 1866, at which time he
began farming on his own account. He has proved
himself one of the most successful of the German
agriculturists of the county, and has won the confidence and esteem of his fellow-men by his honorable and energetic life and character.
The subject of this biographical notice traces
his descent from pure German ancestry, both par
ents being of old and excellent German families.
Both were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, where
they lived for some years after their marriage. J.
M. Horning, Sr., leaving his wife and family, came
to America in 1855, locating in what is now Norvell Township, this county. Two years later the
mother and five children joined him in their new
home. Not long after their arrival the husband
and father died while only in middle life. HIe was




a kind father, a good neighbor, generous and obliging in his nature, and as industrious and hard
working a man as could be found. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, to which his wife also
belongeld.  A few years after the death of her
husband, Mrs. Mary (Kern) Horning became the
wife of Christopher Bowers, and they are now rich
and living retired from active life in Manchester
Village.
Mr. Horning, of whom  we write, was born in
Wurtemberg, Germany, August 13, 1843, and is
the second child and oldest son that lived to come
to America. He was reared in his native land to
the age of thirteen years, being well educated in
his native tongue before he accompanied his mother,
brother, and sisters to America to join the husband
and father. The party set sail from Bremer Haven
and after an ocean voyage of sixty-three days
landed in New York City, whence they came to
Ann Arbor, Mich., by rail, continuing their journey
with a team into this county. After the death of
his father young Horning set out to earn his own
livelihood, working as a laborer for F. C. Watkins,
and other good men, who by allowing him good
wages, enabled him to get a start in life. In his
endeavor to secure a home and competence he was
afterward ably assisted by his wife and together
they have built up a good fortune.
The companion and helpmate of Mr. Horning
bore the maiden name of Clara M. Dorr, and the
rites of wedlock were celebrated between them in
Norvell Township, where she was born September
2, 1848. Her father, Edmond Dorr, was born in
Vermont and came of an old New England family.
When almost grown he came to Michigan securing
Government land in Norvell Township at an early
period in its history, and there he has since resided. His wife, in her girlhood Miss Miranda
Pratt, was born in New York, whence she had removed when very young. She married Ebenezer
Dorr by whom she had three children, one of whom
is now dead. Ebenezer Dorr died in this township
in the prime of life, and his widow subsequently
married his brother, Edmond Dorr. To her second
husband she bore three children, Mrs. Clara M.
Horning being the second.
Mrs. Horning was we    reared unuer careful






I








PORTRC;''~AITI AND B10GH IAPHEICAL ALBUM.


639


7;.=-2. l: i -.PORTRA —IT AND-1  -IOGUAPICAL ALBUM             63 -

home training and obtained a good education in
the schools of the county. She is the mother of
six children, two of whom are dead-Frank who
died when young, and an infant. The surviving members of the circle are: Homer D., who
married Alice Braman and lives in Jackson; Henry
A., Eben F., and Charles A., whlo are yet at home.
Mr. Horning has been Township Treasurer several
times, honestly and faithfully fulfilling the duties
of the office. In politics he is a sound Republican,
ever ready to cast his vote in behalf of the principles which he believes will best advance the
interests of the country.
(^11^HOMAS STEVENS. No man sojourning
jany length of time in Hanover Township
fails to become familiar with the name of
Mr. Stevens, who is one of its most prominent andl
wealthy men. A native of this township, he was
born September 8, 1840, and has maintained his
residence here all his life, being the privileged witness of the growth and development of Jackson
County, and himself practically growing up with
the country, and becoming closely identified with
its prosperity. The early years of Mr. Stevens
were spent amid the wild scenes of pioneer life,
during which time he assisted his father in transforming a portion of the wilderness into one of the
finest homesteads within the limits of Jackson
County. This was no small task, as the elder
Stevens settled upon a heavily timbered tract of
land, and the space not occupied by the roots of
the trees was filled in with stones, both large and
small, which likewise had to be gathered up to
make way for the cultivation of the ground and
the sowing of the crops.
Years of patient industry thus transformed three
hundred and thirty-four broad acres into tile farm
which Mr. Stevens now owns and occupies, seventy-five acres of which has been preserved in timber, while the balance is under the plow. Tile
family residence, wlich was erected in 1869 at a
cost of $2,500, was put up in such a substantial
manner that it is practically as good as ever, while


five barns have been erected, two of them 24x50
feet in dimensions, one of the others 32x44 feet,
and another 16x32 feet. These are mainly for
the accommodation of cattle and other live-stock.
In addition there is a carriage house and another
barn, 24x50 feet. A part of the land is rented out
to tenants. Mr. Stevens is mostly interested in
stock-raising. He became possessor of his property by purchasing from his sister her interest in
the estate.
George Stevens, the father of our subject, was a
native of Onondaga County, N. Y., where he was
reared to farm pursuits and where he lived until
reaching manhood. There also he was married,
August 28, 1835, to Miss Mary Ackles, who was a
native of the same State as her husband, and on
their wedding tour they took the pioneer route to
Michigan, traveling in primitive style, by water
first and then overland to this county, and settled
on a Government claim on section 9, in Hanover
Township. Later Mr. Stevens sold out and changed
his residence to section 1 6. To him and his estimable wife there were born two children onlyThomas and his sister, Charlotte, who is now the
wife of Ebenezer Wolcott, of Jackson. Mrs. Mary
(Ackles) Stevens departed this life at the homestead in 1881. George Stevens died August 30,
1886, and their remains rest side by side in the
cemetery at Horton.
On the third day after his twenty-seventh birthday. Mr. Stevens took unto himself a wife and
hlelpmate, being married September 11, 1867, to
Miss Mina, daughter of Mason and Elizabeth
(Robinson) Richards, the wedding taking place in
Moscow, Hillsdale County, Mich. Mrs. Stevens
was born December 23, 1846, in Macomb County,
this State, and grew up to an attractive womanhood tunder the home roof, receiving a good education in the common school. Of this union there
is one child only, a daughter, Millie, born February 15, 1872. The parents of Mrs. Stevens were
natives of New York State, whence they emigrated
to Michigan in the pioneer days. They settled in
Hanover Township in 1847. Mr. Richards was a
man of more than ordinary ability, and exercised
no small influence in local affairs. He departed
this life at the old homestead in 1867. The mother




640


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


40          PORT   T AD BA            A


is still living there, and is now sixty-six years old.
Their eldest child, a son, Moses, is living on the
homestead. Marietta is the wife of Horton Goldsmith, and they live in Hanover Township. Mrs.
Stevens, the third child, completed the household
circle. Miss Millie, an interesting young lady of
eighteen years, is fond of books and study, and in
another year expects to complete her education,
which she is now pursuing in the High School of
Hanover. She is fond of music and a fine performer on the piano, and is remarkably skillful as
a zephyr embroiderer, an art which she has taken
up without instruction and in which she evinces
great taste and ingenuity, as samples of her handiwork which decorate the home amply indicate.
For the long period of thirty years Mr. Stevens
has been a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the lodge at Horton. The friend of
education, he has served on the School Board of
his district, where his honored father was Director
for a number of years. In politics Mr. Stevens
votes the Democratic ticket. The present home
of the family is in the village of Hanover, where
they have a tasteful and comfortable residence and
fifteen acres of ground, whereon are grown choice
fruits and the garden vegetables for the use of the
f.)mily. Mr. Stevens also has twenty-four acres of
valuable land just outside the city limits of Jackson. The family occupies a high social position
and has performed no unimportant part in the
growth and development of Jackson County.
P RANK J. McDEVITT. The Michigan Central Railroad has long been noted for the
excellence of its working force and probably has fewer accidents than any other road with the
same amount of business and travel. The subject
of this notice is one of its most reliable engineers
and although a young man, has for some time held
a responsible position and enjoyed the confidence
of the company in a marked degree.
A native of the town of Brighton, this State, Mr.
McDevitt was born September 7, 1855, and is next
to the youngest in a family of seven children, the


offspring of Francis and Sarah (Thompson) McDevitt, the former a native of County Derry, and the
latter of County Londonderry, Ireland.  He received the advantage of a common-school education and at the age of fifteen years, struck out for
himself, making his way to Chicago, Ill., after the
fire of 1871. Finding little there to repay him for
the journey, he then came to Jackson, and entered
the employ of H. A. Hayden & Co., proprietors of
the lEtna Mills and for two years was fireman in
the engine room. During this time he kept his
eyes open to what was going on around him and at
its expiration, gaining a thorough knowledge of
his chosen calling, and to his great satisfaction, was
promoted to the post of engineer and in this capacity he remained in the employ of this company
four years.
We next find Mr. McDevitt, in the employ of
the Michigan Central Railroad as a fireman and not
long afterward he was given charge of an engine,
which position lie has filled acceptably for a period
of thirteen years. His run now is between Jackson
and Michigan City. In November, 1877, he was
wedded to Miss Emma, daughter of William and
Polly (Craig) Cox. William Cox, was a native of
Oxfordshire, England, whence he came at an early
(late to America, and was subsequently married to
Polly Craig. His wife, Polly, was a native of New
England and they are now residents of Jackson.
To Mr. and Mrs. McDevitt, there have been born
two children only one of whom is living, a daughter Edith Irene. The son, Frank R., died when sixteen months old. Mr. McDevitt is a member of the
Ancient Order of United Workmen and of the
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and also
the order of Honored Friends. He owns a neat
and comfortable residence on Elm Avenue which
with its surroundings, forms a very pleasant and
attractive home.
Francis McDevitt, the father of our subject and
now a retired citizen of Jackson, was born in County
Derry, the north of Ireland, in March 1810, and is
the son of Daniel and Nancy(McCarsten) NMcDevitt,
the latter of whom was born in County Derry.
Both parents spent their entire lives in tie old country. Daniel McDevitt was a blacksmith, which
trade has been handed down successively to the




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPH'IIIAL ALBUM.


641


eighth generation and which Francis also learned,
serving an apprenticeship of five years in his native
country, and following it after coming to the United
Stales.
Mr. McDevitt lived in Ireland until 1840 and
upon crossing the A tiantic, landed in New York
City, whence he proceeded to Hamburg, Mich,
and then to this county. In 1884 he removed to
Jackson. He prosecuted his trade and carried on
farming, owning forty acres of land near Hamburg,
Although not wealthy he accumulated means sufficient to defend him against want in his declining
years.
In 1845 Mr. Mcl)evitt was wedded to Mrs. Sarah
McDevitt nee Thompson, the widow of his brother
Michael, of Wayne County, Mich. This lady
was the daughter of Richard Thompson, and was
also a native of Ireland. There were forn to them
five children, three sons and two daughters. Rose
became the wife of James Howard, and is now deceased; John married Miss Carrie Burk, and lives
in Jackson; Sarah is the wife of John H-. Ioward,
of Seattle, Wash.; Frank J. our subject; Thomas,
married Mrs. Zolly Paine, and lives in Gantsville,
Tex. Mrs. McDevitt departed this life in June,
1884. Our subject is a stanch l)emocrat, and reared
in the faith of the Catholic Church.
t     EV. WILLIAM L. GIBBS, pastor of the
U Iniversalist Church at Concord, is a man of
fine education, keen intellect and close research, and one who has been endowed by
Providence with ready speech, and as a pulpit
orator is seldom equaled among the churches of the
West. In the pulpit, as elsewhere, his commanding
presence and earnest manner at once inspires the
beholder with admiration and respect. Besides this
he is an old settler of Jackson County, and as the
result of a faithful pastorate of many years has
drawn around him hosts of friends.
A native of the Buckeye State, Mr. Gibbs was
born in Harrison, Hamilton County, April 26,
1841, and lived there until a lad of fourteen years.


IHe enjoyed good school advantages, and under the
instruction of his father learned shoemaking. In
1855 the family removed to Indiana, making the
journey by a canal boat, and young Gibbs afterward continued at his trade until the outbreak of
the Civil War. Then at the age of twenty years
he enlisted, in September, 1861, under the first call
for three years' men, in Company G, Thirty-sixth
Indiana Infantry, was mustered in at Richmond,
Ind., and at once set out for Kentucky, skirmishing on the way. H-e Iarticipated in the battle of
Shilohl, the first battle and tile siege of Corinth,
was at Perryville and Stone River, skirmishing all
that summer, then at Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, on the march through Georgia,
was at Ilesaca, Ackworth, Ringgold, Pickett's Mills,
Kenesaw Mountain, the siege of Atlanta, Lovejoy
Station and Jonesboro. He was Regimental Commissary Sergeant the latter part of the war, and was
never off duty or outside of the regimental lines.
Although upon several occasions having his clothes
pierced by bullets he escaped unharmed, and reeived his honorable discharge in October, 1864.
Returning now to his home in Indiana Mr. Gibbs
resumeed his work on the shoemaker's bench, and
was thus occupied for four years. In the meantime he improved his leisure hours in study, preparing himself for the ministry, and finally worked
his way through Fairview Seminary, taking the
academic course. Ile was married, at Harrison,
()Ohio, MIay 5, 1869, to Miss Phebe Snow, and made
his home there seven years, engaging in mercantile
pursuits, and at the same time continuing his studies for the ministry. In 1872 he entered tie Canton
(N. Y.) Thleological School, from  which he was
graduated in the spring of 1875, and in August
following, he was ordained a minister of the Universalist Church at Ilarrison.  Ile preached there
the following winter, and in the spring removed to
Manchester. Mich., where he continued his ministerial labors until the fall of 1878. Coming then
to Marshall, Mich., he organized a congregation,
put up a church and parsonage, and labored without rest until 1884. In the winter of that year he
received a call to his present charge, which lie soon
accepted, and his labors are now divided between
the Liberty and Concord congregations. He built
UL~U  LILVV~VJ  W~~~~~~~r~~2 VV-~~~Y'-r-\-1\1~~~~~1~:: 






642


PORTRAIT AND BIOG~RAPHICAL AL;BUM.


_642 —'-`~-  11.___ _ _ ___ _._. ~.__ —.-^-~ —~~..._.PO TR.   A B.ND  BIO RAP A   A M..


the church at Liberty, and has left no stone unturned to promote the welfare and interests of his
people.
There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs
one child, a son —Morris —January 16, 1888. Mr.
Gibbs is a true-blue Republican, and gives his uniform support to his party. He held the office of
Post Commander of Stoddard Post, G. A. R., at
Concord, belongs to the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows at Manchester, and is a Royal Arch Mason,
belonging to the Lodge and Commandery at Marshall. He is also associated with the Knights of
Maccabees at Marshall.
The father of our subject is William Gibbs, a native of Franklin County, Ind., and the son of John
Gibbs who was born in Maryland. The Litter was a
sailor from his youth up, and followed the sea after
he became the father of a family. Finally, taking
to terra firma, he emigrated to Indiana, and pur.
chased a tract of Government land in Franklin
County. After residing there for a time he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, wher e he spent the
remainder of his (lays. His father was born in
Wales, whence he emigrated to America at an early
date. William  Gibbs learned shoemaking in his
youth, and followed the business in Harrison, Ohio,
also running a shoe store there; and after his removal to Fayette County, Ind., he was in the shoe
business in Fairview. lie died in 1868, when fiftytwo years old; he belonged to the Christian Church.
Thelmother of our subject bore the maiden name
of Helen Looker. She was born in Harrison County,
Ohio, and was the daughter of Frank Looker, a native of New Jersey, and one of the first settlers of
Hamilton County, Ohio. Grandfather Looker engaged in farming in the Buckeye State, and became
well-to-do. When quite an old man he removed to
Lee County, Iowa, where he spent his last days.
The great-grandfather, Otheniel Looker, familiarly
known as "Judge Looker," was of English descent,
and served in the Revolutionary War. Later he
became Lieutenant-Governor of Ohio; he served as
Judge for several years. Mrs. Helen (Looker)
Gibbs departed this life at the homestead in Indiana, in 1875. The parental family consisted of
the following children: Helen, deceased; Lyde, a
resident of Fayette County, Ind.; William L., our


subject; John, who died in the army during the
late war; Rufus and Allison, residents of Fayette
County, Ind.; Mary, James and Edward, deceased;
and Alva, in Connersville, Ind. John, the Union
soldier, served in Company D, Eighty-third Ohio
Infantry, enlisting in 1862, and died from disease
during the siege of Vicksburg.
J  OlIN H. BETTIS. Pleasant View Farm is
one of the fine pieces of property, of which
so many are to be found in Jackson County.
It consists of two hundred and forty acres
of land in Norvell Township, and is well arranged
for stock breeding and feeding, in which its owners,
our subject and his father, are much interested and
of which they make a study. The family residence
is of the substantial construction and design common some years since, while the farm buildings, of
which a full line may be seen, are large, well-built
and conveniently disposed. Mr. Bettis is the proprietor of the stallion Don Carlos, which is considered a fine specimen of horse flesh and of splen.
did action. IHe keeps a fine assortment of general
stock, the cattle being of the Jersey breed, which
he prefers on account of their butter-making qualities, although he was formerly much interested in
Sho t-horns.
IMr. Bettis was born in Utica, N. Y., June 7,
1848. lie inherited a high degree of mechanical
skill, and in very early life prepared himself for
the position of engineer, running his first engine
when only eighteen years 'old, being one of the
youngest locomotive engineers ever known in New
York. For eight years he acted as a railroad engineer, during this time traveling over some of
the leading roads in New York, and for two years
having a run on the New Orleans & Mobile Railroad, in the South. Three years were spent by him
as a mechanic in the shops of the New York Central & Hudson River Railroad, at Syracuse, N. Y..
where his father held a responsible position.
Finally Mr. Bettis came to this State and for a
year served as a mechanical engineer in Jackson,
after which he moved on to his farm. He had pur







PORTRAIT AND 1IOGRAPHICAL ALBUM


643


----  ~~~~~~-~~ ----~~~


chased the beautiful property from Obed Hall, who
had obtained it from the Government about the
year 1834. The fine buildings that now  adorn
the estate have been erected by Mr. Bettis since he
took possession in 1874, and his practical and progressive ideas have been constantly exhibited in
the farming and stock-raising to which he has devoted his attention since that date.
Mr. Bettis was fortunate in his choice of a companion in life, tie lady who presides over his home
being an accomplished woman and one of social
graces and Christian character. In the paternal
line she claims some of the best blood of old New
England stock, while from her mother she inherits
the most refined traits of Irish ancestry. The
maiden name of this lady was Alice G. Bingham,
and she became the wife of our subject in Syracuse,
N. Y., January 2, 1873. She was born in St. Lawrence County, March 27, 1848, and when grown
became an expert telegraph operator, and was
engaged in the service of the New York Central
Railroad for some time. She was regarded as one
of the most skillful operators employed by the
company, and held some very important trusts,
notably one at Syracuse under General-Mannger
A. L. Dick, where she operated four lines and secured a high reputation for her wonderful skill.
The parents of Mrs. Bettis were Daniel B. and
Amelia (Pitts) Bingham, both of whom died in the
Empire State in middle age. The occupation of
the father was that of a tanner and currier. The
happy union of Mr. and Mrs. Bettis has resulted
in the birth of three children-Walter R., Herbert
T. and Frank N., all of whom are at home, carefully instructed in sound principles by their loving
parents, and receiving the best educational advantages consistent with their youthful abilities.
Josiah Bettis, the father of our subject, was born
in New York, his parents belonging to the better
class of citizens and coming of good families. He
spent his early life on his father's farm attending
the district schools, and while still young in years
set out to earn his own living. With ready hands
and a willing disposition he was a worthy and competent servant of his employers and having once
set his feet on the ladder he was destined to climb
to fame and fortune. His first situation was in a


wadding factory in Westmoreland, he afterward
entering a paper mill where lie made his mark and
was soon worthy of promotion to the machine shops.
Five years were then spent successfully at Utica,
his position there being resigned in order to accept
a place in the New York Central & Hudson River
Railroad shops at Syracuse.
By this time Mr. Josiah Bettis had become a
master mechanic and ere long he was promoted to
the position of round-house foreman, subsequently
becoming general foreman of the shops of the large
railroad corporation by which he was employed.
Later he became master mechanic on the Oswego &
Syracuse Railroad, having his headquarters in the
former city for four years. His next position was
of the same nature on the New Orleans & Mobile
Railroad, with headquarters at Mobile. Finally,
in the spring of 1873, he came to Jackson, Mich.,
and took charge of the Lake Shore & Michigan
Southern Railroad shops there. Sometime later he
connected himself with his son, our subject, as a
farmer in Norvell Township, but after a time returned to the service of the New Orleans & Mobile
Railroad.
After having held the last mentioned position
for some time Mr. Bettis retired from business, and
is now living in Jackson. He is one of the best
railroad men in this State, and that he possesses a
large amount of executive ability will be seen in
the fact that at one time le had under his control
470 miles of road, 60 engines, 3,000 freight cars,
40 passenger cars and employing 450 men. Having
been born in 1823, he is now sixty-seven years of
age, and is regarded as a grand old man of a sweet
temperament, who has many friends and not an
enemy in the world. While a resident of Syracuse
he was twice elected to the City Council, serving
creditably and satisfactorily.
The marriage of Josiah Bettis and Miss Melinda
Neville took place May 1, 1845, and the death of
the wife occurred in New Albany, Ind., in 1882,
when she was somewhat advanced in years. Two
months before her death a son-Frank —had (lied
at the age of twenty-two years, and the second
affliction was a severe blow to the bereaved husband, to whom his wife had been a great help.
Mrs. Bettis was born and reared in New York,








644


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


reached a noble womanhood and throughout her
life was full of good works. The only survivors
of her children are her son J. H., and her daughter
Huldah, wife of the Rev. William Tryon, now of
Wayne County, N. Y.
J. 11. Bettis,sthe subject of this notice, is a sound
Republican in politics, as is his father, the latter
having been" an active politician for some years
during the war. He is a Master Mason, being connected with the Oswego, (N. Y.,) Lodge No. 422.
Mrs. Bettis is a member of the Episcopal Church at
Brooklyn.
RVILLE M. MORSE, Mechanical Expert at
the Knickerbocker Company's works in Jackson, has had a long experience in the matters
connected with his profession, and this, together
with a natural adaptability to the business, has
conspired to gain him both a good position and a
fine reputation in connection therewith. He spent
his early years in New York State, having been
born in Cayuga County, November 17, 1844, and
was the sixth in a family of nine children, the offspring of John and Hannah (Smith) Morse.
The parents of our subject were natives of Vermont, and of mixed nationality, having Scotch,
English, French and German blood in their veins.
After marriage they emigrated to the Empire
State, and the father died in Oswego County in
1867. The mother is still living, and makes her
home with a daughter in Indiana. Orville M.
after completing his studies in the common schools
first learned carpentering and then millwrighting,
and to the latter gave most of his time and attention until the outbreak of the Civil War. Then,
under the call for seventy-five thousand men, he
enlisted in Company C, Twenty-fourth New York
Infantry, serving two years, and veteranized in the
One Hundred and Eighty-fourth New York Infantry, in which he served until the close of the
war. He took part in the second Battle of Bull
Run, the fight at Fredericksburg, Antietam, South
Mountain, Cedar Creek, Winchester, Fisher's Hill,
and the second battle of Frederickburg. At the
second battle of Bull Run he was slightly wounded,




but remained at his post. At one time he was
confined in the hospital three weeks with a fever.
At the expiration of his term of service he was
mustered out July 3, 1864.
Returning to Oswego, N. Y., Mr. Morse resumed
work as a builder, and putting in mill machinery,
mostly at Silver Creek, Erie County. We next
find him at Springville, N. Y., where with a partner he engaged in the nmanufacture of mill machinery. In 1884 he came to Michigan and very soon
afterward entered the employ of the Knickerbocker
Company as foreman, in which capacity he acted
for eighteen months, and then was promoted to the
post of Mechanical Expert, which he has since
held. Politically, he is a sound Republican, and as
a Union soldier belongs to Pomroy Post, G. A. R.,
at Jackson. His neat and comfortable home is
situated on Morrell Street.
In 1865 our subject was joined in wedlock, at
the bride's home in Oswego, N. Y., to Miss Sarah
Stevens. This lady was born in Cayuga County,
N. Y., whence she went when quite young to Oswego with her parents, where she was reared to
womanhoodl. Her father, Hiram Stevens, is now
deceased; her mother bore the maiden name of
Betsey Everts. There have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Morse five br;ght and interesting children,
viz.: Frankie, Charles, Carrie, Gertrude and Orville.
OHN GEORGE, JR. This gentleman has
been connected with the newspapers of Jackson City in different capacities for a period
of about sixteen years, beginning as what is
commonly known as "devil" in the Citizen office,
in 1875. He attended faithfully to his duties for
one year, and subsequently was at different places
until 1879. That year he re-entered the Citizen
office as city collector, finally becoming manager.
Climbing steadily upward, he, on the 1st of
June, 1886, was admitted to partnership with the
proprietor, the Hon. James O'Donnell, which partnership existed until November 12, 1889.
Mr. George then purchased the office and plant
of the Jackson Daily and Weekly Patriot, for many
















I






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


647


years a well-known and leading I)emocratic paper of
Michigan, the plant consisting of four steam presses
and all other modern fittings of a first-class newspaper and job printing office. During tile first thirty
days of Mr. George's ownership of the paper, lie secured a phenomenal daily increase of eight hundred
in the circulation of the paper, with a proportionate increase of its advertising business. As a journalist, Mr. George takes a position in the front ranks
among the newspaper men. The daily editioln of
the Patriot is from  four to ten pages, while the
weekly is an eight-page paper.
A native of the city of Jackson, Mr. George was
born September 7, 1858, and is a son of John and
Mary (Howells) George, natives of Wales. The
parents settled in Jackson in 1850, and the mother
died when John was one year old. The father was
subsequently married to Clara Slayton, a most
amiable lady of rare excellence of character, and
who fulfilled a mother's whole duty to her stepchild.  Until a full-grown youth, Mr. George
scarcely remembered the fact that she was not his
own mother. The elder George is now a resident
of Denver, Col., engaged in brick-making, an occupation which he followed in Jackson City for
the long period of tlirty years.
John George, Jr., was married November 19,
1885, in Jackson, to Miss Ruth Root. This lady was
born and reatred in Jackson, and is the daughter of
John and Eliza (Cole) Root., 7 ONATHAN WOOD. The most vivid imagination can scarcely picture the hardships
and privations endured by those who braved
) the unknown dangers of the trackless wilderness, cheered amid their toils and discouragements by thoughts of the benefits their posterity
would re ap from their labors, and in the face of almost unsurmountable difficulties pursuing their onward way. We may be able to picture to ourselves
the rudely constructed log-house, with its open fire
place over which the kettle hung on a frame and
before wlich the rude baking utensils were ranged;


we can see the bare floor roughly hewn from logs
or formed of hardly packed earth, and the few plain
articles of furniture which stood about; we can in
imagination stand in the open doorway and gaze
out upon a small clearing from which the stumps
hlave not yet been removed and whereon some of
tlhe more necessary crops are growing, and beyond
this to the tangled recesses of the forest whence
comes the cry of the wild beast or the ring of the
woodman's ax; but we cannot understand in its
fullness the constant sense of danger, the overpowering loneliness and the weariness of the flesh which
"from early morn till dewy eve" were felt by the
inmates of the primitive home.
The gentleman who is the subject of this sketch
was born in the town of Westmoreland, Cheshire
County, N. I1., September 20, 1815, and was a
child of two years when his l)arents removed to Otsego County, N. Y., settling in the town of Richfield, where he lived until fifteen years old. Iec
then, in the fall of 1830, came with his fatter to
Jackson County, Mich., driving through with a
one-horse wagon, the mare which they drove
1 hrolugh having a suckling colt and a yearling. The
father, Jotham Wood, had visited this section in
July, looking for land, and somewhat later in the
season settled on a tract located on section 31,
Blackman Township, which is now owned by the
subject of this sketch. The father and son had
br'ought the requisite implements with them, and
at once began to clear the land from which, during
the winter, they drew logs into the sawmill in
Jackson and succeeded in getting them turned into
lumber and shingles, with which they erected a
house 24x26 feet, and one and a half stories in
height. In I)ecember, 1830, Jotham  Wood returned to New York and in the spring brought the
remainder of his family to the Western home where
lie and his wife contirued to live until called from
time to eternity. The death of the father occurred
Marcll,1862, the mother having died some years before. The former had held the office of Supervisor
of the township, as well as other public positions,
and had the confidence and esteem  of his fellowcitizens. He was a Universalist in religious belief.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Jotham Wood comprised eight sons and daughters.






648


PORTRAIT AND BI~OGRhAPHICAL ALBUM.


648IPORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


Jonathan Wood continued to work on the farm,
assisting in its clearing and improvement until 1840.
when in company with a younger brother he went
to Ingham County, and began to improve on his
own account a tract of land which had been purchased by his father. There he did pioneer work
similar to that which he had formerly engaged in on
his father's place. In the fall of 1849 he left Ingham County for California, with the purpose of
seeing the country and obtaining some of the gold
which had been discovered there and in the search
for which so many men left home and friends. -Iis
journey was made via the Isthmus in company with
five others, including his father and brother Curtis.
A sojourn of about six months satisfied them, and
finding even: pioneer life in the wilderness preferable to that in the mines, they returned to Michigan.
Repairing to his farm in Ingham County, Mr.
Wood continued to operate it until the spring of
1862, when he sold and purchased the homestead
which had been his own first home in Michigan and
that of his parents. Here he has since resided, his
landed estate in the township amounting to nearly
three hundred acres and being a very valuable
piece of property. Having always been engaged
in agricultural pursuits and having had his native
intelligence sharpened by the training of his early
years, Mr. Wood is a capable and enterprising agriculturist and one who reaps profit from his employment.
While a resident in Ingham County, Mr. Wood
was Justice of the Peace and also held the office of
Supervisor, serving acceptably in both positions.
He has been active in political affairs and has always cast his influence and vote with the Republican party.
The marriage of Jonathan Wood and Mrs. Olive
J. Haight was celebrated in Jackson, February 16,
1875. The bride is a daughter of Samuel and
Phoebe (Jypson) Dickerman, and was born in Niagara County, N. Y., April 23, 1839. She is an
excellent housekeeper, an estimable woman and a
respected member of tie Baptist Church. Her father died in the Empire State many years ago, and
her mother breathed her last in Monroe County,
Mich., in 1861. At the time of her marriage to our


subject Mrs. Wood was the widow of Adijah
Haight, who died in Saline, Washtenaw County, in
July, 1872. She has borne ler present husband one
son, Jonathan J., who was born May 14, 1876.
A lithographic portrait of Mr. Wood will be
found elsewhere in this volume.
O   SCAR S. WATKINS, deceased, was born in
Naples, Ontario County, N. Y., May 7, 1834.
He was a son of Arnold and Sabrina (Tracy)
Watkins, was reared in his native State, acquiring
a good practical education and laying the foundation for his future habits and energetic life. When
a young man he came to Michigan, and penniless
and single handed began the labors which resulted
in the possession of what is conceded to be the finest
farm in Grass Lake Township, this county. He
had not been long in this county ere he settled on
section 2, of the township named, where he spent
the remainder of his life, and where by industry
and wise economy he made a home that is not excelled in Jackson County. The estate now embraces over three hundred acres, the value of
which is due not only to their thorough cultivation and development, but to the fine buildings
that adorn them, including as they do every necessary and convenient arrangement for the work of
the estate, and forming one of the handsomest
country residences in the county. Mr. Watkins
never sought publicity nor claimed any virtues that
he did not possess, but so thoroughly sound was his
character that he was universally liked and his
death sincerely mourned.
On November 29, 1864, the rites of wedlock
were celebrated between Oscar Watkins and Miss
Fannie A. Wheeler, of Sylvan, Washtenaw County.
The parents of the bride, John B. and Fannie
(Kelly) Wheeler, natives of the New England
States, came to Michigan in the pioneer days and
settled in Washtenaw County. Mr. Wheeler, who
is now deceased, was a farmer. Mrs. Watkins was
born in Washtenaw County, February 18, 1845,
obtained a good education, and taking advantage of
the opportunities which are afforded all who desire






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


649


to be well-informed regarding the events of the
world and the latest theories and discoveries in
science and art, she possesses a marked degree
of intelligence, while her character and habits
gain the confidence and esteem of the better class
of citizens throughout the community.
To Mr. and Mrs. Watkins three children were
born, named respectively: Arthur L., Alva F. and
Louis C. The natal day of the oldest son was December 8, 1865: he married Miss Gracie E. Swift,
of Grass Lake, has one son, Keneth W., and lives
with his mother, operating the home farm. Alva F.,
b)orn February 2, 1870, is a druggist in Detroit
and is still single. Louis C. was born April 1,
1874, and is yet with his mother at home.
-.__. -?0' ft:-   T '' ~

-      HARLES C. BLOOMFIELD. Few persons
/    sojourning within the city of Jackson are
_   unfamiliar with the name of this. one of its
prominent and public-spirited men.   A  capitalist of large means, he is identified with various
enterprises, being President of the Coronet Corset
Conpany, President of the Standard Gig Saddle
Company, President of the Jackson City Hospital
and Vice-President of the Union Bank. His residence, one of the finest in the city, and surrounded
with handsome and extensive grounds, forms one
of its most attractive homes.
A native of this county, Mr. Bloomfield was
born December 26, 1843, at Sandstone, and spent
the first six years of his life on a farm in the township of that name. His parents then removed lo
Jackson, where they lived five years, then returning to the farm, Charles C. remained there with
them until a youth of eighteen years. In the
meantime he attended school three or four months
in the winter, and worked on a farm the balance of
the year. At the age mentioned, having determined to increase his store of knowledge, he went
to Toledo, and by doing chores, sawing wood and
taking care of horses for his board, worked his way
through the commercial college. When his studies
were nearly completed he was called home to attend
the funeral of an older brotleerwho had died of diphl




I


theria, and was himself taken ill with the same disease, from the effects of which he suffered for over
a year, was unable to perform but little labor, and
from which he has never fully recovered.
When nineteen years old young Bloomfield returned  to Jackson, weighing only eighty five
pounds, and engaged as a bookkeeper for the firm
of Bliss & Ingalls, on a salary of $15 per month.
He remained there from 1863 to 1868, and in the
meantime, having saved what he could of his earnings, embarked in business for himself. From that
modest beginning he worked up the largest wholesale oil and glassware trade in the State. Taking
in two or three partners, he established stores in all
the prominent cities in the State, and for fifteen
years thereafter controlled nearly its entire oil
trade.
Just twenty-five years from the time of coming
to Jackson the second time, Mr. Bloomfield, in
1888, sold out his oil business and occupies his
time now in looking after his real-estate interests,
and in the fulfillment of his various official duties,
in connection with the enterprises mentioned. In
October, 1870, he contracted matrimonial ties with
Miss Sarah L. Collier, and from this union have
been born three children-a daughter and two
sons.
The subject of this notice is the son of Giles
Bloomfield, one of the pioneers of this county, of
whom a sketch appears on another page in this
ALIBUM. 
HARLES STEWART ANDERSON. Few
of the citizens of Rives Township have been
^/    residents thereof for a longer period of time
than our subject, who has spent all but two years of
his life here, and who operates a good farm of one
hundred and sixty acres in section 32.  tis homestead has been subjected to all necessary and available improvements, including a residence erected
in 1870 at a cost of about $3,000. IIe pays especial
attention to the cultivation of the cereals and also
has one acre devoted to culture of the grape.
Tompkins Township, this county, was the birthplace of our subject and the date of his birth


--- -- --  -- ~ — -- --- -  — ~-I -  -. ----                  ------    - -l   —, 








650


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


February 22, 1846. When two years of age he
accompanied his parents on their removal to this
township, and has been a resident here continuously
for forty-two years. He received a limited education in the pioneer schools of the district, but
has largely increased his stock of knowledge by
systematic reading and by carefully posting himself
on all general information regarding questions of
national or local interest. He was united in marriage, March 26, 1868, with Miss Vestalina, the
daughter of William and Melissa Fields, natives of
New York, and residents of Tompkins Township.
Nine children came to bless the union of our subject and his wife, and they are named respectively:
Claudia B., aged twenty-one years; Mary J., nineteen; Floyd L., eighteen; Blanche, sixteen; Arville,
fifteen; Charles S.,Jr., fourteen, Leon LI., twelve;
Edna L., nine; Nellie, eight. They form a bright
and interesting group, and have been carefully
trained for whatever duties in life may await them.
The daughters are not only trained to grace a home
but have also been given all the advantages of education now enjoyed by the youth of our country.
The mother of our subject, Hester (Sharrott)
Anderson is still living and makes her home on the
old farm, adjoining on the east, that of her son,
Charles S. She was born July 8, 1815, and is therefore seventy-five years old. Though at such an
advanced age, she is hale and hearty, enjoying the
full possession of her mental faculties. She was
born in New York City, of New England ancestry.
Robert H. Anderson, the father of Charles S.,
was born in 1810, in County Tyrone, Ireland, of
Scotch parentage. When only five years of age he
came to this country with his parents, who settled
in New York City, where he grew to man's estate.
When ready to establish a home of his own he was
united in marriage with Hester- Sharrott, their union
being celebrated in 1832. To them a family of
nine children was born, of whom six are yet living.
When Mr. Anderson located here he was the fifth
citizen in the township. His children were named
respectively: John S., a farmer in Cass County, Mo.;
James, a resident of Brighton, Livingston County,
Mich.; Violet Jane, who died eighteen years agoin
1872, aged thirty-two years, and was the wife of
Benjamin F. Tingley, of this county; Marvin, mar



I


1-.___.__1_1_1
1-"-1 ---1 1-`- —-` —1-- —`--I- - --- --- - --- —--'- —' ---' --- ----------- — ~ --- — -~ ---~ ---- ---------------------....._


ried Adelaide Esmond, and is an agriculturlist of
this township; Isabel, was the wife of Henry A.
Draper, likewise a citizen of this township; she died
in 1888, at the age of forty-six years. Robert
H., Jr., was born August 29, 1843, and now lives in
Greenleaf, Kan. Our subject is the next member
of the family. Helen, is the wife of John S. Taylor,
of Washington County, Kan.; Dell MI. became the
wife of George Clickner, of Jackson, this county,
and passed away in 1886, at the age of thirty-four
years.
R. H. Anderson, attained to considerable prominence in his county, being Associate Judge in 1850.
The same year he was appointed a delegate to the
Constitutional Convention, and was also elected
Representative, but never qualified, as he did not
desire to engage in active politics. He usually
voted the Democratic ticket. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Capt. John Anderson, a
nat've of the Emerald Isle. He married Violet A.
McCracken, who was born in Scotland, and who
lived to be fourscore and four years old.
Mr. Anderson, has attained to considerable prominance in Masonic circles, belonging to Lodge No.
326, (Blue Lodge) of Torpkins. He has been a
Mason for twenty-two years, and during ten successive years, has been Master of the lodge. He is
a Royal Arch Mason and also a Knight Templar of
Jackson. The Patrons of Industry number him
among their influential members. In 1879 he was
elected County Superintendent of the Poor arnl
still holds that position. Religiously, he finds a
home in the Baptist Church of Rives. Socially,
he and his family are welcomed in the best circles
of the community, and their hospitable home is the
frequent resort of both old and young.
i   YRON W. FISH. The career of this gen/I//   tleman has been one of perseverance and
/    lintegrity and has been crowned with the
success merited by those who steadily pursue their way, willing to turn their hands to any
honest labor in times of need. Mr. Fish has been
an exponent of the fact so frequently stated, and




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


651


I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~   -~~~~~~~


yet which so many young men seem to doubt, that
the employment does not make the man, but the
man the employment, and that "honor and shame
from no condition rise," but that in acting well
one's part '"there all the honor lies."
Perez Fish, the father of our subject, was born
in Connecticut, August 18, 1800, and want to Boston with his parents when very young. When he
was sixteen years old his parents removed to New
York State, and were pioneers in Wayne County,
where the lad grew to man's estate. There he
married Electa Cogswell, a native of that county,
and a daughter of Abraham Cogswell, one of its
pioneers. Mr. Fish bought some timber land in
the town of WAillianison, where he hewed a home
from the wilderness and where he was engaged in
tilling the soil for a number of years. He subsequently embarked in the mercantile business in the
town of Sodus, where he breathed his last June 26,
1854. His wife had preceded him to the silent
tomb, having been called hence in 1834. Of the
four children bori to this worthy couple, Lorenzo
and Sophia are nc w deceased, and our subject and
Ruth A., the wife of Samuel Eddy, of Topeka, Kan.,
survive.
The gentleman with whose name we introduce
this sketcl, first opened his eyes to the light November 25, 1829, the place of his nativity being
Williamson, Wayne County, N. Y. He was reared
and educated in his native county, acquiring a good
education in the public schools and a knowledge of
business in his father's store, in the duties of which
he assisted. HIe remained in his native State until
1853, when he came to Jackson, Mich., landing
here in October with a cash capital of $11. I-e at
once sought employment and found it in chopping
cord-wood at thirty-one cents per cord, an occupation which was more than usually laborious to
him as he had previously been unaccustomed to
manual labor, but in which he soon became proficient. lie continued the same employment during
the winters, and in summer worked on a farm,
steadily pursuing his occupations and saving his
money for investment. In 1854 lie bought eighty
acres of land in Ingham County, paying $350 for it,
and after keeping it five years sold it for $1,200.
In 1858 he bought eighty acres of timber land near


the city, from which he supplied the Michigan
Central Railroad station with wood two winters at
$1.62 per cord. In 1860 le paid $75 per acre, then
considered a very high price for the land, for eight
acres which are now included in Jackson, built up
and containing many fine residences. At the time of
his purchase there was one house on the land and
ten years later such changes had taken place in the
vicinity that he received $3,000 per acre for the
part which he then sold. He has retained a portion
of it and erected thereon a number of dwellings,
some of which he has sold and others of which he
rents. His own pleasant abode is situated at 1321
East Main Street, on a part of the land which has
proved so valuable to him.
At the home of the bride in April, 1851, Mr.
Fish was united in marriage with Miss Clarissa A.
Palmer. who was born in Wayne County, N. Y., to
Reuben and Alvira Palmer. In his political views
Mr. Fish is a Democrat, his first vote having been
cast for James Buchanan. I-e has served as Alderman two terms, was President of the Board of
Health four years, and is still a member of tlha
that body; he is now serving his eleventh term as
a member of the County Board of Supervisors,
representing the Sixth Ward.
7 LDEN IlEWITT. Among the many resiI dents of Jackson County who deserve notice in a volume of this nature, the late
Col. Alden Iewitt is not one of the least.
His residence in Coltimbia Township began in
1835, and for half a century he was idlentified with
her best interests and was one of the most highly
respected of her citizens. I-e was born in Palatine
Township, Oneida County, N. Y., August 15,
1805, being the fourth son in a family comprising
seven sons and two daughters, and was the only
one of the circle to make a home in Michigan. He
obtained a good practical education and was
brought up witl the knowledge of farm pursuits,
which he chose as his calling in life.
The first marriage of Col. Hewitt took place at
the home of the bride in Madison County, N. Y.,






652             PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


---— `'`-" —- ` — --I — —  ---- ---- —I --- —


I


I         -— ~-~~ —      -   I

his companion being Miss Julia Crary, who was   fourth
born in that township and there reared to woman-  receive
hood. Her parents were also natives of the Empire  bia Cor
state, and the occupation of her father was that of  being s
a farmer. After the birth of two children Mr.   March,
Hewitt bade good bye to his home and friends in  him Li(
the East and turned his steps toward the setting  rank tht
sun, journeying on the Erie Canal to Buffalo, thence  After
across the lake to Detroit and overland to what is  quarter
now Columbia Township, this county, where he ob-  Julia w
tained two hundred and forty acres of Government  home ir
land on section 21. Here he and his wife began  in the 1
their pioneer life in a very primitive fashion, first  age. SI
"setting up house-keeping" in the wagon-box, and  a woma
a little later becoming the proud occupants of a log  througl
cabin. The most graphic description would fall  childrer
short of the reality were we to attempt to de-  Malissa.
tail their early life with its struggles, privations and  passed
toils, its pleasures, joys and successes. Suffice it to  The su
say that the place was converted from a raw, wild  Jackson
oak opening, into a productive tract of we!l-im-  city; Cu
proved land.                                    Califorr
Subsequently Mr. Hewitt obtained land in an-  Detroit:
other part of the township, which he f'nally traded  nia, and
for a two hundred and forty-acre tract on section  of Fran(
27, which shortly, however, became reduced to two  The s
hundred acres. Upon this he lived until he retired  Columb
from active labors and removed to the village of  became
Brooklyn in 1879, purchasing a pleasant property  was boi
on Marshall Street, where he resided until his death.  1824, h
He was called hence February 23, 1885. An honest  from  tli
hard-working man and a worthy citizen, his loss  James 
was deeply felt by the people in whose midst he  ded life
had spent so many years. Although of a quiet and  which t
reserved nature, never desirous of public honors,  Howe w
he was ambitious for the good of the people, mani-  was bor
festing the real public spirit. In his early days he  started c
was a sound Whig, later becoming an Abolitionist  N. Y., to
and a Republican of the highest type.           then con
In early days Mr. Hewitt was an organizer and  their ear
leader in the State Militia, first in New York,  Ohio, the
where he was appointed Filst Lieutenant of the  removin,
Fourth Regiment of Horse Artillery, under Adj...  where tht
Gen. Levi Hubbard. After he came to Michigan    enty-one
he was in turn the recipient of each of the cornmis-  dence to
sions from Captain to Colonel. In 1838 he was   1868, at
commissioned Captain of Company B, Twenty.      members


Regiment, by Gov. S. T. Mason, and later
1 a second commission as Captain of Columnpany, Thirty-fifth Regiment, the document
igned by Gov. John J. Barry. This was in
1843, and in 1849 Gov. Ranson appointed
eutenant-Colonel of the same regiment, a
at he filled until the militia was disband(ld.
r having lived happily together for nearly a
of a century, Col. Hewitt and his wife
ere called upon to part. She died at her
n Columbia Township, in 1851, while still
prime of life, being but forty-two years of
ie was a member of the Baptist Church and
n whose goodness was felt and appreciated
tout the community. She had borne seven
i, two of whom are now deceased; they are,wife of William Olcott, and Florence, who
away when nearly twenty-one years old.
rvivors are: Mrs. C. S. Pratt, now of; Julietta, wife of N. H. King, of the same
aroline, now Mrs. J. B. StouteDburgh, of
tia; Kate, now Mrs. D. C. DeLamater, of;and Frederick, whose home is in Califorwhose present wife bore the maiden name
ces Alien.
econd marriage of Col. Hewitt occurred in
ia Township, in 1852, on which occasion he
the husband of Miss Huldah -Iowe. She
rn in Penobscot County, Me., August 2,
er birthplace being but a short distance
ie city of Bangor. She is a daughter of
and Cynthia (Jackson) Howe, whose wedbegan in Penobscot County on a farm
they occupied for a number of years. Mr.
as a native of Keene, N. H., and his wife
rn in the Pine Tree State. In 1824 they
)verland for Ohio, after reaching Syracuse,
aking the canal for two hundred miles, and
itinuing their journey with teams, carrying
'thly effects with them. Reaching Mentor,
ey remained there eighteen months, thence
g to Toledo, and later to Fulton County,
ie father died in 1852, at the age of sevyears. His wife afterward changed her resiMontcalnl County, Mich., where she died in
the age of seventy-two years. Both were
s of the Baptist Church and people who




1.


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


653


were regarded with respect by those who knew them.
Their daughter Huldah was ten years of age when
they removed to the Western Reserve where she
became of age, when she came to this county, within
whose borders she has since resided. She is a woman of intelligence and Christian character, a kind
neighbor and a devoted mother. Of the children
born to her, one has been called from time to
eternity; this was Helen L., the wife of Lyman
Ambler, who died at the age of twenty-three. The
living are: Fremont E., a resident of Brooklyn,
who married Miss Nellie Fuller; Charles H., who
married Miss Alice B. Smith, and is now operating
the farm on section 27, Columbia Township; Cora
E., who was educated in Brooklyn and taught for
a time, but is now at home with her mother, and
Grace A., who became the wife of Mont S. Hendershott, of Tecumseh. Mrs. Hewitt and her children
are identified with the Baptist Church, as was her
husband.
The father of him who is the subject of this
sketch was Thomas Hewitt, who was born in New
London, Conn., being the soln of one of three
brothers who came from England to America at
an early day and located among the hills of New
England. Thomas Hewitt began life as a farmer,
remaining at his native place until that town was
burned by the British during the Revolvtionary
War, then he removed westward and located in the
Empire State. There lie is supposed to have applied himself to his chosen calling in a new country. He died when quite an old man in Madison
County. His wife was Miss Grace Hall, who also
died in New York when quite old. Like her husband, she was a native of Connecticut, but her ancestors had for many years lived in New England.
ILLIAM     HI. PARKER, a representative of
one of the earliest families of Michigan,
has been until recently connected with the
business interests of Jackson, his place of residence,
and he has an extensive acquaintance here and elsewhere, and is held in high esteem by all who come
in contact with him either in a business or social


way. He is a fine representative of the soldier element of our country that has been such a prominent factor in the upbuilding of the West since
the close of the rebellion. In those trying days ie
was among the first to respond to his country's
call, and with noble self sacrifice went forth to fight
its battles and to brave the hardships of a soldier's
life, and the privations that he suffered during his
long and almost constant service throughout the
entire war, testify to his loyalty and devotion to
the Union.
Our subject is a native of Michigan, born in
Farmington, Oakland County, July 29, 1836. He
is a son of Jehiel Parker, who was a native of Manchester, N. Y., his father Phineas Parker, being a
pioneer of Ontario County. The grandfather of
our subject was a blacksmith by trade, and in 1828
he once again became a pioneer, coming to Michigan in those early territorial days, and settling in
Oakland County, he established himself at his calling in the town of Novi, and was a resident there
until his death, when nearly eighty years of age.
The maiden name of his wife was Mary Pratt. She
also spent her last years in Oakland County, and
now lies sleeping her last sleep by her husband's
side in the churchyard at Novi. They occupied an
honorable position among the pioneers of Southern
Michigan, and their names are revered by their descendants, and by all who knew them in the old
days.
The father of our subject had grown to man's
estate when he came to Michigan with his parents.
He married in Oakland County in 1833, Hannahl
Daily becoming his wife. Slhe was a native of
Farmington, Ontario County, N. Y., and a daughter of William  H. and Elizabeth (Dillingham)
Daily, pioneers of Oakland County, of 1828. The
parents of our subject began their wedded life in
the wilds of Farmington Township,Oakland County,
oeing among the first settlers of that locality, Mr.
Parker buying a tract of timber land, on which to
build up a home. The surrounding country was a
dense wilderness, and when the family first went to
Oakland County, they followed an Indian trail from
Detroit. Deer, bears, wolves, and other wild animals were plenty for some years, and were frequently seen by the settlers. The Indians still








654


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.




made their home there in those early days. Mr.
Parker actively entered upon the pioneer task of
developing a farm, but his first work was to erect
a log house, in which our subject was born. The
father cleared a farm, and then sold it and bought
another tract of forest-covered land, which, with
the assistance of his sons, he developed into a valiable farm. IHe thus performed his share in advancing the interests of Oakland County, and lived to
see it quite well settled. He and his wife were typical pioneer people, of strong, energetic natures,
with warm hearts and open hands, always ready to
assist and cheer any one of their neighbors less fortunate than themselves, and their home was the centre of the generous hospitality that characterized
the early settlers of these Western States. Mr.
Parker's death occurred on his homestead in 1855,
and a valuable citizen was thus removed from the
scene of his usefulness. His wife survived himn many
years, spending the last part of her life with her
children, her death occurring at a ripe old age in
April, 1887. She was the mother of seven children,
six of whom were reared to maturity, of whom the
following is recorded: Mary E. is the wife of James
HI. DeLand, of Jackson; our subject was the next
in order of birth; Emmor K. served in the Michigan Mechanics and Engineers Corps, and gave up
his life for his country at Bowling Green, Ky.;
Sarah married the Hon. William Donovan, and
lives in Lansing; Bradford J. died in Washtenaw
County, in 1867; Isadore is the wife of Edwin Rockwell, and resides in Leoni Township.
William Parker, whose life-record appears on
these pages, was reared to agricultural pursuits in
his native county, anal was educated in the pioneer
schools that were taught in a log house, with primitive home made furniture.   As soon as large
enough he began to assist his father in his pioneer
labors, and being the oldest son, the care of the
farm devolved on him at the time of his father's
death. He managed it until 1858, and then the
family removed to Ypsilanti where he obtained
employment as a drover until the breaking out of
the war in 1861, when he was one of the first
to spring to the defense of his country, enlisting
on the 24th of April for three months in Company
IH, First Michigan Infantry, and serving with credit


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until the expiration of his term of enlistment in
August. He returned home, but immediately reenlisted on the 9th day of the saine month as a
member of Company I, Ninth Michigan Infantry,
and was mustered in as Sergeant of his company.
IHe served with his regiment until 1863, and was
then discharged on account of disability, the privations of the hard life on Southern battle-fields, impairing his naturally vigorous constitution. IHe
returned home, but his patriotic spirit would not
let him be content while his country was still in
peril, and as soon as his health was sufficiently
restored, he once again entered the service, was employed on the construction works, and served until
after the close of the war. He had an extended
experience of military life, and for his efficiency
was promoted from the ranks. and served in the
following States: Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama,
Georgia, Mississippi, North and South Carolina,
Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D. C. After
the close of the war Mr. Parker joined the military
police in Newbern, N. C., and after being on the
force a few months, was appointed clerk in a gen.
eral store, in which capacity he acted seven months.
At the expiration of that time he returned to Washtenaw County, in 1866, and the ensuing year was
engaged in the commission business in Ypsilanti,
and subsequently carried on the same in Huron
County, Ohio. In 1867 he established himself as a
contractor in building railways. his first work of
the kind being on the Ypsilanti & Hillsdale Railway, and following that, he was engaged in the
construction of a part of the Holly, Wayne & Monroe Railway, and also on the Detroit, Lansing, &
Northern Railway. In August, 1868, he went to the
Upper Peninsular and built a piece of road tfiere,
returning the same fall to Washtenaw County, and
in 1869 he assisted in the construction of the Ann
Arbor & Toledo Railway, and in the same season
worked in building the Jackson, Lansing & Saginaw Railway, he constructing the northern end of
the railway. I-e continued actively engaged as a
railway contractor four years longer, and then car*ied on the flour and feed business in this city until February, 1890, building up a prosperous and
extensive trade, and by judicious investments and
careful management, he has acquired a goodly










/Q7VY24






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


657


amount of property, and is one of the substantial
citizens of the city. Mr. Parker's life record in all
die relations of life, and in the duties devolving
upon him as an honorable man and a faithful citizen, is of the highest. He has honored industry
and integrity in thought and in example, and is
eminently worthy of the universal respect accorded
to him. HIe is firm in his religious views, and with
his wife is a valuable member of the First Congregational Church. lHe is an active member of the
Union Veterans' lUnion.
In 1867 Mr. Parker was married to Miss Ellen A.
Crittenden, and in her has found one who fills the
perfect measure of a wife and a friend, and of a
mother to their only son. Charles W. The only
shadow in an otherwise hIappy wedded life, was the
deatl of their little dlaughter, Lizzie B., at the age
of seventeen months. The family occupies a home,
pleasant and cozy, on South Milwaukee Street, and
whoever crosses its threshold, is sure of a cordial
welcome from kindly hostess and genial host.
Mrs. Parker was born near Penn Ya, N. Y., and
when tlirze years old was brought to Michigan by
her parents, Mortimer and Jenett (H-urd) Crittenden. They settled near Ypsilanti, and the father
cleared a fine farm, and resided there until his mortal career was closed by his death in 1866. His
wife still resides on the old homestead with her
youngest son. Mrs. Parker's paternal grandmother
is still living at Penn Yan, and November 17,
1889, attained the remarkable age of one hundred
years.
of Supervisors, from Blackman Township.
and a man more than ordinarily progressive and publi?-spirited, is well-to-do financially,
being one of the most successful farmers of this
county. In point of general information upon all
subjects, he stands second to no man in the county
and invariably gives his countenance and support
to the enterprises calculated to advance the interests
of the people at large, socially, morally and financially. His home is pleasantly situated on section
20, Blackman Township, and his domestic arrange

ments are presided over by one of the most estimable of ladies, who is in all respects equal to her husband, socially and intellectually. Within their
hospitable doors are to be found all the evidences
of refined tastes and ample means and tlleir friends
and associates comprise the best elements of society
in Jackson County.
Mr. Maynard is descended from good new England stock, being tile son of Joseph and Martha
(Thompson) Maynard, who were both natives of
Solon, Somerset County, Me. The parents were
reared and married in their native place and there
spent their entire lives. The paternal grandfather,
also named Joseph, was a native of England and
emigrated to America when a young man, settling
in Solon, Me., where his death occurred. The paternal great-grandfather, likewise bearing the name
of Joseph and of English birth and ancestry,
crossed the Atlantic in time to have a hand in the
Revolutionary War, performing gallant service as
a First Lieutenant and serving six years. He settled first in Portland, Me., but subsequently re
moved to Solon, where he also was gathered to his
fathers.
On the maternal side Grandfather Christopher
Thompson, also a native of England, brought his
family to America and settled near Solon, Me.,
about 1801-02, in a town called Emden. He served
as a Colonel in the War of 1812 and later became
prominent in his community, being County Commissioner and holding other offices of trust and
responsibility.
The subject of this notice was the only child of
his parents and was born February 22, 1845, at
Bingham, Me., a small town in close proximity to
Solon, where his parents lived for about one year.
Thence they removed to Solon where the father occupied limself as a carpenter and where the son
prosecuted his early studies in the common-school.
Later he attended the Bloomfield Academy located
at Skowhegan, whence he was graduated. After the
outbreak of the Civil War lie enlisted as a Union
soldier in Company I, Fourteentli Maine Infantry
under Col. Charles Dyer and served two years. He
took part in the attack on Ft. Fisher and was with
Gen. Butler at New Orleans. He likewise participated in the battle in front of Petersburg, along






PORTRAIT ANi) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


the Weldon Railroad, and was in the vicinity of
Appomattox at the time of Lee's surrender. He
received his honorable discharge at the close of the
war in July, 1865, being mustered out in Boston,
Mass.
Returning now to his home in Solon, Mr. Maynard soon after repaired to Poughkeepsie, N. Y.,
and entered upon a course of study in Eastman's
Business College from which he was duly graduated. Subsequently he engaged as a teacher of
writing in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, remaining in New England until 1870. That
year coming to Michigan, lie occupied himself as a
teacher of writing in different places for about two
years, at the expiration of which time he was married and settling in Blackman Township, engaged
in farming.
The wedding of Frank Maynard and Miss Elizabeth I. Daniels was duly celebrated at the home of
the bride's uncle in Blackman Township, April 17,
1872. This lady is the daughter of the late Abel
W. and Emily L. (Thomas) Daniels, who were both
natives of Bethany, Genesee County, N. Y. Her
paternal grandfather, John Daniels, was born in
in Connecticut in 1788 and M as of Scot h ancestry.
He married Miss Zilpah Wheeler, a native of Cayuga County, N. Y., and of New England parentage.
Abel W. Daniels came to Michigan at an early
day and for nine years was a resident of what is
now Blackman Township. Then returning to New
York State he was married, soon after which he
brought his bride to this county and they settled
in Blackman Township where they spent the remainder of their (lays. The mother died early in
'50s and Mr. Daniels died in 1868. There were
born to them four children, three daughters and
one son, all of whom are living. Mrs. Maynard
was born at the old homestead in Blackman Township, June 22, 1843. She there grew to an attractive womanhood, remaining under the parental
roof until her marriage. Of her union with our
subject there have been born two sons only, Frank
1., and Irwin L.
A Democrat by early training and inclinations,
Mr. Maynard has continued a firm adherent of the
old party. He has always kept himself thoroughly


posted in regard to events of State and National
interest and has twice been the candidate of his
party for the State Legislature, making a fine canvass, but being defeated as he expected with the
balance of the ticket. He was elected Supervisor
of Blackman Township in the spring of 1885 and
has been continued in the office by successive reelections and has served as Chairman of the Board
since 1886. This fact is sufficient indication of the
efficiency and fidelity with which he has discharged
his duties in connection therein. Not only has he
taken an active part in political affairs, but the
educational interests of the county have always received his earnest attention. Socially, he is prominently connected with the Patrons of Industry,
taking an important part in all the deliberations of
his lodge.
The Maynard homestead embraces a fine body of
land, four hundred acres in extent and is largely
devoted to the feeding of cattle, in which industry
Mr. Maynard has attained a fine reputation, keepa herd of blooded Short-horn cattle. He served
one year as President of the Jackson County Agricultural Society and then declined a re-election,
feeling that his other interests prevented him from
giving due attention to the duties of this office.
Mrs. Maynard was given a thorough education
and after being graduated from the Jackson High
School followed the profession of a teacher about
four years prior to her marriage. She is warmly
devoted to the interests of the Methodist Episcopal
Church at Jackson with which she has been prominently connected for several years, officiating as
Superintendent of the Sunday-school in the school
district in which she resides and laboring in other
directions to promote its best interests. THer portrait is presented on another page of the ALBUM.
LMERIN M. TINKER, dealer in hals and
caps, and in real estate, has been identified
with the business interests and municipal
eD     affairs of Jackson for years, and has an established reputation as a man of good judgment,
prudence and honor. He was born in Summit




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


659


County, Ohio, March 12, 1839, being the eldest of
five children born to Almerin B. and Susan M.
(Southworth) Tinker. His mother is a daughter of
Sylvester Southworth and of English descent in
both lines. Both parents were natives of Ohio,
whence they removed to Michigan in 1852. The
father owred a farm in this county but settled in
the city of Jackson, building a harness-shop on lhe
river bottom, where he carried on the manufacture
of harness until his death in 1880. Iis widow is
still living, is now in her seventieth year and makes
her home with her daughter.
The boyhood of L;m    of whon we write was
passed in his native State with good advantages in
tile way of schooling, and his education was coinpleted in the Jackson sclhools in later years, finishing at the Union school, taught by Prof. Ripley.
lie had previously acted as page in the HIouse of
Repiesentatives one hundred and twenty days, for
which service he received $1 per day, and with this
money lie purchased a horse. After keeping the
animal about a year lie sold himr and bought a grocery stock from Mr. Knalpp, carrying on tile grocery business about six months and then closing it
out. He next entered the employ of W. R. & W. B.
Reynolds, dealers in general merchandise, and remained with them as a clerk fifteen years, and at
the same time became interested with his father in
the harness trade  Finally disposing of this interest he turned his attention to the manufacture of
trunks. which he continued until elected City Recorder. Lie was nominated on the Republican
ticket and elected by a majority of seventy-six, although the city usually goes Democratic by six
hundred votes. In a second race for tle same of1ice he was defeated by thirty-six votes, and retiring from the office lie formed a co-partnership with
1). J. HIolden and M. W. Cary, dealers in hats, caps
and furs. The business was carried on five years,
Mr. Cary in the meantime retiring from the firm.
Mr. Tinker was again called to serve in a public
capacity, being nominated as County Clerk on the
Democratic ticket, and being elected filled thle office four years.
Upon retiring from this oflice Mr. Tinker engaged
in the real-estate and insurance business in connection with G. R. Holden and afterward with ex-Sher

iff W.R. Brown eighteen months. He next embarked
in the manufacture of carriages and road carts, while
in that business helping to start the Standard Carriage Company, in which he retained an interest two
years, and also the Standard Gig Saddle Company.
Selling out his interest in the latter lbusiness to A. H.
Hovey & Bro. he engaged in the sale of hats and
caps at No. 145, West Main Street, where he has a
well-stocked establishment, perhaps the best in the
soutliwestern part of the State, which has beoome
well known and has a thoroughly established trade.
On the 14th of May, 1861, Mr. Tinker was united
in marriage with Miss Mary A., daughter of John
C. and Lucy A. (Gartick) I)arling, and a sister of
Mrs. D. J. Holden of Jackson. Mrs. Tinker was
born in New York State near Rochester and reared
in this State. and possesses many qualifications
which fit her for her duties as wife and mother and
for the station which she fills in society. She has
borne her husband five children-Mary E., Walter
A., Warren II., Charles D. and Gracie L.
For several years Mr. Tinker was President of
the Young Men's Library Association, and lie
served as Secretary of the School Board five years.
During the past six years lie has been Grand
Treasurer of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and at present holds the office of Grand Overseer. He is also a member of the Knights of Honor.
L LBERT W. REYNOLDS. The biographer
in his emigrations along the western line of
Jackson County, met with many fine families who possessed in a marked degree the
rare art of entertaining the stranger who was not
likely to prove "an angel unawares;" and among
them all he remembers Mr. Reynolds and his family
as among tile most cultured and hospitable. Mr.
Reynolds is an old resident of Concord Township,
but at present makes his home within the village
limits. He, however, is engaged in farming pursuits and operates three hundred and twenty acres
of fine land on section 25. He is well-to-do financially, genial and companionable personally, intelligent and well informed. His estimable wife is his








660


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


66      OTATADBORPIA  LUM


equal in all respects and admirably fitted to preside
over their beautiful home. The farm is embellished
with handsome, modern buildings and everything
about the premises indicates cultured tastes and
ample means.
The subject of this notice was born September 5.
1835, in Concord Township, and is the offspring of
an excellent family, being the son of Jerry Reynolds who was born in Clyde, Wayne County, N.
Y., September 25, 1808. The paternal grandfather,
James Reynolds, also a native of New York State,
served in the War of 1812, then came to Michigan
from his farm and (lied at the home of his son,
Jerry, about 1864. The latter learned shoemaking
in his youth and later became a tanner and currier
and operated a large tannery in Clyde, before coming to the West. He was a generous man to his
friends and on this account, by going security lost
the greater part of his property before coming
West.
After meeting with the above-mentioned disaster,
the father of our subject, in the spring of 1835,
made his way to Michigan Territory in the hope
of retrieving his fortunes. He drove through with
an ox-team most of the way and locating in Concord Township purchased one hundred and sixty
acres of land, paying therefor $7 per acre. lie was
active, industrious and enterprising and what in
Western parlance would be termed a "lustler." In
addition to the cultivation of his land he still l)rosecuted shoemaking and as his farm lay on the old
State road he opened his doors for the entertainment of travelers. He hauled leather from Detroit
and frequently walked by the side of his oxen the
entire distance to and from. He was one of those
men who seldom fail in anything which they undertake and in consequence he in due time realized
his expectations of another competence and became
owner of six hundred and forty acres of as fine
f:rming land as was to be found in Jackson County.
lie was also largely interested in real estate in Concord. At the sitme time he was public-spirited and
liberal, giving his substantial aid to all the projects
calculated to upbuild the community. He affiliated
with the Democratic party until 1848, then became
a Whig and later a Republican, his conversion being brought about by the "Nicholson letter' of


1848. He spent the latter years of his life in Concord, his demise occurring October 28, 1871.
Jerry Reynolds was twice married, first in New
York State in 1832 to Martha West, the mother of
our subject, who was born in the same town as her
husband and was the daughter of Day Hubbard
West, likewise a native of Wayne County, N. Y.,
and a farmer by occupation. About 1838, Grandfather West emigrated to Michigan and followed
farming in this county the remainder of his life. Of
this union there were born two children —Albert W.,
our subject, and William H. Mrs. Martha (West)
Reynolds died at the old homestead in Concord
Township in 1863.
William H. Reynolds, the brother of our subject,
spent his early years on the farm until the outbreak
of the Civil War and then enlisted as a Union
soldier in Company B, First Michigan Infantry.
He served three months in the Army of the Potomac
and was in the first battle of Bull Run. He now
owns and operates the old homestead. The second
wife of Jerry Reynolds bore the maiden name of
Maria Stookey.
The subject of this notice spent his boyhood and
youth in the manner common to the sons of pioneer
farmers, receiving only limited educational advantages, but being trained to those habits of industry
and principles of honor which have followed him
all through life. As a youth he was earnest and
thoughtful beyond his years, fond of reading and
anxious to become well informed. As the prospects
of the family brightened, he in due time, to his
great satisfaction, was enabled to enter Michigan
Central College at Spring Arbor, where he pursued
his studies for two years and up to the time the
college was removed to Hillsdale. His room-mate
was a young man who afterward became Congressman Packard.
Next Mr. Reynolds entered Albion College,
which he attended about five terms, then returning
home he took charge of his father's farm, being
then only in the twenty-first year of his age, while
his father gave his attention to his business in Concord. About this time young Reynolds purchased
a part of the land which he now owns and occupies
and which he began improving, although he did
not locate upon it until after his marriage, in 1860.




PO RTRAIT AN D BIOGRAPHICAIC~L ALBU.31.3:


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As time passed he added to his landed possessions,
bringing the whole to a high state of cultivation
and erecting thereon good buildings besides effecting other improvements which have brought it to
the condition of one of the most desirable country
estates in this county..'here is a fine lake and native groves which, together with the live stock and
machinery, indicate with what industry the proprietor has labored and with what good judgment he
has invested his capital. Besides a fine assortment
of graded cattle and sheep, he nakes a specialty of
full-blooded Chester-White swine and has some
valuable horses. Among them is a thoroughbred,
who, upon one occasion he allowed to go upon the
race course. He did not fear that his horse would
fail to win, but the practices of some who were
called the very best horsemen in the State and men
of honor, so disgusted him that it proved his last
and only experience on the race course.
Pur'suing his farming operations up to 1871, Mr.
Reynolds then removed into the village leaving
his farm in other hands, although he still controls
its operations. In 1876 he put his present residence-a handsome and roomy structure, furnished
in modern style and fitted up with all modern conveniences.  Besides this he has other valuable
real estate in the village, including eight residences and two store buildings. He deals in live
stock considerably, buying and shipping and is a
stockholder and Director of the Farmers' State
Bank of Concord. He rendered great assistance in
securing the building of the Michigan Air Line
Railroad through this place, the station of which
was located on his farm under the name of Reynolds. From time to time he has been a member
of the School Board and also a member of the Village Board. EHe belongs to the Masonic lodge at
Concord and the Chapter at Jackson. He cast his
first Presidential vote for John C. Fremont at the
organization of the Republican party in 1856, and
las since been a stanch supporter of its principles.
He frequently serves as a delegate to the county
and State conventions.
The marriage of Albert W. Reynolds and Miss
Mary E. Murray was celebrated at the bride's home
in Albion, November 20, 1860. Mrs. Reynolds
was born September 21, 1839, in South Albion and


is the daughter of Levi and Lydia (Warner) Murray who were both natives of New York State and
born near Parma. Tie paternal giandfather of
Mrs. Reynolds was a native of Scotland and emigrating to America at an early day located near
Parma, N. Y., where he followed farming until his
death. His son, Levi, also chose agriculture for his
life vocation. He emigratcd to Michigan Territory
in 1830 with his son Walter and took up one hundred and sixty acres of land in the wilderness, near
where subsequently grew up the town of South
Albion. He first put up a log house and cultivated
a small piece of land, then returning to New York
State brought his family back with him the following spring. The journey was made by canal to
Buffalo and thence overland with an ox-team to
Calhoun County. The family spent the following
summer in the log house without any doors, hanging blankets up to shut out the wind and the wolves.
In those days the Indians burned the grass so the
cattle had to subsist by browsing in the timber, and
in order to assist them the pioneer would take his
axe and cut down the saplings and when he would
shoulder his axe and start to the timber they
would all follow him. At the time of Mr. Murray's
removal here there was only one Iiouse in the township. I-e was thus the second settler and with his
family he endured all the toils and privations ot
life on the frontier. The nearest mill was at Marshall and the journey to it was usually performed
by the son Walter on horseback, which in those
days was the quickest method of locomotion, as
roads had not been laid out.
In addition to the cultivation of his land, Mr.
Murray, as the country became settled, employed
himself some as a teamster, taking loads of groceries to the sugar camps north and returning with a
load of maple sugar. Like Jerry Reynolds he also
was a "hustler."  He brought his land to a high
state of cultivation and as time passed erected
thereon a fine set of buildings, also gathering together the live stock and mnachinery essential to
the requirements of the modern farmer. The labor
of thirty years effected a remarkable change from
the time when the family occupied the little log
cabin in the Oak Opening, around which the wolves
howled at night and to which the red men of tile


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662            PORTRAiT AND BIOGRAPIJ ICAL ALBUM.


forest came to beg of his white neighbor a loaf of
bread, or some other dainty to which he was unaccustomed.
In 1851 Mr. Murray, imbued with the desire to
add still further to his wealth, determined upon
going to California and started out in company
with his son Walter with the intention of going by
the water route. They accomplished the voyage in
safety but soon after entering the mines the father
was taken with a fever and died about a week after
his arrival, at the age of fifty-one years, and his remains were buried upon California soil. Prior to
his removal to Michigan he had been a Colonel in
the New York State militia. Six months after the
death of his father Walter Murray returned to the
sorrowing family at Albion.
Mrs. Lydia (Warner) Murray, the mother of
Mrs. Reynolds was born in 1802. After the death
of her husband she carried on the farm and kept
her children together until they were married.
About 1870 she removed to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Reynolds, and remaining with her died in
Concord in 1873. She was a lady of many estimable qualities and a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Grandfather Warren was
a native of New York State and a soldier in the
War of 1812. Ile engaged in farming in his native
State until 1831, then came to Michigan Territory
and took up land in Albion Township upon which
he labored successfully and became wealthy. Ite investe(d his capital in land and was the owner of most
all the present site of Albion. He was prominent
injocal affairs, serving as Justice of the Peace for
many years antd occupying other positions of trust
and responsibility. "Squire" Warner was known far
and wide, by young and old, and was one of the
pioneers who will not soon be forgotten.
Seven children, of whom six lived to maturity,
were born to the parents of Mrs. Reynolds: Walter
before spoken of, (lied at Albion in 1866; Julia A.,
Mrs. Chapman, is a resident of Litchfield, this State;
Loretlta became the wife of Amos Coykendall and
died in Ceresco, Calhoun County, Mich., in 1857;
Cynthia, Mrs. Mount, died in South Albion in 1878;
Chandler is a resident of Albion; Mary, Mrs. Reynolds, was the youngest born.
Hattie, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds,


was born November 10, 1861,on the farm in Concord; she attended school at Logansport, Ind., one
year, then entered Vassar College where she spent
two years. Subsequently   she attended the Misses
Grant's school in Chicago until her marri ge with
Leo S. Parsons, a merchant of Union City; she is a
fine scholar and an accomplished musician. Mr.
and Mrs. Parsons have one child, a son, Deo. Mr.
and Mrs. Reynolds also reared one James LI. Shep
herd, from a boy, giving him the same advantages
which their own child enjoyed, including the classical course in the Michigan State University at Ann
Arbor. fHe appreciated his opportunities and now
occupies the position of Agricultural Chemist at
the State University in Soutlh Dakota, and his foster
family are all very proud of him.
Mrs. Reynolds was reared under the healthful influences of country life and was given the best advantages, completing her education in Hillsdale
College, whiclL she left only a short time before her
marriatge.
IIAI!)EI:US C. BROOKS. This gentleman
is well known throughout Southern Michigan as a general contractor, and has a reputation second to none in the community for public
spirit, benevolence and straight-forward dealing.
His career in life has afforded him abundant means,
as well as the opportunity to advance the best interests of the community in which he has lived by
his influence, his ability and his example. He is
a native of Ulster County, N. Y., where his eyes
opened to the light Februaiy 7, 1842, and is a
son of Lenis and Nancy (Simmons) Brooks. His
father was born in Orange County, and his mother
in that in which he himself was born. The father
was engaged in the l)ursuit of agriculture.
The boyhood of him   whose name introduces
this sketch was passed in his native county, with
the educational privileges afforded by the country
schools. At the age of sixteen years he went to
learn the stone-cutter's trade, and worked at it
until his spirit was aroused by the attempt to
overthrow the Union, when at the earliest opportunity he became a soldier. He joined Company








PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


663


A, One Hundred and Twentieth New York Infantry, which, under the command of Gen. Daniel
Sickles, was known as the Sixth Brigade, and became a part of the Army of the Potomac.
Mr. Brooks participated in many battles, accompanying his regiment throughout all their engagements up to the field of Gettysburg. There his
collar bone was broken, and he was thrown into
the hospital, the commission of Second Lieutenant
being sent to him there. As soon as his wound
was sufficiently 'healed, he rejoined his regiment,
which was then before Culpeper, and fought with
them on October 8, 1863. His corps, while supporting Gen. Kilpatrick, was overpowered and
many of them taken prisoners by the enemy. They
were taken to Libby Prison, where they remained
until January 1, 1864, when Lieut. Brooks and
others were conveyed to Belle Isle, where twelve
thousand prisoners were held, their only shelter
being the old Sibley tents. While there, tie Lieutenant was taken sick and was removed to the hospital at Richmond, the company in the meantime
being sent to Andersonville. Our subject was examined, pronounced unfit for military service and
exchanged. Not satisfied with the decision, he rejoined his regiment that was in active service in
the front of Cold HIarbor, Va., took his place on
the field and gained the rank of First Lieutenant,
which lie held until the close of the war, when he
was mustered out at Kingston, N. Y.
The fall after his return fron the fields of conflict, Mr. Brooks took up his abode in Grand
Rapids, this State, where he became a contractor
on public works, constructing sewers and streets.
HIe remained there until 1876, when lie removed to
Jackson, the following four years being occupied
by him in filling a contract for the Michigan Central Railroad Company, building stock-yards, and
in general construction on their system of railroads.
His next enterprise was the construction of the
Michigan Air Line Railroad from  South Lyons to
the city of Jackson, being associated in this enterprise with Amos Root and W. B. Yates, and after
its completion he continued his labors as a builder
of raflroads, waterworks and streets.
The lady whom Mr. Brooks desired as his companion in the journey of life was Miss Sarah Fuller,


I


who had been his schoolmate in Ulster County.
N. Y., and whose noble character and graces of
mind and heart were well known to him. After a
successful wooing, he led her to the hymeneal
altar in 1865. Four children have come to bless
the happy union-Clyde M., Joshua, Harry and
Lottie.
The first vote of Mr. Brooks was cast for Abraham Lincoln, while the voter was wearing his
country's uniform, and lie has continued to give
his suffrage to th~ Republican party. In 1883 he
ian for Mayor, but was defeated by a small majority. He belongs to Jackson Lodge, No. 30,
I. 0. 0. F., and to Pomeroy Post, G. A. R. He
owns several good business blocks in the city and
other valuable property. He built what is known
as Brooks Terrace, a three-story building with a
front of pressed brick that is the most modern
structure of the kind in the place; it is situated on
the corner of Main and First Streets, and he has
another of the same dimensions and character
fronting on First Street. The fine amount of property that Mr. Brooks has is a standing monument
to his energy and ability, as he began his career in
life with small means. IIe has ever been ambitious
for the good of the community. as well as for his
personal advancement, and in municipal affairs he
is quite a reformer; yet he is not niggardly, but
actively benevolent and )public-spirited. In 1884
he furnished and fully equipped a company known
as the Jackson Grays at a cost of $1,300.
/-~   DWARD F. LOWERY, City Treasurer of
1Ja Jackson, stands out conspicuously as one
_1-__ eminently worthy of the place to which he
has been called. He is the youngest man ever
elected to this responsible position, but his excellent morals, unimpeachable integrity, amiable and
obliging disposition and trained knowledge, indicated his fitness for the duties involved, and will
no doubt insure his continuance in the office for
some time to come.
The natal day of Mr. Lowery was December 24,
1858, and his birthplace St. Louis, Mo. He is the






664


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


eldest of three children born to Patrick and Ellen
(Garvey) Lowery, who were born in the Emerald
Isle, became residents of the United States when
quite young, and were married at St. Louis. The
father died when his son Edward was but four
years of age; the mother is still living, making her
home in Omaha, Neb. At the age of ten years
young Lowery was placed in the Christian Brothers
school at Alton, Ill., where he remained two years.
He then came to Jackson, where he hired out as a
grocer's clerk, hoarding his resources until he had
accumulated a small amount with which to further
his education. He, therefore, in 1876, began a
business course in the Davenport (Iowa) Business
College, from which he was graduated in 1879.
Returning to Jackson Mr. Lowery obtained a position as report clerk in the office of the Ft. Wayne,
Jackson & Saginaw Railroad, serving in this capacity uitil the company was re-organized, when he
was promoted to be chief clerk of the freight department. Two years later lie was again promoted
to the responsible position of cashier, which he held
until the road passed into the hands of the Lake
Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad. Under the
new management lie was retained as chief clerk of
the freight department, afterward assuming the duties of cashier also, which position he held until
elected to the office of City Treasurer by the largest majority given to any candidate on the ticket.
The steady advancement of Mr. Lowery was due
to his fidelity to the welfare of the company no less
than to his capability, and he enjoyed the entire
confidence and respect of his employers and associates, as well as the high esteem of the community.
The experience gained in his previous business led
him, upon assuming the duties of his public office,
to detect the fact that errors had occurred, and lie
at once began a careful inspection of the books,
which resulted in remedying some of the mistakes.
Upon his suggestion a system of keeping accounts
was adopted that made it impossible for a discrepancy to occur without collusion between different
offices. Each now has a check upon the other and
differences are scarcely within the range of possibility. Mr. Lowery has spared no effort to secure
to the honest tax payer that which belonged to him,
while his careful oversight of the collections has


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saved to the city more than double his salary in
the past two years. For the first time in its history
the waterworks has been made to pay expenses,
this item alone being of great importance to the
municipality.
In politics Mr. Lowery is a stanch Democrat,
although not a politician in the ordinary acceptation of the term. As Auditor of the Public Library Board he has contributed much to the value
of that enterprise, of which the citizens are justly
proud. He is a member of the Ancient Order of
I-ibernians and was the first President of the
C. M. B. A. Although holdling a position in the
stilnation of the people unexcelled by that of any
young man in the community, and able to look
back without a blush over his life in Jackson, Mr.
Lowery is modest and unassuming, a fact which
adds to his popluarity.
At the home of the bride in Jackson, January 9,
1879, Mr. Lowery was united in marriage with
Miss Anna, daughter of Thomas and Mary (McQuillen) Welch, a callable and intelligent woman,
who is his fitting companion. The happy union
has been blessed by the birth of four bright children, named respectively, Thomas Ai., Florence,
Nellie and George.
G      EORGE J. WHITE, M. 1). The professional
interests of.Jackson would be imperfectly
A  represented, did not this volume contain an
outline of the life history of the above named gentleman, who enjoys a lucrative practice in his chosen
profession, and the respect of the community. His
practice includes much of the consultation and
treatment which can be accomplished in the office,
as well as a large amount of general work in both
medicine and surgery. His broad knowledge of
the theory of medicine has been made use of with
aound judgment, and an acute perception of the
means and remedies required, giving him the practical skill, which does not always follow a theoretical knowledge.
The subject of this sketch is the second son of
James and Mary C. (Walsh) White, the former a




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


665


native of England, and the latter of Ireland.  In
the fall of 1855. Janes White removed from New
York to this county, first locating near the village
of Concord, and later in Spring Arbor. His occupation is that of a farmer, and he now owns three
hundred acres in Summit Township, where he has
resided several years. His father, grandfather of
our subject, was Elijah White, who was born in
England, where he spent his entire life, dying about
1880, at the age of ninety years.
Dr. White was born ill Saratoga, N. Y., September 2, 1855, and being but a few months old when
llis parents removed to Michigan, grew to maturity
on his father's farm in this county, attending the
district schools, and subsequently pursuing his
studies in the Horton school several terms. Having an ardent desire for knowledge, he was not content with this, but entered Devlin's Commercial
College, from which he was graduated in the spring
of 1877, the following fall entering the Medical Department of tile State University, and prosecuting
his studies therein until July, 1880, when he was
graduated with an honorable record in his class. t!is
college expenses were paid by his own efforts, and
lie deserves great credit for tile determination
which led him to pursue Iiis studies in the face of
obstacles which would have discouraged many.
After receiving his diploma, Dr. White went to
White House, Ohio, where lie opened an office and
remained eighteen montlhs practicing his profession.
Returning to Jackson at tlhe expiration of that
period, he formed a partnership with Dr. M. McLaughlin in both professional practice and in the
control of a drug-store, the connection continuing
four years. The professional connection was then
dissolved, but the two continued together in the
drug-store two years longer, when Dr. White
bought his partner's interest, moving the stock to
the stand now occupied in the Hibbard House block.
The drug-store is under the charge of a competent
pharmacist, and the Doctor gives his whole attention to his profession, his extensive practice leaving him no time for personal oversight of other
affairs.
At the home of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bremen,
of this city, January 13, 1884, their daughter, Agnes L., was united in marriage to Dr. White. The


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bride was born in New York City, and having received excellent advantages, is the possessor of a
cultured mind, agreeable manners, and a loveable
character. Two children have been born of the
union of Dr. and Mrs. White, named respectively:
William H., and Agnes Mary.
In his political opinions Dr. White agrees with
tlhe Republican party, whicl he therefore supports
with Iis vote and personal influence. Not only has
he a high reputation as a professional man, and one
of intellectual attainments and culture, but his personal character gives him an honorable place in the
opinion of his fellow-men.
ANIEL P. BARRET, Passenger Engineer
oni the Michigan Central Railroad, and
having his home in Jackson City, was born
in the city of I)etroit, October 27, 1845,
and is the second son of Samuel and Lydia H.
(Thompson) Barret.  lis mother was the daughter
of Daniel and Susan Thompson, who were among
the earliest pioneers of Michigan, coming hither
when it was a Territory. The elder Barret served
as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. ITe was a
native of England, and after coming to this country,
settled in Wayne County, Ind., where he became a
prominent man, and was the third Sheriff of the
county after Indiana was admitted into the Union
a: a State.
The mother of our subject was born in Vermont,
and was brought to Michigan by her parents when
an infant. They settled in what is now the town
of Dearborn, Wayne County, and there tile mother
(lied in 1886, in the seventy-eighth year of her age.
The parental family comprised six children, five
sons and one daughter, only three of whom are living. Samuel Barret was born in Ireland. and came
to America with his parents when a small boy.
They settled first in New York State, and thence
came to Michigan when he was a lad of fifteen
years. Mr. Barrett learned carpentering and stair
building, and built the first flat-car on the Michigan Central Railroad. He lived to be well advanced in years, (lying in 1885. His old shop stood








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on the ground now occupied by the city hall. This
lot he secured by trading off an old gray horse. He
afterward sold the ground for $250. Had he kept
it a few years, he would have realized for it thousands of dollars.
The subject of this notice attended the early
schools of Detroit, and when seventeen years old,
entered the employ of the Michigan Central Railroad as fireman on a switch engine. In due time
he was promoted to a position on a freight engine,
and in 1866 was placed in charge of an engine in
the employ of the same road, and he has now been
with the company for the long period of twentyseven years. His present run is between Jackson
and Michigan City. By strict attention to his duties, and his prudence and careful management, he
has not only gained the confidence of the public,
but the approval of the officials of the road. He
owns a comfortable residence, occupying No. 207
Waterloo Avenue, south, and has many friends in
Jackson and vicinity.
Mr. Barret was married" May 6, 1868, to Miss
Jessie A. Croman, the daughter of Isaiah and Susan
(Wilson) Croman, who were natives of Pennsylvania. Of this union there are no children. Mr.
Barret is popular in railroad circles, and prominently connected with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.
11 OHN L. CLARK. Prominent among the citizens of Jackson County, as well as one of
i the best known of the early settlers of the! ''county, and of the survivors of the late Rebellion, is the gentleman with whose name we introduce this personal sketch. He is the owner and
operator of one hundred and seventeen acres of
good land lying on section 14, Henrietta Township,
and this he has improved not only by planting out
trees, fertilizing the soil, but has in addition erected a commodious and convenient frame residence,
together with a substantial barn and outbuildings
such as are suggested by the enterprising and progressive farmer.
The father of our subject, Weden Clark, was one


of those bold frontiersmen, who penetrated the
wilds of an unknown and barren country, going in
advance of civilization itself, to make homes for
their families. Weden Clark was born in Monroe
County, N. Y., in 1803, and some years after his
marriage to Adelia A. Keys, left the Empire State
in 1835, and started on a journey to Michigan.
Accompanying the father and mother were six
children, of whom our subject was the eldest and
he was born in Monroe County, N. Y., March 14,
1827. One child had (lied in infancy. They proceeded in their westward trip in safety as far as
Saginaw, but in attempting to cross the Saginaw
Bay, the boat was capsized and the father was
drowned.
After the sudden death of her husband Mrs.
Clark removed to Canada, where she had friends,
and there was married to Elisha IHarris. She remained there until her decease, which took place in
1885. She bore her second husband six children,
who now live mostly in Canada. The paternal
grandfather of our subject was John Clark, a soldier
in the Revolutionary War. Hle lived to be almost
one hundred years old, passing away in Genesee
County, N. Y. The maternal grandfather, Chester
Keys, was killed in New York, having been fatally
injured by a threshing machine.
Being only eight years old when his father was
so suddenly taken from the family circle, our subject was compelled to earn his own living, and assist
as far as possible, his mother, who was very poor,
and who had dependent upon her a large family of
children. At first he worked by the day, his compensation being twelve and one-half cents. He also
sold all the eggs he could find on the farm, getting
for them one cent per dozen. The summer following his salary was raised to eighteen cents per day,
while he continued to get one cent for eggs as before. In this way, he worked until reaching manhood. He spent one year as cabin boy on the
"Indiana" a steamboat which plied the waters of
Lake Erie between Buffalo and Toledo.
We next find our subject in Cincinnati, where he
secured employment on an Ohio River boat and
remained with them about two years. A severe sickness having rendered him unable to work temporarily, he returned to the Empire State, thence




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


667


came west to Michigan, and worked on a farm one
year. At this time he was united in marriage with
Jane L., daughter of Iarmen and Elmira Atwood.
Mr. and Mrs. Atwood were natives of New York;
the mother is now living in Michigan and the father is deceased. The marriage of our subject was
celebrated D(cember 24, 1850, in Michigan. Thereafter he worked one season on a farm, receiving as
a compensation for his labors half the grain he
raised. Careful economy enabled him to purchase
eighty acres of his present farm. then heavily timbered and wholly unimproved. He at once erected
a rlde log cabin, 18x20 feet, and in it he and his
wife established themselves. He cleared up the land
as rapidly as possible and had the satisfaction of
seeing his homestead gradually improved and his
circuImstances materially brightened.
Soon after the opening of the late war, Mr. Clark
enlisted in September, 1861, as a laborer in Company II., First Michigan Engineers and Mechanics.
lie served faithfully as a private until October,
1864. when he received an honorable discharge at
Atlanta, Ga. The most important engagement in
which he participated was at La Vergne, Tenn.,
when Wheeler and Horton, with two brigades of
c valry of about forty-five hundred men, made
an attack on Mr. Clark's regiment composed of
three hundred and sixty-nine men, of whom one
was lost and seven wounded. The regiment, however, came off victorious. Our subject, along with
his company, found his chief employment in making bridges, etc., but when crowded, as on this occasion, always made a hard fight. After helping to
put up a large bridge across Elk River, Mir. Clark
was detailed as cook for Lieut.-Col. K. A. Hunton, and served in that capacity until the close
of tie war. He returned home in 1864, with a
wrecked constitution, as the result of exposure, and
hlas never since regained his former health. While
he was away in the service, his wife and four children remained to take charge of the farm.
Mr. Clark is a member of the Edward Pomeroy
Post, No. 48, G. A. R. of Jackson. He belongs to
the Order of Patrons of Industry. Mrs. Clark is
identified with the Metholist Episcopal Church.
Mr. and Mrs. Clark have six children living, viz:
Viola D., who married George Picket and became


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the mother of three children; after the death of Mr.
Picket she married William O'Brien, by whom she
has one child. Adelaide I. is the wife of Gerard
Drew, and they are the parents of six children.
Edwin J. married Julia Smith, who bore him three
children. Sylvester K. married Miss Eva Curtis
and they have two children. James W. was united
in marriage with Nettie Sackrider, and they live in
Jackson County, and Cora died in infancy. Florence L. is still at home. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are
justly proud of their children, who are well educated and occupy prominent stations in life, enjoying from all their acquaintances the highest respect
and esteem.
OHN   WEBER.     The substantial German
citizen was among the first to recognize the
desirability of Michigan as a place of residence during its pioneer days, believing
that in the future it would become wealthy and
prominent, and we do not hesitate to say that it has
been largely through the labors and industry of the
sons of the Fatherland that it has been brought to
its present prosperous condition. They have permeated all the walks of life, tilled the soil, engaged
in its various industries aind have formed a most
important and healthy element in all the channels
of trade and business  In this connection may be
properly mentioned the name of John Weber, of
Jackson, who at an early date established a butcher
shop in the growing city and thus contributed his
quota to the sum of its material welfare: for people
must eat and meat is one of the most important
items in the bill of fare. To such good purpose
did Mr. Weber operate and with such honesty in
his dealings, that he soon obtained a lucrative patronage and we now find him upon the retired list
enjoying the fruits of his early labors.
The subject of this notice was born in the Kingdom of Wurtemburg, Germany, December 27,1845,
and is the son of Albert Weber, likewise of German
birth and ancestry and who spent his entire life in
his native land. Jchn was but two years old when






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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


his mother died and seven years later he was wholly
orphaned by the death of his father. He was then
taken into the home of relatives with whom he lived
until fourteen years old, and from the age of five
until that mentioned attended school. He then
began learning the butcher's trade at which he
served an apprenticeship of two years. In the
meantime he had read and thought much and determined to see something of the world and at the
expiration of this time he set out and thereafter
traveled through Switzerland, Germany and France.
paying his expenses by working at his trade and
gaining much by observation and experience.
Young Weber, however, was not satisfied with
his condition or his prospects in his native land
and in May, 1866, several months before reaching
his majority, lie set out for America and after a
safe voyage, landed in New York City. Thence
he proceeded to Cleveland, Ohio, but sojourned
there only one month. Subsequently he visited
Newark and Cincinnati, Ohio, and Louisville, Ky.,
and in the summer of 1867 made his way to Detroit, this State, which he left the following year
for Jackson.
Prior to this, Andrew, the brother of our sub.
ject, had located in Jackson and John in due time
was admitted to a partnership in his business-likewise that of a butcher-and with some changes
they continued together for a number of years.
Subsequently our subject established in business
for himself at No. 218 East Main Street where he
operated four years. He sold out in the spring of
1888 and has since lived retired from the active
duties of life, being now well fixed financially and
having no reason for anxiety in regard to the
future.
After coming to Jackson Mr. Weber made the
acquaintance of Miss Emma Gass to whom he was
married in 1872. Mrs. Weber was born August
18, 1854, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and is the
daughter of Henry and Mary (Grimm) Gass who
were natives of Germany and who are now living
our subject. Seven children were born to Mr. Weber
and his estimable wife bearing the names respectively of Emma, Albert, Jo'in, Charles, Bertha and
Stella. Walter died in infancy. In addition to a
snug bank account, Mr. Weber is the owner of a




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good farm in Grass Lake Township which yields
him a handsome income. The fine dwelling occupied by the family was erected in 1879 and forms
one of the noticeable features of the city. It is a
large two-story frame structure, located at No. 310
Francis Street, and with its surroundings is amply
indicative of the cultured tastes and abundant
means of its proprietor. The family experienced
its first great affliction in the death of the wife and
mother, Mrs. Emma (Gass) Weber, who was calkd
hence May, 8, 1885. Her parents then became inmates of Mr. Weber's home. Mrs. Weber was an
attendant of the German Lutheran Church and a
lady possessing excellent traits of character which
endeared her not only to her family, but a large
circle of friends. Mr. Weber belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, also a similar
body named the Workingmen's Society. He remembers by what industry and economy he obtained his present financial standing and remains in
full sympathy with the industrial world. After
disposing of his business lie treated himself to a
pleasant and satisfactory trip across the Atlantic,
visiting his old home in Germany and spending
several delightful weeks among the friends of his
boyhood and youth.
OIN G. DARLING, Justice of the Peace
of Concord Township. In vain would the
student or close observer of human nature, ) search among the citizens of Jackson County
in the attempt to find a more genial, even tempered,
liberal and popular gentleman than the one with
whose name we introduce this biographical sketch.
He is prominent and influential and liked by every
one. His well-improved farm of eighty acres is
located on section 6, in Concord Township, and
has been embellished with modern improvements
and furnished with various kinds of machinery
necessary to successful agricultural labor. He has
been Justice of the Peace for eighteen years, has
been Highway Commissioner four terms, and was
on the School Board for about twenty five years.
In the Baptist Church of Albion, where he holds




PORTRAIT AND BIOGR tAPHICAL ALBUM.


669


fellowship, he is Deacon, and his wife is one of the
most active church workers. She assisted greatly
in the erection of the present church structure,
herself and two other ladies doing all the soliciting,
collecting, etc. Politically, Mr. Darling is a strong
Republican, and has served as delegate to county
and State conventions.
Alden Darling, the paternal grandfather of our
subject, was born in Connecticut, and was an early
settler in Ontario County, N.Y., where he followed
farming. He was an officer in the War of 1812,
being in the cavalry, and was at the burning of
Buffalo. He resided in Ontario County until his
death. Timothy Darling, the father of our subject,
was born in Ontario County, N. Y., in 1811, and
was by occupation a farmer. In 1842 he removed
to Cattaraugus County, the same State, where lie
opened up work on a farm in the hills, and became
well-to-do. IIe died there August 13, 1872, being
a member of the Baptist Chuich.
The, mother of our subject was in girlhood
Diantha Groves, a native of Cortland County,
N. Y., and was the daughter of David Groves,
likewise born in that county, where he became wellto-do, and where he was Justice of the Peace many
years. Diantha Darling died in Cattaraugus County
May 7, 1879. She had borne her husband a family
of ten children, as follows: Albert, who (lied when
twenty-one years of age; D)eForrest, who passed
away when a lad of 'nine years; John G., our subject; DeLoss, wlho died while serving in the Civil
War in 1864; Milo, who passed to rest in June,
1889; Elizabeth, Mrs. Franklin, who resides in
Cattaraugus County, N.Y.; Byron, who was taken
from  the family circle when a boy of ten years;
Marcellus, who is the minister at Sioux City, Iowa;
Charles, engaged in business in Cattaraugus County;
Frank B., at Westfield, N. Y.
DeLoss Darling, the brother of our subject, was
in the late war, enlisting in the One Hundred and
Fifty-fourth New York Infantry in 1862. He was
wounded at Guellesburg and was taken prisoner.
He was first sent to Belle Isle, later to Andersonville. After being kept a prisoner for eighteen
months and being almost dead in consequence of
hardships and confinement, his captors exchanged
him, but he died soon after reaching Annapolis.


Marcellus was in the same regiment, enlisting in
1862 when only eighteen y,ears old, and serving as
Regimental Commissary until the close of the war.
John G. Darling was born March 24, 1833, in
Leon, Cattaraugus County, N. Y., and passed his
boyhood in farming, driving cattle, and other pursuits incidental to rural life. His educational facilities were exceedingly limited, the only tuition he
obtained being gleaned from a few old fashioned
books, while lie sat on a rude bench in a frontier
log schoolhouse. He staid at home until twentyone years of age, and then went on Lake Erie,
sailing from Buffalo to Chicago and making a trip
about every three weeks. He was on the lake for
two years, being wheelsman during the last year.
I)uring his entire life on the lakes he was thrown
overboard but once.
Returning to his father's house, he there remained
until 1855, when he resolved to come to Michigan.
He commenced here to work by the month in Con.
cord Township, continuing in this way for five
years, also threshing at times. In 1859 he purchased his present place on section 6, and soon
afterward located on it permanently. All the inm
provements now conspicuous on this estate are the
result of his labor. The farm is watered by a
branch of the Kalamazoo River, and on it he has
been engaged in raising fine merinoes, keeping as
high as seventy-five to two hundred and fifty head
of these, besides other stock. In March, 1865, he
was drafted into the army and to this call he
immediately responded, but on examination was
rejected. He had previously been offered a Lieutenant's commission by ex-Governor Blair, but did
not accept it.
The marriage of Mr. Darling occurred in Concord Township December 9, 1859. when Miss Eliza.beth Warner became his wife. I-e has found in
her a willing helpmate, a devoted wife and a loving
counselor. They have no children. Mrs. Darling
was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., November
3, 1830, her parents being Gustavus and Vilura
(Darling) Warner, both natives of Orleans County,
N. Y. Her paternal grandfather was Rufus Warner, a native of Connecticut, whence he emigrated
to Orleans County, N.Y., where he was a successful
farmer. He served as an officer in the War of 1812,








670


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


and was captured and sent to Halifax, where he
endured severe hardships but managed to come out
alive. He later removed to Monroe County, N.Y.,
and farmed on an extensive scale. He invested
in land in Michigan, but never came here; he was
at one time the owner of the town site of Albion.
Religiously, he was a Baptist.
Gustavus Warner, the father of Mrs. Darling,
came to Cattaraugus County, N. Y., soon after his
marriage to Miss Darling, and cleared a farm out
of the forest, where wolves and other wild animals
made the night hideous with their howling, sometimes coming within sight of the pioneer's very
doors. Mr. Warner was Captain in the New York
State Militia, being appointed under Gen. DeWitt
Clinton. In 1810 he came to Monroe County,
where he farmed until the spring of 1853, then
came to Michigan. Locating at Hanover he remained there only six montls, going thence to
Concord Township and buying a farm on section 6.
He became one of the most prosperous agriculturalists of his community, owning a farm of three
hundred and twenty acres on section 6. Later he
traded it for a farm in Leoni Township, and there
resided until lie retired from active labor. He spent
his last days with his daughter, Mrs. Darling, anJd
at her home died in 1873. Tie was a Deacon in
the Baptist Church and a very influential man. His
wife, Vilura Darling, was a daughter of Alden
Darling, who is mentioned in the first of this sketch.
She died in Jackson in 1864.
Ten children comprised the family of Mr. and
Mrs. Warner, whose record is as follows: Mary
A., and Wellington, both deceased; Marcellus. a
resident of Cattaraugus County, N. Y.; Elizabeth;
Mrs. Darling; Dennis and Minerva, btoth deceased;
William H., in New York; George W., who makes
his home with our subject; Charles D., who is
dead. George Warner was in the Twenty-sixth
Michigan Infantry, enlisting in the early part of
the late war and serving until he was honorably
discharged on account of physical disability.
Charles D. was in the same regiment, and was 
wounded at the close of the war, when in a skirmish before Richmond with Lee's men. He died
from the effects of the wound.
At the age of nine years Mrs. Darling accoin

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panied her parents to Monroe Counly, N. Y., and
in 1853 came here with the other members of the
family. Mr. Darling has been Justice of the Peace
for eighteen years, as mentioned above, and has in
Various ways uplifted the standard of education
and social progress in his community. His reputation throughout the county is such that his name
will be lovingly remembered long after he has
passed to that rest which remains for the faithful.
IRANI ANSON. A BoRIORAPHICA, ALBUM
of Jackson County would be incomplete
without a sketch of the life and works of
the above-named gentleman, who is an
old settler and an esteemed citizen. During his
boyhood he was surrounded by the scenes of pioneer life in Nlew York, and knew well what dangers, toils and privations lie braved when in 1836
lie came to the Territory of Michigan and instituted his hlome in the wilderness. There are few of
the present generation who are not acquainted
thlrough the reminiscences of their own relatives,
with the details of pioneer life, which the limits of
a sketch like this forbid our entering upon, and we
therefore only draw the outline of the picture.
The family to which our subject belongs is descended fron an Englishmnan, who, accompanied
by a brother, came to America at an early period
of the history of the Colonies, and settled in
Dutchess County, N. Y., where three succeeding
generations of the family were born. Cyrus Anson, the grandfather of our subject, held a captain's
commission in the Revolution, and was a tiller of the
soil during the years of peace. His wife was Polly
Palmer.
Among the children born to Capt. Silas Anson
i and his wife was Jonathan, who was reared on a
farm in his native State and county, whence, in
1816, he emigrated to tihe western part of the State,
becoming a pioneer in Ontario County. The removal was made in the customary manner of ltat
time, which was prior to the (lays of railroads.
Mr. Anson bought a tract of timber land upon
which a log house stood, and a few acres had been








PORTRAIT ANPD BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


671


PORTR-T AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.  0     =        =


improved, and which was located where the town
of Hopewell stands. Albany and Buffalo were the
principal market towns, and their supplies and
saleable produce were carried to and fro by means
or teams. Continuing the work which had been
begun upon the estate, and for a few years living
in the log house, which was afterward replaced by
a well-built frame dwelling, Mr. Anson remained
there many years. then selling purchased a farm in
Canandaigua, upon which he lived a few years. He
then retired from the toils of life, and after spending a few years at Rochester, came to Michigan to
live with his children, breathing his last in Eaton
County. His wife bore the maiden name of Lois
Finch, and was likewise a native of Dutchess
County, N. Y. She bore her husband nine children.
Hiram Anson, the subject of this sketch, was
born at Meaney, Dutchess County, N. Y., June 2,
1802, and being fourteen years old when his parents
moved to the western part of the State, well remembers their journey and their settlement in the
sparsely inhabited region, where game abounded
and where neighbors were few and far between.
He remained with his parents until nineteen years
of age, and then began to learn the trade of a
cooper, which he followed in his native State until
1836. Having determined to become a resident of
what was then the Territory of Michigan, he and
his family traveled with a team  to the Erie Canal,
hence on that highway to Buffalo, crossed the lake
to Monroe, Mich., and there hired three teams to
take them into Jackson County. Here they arrived
during the month of November, and bought a claim
to eighty acres of wild land in Spring Arbor
Township, for which he paid $150. Mr. Anson at
once began the work of improvement. There was
a log house on the claim and into this the family
moved, making it their home until a better and
more commodious structure was erected in after
years. Many kinds of game were plentiful throughout the region and Mr. Anson became quite expert
as a hunter, killing upward of one hundred deer
and numerous other animals.
Mr. Anson built a shop on his farm, and worked
at his trade a part of each year, spending the balance of the time in farming, and continuing to


make his rural estate his home until 1864, when he
moved into Jackson, where he ha- since resided.
For some years prior to his leaving his farm, be
had dealt quite extensively in stock, buying horses,
cattle and hogs, and shipping to Albany, New York
and Boston. After becoming a resident of the city
he opened a meat market, which he carried on one
year, after which he commenced dealing in dressed
hogs and shipping them East. He has now retired
from business, and in his pleasant home on Greenwood Avenue, is enjoying a merited rest from the
active duties of life, in the recreation suited to his
years.
The first matrimonial alliance of Mr. Anson was
contracted June 28, 1826, his bride being Minerva,
daughter of Samuel and Sarah Stiles, who was born
in Canandaigua, Ontario County, N. Y., in 1804,
and died in 1860. The fruit of this union was one
child who (lied in infancy. The second marriage
of our subject took place September 17, 1860, his
companion on this occasion being Mrs.Jane Frances
Neden, nee Lincoln, who was born in Canandaigua,
Ontario County, N. Y., on April 12, 1832. She
became the wife of James, son of James and Alice
Neden, of Eng-land, who came to America soon after their marriage, settling in Toronto, Canada,
where he was born June 19, 1825. About the year
1830 the family removed to Lockport, Niagara
County, N. Y., where the lad grew to manhood
upon his father's farm, upon which lie resided after
his marriage, and upon which his death took place
June 30, 1851. His union with the lady who is
now the wife of our subject, resulted in the birth
of one son, James L., born March 29, 1850, who is
now in business at Menominee, Mich.
The father of Mrs. Anson was Ephraim Lincoln,
who was born in Berkshire County, Mass., May 19,
1786. His father, Otis Lincoln, removed to Ontario County, N. Y., about the year 1805, and was
one of the early settlers of Gorham,where he bought
a tract of timber land, built a log house, and cleared
a fine farm which is now owned by his descendants.
The elder Lincoln resided there many years, thence
removed to Lockport where he also bought land,
and where he (lied. Ephraim Lincoln was about
nineteen years old when his parents removed to the
Empire State and there he married, after which im

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


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portant event in life he bought a farm in the town
of Canandaigua, on which his sbn, Ansen S. Lincoln, did the first plowing ever done in that township with an iron mould-board plow. Improving
and cultivating the farm, he remained upon it until
1846, at which time he changed his location to
Lockport, where his death occurred September 1,
1850. His wife, formerly Miss Sallie Stiles, was
born in Hartford, Conn., September 6, 1787, and
died three days before her husband. Her father,
Samuel Stiles, was one of the first settlers of Ontario
County, N. Y., locating at the west side of Lake
Canandaigua, and taking a tract of timber land
there, from which he cleared and developed a large
farm. Sarah Rose, the wife of Samuel Stiles, was
a native of New England, and having lived before
the days of modern conveniences in the making of
cloth and clothing, she spun and wove the materials
which were worn by members of her household,
teaching her children the same useful accomplishnments.
Mr. Anson has been a member of the Christian
Church many years, and his estimable wife belongs
to the Methodist Episcopal denomination. Their
upright characters and lives, their readiness to assist those in need, and their intelligent and cultured
minds, give them high standing in the community,
and an influence that is felt far beyond their own
hearthstone. While living on his farm in this
county, Mr. Anson served two years as Deputy
Sheriff.




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witnessed with warm  interest its transformation
from a wild and desolate region to the abode of a
prosperous and civilized people.
The subject of this notice is the offspring of an
excellent family, being the son of Benjamin and
Charity (Bull) Taylor, who were natives respectively of New Jersey and New York. Benjamin
Taylor came to Michigan in 1837, and settled in
Grass Lake Township, where he followed blacksmithing and farming.  He succeeded in making a
comfortable living for his family, and died in 1859,
at the age of seventy-six years. His wife, Charity,
was born in Orange County, N. Y., and surviving
her husband a number of years, died at the homestead in Grass Lake Township, at the advanced age
of ninety-eight years. The parental household included nine children, viz.: Jonathan, Anna, Will.
iam B., Isaac, Ebenezer, Susan, Aaron, Joshua and
Mahala.
Mr. Taylor was reared on the farm in Tompkins
County, N. Y., and learned blacksmithing, but not
being particularly inclined to this calling finally
abandoned it. When leaving his native place lie
lived in Ontario County for a time, and in 1834
came to Michigan and purchased a tract of Government land, on sections 17 and 18, Grass Lake
Township. He put up a house on section 18, and
subsequently another on section 17, which ie occupies at the present time. He added to his first
purchase and is now the owner of two hundred
acres, whereon he has effected all modern improvements required for the successful prosecution of
farming and the comfort of himself and family.
Mr. Taylor cast his first Presidential vote for
Andrew Jackson, and since that time has affiliated
with the Democratic party. On the 14th of June,
1832, he was wedded to Miss Mary Ladu, in Canandaigua, N. Y.  Mrs. Taylor was born in Livingston County, N. Y., February 1, 1817, and is
the daughter of Ezekiel and Sarah (Bunker) Ladu,
who were also natives of the Empire State.  Mr.
Ladu served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and
subsequently drew a pension from the Government
until his death.  In the meantime, in 1837, he
came to Michigan, and located in this 'county, on
what is now known as the Noon Farm, near Michigan Center. He took it as a tract of Government


W    I- LLIAM B. TAYLOR.      The name witl
which we introduce this biographical outline represents one of the most substantial
families of Grass Lake Township, which has long
been known as included in its best elements. He
owns and occupies a good homestead, whose wellcultivated fields yield a handsome income, and
whose buildings and appurtenances indicate, in a
marked manner the intelligence and enterprise of
the proprietor. Mr. Taylor was born in New York
City, July 24, 1807, and is thus a veteran of
nearly eighty-three years.  He trod the soil of
Michigan while it was still a territory, and has








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land, but later removed to Northern Michigan, locating near Williamstown, with his wife and died at
an advanced age.   Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are the
parents of nine children, two of whom. Sarah and
Milton arc deceased. The survivors are: Marcus
I., Jerusha, Clarissa, Milburn, Malvina, Ierl)ert
ant Ilmogei;e.
}')   _  f  ig —L].,>__ __ ___(,   fl'..


/i'EORGE 1     INSIMORE    BROWN. Of this
'    _. o'entleman it may be truly said tllat "though
li he rests from his labors, yet his works do
follow himt.."  Few of the pioneer settlers of Jackson enjoyed a more extended acquaintance than lie.
and none were more highly esteemed(. His death
occurred April 19, 1889, when he had not yet
reacled the age of sixty-three years, having been
born October 12, 1826. I)uring his active lifetime
lie was the proprietor of a book store, which lie
establisled in Jackson, and which is one of the
largest andl best known in Michigan. The business
there was conducted according to the most honorable metho(ls anCd gave its originator abundant
means witli wlich to provide tlhe comforts and
even the luxuries of life for his loved ones, as well
as dispense his generosity to deserving objects.
In 'ompkins County, N. Y., our subject wis
born to Eben and Elizabeth (Goodwin) Brown.
The mothier died when her son was only six
years' old, and after that sad event the orphaned
lad made his home witl an older sister, who was
the wife of the late Dr. Samuel Gilmore of Auburn,
N. Y. There lie attended the public schools, contituinug his studies in the academy, and after completing his course of instruction become clerk in a
book store. lIe continued his services in that
establishment for a time, and then determined to
come West and join his father and three brothers,
who had previously settled in Jackson County,
Mich., and were located on a farm near Parma.
This was in 1850 and the former employer of
Mr. Brown insisted upon the latter bringing a portion of the stock of books and disposing of them in
his new location. This he did to advantage, and
afterward returned to the Empire Stite, where lie


bought a large stock of books, and with this started
in business on his own account in Jackson. For
several years he was in partnership with Dwight
Merrirnan, devoting a large portion of his time to
traveling in the interests of the business. Iis route
included all l)oints along the Michigan Central and
Lake Shore lines as far as South Bend, Ind. In
1857 lie persuaded a friend, John B. Carter, to remove here from New York, and they formed a
partnership which lasted for eighteen years, i;aving
been associated in business much of the time since
their first connection.
In the companionship of his wife, with whom he
was united in marriage April 8, 1858, Mr. Brown
found rest from the cares of business. She was in
youth Miss Celeste Scollard, of Fayetteville, N. Y.,
and the daughter of the late William I. and Hannah
(Sennett) Scollard. The former was a native of
New York City, and the mother of Whitesboro,
near Utica, N.. Six children came to complete
the family circle of our subject and his wife; two
died in infancy, while the remaining four, grown
to manhood and womanhood, are weil known and
highly respected. They are: Florence,wife of Charles
E. Foote, of Jackson; Georgia. Hattie, and Irving
Gilmore, at home. The children assist their mother
in carrying on the business. The family residence
is a commodious one, beautifully located, and handsomely furnished.  It stands in an enclosure of
ample grounds, adorned witlh native and ornamental trees, and is located at No. 323 West Main
Street.
Politically, on national issues, Mr. Brownl was a
Republican. Regarding his deatl the following is
gleaned from the WTeekly Star (Jackson):  "It was
occasione(l by organic disease of the heart, and
during tlhe last weeks of his life lie suffered mucl
pain, wlhich le bore with patience and resignation,
andl with a steadfast belief of entering upon a blissful rest in the world beyond. Being impressed
with the hope of a glorious future, lie felt a deep
anxiety lest his friends might not accept the divine
promises; esplecially did he manifest deep concern
for the young and earnestly urged them to resist
temptation. For many years he had been an attendant at St. Paul's Episcopal Church and had he
lived would have received the rites of confirmation








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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


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on the next visit of the Bishop, May 21. On the
occasion of his fuimeral thelRev.l'R. B. Balcom of
St. Paul'siChurch, read the beautiful service of the
Episcopal Church, and"thlcRev. l). M. Fisk of the
Congregational Church delivered a prayer that
bl)eathed words of tenderness for the dead man and
warmly eulogized him for his generous benefactions
to the Sunday^Schools of this city, to which he
had 'given many books,Tand in other ways aided
them. Few men numbered more friends than did
Mr. Brown and few merited fuller 'confidence or
mnore sincere friendship. His temperament was
even, his disposition sunny, his character true and
honorable, and his friendships faithful. Even illness which had dated from September, 1887, could
not extinguish the humor that bubbled within his
heart, for on the miorning preceding his death he
indulged in jokes with his children. Although his
friends were in a measure prepared for the inevitable, hlis death seemed sudden, as but a short time
before he had been out riding and felt that he would
live at least until the arrival of warm weather.
His widow and children have the sympathy of a
large circle of friends in the bereavement which to
them is irreparable and which is felt throughout
the entire community."
A lithographic portrait of Mr. Brown is presented
in connection with this biographical sketch.
ACOB WESH is the owner and occupant
of a well-improved farm on section 27, Columbia Township. The one hundred and
twenty broad and fertile acres which comprise it were purchased by him in 1857, since
which time he has been successfully pursuing his
occupation of general farming thereon. He came
here from Manchester, Washtenaw County, where
he had lived some four years after the arrival of
himself, father and one brother from Germany.
His father, George Wesh, was the only son of
wealthy parents, and of an old and well-known
family of Ifesse-Darmstadt, Germany.  He was
well reared and well educated, marrying Miss Wil

helmine Stokhart. who was also a native of HesseDarmstadt and of his own standing in society.
After his marriage George Wesh took possession
of his father's large flouring-mills and was for some
time engaged in running them. A fine fortune had
been left him on the death of his parents, but he
unfortunately lost it dealing in fast horses and in
other speculations, and he determined to come to
the United States. His wife had died some seven
years before he decided to leave his native land,
leaving four sons and three daughters. She was
then in the prime of life. She was not only a very
intelligent woman, but possessed great goodness of
heart, being a kind and loving mother and a noble
helpmate to her unfortunate husband.
Accompanied by two of his sons, Jacob and
Henry, George Wesh crossed the Atlantic early in
the '50s, at once locating at Manchester, Mich.
Four years later, as before noted, the subject of
this sketch purchased the farm which he now occupies and his father lived here with him until the
fall of 1883, when lie breathed his last, at the age
of eighty-four years. He had been a stout, active
man with good busir.ess qualities, but unfortunate.
Jacob Wesh, who was born in Hesse-larmstadt,
Germany, March 25, 1839, was well educated in
his native tongue and the recipient of excellent
social advantages during his boyhood. After he
became a resident of this county he devoted himself to thoroughly mastering the details of agricultural work, and is to-day one of the leading
representatives of the intelligent, reliable German
citizen and farmer. His home is one of comfort
and good cheer, presided over by a lady of great
intelligence and of housewifely ability, and the
children who have come to gladden the home receive the best advantages in the way of education
and home training, that the love and means of
their parents can compass.
At the home of the bride near Adrian, Mich.,
Mr. Wesh was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Muck, who was born near Buffalo, N. Y., May
3, 1846. Her parents, Phillip and Elizabeth (Feltner) Muck, were born in Alsace, then a department of France. but now a part of the German
Empire, and after their marriage found a home in
America. They located in New York, where Mrs.




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


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Muck died, in middle age. Her husband afterward
came to Michigan and spent the remainder of his life
on a farm, two miles from Adrian, breathing his
last when past his three-score years and ten. Their
daughter, now Mrs. Wesh is one of quite a large
family.  She was quite young when her fatlier
came to this State, and she received an excellent
education in the English and German schools of
Adrian. She is the mother of eight children, as
follows: Herman, at home; Edward P., who married Gertrude Turk, and lives at Jackson; and
Laura, Ella, Frank, Ada, Henry and Gale, who are
yet at home. Mr. and lMrs. Wesh are members of
the Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Wesh is a
sound Democrat. Mr. Wesl enlisted, August 10,
1862, in the Seventeenth MIichigan Infantry, Company E, and served until June 1865, and was taken
prisoner at the siege of Knoxville, Tenn., and was
held prisoner st Belle Island and Andersonville for
fifteen months. Being released, he came home on
sixty days furlough, when he returned, and soon
after received his discharge.
1. IRAMI CREGO. One of the most beautiful
))), homes in Columbia Township, is that owned
l /~  alnd occupied by Hiiram Crego, who, poscss.
i) ing all the traits of character which have
made his family so successful and highly respected,
has accumulated   a desirable amount of this
world's goods, and is enabled to spend his yeas
without undue anxiety regarding the support of
himself and family. His dwelling is a beautiful
brick structure, substantially built and of modern
design, surrounded by comfortable farm buildings,
the whole standing upon a thoroughly cultivated
tract of two hundred and forty acres on section 11.
The homestead was taken )by his fathler in 1835,
he being succeeded in its ownership by his son, R.
J. and he in turn by his brother Hiram, who became the owner of the place in June 1878.
Before outlining the life of him  whose name
introduces this biographical notice, it will not be
amiss to devote some space to the history of the
parents. His father, Richard Crego, was born in


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Herkimer County, N. Y., the son of John Crego,
of the same State, who was probably of American
parentage and of Irish descent. John Crego was
a farmer and he and his wife died at an advanced age
in Erie County. Their son Richard, who was one of
a family of four sons and two daughters, five of
whom became residents of Michigan and two are
yet living, grew to maturity in his native county,
adopting the occupation of a farmer. On June 16,
1813, lie was united in marriage with Miss Martha
Gallup, who was born in Otsego County, her parents being natives of Massachusetts. They began
their wedded life in Erie County, where eight sons
and a daughter were born to them. Mr. Crego became a sildier in the War of 1812, fighting against
the British at Queenstown and other places and escaping unhurt.
In the winter of 1831 Richard Crego, with two
sons,-Faron S. and R. J.-set out with ox teams
and sleds from his Eastern home, coming all the
way to Jackson County, Mich. overland, traveling
through Canada and arriving here in the latter part
of the  winter. The  following  spring  he  secured the quarter section of Government land which
is now the home of our subject, and upon it, he
and his sons built a log cabin to shelter the family
upon their arrival. In June, 1835, tie father returned alone to the Empire State, and the next
month accompanied by his wife and the seven
children who were with her, made a second journey
to Michigan, on this occasion taking boat from
Buffalo to Detroit, and thence overland, bringing
teams with themn. I)uring his absence tile two
boys whom he had left at the new home, had been
carrying on the work of improvmnent as best they
could, and as time passed on the different members
of tlme family assisted in the development and improvement of the property, to which an additional
eighty acres on section 10, was soon added, and a
still later purchase made of two hundred and forty
acres in Liberty Township. It was not long ere
the family had a good home and were in possession
of many of the comforts which were denied them
on their arrival.
The father retained possession of the homestead
luring his life, the other land finally coming into
possession of his older sons. The mother died in






678


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


September, 1857, when more than sixty-two years
old, having been born January 24, 1795. She was
a member of the Baptist Church several years before her departure from New York State. The
death of Mr. Crego took place in June, 1865, and
he would have been seventy-eight years old had he
lived until the next Christmas. lie possessed a
public spirited and generous nature, social qualities,
a4nd an upright character, so that he became wellknown and much liked by those whom he met. In
his early life he was a Whig, becoming a Republican on the formation of the latter party. Of the
cildren wlo had been given to Mr. and Mrs. Crego,
one (lied at the age of twenty- two years, unmarried;
the others took to themselves companions in life,
and four are yet living. These are: William S.
now one of the successful and well-to-do farmers
in Liberty Township; he has been twice married,
both wives having been removed him   by death.
Henry, a farmer of Liberty Township, and a wellknown citizen of the county, married Lydia Russell,
who is now deceased. Our subject is the next in
years. C. M. married Jane Connor of Steuben
County, N. Y., who was removed from him by
death and he subsequently married Miss Julia
Wyman; their home is on section 14, Columbia
Township.
Hiram Crego, the subject of this biography, was
born in Clarence Township, Erie County, N. Y.,
February 24, 1829. He was but a few years old
when the family made their settlement in this
county, where he was well reared, assisting in the labors incidental to the improvement of the home acres
as his strength would permit until he began life
for himself. He was married in his home township
to Aliss Ann M. Russell, who was born in New York
October 29. 1833, to John and Esther E. (Coleman) Russell, natives of Massachusetts. While
yet young people, Mr. and Mrs. Russell had become
residents of Niagara County, N. Y. where they
were married, beginning their wedded life on a
farm in Somerset Township. After the birth of
their children-Lydia E., Aaron C., and Ann M.,
they set out for Michigan, coming overland with ox
teams and wagons, making their arrival in 1835.
The father secured from the Government land on
section 32, of the present township of Columbia, this


being their home until it was purchased by our subject, Mr. and Mrs. Russell afterwards living with
their friends and chiidren. Mr. Russell died at
the home of Henry Crego, in Liberty Township
September 21, 1876, at the advanced age of eightyfour years. He was a life long Democrat, was wellknown throughout the township and regarded as a
worthy frontiersman; he was a soldier during the
War of 1812. Mrs. Russell (lied at the home of
her daughter, Mrs. Ann M. Crego, July 9, 1887, at
the age of eighty-four years, one month and one
(lay.
Mrs. Crego was reared to habits of industry and
usefulness and with a proper conception of the
principles which govern an upright life.  Since
her marriage she has been a true helpmate to her
good husband, and a devoted mother to the children whom she has borne. Mr. and Mrs. Crego
have been bereaved of two daugnters-Ida A. and
Adelta A., who died young. Their living children
are; Homer II., who occupies his father's farm on
section 32, Columbia Township, having married
Miss Nellie J. Cary; Hattie B. and Willis J., who
are yet at home.
Mr. Crego is a thorough-going Republican; lie
was one of the little party which congregated under
an old oak tree in Jackson to organize that party
in this county. His many excellent traits of character are duly appreciated by those with whom he
comes in contact and his reputation is an enviable
one.
OSEPH HANAW. Among those who, commencing at the foot of the ladder in life,
have climbed up to a position of ease and
affluence, may be mentioned Mr. Hanaw, one
of the capitalists of Jackson and a mnan who has
long been prominently identified with its leading
interests. A native of Rhenish Prussia, he was
born June 7, 1827, at Saarlories, near the French
line, and is the son of Cerf Hanaw, a native of
France, who dealt largely in live stock.  The
mother of our subject bore the maiden name of
Brinnet Weil, a daughter of the Rev. Ilenry Well,
a minister of the Hebrew Church, who spent his




PORTRAIT AND BIO()GIcAPIlCAL ALBUM.


679


last years in Germany. The paternal grandfather
was Henry Hanaw, a physician of good repute and
a resident of France.
When a boy of eight years, Joseph HIanaw was
placed in a school and l)lprsued his studies until
thirteen years old. Ile was then apprenticed to
a merchant and at the expiration of three year1 he
secured a position as clerk, and was thus occupied
with the same firm two years. At the age of nineteen he decided to seek his fortunes on the Western Hemisphere. He embarked at the port of
Iavre, France, on a sailing-vessel, and after a voyage of forty-six days landed in New York City.
In the meantime small-pox broke out upon the
vessel and carried off nineteen victims, who were
consigned to a watery grave.
From the great metropolis young IHanaw turned
Ills steps Westward, coming directly to Jackson,
this State, where he took up his residence in October, 1847. Of this city he has since been a resident, practically growing with its growth and
keeping pace with its prosperity.
Mr. Hanaw landed in tllis country with little or
no means, but with a disposition to employ himself
at whatever lonlest labor he could find to do. For
the first year he occulpied himself as a peddler, going with a pack on his back from village to village
on foot. Later, lie purchased a horse and wagon,
and thus operated for five years. In the meantime,
with genuine (German thrift and prudence, he had
accumulated a little capital, and now established
himself as a merchant at Jackson, with a stock of
dry-goods, clothing, hats, caps and general merchandise. By fair dealing and courteous treatment of his customers he built up a lucrat:ve
trade, which lie conducted successfully until 1866.
Then, selling out, he retired upon a competence,
and has since occupied himself as a money loaner
and dealer in real estate. I-e has become the owner
of valuable property and is ranked among the
representative citizens of a town which has been
almost phenomenal in its growth, and which has
been built up by just such men as himself.
The subject of this notice, in 1855, contracted
matrimonial and domestic ties, being married to
Miss Sarah Isaac, who was born in Germany, and
who at the time of her marriage was a resident of


Williamlsburg, N. Y. The year previous to this
Mr. Hanaw had put up a small house on the corner
of Francis and Franklin Streets, intending it for a
tenement. The following year, however, lie moved
into it with his newly-wedded wife, and by subsequent additions and remodeling transformed it
into a very comfortable residence, in which he still
lives.
There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hanaw
twelve children, six sons and six daughters, five of
whom are mrried      d and residents of the South.
IHenry is a p)rominent attorney and a member of
tlhe firm of Pillens, Torey & Hanaw, of Mobile,
Ala.; Ida is the wife of Adolph Brown, a banker,
of Livingstone, Ala.; Carrie married Samuel Eichold, President of the Mobile Drug Company, in
Alabama; Flora is the wife of Abe E. Smith, of
tlhe wholesale tobacco firm of Smith Bros., Savannah, Ga.; Amelie is the widow of Samuel Ekstein,
late of Lansing, this State; Mr. Ekstein was a traveling salesman in the employ of Kroliek & Co., of
D)etroit. Betty and Minnie S. are at home with
their parents; Frederick, now deceased, was a traveling salesman in the South; Julius L. is the assistant of his fatLer in the office and superintends the
operations of the farm  two and one-half miles
north of Jackson; Louis B. is a merchant in Meridian, Miss.; Albert follows the profession of an
architectural draftsman in Jackson; Milton is pursuing his studies in school.
In addition to his moneyed and real-estate interests, Mr. Ianaw for the last twenty years has
held the office of Notary Public. He buys and
sells foreign exchange, and is, in partnership with
his son, Julius, the agent of the principal steamship lines. He is largely interested in farm lands,
in which he has been dealing for the past eight
years. Some years since lie invested a portion of
his capital-in a tract of land two and one-half
miles north of Jackson, where he now has one of
the finest st)ck farms in the county. In tile city
I.e owns a block of buildings on Cortland Street,
two blocks on Main Street, and is likewise proprietor of the IHanaw Block on the same street,
and on the second floor of which he has his office.
As a fine representative of the self-made man,
Mr. Hanaw stands prominently among the leading


c






680


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


=




citizens of this county. The habits of industry
and economy which were forced upon him in the
beginning have done him good service all through
his career. He is naturally self-reliant and enterprising, and even had he been wealthy at the start
would still have pressed onward, bent upon new
achievements. Financially, he is independent, and
socially, stands second to none among his fellowcitizens. Politically, he is a stanch Democrat.
\ W.ALTER FISH, who was born in Herkimer
County, N. Y., to Mr. and Mrs. Walter
Fish, acquired a good education in the
common branches of study, and learned the trade
of a tanner and shoemaker. He carried on his trade
in Sugar Grove, Warren County, Pa.. until 1837,
when he came to Michigan, and located in Jackson,
which was then but a hamlet. I-e opened a shop,
and carried on the shoe business a number of years,
subsequently becoming a contractor at the State
Prison during a period of about twenty years, and
continuing to reside here until his death, June 13,
1874. He was a great reader and a deep thinker;
in his religious belief he was a follower of Swedenborg. Upright and honorable in his dealings with
his fellow-men, kind and considerate in his domestic relations, and possessing pleasant manners, Mr.
Fish made many friends, and gained the respect of
all with whom he camne in contact.
The lady who on June 27, 1837, became the wife
of the gentleman above-named, bore the maiden
name of Agnes H. Brown. She was born in Sugar
Grove Village, Warren County, Pa., July 25, 1817,
and is one of three sons and four daughters born to
her parents. In her native village she received a
careful home training, and a fundamental education. which was supplemented by attendance at a
select school in Mercer County. She resided with
her parents until her marriage, soon after which
her husband came to Michigan.
In 1839 Mrs. Fish joined her husband here,traveling in a carriage to Dunkirk, thence on the lake to
Detroit, and by rail to a point five miles west of
that city, which was as far as the railroad was then




completed. The journey from that point was performed by stage to the little village in which her
husband had instituted his business, and in the
vicinity of which game of various kinds was abundant. Mrs. Fish has lived to see Jackson change
fiom a mere hamlet, to a beautiful and prosperous
city containing upwards of thirty thousand inhabitants. She bore her husband three children, of
whom but one now survives: this is Ellen P., a
teacher in Muskegon, Mich. The deceased are:
Elizabeth N., who died when twenty-three years of
age, and Mary K., who died at the age of ten years.
Mrs. Fish is of Scotch ancestry, although her
father, the Hon. David Brown, was born in Ireland,
whence with three brothers and a sister, he emigrated to America. His brother William located
in New Orleans, while John, James, and Catherine
lived in Pennsylvania; all are now deceased. The
father of Mrs. Fish located in Venango County,
Pa., after a time removing to Warren County, of
which lie was one of the first settlers, and where he
built the first frame house erected within its bounds,
the lumber for it being sawed with a whip saw.
Such was the esteem in which he was held by his
fellow-citizens, that he was kept in office the most
of the time, and served them as Justice of the Peace,
Mayor, and as a member of the Legislative body.
He was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian
Church, in which he was always a firm believer.
IIis wife bore the maiden name of Jeanette Broadfoot, was born in Scotland, and came to America
with her parents. Mr. Brown died about the year
1825, his wife surviving until 1840, when she too
breathed her last.
V~   REDERIC FRUSHARD, a general commisIi    sion merchant of Jackson, dealing in corn,
)~  ~ oats, straw, hay, eggs, and other country
produce, has already built up a good trade, although
he has not been established in business here a year,
and he has a fair outlook for the future. He is a
native of England, his birth taking place in Newcastle, July 14, 1847. He is, however, partly of
French origin, his father, Philip Frushard, having
been born in France. In early life he was a sailor,


I




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


681




=

-- - 'I ---, ---:1 _   - -- - _ __   - _ ---  -,  L_:  -- ---- -  ----- — __:___ _


but he finally abandoned a seafaring life, and located in Newcastle, Ergland, whete he learned thle
trade of maclinist. -Ie plied tlhat calling there,
and there met:and married Jane Scott, a native of
that town, who was a descendant of English ancestry. In 1852 he sailed witll his wife and two children to this country, and after landing on these
shores, he made his way to Patterson, N. J., and
was there employed until 1858.  In that year he
came to Michigan, and locating with his family in
Marshall, was there engaged as a mechanic in the
Michigan Central Railroad shops for a few years.
One fatal day he left his home and started with a
boat for Grand Haven, and met his death by accident while on the way. He was an honest, intelligent, industrious man, of good habits, and he was
considered by his employers a capable machinist.
His wife departed this life in Marshall, in 1859.
They reared two children to maturity, our subject,
and Philip, the latter also a resident of Jackson.
Frederic Frushard was lnut five years old when
lie accompanieid his parents to America, yet he lhas
quite a distinct recollection of the voyage of thirty 
days in a sailing-vessel. I e attended school in
Patterson, N. J., during thle residence of the family
in that city, and his education was subsequently
finished in the Marshall sclools in this State. After his father's untimely death, lie was bound out
to a farmer in Calhoun, and lived witlh him  until
lie was eilgteen.  After that lie was employed by
the month by various farmers until lie became fireman on the Michigan Central Railroad in 1872.
lIe acted in that capacity three and a half years,
or until his promotion to be an engineer. lHe
remained in the employ of that company as engineer, with the exception of one year, until July,
1889. Tiring of the hard life of an engineer, he
then lesigned his situation in order to establish himself in the general commission business as at present.
In the month of September, 1872, Mr\ Frushard
was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Meadimher, a native of Canada, of English parentage. She
has been to him a good wife, and is devoted to her
family. Two sons have blessed tleir union, Edward and William Howard.
Though of foreign birth, our subject, reareaed and


educated in this country, is a worthy and patriotic
citizen. l-e is respected and well-liked by all who
have dealings with him, and his character for honesty, straightforwardness, and fairness, is high.
Though ie has abandoned his calling as an engineer, he has not severed his connection with his
former associates and friends, but is still a member
in good standing of Division No. 2, of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers; and he also belongs to Twilight Lodge, No. 5, A. O. U. W. Politically, lie is a stanch Republican.
ORACE FIELD, a prominent calpitalist of
Jackson, standing in the front ranks of the
leading men of wealth and enterprise who
have had the making of this metropolis, has
been dealing extensively in real estate for some
years, and has thus promoted the growth of city
and county.  Ile is a descendant of a good old
IMassachusetts family, his fathler, Thomas Field having been born in that State and there reared. He
went to Genesee County, N. Y., in an early day of
its settlement, and locating among the pioneers of
Le Roy, cairied( on his trade there several years.
In 1833 he broke up his home in that county and
once more became a pioneer, selecting the Territory of Michigan as a suitable location. He came
with his family by team to Buffalo, where he embarked on the steamer "'William Penn" for Detroit,
and at the latter city he hired a team to take his
family to the wilds of Jackson County. There were
no roads at all, and the journey over an Indian
trail was a slow one. They found Jackson to be a
city only in name, with but few log houses and
two or three frame buildings. The Government
owned the surrounding country, and Mr. Field entered a tract of land in Summit Township, two
miles from Jackson, paying $1.25 per acre for it.
His first work was to erect a log house, and then he
set about the pioneer task of clearing a farm from
the forest. There were no railways here for some
years after his arrival, and Ann Arbor was the
nearest milling point, Detroit being the nearest
depot for supplies. The early settlers were much




682


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.,,..-  -   -- -   —.-.-.-.

troubled by the wild animals of thle primeval forests, deer, bears and wolves roaming near the settlements, and occasionally approaching the habitations
of the pioneers, and the wolves would sometimes
follow the people. Mr. Field while developing his
farm also devoted much of his time to carpentering
for some years, finding plenty of work in that line
to do for his neighbors, and he also erected a substantial set of frame buildings on his own farm.
He did his share in advancing the growth of the
county, and lived to see valuable farms, busy villages, thrifty towns, and populous cities where he
had found a howling wilderness and dismal swamps,
and uninhabited prairies. In his death in 1872, at
the advanced age of ninety years, his community
lost a venerated and honored citizen, whose name
will ever be held in remembrance as that of one of
lhe early pioneers of the county. The maiden name
of the mother of our subject was Charity McCain,
and she was born in New York State, a datughter of
Abel and Mercy McCain. She lived a long and
useful life of seventy-nine years, dying in tle home
of our subject in 1877. She was the mother of
thirteen children, twelve of whom were reared to
maturity.
The life record of Horace Field was opened
April 1, 1829, in the town of LeRoy, Genesee
County, N.. YWhen he was in his fourth year his
parents brought him from the home of his birth to
the new dwelling place that they established in the
wilds of this county. lIe still remembers the incidents of the pioneer life in which he was reared,
and can recollect the rude log schoolhouse, v ith
its primitive home-made furniture, in which lie
gleaned his education. Like all farmer boys, he
was early initiated in tie work of the farm, and
after his marriage his father's homestead was managed by him very successfully for some time. lie
finally abandoned agriculture pursuits, and coming
to Jackson, has resided here ever since, and has
been actively engaged in the real-estate business, a
large amount of realty passing through his hands
every year. Gifted with practical tenacity of purpose, possessing a clear and vigorous mind, his
judgment in regard to business matters is keen andl
far-seeing, and he has become wealthy in the prosecuti n of his business, and at the same time has en

colnraged the development of the city in various
directions. When Mr. Field first came to Jackson
he bought a lot on South Milwaukee Street, and resided in the house thereon two years, and then disposed of it at a good advance. Since then he has
erected five other dwellings, four of which lie still
owns, including his present commodious residence
on the corner of Blackstone and Wfshiington Streets,
and at the present time lie is putting up a substantial, conveniently arranged business building on
West Main Street.
Mr. Field has been twice married. Ie was first
wedded in 1850 to Miss Martha L. Barnes, a native
of New York State. To them were born two children, Nina M. and Willie A., both of whom are
dead. After a pleasant married life of twenty-five
years Mrs. Field departed this life in March, 1875.
Mr. Field's marriage to his present wife was solemnized in August, 1877, and she has devoted herself to making his home cozy and attractive, and is
to him all that a true wife can be. Ier maiden
name was Louise L. Chamberlain. She was born in
the town of Rose, Wayne County, N. Y., and is a
daughter of Philetus and Julia L. (Barnes) Chainberlin, natives respectively, of MIonroe and Cayuga
Counties, N. Y.
TEPIIEN H. AVERY, Clerk of the Michlig(an State Prison and private secretary to
the Warden, became connected with tllis
institution in May, 1889. Mr. Avery has
charge of the prison records from which we glean
the following figures in regard to number of those
held in durance vile. There were: January 31,
1886, 783 convicts; January 31, 1887, 809; January
31, 1888, 772; January 31, 1889, 744; January 19,
1890, 721.
In January, 1886, Warden Hatch introduced his
method of reforming instead of punishing criminals, teaching them they must obey or be punished
and the number has decreased since that time. IHe
finds an efficient assistant in his plans and purposes
in Mr. Avery. It is an acknowledged fact that
every individual is not adapted to every calling,






r , 1 -








1 —f
"I
I,,,




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHI-TAL ALBUM.


685


--- ----------- ---- - -- --


I


I


some beinog successful in one channel and others
in another. Mr. Avery seems to have found his
plroper place, whichl hleiislfilling inl al)raiseworthy
man ner.
The subject of tills sketch was )orn ill ()ltown,
Mte., IMay 17, 1814, and came to Michigan when a
boy of thirteen years. Ite compllete(l a lpractical
educatioln at Port Huron, where lie spent his early
youth a(n1 (leveloped into manhood. HIe assumed
domestic ties February 17, 1868, being weddled to
Miss Emmna'E. Iotter. The househol(l of Mr. Avery
now ilclulldes five interestilgicliildlren -11oward,
Nettie, (Crace, George al!(i Marian.7 'Ile assisted in
defense of the Union (lllling1 tile Civil War, serving
three years andll(-two imonths and escapling without
injury, otler than the usulal hardshlips and privial
tiols of life in the a'rmy. He is a lKight Templiar.
IRANCIS I)ACK.        On the oplposite page is
prese 1ted a lithographic )ortrtait of this
}! '-  gelentlemlan, who is engaged in geeneral farminu on section 9, Tompkins Township.    He has a
fine estate comprising three hlundred and seventy
acres, uponl which lie las built four large b)arns,
co(rn crib)s,  ranaries, besides a colln(odious and
com fortable f rame residence,with pleasan t surrollndings and of tasteful dlesignl, wlierein hlis family is
cozily domiciled. All necessary land convenient
outbuil(lings may be fountd on the farm, which is
enclosed, having about three hundreld acres un(ler
clltivation. Mr. I)ack keeps good gradles of lhorses
and cattle; he lhas one fine horse, "'Tolmpkins Charlie," a black Morgan, tllat has made quite a record
for spee(, and at tlie same time lihas prove( a profitable investiment for tle owner.
T'le father of him of whoml we write vas Jamnes
I)ack, a native of Norfolk, England, where lie was
united in marriage with MIary WWard, of the same
place. Five children had been born to this wortlly
couple, when, about 1837, tle father sold most of
tlheir possessions in order to secure money witll
which to pay his passag    te t tle  ited States. -He
located at Rochester, N. Y., working in a: brewery
about two years, durig whllich tinle lie saved suf

I
I


ficient means to enable him to send for his family.
They lived in Rochester about one year, and then
removed to a farm. where they worked by the day,
and where tlle mother (lied about 1854. Thle father
sublse(quently marriedl a gain, having one cliild by his
secon(d marriage. HIe died in January, 1877, upon
tlhe farm in New York. The children born to tthe
mo)ter of olr sul)ject were: Anna; James, wh}o died
in New York; Jolhn, wlo died ill England; Francis; William, wlho died in MIcicligan; Jolln. who
die(d during  tile late War; James, now living in
Pleasantville; Mary and (G'ilbert, both deceased.
When sixteen years old Francis 1)ack gave his
fatlier it50 for his liberty, and began vworking for
himself. Thle first season lie worked seven months
at 86 per montlh, and tlle next year received $70
for eighllt m     oronlls'  or on:1 farnm. In tis way lie
ma(le and saved enoughl to come to Miclhigan in
1860, an(l' )buy sixty acres of land on section 8,
'om t)kins Tow'nslhip), this county. Returning to
New York lie remained two years, and3 then coming
again to tllis county, Ibouitilt ei(ghty-six alnd twotlhirdl.s acres on section 9.(,f the same townslip,wlhere
lie now lives. lie w:s slubsequently able to purcliase
forty tliree n(l 'nd  lialf,:and later one lhundred and
twenty acrels, makilng up hlis plresent landed estate,
adl(l by close al)plication aind wise ecoom  l as
lheeln abile to tllorotugh-ly ilmprove the same.
At the liome of die bride, in tllis county, our
sul)ject Vas Iunited in 1marial,  e withl Miss Ann,
(dauligter of Thomas and I-annalh (Gar(dner) Hopcraft. T'lie estimable brilde was born in Oxfordshire, Engl nd. and c(ame to the IUnited States
witl liier parents about 1856. They located in New
York, tand a feat' later remioved to this county,
wlIere tlie father died,July 1 9, 1870, the mother
surviving until October 6, 1889. Their family
comn lrised four children, of whomi Mrs. Dack is the
second. Slhe is tlie motdier of seven cliildren, named
respectively: Calrrie, Mafry, Williiam, Elizabeth,
Adeline, Evaline and Francis-all of whom are living.
Mri. Dackl is a miember of thle Patrons of Industry. Ile is serving as school director, and evinces
an intelligent and earnest interest in educational
affairs. H-e llas filled the office of Road Commissioner. Thle fine property which he owns, and the






686i


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


comforts which surround his family, are a creditable showing for one who began life in early youth
lpenniless and without influence, and indicate the
sturdy nature of the man to whose determination
and unflagging industry they are due. Mr. Dack
and his estimable wife receive their due measure of
respect from those to whom they are known, and
liave a choice circle of friends in the community.
<    WILLIAM McDONALD. The farming and
s\/// stock-raisin interests of Parma Township
are worthily represented by the subject of
this biographical outline, who like many of his
compeers began at the foot of the ladder in life,
and by unflagging industry has gained for himself a
competence and the wherewithal to defend himself
against want in his declining years. His farm
property occupies a portion of section 28, Parma
Township, and compares favorably with that of
the enterprising men around him.
A native of the north of Ireland, the subject of
this notice was born October 12, 1841, and is a son
of William and Ellen McDonald. the former of
whom was of Scotch descent. William remained
in his native country until a youth of fifteen years,
then crossing the Atlantic, located in the Dominion
of Canada, after a voyage of twenty-three days on
the sailing vessel, "Harvest Queen."  He embarked
at Belfast whence lie sailed to Liverpool and landed
in New York City, going thence direct to Canada.
He remained for about seven years a resident of
TIoldimond County, and for six years was in the employ of one man. a Mr. Douglas. Later he worked
for a Mr. Evans one year. He received the most of
his education in Canada, which was somewhat limited, hle attending school two terms during the
winter season.
Mr. McDonald came to Michigan in the fall of
1864, settling first in Sanilac County, and engaging
in the lumber business nearly a year. Then removing to this county he located in Sandstone
Township and worked on a farm eight years. His
next removal, in the spring of 1873, was to his
present farm. About that time he was married,


March 20, that year, to Miss Jane Pritchard. This
lady, like himself, was also born in the North of
Ireland, the date thereof being February 2, 1850.
Her parents were John and Mary A. (McCam)
Pritchard, likewise of Irish birth and ancestry.
When a maiden o' sixteen years, Mrs. McDonald
emigrated to America with a friend, and like her
husband located in Holdimond County, where she
lived a number of years. They are the parents
of four children: William, who died when five
years old; Robert, Frank and Annie who remain
with their parents.
The McDonald homestead comprises one hundred and twenty acres of good land, which has
been brought to a productive condition and which
yields abundantly, the rich crops of the Wolverine
State. In his labors and accumulations, Mr. McDonald has been materially assisted by his frugal and industrious wife, to whom he gives due credit. He
votes the straight Democratic ticket, and has served
as a member of the School Board in his district.
About 1870 he identified himself with the Masonic
fraternity at Parma, and officiates as Junior Deacon of his lodge. He has made for himself a good
record, has become thoroughly identified with the
institutions of his adopted country and is recognized as a valuable member of his community.
E,3RASTUS SPARKS was born in Homer,
Cortland County, N. Y., August 19, 1820.
His father, Erastus Sparks, Sr., was a lumberman who resided in the town named for some
years, and in 1850 removed to Ohio, going by Erie
Canal and lake to Conneaut, and thence by teams
to Trumbull County. He settled on a farm in
Greensburg, and died there in 1840. His wife, in
her girlhood Miss Philetha Higgins, was born in
the same town in which her husband first saw the
light.  Her parents were born in Connecticut,
whence they removed to Cortland County, N. Y.,
subsequently continuing their journey Westward.
At an early day in the history of Ohio, they settled
in Greensburg, Trumbull County, where the father
bought a tract of timber land. Their removal be





PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


687


ing made before there were either railroads or canals, they journeyed overland with teams. Mr. lioggins cleared a farm upon which he resided until his
death in January, 1843, his daughter, Mrs. Sparks,
dying the same month.
To Mr. and Mrs. Erastus Sparks, Sr., nine children were born, seven of whom were reared to
years of maturity: Amasa now lives in Greensburg,
Ohio; Fannie died in Portage County; Sylvester
lives in Norwalk; Erastus, Jr., in Michigan; Philotha and Celinda in Norwalk. Ohio; Amanda is now
deceased.
Erastus Sparks, Jr., was ten years old when his
parents removed to Ohio, where he was reared to
manhood. While yet a boy, he began to earn his
own living, and at the time of his marriage, in the
fall of 1843, he bought the home farm in Trumbull
County, upon which lie resided until 1856. He then
came to Michigan, and bought the Leoni flour-mill
in this county. HIe afterward sold it and bought the
mill at Michigan Center, which lie operated two and'
a half years, at the expiration of that time, returning to Leoni and leasing the Leoni mill, which he
has operated from that time to the present day.
The products of his mill are of an excellent grade,
lhis run of custom is good, and in his chosen occupation lie is winning a competence.
The marriage of Mr. Sparks and Miss Pluma A.
Moore was celebrated September 6, 1813. The
bride was born in Gustavus, Trumbull County,
Ohio, where her grandfatlher and father, both of
whom were named Uriel, were pioneers. The
grandfather was born in Connecticut, and was a
farmer by occupation; his last years were spent in
Gustavus. His son, Uriel, Jr., was also a native of
Connecticut, and was a young man when the removal to the Buckeye State took place. He married Miss Alpha Lane, also a native of Connecticut
and a daughter of John and Lydia Lane. Purchasing a tract of timber land in Gustavus, Mr.
Moore cleared a farm upon which he spent the later
years of his life. He had raised an orchard from
seeds which lie had taken from his old Connecticut
home.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Sparks of this notice: Philemon E., (whose sketch
appears elsewhere in this work); Almira, Elmer R.,


and Emma. Almira married Elon [Campbell, and
died at the age of thirty-two years,ibeingudrowned
while sea bathing in Florida; she left four children;
Emma was married when nineteen years old, to a
Mr. Rose, of Chicago, and died a few months later;
Elmer married Miss Tan Kellogg; he is-an engineer
on the Michigan Central Railroad, and resides at
Kalamazoo. Mr. andiMrs. Sparks are devoted men.
hers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which Mr.
Sparks joined in 1840. He was a Class-Leader upwards of forty years, and Superintendent of the
Sunday-school twenty-sevenlyears. TheirSChris
tian characters,:earnest endeavors to discharge their
duties in life in such a-manner as'to'merit the "well
done" of the Master, and their usefulness is recognized by all who know them, and gain the esteem
of many friends.
w'   ~' C. IRWIN, President of Brooklyn Village
/ and Supervisor of Columbia Township, is
"i '  an aspiring man and a successful farmer,
whose life has been almost wholly spent in this
county with whose interests he is thoroughly identified. HIe owns and operates a fine farm near the
village although he occupies a town residence. He
was born in Grant Township, McHenry County,
Ill., on the shores cf Irving Lake, I)ecember 4,
1847. He was left an orphan a an n early age, his
mother Lucy (Clark) Irwin having died in 1848,
when he was ten months old and his fatler Christopher Irwin, while on business in Wisconsin, in
1852, being accidentally drowned in the Grand
Rapids River. After the death of his father, our
subject lived with a Mr. Swan, now of Chicago,
Ill., until he was eight years old, at which time lie
became a member of the household of his uncle,
Alndrew G. Irwin, in Brooklyn, Mich.
Andrew Irwin was born in the North of Ireland
and accompanied his parents to the United States
in 1828, while still a young man. He lived in
Steuben County, N. Y., until 1841, when he sold
his farm and came to Michigan, purchasing land on
a part of which the village of Brooklyn now stands.
He was a very successful man, having secured a






688)


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


comfortable estate some years prior to his death,
which occurred in Brooklyn in September, 1886.
He was a ruling Elder of the Presbyterian Church
for more than forty years and was filling that position at the time of his death. In politics he was a
Republican. Iis wife bore the maiden name of
Harriet Blood. She was born in Massachusetts of a
good family and died in February, 1888, sixty
years after her marriage. This worthy couple having no children their nephew became heir to their
property.
The gentleman with whose name we introduce
this sketch was reared and educated in this county,
and in Brooklyn was united in marriage with Miss
Kate Chapman. Slle was born in Liberty Township,
thlis county, and was a daughter of William and
Eliza (Blood) Chapman, who had many friends
among the old settlers and were classed with the
most highly respected members of the commun.
ity. They died when their daughter was quite
young and she was reared by an uncle, receiving an
excellent education in the county schools and at
Adrian. She has borne her husband two children.
A daughter, Lucy, died at the age of seven years;
a son, Arthur W., an intelligent young man now
eighteen years of age, yet fills his place by the paternal fireside.
Mr. Irwin is independent in politics. -He affiliates
with the Masonic fraternity, being a member of
Lodge No. 169, of Brooklyn. Mr. Irwin neglects
no opportunity to add to his own culture and to
assist in the development of the section in which he
makes his home, laboring to increase its material
prosperity and uplift the standard of good citizenship, intelligence and morality. To such a man his
associates render respect, rejoicing in his success
and the good work which lie is enabled to accomplish.
The Irwin family is of Scotch stock, the father
of our subject being a son of Robert Irwin, who in
1828 emigrated with his family from Ireland to the
United States, locating in Bath, Steuben County,
N. Y. The family was in poor circumstances, but
all afterward prospered, securing homes of their
own and a greater or less amount of property. Five
sons and two daughters made up the household
band, Christopher Irwin being the youngest. While


yet a single man he located in McHenry County,
Ill., where other members of the family also moved,
and where Robert Irwin spent his last days with his
children, dying full of years. He was a Presbyterian and so also was his wife, Martha Gibson.
After reaching years of maturity Christopher Irwin
married Miss Lucy Clark, who was born in Massachusetts of an old and respected family. Her parents
lived and (ied in the Bay State, whence she, after
their death, joined her older brothers in McHenry
County, Ill., where she was subsequently married.
Christopher Irwin, as previously stated, met his
death by accident while still in the prime of life;
the other members of his father's family lived to
be quite old, dying natural deaths.
Christopher Irwin was the father of three children, one of whom, Martha, became the wife of
George K. Tozer, and resided in Reading, Pa. She
died there in 1872. Robert C., the other member
of the family, enlisted in Company E., Seventeenth
Michigan Infantry, and was killed at the battle of
South Mountain in September, 1862.
YMIAN B. SMITI, Postmaster of Hanover,
t and one of its best known and most reliable
citizens, is of New England birthl and antecedents, and has just passed his sixtieth birthday,
having been born March 9, 1830. Iis native
place was Norwich, Conn., where he grew to man's
estate or near it, living with his parents on a farm
and acquiring his education in the district school.
When seventeen years old he went to Rhode
Island, and served an apprenticeship at the trade
of a carpenter and builder. In the meantime he
was severely injured, and on this account was
obliged to abandon the business, after which he
learned the jeweler's trade.
In 1852 Mr. Smith returned to his native State,
where he occupied himself as a jeweler and also
learned daguerreotyping, which he prosecuted in
connection with the other until 1855. That year
he set out for the West, and for several months sojourned at Pecatonica, 111. We next find him in






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


689


Bedford Township, Calhoun County, Mich., where
he sojourned two years. He then went into Athens
Township, where he lived until 1874. That year
lie removed to Hanover Township, of which he has
since been a resident. In the meantime he was
married, at Republic, Ohio, in 1866, to Mrs. Louisa
Carey. This lady was born in New York State,
and died childless in 1878.
In October, 1881, Mr. Smith contracted a second
marriage, being wedded to Miss Emma Chapman,
at Williamsport, Pa. Tills lady was born January
6, 1853, in New Albany, and is the daughter of
David and Martha Chapman, who were natives of
the State of Pennsylvania, where the father died in
1873. The mother is living in Ulster, that State, and
is now fifty-seven years old. Mr. and Mrs. Smith
are members in good standing of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, in which Mrs. Smith is an efficient worker in the Sunday-school and in which
Mr. Smith is Treasurer and Steward. HIe identified
himself with the Masonic fraternity in Kalamazoo
County many years ago, joining Climax Lodge,
No. 96, and later was Master of Lodge No. 220, at
Athens, Calhoun County. He holds decided views
in regard to temperance, and takes a warm interest
in the leading political questions of the day, giving
his support to the Republican party. During the
progress f the Civil War he made two attempts to
enter the service, but was rejected each time by the
Examining Surgeon.
For six years Mr. Smith officiated as Justice of
the Peace in Athens Township, where lie was also
Notary Public. For two years lie has been President of the Village Board of Hanover, and for
twelve years has been agent for the American Express Company. He also represents the Hartford
and Phoenix Fire Insurance Companies, with which
lie 'has been connected for fifteen years, and for
the past three years he has done business for the
Connecticut Insurance Company of Hartford.  le
was appointed  Postmaster of Hanover in 1889,
assuming charge of the office October 1. This is a
fourth-class office, instituted by the citizens of
Hanover. All of the enterprises tending to benefit
the community, socially, morally and financially,
have received the uniform support of Mr. Smith.
To him   and his estimable wife there have been


born no children, but they lave ever maintained a
tender regard for the little ones of their friends
and neighbors, to whom  they never fail to extend
kindly offices as opportunity offers, and are thus
great favorites among both the children and young
people of Hanover.
The fatler of our subject was William Smith, a
native of HIampton, Conn., and a farmer by occution. Ile served as a minute man during the War
of 1812, and died in Providence, R. I., at the age
of eighty-seven years, in 1873. Grandfather Solomon Smith, also a native of Hampton, Conn..
spent his last years in that city. Mrs. Elizabeth
(Loomis) Smith, the mother of our subject, was
born in the same township as her husband, and
they were married and spent the remainder of their
lives in their native State. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Smith dlistinguislhed himself as a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
OSES WHITE. This successful and prominent farmer and stock-raiser occupies one
Ij  1 hundred and forty acres at the lhead of
Clark's Lake, on section 20, Columbia
Township. It is one of the finest farms in that
township, with a fine residence and a full line of
convenient and substantial farm buildigs. It is
the homnestead which was first taken from the Government by Edward Rose but fell into the hands
of Walter White, the father of our subject, before
any improvements ha(l been made upon it, and has
since been in the possession of the White family.
The residence now occupied by the family stands
on the site of the old home which was destroyed
by fire in December, 1872.
The gentleman whose history is to be briefly
sketched in these columns was born on the homestead March 6, 1844, being the youngest of four
sons, all yet living. I-e was re:red and educated
here and for some years has had the management
of the farm. Following in the footsteps of his
worthy progenitors, he has been industrious, thrifty
and successful, and has become prominent in the








690


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
_ = v f == _ = = = = = _ _ _ = =~~~~~~- ---- --


_._  - _, _........_  __-2_-_......' ---:L


-..~ ----....-~ ~ '.I~

community where his good habits, his intelligence
and his manly character gain him esteem  and
friendship.
An important step in the life of Mr. White was
taken when he became the husband of Miss Cynthia Brooks, who was borl in iWodstock Township,
Lenawee County,October 27, 1846. She isa daughter of Joseph and Marian (Swartout) Brooks, who
were early settlers of Lenawee County, to which
they had come from Delaware County, N. Y. Mr.
Brooks departed this life at his own home in 1878,
at the age of sixty-one. His widow is still living,
making her home with her children; she is now seventy-one years old and still exhibits the goodness
which made her beloved in earlier years. She is a
member of the Baptist Church. Mrs.White has borne
her husband three children, who are still lingering
under the parental roof, their intelligence, pleasing,
traits of character, and courtesy, making them the
pride of their parents. Mr. White is a Prohibitionist in politics. Mrs. White is highly regarded by
her neighbors and is looked upon as an important
member of society.
The White family was known for many generations in New England, the grandparents of our
subject having been well-respected farmers in Vermont. In Orange County, that State, Walter White
was born early in the present century. He went
to Oneida County, N. Y., where he was married to
Miss Lena WIratnour, a native of the Empire State
and member of an excellent family. After the
birth of two children Walter Whiite and his wife
set out for Michigan, crossing the lake to Detroit,
and thence journeying with ox-teams across a new
country, over rough roads to Brooklyn, this county.
There they resided a year, after which Mr. White
secured a farm of forty acres, which he subsequently traded for that now owned by our subject.
He was a shoemaker and after becoming a resident of
Michigan followed his trade for a time at Brooklyn
and at Jackson. Beginning his citizenship here in
the '30s he became well known in this township,
paining many friends. He was a large-hearted, gen 
erous man, ever ready to assist those in need. In
politics he was a Republican and in religion a
Presbyterian. having been a Deacon for some years.
His death occurred on the homestead July 31, 1887,


at the advanced age of 2eighty-seven-"years. His
estimable companion also (lied on the homestead,
the date of the sad event being May 23, 1872, and
her age being seventy two years. She also was a
member of the Presbyterian Church and held in
good repute by her neighbors and associates.
i-~:MMET N. PALMER, M.D. The town of
Brooklyn is not without its share of proL..? fessional men, their reputation being more or
less extended beyond the limits of their home,
according as their understanding of the theory and
discrimination in the practice of their respective
lines, merits. Dr. Palmer is well-known and wellreputed in Brooklyn and vicinity, anl more than
this, is one of the leading physicians of the county,
his reputation also extending into Lenawee County,
and his business constantly increasing. He is a
graduate of the Medical Department of the University at Ann Arbor, having been a member of
the class of '69, a class which numbered ninetythree graduates, and wherein he filled a position of
credit. The success to which he has attained in his
practice conclusively proves that to a well-grounded
knowledge of Therapeutics, he adds discrimination
in the use of remedies and keenness in the diagnosis of disease.
Col. D. W. Palmer, the father of our subject,
was born in Connecticut of old New England stock.
He was only four years old when his father, Joseph
Palmer, removed to Madison County, N. Y., where
he grew up, completing his education in a college
at Rome. After graduation he became a surveyor
and teacher, and followed both callings for some
years. In 1836 he settled in Bri tgewater, Washtenaw County, MicL., during nine years of his residence  there teaching  at Clinton, and  being
recognized as one of the best of the early educators in that part of the State. Later he began
farming, still spending the winters in teaching for
some time, but finally abandoning his professional
labors. He was Township Clerk and Justice of the
Peace in Bridgewater thirty-three years. He is
known as the "Peace Maker" on account of his great




PORTIRAIT AND BILOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.M


69t,~~P-TA -D   B


skill in arriving at just decisions and his kindly
arbitration. He has always been looked upon as
one of the worthy citizens of his county, where he
is well-known, and where he is still living, having
attained to the ripe age of eighty-three years. He
has a large circle of friends throughout Southern
Michigan. While living in New York he was Colonel
of a local cavalry regiment, and after coming to
Michigan he was appointed by the Governor of
the State to take command of the district militia
with the same rank which he had previously held.
Col. Palmer was first married in Madison County,
N. Y., taking as his wife Miss Flora Randall, of that
county,who bore him one son, Frank,now a farmer of
Bridgewater, Washtenaw County, Mich. The loving wife and mother died while in the prime of
life, and prior to the removal of Col. Palmer to the
West. Some time after taking up his residence in
Washtenaw County, Col. Palmer married his second wife, Miss Fidelia Randall, who was born in
Madison County, N. Y., and accompanied her parents to Michigan about the year 1835. The family
settled in the wilderness of Bridgewater Township,
where Mr. Randall and his wife lived to develop a
good home from the farm they llad obtained in the
woods. At the time of his death, Mr. Randall had
passed three-score years and his wife was somewhat younger. Their daughter grew up to maturity under the parental roof; she is yet living, and
is now sixty-nine years of age. Like her husband,
she possesses a strong mind, and is smart and active
for one nearly three score and ten years. She is
the mother of seven children, five sons and two
daughters, all living and prospering, except one
son who died young.
Dr. Palmer, of whom we write, was born in
Bridgewater Township, Washtenaw County, June
9, 1840. Hte received a practical education in the
common schools, after which he began the study
of medicine. with Dr. Tuttle, of Clinton, who is
now deceased. tIe began the practice of his profession at Manchester, and after a short practical
experience entered college and pursued a more extended course in the sciences of medicine and surgery as understood by the regular school. In
1872 lie came to Brooklyn, established himself in
practice, and at the same time opened a drug-store,


carrying on both lines of work three years. His
health failing from  confinement, he gave up the
drug trade and devoted his entire attention to his
professional labors, in which he had a steadily increasing amount of work. He has given seven
years of his time to the business of railroad surgeon
and physician, resigning his position in order to
attend to his increasing home business.
In Manchester Dr. Palmer was united in marriage with Miss Nettie Williams, who was born in
Washtenaw County, January 10, 1850. She was
reared in her native county, completing her education in the High School at Manchester, acquiring
the knowledge and habits which would fit her for
a life of usefulness. She was a noble Christian
woman, loved by all who knew her for her womanly
virtues and fine character. Her death, which occurred at her home in Brooklyn, September 18,
1886, bereft her husband of a noble wife and her
son of a devoted mother. Fred W., her only child,
is a graduate of the Blooklyn High School.
Dr. Palmer is a member of and the presiding officer
in the Blue Lodge, No. 169, of Brooklyn; is a
member of Chapter, No. 90, holding the office of
Captain of the Host. le is also a member of
Adoniram  Council of Manchester, and has been
President of the village for twelve years. In politics he is an Independent Democrat. His personal
reputation is excellent, and although the duties of
his profession leave him little time to devote to
society, he is warmly welcomed whenever he
appears, his intelligence and good breeding making
him a desirable addition to any circle..     — l_,_

- LMORE DENNIS is President of the Dennis
Machine Company, whose foundry and mai_ 3  chine shops occupy a substantial brick building, two stories high, on North Jackson Street, and
which is one of the prosperous establishments of
Jackson. A force of twenty-five men is employed
in the manufacture of all kinds of wood working
machinery-shafting,pulleys,etc.-and an extensive
jobbing business in wood and iron working machinery, and mill and machinist's supplies is also






692


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHI-CAL ALBUM.


done by the company. Tle present business is the
outcome of one established by Mr. )ennis a number of years since, and the stock company which
now carries it on was organized in July, 1888, with
a capital of $25,()00, their affairs being under the
general supervision of the President.
The subject of tiis brief sketch is a descendant
of one of three brothers who came to America in
Colonial times and settled in New Jersey. Iis
great-grandf:ather was a sold!ier during the Revolutionary War, and is suppose(i to have been killed
during the struggle as lie was never heard of afterward. IHe left a son and a daughllter, tlhe former of
whom. Joseplhl )ennis, is believed to have been
born in New Jersey, but from boyhood was a resident in New York. In l)utclless County ie learned
the trade of a millwright, which lie followed all his
life, gaining tlhe reputation of a thoroughly competent mechanic. In 1832 he removed to Monroe
County, and spent the last years of his life in the
town of Sweden. Tihe wife of Joseph I)ennis was
Rachael Tanner, daughter of one of the first settlers
in Dover Plains I)Dutchess County, and at one time
the owner of a farm of three hundred acres of land(
there, upon which some of his descendants still reside.
Cornelius Dennis, the father of our subject and
the son of Joseplh and Riachael Dennis, was bornl in
Dutchess County, N. Y., and learned tie trade of
his father. In  1833 lie removed to Genesce
County and six years later ldeparted thence by an
ox-team to Buffalo, wher le e embarked on a steamer
for Detroit, whence lie continued with his team to
Jackson County, Milch., being one week enroute
from Detroit to Jackson. lie located at the town
of Springport and then bought a tract of wild lan(l
upon which he built a log house, and where he devoted his time to the improvement of his farmi. In
1 849 lie removed to Ciharlotte where his leatht took
place the January following. His wife, Clarissa,
was born in Bedford, Westchester County, N. Y.,
and was a daughter of Nathaniel Taylor, a native
of the same county, and a stone-nm'son by trade.
He owned a farm which lie operated while also
working at his trade, and lived to an advanced age.
Mi's. Clarissa Dennis died May 22, 1847. Slhe
was the mother of four children, two of whom are


now living, namely, our subject and Rachael, wife
of Samuel Brundage, whlo also lives in Jackson.
Elmore Dennis, of whom we write, was born in
Dover, Dutchess County, N. Y., June 11, 1827,
and accomlpanying his p)arents to Michigan in his
boyhloo(d grew to maturity amiii the scenes of pioneer life, of which lie has a vivid recollection, as
well as of their journey from their home in the
Em pire State. 'rhe country in which they located
was sparsely settled and was roamed over by deer,
bears, wolves and other wihl game, and the nearest railroad was at Ypsilanti.  The first school distriet in the neighlborhood was oroanized the winter
after the arrival of his parents and a log building
eriecte(l for the accomnmoldation of the pupils. It
was furnishedt with slab benches with woo(len pins
for leg's, was heated by a fireplace and furnished
with light from the place where a log ihad been left
C out for the purpose. T'le first teacher in charge
of this temple of learning and its inmates was Miss
Itarriet Piper.
Young I)ennis assisted his father on the farm
in tle intervals of his studies, and rermained under
tlhe parental roof-tree until lie had reached man's
estate, when he began work at the trade of a millIwright, following tile same the most of the time
(durinil  tile succeeding twenty years. Hie inherite(d
a hli-igh degree of mechanical genius from his father
and has invented several machines. In 1873 lhe
established his present business as a general jobbing
achlline-shop, and be ing a most thorough mechanic
lie built up an excellent tra(de. In 1882 lie associatedl Henry Kline with himself in the business and
beganl thle manufacture of wood-working machinery.  A few years later the Dennis Machine Compa'y was organized, as before mentioned, and
already has an extended reputation in their line of
business.
The marriage of Mr. D)ennis to    Miss Alice
Pi ckney was celebrated May 27, 1852. The bride,
who possesses many virtues of mind and heart is a
native of Dutchess County, N. Y., and the daughteL of John and   Mairgaret (Frazier) Pinckiney.
Mr. Dennis is a Democrat and cast his first vote
for Franklin Pierce. HIe fraternizes with Jackson
Lodge No. 17, A. F. & A.M.; Jackson Chapter No.
3, R. A. MI.; Jackson Council No. 32, R. & S. M.,




PORTRAIT AND BIOGJRAPHICAL ALBUM.


695


----------------------------------------


and Jackson Commandery, No. 9, K. T. Not only
by his fellow-craftsman but by his fellow-citizens in
general he is well esteemed, not only as a thorough
workman and the possessor of fine business abilities,
but for his private character and worth as a citizen.
IRAM S. MOE. One of tile best farms and
) most desirable homes in Sandstone Town7    ship is that owned and occupied by the
above-named gentleman, who ranks amongS
tlhe pioneers of the county, in which he began hlis
labors at the age of fourteen years. He lias endured many of the hardslhips to which settlers
upon the frontier are subject, but is now enjoying
the fruits of his persevering industry, and, sulrrounded by children and friends, is passing his
declining years in peaceful prosperity.
The natal day of Hiram S. Moe was October 8,
1822, and his birthplace was Rutland County, Vt.
The Moe family is probably of French origin, but
the ancestors for several generations were natives
of the Green Mountain State. There Joseph Moe,
the father of our subject, was born and reared to
manhood, marrying Miss Sylva Cogswell. of the
same State. In 1836 they removed with their
family to this State, tle first settlement being
made in Sandstone Township, this county, upon
the farm now occupiedl by George Wood. A short
tine later they removed two miles north, on section 12, and were one of the first families to locate
in that neighborhood. There Joseph Moe carried
on his pioneer labors, toiling and struggling, in
common with his neighbors, to hew out a home
from the wilderness, and to increase the moral and
material prosperity of the section. Ile remained
on that homestead until called from  time to eternity, in 1878, the death of his wife having occurred
many years prior to his own decease. He enjoyed
an extended acquaintance throughout the county,
and it was generally conceded that in his death the
county lost one of its best citizens. In early life
he was a Whig and later a Republican.
Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jo

seph Moe, the subject of this sketch being the
next to the youngest. The first-born, Marv, is the
widow of Cornelius Sammons, of Jackson; Perrin
is deceased; Lucinda, Mrs. Quivey, lives in New
York; Franklin and Ira are deceased; Susannah is
the wife of 0. HI. Eastman. of Sandstone Township,
this county; Charles is deceased.
Iiramr S. 5Moe was reared to manhood in this
county, of whose growth he has been an eye-witness, and in tile improvement of which he has participate(i. The early schools of his boyhood did
not afford tlhe advantages offered at the present
day; however, il his native State, as well as in
this, lie ilmproved tle oplortunities afforded him,
and( since leaving tlhe schoolroom has gleaned information from various sources, becoming well-informedl and well-read. (n December 9, 1847, he
was united in marriage with Miss Amelia Hoyt,
who was born near Syracuse, N. Y., December 5,
1824. The union has been blest by the birth of
eight children-Orville, tlhe firstborn, lives in Jackson; Almat is the wife of Frederick Lewis, of the
same place; Mabel married Allie Bond, also of
Jackson; Willard lives in Sandstone Township;
Ella, Sarah E., Aaron and Stella have been removed from them by death.
After his malrriage Mr. Moe bought eighty acres
of land on section 4, Sandstone Township, which
was covered witl timber, from which not a stick
had been cut. The first tree felled on the place
was used by him in making rails; with these he
nmade a rude shanty, in which he slept while beginning his improvements. His family remained with
his father for a few months until he could prepare his place for their occupancy. He began breaking ground witll oxen, and erected a log house,
20x28 feet, in which the fanily lived nearly twenty
years. lie then built his present commodious residence, which is accompanied by all necessary and
convenient farm buildings. By subsequent purchase
he added to the original estate, and now owns one
hundred and forty broad acres. For some time
he and his family suffered more or less with the
ague, which was a serious drawback to their progress.
The splendid farm and the comforts which surround Mr. and Mrs. Moe are standing monuments






696


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


1 1-~- ~ lc --- —-" ---- ` —~~~~`-`~~-~~ —~` ---~~~-"~-'~~~'               ~  ~  ~  ~     -~~~-  I  ~~~~~ ~-~~~ —~~-'-~"-I —~-~~~~~'-~~~ ---~' —   ~ -~`~ —~`-~` --- —-----
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to their industry, thrift and good management.
They are excellent representatives of the pioneer
element in the county, where they have not only
borne their share in developing the material prosperity, but have favored and assisted in those efforts which were being made for the advancement
of the best civilization throughout its bounds. Mr.
Moe has been Commissioner of Highways of Sandstone Township, for several years, wisely discharging the duties of the office.
Elsewhere in this volume appears a lithographic
portrait of Mr. Moe, who is a fine representative
of the pioneer element of the Wolverine State.
M    ILTON H. HIODGE, one of the oldest and
most prominent citizens of Pulaski Township, has been for many years closely identified with the agricultural interests of
Jackson County, and has been exceedingly prospered as a farmer and stock-raiser. His farm,
comprising the southwest quarter of section 28,
was obtained by his father from  the Government
in Territorial days, in the early years of the settlement of Southern Michigan. Our subject has
placed it under admirable cultivation, has provided
it with ample buildings and the latest machinery
for every need, and carries on his farming operations after the most approved methods.
Our subject comes of New England ancestors
who were mostly of English descent, with some
Welsh and French blood intermingled. His father,
W. I. Hodge, was born in Berkshire, Mass., that
State being also the birthplace of his father, George
Hodge. The latter was a skillful mechanic, a carpenter and joiner by trade, and spent his entire
life in the old Bay State, so far as known. The
father of our subject was reared among the Berkshire hills, and early learned the trade of a shoemaker, which he plied for awhile, but abandoned
it for the mercantile business in Adams. He was
quite successful for a time, but he had a dishonest
partner, who ruined him, financially, and he then
returned to his old trade, determined to make an


honest living, at least. In 1835, wishing to avail
himself of the advantages offered by the cheap
lands of Western New York, he went there to
select a suitable location, making his way from
Buffalo on foot to Livingston County.
That land not suiting him, he continued his pedestrian tour into the wilds of the Territory of Michigan, and coming to Jackson County, and being
pleased with the surrounding country, he entered
the quarter of section 28, now occupied by his son.
While he was here looking for land he met two
speculators, bent on the same errand, who had
looked with favor on the site that he had selected.
They all stayed for the night at Jonesville, where
they intended to take the stage for the land-office.
In order to beat the others Mr. Hodge, being a
famous pedestrian, good for sixty miles a day over
any kind of a road, started on foot early the next
morning, anld had entered his land and a quartersection each for four of his brothers-in-law, completing his business just as the stage drove up to
the office with his late companions. He made his
way back to Massachusetts by stage, on foot, or by
other means, and remained there until the fall of
1836, when he started with his family for their
new home in the forests of Michigan. It was late
in the fall, and when they arrived in Livingston
County, winter overtaking them, they stayed there
that season, and, in fact until the fall of 1837,
when they finished their journey to Pulaski. They
were among the first settlers, as there were only
about a dozen families here when they came.
Mr Holdge immediately set about reclaiming a
farm from the wilderness, first building a log house
for the accommodation of his family. He prospered
exceedingly in his pioneer labors, and in 1841 was
enabled to add forty acres more to his original
purchase, and at the time of his death he was the
owner of two hundred acres of choice farming
land. His demise, in 1850, at the age of fifty-six,
was a seiious blow to the interests of the township
and county, as he was a man of more than average
capability, and was a valued civic official, taking
an active part in the administration of public
affairs. He was the first Township Clerk of Pulaski,
and,the second Supfrvisor ever appointed to represent the township on the County Board, and he






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


697


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acted in that capacity several terms. He was welleducated, and in his younger days taught school,
beginning to teach when he was a boy of sixteen
years, and following that profession for twelve
successive years. He was a member of the Masonic
fraternity in Adams. Religiously, he was a Methodist; politically, he was a Democrat. Those who
knew him say that he was a quiet man, saying but
little, and that to the point. The maiden name of
his wife was Sarah Chesebrough, and she was born
in Adams, Mass. Her father, Elisha Chesebrough,
was also a native of Massachusetts. lie was a
large farmer and stock-raiser, and speculated a
great deal in horses. He was in the War of 1812.
He was an early settler of Livingston County,
N. Y., dying there in the town of Springwater.
He was of French descent. The mother of our
subject was well-educated, and was a fine woman.
She (lied in Pulaski Township, in 1860, aged sixtyseven years. Like her husband, she was a light in
the Methodist Episcopal Church.   She was the
mother of ten children, of which the following is a
record: Homer A. lied ill Concord; Caroline L. is
deceased; Jane E. resides in Pulaski, making her
home with our subject; Mary L. is deceased;
Hiram C. resides in Concord, ard is a lawyer and
farmer; Hlenry S. and Horatio N. are deceased;
Milton II., our subject; Sarah M. died in infancy;
Sarah A. married Dr. Baker, of Union City.
Adams, Mass., is the birthplace of our subject,
November 12, 1825, the date of his birth. Ilis
early boyhood was passed among the beautiful
hills of his native town, and hle was given excellent
school advantages. In the fall of 1836, when he
was eleven years old, he accompanied his parents
to New York, the journey being made by team to
Troy, and thence by canal boat to Palmyra, whlere
a team was taken to Springwater, where the family
spent the ensuing year. In the fall of 1837 they
embarked on a steamer from Buffalo to Detroit,
and from there came by a horse team to Pulaski. He
still remembers the incidents of the journey, and
of the pioneer scenes that met his eye as they journeyed through the wild, unsettled country that
intervened between Detroit and Pulaski. He was
early initiated into tle pioneer work to be performed before they could have a comfortable home,


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and was of great assistance to his father, driving
the breaking pllow to five yoke of cattle, and in
doing other hard tasks that in those days fell to the
farmers' boys.
The first school that he attended here was established in 1839, there having been no educational
facilities in this locality prior to that time, That
one was held in a shanty, and was carried on by
subscription. Our subject worked with his father
until lie was twenty-three, and then operated the
farm on shares, and in 1850 took charge of it. He
afterward boughlt out the interests of the other
heirs and became sole proprietor, and has made
many valuable improvements, including a substantial, well-appointed residence, two commodious
barns, wild-mil, tank, etc. The land, with the exception of thirty-one acres of timber, is under excellent cultivation, and is admirably adapted to
raisii)g wheat and to rearing stock, to both of
wlich purposes he devotes it. He has a valuable
breed of swine, a number of full-blooded PolandChina hogs, and some fine horses. His son is the
owner of the celebrated "Gypsey Maid," a fullblooded Hlambletonian Messenger gray.
Mr. Hodge llas been twice married. He was
first wedded in Scipio Township, Hillsdale County,
December 30, 1868, to Miss Lucy A. Smith. She
was a native of that township, and a (laughter of
Ezra and Mary (Shipman) Smith, natives, respectively, of Connecticut and Pennsylvania, and early
settlers of Hillsdale County. Mrs. Hodge was an
accomplished and well-educated lady, a graduate
of Hillsdale College, and for four years prior to her
marriage taught school. She died February 12,
1873, leaving one son, Fred M. He is a graduate
of the Union City High School, of the class of '88,
and in 1889 was graduated from a school of stenograplhy and type-writing in Albion. He remains at
lome with his father, but is in the employ of the
Peerless Reaper Company, of Canton, Ohio, as a
salesman, and is a bright and shrewd young man,
with a promising future before him.
Mr. Hodge v;as married a second time, at Mosherville, Mich., November 12, 1878, to Mrs. Eveline
Rathbun. She is a lady of fine character, and is a
true homemaker, devoting herself to the comfort
of her household. She is, like ller husband, a na





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tive of Adams, Mass. Her parents, Milton and
Maria (Chesebrough) Holmes, were natives of
Massachusetts, and became early settlers of Livingston County, N. Y., the father being a pioneer
farmer of Springwater. Mrs. Hodge had two children by her first marriage -Frank B. and Carrie,
who are now living in Eau Claire, Wis. Mr. Hodge
inherits a full share of those fine traits of character
that mark the New England stock. and make them
valuable citizens wherever they may settle, as is
illustrated by his career since he attained to man's
estate. He has a frank, genial disposition, and is
exceedingly obliging in his dealings with others.
IIe has always been a hard worker, and his labors
have been directed by more than ordinary acuteness, and he has always displayed intelligent enterprise. A true Democrat in politics, he is a leading
man in his party in this vicinity, and has been
Township Central Committeeman and a delegate to
county conventions. He has served his township
well as School Director, Moderator and Clerk, and
has been solicited to take other township offices,
but, with these exceptions, has refused, preferring
the comfoits and peace of his cheerful fireside to
the turmoil of public life. He is identified with
the Masonic fraternity as a member of the Coilcord Lodge, No. 31. He is a Trustee of the
Mosherville Methodist Episcopal Church, and is
among its most active and liberal workers.,R EORGE W. T. WILLIAMS. The Williams
family is one of the most prominent in this
pcounty as ereplesenting some of its earliest
pioneers. Not only were they among the earliest
settlers of the county, but they were the earliest to
locate in this part of Michigan. They possessed all
the sturdy and substantial qualities most needed at
a time which tried men's souls, and out of the struggle came with a record which their descendants
may well be proud to look upon. Not only is the
subject of this notice the son of one of Jackson
County's most honored pioneers, but his estimable
wife, the sister of L. L. Fowler, one of the wealthiest farmers of this section, is the descendant of a


family equally prominent with that of her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have done honor to
their origin, being possessed of those qualities of
character which have gained them the esteem and
confidence of all who know them. Without making any pretentions to elegance, they occupy a
comfortable home and in the midst of plenty and
content, have little to complain of under the dispensations of Providence.
In reverting to the antecedents of Mr. Williams
we find that his father, Horace Williams, was a native of Vermont and the son of Allan Williams,
who was also born in the Green Mountain State,
and who did gallant service in the War of 1812.
Father and son left New England together, emigrating to New York State and thence to Michigan
Territory, about 1831. The present site of Jackson was at that time marked by only three houses
and there were only three more between the point
where the Williams family located and the mouth
of the St. Joseph River. Grandfather Williams
entered a tract of Government land, comprising
the southeast quarter of section 5, and the northeast quarter of section 4, in Hanover Township,
where lie put up a log house and commlenced, in
true pioneer style, the construction of a home from
the wil(erness.  He was prospered in the labor of
cultivating the soil and effecting improvements on
his land. In due time the log house was abandoned for a frame dwelling, the first of its kind in
Hanover Township, and which is still standing, in
sight of the present home of George W. T. There
Grandfather and Grandmother Williams spent the
remainder of their days, the former dying in 1842:and the latter in 1856.
Horace Williams, the father of our subject, remained under the parental roof until reaching
man's estate, and after his marriage, in 1833, settled on the place now owned by George W. T. In
the house and barn which was about that time
erected, there was not a sawed stick of timber, it
being all hewn and all done by the hand of Horace Williams. He and his young wife lived there
two years, and then Mr. Williams concluded lie
would return to Niagara County, N. Y.  There
they sojourned three years, then came back to their
pioneer life in Michigan. Even at that time no




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAP'lICIAL ALBUM.


699


roads had been laid out in a section which was
called the Oak Openings. The father of our subject now settled contentedly dowln to farm life,
prosecuting his labors in a comparatively uneventful manner the remainder of his clays. lie departed
hence at the old ho.2estead in 1873. The widowed
mother is still living, making her home with Howe,
in Horton, and has now arrived at the advanced
age of eighty-four years. She and her husband
were one of the first couples married in Hanover
Township.
The mother of our subject blore the maiden
name of Elizabeth B. Sloat. She was born in Orange County, N. Y., in 1806, and is the daughter
of David and. Anna Sloat, who came to Michigan
about 1832, and settled on Haney Creek, near Ann
Arbor.   Grandfather Sloat became a prominent
man in the community, being possessed of more
than ordinary intelligence, and was no unimportant
factor in the growth and dlevelopment of hlis
adopted township. He died in 1854, when alout
eighty-two years old. The family consisted of
seven children, one of whom is living. The five
children born to Horace and Ellizableth Williams
are all living.
The subject of this notice was tle eldest child of
his parents, and was born August 11, 1834, in Niagara County, N. Y. Lie obtained a practical
education in the district schools after coming to
Michigan, and when a youth of eighteen years
bought his time of his father and started out in tlhe
world for himself. He commenced to learn the
trade of a carpenter and joiner, but farming being
more congenial to his tastes and capacities, he in
time turned his attention to the latter, which he has
mostly followed through life. When approaching
the twenty-second year of his age he was married,
March 2, 1856, to Miss Catherine i-., daughter of
Joshua and Mahala (Lester) Fowler.
Mrs. Williams, who was the sixth child of her
parents, was born December 1, 1837, in Cayuga
County, N. Y., where she attended school until
eleven years old. She pursued her studies after
coming to Michigan with her parents, until nearly
the time of her marri:ae. Further mention of her
family will be found in the sketch of her brother
as above noted. She grew   up to an attractive


womanhlood, and by her union with our subject
hasbecome the mother of four children, but only
two are living. Albert, who was born August 22,
1861, married Miss Jessie Stone, is the father of
onle child and lives near Little Rock, Ark.; George
F., born December 2, 1868, is now a promising young man of twenty-one years, and is completing  his studies in the Business College at
Jackson: Francis, who was born September 11,
1858, met his death in a terrible manner, late in
the summer of 1884. He was operating a steam
engine connected with a threshing machine, and
one day while returning home, and crossing a small
bridge near the house with his team and the engine, the bridge gave way, letting the engine
down, and the young man was pinned beneath it.
The steam gauge and whistle were broken off and
the steam rushed out upon him, scalding him in a
terrible manner, from the effects of which he died
twenty-four hours afterward, on the 5th of August.
Another child, Ida May, who was born August 26,
1866, in Tehama, Cal., died at Hanover, February
7, 1869.
Mr. and Mrs. Williams are charter members of
the Grange, in which they have held offices most
of the tiihe since its organization, Mr. Williams as
Treasurer, and his wife, either as chaplain, Lady
Assistant or Steward. They have also been connected with the Patrons of Industry, in which
Mrs. Williams has likewise been Lady Assistant.
Mr. Williams is a warm defender of the principles
of Masonry, belonging to the Blue Lodge at Ilorton, in wlich for three years he has held the
offices of Junior Deacon and Tyler. He takes an active interest in politics, and keeps himself well posted
upon the leading events of the day. At present lie
affiliates with the Union Labor party. Aside from
serving as a Director of his school district he has
declined the responsibilities of office.
The Williams homestead comprises one hundred
and sixty acres of land, nearly all under cultivation, and our subject occupies the residence and
utilizes the barns built by his father. It is hardly
necessary to say that they are doubly valuable on
this account. Mr. and Mrs. Williams, after their
marriage lived for one year in Scott County, Iowa,
then, in 1858, Mr. Williams crossed the plains to








o70


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


California, where he worked at his trade and
farmed for ten years. In 1859 he was joined by
his wife, who journeyed to the Pacific Slope by the
water route, from New York City across the Isthmus of Panama. She was nine weeks on the journey, going by steamer to Red Bluffs at the head
of navigation, and thence by stage thirty-five miles
to Shasta and from there, by means of a saddle
mule, over the Trinity Mountains. She had with
her, her first born son, sixteen months old, and
they were guarded on the way overland by United
States Troops. They reached Scott's Valley, twelve
miles from Calahan's Ranch, by stage. After their
return from California, Mr. and Mrs. Williams
lived in Hanover for two years and then removed
to the farm which they now occupy.
P JILBUR F. GILDERSLEEVE. In a county
like this, where there are so many men of
excellent moral character, pronounced bus.
iness ability, and social nature, it would be hard
indeed  to  determine who  is  most   worthy.
There are some, however, who are generally conceded to occupy a place in front rank in usefulness
and influence. Such is the gentleman above namned,
who manifests great interest in the intellectual
development and spiritual upbuilding of the community in which he lives, as well as its material prosperity, and who, while managing his own affairs in
so prudent a manner as to take a place among the
solid men of the county yet finds time to serve his
fellow men in various ways.
Mr. Gildersleeve was born in Chardon, Geauga
County, Ohio, May 14, 1843, and lived in his native county during his childhood. In 1851 he
went to the adjoining county where he early in life
began such labors as usually devolve upon a farmer's
son, driving oxen, etc., and had the advantages of
good district schools. Subsequently he attended
Chester Seminary, thus acquiring a good education.
After he became of age he began working his
father's farm on shares, and as they were quite extensively e: gaged in cheese-making he gave his


attention principally to that part of the work.
The farm was located but two and a half miles
from the old Mormon temple at Kirtland.
On August 18, 1865, Mr. Gildeisleeve was united
in marriage with Miss Carrie Gilmore, the ceremony
taking place in Kirtland, where the wife died
November 26, 1868. She was born in Chester,
Geauga County,, being a daughter of Reuben and
Mary (Bross) Gilmore, natives of Massachusetts,
and a second cousin of Gen. Gilmore. Her father
owned and operated a large farm at Chester.
Soon after the death of his wife, Mr. Gildersleeve
came to Michigan and spent almost two years in
Hanover Township, this county. He then returned
to the Buckeye State and for a time carried on an
hotel in Willoughby. In 1871 he returned to this
State and went into the hotel business at Horton,
but not liking the sale of liquors which was connected with it, traded the hotel for land. The
change was made in 1873 when he became a resident of seventy acres of land on section 8, Spring
Arbor Township. After a few months residence
he traded for the farm he now occupies, comprising the same number of acres on another part of
the same section. This he has cleared, tilled and
otherwise improved, putting upon it as fine buildings as can be found on any farm throughout this
part of the State. Tre barn is 30 x 42 feet in dimensions, and an excellent windmill forces spring
water to convenient localities upon the estate. In
connection with the work of general farming, Mr.
Gildersleeve raises sheep, cattle and full-blooded
Poland-China hogs.
A second matrimonial alliance was contracted by
Mr. Gildersleeve December 18, 1870, the ceremony
being performed in Hanover and the bride being
Miss Mary S. Thorn. She is a daughter of J. L.
Thorn, whose sketch is found elsewhere in this
volume, was born in Hanover Township, September 1, 1849, and reared there, attending the common schools and finishing her education by a year
at Jackson. She has borne her husband   four
children; Maude F., Flora M., Archie and Wilbur
J. The daughters are now attending the Spring
Arbor Seminary in the class of '92, and already
possess a high degree of intelligence and learning.
The parents are deeply interested in the education




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


701


of tlleir offspring and in their training in all honorable principles and useful habits.
Mr. Gildersleeve has held various school offices
and is now a member of the Board. He has also
served as Commissioner of Highways. In politics
he is a Prohibitionist. He belongs to the Methodist
Episcopal Church at Spring Arbor, of which he is a
Trustee, andl he is Superintendent of the Sundayschool of North Spring Arbor, which he organized
and opened. He is well spoken of by his fellow-men
who appreciate his efforts for the good of the community, while his estimable wife shares their respect.
The grandfather of our subject was a native of
New Jersey, whence lie removed to New York, in
which State he spent the remainder of his life. His
son, Smnuel D., born near Schenectady, learned the
trade of a cooper. When about twenty-three
years old he settled in Geauga County, Ohio, where
he engaged in teaching school winters and working
on a farm summers.   He was a member of the
Christian Church and engaged in ministerial labors
for a time, abandoning them after his marriage.
H-e raised spearmint, distilling the oil, doing quite
well at that occupation and at his farming. He became the owner of six hundred acres of land, bought
aInd sold cows, and did a large dairy business. In
politics he was a stanch Republican. He breathed
his last in August, 1887, at the age of seventyseven years.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden
name of Emeline Burnett. Her father, Jonathan
Burnett was of Scotch descent, was born in Vermont and there passed his life, his occupation being
that of a farmer and sawyer. The daughter was
born in Bethel, Vt. was well educated, and
began teaching school at the age of eighteen years.
She went to Geauga County, Ohio, where she
continued her professional labors until her marriage.
IHer demise occurred il 1852, when she was fortytwo years old. She was the mother of seven children, the subject of this sketch being the fourth.
Edward, the first born, died when three years old;
Helen M. is the wife of D. Travers of Kirtland,
Ohio; Charles H. enlisted in 1861 in an Illinois Regiment, was taken prisoner at 'the first charge made
by Sherman on Vicksburg, and confined for a time


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at New Orleans. He was then paroled, returned to
his home via New York and after a short furlough
rejoined his regiment serving as Sergeant until the
close of the war, when he went to New York City,
to work at his trade of a carpenter. He was not
heard of again until 1868 and his friends thought
him (lead. Subsequently he became foreman for
the Cleveland Bridge Iron Company, and died a few
years later. Mary E., wife of J. R. Galligan, lives
in Loughton   Township, Van Buren    County;
Florence L., now Mrs. Castner, lives in Jackson;
Frances J., Mrs. Sonie, died in Ohio. Sometime after the death of tile mother of this family,
the father married Miss Minerva A. Brown of Pennsylvania, the union resulting in the birth of one
child,-Carrie C., now Mrs. F. Ayers of Painesville,
Ohio.
\ r  ENRY K. WOOD, a general merchant of
I i) Rives Junction and one of its leading busi3i   ness men, established himself at this point
Q~) in 1870 and by close attention to business
has built up a good patronage among the people of
Rives Township, in whose progress and welfare he
has been directly interested and to which he has
contributed in a marked degree. He was born near
Saratoga, N. Y., July 11, 1845, and when a lad of
nire years was taken by his parents, Calvin and
Sarall Ann (Finch) Wood, to Orleans County. In
1857 they came to Michigan.
Calvin Wood and his estimable wife were both
natives of the Empire State. Mr. Wood died April
21, 1884, when seventy-three years old at his home
in this county. Both he and his estimable wife
united with the Methodist Episcopal Church many
years ago. The mother is still living, making her
home with our subject in Rives Junction and although seventy-nine years of age, is in good health
and quite active.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was
John Wood, a native of Dutchess County, N. Y.
lie married Sarah Green and they settled in Rensselaer County where they spent their last days.
Grandfather Wood belonged to the Methodist
Episcopal Church while his wife was a Baptist in




702


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.






religious belief. The family was first represented
in America by three brothers who sailed from England prior to the Revolutionary War and located
in New York State. On the mother's side Grandfather Lewis Finch, also a native of Dutchess
County, N. Y., married Miss Lucy Simmons, who
was born and reared not far from the home of her
husband.   They likewise settled  in Rensselaer
County near the lake of that name, there reared
their family and died. Both were members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church.
Henry K. Wood was married at the bride's h}ome
in Rives Township, August 23, 1873, to Miss Susanna E., daughter of Hiram N. and Cynthia L.
(Smith) Gray. Mrs. Wood was born in Ingham
County, January 21, 1848. Hler fathler was a native of Oswego County, N. Y., and her mother of
Massachusetts. Hiram Gray emigrated to the West
in 1837, prior to his marriage which took place in
this county. His wife had come here with her
mother and stepfather, John and Susan (Markham)
Peterson, when a mere child.
About 1870 Mr. Wood established the first general store at Rives Junction,when the town site was
unmarked by a single building-on the contrary
it was covered with timber and brush.  lhe outlook was not remarkably encoulraging, but Mr.
Wood was a man not easily turned from his l)urpose and he maintained his position-with what
good results his present surroundings clearly indicate. Besides his store, lie put up a commodious
modern residence with the requisite outbuildings
and improved the property which lie ha( l)urchase(,
some of which lie disposed of for residence purposes to good advantage. He transacts a business
of about $12,000 annually, frequently taking in
$30 to $50 per day. This, considering the location
and surroundings, is doing remarkably well. The
family is highly respected and Mrs. Wood is a
member in good standing of the Methodist Pt'otestant Church. Mr. Wood served as Postmaster from
fourteen to fifteen years.
Miss Mary Wood, the eldest sister of our subject,
was married to Thomas P. Sniith, became the
mother of eight children and departed this life at
her home in Rives, February 9, 1875. Since then
her daughter, Angie has made her home with her


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uncle, Henry K. Lewis Wood, a brother of our
subject, served in the Union Army as a member
of Company K, Eighth Michigan Infantry, being
among the first volunteers from this part of the
State. -le died at Hilton Head, S. C., in January,
1862, before completing his term of service. His
fidelity to duty and courage amid the privations
and hardships of army life won him not only the
esteem of his comrades but the high approval of
his superior officers. Iis remains were laid to rest
at the same place.
A~I AMES L. THORN is one of the earliest settiers now living in this county, where lie has
I held positions of prominence, and enjoys the
) highlesteem of the citizens. Although still
occulpying l is fine farm on section 2, Hanover
Townshil, lie has retired from active agricultural
life, and is spending his last days in the enjoyment
of a happy home an(d the companionship of a lady
in every way fitted to sympathize witl hini in his
views of life and its responsibilities, and to enjoy
with him the opportunities for good works which
they possess. The ancestry of Mr. Thorn includes
several patriotic men whose lives have witnessed
scenes of great interest, and who have been personally acquainted with men whose names are wellknown to the readers of history.
During tlhe time when the army of Gen. Washington lay at White Plains, and the British army
at New York City, Stephenson Thorn, the greatgrandfather of our subject, was living upon a farm
between those two points. Ile sold his property,
giving the proceeds to a brother to convey to a
place of safety. Hearing that the farm had been
sold, a party of Tories called on Mr. Thorn and demanded the money. He told them how hle had disposed of it, but not giving credence to his story,
they took him out, put a rope about his neck, threw
the other end of it over the branch of an oak tree,
and drew him up until he was nearly strangled.
They then again asked him for the funds, and he
repeated his story, when they again suspended him
until they supposed him dead. I-e revived, but






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


703


I


never recovered from the shock, being ever afterward a physical wreck. Samuel S. Thorn, his son,
and a native of Tarrytown, N. Y., was personally
acquainted with Williams, Paulding, and Van Wert,
the captors of Major Andre.
On the nother's side, our subject is a greatgrandson of John Brayman, a soldier of the Frencl
and Indian War, and of Henry Delamater, a Revolutionary soldier. Rebecca Delamater, a daughter
of the latter, who was born in Kinderhook, N. Y.,
had in her possession a chest which bore in gilt lettcrs the name of Katherine Kipp, who was a direct
descendant of Annenke Jans. The father of our
subject's mother was William Brayman, a native of
Connecticut.
Thomas S. Thorn, the father of our subject, was
hlorn in Dutchess County, N. Y., and married Miss
Polly Brayman, a native of Middleburg, Schoharie
County, in 1812. They lived in that State until
1869, when they followed their children to the
West, spending the remainder of their days in Ilanover Township, this county. The active life of tle
fathler was spent in the pursuit of agriculture. IHe
(lied in 1875, at the age of eighty two years, his
wife having breathed her last in 1879, when seventy five years old. They were the larents of six
sons and three daughters, five of whom are now living.
The gentleman with whose name we introduce
this sketch, was born in Middleburg, Schoharie
County, N. Y., November 15, 1816, being the second child of his parents. Ile attended an academy
at Rensselaerville, Albany County, one of his school
mates being Henrietta L. Colt. who is mentioned
in "Woman's Work in the Civil War," by L. P.
Brackett, M. D. At the age of fifteen years, he began life for himself, working nine months for $45.
The next year he received $7 per month for the
entire twelvemonth. Another year he spent at
New Scotland, in the "Valley" described by Longfellow as the Tawasentha in "Hiawatha."  In June
of the next year (1834), he ran away and came
West as far as Rochester, where he worked a few
days in a lumberyard that occupied the present site
of the Genesee Valley Railroad (lepot. He then
went to Scottsville, on the Genesee Flats, where he
hired out to old Isaac Cox. helping him plant, care
~~~I-~~~~~~ — ~  Vn~~~~~~~~~~~~ UM ~~~~~~~~~-~~~~R   -*I~~~~~~~~~~LY`~`r~~~~~~~~~~~~ Y~~~~~~-f~~~~~~ L1\-^ll —13~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~P


for, harvest, and thresh fifty-three hundred bushels
of wheat. In that neighborhood he remained for
three years, rece;ving wages varying from $12 to
$14 per month.
In 1837 Mr. Thorn came to Michigan, accompanied by his brother William B1., to prospect for a
home. They walked fifty miles to Buffalo, where
tley took the steamer "Columbus" to Toledo, continuing their journey by rail to Adrian MIich., and
then walking to Jackson. They bought two hundred and forty acres of land at Yrankee Springs,
Barry County, and then returned to their native
State. That fall lie of whomr we write, was united
in marriage with Miss Tamson Bowerman, who was
born in Falmouth, Mass., August 6, 1813. Her
father, Seth Bowerman, owned and operated a wind
gristmill on the sea-shore. lie had a family of
eleven children. After a wedded life of nearly
half a century, Mrs. Tamson Thorn was removed
from her companion by tlhe hand of death, June 9,
1885. She was a woman of estimable character,
who had( devoted her life to tlie comfort of her
husband, and the care and training of the children
whom G-od lhad given her.
In the spring of 1838, Mr. Thorn removed  with
his wife to this State, settling upon his farm, where
he built a log house, and began other improvemeInts, and a thorough cultivation.  There he renmained nine years, after which lie sold the property, and coming to this county, rented land in
Pa:rma Township, for a year. IHe then bought one
hundred and thirty-five acres in Hanover Townsllip, where Mr. Cornelius 1)anser now lives. On
that place lie remained eiglhteen years, following
which, in 1866, he bought his present estate, and
the same year erected a residence at a cost of about
$1,500. The farm comprised two hundred and
fifteen acres, and its l)urchase and the erection of
the residence caused an indebtedness of $7,504,
which Mr. Thorn paid off inl eight years. Although
the most of his active years have been devoted to
agricultural pursuits, he spent seven years engaged
in the mercantile business in Horton, during five of
which lie held the office of Postmaster.
Mr. Thorn contracted a second matrimonial alliance in 1888, March 16 of that year, being united
with Mmrs, Alvina M, Fifield, a daughter of John:? i






704


PORTRAIT ANliD BIOGRlRAPHICAL ALBtUM.


i04                             PORTRAIT ANDBIOGRAPHICA L ALBUM..~~..___ I_-~~~~~~~~_~-   _I  ___1.~~~~~_~.~~~_~~1___~_~~~__-  ~~~~~~.-~~~~~-~___~  --------  -, ---


and Almira (Towle) Gentleman, both natives of
New Hampshire. Mr. Gentleman died in 1851, his
wife surviving ten years. They were the parents
of eleven children, five of whom are now living.
Two of the sons, Francis and Joseph, served in the
Civil War, Joseph as a Captain, and Francis as an
Orderly Sergeant in Maine Regiments. Mrs. Thorn
is the fourth child in the family, and was born in
Freedom, N. H., May 21, 1837. She has a fine
education, having finished her course of study at
Parsonsfield Seminary, in Northern Maine, where
she prepared for teaching. After spending one
term at the head of a district school, she took a
position in the graded schools of Portland, where
sle continued her professional labors seven years.
She has been actively engaged in temperance work
at Jackson for fifteen years.
Mr. and Mrs. Thorn are members of the Universalist Church, he having been Secretary since the
organization of the society at Horton six years ago.
Ile has been an ardent and fearless advocate of
temperance, and during his entire life has never
used either liquor or tobacco. Actively interested
in politics, he was an ardent Abolitionist until after
the abolition of slavery; he voted the Democratic
ticket until 1856, since which time he hlas been a
stanch member of the Republican party. During
the war lie was a recruiting officer in this county.
He has been an active member both of the Grange
and Good Templars organization,and during the war
was a member of the Union League. Various local
offices have been held by him to the satisfaction of
his constituents, and to his own credit. In 1839
he was appointed Assessor of Barry Township, and
for five years held that office, and in the same township was Highway Commissioner three years. In
Hanover Township he has been Highway Commissioner two years, Justice of the Peace eight years,
is holding his third term as Notary Public, and he
has also been Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Lockwood. He was one of the jury of inquest in the
celebrated Crouch murder case.
The first wife of Mr. Thorn bore him six children, five of whom are now living: Angeline M.,
the wife of John A. Hatch, lives on the same section as our subject; Thomas D. married Miss Mary
Johnson, who has borne him two children; their


home is in Scipio, Hillsdale County; Caroline L. is
the wife of Albert M. Stone, and the mother of
three children, their home being at Hazen, Ark.;
Mary S. married W. S. Gildersleeve,to whom she has
borne four children; they live at Spring Arbor, this
county; Romine A. married Mise Mary Bordner,
and is living on the same section as our subject;
he and his wife have two children.
W    R. VANDENBURGH, coming to Jack\   son County, nearly half a century ago, to
engage in farming, has materially aided in
developing its agricultural resources, and has thus
added to its wealth, and at the same time has secured his own fortune. He is now the owner of as
fine and well-managed farm as any in its vicinity,
whose location on sections 12, 13 and 23, is secon(l
to none in Pulaski Township. He has been very
successful in raising wheat, and has also fed sheep,
cattle and hogs to some extent very profitably.
The father of our subject, Jacob Vandenlurgh,
was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., a son of
Philip Vandenburgh, who was a native of Dutchess
County, that State. He was a descendant of a good
old Knickerbocker family, who came from Holland
in Colonial times, and were early settlers on the
banks of the Hudson, where they followed agricultural pursuits. The grandfather of our subject was
a farmer and stock-raiser in Saratoga County. The
father of our subject also followed those occupa.
tions to some extent in his native county, but lie
seems to have been less fortunate than his thrifty
ancestors, and never owned a farm or became wellto-do. He died in Ballston Spa or Springs, November i4, 1861, aged sixty-four years, eight
months and twelve days, leaving behind him as
his only legacy to his children, the record of a life
of uprightness and strict integrity. The maiden
name of the mother of our subject was Catherine
Vincent, and she was born in Saratoga County,
N. Y., and died August 5, 1869, aged seventy
years, four months and twenty-four days. Her
father, John H. Vincent, a native of Dutchess




PORTRAIT AND BIO


U -  ----- -'  -


County, N. Y., was a fine mechanics and carried on
the trade of a wagon and carriage maker, in Malta,
Saratoga County. The following is the record of
the ten children born to'the parents of our subject:
W. R.; George, a resident of Kalamazoo; Sarah A.,
deceased; HIannah, Mrs. Parks. a resident of Saratoga County,rN. Y.; Reed, a resident of the same
county; Caroline, Mrs. Butcher, a resident of West
Troy. N. Y.; John, a resident of Saratoga County,
N. Y.; Amanda, Mrs. Ienton, a resident of tile
same county; two children died in infancy.
The subject of this biographical review was born
in Saratoga County, N. Y., in the town of Malta,
April 24, 1818, and there attained manhood. His
school advantages were limited, as the schools were
conducted on the subscription plan, and his father
could not afford to pay the rates, so the son had to
educate himself as best he could, and in the course
of a few years, by studying when and where he
could, and by reading, became very well informed..
At the age of sixteen lie began to learn the carriagemaking trade, under his uncle, and worked at that
in his native county till his marriage, which took
place in Malta, March 10, 1841, on which date he
was united to Miss Sarah 0. Dunning, daughter &f
Zadlock Dunning, of that town. Mrs. Vandenburgh's
platernal g;-andfather, whose given name was William, was a native of Connecticut, and an early settler of Saratoga County, a number of Dunnings
locating in one place, which wes called from them
Dunning Street, and there he made his home the
remainder of his life. Mrs. Vandenburgh's father
was the owner of a fine farm there,'and was wellto-do in this world's goods. He was a prominent
member of the Presbyterian Church. in which he
was an Elder for forty years. He was a Justice of
the Peace for sixteen years, and in politics he was
a strong Republican. Mrs. Vandenburgh's mother,
whose maiden name was Polly Collamer, was a
native of Malta, where her father, Barker Collamer,
carried on farming, and she died April 20, 1873,
aged seventy nine years. To her and her husband
were born ten children: Joel, a resident of Pinkney; Barker, a resident of Fenton; Sarah O.;
Tammazen, Mrs. Lawrence, of Waterloo, N. Y.;
Emily, Mrs. Birch, of Chicago; Orcelia, Mrs. Deo,
Pamelia, now Mrs. French, of Waterford, N. Y.;


GRAPHICAL ALBUM.                            705
of Schuyler, N. Y.; John E., of Malta, N. Y.; Cyrena, deceased; Nancy,' Mrs. Arnold, of Malta,
N. Y. Mrs. Vandenburgh was born in Malta, N. Y.,
March 4, 1820. She was well trained in all that
goes to make a good  ousewife, and is a  h ife an i  true homemaker.
Inl 1841 Mr. Vandenburgh went to-Seneca County,
N. Y., and worked at his tradle in Junius for a while.
When a boy of twelve or thirteen years he had determined that some (lay he would own a farm, and
he worked at the carriage trade -with a view of
earning money to put his resolve into effect. He
did not make enough to satisfy himself, however,
and he decided to avail himself of the cheap lands
for sale in Michigan, and in the spring of 1843
started for this State, coming by the water route
to Detroit, by rail to Jackson, and from there by a
private conveyance to Pulaski Township. Here he
bought forty acres of good land on section 13, on
which stood a small log house, and a few acres of
the land had been broken, he paying $350 for the
tract. le engaged in farming, and also worked at
his trade some years after settling on his homestead,
and the was so prospered that in 1850 he was enabled to add eighty acres of land, on section 12, to
his original purchase, paying $450 for it. He now
makes his home on that piece of land, having placed
it under excellent tillage, provided it with ample
buildings, antdotherwise improving it, and he has
added ten more acres to it, the last purchase lying
on section 23. His farm is productive to a high
degree, everything-'about it is in good order, and
betokens thrift and skill on the part of the owner.
Mr. Vandenburgh has led a blameless, honorable
life, the record whereof shows him to be a kind,
generous, whole-souled man in word and deed,
upon whom his neighbors feel that they can call
for sympathy and for help in their hour of need.
In his labors as a tiller of the soil he has displayed
practical sound sense, discrimination, and an ability
to work to a good advantage, and the success that
has followed his efforts shows that he did well in
the selection of his life-work. He is very highly
thought of in the community, and is prominent in
social, religious and political circles. He is one of
the leading members of Concord Lodge, No. 30,
A. F. & A. M., of which he has been Treasurer and::




706


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


Senior and Junior Warden, and he is also connected with the Royal Arch Masons, No. 5, at
Jonesville. He is a Presbyterian, strong in the
faith, and belongs to the church of that denomination at Concord. In politics he lends his influence
to'the Republican party, and has taken part in its
councils as delegate to county conventions. In early
life he was a Whig, casting his first vote for William H. Harrison, but he has identified himself with
the Republicans ever since the formation of the
party. He has served on the Grand Jury, and las
been School Director for several terms, and has
furthered the cause of education in this township
to the best of his ability.
The wedded life of our subject and his amiable
wife has been blessed to them by the birth of eight
children, natnely: John E., deceased; Hiram; Cyrena; Reed; William A. died at the age of four
years; Myron; Mary E. died at the age of twenty
years; Minnie died at the age of five years, in
1867. John was a brave soldier, and gave up his
life for his country. At the age of nineteen he enlisted in Company D, First Michigan Infantry, was
mustered in at Ann Arbor, and his regiment was
soon after sent to Annapolis Point, Md., to join the
Army of the Potomac. Ile took part in the battles 
and engagements under McClellan till the engagement at Fredericksburg, where he was sick in the
hospital. He was honorably discharged, December
27, 1862, in camp near Potomac Creek, on account
of physical disability. He remained at home about
eighteen months, and in September, 1864, re-enlisted in Company C, Second Michigan Infantry.
Lie was despatched to Camp Blair, Jackson, on
provost marshal duty to guard soldiers. April 15,
1865, he died of smallpox in Camp Blair, thus closing a heroic career. His body was returned to his
friends, and was buried in the Luttenton graveyard.
Hiram C. Vandenburgh was given good educational advantages, and was at one time a student
at Albion College. He is quite an extensive farmer,
owning a farm of three hundred and twenty acres
near Wellington, Sumner County, Kan. He is
married, and to him and his wife have been born
three children-Fred, Jesse and Myron. He is one
of the leading members of the Presbyterian Church,


Cyrena Vandenburgh attended Albion College, and
afterward taught school. She married Andrew H.
Swan, and died in Sumner County, Kan., and her
remains were brought home for burial. She was a
sincere Christian, and a faithful member of the
Presbyterian Church. Reed Vandenburgh is a carpentel, and resides in Pike County, Ind. Myron
was a student at Albion College. Ile is now engaged in farming, owning forty acres of land in
Pulaski Township. lHe is a pillar of the Presbyterian Church. IIe married Miss Mary Blauvelt,
and they have two children —May and Inez.
i AIRUS B. MAIN. The well-known Main
homestead, lying on section 35, Norvell
Township, has been the property of this
family for the long period of forty years.
In 1850 the father of the subject of this notice
secured the land and occupied it twenty-five years,
and then transferred its management to his son.
The family is widely and favorably known throughout the county as representing its best element.
The subject of this notice was born in Tornpkins County, N. Y., July 10, 1S46, and is the son
of Delos L. Main, who was also born there. The
paternal grandfather, Samuel Main, it is believed,
was also a native of the Empire State, and he was
a farmer by occupation. Quite late in life he emigrated to Michigan and spent his last days in
Sharon Township, Washtenaw County, dying when
seventy-two years old. His son, Delos L., was
reared to manhood in his native county, and was
there married to Miss Hannah Brewer, a maiden
of his own neighborhood. Both were of American
stock for several generations back. The parents of
our subject lived several years in their native
county, where the elder Main occupied himself as
a carpenter. After the birth of two children they
decided to seek their fortunes on the soil of Mich.
igan, and coming to this county, the father purchased land first in Henrietta Township. They
lived there two years, then came to Norvell Township and purchased eighty acres of wild land-the
nucleus of his present homestead,  Mr, Main prose,


0




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.,


707..PABHB


cuted his trade and carried on the cultivation and
improvement of his land, which he subsequently
added to by the purchase of eighty additional
acres  Ile brought the whole quarter-section to a
good state of cultivation, and in his calling as a
carpenter erected many of the buildings in the town
ship and in Washtenaw County.
In 1875 the father of our subject purchased some
lots in Mt. Pleasant, Isabella County, also two hundred and forty acres of land in that county, and
removing to Mt. Pleasant, sojourned there until Iis
death, in May, 1888. lie was then aged seventyfour years. The wife and mother had passed away
fifteen months previously, she being sixty-five years
old. They had formerly been members of the
Free-Will Baptist Church, but later joined the
Methodist Episcopal Clurch, at Mt. Pleasant, of
which they remained faithful and consistent members, and were greatly beloved both in their church
and in the community of AMt. Pleasant. Mr. Main,
politically, was a stanch supporter of Democratic
principles.
The subject of this notice was the second son
and child of his parents, and was four years old
when they came to Michigan. He spent his boyhood and youth in the usual manner of farmers'
sons, and early in life began to lay his plans
for the future. He acquired his education in the
common schools and became thoroughly versed in
the art and science of agriculture. When ready to
establisl a fireside of his own, he was joined in marriage with Miss Jennie Boomer, the wedding taking
place, in 1873, at the bride's home, in Napoleon
Township. This lady was born in Lenawee County
in 1853, and was reared at the homestead of her
parents in Franklin Township. Her father, Kalab
Boomer, died there when an old man. He was a
native of New York State and a life-long farmer
by occupation. His wife bore the maiden name of
Mahala Barton; she also was born in the Empire
State, and is still living, having arrived at an advanced age, and makes her home with a son in
Franklin Township. Mrs. Jennie (Boomer) Main
remained the companion of her husband only
twelve years, and died childless, January 22, 1884.
Mr. Main, in December, 1886, contracted a second marriage, in Manchester, Washtenaw County,


with Mrs. Celestia (Campbell) Gray. She was born
in White Oak, Ingham County, this State, March
29, 1853, and is the daughter of Eli and Lucia L.
(Blaisdell) Campbell, who were natives of New
York State, and who came to Michigan prior to
their marriage with their respective famillies, settling in Saline, Washtenaw County. In due time
they were married at the latter place, and Mr.
Campbell, who was a carpenter, followed his trade
and farming combined for some years in that
county. Then he removed, with his family, to
White Oak, Ingham County, where he and his good
wife are still living, botih being ripe in years. They
are a most excellent and worthy couple, highly respected in their community, and have made for
themselves a record of which their children will
never be ashamed. Mr. Campbell has always distinguished himself as a liberal-minded and publicspirited citizen, kindly and benevolent in his
impulses and a consistent member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. His wife, differing from him
somewhat in religious views, inclines to Baptist
doctrines.
Mrs. Celestia Main was the eldest of seven children born to her plarents, and was reared at the
homestead in White Oak Township, Ingham County.
She acquired her education in the common schools,
and was trained by her excellent mother to all useful housewifely duties. Of her marriage with Mr.
Gray there was born one child, a son, Elmer, now
a promising youth of seventeen years, and who
makes his home in Coldwater. Mr. and Mrs.
Main are members in good standing of the Baptist
Church and Mr. Main, politically, like his honored
father, is a sound Democrat.
ORODEN M. HESS. The pioneers of Jackson County are rapidly passing away, but
/ their mantle is falling upon no unworthy
shoulders. Their sons have arisen to take their
places and perpetuate their names in honor. The
subject of this notice, who is the son of one of the
early pioneers, is now one of the most prominent
residents of Columbia Township, owning and oc





708


EPORTfRAIT AND BIOG~RAPHICAL ALBUM.1L


708_  PORRAIADBOGAPHCAAL


cupying a well-developed farm on section 32. He
is a native of this county, having been born in
Liberty Township, February 28, 1847.
William Hess, the father of our subject, was a
native of New York State, and the son of Conrad
Hess, who was born in Hesse-larmstadt, Germany.
The family in the Fatherland was an old and illustrious one, occupying Hesse Castle, and were among
the leading families of their province. The first
representative in this country, Conrad Hess, crossed
the Atlantic, it is believed, when a young man, and
for many years was a resident of New York State.
When quite well advanced in life he came to Michigan, accompanied by his wife, Laura Hess, and settled in Liberty Township, this county, joining
their children who had preceded them  to this
region. Among the latter they spent their last
years. Grandfather Hess died at the advanced age
of nearly ninety years, and his wife was aged
ninety-one at the time of her demise. She was of
American birth and parentage, and both were devout members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
To Conrad and Laura Hess there was born a
family of twelve children, four sons and eight
daughters, of whom William, the father of our subject, was the eldest. The sons are yet living, but
the daughters are all deceased. William was reared
to manhood in Steuben County, N. Y., and like his
father before him followed agricultural pursuits.
He was joined in wedlock with Miss Lucetta B)rown,
who was born and reared in that county. HIer
father, William Brown, who it is suppoed was
likewise born in the Empire State, there spent his
entire life, but died at the age of forty years, his
death being caused by taking a dose of potash by
mistake. He was an excellent man in all respects,
and his death was mourned, not only by his immediate family, but by the entire community. He
married Miss Lucinda Godard, who survived him
many years, dying at the age of eighty, in Columbia Township, this county.
After their marriage William Hess and his wife
settled near their parents in Steuben County, N. Y.,
where their two eldest children were born. In 1842
Mr. Hess decided to seek his fortunes in the Farther
West, and coming to this county located on a tract
of land in Liberty Township, where he sojourned


with his family many years. Then selling out he
purchased a farm in Napoleon Township, and there
he and his estimable wife are still living, being
aged seventy-four and sixty-nine years respectively.
Both are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. worthy Christian people, held in respect
by all who know them.
The subject of this notice spent his early years
in a manner similar to that of the sons of pioneer
farmers, acquiring his education in the district
school, and becoming familiar with the various employments of frontier life. He remained with his
parents until reaching man's estate, and then desirous of establishing a home of his own, was married,
in Columbia Fownship, to Miss Sarah Carpenter.
This lady was born in Wheatland, Hillsdale County,
this State, June 19, 1851, and is the daughter of
William S. and Lydia (Older) Carpenter, who were
born and reared in Orleans County, N. Y. They
came to Michigan with their respective parents in
1832. They began their wedded life in Fairfield
Township, Lenawee County, of which they continued residents a number of years. Thence they removed to Wheatland Township, HIil!sdale County,
and ten years later to a farm in Columbia Township,
this county. Finally making another removal they
located on section 32, Columbia Township, this
being the farm occupied by their son-in-law. Mr.
Carpenter departed this life March 19, 1888, when
al few days past seventy-five years of age. In religion he was an old-school Baptist. His father,
the Rev. James Carpenter, officiated as a minister
of this church many years in New York State and
Miichigan. lie was one of the first settlers of Lenawee County, locating in Fairfield, where he spent
the remainder of his days. Mrs. Carpenter is still
living, at tile age of seventy-five years, and makes
her home with her daughter, Mrs. Sarah Hess.
The wife of our subject was reared amid the pioneer scenes of the Wolverine State. Although perhaps not obtaining a finished education, she was
taught those useful housewifely duties which have
so much to do with the comfort and happiness of a
home. She is a lady of much intelligence, and by
her union with Mr. Hess has become the mother of
six children. The fourth, M. Edgar, dlied when
nearly twelve years old; Birde is an intelligent




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.         709
I 


young lady, and remains with her parents; her education was completed in Napoleon. after which
she chose the profession of a teachelr, and has been
thus engaged for foul years.   William  H., C.
'Thnrman, Seraph L. and Lanra E. are at home with
their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Hess are quite regular
attendants of the Baptist Church, of which they are
members. Mr. Hess is strongly in favor of prohibition, and gives his political support to that party.
He has held the various local offices, and stands
well both as a farmer and a business man. His
well-tilled fields yield a competence, and the fine
farm  buildings stand as a monument to his thrift
and industry. The family occupy a high position
socially, and the children of Mr. Hess present an
intelligent and interesting group of more than ordinary promise.
RS. ELIZABETH GRISWOLD. It is not
an uncommon sight to witness a woman
/    at the hlead of large business interests,
managing them with eminent success, and
reaping satisfactory pecuniary results from her labors. The lady of whom this sketch is written, is
the owner and manager of one hundred and eighty
acres of fine land on section 1, Concord Township.
The development and fine condition of this fertile
estate is largely due to her intelligent and capable
supervision, and the beautiful and tastily furnished
residence which embellishes the homestead reflects
added credit to her forethought.
Briefly reviewing the ancestry of Mrs. Griswold,
we find that she is the daughter of Peter Miller,
who was born in 1810, in Tompkins County, N. Y.
Grandfather Henry Miller was a native of the Keystone State, and was one of the earliest settlers of
Tompkins County, where he worked at his trade of
a carpenter and joiner. He also superintended a
large farm, which lie owned, and was engaged in the
manufacture of furniture in Lansingville. There
lie died, after leading a useful and influential life.
Peter Miller was reared to manhood in Tompkins
County, N. Y., where lie engaged in agricultural
pursuits.  Lie came to Michigan in 1845, and first


located in Eaton Rapids, later removed to Springport, where he farmed until he purchased twenty
acres in Parma Township. Upon retiring from
active labor he settled in the village of Parma,
where he now resides.
The mother of our subject was in her girlhood
Elinor Booth, and was born in Lansingville, Tompkins County, N. Y. Grandfather John Booth was
a shoemaker by occupation, and at an early date
removed to Ohio, later to Eaton Rapids, where he
followed his trade. He also had a farm there.
The Booth family are of English descent. The
mother died in Parma in 1880, at the age of sixtyseven years. Religiously, she was a member of the
Baptist Church.
Eight children were included in the family of
Peter Miller, namely: Nelson, who resides in Burlington, Mich.; Jerome, a resident of Monticello,
Ind.; Elizabeth, our subject; Henry, in Topeka,
Kan.; Emory, who lives in Parma, Mich.; George,
in Morocco, Ind.; Charles, deceased; and Ransom,
a resident of Parma. Emory was in the Fourth
Michigan Cavalry, enlisting in 1861, and serving
until the close of the war. He was in the squad
that captured Jefferson Davis. Charles also served
in the late War. in an Indiana regiment, serving
from 1861 until his death.
Mrs. Griswold was born in Lansingville, N. Y.,
April 10, 1837, and at the age of eight years acconmpanied her parents to Michigan. It was a
primitive country, its only houses being log cabins,
a few schools, and business houses of a frontier
character. She was married in Concord Township,
July 4, 1857, to Benjamin Spaulding Griswold, a
native of Genesee County, N. Y., and born May 1,
1824. His father was John C., a native likewise of
the Empire State. He resided in Genesee County
until 1828, coming thence to Plymouth, Mich.
After farming there until 1835, he removed to
Ja.ckson County, where lie purchased good land and
accumulated a competence of this world's goods.
At different times he made his home in Parma and
Concord Townships, and died in the latter place in
1873.
The union of John C. Griswold and Betsey
Welsh was solemnized in New York. She was the
daughter of James Welsh, a native of New York






710


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


I


State, and an early settler of Plymouth, Mich.,
whence he came to Concord Township, and there
dlied. Betsey (Welsh) Griswold likewise died in
Concord Township    Her leligious beliefs coincided with those of the Presbyterian Church. Her
only child was Benjamin S. Griswold. When eleven
years of age he accompanied his parents to Wayne
County, near Plymouth. At tle age of twentyone he came to Jackson County, and engaged in
agricultural pursuits in partnership with his father,
also buying lands of his own. Eis first home in
the township was a log house, and he was one of
its largest and most successful farmers. He increased the acreage of his farm by adding one hundred and fifty acres in Jackson County, which was
well improved. lie superintended most of this, and
also purchased five hundred acres of forest land in
Eaton County, where he put up and ran a sawmill.
I-e was well and favorably known all through the
county, and was extensively engaged in raising and
feeding stock. His sheep ranche, was well stocked
with one thousand to fifteen hundred head cf sheep
and he drew the largest load of wool ever taken to
Parma, making a rack on purpose. It was drawn
by two yoke of oxen and a team of horses, and
brought him $4,000. IIe was one of the most prom.
inent citizens of the county, and was married the
first time to Ann Scott, a native of Batavia, and
who bore him two children-Ethel, who died in
1886, and Eli, who lives in the West.
In the spring of 1872 Mr. Griswold met with a
serious accident, a log falling from the barn-loft
striking him on the head, and so affecting his head
and brain that he took his life April 4, that year.
During the Civil War lie was an active Union man,
and was a strong Republican in political principles.
At tle sale of her husband's estate, Mrs. Griswold
bought one Lundred and sixty acres of the farm in
Parma Township, and then renting it, removed to
Parma, where she made her home until 1878. At
that time, selling her farm, she bought the present
estate of one hundred and eighty acres. She has
made the most of the improvements now conspicuous on the farm, and has adopted all modern
methods for increasing the fertillity of tlhe soil, and
in this way also adding to the financial returns.
The land is all tillable, the buildings are large and


I


of modern type, and other conveniences are being
added from time to time, as occasion or necessity
requires. In addition to general farming she devotes considerable attention to stock-raising, in
which she meets with fair success. She assists in
all public enterprises for the general welfare of her
district, and like her husband, supports the Republican )arty by her influence.
The family of our subject comprises four chil(ren, one of whom is deceased. They are: J. Calvin, at home, and engaged in the wire picket fence
business; Anna, who was the wife of F. Dean, but
who died in December, 1886; Minnie, married Bert
Dean, who is a farmer in Parma Township; Grant,
who lives in Jackson, and is in the employ of the
Michigan Central Railroad Company. 'Ihey 'all
stand( high in social circles, and enjoy the universal respect of their acquaintances.
G     EORGE J. TOWNLEY occupies one of the
-finest residences in Tompkins Township, the
'J 1house being of tasteful design and first.
class construction, finely finished, heated by furnace. and well furnished. It is pleasantly located
on an estate comprising two hundred acres of land
on section 19, the farm being a part of the original
two hundred and forty acres which belonged to his
father. The estate is under the joint management
of Mr. Townley and his youngest son, Frank A.,
whose excellent judgment and discrimination make
him a valuable assistant to his parent. The business carried on is general farming and the stock is
all of a high grade, Short-horn cattle being raised
to a considerable extent, although not made a
specialty of.
Mr. Townley is tile youngest son of Nicholas and
Hannah (Ackley) Townley,whose llistory is given il
the sketch of Richard Townley on another page. LIe
was born in New York, April 2, 1829, and came to
tllis county with his mother and the younger members of tlie family in 1835, tlie father having come
a few months previous. They located on the farm
a part of which lie now owns, and where the parents died.






I






(4',






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.            713,~  V.,   I           -, l.                   -.- L D


Here our subject was reared and educated, the
first school that he attended being a log house near
the center of section 17. The seats were of slabs,
with pins for legs, the windows were of 7x9 glass,
and the house was heated by a big fireplace. To
this institution the lad walked about two miles
through the woods, some times going through tle
snow barefooted. His first teacher was Miss Mary
Hurlburt, who afterward married his brother Anson,
His schooling was limited, amounting to but tliree
months after he was fourteen years old. Ile took
an active part in clearing the farm, and in breaking
new ground, early acquiring the habits of energetic
industry which have made his after life successful.
In Miss Ellen, daughter of David Adams, of this
township, Mr. Townley found tile qualities which
he considered most desirablle il womanhood, and
after a successful wooing, he became her husband
October 4,1854. She is a native of Wayne County,
N. Y., and came to this county with her parents in
1836. She is a consistent member of the Metho(list Episcopal Church. The family of Mr. and
Mrs. Townley comprises five sons and daughters,
namely: Lewis A.; Minnie G., the wife of Frank
Sanford; Fannie H., the wife of Mitchell Sanford; Nettie -I., the wife of Montgomery Townley; and Frank A.
both civil and military, is an honorable? one and is worthy of perpetuation in a
volume of this nature.  He has resided in this
county for many years and may be classed among
its early settlers. He has ever evinced an iirterest in that which is for the good of the community, takes an active part in the social matters
of his neighborhood, and is esteemed by all who
know him, He owns and occupies a farm on section 18, Sandstone Township, the estate comprising
fifty acres and being in a good state of cultivation
and improvement. His financial success is due to
his natural ability, as he was early thrown on his
own resources with no one to give him financial aid.


lMr. Pierce was born in Livingston County,
N. Y., January 25, 1841, being the second child in
his father's family. Ite is the son of David and
Betsey (Wright) Pierce, natives of New England,
and in tlhe paternal line is probably of Scotch descent. His grandfather Wriglit was a soldier in
the Black Iawk War, and also the War of 1812.
His father died in the Empire State in 1847 and
his mother subsequently married again, and with
her and his step-fatler our subject came to Michigan. The family lived in Eaton County about a
year and tlen removed to this county, where the
education of young Cyrus was mostly obtained.
His boyhood and youth were passed amid scenes of
a rather primitive nature, and lie has witnessed
much of tile development of the county.
The Civil War broke out before Mr. Pierce became of age, but in October, 1862, he enlisted in
Compalny K, Twenty-sixth Michig(an Infantry and
became an integral part of the Army of the Potomac under Gen. G rant. During the period of
almost three years in which he took part in the
struggle for tlhe Union, he participated in many engagenments, bearing his part as gallantly as older
men and winning the admiration of his comrades
and superior officers. The most noted battles in
which lie fought were Hatcher's Run, Sailor's Creek
and Petersburg. -Ie was present at the surrender
of Gen. Robert E. Lee, at that time being connected with the Second Army Corps, and was also
present at the siege of Suffolk, Va. His honorable
discharge was granted June 4, 1865, and returning
to tlis State lie resumed tlie occupation of a farmer,
which has been his life work.  During his army life
le contracted an infirmity that partially disabled
him, and on account of which lie draws a pension
of 815 per month.
On June 21, 1868, Mr. Pierce was united in marriage with Miss Martlla Rogers, a resident of Sandstone T'ownship, this county. The bride was born
in Litchfield County, Conn., December 16, 1848,
her parents, Francis and Angeline (Benedict)
Rogers, being natives of the same State. They
lived for a short time in New York, but in 1856
came to Michigan and settled in this county on
section 19, Sandstone Township. There the father
died November 2, 1884, after haying seen the
i   - 






714


PORTRAITf AND BIOGR1APHICAL ALBUM.


714  PORTRA- IT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM


country marked with many more improvements
than when he came into it. He was a carpenter
and carried on the work of his trade in connection
with farming. In politics he was in sympathy with
the Republican party, and in religious belief, with
the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which lie was
long a member. As a public-spirited citizen and
an honest man, the esteem of the community was
his. His widow still lives, being now in her seventy-seventh year. She owns fifty acres of good
land, the income from which supplies the comforts
that she needs in her declining years. She belongs
to the same church in which her husband held
membership. Their family consisted of four clildren, two of whom survive: Caroline, wife of
Charles Rogers, of Spring Arbor Township, this
county, and Martha, wife of our subject. To the
latter two children have been born-Julius B. and
Ida M.
After his marriage Mr. Pierce settled on the
farm that he still occupies and which he has developed and improved, ably assisted in his efforts by
his faithful and capable companion, wliose thrift
and good judgment are potent factors in the comfort of the home. She is a member of the Wesleyan
Methodist Church, and in the affairs of the church
and society she takes a prominent part and an active interest. Mr. Pierce is a Republican and is a
member of Levant C. Rhines Post, G. A. R., at
Parma.
Elias F. Pierce, a brother of our subject, and a
resident of Sandstone Township, was a Union soldier and fought valiantly on many a hotly contested
field. He enlisted at the age of nineteen years
August 11, 1862, as a private in Company I, Fourth
Mlichigan Cavalry, and served his country faithfully for three years, taking an active part in more
than ninety battles. He endured all of the hardships of war, and was fortunate enough to escape
unwounded though in the midst of many desperate
engagements. He was promoted several times,
being Orderly Sergeant for two years. Later, upon
the recommendation of Col R. H. G. Minty, he received a Lieutenant's commission. During an active campaign of three years the regiment traveled
over ten thousand miles in the saddle. They saw
the first dead soldier at Perryville, Ky., October


10, 1862, and took part in the following battles:
Nashville, Franklin, Wilson Creek, LaVergne and
Stone River.
The horse which Elias Pierce rode was shot under
him while charging the Texan Rangers, and going to
the field hospital he assisted in taking care of the
wounded all night, and in the morning was sent
out to help bury the dead. He rejoined his regiment in time for the battles of LaVergne, Manchester, Cumberland Shoals, and was present at
Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, Tunnel
Hill, Kingston and Lost Mountain. He was also
in the Killpatrick Raid around Atlanta, was three
days and nights in the saddle without sleep, and at
one point on the raid had to cut his way with the
saber. through the Rebel lines, being entirely surrounded at one time at Gravel Springs, Ala. For
seven days he was deprived of food, with the exception of a teacup full of corn each day. Horses
were prevented from starving only by eating the
bark of trees.
At Irwinville, Ga., Elias Pierce witnessed the
capture of Jefferson Davis, May 10, 1865, and
drew $500 as his part of the reward for his services. Reaching home July 14, 1865, he pitched
his tent in his mother's yard, where for many
weeks he slept, undisturbed at night by the bugle
or clash of arms.
Elsewhere in this volume we present a lithographic portrait of our subject.
G    EORGE S. BENNETT, President of the Eldred Milling Company of Jackson, although
quite a young man, already holds a high
rank among the business men of the city which has
the honor of being his birthplace. The Eld red Milling Company was established in 1885, by George
T. Smith and Z. C. Eldred, being merged into a
stock company in 1889.
The natal day of the gentleman of whom we
write, was June 18, 1856. His boyhood was passed
in the city of his birth, in attendance at its public
schools, and he afterward attended the college at
Racine, Wis. Returning to his home at the age of




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


715


seventeen years, he entered into partnership with
his father, Allen Bennett, manufacturing agricultural implements largely, for a period of four years,
at the expiration of which time the firm sold out
the business to Jerome Eddy. Young Bennett then
became book-keeper for the George T. Smith Middlings Purifier Company, acting in that capacity for
eighteen months, at which time his father died and
he became Vice President and Secretary of the
company.
Mr. Bennett continued his connection with the
Purifier Company until 1888, when he disposed of
his interest and retired from the firm, purchasing
the Eldred Mills. He is one of the stockholders
in the Bottree Manufacturing Company, and also
owns blocks and other business property, and has
large interests in real estate.
An important step in the life of Mr. Bennett, was
taken in 1877, when he became the husbland of Miss
Anna R. G. Minty, daughter of R. H. G. Minty,
Esq., of Jackson. The bride was born in Canada,
came with her parents to the United States when a
little girl, and growing to womanhood amid favorable surroundings, acquired  many virtues and
graces, such as fit her to adorn the society in which
she moves, and dispense the genial hospitality of
her beautiful home in a most pleasing manner. The
happy union of Mr. and Mrs. Bennett has been
blessed by the birth of two children, Julia A., and
George S.
Mr. Bennett is a member of Michigan Lodge No.
50, A. F. & A. M.; of Jackson Chapter No. 3; and
of Jackson Commandery No. 9. He belongs to the
Episcopal Church. His upright character, marked
intelligence, genial manners, and the tact and en(rgy he displays in his worldly affairs, alike give
him a high repute among his fellow-men, and great
popularity among his personal associates.
The father of our subject was one of Jackson's
most prominent business men, and one of the early
settlers. He was born in Otsego County, N. Y., in
April, 1819, was a descendant of an English family, and a son of Allen Bennett, of New Hampshire,
for whom he was named. He married Miss-Harriet
Stage, of Rochester, N. Y., and in 1837, removed
with his family to the village of Jackson, Micl.
The first business in which Allen Bennett engaged


in his Western home, was that of general merchandising, starting a store and growing with the
town. He was energetic and honest, and by close
application to business, he made money rapidly, and
was enabled in the process of time, to take a part
in many prominent enterprises.
Allen Bennett was one of the principal stockholders in the George T. Smith Middlings Purifier
Company, which at the time of his death was an enterprise that the citizens of Jackson looked upon
with a great deal of pride, although at the present
time it is in financial straits. IHe was a stockholder
in both the Jackson City and the First National
Banks, and the owner of valuable city property.
A fine residence on West Main Street was erected
by him, and he also began the Allen Bennett Block,
having it well on toward completion, when stricken
by a fatal illness; the block has been completed by
his son, and is regarded as one of the finest in the
city. In politics, Mr. Bennett was conservative.
He was a devoted husband, and an indulgent par.
ent, leaving behind him a memory held in loving
remembrance by his family, from whom he was
called to part in August, 1881.
SA CHARLES. Among the many worthy
i  citizens who have labored long in the development of the agricultural districts of
this county, none better deserve notice in
a volume of this nature than he with whose name
we introduce this sketch. He is the occupant of an
excellent farm in Columbia Township, on which he
has lived from his twentieth year when he accompanied his parents to the Territory of Michigan, to
form a part of a sparsely settled community, and
while building up their own fortunes, assist in the
development of the new country. For many years
his experience was so thoroughly identified witl
that of his parents, that the history of one is the
history of all. He gave his time to the improvement of the farm, remaining with his parents, and
becoming their support and shield in the declining
years.
The father of our subject was Bliss Charles, Sr.,






716


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


a native of Maine, member of an old New England family, and presumably of English descent,
although the history of the first of the name in this
country is somewhat obscure. He was reared on a
farm, and spent his entire active life in agricultural
pursuits. Upon the breaking out of the War of
1812, he volunteered in the service of his country,
but was never in action. He married Miss Sidney
Tilton, who was also born and reared in the Pinetree State. After the birth of two of their children,
Mr. and Mrs. Charles journeyed overland by trails
to the new country, in what is now Wyoming
County, N. Y., but was then Genesee County, being
accompanied by Samuel Charles, brother of Bliss.
They established a home in the wilds of Weathersfield Township, where they remained twenty-one
years, ere turning their faces toward the setting
sun, and establishing themselves in Michigan.
The father had made a tour of investigation in
June, 1836, and selected a location to which the
family, which then included five children, came the
following fall, performing their journey to Buffalo
by teams, thence crossing the lake to Detroit, and
completing their journey in the same manner in
which they had left their former home. They
erected a log hut, and beginning in the usual pioneer style, made a home from the wilderness. soon
having a productive farm  and good buildings.
Here Bliss Charles and his wife lived long enougli
to become known to many of the settlers, and to
win their esteem as excellent neighbors, energetic
pioneers, and liberal and generous citizens. The
death of Mr. Charles occurred in 1855, the occasion
being a stroke of palsy, and his age three-score and
ten. He was of ITniversalist faith and religion, and
a stanch Democrat in his political views. He had
served as Supervisor of the township three years.
His wife survived him until August 3, 1878, when
slhe. too, entered into rest on the same estate. to
which her son, our subject, had succeeded after tlle
death of his father. She had ever been a kind
mother, was loved by all she met, and during her
last days was a model of beautiful old age.
Asa Charles was born in Weathersfield Township,
Genesee County, (now Wyoming), N. Y., November 12, 1816, and received his early education, and
training in his native county. After the removal


of the family to this State, he became of age on the
farm where he still lives, and upon which he began
life as a man, entering into all the pioneer labors,
assisting his father with all the strength of his
young manhood, and himself becoming known and
respected for his sturdy character and unflagging
industry. The one hundred and ninety-seven acres
on section 9, which forms his estate, presents a
widely different appearance. from that which it bore
when his eves first rested upon it, and he may well
rejoice in the result of labors which have accomplished so much in the way of gaining a competence
and beautifying the land. In his own declining
years he can look back with pleasure to the kind
protection and loving care which he gave his aged
mother, and to the comfort of his father's last
years, feeling assured that he who honored his parents will not be left uncared for in his own later
life.
Mr. Charles follows his father's example in his
adherence to the Democratic party. The faithful
companion who has devoted herself to his assistance in building up their home and rearing their
family, is a native of this county, having been born
in Napoleon Township. She was reared and educated within the borders of the county where her
goodness has made for her many friends. She became the wife of our subject in Jackson, being at
that time the widow of William Quick, and having
borne the maiden name of Maria Foster. She has
borne our subject three children-Rosa, Minnie and
Samuel, all of whom are yet residing under the parental roof.
i SAAC R. PARKER, of the firm of Parker &
Fleming, purveyors of fine groceries, having
the leading establishment in that line in the
city of Jackson, and a large wholesale and retail
trade, is one of the most active and enterprising of
the intelligent and energetic men of business who
are so ably sustaining and advancing the commercial and financial interests of this county. He is a
native of Michigan, born near the town of Cassopolis, August 1, 1857.
His paternal grandfather was a native of New




PORTRAIT AND BIOG(litAPHICAL ALBUM.


717


== —     =. == --- —-P                  TR      T   AN       BP                           AU                         M      7    1 -- = --- -- =  _=- —.
1 --- —-"I-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ --- — ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~~~~~~~~


England, whence he emigrated in the early years of
the settlement of Ohio to that State, of which he thus
became a pioneer. He came from there to Michigan
in the latter part of his life and spent his last days
in Cass County. His son, Joseph H., was the
father of our subject, and was born in Ohio. When
a young man, stalwart and active, he came to
Michigan and cast in his lot with the pioneers that
had preceded him in Cass County, buying a tract
of wild land near Cassopolis, which by patient industry he cleared and cultivated, engaging in agricultural pursuits there until 1865. In that year
hs sold his farm and removed to Iowa, and settling in Harrison County, rented a farm there
which he tilled profitably until his death, which
occurred in 1875. The maiden name of his wife
was Mary Ann Hull, and she was born in Michigan, a daughter of Isaac and Maria fHull, pioneers
of Cass County. She did not long survive her
husband, dying in 1880. She was the mother of
three children, namely: Cyrus S. Theoplilus B.
and Isaac R.
The latter, the subject of this biographical review, was given excellent educational advantages,
being a bright and apt scholar. He received the
rudiments of his education in the public schools of
Iowa, and then attended the Commercial College
at Oskaloosa. His first entrance into the mercantile world was in 1875, as a clerk in a general store
at Logan, which position he retained about five
years. His next venture was as a farmer and
stock-raiser, and he was thus occupied until 1882,
when he came to Jackson and resumed clerking,
as an employe of the firm of Hull & Co., Mr. Hull
being his uncle. He remained with that firm until
1886, and then his experience and natural business tact enabled him to form a partnership with
Mr. Deans Fleming and to buy out the stock and
good-will of the store in which he had acted as
a clerk. Under the prestige of the old, well-known
and honored firm our subject and his partner
commenced business under the most auspicious
circumstances, and by their honorable dealings,
close attention to their affairs, and courteous and
considerate treatment of their customers they have
not only retained the good-will of the old patrons, but have greatly extended their trade, and


they carry a large stock to meet all demands.
They have their teas and coffees fresh f"om the
importers, and the coffee is brought to them green,
being roasted and ground in their own establishment.
Mr. Parker is a man of resolute will, of practical energy, and of acknowledged integrity, and
his credit is of the highest in financial circles. Religiously, he is a member in good standing of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. Socially, he belongs
to the Central City Tent, No. 139, Knights of
Maccabees.
8m TTEPHIEN W. HOLMES. Among the practical and successful farmers of Norvell
Township, the gentleman above named
well deserves mention as his estate not only
evinces careful and intelligent culture, but is well
supplied with first-class buildings. It is located on
section 35, and comprises one hundred and twenty
acres, and has been the home of our subject since
he began to farm on his own account. He was
born on Stanton Street, New York City, May 24,
1837, and was but a few months old when his parents landed in this township. His father, Henry
Holmes, was born near London, England, March
29, 1810, was of pure English ancestry and the
only child of his parents. When fourteen years
old he set out for the World's Metropolis, where he
served an apprenticeship of seven years at the
trade of a carpenter and joiner. Having completed
his trade and become a skilled workman, he set sail
from London in the year 1831, and after a tedious
voyage of some months landed in New York City.
He was a stranger in a strange land but with letters
of introduction to the philanthropist, Isaac T.
Hopper of New York, who secured him a situation.
For this favor Mr. Holmes ever afterward felt very
grateful to his benefactor.
After having lived in New York and worked at
his trade for some time, Henry Holmes was married to Miss Lydia Weeks, who was born in that
city and was of German ancestry. After the birth
of two children-Henry Jr., and our subject-Mr.








718


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


and Mrs. Holmes set out for the West in the summer of 1837, coming down the canal to Buffalo,
thence crossing Lake Erie to Detroit, where Mr.
Holmes purchased an ox-team and wagon with
which to complete the journey. Through a Mr. J.
F. Cornwell he had secured one hundred and sixty
acres of Government land on section 35, Norvell
Township, this county, and to it he brought his
family and his household effects overland. The
business of farming was a new one and proved a
very awkward undertaking to Mr. Holmes, but by
close application he succeeded well in his agricultural efforts and lived to see a great change il the
country which was comparatively new when he
settled in it. He is now living with one of his
younger sons, C. P. Holmes, on the old farm, and
has reached the ripe age of eighty years. He has
been 'i hard working man and a good citizen, who
is regarded with respect by his fellow men. In
politics he is a Republican but prior to 1856 he
belonged to the Democratic party. He is a consistent member of the Baptist Church.
Mrs. Lydia Holmes, the niother of our subject,
died at her home in this county in June, 1847,
while yet in the prime of life. She left five children, among them  being a pair of twins. Three
of the children are still living and all married. By
a second marriage to Miss Phoebe Hoar, who died
in 1875, Mr. Holmes had two children, one of
whom yet survives.
The gentleman with whose name we introduce
this sketch is the second member of the family. He
received a good education, first in the schools of
his own township and later in Leoni College, after
which he adopted the profession of teaching, following it for some winters. Finally he determined
to devote his energies to the occupation of farming,
in which he has proved his ability and won a deserved success. In Napoleon Township, this county,
on December 5, 1861, he was united in marriage
with Miss Caroline A. Smith, a woman with a cultured mind, a fine character, and a knowledge of
the domestic arts that are needful to the management of a home. She was born in Mentz Township, Cayuga County, N. Y., March 15, 1842, and
was ten years old when her parents came to this
State, wllere she grew to womanhood, acquiring her


education in Leoni College and making her home
with her parents until her marriage. She is the
mother of two children, of whom a daughter, Maud,
died at the age of one year. The survivor, Hattie
B., is the wife of Harvey H. Raby and lives on a
farm in the same township as her parents.
Mr. and Mrs. Holmes belong to the old school
Baptist Church, their membership being in the
society at Norvell of which Mr. Holmes is Clerk.
He has held the office of Township Supervisor and
is now Notary Public. In politics he is a Republican, firmly believing the principles of that party
are best adapted to the needs of the Nation. He
and his charming wife are among the foremost
people of their community, and highly regarded
by all who know them.
The parents of Mrs. Holmes, Chancy C. and
Harriett (Van Winkle) Smith, were born in the
Empire State and there married. Mr. Smith was
a mechanic and followed the trade of a carpenter
in his native State until 1851 when, with his wife
and five daughters he came to Michigan. lie settled on a farm in Napoleon Township, this county,
where he still lives, owning one hundred and ninetyfive acres of good land, which he has acquired since
he came to this State. Mrs. Smith died in 1859 at
the age of forty-one years. She was a member of
the Baptist Church to which her husband also belongs. Mr. Smith is a Republican.
HOMAS JEFFERSON CONELY. This gentleinan is well known in Jackson, where his
efficiency as Fire Marshal has been recognized for several years. He is of English and Irish
ancestry and inherits many sturdy and pleasing
characteristics from either line. His grandfather,
who was born in Maryland, at the age of fifteen
years became powder-boy on the "Sailor," the first
United States frigate sent out by the Government;
and the courageous spirit which led to his dangerous occupation at that early age is characteristic of
the grandson.
The parents of our subject were William S. and
Eliza (Connor) Conely who were for many years res





PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


719


--


I


idents of New York City. The father was a manufacturer of looking-glasses and picture-frames and had
the largest establishment at that time in the United
States. The parental family was composed of nine
boys and two girls, of whom our subject is the fifth
son. Five sons and one daughter are now living.
The parents were living at Brighton, Mich., at the
time of their decease, the father breathing his last
when seventy-five, and the mother when seventyfour years old. Both were of the Universalist faith.
T. J. Conely was born in New York City, July
12, 1836, and obtained his early education at the
New York Free Academy, completing his studies
in 1853. He afterward spent three years in farm
labors at Brighton, Mich., after which he came to
Jackson and entered the drug store of William S.
Moore, remaining in that establishment two years.
At the expiration of that time he began working for
the firm of Bliss & Beebe in the same business, remaining with them three years.
In 1861, Mr. Conely enlisted as First Lieutenant
of Company K., Ninth Michigan Infantry, which
was raised and quartered at Detroit. Leaving the
City of the Straits on the 20th of October, they
joined the western army in Kentucky, their first
engagement being at Murfreesboro, Tenn. Here the
company lost its captain and the command devolved upon the lieutenant, who, while leading his
force, was captured by the Confederates. He was
taken to Madison, Ga., remained in prison there
three months and was then taken to Libby Prison,
whence, after a sojourn of three days, he was paroled and exchanged in December. He rejoined his
regiment on the first day of the New Year, at Stone
River, receiving a promotion to the Captaincy, his
commission being dated back to July 28, 1861.
The command of Capt. Conely continued to advance
toward Atlanta under command of Gen. Thomas,
on whose staff the Captain served as Assistant Inspector under Col. Von Schrader. After reaching
Atlanta, Capt. Conely resigned and returned to
Jackson in November, 1864.
Upon resuming the arts of peace, Capt. Conely
entered the wholesale grocery firm of Eaton, Knickerbocker & Co., with whom he remained three years.
He was then elected City Recorder on the Democrat ticket, and served during one term, which con



sisted of twelve months, after which he went into
the insurance business, continuing in the same until
1884, when he was appointed Chief of the Fire Department by the Board of Fire Commissioners.
This position he has satisfactorily filled since that
date. Mr. Conely was brought up in the Jeffersonian faith of Democracy. He is an honorable man,
endeavoring to fulfill his duties in a worthy manner, and has many warm friends in the community.
In October, 1865, Mr. Conely was united in marriage with Miss Charlotte J., daughter of William
Watt Langdon one of the pioneers of Jackson. Mrs.
Conely is a worthy lady who ably presides over the
home and is rearing her children to useful manhood
and womanhood. Three children have been born
to her-Edwin L., Mary and Elizabeth, and the
parent's hearts have been saddened by the loss of
the oldest daughter, who died with diphtheria.
TEPHEN H. CARROLL, President of the
City Council of Jackson, although still a
comparatively young man, has a good
position among the business men of the
city, and has for several years been prominent in
the ranks of the Democratic party. He his been a
member of the City Council for eight years, is now
representing the Fifth Ward, and particularly with
the young Democracy, his popularity is unbounded.
He is a most interesting conversationalist, keeping
himself well-informed on various topics of interest
and presenting his opinions and the results of his
observation in an agreeable manner. He is a prominent member of the Elks Society, and is regarded
with respect by his fellowmen.
Peter Carroll, the father of our subject, is a native of County Ardee, Ireland, was born in 1800
and came to America in 1820. He located in Swanton Hill, Vt., and was there united in marriage with
Miss Dorothea Stephens, a native of that town,
whose birth took place in 1808. She was the daughter of Scotch and English parents and was of the
Protestant faith, while Mr. Carroll was a Catholic.
Their home for a considerable length of time was
in Swanton Hill, whence they removed to Welling







720


PORTRAIT AN D BIOGRnAPHILCAL ALBIUM.


72OTATADBORPI-CAALU..~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

i


ton County, Ontario, Canada, where the gentleman
of whom we write was born to them, September 2,
1 852. He is tlhe seventh son in a family of ten sons
and one daughter. The father of the family departed this life in Travis County, Mich., in 1881,
and the mother breathed her last in Wellington
County, Ontario, in 1858.
The gentleman whose name initiates this sketch
obtained his education in an old log schoolhouse,
which he attended about tllree months per year,
working for the neighboring farmers during the
summers until the age of twelve years, when he left
school and devoted his entire time to farm work for
three years. He then, in 1868, located in Travis
County, Mich., and engaged in lumbering during
the winter, after which lie went to Titusville, Pa.,
sojourning there during the summer and then returning to his birthplace. Hie remained in Canada
until January, 1870, wlien he came to Jackson
where he has since remained. Upon his arrival lie
went into the draying and trucking business, continuing so employed until 1880, at which date he
began the bottling business which he still follows.
His establishment is at 126 Cortland Street, and is
the seat of a business wlich yields a comfortable
income to its enterprising proprietor.
A cozy and attractive home at No. 512 Francis
Street, is that in whichl Mr. Carroll tinds rest from
the cares of business and his political work, in the
society of his worthy wife and three interesting
children. The lady who presides within the home
bore the maiden name of Lena Vogt, is of German
parentage, and a native of Canada. The rites of
wedlock were celebrated between her and our subject on the 4th of July, 1 872. Tlhe youthful group
at the family fireside bear tIhe names respectively of
Ella May, Stephen H., and Lena.
IRA B. WEEKS. Among the leading men of
Hanover Township none occupy a better position in business and social circles than he with
whose name we introduce this sketch. By a course
of prudence and industry he has becomne well-to-do,
being the owner of a good farm on sections 25 and






26, upon which he has just completed a fine residence which with its surroundings is destined to
form one of the most attractive homes in the township. Presiding over his domestic affairs is an in -
telligent and capable lady who is in all respects the
equal of her husband and who enjoys with him the
confidence and esteem of the community.
The eighth child of Ira B. and Emeline C. (Bowerman) Weeks, the subject of this notice was born
February 3, 1844, in Livingston County, N. Y.,
and in 1847, was brought hy his parents to Michigan. They located on a tract of land in Jackson
County and young Ira grew up amid the wild
scenes of pioneer life, acquiring his early education
in the district school. At the age of sixteen years
he was allowed to start out for himself and for two
years thereafter worked for his brother, W. J.; subsequently for three years he was employed for others in a like manner after which li h learned carpentering for eight years.
At the expiration of this time having saved a
snug little sum of money Mr. Weeks purchased one
hundred acres of land on section 26, Hanover Township, of which lie took possession in 1871. This
bore little resemblance to the farm of to day, being
rough land, full of stumps and stones besides being
badly handled by a former owner. IJpon it was a
poorly built log house which lMr. Weeks occupied
until he could build a better dwelling. He kept
bachelor's hall until the following year and was
then married February 21, 1872, to Miss Harriet A.,
daughter of B.: C. Hatch, Sr. A sketch of this lady's
family will be found in the biography of John A.
Iatch, on another page in this volume. Of this
union there was born one child wlo died in infancy
and Mrs. Harriet A. Weeks departed this life June
23, 1875. Mr. Weeks contracted a second marriage
May 24, 1876, with Miss Carrie M., daughter of J.
B. and Mary Ann (Pickett) Reed. Mr. Reed was a
native of Massachusetts and his wife was born in
Vermont. The mother died in 1861, and the father
is living in Hanover Township. Their family consisted of ten children, four of whom are living. Mr.
Reed came to Michigan in 1850, his marriage taking
place in New York, and in common with the other
pioneers of this county endured all the hardships
and privations of life on the frontier.


4




PORTRAIT AND BJIOGIHAPHICAL ALBUM.                                                                                                                721....     -.............................................................................. -  0  X 0 f 0   D D  0 f  L.. V f~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Mrs. Carrie M. (Reed) Weeks was born November 9, 1852, in H-anover Township, and under care.
ful parental trainill grew up an intelligent young
woman, well versed in thle mysteries of housekeeping and equipedl withl a practical education obtained in the district schools. T'lere have been born
of her union witl our subject two children-Sarah,
April 26, 1877, and Wayne, September 15, 1887.
Mr. Weeks votes regularly withl the l)emocratic 
party and gives his supplort to the various measures
calculated for the social, moral and financial welfare of the community.  lie llas been a member of 
the School Board in Iistrict No. 2, and has also
officiated as Road Overseer. The present residence
was erected at a cost of 2,500, including tlhe labor
and personal suIpervision of AMri.  eek.   lie has
been prospered in Iis labors as a tiller of tl:e soil
anld has added to his first pulrchlase, so that lie now 
has one hundred and eighty-five acres of land all in
one )body, including about twenty acres of timber.
In addition to general farming he has attained to
considerable prominence as a breeder of live stock
in which he takes much interest, keeping good
grades of cattle, 'as well as other domestic animals.
Iis farm ol)erations are carried on in that systematic manner which seldom fiils of success, an l as
aL citizen, he is looked upon as'one of the lea(ling
men in his community. Iis brother Dr. Weeks, is
represented on another page in this volume.
^s^.-a —  >.^^.;?.~j?. ---.- asssss^
OI1N R. POOL. The biotgrapher must confess to an agreeable task in his interview
with Mr. Pool, of Blackman Township, wlhoi
lie found situated at a pleasant home on see 
tion 28, amid all tile comforts of modern, rural
life. A careful and conscientious mrlan in all his
relations, Mr. Pool is no less a thorough farmer,
than he is an upright and reliable man, with whom
to transact business. IIe is a man who never lets
his impulses run away with him, but manifestly follows tle advice of an old timer, wtlose maxim was,
"be sure you're rioht, tlhen go ahead."  Adherance
to this maxim lias placed Mr. IPool, socially allid


financially, in an enviable position, and secured
him the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens.
In noting the personal history of an individual,
the mind( natulrally reverts to those from whom Ihe
drew his origin. 'I'lie subject of this notice is of
stanch New England ancestry on his father's side,
being tlhe son of William Pool, a native of Connecticut, born near the city of New Iondon. His
mother was Jlanle Ieckwith, a native of Connecticutt, a(nd wnas tlere niarrie(, and some. time after
their marriage, removed( to New York. In 1832 lle
sougilt tle wilds of MIichigan, locating( in Sandstone Township), tliis county, where the mother died
in 1850.
William Pool, after the death of his wife. removed to lParma, wler le lie urclhased a small place
and lived about two years. I-le then came to what
is now Blackmanl Township, this county, and purchalsed the farm now owned )by his son, Jolmn. R,.,
and whicl was then familiarly known as tile "Slipman Farm."   lie thereafter relmained a resident of
Blacklntan Townslhip until llis decease, which occurred in tlie spring of 1865. 'There Ihad been born to
him and nl is estilmallle wife, seven children, three
of whom are livin(:.lohn1 R., our slubject, a native
of Stafflordl, (enesee (County, N. Y., was born April
11. 1 830, and consequently was only two years old
when his p)arents came to tliis county.  With the
exception of two years spent in Lexington County,
lie has been a continuous resilent of this county,
land has steadily followed frming pllursuits. His
first operations on his own account in this line were
in Springport Township,l where lie lived sometling
less than six years, then sold out and came to his
present farm, which was originally the property of
William Sliipman.  Here l:e has faithfully labored
since tIle spring of 1865, althoulgh for a few years
past lie has been enabled to lay aside the harness
to a certain extent, havilng long ago accumulated a
competence. The farm is one hundred and seventy-five acres in extent, and is embellished with a
substantial rmodern dwelling, goodl barns and all the
outbuildings required for the shelter of stock and
the storage of grain. 'I'he land is tilled with the
aid of improved machinery, and yields to the'plroprietor a hndsonme income. 'The well-fed stock




i;


722


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


- `- I —~-" —- ---'I- — --—  ----I- --- —-` —-' —` --- —
`-1 --- —1-1 --- --- —-^I ---I-- --- — —


=


and the other appurtenances of the place present a
picture of comfort and plenty, which is delightful
to contemplate.
Mr. Pool was married at the bride's home in
Sandstone Township, November 20, 1853, to Miss
Jane L. Holmes. Mrs. Pool was born in Chesterfield, Conn., September 2, 1833, and came with her
parents to Michigan during the early settlement
of Jackson County. Her father, Charles B. Holmes,
was located for a time in Sandstone Township, but
snbsequently removed to Parma, and then to Blackman Township, where he and his good wife spent
their last days. Mr. and Mrs. Pool have been
greatly afflicted in the loss of all their children,
four in number, two of whom died when young:
Nietta, who died on the 16th of June, 1887, when
an interesting young lady of twenty years; and
Richard, who died at the age of seven years.
Mr. Pool at one time took an active part in political matters, and since becoming a voter, has
given his unqualified support to the Republican
party. While a resident of Springport Township, he
was elected a member of the County Board of Supervisors, serving one year and until his removal
from the township. In Blackman Township he
held the office of Supervisor for six terms, three of
them successively. In Springport Township lie
officiated as Justice of the Peace one year, and in
Blackman  Township he has held the office of
Highway Commissioner, during which time were
built the bridges over the Grand and Portage Rivers. Educational affairs have always received his
attentive consideration. A man always reliable,
and whose word is considered as good as his bond,
he is essentially a worthy representative of those
who have assisted in bringing Jackson County to
its present status socially, morally, and financially..
Miss Nietta Pool, whose untimely death was so
deeply deplored, not only by her immediate friends,
but the entire community, was a student of the
Jackson High Sclhool, a member of the Class of '87,
and was taken away before being graduated. Her
parents have instituted a lasting memorial to the
memory of their daughter-the Nietta Pool Memorial Library of the Jackson High School. The
library was founded May 17, 1888, and will be
maintained by Mr, andl Mrs, Pool probably during






their lifetime. It already numbers two hundred
and eighty volumes of reading suitable for the pupils of the school, and is highly valued, not only
for the useful fund of information which will be
thus afforded, but on account of the spirit which
prompted it. The donation to the library already
aggregates about $400.
-:_ == = _ f = =:.,   0  =0


C    HANCELLOR P. HAMMOND, EsQ.
Of the temperance workers of Jackson
County few are better known than this
gentleman, who is a pioneer in the county, where
by his consistent life, reinforced by a strong moral
character, a-philanthropic spirit and a generous
disposition, he has acquired prominence. Having
experienced many reverses, he has at last accumlalated a competence, and has sufficient of this world's
goods to insure his old age against poverty. Politically he is a strong and stanch Republican, with
the interests of his township and county ever uppermost in his mind, and his influence in politics is
such that his advice is often sought, and as readily
given.
Before giving the details in the history of Mr.
Hammond, it might be well to trace his ancestry,
and notice particularly the record of his father,
Irus Hammond, by occupation a farmer, and a native of New York. There he was united in marriage with Miss Miriam Smith, also a native of the
same State, where they resided for a short time
following their union, removing thence to the
township of Kinsman, Trumbull County, Ohio. In
the spring of 1837 they came to Michigan, settling
on section 12, Hanover Township, this county. At
the time of their arrival only five families were
living in the entire township, the lonely woods and
broad prairies being the resort of Indians, wolves,
bears and aeer, who in their various ways rendered
the life of the frontiersman unsafe.
When Irus Hammond came to Michigan, the
land on which he located was in a wild state, seemingly unfit for the abode of civilized man. He
immediately commenced its improvement, putting
up a log shanty, clearing the land, and slowly but






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


723


c


surely redeeming the soil from its primitive condition. An apparently unimportant event in the
life of Irus Hammond was the means of changing
hishistory. The first convict that ever escaped
from the Michigan State Prison, was captured by
him, single-handed, and was forthwith returned to
the prison. As a compensation for his bravery lie
was given employment at tile prison, cutting poles,
and building a stockade of tamarack poles around
the prison. After being thus engaged for a period
of three or four years he returned to his farm and
again took up the task of ( ultivating it.
In 1865 the former position held at the State
Prison was again offered Mr. Hammond, and having accepted it, he remained there for perhaps four
or five years.  Having a good opportunity of
trading his Jackson County farm for one in the
township of Moscow, Uillsdale County, he made
the latter place his home for about five years, and
then selling it, purchased a large farm, comprising
three hundred and sixty acres of land, near Marshall, Calhoun County, where he lived for three
years. Again selling out, lie bought forty acres in
the city of Coldwater, paying therefor $12,000 in
cash. On that homestead he ended his days, dying
in July, 1884, aged eighty-one years.  His wife
survived him  nearly five years, passing away in
April, 1889, also at the age of eighty-one years.
'Squire Hammond was the third of six children,
of whom five are living at this writing. Kinsman
Township, Trumbull County, Ohio, was the early
tramping ground of our subject, and there he was
born May 10, 1835. When only two years of age
he accompanied his parents to this county, and
now often recalls incidents that impressed themselves upon his memory then. Such education as
he obtained was secured in a log school house, the
first in the township, within the rude walls of which
lie conned his lessons and gained a practical knowledge of the rudim'ents of the language. He develveloped into a sturdy manhood, and when ready to
establish a home of his own, left the parental roof,
and afterward devoted his life to the care of his
family.
Prior to the marriage of 'Squire Hammond, his
father made a trip to California in 1852, and left
him in charge of the farm. ''this lie continued to


to manage until 1866, when he took a contract to
draw the stone for the east wing of the State
Prison. This contract being fulfilled, he was engaged in the prison, as a keeper in the shoe-shop,
for two and one-half years. At the end of this
period he purchased a grocery store in Jackson,
which he operated on temperance principles. When
lie bought it, there was a bar in it, as in all grocery stores of Jackson at that time, but this he tore
out, putting in "feed" in its stead. There were
not enough temperance people in Jackson, at that
time, to sustain a temperance grocery store, and lie
not only lost all he put in it, but more besides.
Nor was his next venture in business more successful. Buying a team on credit, he began hauling coal for the Jackson Coal Company. -He
allowed his salary to accumulate on the company's
hands, and they being bankrupted, lie lost all that
was due him, and the only result of his winter's
work was an overcoat worth perhaps $3. [He then
commenced operations as a farmer, in which he
has met with good success and which he has since
continued. He ran the first steam thiesher in this
section, and introduced other innovations in farming. In the fall of 1878 he moved to his present
farm on section 8, Liberty Township.  Previous
to this, however, he went to Stony Point, and sunk
$2,000 there.
The marriage of our subject took place November 23, 1854, in Liberty Township, when Miss
Ellen Sloat becanie his wife. She is the daughter
of Cornelius and Mary (Becker) Sloat, the former
a native of New York and the latter of Canada.
They came to Michigan in 1831, locating'in Washtenaw County. A year later they located in this
township, where the father died March 8, 1878.
The mother is still living, and makes her home with
our subject, having attained to the age of seventysix years. They had six'children, Mrs. Hammond
being the eldest, and she was born February 5, 1835.
Two children came to bless the-union of 'Squire
Hammond and his wife: Mary is the wife of Duane
P. Hull, and the mother of one child; they live in
Summit Township, this county. Frank, the only
son, married Miss Freelove Crouch, and lives in
Jackson, where he is engaged with the Gig Saddle
Company, of that city. They have a family of






724


PORTRAIT AND BIOG RAPFHICAL ALBUM.


72                  PORTRAIT. AND  BIOGRAPH     L  A LB U M. - -----—....... --- —- -1-, --- —---—.. —  _ --  — _ -


three boys. Our subject and his wife are members
of the Universalist Church, of East Liberty, and endeavor in every way to aid in the advancement of
the cause. They do all in their power to help the
local Methodist Sunday-school. He is a member
of the Masonic order at Moscow, also of the Patrons of Industry, being Secretary of the latter.
I-e has served as a member of the School Board
for many years, and has been Postmaster at Stony
Point for five or six years, which office he organized. lHe is now serving his second term as Justice
of the Peace in Liberty Township, and will probably be a candidate in the comiig election for
supervisor. lie has always taken an active part in
political issues, and has been a frequent delegate to
township and county conventions. He has served
as Drain Commissioner nearly ever since the creation of that office.  His community has been
greatly benefited by) his residence here, and the
progress of the county has been materially advanced by his active co-operation in all important
interests.
- OHIN G. CARTER has an assured position
among the business men of Jackson, where
he is engaged in the real-estate business. IIe
(  was born in Genesee County, N. Y., August 15, 1832, and was a mere child when his parents removed to Michigan, locating on a farm in
this county.  Iis father, Philander L. Carter, was
born in 1800, and died December 25, 1881. His
occupation was that of a farmer, and he also dealt. 
in real estate. He was the son of Dr. John Carter,
and of English descent. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Charity Russell; her
birth place was Genesee, N. Y. She is still living
and although now in her eighty-fifth year, is quite
hale and hearty.
The boyhood and youth of John G. Carter were
spent on his father's farm, in the acquirement of a
practical common-school education, under the privileges afforded by the district. He remained under the parental roof until he was twenty years old,


when he became a clerk in the dry-goods house of
Charles W. Penny, where he continued seven years.
He then embarked in the business of buying and
handling stock and produce, carrying on a fairly
successful career in that line of business during a
period of about twenty years. He next turned his
attention to the real-estate business, realizing handsomely from many of his investments, and in the
process of time acquiring a comfortable fortune.
After having spent a number of years in single
blessedness, Mr. Carter became thoroughly convinced that it was not good for a man to live alone,
and he therefore wooed and won an estimable lady
for his companion. This was Mrs. Dolly Fleming,
of New York City, and the rites of marriage were
celebrated between them in June, 1887. Mrs. Carter has two children by her former husband. She
was left an orphan at early age.
Mr. Carter owns a good farm, well stocked and
improved, together with a large amount of city
property. His residence is one of the most elegant
in Jackson. Its foundation are of granite, and its
walls of the noted Ionia sandstone, while the interior is finished in cherry and various hard woods.
It is supplied with all the modern improvements
in the way of steam and water appliances, and furnished in a style in keeping with the means and taste
of its occupants.  The architectural design is
unique, striking the eye of all who pass along
Main Street. The mild and unassuming manner of
Mr. Carter might lead a casual observer to a wrong
estimate of his ability, which is above par in business matters. He is much respected for his integrity of character, and his long life in the
community, has given him a wide spread reputation. Politically he is and always has been a stanch
Democrat.
F^ j  FRANK LUTTENTON is distinguished as
i    being the oldest native resident of Pulaski
\\  Township, he having been the second
- white child born here. He is now numbered among the intelligent, liberal and progressive
men who have been mainly instrumental in building up the township, whose foundation was so well






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


725


laid by the brave and resolute pioneers of a halfcentury and more ago, and who have thus materially
added to the wealth and prosperity of Jackson
County. Mr. Luttenton has a well-stocked, finely
improved farm, comprising parts of sections, 12,
11, and 14, with a commodious, well-appointed
residence, of a tasteful style of architecture, and
convenient outbuildings, and all the appliances
for carrying on farming by the best methods.
Our subject is the son of Reuben Luttenton, a
native of Onondaga County, N. Y., of which his
father, Oliver Luttenton, was a pioneer. The latter
was born in Montgomery County, N. Y., and removing to tie county mentioned he cleared a farm
from its primeval forests, and remained there until
he retired from farming. He spent his last years
in Michigan with his children, but died in the home
of one of his sons in Orleans County, N. Y., when
about eighty years of age. He was of English descent. The father of our subject was reared in his
native county, and owned and operated a farm
there. He subsequently went to Orleans County,and
farmed there until lie came to Michigan in the fall
of 1835. He made the journey thither by water to
Detroit, where he bought an ox-team and came in
a wagon through the intervening forests to Jackson County. He arrived here in the month of
October, and became one of the first settlers of
Pulaski 'lownship. He invested in one hundred
and twenty acres of Government land, and at once
entered upon its improvement, his first work being
to build a log house. His was about the fifth family
to locate here, and their nearest neighbors were two
and one half miles distant,and Mr. Luttenton had to
go to Marshall to mill and to Detroit for provisions.
He was successful in his pioneer labors and added
to his farm from time to time, and once had three
hundred acres of fine land in his possession, but at
the time of his death had disposed of all but one
hundred and twenty acres. He continued to manage his farm until his demise in 1874, at the age of
sixty-nine years. He was a representative pioneer
and was looked up to by all, and was one of the
most respected citizens in the county. He was an
active member of tie Methodist Episcopal Church,
and in his political views was a strong Republican.
The maiden name of the mother of our subject was


Alzira Bagnell, and she was born in Orleans County,
N. Y. Her father was a farmer of that county and
served in the War of 1812. The inother died in
Pulaski Township on the old homestead, in June,
i885. She had seven children, namely: Richard
M., a mechanic in Jackson; William W., deceased;
R. Frank; John W., of Pulaski Township; Charles
N. W., and Ann J. (Mrs. Iolland), both of whom
live in Pulaski Township; Eugene B., deceased.
R. Frank Luttenton was born in Pulaski Township, September 2, 1837. Ile was reared to a vigorous manhood on the home farm amid the pioneer
influences that obtained in this then sparsely settled
country. That was a wild scene upon which his
eyes first opened in that home in the primeval forests, where the Indian still hunted deer, bears, and
other wild game, and where evidences of the civilizing presence of the white man were but few. In
the great change thlat has been wrought since that
time he has had a hand, and lIas been no unimportant factor in the upbuilding of township and
county. IIe had the advantages of the common
schools, the first school in the township having been
conducted in his father's lhous. lie was early set
to work, and from the time he was ten years old he
was of great assistance to his father in helping clear
the land, drive the oxen, and in the many other
tasks that then devolved upon farmer's boys, and
lie thus became a practical farmer when quite
young. He remained an inmate of the parental
household until he was twenty-six, except tie year
that he worked a farm  on shares. In 1863 lie
bought forty acres of his present farm, which was
covered with forest trees, and he has since reclaimed
it from the hands of nature, and has added to his
original purchase until he now owns one hundred
and thirty-six acres of well-improved land, one
hundred and five of it tillable, all neatly fenced and
provided with suitable buildings, there being two
dwellings on the place and three ample barns,
and a valuable orchard comprising five acres of
choice varieties of fruit trees. Lie built his present
residence, a fine, large house well fitted up, in 1885.
It is very pleasantly located four miles from Concord. Mr.Luttenton has devoted himself principally
to raising wheat and to feeding sheep, of which he
has from seventy-five to one hundred, and he has






726


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


72    PRTAI  NDBIGRPiCL  LBM
---— ~ ~ ~ ~ I 


met with fine success, and has made money. He lets
a part of his farm and merely cultivates what he
can attend to himself.
Mr. Luttenton, having passed his entire life here,
is well-known in township and county, and as no
one knows him but to respect and esteem him for
his many fine qualities of head and heart, he is
indeed a general favorite. In tie management of
his affairs he has displayed great skill, cool judgment and good business tact. He is a true Republican in his political views, always lending his
influence to promote the best interests of the party.
He fell into the ranks when the party was organized, and cast his first vote for its first Presidential
candidate, John C. Fremont.
EORGE F. RICE. This gentleman has held
a prominent position among the business
men of Jackson for many years and is one
of those early residents here, who can point with
pride to the beautiful city which has grown up
where but a small village greeted their eyes on their
arrival.  He not only possesses the intelligence
which may be attained through the medium of the
press and association with his fellow-men, but was
the recipient of such excellent educational advantages duririg his early years that he was enabled to
begin teaching at the age of nineteen.
Before giving a brief outline of the life of the
gentleman above named, a few words in regard to
his ancestors will not be amiss. The paternal line
of descent is traced from Edmund Rice, a native of
England, who came to America in 1639, making his
first settlement in Sudbury, Mass., whence he removed to Marlborough, dying in the latter pl!lce in
1663. The next in the line was Thomas Rice, born
in Marlborough, November 16, 1681. His son Jonas
married Mary Stone and was one of the first settlers
of Worcester, whence he was driven out by Indians,
but where he resided in solitude from 1713 to 1715,
when his brother Gersham moved in with his family. Jonas Rice was called the father of the town,
and held many town offices prior to his death which
occurred September 22, 1753. His son Adonijah


was the first white child born in Worcester. The
wife of this gentleman was Persis Gates of the same
town. He served in several campaigns against the
French and Indians and spent his last years at
Bridport, Vt., breathing his last in 1802,
Following the above named on the genealogical
tree was Abel Rice, the grandfather of our subject
and a native of Worcester, Mass., whence he removed to Guilford, Vt., in 1751, later changing his
residence to Bridport, where he died July 9, 1800.
He was a soldier in the Revolution and married
Anna, daughter of Capt. Samuel Nichols. To this
couple was born a son Jonas, whose eyes opened to
the light in Guilford, Vt., September 26, 1778, and
who was but six years old when his parents removed
to Bridport, where they were early settlers. He was
twenty years old when his father died, and being
the eldest son he became the head of the family.
He cleared a large farm and resided thereon until
his death August 12, 1855. He had lived to see the
section develop from a wilderness without railroads
or even canals, with the nearest market at Troy,
one hundred miles distant, into a thickly settled,
highly cultivated and prosperous region with facilities for travel unknown in his boyhood and fine
markets in the near vicinity. His second wife, the
mother of our subject, was born in Bridport, Vt.,
March 23, 1790, and died May 17, 1824. Her
maiden name was Emma Clayes and she was the
daughter of Peter and Polly (Nixon) Clayes.
The gentleman who is the subject of this biographical notice was born August 14, 1820, in Bridport, Addison County, Vt., was reared on the home
farm and attended the public schools during the
winter terms. When sufficiently old to do so he
entered the Newton Academy, and afterward attended the academy at Brandon, beginning his work
as a pedagogue at the age of nineteen, teaching
in winter schools and farming during the rest of
the year until he left his native State in 1840 for a
home in the wilds of Michigan. The trip was made
by canal to Troy, thence by railroad and canal to
Buffalo, across the lake to Detroit and by rail to
Ann Arbor, then the western terminus of the railroad, whence it was completed by stage to the village of Jackson.
Mr. Rice secured a school on the east side of the








PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


727


__ __ 0'-of f D^-  7 DL;-  ' E X fE —  1- 11__-P   — TRA-__  _AND BOG A HI   A L B U M.7 27_ 


river and spent the winter as an instructor, returning the following spring to his native State, where
he remained until the fall of 1844. Ile then came
again to Jackson, where he located permanently,
securing a clerkship in a dry-goods store and two
years later becoming a partner in a mercantile firm.
He continued in the dry-goods business for a decade or more, making some changes in the meantime in his partnership relations. He then engaged
in the sale of hardware, which he continued some
fifteen years, at the expiration of which time he sold
out and since then has dealt quite extensively in
real estate.
On May 3, 1 849, Mr. Rice was united in marriage
with Miss Jennie E., daughter of Lonson and Susan
L. Wilcox. She was born in Stockbridge, Mass.,
was a lady of estimable character and a worthy
member of the Congregational Church, to which
Mr. Rice belongs. Mrs. Jennie E. Rice was stricken
by a fatal illness and breathed her last February 19,
1886. Mr. Rice was married to his second companion, Miss Mary A. Burns, June 22, 1887. She
was born in Manchester, England, and came to this
country in her early life with her parents, Edward
and Ann Burns, and now presides over their home
No. 301 North Blackstone Street.
The Christian character, high degree of intellectual culture, and the business ability of Mr. Rice are
such as to entitle him to the respect of his fellowmen and they cheerfully accord him their good will.
ACFARLANE NIELSON, a thriving grocer of the city of Jackson, is prominently
located at No. 717, East Main Street, and
enjoys a large and lucrative patronage
from the people not only of that part of the city, but
the country around. His career as a business man
has been signalized by that strict adherence to
honesty and square dealing which is one of the
characteristics of his nationality, he having his
birth and ancestry in Scotland. His native place
was the city of Edinburgh, where he first opened
his eyes to the light January 17, 1849.
Mr. Nielson spent the first ten years of his life


in his native city, and then, with his parents, removed to London, England, where they sojourned
about eighteen months, then crossing the Atlantic,
they located in Hamilton, Canada, where the father,
James Nielson, died in 1878. The mother, whose
maiden name was Eliza Wylie, is still living, and a
resident of Canada. Her father was a well-educated man, following the profession of law, and in
the city of Edinburgh was one of its leading attorneys. IHer maternal grandfather, Judge McFarlane, also followed the profession of law and
distinguished himself as a jurist.
The subject of this sketch attained to man's estate in the Dominion of Canada, in the meantime
acquiring a practical education in the Hamilton
schools. He commenced his business career in the
city of Detroit, this State, as a clerk in the employ
of an older brother. The latter was in the wholesale grocery business, and with him young Nielson
remained for about six years when he entered
the employ of George Bain & Co., a tea and
coffee firm, with whom he operated as a traveling
salesman for a period of four years. In 1877 he
came to Jackson and clerked for his brother until
1881, when he established himself in business on
his own account, and occupied himself thus for five
years. Then selling out, he took to the road again
as an employe of Adams & Sherman, of Indianapolis, Ind., with whom he remained two years.
Returning now to Jackson, Mr. Nielson purchased the stock of C. Palmer & Co., grocers, and
continued the business at the old stand until the
present time. lie keeps a fine selection of choice
groceries and everything pertaining to this line of
trade. Mr. Nielson was married in September,
1875, to Miss Emma Jane Cleveland, a native of
Rochester. N. Y., but thenl living in the city of
Detroit. Four children have been born of this
union, the eldest of whom, George H., was instantly
killed by falling down the stairs at school in 1887,
when a promising boy of ten years. Thle three survivors are all sons-Freddie M., Wylie C. and
Harvey T. Mr. Nielson was one of the organizers and elders of the Presbyterian Church in this
city, and was the first Superintendent of its Sunday-school. In Masonic circles he is a member of
Jackson Lodge, No. 17, and he is also identified




728


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


withl the Ancient Order of United Workmen and is
Supreme Lieutenant Commander in the Order of
the Red Cross.
James Nielson, the father of our subject, was at
one time one of the leadling merclhants of Edinburgh, Scotland, owning seven stores. He was a
prominent man in local affairs and a member of the
Town Council during tile passage of thle Reform
Bill, which lie was instruimental in effecting. Ile
was also a member of what was calletl the Corporation lalikers, in Edinburigh. a beneficiary institution from:wllich his willow receives annually $800.
[%  ARLIN TRIPP. For almost a half a ceni    tury tlhe gentleran above lnamed has been
occupying a farm on section 2. lanover:J     cITownship, which includes a portion of the
homestead on which his fatler settled in 1832. I-le
occupies the remarkable position of being the only
person now living in tle township who was here at
that date, which was his own first year of residence.
Although only a boy at tlhat time he certainly deserves mention among the old settlers, as iln his
early years lie assisied in tle development of his
father's estate, and tlere began tlhe labors whichl he
had continued through long and busy years.
The father of our subject was Abiel Tripp, who
was born in Rutland, Vt., in 1781. In Niagara
County, N. Y., he married Mrs. Sarah Mills, who,
after bearing two children, was removed by death
in 1824, in New York State. The father was a soldier during tlhe War of 1812. I-e buried four
wives, himself surviving until 1861. In 1832 lie
came to Michigan acomnl)anlied by our subject,
fettling on a farm of four hlundred and eighty
acres, to which he afterward ad(ded other lands. On it
the two built the first house in Hanover Township,
and turned the first furrow, and for a year they were
the only white settlers. Indians were then living
here and the father traded with them for nearly all
tlhe necessaries of life, outside of what was raised
on the farm. The first schoollouse in the town

shlip was built in 1835, and Abiel Tripp was a
member of the first school board, lwhile tlhe first
school teacher was John Belden, now deceased.
The subject of this biography is the only surviving child of his imother. tIe was born March 31,
1821, in Niagara County. N. Y., and was therefore
but eleven years of age when he began his residence in this county. The scenes amidl which the
ilext few years of his life were p)assed were such as
to develop a sturdiness and shrewdness scarcely possible to the dwellers amidi other scenes, and filled
his memory witl incidents and views which make
it a store-house of interesting reminiscences.  B-eginning life for himself at the age of twenty
years, on forly acres of land, which was a part of
tlle homestead, lie has made for himself and family
a most comfortable home, continuing from    that
time to reside on the same farm. 'The present
dwelling of the family was erected in 1870 and is
sulpplied with all that is needful for tlhe convenience
and good cheer of its inmates.
The wife of Mr. Tripl bore thle maiden name of
Laura J. Stone, and the rites of wedlock were celebrated between them January 1, 1 846. The bride
was b1orn in aNagara County, N. Y. April 20,
1825, most of her school days being )passed in hir
native State. She lhas titted lerself for teaching and
procured a certificate in New York and afterward
in tlis State. She taught nine terms of school,
mostly in this county. Not only llas sle a superior
education, but she is the fortunate possessor of a
disposition which makes sunshine about her, and a
character of great worth.  She and tier husband
have but one child, a son, Orville S., born November 8, 1846.  I-e married Miss Maggie J. Snyder
and lives on the same section as his parents. -He
has one daughter, Julia S., a miss of sixteen years,
who plays the organ for church and Sundady-sclhool,
and leads the choir of tle only church in Horton.
The parents of Mrs. Tripl) were Nathan H-. and
Annie J. (Fenn) Stone, both of Vermont. They
were married in the Empire State and resi(led there
until 1838, when they came to this county, settling
on section 10, Hanover Township. There they
made their permanent home, ttle fattier living until
1851, and the mother until 1882. They were the
parents of ten children, six of whom1 are now liv











PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


731


ing, Mrs. Tripp being the second horn. Botl were
school teachers, well educated, and with characters
of worth.
Mr. Tripp belongs to Blue Lodge, No. 293,
A. F. & A. M., of Horton, in which lie lias been
Steward and Tyler; his son Orville is a member of
the same lodge and has been Secretary. He has
always been a stanch and active worker for tile
Democratic party and his wife's people are also in
sympathy with it. He has been a Delegate to
county and State conventions since his early mianhood.  The   intelligence, good  judgment and
energy which he possesses have not been allowed to
lie idle, and his fellow-citizens liave called for his
services as a member of the School Board, Road
Commissioner, Township Treasurer and Constable,
and he has also served many times as a Juryran
during the County Circuit Court. lie still superintends the work on his farm although lie is not
obliged to toil "from early morn to dewy eve" as
those do who are beginning life. I-e is a most
genial companion, his conversation being tilled
with pleasant sayings, his good nature almost absolute, and his disposition such as to lead him to enjoy
life. The thorough breeding of his estimable wife
adds a charm to the home and to every circle in
which they are present. She was reared in the
ITniversalist belief.,ON. AMOS ROOT, merchant and farmer of
I)' Jackson, was born at Ft. Ann. Washington
County, N. Y., April 8, 1816, being
the third son of John and Roxianna (Worden) Root.
From a work compiled by the Rev. James Pierce
Root, is condensed the following account of tile
Root family: The first of the family to come to
America is believed to have been John Root, a native of England, who, with his wife Ann Russell,
became about the year 1637, one of the first settlers
of Hartford, Conn. About the year 1652 he removed to Northampton, Mass. He was a farmer
and a weaver of cloth, and one of the eight pillars
of the church organized in Northampton. His son


i
I
I
i
i
I


I


Thomas loot seenms to have remained in Ilartford,
where his son Jacobl was born. Jacob, a son of the
latter, was borin in Hebron, Conn., June 15, 1687,
and a third Jacob in the same town July 28, 1710.
The next descendant in a direct line, was Asahel
Root, born at (-astonbury, Conn., August 5, 1753,
wlho was a soldier of tlhe Revolutionary War. A son
of thle latter, John Root, born December 18, 1781,
was the fatller of the subject of this biography.
John Root learned the trade of an edge-tool
maker. tools being then made by hand. HIe followed his trade many years at Ft. Ann, N. Y.
coming from tllere to Michigan to spend his last
(lays with his children. He was a soldier during
tlhe War of 1812. lie was a good workman, an
honest and very tempe rate man, whose will was
stron:g enouili to enable him, at the age of sixty
years to abandon the use of tobacco, on account of
its bad influlence upon younger people. Politically
lie was a Whig, an(l later a Republican. For many
years ihe was a member of tlle  aptist Chllurch. His
constitution was vigorous, and lie lived to his
ninctieth yeear, his death, which occurred in Jackson, January 1, 1871, having been occasioned by a
fall upon the ice.
Ioxanna, who became tlie wife of John Root,
was a dauglhter of l:enjaminin (George, an officer of
tie British army dlurling tlhe Revolution, and born
in Washington County, N. Y., in 1 786. After the
(deatl of hler father she became the step-daughter
of Jesse Wor(len, who during the same conflict was
one of Washington's life guards, and was known
before hler marriage as Roxanna Worden. This
marria(ge was blessed with five sons and two
daouhters.
Tlle healtl of Amos Root during his childhood
and youtli was feeble. His education until he was
sixteen years of age, was such as could be obtained
hby,ttendance at tle village school. His subsequent mental training was gained by circumstances
and experience. At sixteen lie became a clerk for
his two elder brothers,merchants and manufacturers
at AMohawk, N. Y. There he acquired mental discipline and habits of industry which contributed to
his futLure success. In the fall of 1838, in company
with Henry C. Orendorff, who had been a fellowclerk of the Mohlawk tirm of Root Brothers, he




732


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


- - - - - - -~~~~~~~~I- - 5 ----~~~~~~~~I-   11 — ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -- - -— c-,~ --- —1~.- ---.- -  - - - - -,- -- - - -.-   - - -- ---- i-,. - —.- ----- - - 
- - - - -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~   ---


came to Michigan Centre, near Jackson, and engaged in mercantile pursuits. That point was then
prominent, but a few years determined the rivalry
in favor of Jackson, to which place the firm of
Orendorff & Root removed in 1841. The population of this now prosperous city did not then exceed
one thousand, and it was a straggling ill-built village. Its growth and prosperity became one of
Mr. Root's special ambitions, The mercantile
business in Jackson was during the sixteen years of
its continuance reasonably successful. When it
terminated in 1857, Mr. Root had already made
considerable investments in real estate, induced by
his faith in the ultimate growth of the town then
just incorporated as a city. As a real-estate operator he speedily became a recognized authority.
Mr. Root was one of few who at that time estimated with much approach to accuracy, the causes
which would determine both the fact of the growth
of large inland towns, and that of the location of
such towns. Ile saw that with the extension and
perfecting of railroad systems such growth was not
merely possible but certain, and that the locations
would be where the different roads should center
and the different systems compete for the public
favor. He saw moreover that the locations once
fixed, would upon the completion of all the roads
the country would need, remain fixed forever, with
as much certainty as the location of a sea-board
town at the best harbor on the coast. As a consequence his ambition took the shape of a purpose to
make Jackson a railroad center, and he noticed
that nature had favored the location by making it
the "valley center" of the southern part of the State.
The Michigan Central Railroad was completed to
Jackson in 1841, but as early as 1836, there had
been a company incorporated to build a road from
Palmyra to this place then known as Jacksonburg,
toward which some thousands of dollars had been
paid by the citizens, and with the help of the State
the road had been built from  Palmyra to Tecumsell-thirteen miles-when it was forfeited to the
State. This was before Mr. Root became an actor
here, but he had already become prominent as an
agitator of the claims of his locality, when in 1846,
he became one of the incorporators of tlhe Grand
River Valley Railroad Company, which afterward,


under his Presidency constructed the railroad from
Jackson to Grand Rapids. His influence with that
of others during the same year, was sufficient in the
Legislature, to load the charter of the Michigan
Southern Railroad Company, with the obligation
to construct the Palmyra and Jackson Road as a
branch. Upon the completion of the main line of
that company to Chicago in 1851, it delayed to
build this branch. Among the things done to
compel the company to build it, in which Mr.
Root was a prominent actor, was having books
of subscription opened at Tecumseh and the subscription of $700,000 of stock by him and others,
the stock then being above par in the market; the
compelling of the directors of the company to give
their personal bonds to build and complete it, and
the struggle to procure the rights of way, which the
Michigan Central Company made a persistent effort
to prevent. A law suit between the companies delayed the building several years, but the efforts of
Mr. Root and those acting with him overcame all
obstacles, and finally in 1857 a contract was let for
the completion of the last twenty-one miles of this
branch, which was done at the time when the stock
of the company went as low in the market as six
cents on the dollar, the reason why it was not
not abandoned being that there had been vigilance
in getting the personal obligation of the contractor
to complete it. The right of way struggle for this
road involved some interesting episodes, one of
which was the removal of an executor who had bargained with the Michligan Central Company, by Mr.
Root's efforts, before he could succeed in carrying
his bargain into effect.
While this struggle was going, on Mr. Root had
from session to session of the Legislature procured
the necessary extensions of time for the building
of the Grand River Valley Road, and as early as
1853 and 1854, he and Moses A. McNaughton and
Joseph E. Beebe spent several thousand dollars in
the making of preliminary surveys, for that road.
The northern counties were then poor and sparsely
settled, and the then village of Jackson had about
15 per cent. of its present population, (in 1890)
and less than that percentage of its present wealth.
Tile projects of railroads north from Jackson then
seemed too large for the public to consider, but




PO RTRAI T AN D BIOGGRAPtHICAL ALBUIM.


733.*~~~ORRI AN                                       BIGAPIA                  ALU.                                        733.. 
"~~~;~~~-y"" L~~~~~cp-l' nn~~~~~~~'-r`~~~~~'^-~i~~~~~~~~ ~~ ~~~ 1 —~~~~-c~~~ —TI --- —----------— '~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


persistent agitation, led by Mr. Root, finally accomplished the building of three roads in that direction. In 1863, 1M. Root led in the efforts which
induced the Legislature to pass the first enabling
law enacted in Michigan, under which municipalities could vote aid to railroads. This was for a road
from Jackson to Lansing, being for the road since
constructed from Jackson to Mackinaw. Mr. Root's
direct efforts for that road ceased upon seeing a
good company organized, and lprovisions made in
in the vote adopted by the electors of Jackson, by
which the first ten miles north of Jackson, could be
used as a common road, by that and tie company
proposing to build to Grand Rapids. lie was al.
ready the central figure in the latter project, but
for tlie time being lie found public attention at
home almost wholly absorbed in the Lansing and
Saginaw project. IIe must either wait indefinitely
or make a start somewhere else. Neither Jackson
nor Grand Rapids had faith in the willingness or
ability of the intervening counties.
At the extra session of the Legislature in 1864,
an act was procured authorizing municipal hell to
this project, and during that and the first half of
the succeeding year a vigorous campaign in Eaton
County, followed by one in Barry County, sue
ceeded in raising $200,000 in Eaton and $150,000
in Barry. This being done made it comparatively
easy to get subscriptions and votes to the amount
of $100,000 in each of the cities of Jackson and
Grand Rapids. The large factor to accomplish
such results consisted of the personal efforts of Mr.
Root. lie talked publicly  and privately, and
always, as the result proved, effectively. He was
able as few orators have ever been to sway his audiences, not perhaps more by his reasons, than by
tile faith which his presence and words inspired.
lie was able to induce universal acquiescence in the
plan of spending the means raised upon a roadbed, before any definite arrangement had been
made for the means to procure the rails and equipment. It was in fact more than two years after
the letting of the grading contracts in August
1865, before the contract was made with the Central Company which made the securities issued by
his company saleable. He was long delayed by
negotiation with the Southern Company, which


I
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I


would have been successful, probably, but for the
stipulations insisted upon by an executive committee, apparently oblivious of the shape in which investors wished their securities. That he retained
faith himself during two years of disappointments
and thwartings of his plans, was the reason, more
than any other which kept the work on the line in
progress and insured its ultimate success, the last
rail of the completed line having been laid January
1, 1869. I)uring this arduous struggle Mr. Root
was many times compelled to put his personal
credit into the scale, with the certainty of losing his
entire private fortune in the case that the project
should prove a failure.
Mr. Root became a central figure in a railroad
project in 1882 and 1883, in the building of a
branch of the Grand Trunk Railway of Canada,
into Jackson. lie helped with his personal influence and his peculiar and effective eloquence in
public meetings, to raise the necessary means required at Jackson and along the line to Pontiac,
and then after the terms dictated had been complied with and the scheme was likely to fail for the
lack of a satisfactory contractor, consented at the
instance of the company's solicitor to become personally obligated as at contractor to bnild the road
within a limited time. His purpose was not profits
on the contract, but to make it certain that the
road would be built before the means secured should
be dissipated or rendered unavailable, the prospect
of profits not having been such as appeared tempting in themselves to a man of his age, and tile risks
being such as ought not to be lightly taken by a
person of lharge pecuniary responsibility and without experience as a contractor. He and his associates were able to complete the road within the
time limited for the purpose by the agreement, and
necessary to be complied with to save the donations
promcisedl along the line.
Soon after the completion of this line, he also became active in the efforts made to induce the
building of the Cincinnati, Jackson & Mackinaw
Road to Jackson. He made several trips to New
York and Ohio, was one of the incorporators of thle
Michigan Company consolidating with the Ohio
Company at the time the word "Jackson" became
a part of thd incorporate name, and was one of






734


PORTRAIT AND BI()GRAPHICAL ALBUM.


those who favored and matured a plan, given up
during his illness, which would have secured the
road several years ago, without, as he believes, the
assuming of very extraordinary risks by those who
were interested in getting the road. Thanks to the
efforts of himself and a few others the people of his
city still anticipate the building of this road at no
very distant day.
In all which he has done for the construction of
railroads Mr. Root felicitates himself upon the fact
that no person has been made poorer by yielding to
his solicitations, but that the reverse has been uniformly the fact, and especially has this been true
in the case of the counties, cities and townships,
which have aided in his projects.
It may be safely said that it was neither accident
nor the pushing of himself, or any personal ambition which brought him so often to the front, in
projects in which the welfare of his city was so
largely involved. He may have helped to make
the occasions, but if so it was without any personal
ambition. When the occasion arose it happened
that he was seen to be the man to lead in accomplishing the purpose.  As he now on occasion
speaks of his connection withl these enterprises, he
names those who co-operated with him, and has no
idea that he has alone accomplished them. If he supposed that any particular honor was to be given by
this paper, he would feel like naming with himself,
a long list of gentlemen in the localities where his
work has been done.
For many years, Mr. Root gave much of his
time to the investigation of claims of outsiders,
proposing, for consideration to remove manufacturing establishments to Jackson, encouraging
worthy and driving away bankrupt concerns. He
also from time to time, by investments and donations helped conspicuously, in the development of
such enterprises.
Mr. Root never sought public office. He was a
member of the State Legislature of 1853; (at the
time when the personal bond of the directors of
the Southern Railroad Company to complete the
Toledo branch was executed) several times a member of the village' and city common councils;
Mayor of the city in 1860-61; and from 1871 to
1877 a member of the Board of Public Works of


the city, and two of these years was President of
that Board. He was also an Inspector of the State
Prison for nine years, and most of that time the
presiding member. He was appointed Postmaster
at Jackson in 1861, and served until the close of
war. He served the public acceptably, in each of
these positions, always acting in accordance with
the idea that "A public office is a public trust."
Politically he was a Henry Clay Whig, but in
1848 became a Free-Soiler, and in 1854 on the organization of the Republican party, one of its most
ardent and active members. President Lincoln and
Gov. Blair,of Michigan,found no more constant supporters of their policy during the dark days of the
War of the Rebellion, than Amos Root. There was
no lover of his country who in the years when
defeats were reported, oftener than victories, could
better than lie, cheer his neighbors with the hope
of ultimate success for the National cause. After
the results of the victory had been finally secured
by amendments of the federal constitution, he rebelled in his party upon finding that it supported
the so-called 'carpet-bag system," by which it was
sought at once to plunder the South, and to make
it Republican in politics. He voted for Greeley in
1872; and for Tilden in 1876, and since that, remembering that as a "Henry Clay Whiig' he had
only advocated protective duties for the encouragement of infant industries, with the promise expressed or implied, that as soon as they had
attained a healthy growth the duties should be
reduced to a revenue basis, and finding that the
Republican party was rapidly drifting to more extreme views in favor of a protective policy than
were dreamed of in the days of his youth, although
the so-called "infants" had became the largest industries in the world, he has deemed it his duty to
cast his vote with the Democratic party.
Although not connected with any church Mr.
Root is a Christian in the broad and full sense of
the term. He is an admirer of the teachings of
Emanuel Swedenborg, and has always held that religion is valuAble only as it affects the life. He has
always been conspicuously liberal in sustaining
churches of every denomination, believing that all,
or nearly all of them, contain elements of good,
and contribute to the welfare of mankind.




PORTRAITT AND BIX(.)tIRAPHITICAL, ALBUM.I


735


P0 RA A  I  A.


Mr. Root calls himself a farmer. He resides in
the city, but owns a fifteen hundred-acre farm in
the townships of Henrietta and Leoni, eight miles
distant and crossed by the Grand Trunk Railroad.
When his health and other business has admitted,
during the last twenty years, he has visited the
farm several times a week. IIe has a comfortable
farm  house, very large and commodious barns,
yards well-stocked with blooded cattle, sheep and
swine, and well watered by artesian wells, on each
side of the Portage River. A region naturally
forbidding has been reclaimed by engineering
skill exercised in a complete and extensive system
of draining. The visitor there will see on every
side evidence of thrifty and intelligent farming.
Mr. Root has lived a bachelor. When rallied on
the subject lie sometimes hints that he has been
able to do more good to the world, than would
have been possible with the added responsibilities
of married life.
At the time of this writing. (April 1890,) MIr.
Root is in poof health, but seems to be slowly recovering from rheumatic complications, which for
several years have made him an invalid, though not
preventing him from driving about the streets:nd
making an occasional visit by rail to his farm.
A steel portrait of the Hon. Mr. Root may be
found in connection with his personal sketch.
] E RASTUS II. HANCHETT is the owner
I    and occupant of a pleasant farm on section
16, Blackman Township, and has made
Jackson County his home for the past
twenty years. Born in New York State, of New
England parentage, he possesses the thrift and energy so characteristic of the dwellers of the Eastern States, and a genial, hospitable spirit, whiclh
especially qualified him for the duties of "mine
host," which he filled for several years. His farm,
which comprises forty acres, is one of the most carefully and intelligently tilled places in the township,
and is supplied with all the necessary and convenient buildings for the carrying on of the agricultural work, and the storing of the products which
r~r~b vr~  ~vl  -l


the acres yield. The dwelling is a comfortable and
sufficiently commodious one, and is presided over
by a lady of intelligence, amiability, and pleasing
manners.
Oliver Hanchett and his wife, Jerusha Jewell,
were born in Sharon, Conn., and began their wed(led life in their native State, whence they subsequently removed to Western New York, settling in
Livingston County in an early period of its history.
There the mother breathed her last on the Fourth
of July, 1863, and the father on March 7, 1872.
The thoughtfulness and interest in the pleasure of
others, which were prominent characteristics of the
maternal character, were shown clearly at the time
of her death. Her son, our subject, was at that
time keeping an hotel at which there was to be a
party on the evening of the National holiday. Althotugh his mother knew that she was near her end,
she desired the entertainment to proceed, as many
would be disappointed were it abandoned. In consonance with her wishes the hotel was thrown open
to the anticipated guests, although the host was absent, lis own place being by the beside of his dying
mother.
The gentleman whose name initiates this sketch,
was the seventl in a family of nine children, and
was born in Livonia, Livingston County, N. Y.,
August 11, 1829. He grew to manhood in his native town, remaining on his father's farm until he
was sixteen years old, when he entered a general
store as a clerk, retaining his position there for nine
years. He then took an interest in the establishment, but four years later sold it and engaged in
the sale of agricultural implements, continuing in
this line of business two years. He then purchased
the hotel of his native place, located at Hemlock
Lake, and known as the Metropolitan Hotel, and
for six years carried on the business of hotel keeping there.
Mr. Hanchett, after the period mentioned, sold
his establishment at Livonia, and purchased an
hotel at Rochester, and there also his urbane and
cordial manners, his desire for the comfort of his
guests, and his careful oversight over the establishment, made him a popular host during the year in
which he remained in that city. and at the expira.
tion of which lie disposed of the hotel, and came to




736


PORTrRAIT AND BIIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


736  P  A   I


Michigan. Since his settlement in this county, he
has been engaged in farming, with the exception of
three years, (uring which he traveled in the interest of the Jackson Corset Company.
On New Year's day, 1855, an interesting ceremony was performed in Livonia, N. Y., which
united the lives and fortunes of Derastus Hanchett
and Caroline Short. The bride was born in the
town in which their marriage took place, and is a
daughter of Philip and Almira Short, both of whom
died in that place, the father on March 11, 1855,
and the mother on July 13, 1869. Mrs. Hanchett
has shown her capabitity as the Illanager of the domestic department of her own home, and of the
hotel in which she ably assisted her husband. She
has borne four children, of whom Charles W. and
Harry, the second and fourth on the family roll,
still remain with their parents; George M., the firstborn, is cashier of the Lee County Savings Bank,
of Ft. Madison, Iowa; and Blanche is teaching in the
primary department of the High School of Jackson.
Mr. Hanchett is a believer in, an(l supporter of
the principles of the Democratic party, and takes
quite an active part in the political affairs of the
neighborhood. It is needless to say that the estimate of his acquaintances regarding him is a favorable one, and that his wife shares in their esteem.
OiHN TODD. A biographical compendium
of Jackson County would be incomplete
without mention of the above-named, who
with his estimable wife shared the struggles,
discouragements and difficulties of the pioneers.
They came here during the '30s, spent three months
in Spring Arbor Township, and then took up a
tract of Government land in Leoni Township, upon
which they spent a number of years, toiling on
with unremitting industry under circumstances
which grew more and more favorable as years
rolled on, but which for some time were rude and
primitive. The facilities for travel and conveyance
of various stores and supplies were so limited, that
even those who had means sufficient to enable them


to live in a high degree of comfort in an older
country, were obliged to submit to many inconveniences and to deprive themselves of many
comforts on the frontier. The first homes of our
pioneer settlers were rudely constructed, household
utensils were few, and the work carried on by a
fire-place, while much arduous toil was necessary to
clear the land and prepare it for cultivation. To
those who cheerfully endured these trials, the later
settlers owe the more easeful manner of life throughout all of our agricultural districts.
The late John Todd was born in Rodman, Jefferson County, N. Y., June 22, 1t10, and reared
to manhood in the place of his nativity. There
on April 20, 1835, he was united in marriage with
Miss Nancy Merwin, a native of Pinckney, Lewis
County, whose natal day was August 26, 1814.
Tile newly wedded couple located in Rodman, remaining there until May, 1837, when they became
citizens of lMichigiln. On the land which they obtained in Leoni Township, they lived and labored
until early in the '60s, reclaiming it fronm its primitive condition to one of fine cultivation, marked
imprtovement and productiveness. Upon leaving
it they removed to Blackman Township, settling on
section 36, where the family has since lived and
where Mr. Todd died )ecembei 25, 1887, and lies
buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Jackson.
In tlhe death of Mr. Todd the neighborhood lost,
not simplly a good farmer, but a citizen who had
been interested in educational affairs, and in other
matters that would advance the welfare of the
township. He was honorable and kindly in his
relations with his fellowmen, while im, the home lie
manifested an affectionate regard for his companion
and their progeny, leaving a memory which is ever
held in loving remembrance by his family.
To Mr. and Mrs. Todd eight children were born,
of whom we note the following: Betsey S. is the
wife of Morgan D. Packard of Blackman Township,
this county; Morris E. died in 1866, at the age of
twenty-seven years; Merwin died in infancy; Rosetta
M. was formerly engaged in school teaching and
in the prosecution of her professional labors exhibited rare tact, discretion and ability as an instructor; Julia died when sixteen months old;
Alonzo M. and 0rnaldo S. are classed among the




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUMi.


737.~ ~ OTATADBOGAHCLABM       3


enterprising and progressive farmers of Leoni
Township; Flora C. is the wife of Charles F. Mills
of Dallas, Tex. Mrs. Todd has six grand children
an(l two great-grandchildren and one great-greatgrandchild, the latter being named Flossie Crandall, and living in Rochester, N. Y. Since the
deach of Mr. Todd the farm, whicl consists of
eighty broad and fertile acres, has been carried on
under the oversight of Miss Rosetta M. Todd, who
displays a high degre of business ability and a capacity for affairs. Although quite advanced in
years Mrs. Todd, keeping well informed regarding
the advancement of the world, is, with her children, of advanced and progressive ideas and of a
liberal spirit, and to her careful training and tenor
of mind the younger members of the family owe
their own desire to keep fully abreast of the times.
In the summer of 1838 Mrs. Todd taught a sub.
scription school in her own house, it being the first
school ever taught in what is now known as the
Round Top District. She had taught both before
and after her marriage in the Empire State.
RO(F. ALBERT    -I. STILWELL, Principal
of the Spring Arbor Seminary, is a highly
^  educated and polished gentleman, holding
I     b the degree of A. B. and A. M. He is a
superior classical scholar, and throtugt his voluminous and well appointed library, keeps abreast of
the leading topics of the day and in connection
with this finds his chief recreation. Quiet and unassuming in his manners. he possesses the air of
birth and breeding which at once singles him out
as a man of more than ordinary ability and one
well suited to the position he occupies.
Prof. Stilwell was born in Binghamton, N. Y.,
April 8, 1855, and in his native town he attended
first the city schools, next the High School and at
the age of fifteen years entered Chili Seminary in
the village of North Chili, Monroe County, where
lie took the classical course of four years.  He was
graduated in 1874. The next four years were spent
in Rochester lTniversity. and he was graduated
from the classical course in that institution in 1878


with the degree of A. B. In the fall of 1878 he
commenced his career as Principal of Chili Seminary, where he remained three years. He then
joined the Susquelanna Conference of the Free
Methodist Church. For two years he was on the
North Cohocton Circuit in Steuben County, N. Y.
He was called to Spring Arbor in the fall of 1883,
and resigned his ministerial labors to accept the
principalship of the Spring Arbor Seminary. This
institution was established by the Free Methodists
in 1872, and is supported by the conferences in
Michligan, Ohio and Canada. Its importance and
influence is gradually increasing and it now has an
attendance of one hundred and twenty-eight students annually. The school occupies two buildings
and gives employment to six teachers, including
the Principal. The aim is to educate the scholars
both intellectually and spiritually. It is the leading
educational institution of Spring Arbor Township.
After his removal to Spring Arbor, Prof. Stilwell was married, August 19, 1885, to Miss Mary
L., daughter of the Rev. A. B. Matthewson. Mr.
Matthowson was a native of Avoca,Steuben County,
N. Y., and is a son of Joseph Matthewson, one of
its earliest pioneers, who had emigrated thither from
his native State of Rhode Island and died there.
He traced his ancestry to Scotland. Mrs. Stilwell's
father was a well educated man and engaged as a
teacher up to 1857. Hie soon entered the ministry,
becoming a nmember of the Genesee Conference of
the Free Methodist Church with which he was associated twenty years. He was then transferred to the
Michigan Conference of the same church and was
located at Cold Water, Spring Arbor and Detroit
successively. Ite is now preaching at Milan, Washtenaw County. IIe is a strong temperance advocate and closely allied with the Prohibition party.
Ile owns a farm in Concord Township, which is the
source of a good income.
The mother of Mrs. Stilwell bore the maiden
name of Maria H. Seward: she was born in Franklinville, Cattaraugus County, N. Y., and was the
daughter of James Seward. a native of Otsego
County, N. Y. The latter spent his last years in
Cattaraugus County. Mrs. Matthewson died in
Spring Arbor November 7,1889. The family circle
included seven children, viz.: J. Seward, a resident




738


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ --


of Buckley, Wash; Mary L., Mrs. Stilwell; Avis,
tlhe wife of Clark Wildey; Wesley F., AnnE. and
Clarissa Z., all of whom are residents of Sprng Arbor, and John C. who cdied in infancy.
Mrs. Stilwell was born at Franklinville, N.Y.,June
14, 1862, and at the age of eighteen years entered
Chili Geminary, where she studied for a time and
after another course in Spring Arlor Seminary was
graduated therefrom in 1882. She was subsequently
employed as a teacher for seven ternis. Of her
union with our subject there has been born one
child, a son, Edward M., September 9, 1886.
Prof. Stilwell has always taken a deep interest in
the temperance movement and is a decided Prohitionist. He is at present Chairman of the Township Committee and has been Secretary of the
County Central Committee; lie is frequently sent
as a delegate to the county conventions, and upon
three occasions was appointed a delegate to the
State convention. lie was likewise an alternate
delegate to the National Convention in 1888. In
1889 he received the degree of A. M. from Rochester University. The little family occupy a snug
home in the central part of the village and enjoy
the friendship and association of its most cultured
people.
The father of our subject is William  -I. Stilwcll
who was born March 4, 1822, in Pleasant Valley, Dutchess County, N.Y.  The paternal grandfather, Daniel Stilweli, likewise a native of Dutchess
County, there spent his entire life. William H.
Stilwell was a well-educated man an(1 followed the
profession of a teacher during his early manhood.
Later he was engaged as a builder and contractor.
Among other imlportant )uildings lie superintended
the erection of the Binghamton HIigh School and
the Opera House at Wilkesbarre, Pa.  He is still
living and a resident of Binghamton, where lie lhas
invested his money in manufacturing. In 1874 lie
engaged in the manufacture of velocipedes, baby
carriages and similar vehicles. IIe is a practical
mechanic, which, together with his skill and good
understanding of his business, has resulted in the
accumulation of considerable property. He was at
one time a member of the City Council and President of the Board of Alderman.   From  him his
son, our subject, imbibed his strong prohibition


tendencies, as William H. Stilwell utterly discountenances the manufacture and sale of ardent spirits.
HIe has been a strong man in the party politics of
his locality and is frequently sent as a delegate to
the State and National Conventions. His religious
views coincide with the doctrines of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, in which he is one of the pillars
at Binghamton.
The inother of our subject bore the maiden name
of Sarah M. Lawton. She is also a native of Dutchess County, N. Y., and is a member of the Free
Methodist Church, Nine children were born to her
and her husband, five of whom are living, namely:
Maria, Mrs. W.H. Schenck; Lizzie, Mrs. R. E. Smith;
Albert II. our subject; Edward D., a manufacturer,
and Cordelia, Mrs. F. E. Judd. All excepting the
Professor are residents of Binghamton, N. Y.
y    %;ILLARD R. BUSHNELL, who carries on
general farming, is pleasantly lo ated on
v),/i  section 29, in Henrietta Township, where
lie operates one hundred and eighteen and one-half
acres of land, the greater portion of which is under
cultivation, and yields to his care and labor bountiful harvests of the various cereals. He is also
interested in stock-raising, which he finds remunerative, and accomplishes a great deal in the way of
creating in the minds of the people a desire to advance the grades of stock.
It is always interesting as well as important in
considering the life of any man, to refer briefly to
his ancestral history, and consider the environments
which have surrounded him from youth. On his
father's side, Mr. Bushnell is the grandson of Josiah B1ushnell, a native of Connecticut, and a cattle
dealer on an extensive scale. Years ago he came
into this State, purchasing cattle and driving them
to Albany, N. Y. He died in Ann Arbor, this
State. His wife, Sarah Bushnell, passed away in
Genesee County, N. Y., at the age of threescore
and ten years.
The maternal grandfather of our subject is Willard Reed, a native of New York, and at present a
resident of this township. Our subject is a name



I






Nll.4
N
NA
N ~




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


741


sake of this gentleman, who enjoys the distinction
of being the oldest inhabitant of the county, having lived here longer than other citizen. IHe is
eighty-nine years old, but retains full possession of
his faculties, and can narrate many interesting tales
of pioneer incidents as far back as 1832, the date
of his arrival in Jackson County.
In the immediate family of our subject were
three children, namely: Amelia, wife of George
Stanley, of Leslie, Ingham  County, this State:
our subject was the second; Prescott, the youngest, is a citizen of Ingham County, where he is
engaged in farming; a half brother, Steadman
Bushnell, lives in New York. The father of these
children was Clinton Bushnell, who was born in
Genesee County, N. Y., where he passed his entire
life engaged in agricultural lursuits, and where he
died in 1878, aged fifty-two years. His wife was
in youth Matilda Reed, but she died in early womanhood, at the age of thirty-two years. Our subject was thus when quite young deprived of a
mother's care, she having been taken from  the
home circle when he was a lad of fourteen years.
He was born in Genesee County, in the Empire
State, April 23, 1849, and received such educational advantages as were possible in those pioneer
times.
When prepared to establish home ties of his own,
Mr. Bushnell was united in marriage, November 16,
1874, with Miss Jennie, the daughter of John D.
and Sarah (Itowe) Mantel, natives of England and
Connecticut respectively. Mr. Mantel came to this
country when he was sixteen years of age, having
run away from home. He came across the ocean
alone, and located in New York. HIe is now a resident of Henrietta Township; his wife died in 1888,
leaving three children: John IH., of Bedford, this
State; Sidney C., of Decatur, this State; and Mrs.
Bushnell. Those deceased are: Eliza, Lottie and
Francis. Mr. and Mrs. Bushnell have one child,
a daughter-Matilda-who is at home.
Mr. Bushnell, in political matters, votes the
straight Democratic ticket, and is at present serving
as Treasurer of Henrietta Township; besides this
he has held several other minor offices. He is a
member of the order of Patrons of Industry. By
his upright character and honorable conduct lie


i


has endeared himself to the citizens of the township, and is eminently worthy of representation in
a volume designed to perpetuate the names and
histories of prominent citizens of Jackson County....  W,4 -^/-_ —4 
EV. lIJOHN (GUN1)ERMAN, the able and'
i     1u popular minister of the Baptist Church at
/_ \  t Rives Junction, entered upon his minister ' rial labors early in life and for many years
has devoted himself to tlle Master's work. Althoughl now seventy-two years of age, he continues
in possession of all his faculties, excepting that his
eyes were injured  while serving in the army.
From a ripe and varied exl)erience hle can relate
many an incident both instructive and interesting
for the benefit of tle rising generations. He was
born March 8, 1818, in Sussex County, N. J., and
after completing the rudiments of his early education studied theology in New York City, under
the Rev. W. 11. Spencer. lie was given a license
to preach in 1847, althoulgh he had( prior to this
pre ached some years in a mining district in New
York State, where there never had been a schoolhouse or a clhurch. At the same time he was enon(redl as overseer of an iron mine, while he attended
a private school at night and applied himself closely
to his stludies during his leisure moments. Ifere he
began preaching, and assisted the Methodists in the
erection of a neat and substantial church building,
although being hinmseif of the Baptist persuasion.
Mlr. Gundermnan was first married in Haamburg,
N. J., in 1838, to Miss Eliza, daulghter of John and
Saral (Rolarson) Decker, and who like her husband
was a native of Sussex County, N. J. In the spring
of 1848 they came to Clinton County, this State,
settling at D)eWitt where Mr. Gundermlan took
charge of a church, and in 1850 he was ordained.
l-e preached in DeWitt eight years and in the
meantime put up the present church building. He
also taught school part of tile time and under his
ministration the membership was increased from
about fourteen to one hundred members.
In 1856 Mr. Gunderman removed to St. John,
tlie same county, where lie organized a Baptist so



I


742


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


ciety and put up a frame church upon which building he himself worked one hundred and twenty
days. This was in the fall of 1857 and the forest
trees were removed to make place for the edifice.
He preached there until August, 1862, and then the
Civil War being in progress felt that his duty lay
elsewhere. He accordingly enlisted in the Fifth
M!chigan Cavalry and participated in many of the
important battles which followed, including Gettysburg, Winchester. the Wilderness, where they
were engaged in fighting seven days, Cedar Creek
and Port Royal. He had assisted in making up his
comp)any, enlisting eighty-four men in five days,
of which he was appointed Second Lieutenant.
Later lie served as Captain but finally was appointed
Chaplain of the regiment October 9, 1863, in which
capacity lie acted until thle close of the war. lie was
at Five Forks when they flanked Gen. Lee and witnessed the surrender of Lee at Appomattox Court
Ilouse. Later he accompanied thle regiment to
Washington and was present at the Grand Review.
Mr. Gunderman has a fine gold watch which was
presented to him by his company, the inner case of
which bears tie following inscription: "Rev. John
(Gunderman, presented by tile Fifth Michigan
Cavalry, July 3, 1865."  A sword was also presented him by his company before going into the
field.
After the close of tlhe war Mr. Gunderman returned to his ministerial duties in DeWitt where he
labored two years. After that lie preached two
years in Inghnam County and then went from there
to Merrick County, Neb. In the latter he assisted in
organizing a church during the early part of 1872,
tlhis being at what was then called Lone Tree, but
is now Central City. They commenced with a
membership of nine, including Mr. Gunderman, his
wife and daughter. In the fall of 1872 they put up
a church building, the first in the place, and when
Mr. Gunderman left the place there was a thriving
membership of one hundred.
Returning then to Michigan, he assumed charge
of the Baptist Church at Rives Junction, in November, 1880, which has since been the field of his
labors. lIe found a resident membership of thirty,
which through his faithful efforts has been increased
to eighty-seven, He is the first pastor since the


building of the present fine edifice, which was completed just before his arrival. This society was
organized in 1837. Mr. Gunderman is the father
of nine children, six of whom are still living, all
married and settled in comfortable homes.  His
present wife, with whom he was united in marriage
November 30, 1870, was Miss Aravilla, daughter
of George and Cynthia (Hathaway) Taylor,who was
a native of New York State and born December 17,
1840. During all the labors of Mr. Gunderman
for tlhe past twenty years, he has been nobly
assisted by his wife, who has proved an efficient
and tireless worker in the vineyard of the Master.
Her kind words and gracious manners have endeared
her to hosts of friends and her name is known for
nmany a mile on account of the sweetness of her disposition and the nobility of her character.
A lithographic portrait of Mr. Gunderman will
be found on another page of the ALBUM.,?w~ALTER A. HI(GGINS. One of tlhe most
b\eautiful farms in Jackson County, is that./ - owned and occupied by the gentleman
above named, and comprising one hundred and
fifty-three acres on section 21, Blackman Township.
Hie has lived on his present estate over twenty
years and in that time has brought it to a high degree of perfection both as regards its cultivation
and the improvements with which it is adorned.
Among the latter is a fine set of barns and a tasteful dwelling whose external appearance but slightly
indicates the pleasantness of its interior appointments which are under the care of a model housekeeper. Mr. Higgins is a lover of fine horses, is
an extensive breeder of equines, and takes great interest in everything pertaining to the improvement
and care of that stock.
Before outlining briefly the life of the gentleman
above named a few words regardipg his parents
will not be amiss. They were Jirah A. and Almira
(Symonds) Higgins, both natives of Connecticut,
who were married in Wyoming County, N. Y. and
settled in the town of Perry, where they lived
about two years. They then spent a short time in




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.         743


Ohio and returning to Wyoming County again
made that their home, removing thence in 1844
and taking up their residence in Brooklyn. this
county. Since that time they have spent nine
years in Lenawee County and two in Indiana, the
remainder of the time from their emigration to this 
State ihas been spent in this county. The mother
is still living, but the fatller died in Jackson in
April, 1878.
Walter Higgins was born in Conneaut, Ohio,
September 11, 1835, and came to Michigan when
about nine years old, growing to manhood in this 
county, wliere he spent the greater number of his
years since boyhood. He was reared on a farm
and has always been engaged in the lpursuit of agriculture. He was with his parents two years in
Indiana and about nine years in Lenawee County,
this State, close to the Jackson County line, and in
tlhat county, March 18, 1863, he became the husband of Miss Mattie A. Bates. After his marriage
lie continued to live with his father some seven
years, subsequently settling on the Alonzo Bennett
farm, west of Jackson. and four years later locatixng
on the section wlere lie now lives.
The parents of Mrs. HTiggins, thle late Joseph and
MaIry A. (Eaton) Bates, were natives of New York,
in which State they were married( and began their
wedded life, and in which Mrr. Bates died. The
widow afterward canie to lMichigan, lier removal
being made about the year 1857, and her choice of 
a location being Jackson County. She died near
Brooklyn in 1869, having reared six children, of
whom Mrs. Hliggins is the fourth. This lady was
born near Syracuse, N. Y., March 23, 1842, being
about fifteen years old when she came with her
mnotier to Michigan, where she grew to womanhood.
She possesses intelligence of a high order, nolle
traits of character and an open-learted spirit, and
altogether is one of those fine types of womanhood
"born to warn, to comfort, to command," who are!
all too few in this world of ours, but who, once 
seen, are ever remembered as examples of what
human nature is capable of. To Mr. and Mrs.
Higgins two children have been born: Metta C.,
and Harry A; the dalughter is tie wife of John S. 
Hutchinson of;Jackson. 
Mr. I-iggins is l l)amo'trat of the stanlchest sort


interested in the welfare and progress of his party,
although not personally an office seeker. lHe takes
great interest in the schools and in other enterprises which conduce to the higher civilization and
welfale of the community. IIe is hospitable and
whole-souled, and his success in life has been such
that lie is enabled to gratify his tastes, while the
hlousewifely skill of his wife gives him  no fear
should an unexpected guest cross the threshold.
Thle affairs of tile home are so well conducted as to
afford plleasure to all who enter there, displaying as
it does the taste of a cultured woman whose ready
wit and bright intelligence are prime factors in the
entertainment of guests.. HARLES B.        ()OOI), Attorney-at-Law, Jack(   _. son. The son of a man who for a number
of years has hleld a prominent position in
the legal circles of this city, the recipient of a fine
education, and witli a bias of mind clearly inherited, it is not strange tlat the gentleman abovenamed should have devoted himrself to the study
of the law and should have won an excellent rel)utation for his klowledge of legal lore, the underlying l)rinciples of justice and equity, and for his
skill in the management of cases submitted to him.
He was born in Seneca County, N. Y., in the city
of Waterloo, October 14, 1839, and is the oldest
of three children born to his parents. In 1844 lie
accompanied them to Michigan, pissing his early
school days in thle city of Jackson, and being prepared for college under Prof. Esterbrook.
In 1857 young Wood entered the Michigan
University from which he was graduated in 1862,
subsequently beginning tile stuldy of law and being
admitted to the bar in 1864. Not many months
after lie entered the army and was appointed Q(uartermtaster of tile Fourth Michigan Infantry, reorganized under Col.. W.  Hall. His commission was
received about the 1st of February, 1865, and he
was ordered to report without delay to the regiment
which then lay at Decatur, Ala. As the rebels had
cut and were controlling tlhe railroad leading to
that place, he was unable to reach tie regiment and








744


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


744            PORTRAITd AND BIOGRAPHICALAU=M. ------- 
-   -   -   -~   -   — l   -   I- I   1- -,-""-  - --  -   -   '-  --  -l-   -   I  --   -  "-   --   - - - I I  ~ -~~ —~-~- -- `~ — -  -   -------- - - -. —~

afterward joined them at Nashville, Tenn. The
regiment became a part of the Third Brigade,
Third Division, Fourth Corps, and June 14, 1865,
the entire corps was ordered to Texas to establish
Federal authority and enforce the Emancipation
Proclamation which up to that time had not been
regarded by the people of the Lone Star State.
Reaching the city of New Orleans by the Tennessee, Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, about the 1st
of July, they embarked for Indianola, Tex., where
they arrived about the 1ltl.  From there the
Thirld Division, under command of Gen. Thomas
Wood, went to Green Lake where they remained
in camp two months. On the 11th of September
they left for San Antonio, one hundred and fifty
miles distant. which they reached the last of the
month.   They remained in camp upon a small
stream about six miles from the city, when Gen.
Beatty, who had been commander of the Third
Brigade, was relieved, Gen. J. W. Hall taking his
place. Mr. Wood was then made Chief of Staff
and held that position until the brigade was ordered
to San Antonio to do military service there.
In the month of January 1866, Mr. Wood was
appointed Assistant Provost Marshal of San Antonio under Col. John Atkinson, and the latter
soon afterward being made Judge Advocate-Gen-?ral on Gen. Custer's staff, our subject assumed the
duties of Provost-Marshal of the city. He was
also ex-officio Agent of the Freedmans' Bureau for
the sub-district of Texas, then comprising about
one quarter of the State. IIe held this position
about four months, holding the only court that
was held in that city during that time and while in
that position adjudicating all matters of difference
between white and colored persons. At the expiration of that time, the Texans having elected their
judges ad(l got their judicial machinery in motion,
he turned over the effects of his office to Gen.
Mizner.
The regiment was shortly thereafter ordered to
Austin where they remained two months, thence
being ordered to Hiouston where they were mustered out; they were then ordered to Detroit, Mich.,
where about the 28th of June, 1866, they were
discharged.  During this time Mr. Wood had
served as Advocate-General upon two Court-Mar

tials and was also a member of several Boards of
Survey to condemn Government stores that had
become unfit for use.
After his return to the walks of civil life Mr.
Wood resumed the practice of his profession in
which he has continued to the present time. From
1867 to 1869 he was associated in the practice of
law with Fred K. Nins, at Muskegon, Mich., and
from 1869 to 1873 with James A. Sweezey, of Hastings, Mich. In June 1873 he accepted the appointment as Attorney of the Hall Valley Silver Lead
Mining and Smelting Company, an English corporation organized in London, England, and at that
time the largest mining company in Colorado, with
headquarters at Hall Valley, Park County, Col.
While there he assisted in the organization of the
Revenue Mineral Company, (Limited) of London,
England. Since July of the year 1875 he has
been in partnership with his father, the Hon. James
C. Wood. He is a member of Edward Pomeroy
Post, No. 48, G. A. R. He is married and has
two sons, Ralph J. and J. C.
The gentleman of whom we write is the oldest
son of the Hon. J. C. Wood and Mary E. Beers.
The father was born at Decatur, Otsego County,
N. Y., October 31, 1813, of American parentage
and of English and Scotch ancestry. He is a son
of IHilman Ashley and Elizabeth (Waters) Wood,
the former of whom died when he was six years
old. The mother of our subject was born in Ithica,
N. Y.; she died in Jackson, Mich., March 9, 1860,
leaving three children, one of whom, Frank N. is one
of the editors and proprietors of the Kansas City
Journal. The sister Mary married Gen. J. W.
Hall; she is now deceased. A more extended notice
of the parents will be found on another page under
the heading of the Hon. J. C. Wood.
ra. W  e <  


LYSSES T. FOSTER, who since 1846 has
held the position of foreman of the wagon
shop in the penitentiary at Jackson, is regarded by his fellow-men as a man of upright character, intelligent mind, and useful life. He has not
only carried on his own employment as a thorough




PORTRAIT AN D BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


745


workman should, but has been interested as his
time and means would permit, in the advancement
of the interests of the community at large, in developing good citizenship, and in adding to the
moral standard of the place. His estimable wife,
who, like himself, is a member of the Congregational Church, shares with him the esteem of those
by whom both are so well known.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was Lemuel Foster, the youngest of fourteen sons, and a
native of Dudley, Worcester County, Mass. The
members of his family served an aggregate of eightyseven years and seven months in the Revolutionary
War, and one of them lost his life on the retreat
from Long Island. Lemuel Foster was reared and
married in his native State, was self-educated, and
became a successful surveyor,removing from Massachusetts to New York in 1807, and locating in Genesee County, as a pioneer of the town of Elba. He
bought a tract of timber land, built a log house,
into which the family moved, and made that place
his home until his death in 1824, when he was sixtytwo years old. He superintended the clearing of
the land and improving of the estate, while continuing his work as a surveyor, platting Black Rock,
Lewiston, and a part of Buffalo, and surveying and
mapping Allegha.ny and Steuben Counties for Joe
Ellicot, who bought large tracts from the Holland
Land Company. The wife of Lemuel Foster, in
her maidenhood Miss Dolly Davis, was a native of
the old Bay State, and spent her last years at the
home of a daughter in Ann Arbor, Mich.
To the couple above mentioned, twelve children
were born, one of whom was named for his father,
and became the father of the subject of this sketch.
The birth of Lemuel Foster, Jr., took place in
Leyden, Mass., and he was fourteen years old when
with his older brother he joined his father in Genesee County, N. Y., and assisted him in preparing a
home to which the remainder of the family came
during the same year. The journey of the young
lads was performed on foot, the modern methods
of travel being unknown at that time, and the
routes being often impassable for vehicles. Having remained with his parents until lie haOt reached
man's estate, the father of our subject went to Niagara County, bought a tract of timber land at


Royalton, and after clearing a few acres, returned
to the parental estate and located on a part of the
Ihome farm. There he remained, engaged in farming until 1825, when he spent a year in Orleans
County, whence he went to Royalton, buying a
farm adjoining the tract he had at first purchased,
and taking up his abode there. In 1836 he removed to the Territory of Michigan, bought a
tract of land in Ann Arbor Township, Washtenaw
County, and remaine(l there during the remainder
of his life, breathing his last in 1872.
The mother of our subject was in her maidenhood Miss Abi Fenn. Shle was a native of Cornwall, Conn. and a daughter of Titus Fenn, a farmer
who removed from Connecticut to Niagara County,
N. Y., being a pioneer there. Mrs. Foster (lied on
the home farm at Ann Arbor, Micl., in 1853. She
had borne six children-Gustavus L., U. T., our
subject; Perlina A., Julius A., Isaac N. S., and
Jones L.
Ulysses T. Foster was born in Elba, Genesee
County, N. Y., October 6, 1819, and attended the
schools of his native place until the removal of the
family to Michigan, which occurring when he was
seventeen years old,is well remembered by him. The
journey was made on the Erie Canal and the Great
Lakes to Detroit, which was then a small place, and
whence they went on their way with teams. There
was quite a nice village at Ann Arbor, but the
country was sparsely settled, and deer, wolves, and
other wild game was plentiful for some time after
their arrival there. The young man assisted his
fattier in clearing the farm, andc remained under the
parental roof-tree until he had reached man's estate
after which for a time lie was employed in a flour
mill. He then returned to the farm, whence in
1842 he went back to his native State, working at
the carpenter's and joiner's trade in Lockport, for
some four years, after which lie came to Jackson
and entered the employ of J. It. Beebe, in the
wagon shop of the penitentiary, where lie has since
been engaged.
The estimable lady who since September, 1848,
has shared the fortunes of Mr. Foster, was born in
Whitesboro, Oneida County, N. Y., and bore the
maiden name of t-elen Tibbits. IHer father, William K. Tibbits, was born in Oriskany, N. Y., was






746


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


the son of a farmer, who is supposed to have been
a native of that place where his last years were
spent, and where the father of Mrs. Foster was
reared and learned his trtade of a shoemaker. He
worked at his trade in Whitesboro, until 1852,
when he bouoglt a farm at Oneida, Ill., upon which
he resided some years, thence removing to Galesburg, and living there retired from active pursuits
until 1885, when his eyes were closed in death. His
wife was Susan Doolittle, a native of Whitesboro,
N. Y., to which place her father, George l)oolittle,
had removed from Connecticut at an early day, and
where he died in 1824. There also Mrs. Tibbits
breathed her last, the date of ller demise being
1844.
-.t  LMON     PATTERSON. This gentleman
may well be considered an "old-timer" of
I.Jackson, of which place he has been a resi@/    dent for nearly half a century, and in
whose business enterprises he has borne quite a
prominent part as a dealer in real estate, as the
builder of dwellings and business houses, and in
other financial enterprises.
The family of which our subject is so worthy a
descendant was for several generations resident in
Connecticut, where the grandfather, Sherman Patterson, was born in 1752, where he was reared and
married, and  whence he removed    to Oneida
County, N. Y., about the beginning of the present
century. There he bought a tract of timber land
where he spent the remainder of his life, passing
away at the advanced age of ninety-three years.
He served his country during the Revolutionary
War. His wife, whose maiden name was Hulda
Beech, was born in Connecticut in 1759, and in
that State her son Josiah opened his eyes to the
light February 15, 1782.
Josiah Patterson was a young man when his parents removed to the Empire State, and after his
marriage purchased a small tract of land in Westmoreland Township, Oneida County, upon which he
built a log house 16x16 feet, in which the subject
of this sketch was born January 7, 1812. Selling
this.property in 1826, Mr. PatLerson removed to


I
I
I


Genesee County, performing the journey on the
canal and buying a tract of land from the Holland
Company upon which he engaged in farming. lie
cleared a large estate eight miles north of Batavia,
adding  to his original purchase two adjoining
farms, and resided there until after the death of lis
wife when lie went to live with his children, dying
at the home of his daughter in Eagle Harbor, Orleans County, January 8. 1868.
The wife of Josiah Patterson and the mother of
our subject, bore the maiden name of Lucy Turner, and was born in Windham County, Conn. Ier
father, Stephlen Turner, was a native of the same
State, in which lie resided during his entire life.
Mlisn Turner was educated for a teacher and while
engaged in the work of her profession in tle Empire State, made the acquaintance of the gentleman
to whom she was married, and over whose home
she ably presided for many years.
The gentleman whose name introduces this biographical notice attended the schools of Oneida
County, N. Y., which were taught in the log house,
heated by an immense fireplace and containing the
most primitive school furniture. After acquirinfg
a good fundamental education, at the age of sixteen years he began clerking in a general store at
Elba, remaining there until.July 1834, when lie
changed his location to Batavia, at whicl place lie
continued in clerical employ five years. At the expiration of that period of time he bought the Batavia flour-mill which he operated two years, after
which he sold and engaged in the hard ware business
for an equal length of time, when he disposed of
that business and came to Jackson, Mich., which
was at that time a village of about two thousand
inhabitants and within a few miles of which deer
and wild turkeys were abundant. Mr. Patterson
had been a silent partner in a drug store here for
some time prior to his arrival, and upon locating in
the village he took charge of the business which he
carried on three or four years. Since that time he
has been engaged in various business enterprises.
among them being an extensive dealing in farms
and city real estate, anmi the improvement of considerable city property.
Mr. Patterson has been twice married. The first
alliance was contracted in Jackson in 1840, hlis






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.                                                                                                          747:~-L,.:;~ -   -   -   --.z   -   -,  --   -   --  -- -   7::-  -   --   -"  -  ~   -   ~-   ~ -   -   ~  -   - -   -   -   -   --  -1  -,.   ---  --,  -   -   - -  —.  -:~  -,   ~:   _-:   _-   ~ n  --


bride being Miss Caroline Vaughn, who was born
in New Salem, Mass., and was the daughter of
David C. and Rebecca (Carter) Vaughn, (see sketch
of S. S. Vaughn on another page in this volume).
Mrs. Caroline Patterson departed this life in 1849,
leaving one son, Charles J., who died when twentythree years old.
The second marriage of Mr. Patterson took place
at Ann Arbor in 1854, the bride being Miss Lydia
Burnett, who was born in Phelps, Ontario County,
N. Y., in 1824. Her father, Chauncy Burnett, is a
native of the same State, and there lie was reared
and married. After taking a companion in life he
settled in Wayne County, renting the farm upon
which the city of Lyons was afterward built. His
business was raising and distilling peppermint, in
the carrying on of which he employed a large force
of men. In 1852 lie went South and was engaged
in business in Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina
and Tennessee until June, 1861, then he returned
to Lyons where lie died in 1866. The maiden name
of his wife was Emily Cobb. She also died in
Lyons, breathing her last in January, 1880. Their
daughter, now Mrs. Patterson, is a member of the
Episcopal Church and during her long life has endeavored to so spend her time that a retrospe, tive
glance will find no cause for grief. Many friends
acknowledge her wortl and appreciate her good
qualities.
Mr. Patterson has not only had a prominent part
in the business transactions of the city, but has
manifested an interest in every enterprise which
promised to advance the prosperity and civilization
of the community, and is therefore regarded with
respect by his fellow-citizens for his public worth
as well as for his private character.
1j —RANCJS     G. FIFIELD, Deputy Warden
) of the Micligan State Prison and ex-Sleriff
/_!-  of Jackson County, is a native of this
county, of which he is one of the best citizens, and
in which his father and grandfather were pioneers.
His own knowledge extends over a considerable
number of years, in which the county and State
were much less thickly populated than at present,




and the menories of his boyhood include some of
what might be called pioneer reminisences. His
grandfatler, Enoch Fifield, a native of New England, is believed to have been born in Salisbury,
Mass. He was a farmer, and removed from the
old Bay State to New Hampshire, purchasing a
farm  at Salisbury, upon which he resided many
years. In 1830, he visited Michigan, and in company with Edward Morrell entered a section of
land in Jackson (Jounty, to which hie removed his
family three years later, and upon which lie continue(l to reside until Ilis death.  lis wife, in her
girlhood Miss Abigail Stevens, was born in Salisbury, Mass., and she also died on the home farm in
this county.
George W. Fifielcl, son of the worthy couple
above named, opened his eyes to tile light in Salisbury, N. I., September 7, 1810,and was reared in his
native town,whence in 1830 he came to the Territory
of MAichigan. There being no railroads, lie and his
father started with teams from their Eastern home.
taking the canal from Troy to lBuffalo, and thence
going by lake to l)etroit, whence they proceeded
by teams to this county. After his father had entered the land, George Fifield built a double log
house on the plalce, and in company with his
brother Stephen set up a bachelor's hall therein.
)eer, wolves and other kinds of game were plentiful throughout the region and Indians lingered
around for some years, wlhile on the acres now occupied by the flourishing city of Jackson. but two or
three buildings were to be seen.
i After his marriage Mr. Fifield built a frame house,
in which lie resided until he removed to lilLdale
in order to give his children better educational advantages than could be had in the rural districts,
and whence lie subsequently went to Jackson, where
lie lived retired from active life until his deatlh,
May 29, 1888. His wife, formerly Miss Lucina
Lincoln, was born in Highgate, Franklin County,
Vt., and accompanied her parents to Michigan in
1837. She now occupies a pleasant home in Jackson, and is spending her declining years surrounded
by her children and the many friends to whom her
noble character and useful life ha,:e endeared her.
She belongs to the Free Baptist Church, of which
her deceased husband was also a consistent member.




748


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.




During his early years of manhood George
Fifield was a D)emocrat, but differing with that
party on the question of slavery, took his stand
among the early Abolitionists, and upon the formation of the Republican party, entered its ranks,
where he remained until death. He is well remembered in tills vicinity as one of the best citizens of
the county, and one who combined in his person
the sturdy integrity, persevering industry  and
kindly nature, which made thle frontiersman so
highly respected and esteemed. To him and such
as he, who took up their residence in this vicinity
while the greater part of the State was still owned
by the Government, and who braved the dangers
and privations of life in an almost unbroken wilderness, enduring its arduous toils without complaint, the present generation of its citizens owes
the high degree of civilization, the advantages for
culture, and the ease and prosperity which attend
the m.
On his mother's side the subject of this sketch
traces his descent from Abialtlar Lincoln, who is
believed to have been a native of Massachusetts,
whence he went to Vermont, first locating in Bulington, and later buying a farm at Highgate, and
there continued his occupation of farming. Some
years later he removed to New York, whence, about
the year 1835, he came to Michigan, making his
home with a daughter about three miles west of
Jackson. His wife, Mary Babbitt, also spent her
last years at thie home of her daughter in this
county. To this couple while in Massachusetts a
son was born, who was named for his father, Alialthar, and who was a young man lwhen the family re.
moved to Vermont. There he married Louisa Castle,
a native of that State, and buying a tract of timber
land in Highgate, built a block house and at once
began to clear a farm from the primeval forest. In
1829, he sold his property there and removing to
Hamburg, Erie County, N. Y., bought a tract of
partly improved land from the HIolland Purchase
Company. Selling this in 1837, he came to Michigan, settling in what is now Blackman Township,
Jackson County, where he remained a few years
ere removing to an improved farm in Waterloo
Township, where he continued to reside until December 27, 1853, when lie breathed his last. Iis


I


I


wife had been called from time to eternity, August
23, 1839.
The gentleman who is the subject of this biographical notice is the first born of his parents,
whose family also included Addie A., now the wife
of Arthur T. Morrow; Maria E., wife of William
I). Iitchcock; George M. and Emma L. Blackman Township, Jackson County, was the birthplace of Francis G. Fifield, and February 17, 1840,
his natal day. During his boyhood he attended
the district sclools and assisted his father on the
farm, and after the removal of the family to Hillsdale he attended the college there one year. In
1861 lie returned to the home farm, and resuming
agricultural pursuits continued there until 1885, at
which time tie took up his permanent abode in
Jackson. In 1863 he was united in marriage with
Miss Sarah Farrell, a lady of intelligence and estimable character, who was born in Niagara County,
N. Y.
Mr. Fifield cast his first Presidential vote for
Abraham Lincoln, and has ever been a stanch member of the Republican party.   He represented
Blackman Township on the County Board of
Supervisors four years, and in 1885 was elected
Sheriff, a position in which he served two terms;
June 10, 1889, he was appointed to the position
which lie is now filling, that of Deputy Warden of
the State Prison, being believed to possess the high
degree of moral courage which exerts a powerful
controlling influence and is as necessary to such a
position as the more common physical bravery.
Mr. and Mrs. Fifield are members of the First
Baptist Church and are both highly regarded by
those to whom they are known.
HARLES P. HUNT, City Recorder, is one
of those young men who are rapidly coming
to the front in business and political circles,
possessing the intelligence, tact and "push" which
lead to prominence and influence. He comes honestly by his predilection for the political arena, belonging, as he does, to a family which has held
honorable places and wielded much influence. His




e










PORTRAIT AND BIOGRA1'HICAL ALBUM.                                                                                                                                  751
1. - -.......: _..-..f -- -I..........~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


uncle, Washington Hunt, defeated Horatio Seymour for the gubernatorial honors in New York,
and his father Horace Hunt, was formerly in the
Assembly in New York and has been a Justice of
the Peace in the city of Jackson, nearly twenty
years.
The subject of this brief sketch is a native of
Livingston County, N. Y., his natal day having
been October 12, 1858, and his eyes opening to tlle
light in the town of Hunt's, which was named in
honor of his grandfather, Sanford HIunt. His life
until his eleventh year was spent in the town of his
nativity, where he attended the public schools, and
his parents then removed to Michigan, settling in
Jackson, where they still live, both having reached
the age of seventy-seven years. After their removal, young Hunt attended the union school, at,
their home, and in 1873, entered the grocery store of
Cobb & Eckler, in which he remained about seven
years. He then engaged in the grocery business for
himself at No. 110, West Main Street, but in 1886,
sold out the establishment and engaged as a bookkeeper for P. B. Loomis & Co., bankers, with whom
he remained until his election to a public office
which required his time.
Mr. HIunt is an enthusiastic Democrat, and having been nominated by the l)emocratic Convention
of 1887, for Alderman of the Fourth Ward whicl
usually gave a Republican majority of one hundred
and fifty votes, such was his personal popularity
that he was elected. After having remained in the
Council six months he was elected Recorder to fill
a vacancy caused by the resignation of his brother
from  that position. In the spling of 1889 he received the Iemocratic nomination for the same
office, to which he was elected by a majority of
nine hundred and fifty-one, the largest ever given
a candidate in the city of Jackson.
Recorder Hunt is as enthusiastic over tie social
order to which he belongs, as in his political ideas.
Ile joined the Masonic fraternity in 1879, first becoming a member of Michigan Lodge No. 50, and
in 1882 joined Jackson Chapter No. 3, being made
High Priest of the same inl December 1889, was
also elected Master of tile Blue Lodge in the same
month. He has advanced through all the degrees
until he has become a Knight Templar. In 1879,


lie also joilned the Jackson Guards. The marriage
of Mr. Hunt and Miss Sinclair was celebrated April
26, 1882, and has been blessed by the birth of -tw&'
children-Horace Sinclair and Charles Saiford.
Mrs. Hunt is a lady whose virtues and graces of
mind and heart endear her to many friends, and
her husband is assured of her sympathy in all his
aspirations. Both are regarded with respect by all
with whom they come in contact.
/,E()ORGE W. KENNEDY. The Loan and
/I --, Insurance business of Jackson recognizes a
lively representative in the subject of this
notice, who hIas been a resident of the city for the
past twenty-live years and engaged in his present
calling for twenty years. IJHecommenced his business career here as an agent for the sale of agricultural implements and from a modest beginning
has arisen to a prominent position, socially and
financially.
A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Kennedy was born
in Silver Lake Township, Susquehanna County,
February 22, 1820, and is the son of Frederick A.
an(d Margaret (Tipper)Kennedy, both of whom were
natives of England, and the former born in Brighton
in 1785. The mother was born in 1783 and they
were married in Marylebone Church, London,
in 1809. They emigrated to the United States in
1817, settling first in New York City and from
there in 1819 removed to Silver Lake Township,
Pa. The father was a cooper by trade and left Silver
Lake with his family in 1821, removing to Seneca
(ounty, N. Y., where he sojourned ten years. In
1831 he came to Michigan Territory and settled in
the woods of Macon Township, Lenawee County,
on a tirct of Government land.
The parents of our subject commenced housekeeling in the wilds of Michigan in a domicile
built of logs witl a quilt hung over the doorway,
and endured all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. Tlie father chopped away
the forest and threshed his first crop of wlleat with
oxen, on a floor of plank sixteen feet square. Detroit and Monroe were the nearest markets and le







752


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICALA~E   ALBUM.


75_. II -       OT RTR__IIT       * A ND  BeivOGRAP=iCAXL.A LBUM --—. - -—.- - -=I --- —-- -- --- ---- -- - 


pots for supplies, and railroads w''re not tloughlt of
for many years to come. The Kennedy family
occupied the old farm until 1857, then the parents,
retiring from the active duties of life, removed to
the vicinity of Jackson where the father had purchased ten acres of land. There they spent the
remainder of their days, the mother dying in 1869,
and the father in 1871.
Remaining under the parental roof-tree, working
the farm on shares in the summer and teaching
school during the winter, until the spring of 1849,
Mr. Kennedy, having been married, came to Hanover Township, this county with his bride, and engaged in farming. He purchased an old, worn-out
farm, nearly destitute of fences, and covered with
horse-sorrel,and on which was a log house. In this he
an(l his bride spent their honeymoon and lived for
nine years. He commenced at first principles in the
building up of a homestead, and was very successful,
developing one of the finest farms in that region.
This he provided with good buildings,erecting a fine
brick residence, with substantial barns and other
outbuildings, planting fruit and shade trees and
surrounding himself and family with all the conveniences and comforts of modern life. I-e was
one of the first men to purchase a reaper and mower,
and later added other improved machinery, including a grain drill, wheat cultivator and other implements, to facilitate the cultivation of the soil and
the process of harvesting. He was the first man
to introduce the sowing of clover and plaster in
Hanover Township.
Selling this fine farm in 1864, Mr. Kennedy removed to the city of Jackson, in order to be near
his parents, and he was cordially welcomed as a
valued addition to the ranks of fts re~iable and
progressive citizens. He has represented his ward
in the City Council for two years, both Republicans and Democrats being in favor of his selection;
in fact, he has usually been the incumbent of some
official position since the time of coming here, such
as Secretary and Treasurer of the Agricultural Society and during twelve years was Treasurer of the
Jackson Horse Breeders' Association. He has represented Hanover Township in the County Board
of Supervisors, also serving at various times as
School Inspector, Highway Commissioner, Town

ship Clerk, Justice of the Peace and Postmaster for
eight years. In religion Mr. Kennedy is a Unitarian, and assisted in the organization of the society
in Jackson. For thirty-five years he has been a
member of the Masonic fraternity, and a member
of the lodge and chapter at Jackson since 1857.
Miss Ann E. Russell, a native of Arcadia,Wayne
County, N. Y., was married to Mr. Kennedy at
Ridgeway, Lenawee County, April 24, 1849. This
lady was born April 24, 1827, and is the daughter of
Abijah and Naomi (Egglestone) Russell, who were
natives of New Jersey and Connecticut, and came to
Michigan Territory in 1831, being among the first
settlers of Monroe County. They endured the many
hardships incident to pioneer life, Mr. Russell being one of those who cut the road through from
Petersburg to Toledo. He was in the War of
1812. The union of Miss Russell and Mr. Kennedy resulted in the birth of two children onlyElla F., now the wife of WI. M. Dodge of Summit
Township, and Charles H., who died in Jackson, in
1886, at the age of thirty years.
In the best circles of society Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy are warmly welcomed and they in turn cordially receive their many friends under their
hospitable roof. Mrs. Kennedy is a charming
hostess, and her intellectual attainments and domestic qualifications make her the fitting life coirn
panion of her husband, whose efficient co-worker
she has been during the many years that have
elapsed since their marriage.
A lithographic portrait of Mr. Kennedy may be
found elsewhere in this volume.
AHIARLES W. COOK, general merchant and
Postmaster at Rives Junction, is also a Notary Public and has served as Justice of the
Peace since coming to this place in 1884. EIe received his appointment as Postmaster in August,
1889. and in this as in all other positions of trust
and responsibility, is acquitting himself with credit
and giving satisfaction to his constituents.
A native of New York State, Mr. Cook was born
in Cattaraugus County, June 1, 1839, and is the son




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.          753


of Orlando N. and Eunice (Buzzell) Cook, who at
the time of his birth were residents of Machias
Township. In the fall of 1844 they set out for the
young State of Michigan, locating first in Ransom
Township, Hillsdale County. After a residence
there of nine years they removed to the eastern
part of this county where Charles W. was reared to
man's estate and equipped for the future business
of life by a practical education in the district
school. Orlando Cook was born in Ticonderoga
Countv, N. Y., and (lied in Allegan County, this
State, in February, 1888, aged about seventy-four
years. The mother lives on the home farm in
Casco, Allegan County, where they located in 1885.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, Reuben
Cook by name, served as a soldier in the Revolu.
tionary War and fought at the battle of Plattsburg.
He followed the family to Michigan and died at
the home of his son Orlando in the year 1872. He
married a Miss Hubbard and both were natives of
New York State, where Grandmother Cook died
many years ago. On the maternal side of the house
Grandfather Enoch Buzzell was a native of Vermont
and the son of the Rev. Aaron Buzzell, a famous
and popular Baptist preacher who followed hils calling for more than thirty years in one place and
preached his farewell sermon one week before his
death, at the age of ninety-eight years. He was
never ill in all his life and l)assed away peacefully,
the machinery simply having worn out and refusinyg
to perform its office.
Great-grandfather George Cook, Sr., was likewise
a native of the Empire State, to which his father,
also named George, had located upon coming from
England to America. During the voyage the latter liad saved the life of a wealthy landowner who
gave him a life lease of a tract of land in Ticonderoga County, N. Y. There he spent the remainder
of his life and died, and from him descended the
Cook family of the United States. Charles W., the
subject of this sketch, was married in Pittsford
Township, Hillsdale County, October 8, 1863, to
Miss Emma A., daughter of Stephen B. and Lydia
(Beal) Johnson. Mrs. Cook was born in that township August 9, 1843, and after their marriage Mr.
and Mrs. Cook remained in Hillsdale County until
the spring of 1884. Mr. Cook then came to Rives




Junction and erecting a store and residence established himself as a permanent resident. He carries
about $3,000 worth of goods, including a full line
of merchandise and transacts a business of $9,000
annually.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Cook, of whom but three are living-Milton, Ada
and Nellie. Herbert died in 1876, when three years
old. Nellie is a member in good standing of the
Baptist Church.
ORMAN B. SHERMAN, M. D., a leading
physician of Waterloo and one of the ablest
practitioners in this county, is an Eastern
man by birth, his native place being Cortland, N. Y.,
where he first opened his eyes to the light, April 24,
1837. He is a scion of an excellent family, being the
son of Jarrah and Jane (Chapman) Sherman, both of
whom were natives of Massaclhusetts. They were
reared and married in the Bay State and subsequently emigrated to New York, where the father
officiated as a minister of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, belonging to the New York Conference.
lie bepaan his pious labors in his youth and was
noted as a pulpit orator, while at the same time
exercising a wide influerce for good among the
people around him.
In 1864, during the progress of the Civil War,
the father of our subject entered the Union army
as Chaplain in the Fourth Army Corps, and died
of dropsy at Murfreesboro, Tenn., in 1865. The
mother is still living and makes her home in Cortland, N. Y. The parental family consisted of
twelve children: Norman B. was the fifth child
and spent his early years in the place of his birth,
pursuing his first studies in the common school.
Dr. Sherman in 1858 began the reading of medicine under Drs. Bowles & Garlick, and later entered the Albany Medical College, from which he
was duly graduated in 1862. He commenced the
practice of his profession in his native town where
he sojourned five years and then changed the field
of his operations to Syracuse. After a residence
there of three years he came to Midland City, this










754


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAP~HICAL ALBUM.


754           PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


State, wlhere lie practiced (lon year and then layingi
aside tie active duties of his profession, commenced
traveling extensively over the Middle and Western
States. From that time until 1884 he was engaged
in no regular business, but that year resumed his
profession, locating in Jackson City. Remaining
there until July, 1889, he then removed to Waterloo and is now looked upon as one of the leading
men of his profession in this part of the county.
I-e is the health officer of Waterloo, and socially,
belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Politically, he is a strong Republican.
The Doctor was first married, August 1, 1862, to
Aliss Almina Hunter, of Cortland, N. Y., and there
was born to them one child, a daughter, Dora, who
is now Mrs. Lott, of Portland, Michl. Mrs. Almina
(Hunter) Sherman departed this life at her home
in lonia County, Mich., August 3, 1882. Dr. Sherman contracted a second marriage March 13, 1884,
with Miss Jennie Moe, of Lansing. This lady was
born in Elmsburg, N. Y., March 9, 1865, and was
the daughter of James and Eliza Moe, who were
natives of New York and are now deceased.
]?   REDERICK C. MOECKEL. The subject
1 -) of this notice may usually be found at his
Yl l  headquarters, comprising a well-tilled farm
on section 27, Waterloo Township, where, with the
exception of two years, he has spent his entire
life from his birth. This event took place February 18, 1845. The parents were John G. and Elizabeth (Fiermuth) Moeckel, who were natives of
Germany, the father born September 14, 1810, and
the mother November 10, 1810, both in the town
of Lastdt. There they were reared to mature
years and married. About 1842 they emigrated to
America, and coming directly to Michigan, tile
father secured the land which his son, Frederick
C., now owns and occupies. He labored upon this
faitlfully, bringing the soil to a good state of cultivation, planting fruit trees and erecting the buildings necessary for the comfort and convenience of
the family. After a well.spent life he departed


hiel;c, D)ecember 3, 1879. The wife and mother
had passed away prior to the decease of her husband, her death taking place December 5, 1874.
To the parents of our subject there was born a
family of seven children, the eldest of whom, a
son, Charles W., was born January 26, 1838, and
is now a well-to-do farmer of Waterloo Township;
John G., Jr., was born September 27, 1840, and is
farming in Harper County, Kan.; Catherine was
born May 20, 1843, and is the wife of J. G. Heydlauff, a prominent farmer of Waterloo Township;
Frederick C., our subject, was the next child; Charlotte, who was born September 4, 1849, died November 26, 1874; John was born October 12,
1851, and Henry, June 2, 1854; both are farming
in Waterloo Township.   Frederick C., like his
brothers, acquired his education in the common
schools, and when reaching manhood began forming his plans for a future competency. In 1870
he purchased eighty acres of land in Lima Township, Washtenaw County, and after living upon it
two years, sold out and removed back to the old
homestead, where he has since resided. Here he
has one hundred and sixty acres of land on sections 27 and 28, and to the care and cultivation
of this he gives his whole time and attention. In
the fall of the year he operated a cider press to
good advantage. In politics Mr. Moeckel is a
sound Democrat, while himself and all his father's
family belong to the Lutheran Church.
Mr. Moeckel, on the 30th of.March, 1875, took
unto himself a wife and helpmate, Miss Catherine
Joos, of Lima, Washtenaw County. Mrs. Moeckel
was born in that county January 6, 1857, and is
a daughter of John and Catherine (Weidmayer)
Joos. Her parents were natives of Germany and
emigrated to America in the latter part of the
'40s, settling in Washtenaw County, this State,
where they still live. Mr. Joos was born May 5,
1830, and his wife July 21, 1829. They are honest
and worthy people, and highly respected in their
community.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Moeckel-Emma M., March 17, 1876; Elbert J.,
December 20, 1879; Arthur F., March 1, 1882;
and Florence E., March 25, 1886. The paternal
grandfather of our subject was Frederick C. Moe





PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


755


ckel, likewise of German birth and ancestry, and
who married a lady whose frst name was Sarah.
'Ihey emigrated to America in 1842.    Grandfather Moeckel was born in 1781 and (lied December 19, 1847. His wife was born in 1788, and died
October 26, 1843.?t-  BENEZER GIBBS, late a resident of this
Fi 3 county, journeyed  hither from  Orleans
_? County, N. Y., before Michigan had been
admitted into the Union as a State. With his parents he settled in the woods of Parma Township,
and assisted his father in the work of opening up
a farm from the wilderness. When reaching manhood, he set out single-handed and without any
assistance, following the pursuits of agriculture at
a time when the nearest mill was at Marshall, and
to which he was obliged to journey over sometimes
almost impassable roads with a yoke of oxen. IHe
thus lived and labored a series of years, keeping
steadily in view Ills purpose of gaining a home and
a competency, and after making a good record,
rested from his earthly labors at the home which
he had built up in Parma Township, May 26,
1884.
The subject of this notice was born May 1 6,
1813, in Orleans County, N. Y., and was a son of
Ebenezer and Elizabeth Gibbs, who spent their last
days in this county. I-e was married May 24,
1854, to Miss Mary E. Kritzer, whose parents were
natives of Pennsylvania, and after his marriage
settled on the farm now occupied by his widow.
IIe became well known throughout this region,
and suchl was his sterling wortl of character and
his integrity that he was looked upon as one of
the best men which the county afforded. He left
to his heirs a finely-improved estate, embracing a
farm of one hundred and eighty-nine acres and
valuable personal property. The homestead lies on
section 17, Parma Township, and is indicative at
all points of tie enterprise and industry of him by
wlhom it was instituted.
Mrs. Mary E. Gibbs was born January 17, 1825,
in Waterloo, Seneca County, N. Y., and is the


daughter of John and Christina (Newman) Kritzer,
who were natives of Pennsylvania. When their
daughter, Mary, was about'two years old, Mr. and
Mrs. Kritzer removed to Yates County, N. Y., and
thence, in the fall of 1851, came to Michigan, settling in Calhoun County. She obtained her education in the common schools, and employed herself as a teacher in New York State for several
years, and also followed the profession after coming
to Michigan, teaching several terms in Calhoun
County. Of her union with our subject there
were born two children only-Roxie I., the wife
of John Haney, of Calhoun County, and William,
who remains with his mother. Mrs. Gibbs has for
many years been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Albion. She is a lady
highly respected, and enjoys the friendship and acquaintance of a large circle of the best residents of
this county. She has witnessed with a warm interest the transformation by which the wilderness
has become the abode of an intelligent and civilized people, and has fulfilled her mission as a pioneer wife and motler, in a manner which will cause
her to be kindly remsembered long after she has
departe( hence..,..;,-.,_T- _ -' - -._,..._.
'~    /~ILLIAM RANDLE is the owner and occuA/// lpant of one of the beautiful farms of
V~Y   1Blackman Township, tile place comprising
fifty fertile acres on section 25. It was taken possession of by its present owner in 1869, and since
tliat time lie has devoted his attention to farming
and gardening there, successfully pursuing his avocations and reaching a degree of prosperity quite
satisfactory to himself and friends. Lie has erected
all adequate and necessary farm buildings, and the
entire estate presents an air of neatness and order,
as well as of excellent tillage.
Mr. Randle was born in Worcestershire, England,
March 16, 1823, and made his native country his
home until the summer of 1865, at which period
le determined to seek a broader field for his energies in the land across the sen. Setting sail for
America he soon reached New York, and after






756


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


spending a few months in Massachusetts, came to
Michigan and made his home in Jackson for a short
time. His family crossed the briny deep in December, 1866, and he then settled on section 36, Blackman Township, remaining there until his removal
to his present home.
He had learned the trade of a tanner and had
followed that occupation during his life in the
mother country, but after taking up his residence
in the rural districts of this county he turned his
attention to agricultural pursuits.
The wife of Mr. Randle, in her girlhood Miss
Eliza Smith, was born in Worcestershire, England,
July 17, 1827. She has proved herself a true companion and helpmate, devoting herself to the comfort of her husband and to the care and training of
the seven children who have come to bless the
happy union. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Randie who are still living, are: Mary, Hannah, John,
and William; Joseph, Elizabeth and one unnamed
are deceased.
The only public office in which Mr. Randle has
served since he became a citizen of the United
States, is that of Overseer of Highways. He is
quite content to spend his care on his private affairs and in the pleasures of domestic life and the
society of his chosen friends, counting public lhonors but an empty bubble compared with the enjoyments of private life. The characters of himself
and his wife are such as to gain for them the re.
spect of those to whom they are known, and they
are excellent representatives of the English citizens of America.
a  'ALLACE W. HITCHCOCK is engaged in
\    the retail grocery business at No. 504,
North Blackstone Street, Jackson. He keeps
a well-selected stock of groceries, together with
flour and feed, and is well established in trade,
although it is but a few years since he began his
business. He was born in Lorain County, Ohio,
April 19, 1842, and passed his boyhood and youth
in his native county, acquiring a good practical
education and being the recipient of an excellent


home training. In 1862 he enlisted in a threemonths' regiment, but re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventy-eighth Ohio Infantry, and was
assigned to the Twenty-third Army Corps, then
under the command of Gen. Schofield, but later
under the leadership of Gens. Cox and Sherman.
Iie took part in the second battle of Stone River,
Shreveport. Kingston, N. C., and in many less
important engagements and skirmishes, escaping
unhurt. His army life continued until July, 1865,
when he was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio,
with an honorable record won by his faithfulness
and gallantry.
In the fall of 1867 Mr. Hitchcock came to Jackson. Mich., and located on a farm in Blackman
Township, remaining upon it ten years, after which
he moved into the city and became a clerk in the
hardware store belonging to his father. In 1885
he embarked in the grocery business on his own
account, at the stand which he yet occupies, and
where he has been so successfully prosecuting his
mercantile career. In the fall of 1865 he was
united in marriage with Miss Fannie M. Brown, of
Dover, Ohio. The young lady, whose estimable
character and womanly acquirements had won his
regard, is a daughter of M. A. and Jane Brown,
and was born in the Empire State. Their union
has been blessed by the birth of two childrerBelle C. and Jennie J.; the former is a dressmaker,
and the latter a bookkeeper in her father's store.
Mr. Iitchcock is a member of Pomeroy Post,
G. A. R. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he holds the office
of Steward. He resides at No. 126, Lansing Avenue, where he has a pleasant and comfortable dwelling, under whose roof the many friends of the
family are cordially welcome.
Mark S. Hitchcock, the father of our subject,
was born in the Empire State, and during his
earlier life was engaged in farming. Later, he became a hardware merchant, and while living in
Wayne County, Ohio, served as Sheriff four years.
In 1868 he removed to this State, settling on a
farm in Blackman Township, this county, where
he died in October, 1887, in his sixty-sixtlh year.
IIe was a son of Manlcy Hitchcock, who was born
in Massaclhsetts, was of English ancestry and took




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


757


-- -.- - -.- -, -,,    ---      - --   - - - -, - . --- -   -.  -11- — l-l-   I -1 --- —------—. --- —-,-,,, — -                        - -                            -.-  -- -- -         ---- --     --             - - ---- --    --        -               --- - -- ----          -,- -- ---  - -      -, -.------- -- -,-, - --- - - - -—, -
I


part with his fellow-Americans in the War of
1812. The wife of Mark Hitchcock, in her girlhood Miss Polly Morgan, was of Scotch ancestry,
although several generations of the family had
been born in this country. Her death occurred
thirty-nine years ago. She was tlhe mother of four
daughters and three sons, the subject of this sketch
being the second son.
G    EORGE V. WVING. This gentleman is one
of the old settlers of Blackman Township,
having beoun his residence there in 1838,
when scarcely more than an infant. He is well
known as a public spirited citizen, interested in
the advancement of education, in good government and in the improvement of the country. Honorable in his dealings with his fellow-nmen, kind
and considerate in his domestic relations, and living an upright life, he wins the respect of all with
whom he comes in contact.
The parents of our subject were Convis L. and
Eunice (Knapp) Wing, who came from a section
called the Dead River Country. in Maine, to Jackson
County, Mich., in 1838, settling in what is now
Blackman Township, and continuing to reside
there until death. The elder Mr. Wing took quite
an active part in political matters. Of the four
children whom  they reared to maturity, George
V. was the oldest. He was born in Maine, March
26, 1833, and coming to Michigan at a very
early period in his existence, grew to manhood in
the township where he has always since resided.
Although farming has been the chief occupation
of the subject of this notice, Mr. Wing has followed sawmilling and run a lime kiln also. His
estate comprises one hundred and fifty acres,
marked with good improvements, consisting of all
necessary buildings for the carrying on of the
work of the estate, and the comforts of home life.
In the work of agriculture he endeavors to keep
up with the times in the use of modern machinery
and means of cultivation, making his acreage as
productive and as easily (ondlucted as possible.
The marriage of Mr. Wing was celebrated in Ibe

oni Township, Mlarch 3, 1863, his bride being Miss
Mary Gildart, who was born near Birmingham,
England, October 3, 1840, and was the second of
five children born to James and Hannah (Osborne)
Gildart. Her parents came to America in 1842,
settling in Waterloo Township, this county, where
the mother died in October, 1851. The father remained in this county until 1864, and then removed to Eaton County, where he remained ten
years, thence going to Wilson County, Kan., where
he still lives. Mr. and Mrs. Wing are the parents
of three interesting children-Nellie F., Nelman
F. and Mariette, who have been the recipients of
excellent home training and of good educational
advantages. Mrs. Wing is a notable housewife, an
agLeeable companion, and devoted to the interests
of her husband and family.
Mr. Wing has served his fellow-citizens as Highway Commissioner and as the incumbent of some
of the school offices.  ie lhas taken quite an active part in politics, belongs to the Demrocratic
party, and is ever ready with his ballot when election day comes. He and his wife belong to the
Patrons of Industry.
I SAAC VAN VALIN. A pleasantly located,
l  ell-improved and thoroughly cultivated farm
j on section 30, Blackman Township, is that
owned and occupied by the above-named gentleman,
who. as a public-spirited citizen, and an honorable,
intelligent, and companionable man, is highly regarded by his fellow-citizens.
Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, N. Y., is the
birthplace of Mr. Van Valin, and December 3, 1828,
was his natal day. His early life was passed in the
county where he was born, amid whose favorable
surroundings he grew to manhood possessed of a
fair share of book lore an a practical training of
mind and body, together with good principles and
ideas of life. He remained in the Empire State
until 1866, having engaged in farming after reach
ing manhood. In the summer of the year last
mentioned he came West and taking up lhis residence in thlis county, soon obtained a contract from




758            PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPH


IICAL( ALBUM.13[


-- ---  - -   -- ---  ----  -- —.   --- ---  ---  -.-. --- ——. —  -; --- —. ---


the Michigan Central Railroad, to cut wood for the
company, for about ten years continuing in this
labor. He then settled on the forty acres of land
where he has since been engaged in tilling the soil,
bringing to his occupation the practical experience
obtained some years since, coupled with a keenness
of observation and intelligent consideration of
modern methods which tend to enhance his success
in his chosen work.
In Miss Sarah A. Caywood, a native of Dutchess
County, N. Y., Mr. Van Valin found the qualities
he desired in a life companion, and his regard being reciprocated they were united in marriage in
their native county, February 24, 1869. Mrs.
Van Valin was born in 1833 and is well fitted by
nalture and training to make a happy home and exert a wide influence in society, possessing refined
manners, an intelligent mind, and an agreeable
disposition.
Mr. Van Valin is a Democrat and while a resident of the Empire State took quite an active interest in political affairs. During the war he was
drafted, but furnished a substitute, paying $300 to
a man who would fill his place in the ranks.
i A  OBERT C. KERR. Among the many good
I.4?   citizens of Jackson County, no better rep\  resentative can be found than the gentleman above named, who is the proprietor of
the Blackman Center House, located on section 23,
Blackman Township, and is also the incumbent of
the office of Township Clerk. The hotel is a wellkept house, with excellent furnishings, ready service and tables well supplied with an abundance of
the good things that comfort the inner man. The
host and hostess are obliging and painstaking, ever
mindful of the wants of their guests, who are made
to feel at home under the roof of the inn. Mr.
Kerr is an honorable and upright citizen, publicspirited, and manifesting great interest in the enterprises which will advance the interests of a
community and the growth of the county which
has been his life-long home.
The parents of him of wbonm we write were


Robert C. and Carlinda (Miller) Kerr, of Orange
County, N. Y., wherein they were married and be.
gan their wedded life. In June, 1836, they removed thence to this county, settling in Liberty
Township, where Mr. Kerr died in the year 1858.
His widow continued to live on the homestead
until a few months prior to her own death, which
occurred in Blackman Township, in 1878. Both
were widely known among tile early settlers of the
county, as worthy citizens and excellent neighbors,
and respected for their cheerful endurance of the
toi!s which they underwent during their early years
in the State. Of the eight children born to them,
all reached mature years, our subject being the
fourth of these.
Robert Kerr, of whom we write, enjoys the distinction of being the first white child born in Liberty Township, where lie opened his eyes to the
light April 25. 1838. He was reared to manhood
on his father's farm and continued to live there
with his widowed mother until 1868, when he removed to Jackson; passing two years as a resident
of the city. He then purchased a farm in Blackmail Township, lived upon it until 1876, and then
returned to the cit to engage in the livery business. Two years later he went again to his farm,
continuing to reside there until 1884.
At the age of seventeen years Mr. Kerr was applrenticed to learn the trade of a carpenter and
joiner, which he followed almost exclusively until
1873, after which he devoted his attention princil)ally to agriculture. In 1884 hie sold his farm
and again remove(l to Jackson, where lie lived a
twelvemonth before buying the hotel property
which he has since managed. For four years lie
has been engaged in buying and shipping stock,
and in 1888 he began gardening, carrying this business on in connection with the keeping of the
hotel. He owns forty acres of land, the produce
from which is marketed mostly in Jackson. Having
his own garden, he is ensured fresh vegetables for
the use of the hotel and the two occupations blend
the question of supply and demand in a manner
profitable to himself and agreeable to the palates
of liis guests, whlile a ready market is found for
the surplus raised.
The wife of Mr. Kerr is, like himself, a native


























PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


761


of Liberty Township,'and in herlgirihood bore the
name of Sarali E. Sanford. Her parents, William
G. and Jane (Bonner) Sanford, were pioneers of
this county, where they took up their residence
about the year 1837, living in Liberty Township
until 1870, since which time they have made their
home with their children. To Mri. Kerr and his
estimable wife one daughter has been born-Grace,
who is the wife of Frank P. Van Horn, of Blackman Township.
Mr. Kerr was elected Clerk of Blackman Township in 1876 and held the office two terms.  In
1888 he was again elected and[is now filling tle
position. He has been School Director for ten
years, that fact being another evidence of the reputation which he sustains among his fellow-citizens.
IHe takes quite an active part in the political work of
the Democrntic party, in whose principles he concurs. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
OREIN L. FITCI, Conductor on the Lake
Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad, has his
ll   headquarters in Jackson City and is looked
upon as one of the most efficient men of his calling
in this part of the.State. Ile is an Ohio man by
birth, his native place being at Olmsted Falls,
Cuyahoga County, and the date of his birth April
20, 1845. He was next to the youngest of the
eight children born to Horace and Harriet (Loomis)
Fitcll, six of whom are still living.
The parents of our subject were natives of Connecticut and born near the city of Hartford. The
paternal grandfather was Thaddeus Fitch, who
traced his ancestry as far back as 1294. The family was of English descent and the progenitors of
our subject crossed the Atlantic in time to take
part in the Revolutionary War. One of these,
Maj. James Fitch, received a large land grant for
services rendered and it is believed spent his last
years in Connecticut. Horace Fitch, the father of
our subject was born, November 18, 1804, and left
New England in 1831, emigrating to Ohio, where
he prosecuted farnminig until his death, December
28, 1872. He was married in Connecticut, in


February, 1829; his wife, Harriet, was born at East
Windsor, Conn., September 6, 1806. She also
lied in Ohio, October 10, 1865.
'The subject of this notice attended the schools
of his native place and remained a resident of the
Buckeye State until a youth of seventeen years.
Then, during the progress of the Civil War, he entered the army, enlisting in Company C, One hundred  and Twenty-fourth Ohio Infantry, under
command of Col. Oliver H. Paine, the regiment
being assigned to the army of the Cumberland and
commanded by Gen. Gilbert.. Mr. Fitch took part
in the battles of Nashville, Franklin and Triune
and then being taken ill was confined for a time in
the hospital in Nashville. Later lhe was sent to
Camp Douglas at Chicago, Ill., to guard prisoners.
In the spring of 1864 on account of meritorious
services rendered, lie was commissioned as First
Lieutenant in the One hundred and Fifty-sixth Illinois Infantry and was assigned to duty as Post
Adjutant at Camp Fry, Chicago, where lie remained until the following April.
Lieut. Fitch returned to his regiment with the
rank of First Jieuttelnan t, and was subsequently commissioned Adjutant, going thus to the front and
remaininl in active service until the close of the
war. IIe then returned home to Ohio, and soon
afterward entered the employ of the Cleveland &
Toledo Railroad Company as brakeman. After two
years he was promoted to be a freight conductor.
In 1875 lie came to tTckson, entering the employ
of the Ft. Wayne, Jackson & Saginaw Railroad as
freight conductor. In 1879 he was promoted to be
a passenger conductor on the same road, which is
now known as the Ft. Wayne Branch of the Lake
Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad, his run being
between Jackson and Ft. Wayne.
On the 10th of April, 1869, our subject was
joined in wedlock with Miss Jennie S. Miner, a
native of Ohio, and at that time a resident of Olmste(l Falls, tlat State. Mrs. Fitch is a daughter of
Harrison K. and Philinda (Carr) Miner, who were
natives of Vermont and early settlers of Ohio; they
are now deceased. There have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Fitch only one child, a daughter, Florence.., who is receiving the advantages of a good education. Politically Mr. Fitch is a stanch I)emo,




762


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


I


crat, antl is foremost in every measure calcuiated
to advance the interest of his county.
A portrait of Mr. Fitch is presented elsewhere in
this volume.
Ki lAMES C. MAYO belongs to a family wellknown to the early residents of the county
and to all who are acquainted with the his(  tory of its pioneers, as they were early settlers here and identified with the early development
and improvement of this region. The fact that
our subject is a son of the late William Mayo and
his worthy companion, is sufficient proof to those
who knew his parents, that he possesses excellent
qualities of mind and character and is worthy of
representation in a volume of this nature.
The gentleman whose life will be briefly outlined
in this sketch was born in Blackman Township,
February 25, 1842. Ilis boyhood and youth were
passed on his father's farm, in such home duties as
his strength would permit of, and in acquiring the
knowledge to be obtained under the teaching of the
common schools. He remained at home until 1864,
when he went to Minnesota and there engaged in
ferming and lumbering for a period of some three
years. Returning thence to Blackman Township,
he engaged in the pursuit of agriculture on tile old
homestead which comprises one hundred and fiftynine fertile acres on section 7. His labors have
been crowned with success, enabling him to supply
his family with the comforts and even many of
the luxuries of life, to bestow upon his children
educational advantages in accordance with their
years, and to promise a comfortable maintenance
during the years to come.
The marriage of Mr. Mayo was celebrated in
Jackson, April 24, 1867, his bride being Miss
Manilla A 'elaide, daughter of the late Jonathan
and Samantha (Clark) Hoyt. The parents of Mrs.
Mayo settled in Sandstone Township, about the
year 1837, and thence removed to Blackman Township, wlere they breathed their last. They were
the parents of six children, of whom Mrs. Mayo is
the third in order of birth, She wans born in 1B1;(1i


man Township, February 12, 1847, is an intelligent and well-read lady, and the possessor of many
womanly virtues and graces. Hier happy union
with our subject has been blessed by the birth of
five children: Cnrrie A., who died when twelve
years old, Mabel E., Milo J., Florence M., and
Ethel L.
Mr. Mayo is an active member of the society of
his neighborhood, and has been given various
township offices, his acquaintances considering him
well fitted for positions of public responsibility and
cnlable of thoroughly looking after their interests.
Among the positions which he has filled have been
that of Iighway Commissioner six terms and Justice of the Peace six vears. He manifests much
interest in the progress of education, as in other
matters which pertain to the welfare of the community. Mr. and IMrs. Mayo are members of the
Patrons of Industry and he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
OB1ERT LAKE, contractor and builder, is
Cf X  numbered among the successful business
men of Jackson, to which city he came when
an infant, from the High School of which
he was graduated, and where lie learned the trade
of a bricklayer under his father who was a contractor and a dealer here.
The Lake family is of English ancestry, the father of our subject, George Lake, having been born
in Dorsetshire of which his father was also a native.
He was reared in his native land and in 1845 began
work with a firm of contractors and builders,
remaining in their employ until 1849, when, accompanied by his wife and only child, he came to America. They landed at New York in May and came
directly to Jackson County, Mich., making their
home for a year and a half on rented land near
Pleasant Lake. Their next home was on a farm in
Blackman Township, whence they removed to Jackson and Mr. Lake began taking small jobs, soon
working up a good business in contracting. In 1868,
in company with his sons, he bought a warehouse
nul: eC(,gsfid i!l tV,. loe of lime, cement, salt, plas



i
i










PORTRAIT ~AN D BIOGRAPHIf~~CAL A LBUM.~


763


PORTRIiT AN  B  ALBUM.          763


ter, etc., continuing that business until 1876, from
which time he was not engaged in any active pursuit. His wife, in lier girlhood Miss Martha Fielder,
was a native of Hampshire, England, and in that
shire their son Robert, was born June 24, 1848,
being therefore but a few months old when brought
to America. Five other children came to bless the
parental union-Henry who is now a resident of
I)etroit; Flances, who lives in Jackson; Hattie, who
died February 19, 1882, aged twenty-four years;
and two who died in infancy.
In 1866, Robert Lake was graduated from the
High School and having learned the trade with his
father dulring the vacations, he began journey-work
immediately thereafter and after two years thus
employed engaged in contracting, which business
lie has successfully continued up to the present
time. On February 25, 1885, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna M. Berger, a native of Pennsylvania, and a lady who possesses many estimable
traits of character. She is the daughter of George
Berger now a resident of Philadelphia. To Mr. and
Mrs, Lake two children have been born —Iattie
and an infant named Robert George.
Mr. Lake is a member of Jackson Lodge No. 17,
F. & A. M.; of Jackson Chapter No. 3, R. A. M.;
Jackson Council No. 32, R. & S. M.; and Jackson
Comnmandery No. 9, K. T. In 1887, lie was ap
pointed a member of the Board of Police Commissioners. His political adherence is given to the
Democratic party. A man of honor in the fulfillment
of his business contracts, an intelligent and genial
companion and a reliable citizen, Mr. Lake is the
recipient of the respect and good will of his fellowmen..; OLIN A. KRENERICK. There is probably
not within the limits of Parma Township a
man held in more general respect than the
subject of this notice or one who has been
more warmly interested in its farming and stock
raising operations. lie has been quite successful in
this line and although in the prime of life, has beel
enabled to accumulate n competence and the where.
withal to defend iin against wait ill his old age.


A native of Richland County, Ohio, Mr. Krenerick was born June 7, 1842, and is the son of Adam
and Henrietta (Honeybarger) Krenerick who were
natives of Germany. They emigrated to America
at an early date prior to their marriage, and when
John A. was but a boy removed from Richland to
Ashland County, Ohio, where they sojourned until
he was a lad of fourteen years. Finally, they decided upon seeking the farther West and coming to
this State settled in Calhoun County. The father
secured a tract of land in Clarence Township from
which he constructed a comfortable homestead
which with his estimable wife lie still occupies; they
are now quite aged, having passed their three-score
and ten years. They are the parents of four children, all of whom are living.
Mr. Krenerick attained to manhood on the farm
in Calhoun County, becoming familiar with its
various employments and being trained to habits
of industry and economy. HIe acquired his education principl)lly in the district school, but has been
a close observer of men and things and kept himself posted upon current events by reading the
weekly newspaper and such other publications as
came in hlis way. Shortly before reaching the
twenty-seventh year of his age, he was married February 22, 1869, to Miss Sarah Miller. This lady was
born October 2, 1846, in Washtenaw County, this
State. Her parents, Henry -I. and Harriet (Carter)
Miller were among the earliest pioneers of Michigan, and the mother (lied in Calloun County, May
10, 1889. Mr. Miller is now a resident of Calhoun
County. IHe was born in Pennsylvania and when
about ten years old removed with his parents to
Geneca County, N. Y. He lived there until reaching his majority and then starting out for himself,
came to Michigan and was a resident of Washtenaw County until removing to Sheridan Township,
Calhoun County. In the latter likewise lie was one
of the earliest settlers. ie fought the usual battle
of life on the frontier and like most of the industrious men around him, met with the reward of his
toils and sacrifices; lie is now seventy-six years old.
To the parents of Mrs. Krenerick there was born
a family of five children, four of whom are living.
George, the eldest resides in the northern part of
tile State; Mary became tlie wife of Michael Keck






764


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.




and they live in Calhoun County; Mrs. Krenerick
was the next in order of birth; Charles is also a
resident of Calhoun County. Three children have
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Krenerick, namely,
Frederick E., Frank 1). and Henry C.
For two years after their marriage our subject
and his excellent wife remained residents of Calhoun County. In the spring of 1871, they settled
upon their present farm in Parma Township and
have since devoted their energies to building up a
home for themselves and their children.  Mr.
Krenerick is rather independent in politics, aiming
to support the men whom he considers best qualified for Affice. His course in life has been such as
to gain him the unqualified respect of all who know
him. Mr. Miller, tile father of Mrs. Krenerick,
traces his ancestry to Germany, while her mother
was born in England and came to America withl her
parents when quite young, they settling first in
Michigan.
ALVIN WING. This gentleman is an excellent representative of the class to which
lie belongs, being thorough and painstaking
in every detail of his agricultural work, interested
in the improvement of the country, and the development of her natural resources, and in the higher
civilization and advancement of her citizens. He
owns and occupies forty acres of fertile land on section 16, Blackman Township, which was purchased
by the savings of himself and wife d(uring eight
months in which they were receiving the respective
wages of $10 and $4 per month. Mr. Wing has
erected a substantial and tasteful dwelling, barn,
and other buildings, and with persevering industry
has built up a pleasant home.
The Wing family traces its descent from the
sturdy Scotch, three brothers of the name having
emigrated to America many years ago, two of them
landing at Plymouth Rock, and the other going up
the Hudson River, and Fettling in the Empire State.
The father of our subject was Abram  Wing, of
Somerset County, Me., and his mother was Nancy
Grover, of the same county. In the summer of
1843 they removed fron their tl 'ive Stn.t(e t, M t1i


I


igan, making their first settlement in Blackman
Township, this county, remaining there a few years.
Mr. Wing then sold and purchased two hundred
acres in -lenrietta Township, and several years later
removed to Niles, Berrien County, where he died
about thle year 1870. The mother survived until
March, 1882, breathing her last in Blackman Township, tlis county.
The subject of this biographical sketch is the eldest child of his parents. He was born in Somerset
County, Me., September 28, 1822, and was reared
to manhood in his native State, adopting the occupation of a farmer, although lie spent some time in
lumrbering. Accompanied by his wife, he came to
this county the same year in which his father became a resident here, andl for eight months he and
wife were emn)loyed by the late B. J. Collier, of
Spring Arbor. During this time they hoarded their
earnings and purchased the farm upon which Mr.
Wing now lives, and with the exception of those
few months, Blackman Township has been his home
since le came to this State, and he is widely and
favorably known as a successful farmer, a worthy
citizen, and a man of intelligence, geniality, and
uprightness.
The first marriage of him of whom we write, took
place' in Somerset County, Me., his bride being
Miss Clarinda Reed, a native of that State. She
bore him seven children, two of whom died when
quite young. The living children are: Andrew S.,
who married Almtira L. Huntoon; Abram, who married Hattie King; Nancy, who is the wife of Lewis
Reed; Levi, who married Miss Belle Woodhurst;
Jessie A., wlo is the wife of Chancey Raymond, of
Sandstone Township. Mrs. Clarinda Wing died in
Blackman Township, December 25, 1867, mourned
by many to whom hler good qualities were known.
The second marriage of Mr. Wing was contracte(l
in Blackman Township, March 30, 1872, at whicl
late he was united with Mrs. Ellen (Knapp) Knapl),
who was born in Franklin County, Me., Marcl 9,
1829. Her parents, Elijah and Celia L. (Pullen)
Knapp, died in Freeman, Me., and there her first
husband, Samuel P. Knapp, also breathed his last.
Mrs. Wing is intelligent and refined, with pleasing
manners and hospitable spirit, and all who enter
'.h waUll o(4 l! 1  bomn,. are cordially welcomed and






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


765


I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


cheerfully entertained. The qualities which make
the home life so attractive, win thle respect and affectionate regardl of neighbors and acquaintances,
and add to the pleasures of social life in the vicinity.
In common with all good citizens and intelligent
men, Mr. Wing is interested in political matters,
although not what is commonly called a politician.
IIe is a Democrat, and strong in his faith il the
principles of his party. Ile has filled the office of
I)rain Commissioner two years,acceptably discharging its duties. He and Ills wife belong to the Patrons of Industry.
X    }}yARREN THORP is the owner and occu\ " ant of a valuable farm located on section
2, Blackman Township. It comprises one
hundred and sixty broad and fertile acres, on which
good improvements have been made, and where the
pursuit of agriculture, to which Mr. Thorp lias devoted his life, is successfully carried on. The
owner of the estate is not only known in the community as a member of the great class of tillers of
the soil, but as the incumbent of various township
offices, where he has served with credit to himself
and his constituents.
The parents of our subject were Phares and
Mary (Bell) Thorp, the father a native of Buffalo,
N. Y., and the mother of New Hampshire. They
came to Michigan in 1861, from Cuyahoga County,
Ohio, and settled in Rives Township, this county,
where the mother died April 6, 1888, and where
the father is still living. Their family comprised
eleven sons and daughters, of whom our subject
was the fifth.
Warren Thorp was born in Cuyahoga County,
Ohio, January 31, 1842, and passed his early years
on his father's farm as the recipient of such advantages as could be obtained in the common sclools,
and in the intervals of study assisting his father as
his strength would permit in the work of the farm.
lIe accompanied his parents to Michigan in 1861,
and continued to make his home with them  until
his marriage, when he settled in the township


where lie now lives, and where lie is so well and
favorably known.
Mr. Thorp was married in Rives Township, in
1866, to Miss Mary Brown. Mrs. Mary Thorp
was born tlhere, in 1841, and died in Blackman
Township, July 2, 1878, leaving four childrenAnthony, Elmer, Frank and Phares-to the care of
her sorrowing husband. She was a member in
good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The second matrimonial alliance of Mr. Thorp
was contracted in Blackman Township, the lady
who then assumed his name being Miss Anna
Church, a native of Norvell Township born August 10, 1856. Her parents, Alonzo and the late
Mary Jane (Fellows) Church, were very early settlers in the township in which she was born.
Mr. Thorp has held the office of Justice of the
Peace four years, has been Drain Commissioner
an equal length of time, and Township Treasurer
two terms. IIe has also held some of the School
offices, and takes an active interest in educational
matters. He belongs to the Democratic party, and
is numbered among the workers of that political
body. IIe is a member of the Masonic fraternity.. *-  =   *,~ = - — L  ~-_
_DWA ARI) TAYLOR, whose character, genial
manner and conversational powers render
_L.   him an entertaining companion, and whose
home is one of the pleasant abodes of Jackson,
was born at Toronto, Province of Ontario, Canada,
April 7,1847. Ile was the only child born to Edward
Taylor, Sr.. and his wife. This worthy couple were
natives of England and Ireland respectively. and
at the time of their marriage Mr. Taylor was stationed at Toronto with a British regiment. IHe
died in the mother country in 1849, and his
widow, who survived him until 1854, breathed her
last in Toronto. Mr. Taylor was of the Protestant faith, while Mrs. Taylor belonged to the Roman
Catholic Church.
The gentleman of whom    we write being left
motherless at the age of seven years, became an
inmate of the family of Thomas Bennett. a farmer in
County Wellington, Province of Ontario. There






I


766


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


6           P —R — T I  A D  B I P HC AL..  ALBUM -............ I -  -  -........ 7i:. - -........ 


he remained until seventeen years of age, during
two months of the year walking three miles to a
log schoolhouse to obtain an education. Upon
leaving Mr. Bennett, he went to Saginaw, Mich.,
and engaged in the lumber business in that place,
having the misfortune to break one of his legs
while thus employed. Leaving Saginaw, he went
to Independence, Mo., near the line of the IUnion
Pacific Railroad, upon which he worked for a short
time, after which he proceeded to Williamsville,
Ill., at which place another accident befell him, his
arm being broken by a fall from a horse.
After a sojourn of four months in the abovenamed town, Mr. Taylor returned to Wellington,
Canada, where he remained a year, after which he
again took up his residence in Saginaw, Mich. In
1871 he changed his location to Jackson, and for
a few months was engaged in chopping wood and
farming in the vicinity. On the 8th of December,
1872, he was united in marriage with Miss Samantha M. Graham, of Hillsdale, and at that place
he again took up farm labors.
After being thus engaged for some time, Mr.
Taylor found employment on tile Lake Shore &
Michigan Southern Railroad, and for a period of
three years was identified with the railroad men. I-e
then returned to Jackson and entered the employ
of Dwight Merriman, for whom he did agricultural
work for three and a half years. We next find
him a resident of the city of Jackson, acting in the
capacity of janitor of the Methodist Episcopal
Church for sixteen months, after which he began
tinsmithing at the works of the Jackson City Purifier Company, in whose employ he continued for
a period of three and a half years. Following this,
he was employed as a guard in the State Prison
until July 1, 1889, when he became Overseer of
the Poor, having been appointed to that position
by the Mayor and Common Council.
Mr. Taylor is at present independent in politics,
although formerly identified with the Republican
party. He is proving an acceptable public officer,
and is well regarded by his fellow-citizens. Mr.
Taylor has been prominently identified with the
Knights of Labor movement, and went to the National Convention which met in October, 1885,
at Richmond, Va., as a delegate. His cozy home


at No. 117, Garfield Street, is presided over by a
lady whose amiable character, intelligent mind
and housewifely skill are duly appreciated by her
many friends. An interesting family comprised of
two sons and one daughter, bearing the names of
Edgar Heman, Frank Leroy and Esther Maria,
completes the home circle.
J   1AMES T. McCONNEL. Few if any men in
Jackson County are better acquainted with
its history than is lie whose name heads this
sketch, and who has been a life-long resident
of Blackman Township. His parents were pioneers
of this county, and his own early life was passed
amid scenes of a much more primitive nature than
those which now meet his vision as he gazes abroad
over his own fine farm and the surrounding country.
In Lycoming County, Pa., John McConnel, tile
father of our subject was born, and in the Green
Mountain State Celicia Turner, who became his
wife, first opened her eyes to the light. The marriage of the two took place in Niagara County,
N. Y., whence in the spring of 1831 Mr. McConnel
came to Jackson County, taking up a tract of land
in what is now Blackman Township. There he res:'ded, with the exception of the first winter after
his arrival, until his death, an(l his wife also died
here. They reared a family of five children, of
whom our subject is the eldest.
Ili Blackman Township, February 7, 1832, James
T. McConnel was born, and on the parental homnestead he grew to man's estate, taking advantage of
all opportunities afforded him for acquiring an
education and obtaining a practical knowledge of
tlhe pursuit in which he has been engaged since
youth. He owns one hundred and thirty acres of
land, which forms a valuable estate and a pleasant
home, and upon which he has pursued a successful
career, accumulating abundant means during the
passing years.
The lady who presides over the home of Mr.
McConnel was in her maidenhood Miss Amanda
Phillips. She was born in Monroe County, N. Y.,
and grew to maturity possessed of many virtues






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


767


I.


and womanly graces. She became the wife of Miltan Shearer of Hanover Township, this county. by
whom she had one child, Edwina, who is now the
wife of Challes W. Stevens, of Lansing. Some
time subsequent to the deatll of Mr. Shearer, his
widow was united in marriage with the gentleman
of whom we write. The union has been blessed by
the birth of a daughter, Hattie, who is the wife of
Shelby L. Alden, of Lansing.
Mr. McConnel llas been Highway Commissioner,
and has held some of the school offices in the township, serving acceptably in whatever position he
has been called to fill. Ile votes with the Republican party, with whose principles his judgment
concurs. He belongs to the First Baptist Church
of Jackson, and as a man of upright character, active intelligence and energy in business, lie receives
a high measure of respect from his fellow-citizens.
ERRY P. PALMER. This young gentleman is exhibiting his enterprise and business ability in the livery business in Grass
Lake, where lie bought out the establishment of L. Strong in the latter part of October,
1888. He gives his attention wholly to his business, in which lie is succeeding and increasing his
connection. His character is reputable, hlis manner pleasing, and he is quite popular among hi3 associates. In politics he is strictly independent,
casting his ballot for the candidate whom lie thinks
best qualified for public responsibility.
Mr. Palmer was born in Lvndon, Washtenaw
County, June 22, 1862, being the seventh in a family of eight children. His parents William and
Charlotte (Goodbody) Palmer, removed to Waterloo when he was a year old, and there he grew to
manhood on the farm, receiving a common-school
education and practical home training. He remained with his father until Maly, 1888, when he
left the farm and went to,Jackson, connecting himself in the harness business with 1). A. Yocum, with
whom lie remained until October 22, when he embarked in his present enterprise.
An important event in the life of Mr. Palmer,


I
I
I


occurred May 7, 1885, when he was united in marriage with Miss Annla E. Stephens of Lima, Washtenaw County. The bride was born there, January
22, 1866, being the youngest of the five children
comprising the family of Uziel and Phoebe C.
(Whitaker) Stephens, early settlers in Michigan,
whence they came from New York. Mrs. Palmer
possesses many qualities which render her companionship agreeable, and win her the respect of her
associates.
EORGE      S. WEINILOLD. The office of
County Treasurer has been efficiently filled
by Mr. WAeinhold since the beginning of
1889, lie having been elected thereto in the fall
1888 as the candidate of the Republican party. To
this party lie has for many years given his allegiance.
lie was for a period of thirteen years the Treasurer
of Waterloo Township, in which he also served a
year as Clerk. I-e has just passed thesixty-eighth
year of his age, having been born October 4, 1831,
an(d is a Pennsylvanian by birth, his early home
having been in Cocalleco Township, Lancaster
County.
The Weinhold family is of German origin and
was first represented in America during the Colon..
ial days. The father of our subject was George
Weinhlold, a native of the same township as his son
and the son of Philip Weinhold, who was also born
there. Grand father Weinhold was a lifelong farmer
of Lancaster County, Pa., his property lying near
East Cocalleco, where he spent his entire life.
George Weinhold, Sr., likewise remained a resident
of his native county, from his birth to his death.
He also followed agricultural pursuits and died in
1887 at the ripe old age of eighty-nine years. He
belonged to the Whig party until its abandonment
and then identified himself with the Republicans.
The mother of Mr. Weinliold bore the maiden
name of Mary Solenberger. She was a native of
the same township as her husband and was the
daughter of John Solenberger, who was likewise
born there where lie spent his entire life. Mrs.
Mary Weinhold departed this life at the old homestead in Pennsylvania in 1884. To her and her




708             PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


husband there was born a family of nine children,
seven of whom are living. John died at the age
of thirteen years; Mary is also deceased. The survivors are all married and making their homes, except our sulject, in Lancaster County, Pa.
The subject of this notice spent his early years
in a comparatively uneventful manner, amid the
quiet scenes of country life, attending the district
school, mostly during the winter seasons, and in
the summer assisting his father on the farm. IHe
remained under the parental roof until twenty-three
years of age, then starting out on his own account,
farmed on rented land two years. At the expiration of this time lie purchased land in his native
township and remained a resident there until 1865.
Then selling out he came to Michigan and thereafter for a period of six years operated on rented
land in Waterloo Township.  Iis next venture was
the purchase of a house and lot and later he became the owner of additional land in Waterloo
Township, where he resided until December, 1888.
ITaving now been elected to his present office, he
removed to the city of Jackson in order to enter
upon its duties.
Mr. Weinhold was married, in Lancaster County,
Pa, October 9, 1854, to Miss Lucetta Lutz. This
lady was a native of that county and the daughter
of Joseph and Mary (Whllalen) Lutz, both likewise
natives of the Keystone State. The seven children
born of this union are recorded as follows: The
eldest, Katie A., became the wife of Andrew Reithmiller and they live in Waterloo, this county; Mary
is the wife of Emanuel Waltz, of Leoni Township;
George married Miss Laura Kantz and they live in
Waterloo Township; Lizzie married Lewis Reithmiller and they are residents of Waterloo Township; Sarah. Mrs. Marvin Hoyt, lives in Waterloo
Township; Joseph and Penrose are unmarried and
remain with their parents.
As the friend of progress and the projects set on
foot for the benefit of the people, socially, morally and financially, Mr. Weinhold has been for
years active in local affairs and taken an especial
interest in education. He served many years as a
member of that School Board of his district, and
during the time was especially efficient in promoting the enterprises connected therewith tending to


i
i
I
i
I


I


the general adcvancemient of the rising generation.
As far back as the records go, the Weinhold family
have been members of the German Lutheran
Church. Mr. Weinhold for many years in his native State officiated as Deacon and has held the
same office since coming to Michigan. He has made
for himself a good record as a man and a member
of the community, and has been no unimportant
factor in promoting its best interests.
A-' NDREW H. MEAD is of Irish parentage
and a son of Andrew and Hannah (Haggerty) Mead, who some years after their
marriage emigrated to America, first locating in New York City, and thence removing to
Washtenaw. County, Mich., in 1843 and spending
tlhe remainder of their lives there. They had a
large family of children, of whom our subject was
the third in order of birth.
The gentleman whose name introduces this
sketch  was born in New   York City, January
10, 1834, and remained with his father until he was
about twenty-one years old, acquiring a good education anl( developing a sturdy and sterling manhood. Leaving the parental roof-tree he went to
California and was engaged in the mines from 1854
to 1866, during seven years of that time being employed as a foreman, ever enjoying the confidence
and esteem of those with whom he associated. On
his return from the Golden State in 1866, Mr. Mead
purchased a farm on section 2, Blackman Township, this county, where he has since resided, carrying on agricultural pursuits. His estate comprises
ninety acres, on which an excellent set of farm
buildings has been erected, and where every detail
of farm labor is carefully managed, the result being prosperity and order.
The marriage of Mr. Mead took place in San
Francisco, the lady in whom lie found a worthy
companion being Miss Margaret Lynch, a native of
the Emerald Isle. The happy union has resulted
in the birth of twelve children, of whom the following now survive: Andrew, Josie H., Annie, William, Francis, Katie, Charles and Maggie. Tlle


I
















I2 -





PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


771. i


deceased clildren who died il infancy were named
Mollie, John, James and Mamie.
Mr. Mead is not an office-seeker but gives his attention wholly to his personal affairs, although
identified with the Democratic party and ever ready
to cast his vote for its candidates. IHe manifests
an interest in educational affairs and has done his
share in support of the educational interests. Among
the residents of the vicinity he is regarded with the
respect to which his life and works entitle him.
Lie and his family are all consistent members of the
Catholic Church..s. s  e _


IIARLES REINHOLDT WEN)DT, M. 1).
(K' l'This gentleman, whose portrait is presented
^'f< on the opposite page of the ALBUMI, and who
became proficient in the science of medicine in
Germany, his native lan(l, has been a resident of
Jackson since September, 1880. Here he has established a fine and profitable practice, to which he
has devoted his attention conscientiously and untiringly. From 1881 to 1886 he was Physician of
Jackson County. In 1888 lie received a cablegram from his old home across the water, notifyinug him of the serious illness of his mother. Ile at
once made hurried preparations and sailed for Germany. His mother grew better, and the Doctor
then proceeded to take a pleasure trip through the
Old World, and visited various points of interest,
occupying three months in pleasant and instructive
travel.
D)r. Wendt is a son of Charles and Adolphine
(Naumann) Wendt, lis father having been an hotel-keeper, who died when the son was but four
years old. lie was born in Saxony, Germany, December 30, 1848. lIe entered the common school
at the age of six years, attending until he was
twelve, when he entered St. Thomas College, Leipsic, in which he prosecuted his studies until lie had
attained hlis twentieth vear. He then entered the
Leipsic University, where he diligently pursued
his studies for five years, during a portion of that
time serving s a volunteer on the medical staff in
the German army. From 1871 to 1873 he prac

ticed in the hospitals and was assistant in the clinic
of the diseases of children under Prof. Livius Fuerst,
after which lie passed his examination and received
his diploma, in February, 1873.
Two weeks later Dr. Wendt sailed for the United
States, landing in New York City, March 9, and
going at once to Chicago and thence to Galien,
Berrien County, Mich., where he practiced his
profession for a period of five years. He became a
member of the Medical Society in that county in
1875. He next went to Lansing, where he remained about seventeen months, after which he
removed to Jackson, where he has since res'ded,
and where he soon had a rapidly-growing practice. He is a member of the State Medical Society
and has a high leputation among professional
brethren for his excellent understanding of the
science of therapeutics, his keenness of judgment
regarding synmptoms and methods of treatment,
and well merits the success which has crowned his
efforts.
From 1884 to 1886, Dr. Wendt served as Coroner of Jackson County. Hie belongs to and is examining physician of the following organizations:
The German Workingmen's Relief Society, No. 2;
the Improved Order of Redmen; the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Select Knights
of the same; the Michigan Landwehr; the Jackson
Turnverein, for the development of the muscles
of the upper extremities; and the Harmonic Society.
The private life of the Doctor is an upright one
and lie has a social nature, as is evinced by his
membership in the numerous societies mentioned.
He is popular in society, and the fact that he is
still unmarried is a matter of regret to those who
understand how agreeable a companion he might
be to a lady who merited an.l received his regard.
C    HARLES J. ROGERS. Probably few men
within tile bounds of this county, know
more of its history and growth than the
subject of this sketch, who was born in Sandstone
Township, August 26, 1840. He was reared on a
farm, and has been accustomed to farm labors of






772


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


various kinds since he was seven years old, when he
began driving oxen and performing other duties
suitable to his strength. During the winter he attended school, acquiring a good knowledge of the
ordinary branches of education, to which he has
added the usual information regarding general topics anal current events, that a man of intelligence
will acquire.
Mr. Rogers remained an inmate of the parental
household until he was twenty-five years old, when
he bought eighty acres of land in Sandstone Townslip,which lie operated for two years. On December
25, 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss Carrie
B., third child of F. 1. Rogers. Her father was a
native of Connecticut, was a carpenter and joiner,
and worked at his trade and contracted in his native State. In 1856 he came to this county, and
bought a farm in Sandstone Township, upon which
he resided during the remainder of his life. He
still followed his trade, contracting and building as
long as his health would permit. His death occurred November 3, 1884. He was a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. His wire, Angeline
E. Benedict, was also born in Connecticut, being adaughter of Abel and Welthy (Wheeler) Benedict, a farmer there. She resides on the homestead
in this county, at the age of seventy-seven years.
Her daught(rs, Emma and Hester A., are now (leceased, and Mrs. Martha M. Pierce lives in Sandstone Township.
Mrs. Rogers was born in Stonington, New London County, Conn., on New Year's Day, 1847, and
reared in her native place until ten years old. She
then came to this State with her parents, where she
continued her education, and grew to womanhood.
After her marriage her husband carried on a farm
in Sandstone until the spring of 1868, when he removed to the location they now occupy. The previous fall Mr. Rogers had purchased eighty acres
of land on section 4, Spring Arbor Township, the
tract having been but slightly improved. It is located three miles from Parma, and nine from Jackson, and since its purchase by Mr. Rogers, has been
gradually developed and marked with fine improvements. There is an excellent dwelling house, barn,
and other outbuildiugs, a windmill and tank, and
forty-five acres have been added to the original


purchase. Mr. Rogers is engaged in general farming, and in the raising of a variety of stock. He
has about one hundred head of full-blooded sheep
of the Merino breed; full-blooded Short-horn cattle, and Chester and Suffolk hogs, and his horses
are of the Pilot Chief and Goodrich stock. tie
keeps two teams constantly employed in the work
of the estate.
To Mr. and Mrs. Rogers two children have been
born, named respectively: Nellie E., and Warren
II. Mr. Rogers belongs to the Patrons of Industry, and is Vice-President of the society with which
lie is identified. He also holds membership in the
Ancient Order of United Workmen of Parma. In
politics he is a Republican. He does not aspire
to office, finding sufficient occupation and entertainment in his individual affairs, his family circle, and
the society of his friends. He and his worthy wife
are given their due meed of respect by those to
whom they are known, and their lives do credit to
the ancestral lines from which they sprung.
The father of our subject was David H. Rogers,
who was born in Connecticut in 1807, his parents bearing the names of Charles L. and Abigal
(Adams) Rogers, being natives of the same State.
David Rogers was reared in his native State, and
there learned and worked at the trade of a crrpenter and joiner. In 1835 he came to Michigan,
buying Government land in this county, in Springport Township. He then secured one hundred and
sixty acres of raw lnu(i in Sandstone Township,
upon which he built a log house and made his home.
He was occupie(l to some extent in building barns
and other eTlifices, but devoted his attention principally to grain and stock-raising, becoming in time
the owner of nearly six hundred acres of land, and
carrying on an extensive business. He belonged
to the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and in politics
was a Republican. His (ceath occurred in February,
1882.
The wife of David H. Rogers was born in Connecticut, and bore the maiden name of Mary A.
Chapman.   Her parents were Jesse and Belinda
(Comstock) Chapman, the former a Connecticut
farmer, who settled in this county in an early day,
entering land in Concord, where he had a nice farm
of two hundred and fifty acres. Finally he removed




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.          773


--


---— ~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


to Parma, where he started in the livery business,
continuing in that employment until his death. To
Mr. and Mrs. David Rogers, seven childllen were
born, the subject of this biographical notice being
the second in order of birth. The others are: Caroline A.,widow of George R. Hunt, Clinton County;
William W., of Spring Arbor Township; Orlando
A., of Sandstone Township; Mary Ann E., now
Mrs. C. R. Townsend, of Parma; Abbie B., Mrs.
L. A. Chamberlin, of Sandstone Township; and
Jesse 1)., who lives on the old homestead. William
W. enlisted in 1862, in the Twentieth Michigan Infantry, and had served seven months, when his
health became so reduced that he wns obliged to enter the hospital, and was discharged for physical disability. Orlando A. enlisted in 1864, in the Twentyseventh Michigan Sharp-shooters, and served until
the close of the war. The mother of this family
died March 9, 1875. Mr. Rogers began plowing
December 5, 1889, and has continued to plow off
and on during the entire winter, and up to the present writing, April 15, 1890, and (uring tile entire
time has plowed up living angle worms, this showing the extreme mildness of tL.e season.
iOHN J. BALD)WIN. Among the younger
members of the farnming community of Waterloo Township, none have made a better
(  start in life than the subject of this notice.
lie is but little past his majority, having been born
November 25, 1867, and is a native of this township, where up to the present time lie has spent his
entire life. We find him pleasantly located on
section 10, where he settled in December, 1889,
and where he has one hundred acres of choice
land, which under his careful management is des
tined to become even more valuable than now. It
already yields to the proprietor a hapdsome income.
The subject of this notice is the representative of
an excellent family, being the son of John A. andl
Mary (Leech) Baldwin, further mention of whom
will be found in the biography of J. T. Baldwin,
on another page in this volume. John J. is the
elder of the two children born to his parents, and


he spent his boyhood and youth in a manner common to farmer's sons, attending the district school,
and making limself useful about the homestead.
lHe worked with his father until his marriage, this
event occurring November 14, 1889. The bride
was Miss Nellie G. Taylor, who was born in Grass
Lake Township, February 7, 1872. Her parents,
John W. and Saral A. (Seaver) Taylor, were natives of New York State, and early pioneers of this
county. The young people have begun the journey
of life under tle most favorable auspices, and the
good wishes of hosts of friends. Mr. Baldwin, politically, is a sound Republican, and belongs to the
Patrons of Husbandlry.


i-   RANK    SHEPHERI) KNOWLES.          This
l   young gentleman is now manifesting his:i    efficiency as mailing clerk in the Jackson
Post-office. Ile is one of thoie young men wlio
from early vears display an enterprise and tact
that bring them to a position of prominence in
business circles, together with the social qualities
that give them popularity, and whose intelligence
makes them useful members of the community. In
political circles Mr. Knowles has already assumed
some prominence, having often been chosen delegate to County, Congressional and Judicial Conventions. He was appointed Vice-President of the
Young Men's Club of the Fourth Ward and particularly among the young voters of the Republican
party is quite popular.
Mr. Knowles was born in Niagara County, N.Y.,
March 15, 1862, and is the eldest of three brothers
now living. His father, Robert I). Knowles, a
prominent attorney of Jackson, was also born in
Niagara County, N. Y., where he grew to manhood,
studied law and was admitted to the bar. He married Miss Julia A. Foster, of Monroe County,
IN. Y. In 1863 he came to Michigan, locating in
Grass Lake, this county. Two years later lie was
elected County Clerk, removing to Jackson in order
that he might more fully and easily dlischarge tle
duties of his office, and here he still lives.
The subject of this biographical notice was but a






7 4


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


I


year old when lie was brought to Michigan by his
parents, and he obtained his education in the publie schools of Jackson. At the age of seventeen,
having completed his studies, he entered the Postoffice, W. L. Seaton being then Postmaster.  lie
remained in the office in a clerical capacity three
years. when the head of the office was changed and
Maj. W. W. Van Antwerp took charge. After the
death of the latter gentleman the office was held by
W. M. Bennett, and young Knowles continued to
serve as an:issistant four months longer. He then
became foreman of tie Standard Manufacturing
Company, a position that lie held some months,
after which he was employed by E. J. Weeks & Co.,
dealers in drugs and medicines. With this firm lie
remained until restored to the Post-office, December 24, 1889.
OHN   R. MABEE, Superintendent of the
County House and Farm of this county, located in Blackman Township, enjoys the respect and confidence of those with whom he
has to deal, and possesses fine social qualities, being
intelligent and well informed, a pleasant talker, and
gentlemanly in his address. In April, 1886, lie was
appointed keeper of the County Farm and has since
held the position, having entire charge of the farm
and buildings, which are among the finest in the
State.  The average number of inmates in the
institution is thirty and they are the objects of untiring care from Mr. and Mrs. Mabee, whose sympathy in their lack of home ald friends leads them
to do all in their power for the comfort and consolation of those for whom the county furnishes
shelter and sustenance. The house is kept in the
most neat and oi derly manner, the cleanliness of the
rooms is noticeable, and the outward surroundings:ire quite in keeping with the interior.
Tile parents of the subject of this sketch came
from Niagara County, N. Y., in 1864, settling in
Rives Township, this county. The father, John
Mabee, was born in Niagara County, N. Y. in 1812,
and the mother, Desire F. Slayton, in the same
county in 1815. The former departed this life July


19, 1887, and his widow still survives. Their family comprises eleven sons and daughters, of whom
our subject is the fifth in order of birth.
The gentleman of whom we write was born in
Royalton, Niagara County, N.Y., February 3,1841,
and there grew to manhood, being the recipient of
good educational advantages and an excellent home
training. When the firing upon Ft. Sumter aroused
the indignation of the lovers of the Union and
caused an uprising of the people in defence of the
Government, he determined to take up arms in his
country's behalf and in May, 1861, he first joined
the New York State militia, but afterwards was
transferred to Company B, Twenty-eighth New
York Infantry, serving in the ranks two years. At
the expiration of his term of enlistment he returned
to the parental home and after a short visit there
turned his steps westward, locating at Cairo, Ill.,
and entering the employ of the Government, where
he remained three or four months. He was then
employed in different places and at various occupations until 1864, when he joined his father in
Michigan.
On arriving in this county, Mr. Mabee worked
on his father's farm for about two years, when, taking to himself a wife, he bought a farm in Rives
Township, upon which he established his home.
Two years later he sold and journeyed toward the
West, finally settling in Abilene, Kan., where he was
employed by the Union Pacific Railroad for about
two years. He then returned to the region of the
Great Lakes and spent three years on his father's
farm in this county, after which he continued his
agricultural occupation in Leoni Township during
a period of about seven years. We next find him
in Jackson, for a time a member of the police force
and in the commission business, and then the appointee to the position which he is now holding and
to which lie brought such fine qualifications.
While in the army Mr. Mabee was detailed on
the signal corps and served as a member of the
same during the greater part of the time of his en.
listment. He belongs to the Patrons of Husbandry,
the Masonic fraternity and the Grand Army of the
Republic. He is a strong Republican, taking an
an active interest in the success of the party and in
all political matters. He has held the offices of Over





HICAL ALBUM.               775


POR'IrRAIT AND BIOG~RAPI


seer of Highways and Drain Commissioner. Both
himself and wife are active members of the First
Wesleyan Methodist Church of Leoni wherein lie has
served as Class-Leader and Superintendent of the
Sunday-School.
The estimable lady whose Christian character and
mental culture prove so serviceable to humanity in
the position in which she ably assists her husband,
bore the maiden name of Emma Runyan, and is a
native of Livingston County, N. Y. The rites of
marriage between her and our subject were celebrated September 17, 1866, and to them has come
one son, William R.


0   011 --- —                   -I- I-111 ---  ---— ~ —~ 0 T

tinned his farm labors, working by the month. In
1860, he came to this county and purchased one
hundred and eighty acres of land on the section
where he now lives, and since that time lie has
continued his residence here, adding to his landed
estate and thoroughly improving his property.
He hlas held some minor township and school
offices, faithfully discharging their duties and serving his fellow citizens to the best of his ability.
In politics he is a Democrat.  Botli he and his
wife are members of the Lutheran Church.
An important step in the life of Mr. Maute was
taken September 18, 1860, when he became the husband of Miss Mary Koch, of Lodi, Washtenaw
County. That estimable lady was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, September 4, 1840, and was just
budding into womanhood when she accompanied
her parents to America. She is the fifth in a family of six children born to Jacob and Fredericka
(HIorney) Koch. They came to the United States
in 1857, and settled in Washtenaw County, but
subsequently removed to Grass Lake Township,
this county, wlere both died. Two of their sons
belornged to Company H, Tenth Micligan Cavalry,
were captured at Strawberry Plains and died in
the Andersonville Prison.
The happy union of Mr. and Mrs. Maute has
been blessed by tlhe birth of seven children, named
respectively-Fredericka, Martha A., George, William, Louisa, Sarah and Jacob. Fredericka is now
the wife of Henry Tisch, a farmer in Waterloo
Township, this county. Martha if the wife of John
Bitzer, a farmer in Tuscola County, Mich.


J   OHN G. MAUTE. The fine farm owned by
the above-named gentleman and the prosperous circumstances of his family are a
standing monument to his thrifty and energetic life, since he began his career in America as
a young man without means or influence. He owns
and occupies two hundred and ninety-five acres on
sections 14 and 15, Grass Lake Township, his fine
residence, barns, and other necessary outbuildings
being situated on section 15. The estate is in a
high state of cultivation and its management reflects credit upon its owner and manager. Not
only is Mr. Maute one who ranks high in his occupation, but his character and manner of life give
him a high standing in the community.
'The subject of this brief sketch was born in
Wurtemberg, Germany, December 23, 1834, being


the third of six children born to John and Ann M.
(Conzelman) Maute. His parents were natives of 
the Fatherland, in which they lived and died.
They belonged to the Lutheran Church and the      SAAC CLAWSON. He with whose name we infather's occupation was that of a farmer. Young   troduce this biographical outline is one of
Maute was reared and educated in the land of his  those men who invariably attract attention in a
nativity, which he left at the age of twenty years  crowd, being of commanding presence and fine
to establish himself in the New World. His first  physique, and bearing in his countenance the full
home in America was in Bay City, Mich., where lie  insignia of "a gentleman to the manor born."
spent but a few months, going thence to Huron  Among the people of Parma Township he stands
County, where for three years he worked on a farm.  prominently as one of its most valued citizens.
The next removal of Mr. Maute was to Lodi,   Kindly and hospitable in his ways, he ha-s prlven a
Washtenaw County, where for two years he con-  good neighbor, a useful nmember of society, and is




776


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM..-.-.~.~  -—,.~...~-..-.~.  -. —. - ---- -  — __ ------- ---  ---- -  --


one of its most successful agriculturists, prosccuting his calling at a snug homestead on section 6.
He was born May 12, 1830, in Tompkins County,
N. Y., and came to Michigan in 1852.
Mr. Clawson has spent nearly his entire life in
the peaceful puisuits of farming and carpenter
work, and acquired his education in the common
school. Ho commenced working when a mere boy,
and remained under the parental roof until a youth
of seventeen years. Tihe following year he commenced learning the carpenter's trade, wliich he
has pursued in connection with farming the most
of the time since, and of late years bas operated
largely as a contractor and builder. Ile was first
married, in January, 1850, to Miss Sarah King, a
native of his own State, and who bore him one
child, a son-Emmet —wlo died when nine years
old. The young wife only survived her marriage
until December, of that same year. On the 25th of
September, 1852, Mr. Clawson was a second time
married to Miss Mary Ludlow. This lady was born
September 5, 1833, in Tompkins County, N. Y.,
and is the daughter of West H. and Eleanor
(Steele) Ludlow, the former of whom was born in
New York State, and the latter in Cumberland
County, Pa. Ier maternal grandfather served( in
the War of 1812.
Of this second marriage there was l)orn to our
subject a large family of children, of whom the
following survive: Monroe, a resident of Burt
County, Neb.; West Il., living in Albion, this
State; Ralph, in iParma Township, this county;
l)avid, in Kent County; Eleanor, the wife of Willis Glading, of Parma Township; Garrett, in Eaton
County; Emily, the wife of Samuel Hamlin, also of
Eaton County; Jay, in tParma Township, this
county; L(ra. Mark and Chester M. residing with
their father. The deceased are William E. and
Cora. Mr. Clawson came to Jackson County in
1852, and followed his trade in Springport Town
ship for two years, then removing to Eaton County,
he worked at carpentering in connection witlh
farming a number of years, after which lie returned
to this county and settled on a farm on section 16,
that which is now owned by William Gibbs. He
only lived there, however, a short time. He took
possession of his present place in the spring of


1882. This comprises one hundllred and thirty-two
and one-half acres of land, under thorough cultivation, and provided with sul)stantial farm buildings.
Mr. Clawson, politically, is a straight Republican,
but has very little to do with politics, devoting his
entire attention to his farming interests. He and
his amiable wife are still in the prime of life, with
the capacity of enjoying the fruits of their early
toils and sacrifices, as their pioneer experience was
similar to that of the people around them. Genial
and hospitable, they are favorites in the social circle, and well spoken of by their neighbors. The
father of our subject was Peter Clawson, a native
of New York, and the mother bore the maiden
name of Eleanor VanVleet. The elder Clawson
was likewise a farmer and carpenter combined, and
with his excellent wife is now deceased. The father
of Mrs. Clawson was among the early settlers of
this county, and became widely 'and favorably
known throughout Parma Township, where he lived
until his death in 1870.
w    EORGE    WERNER. 'Thls young gentle_
man is an excellent representative of the
younger element of the business men in
Jackson, where he is carrying on the carriage business. He is a self-made man as far as his financial
prosperity is concerned, is very polular among
his compeers, and is one of the most interesting
conversationalists, having a natural gift in lpresenting topics to the listener in an easy and entertaining manner.
Henry Werner, the father of our subject, was
born in Hanover, Germany, came to America in
1812, and settled in Canada, whence he removed
to New York. In that State he was united in
marriage with Miss Annie Zinkn, a native of the Empire State, who bore him five sons and one daughter. In 1855 Mr. and Mrm lienry Werner removed
to Ann Arbor, Mich., where the death of the
father took place in 1869. He and his worthy wife
were of the Lutheran faith.
The natal day of George Werner was August 2,






LBUM.                      777


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRIAPHIICAL 1


1862, his birthplace Ann Arbor, Mich., in whichl  Ilnd, and evolving out of thle unbroken soil acom.
city lie attended the public schools until the age of  fortable homestead(. The fatller of our subject,
sixteenl years, when he began learning the trade of  Thomas F. by name, was born in 1814, in Genesee
carriage-making. lie came to Jackson in 1879.   County, N. Y., and remained there until fourteen
locating at the old Union Hotel, since burnt, and  years old, when he accompanied Ills parents on
skating rinks being thern in vogue, he used his  their removal to Michigan. He assisted in the
capital in opening one in the old rooms of Corn  usual labors incident to farm life, and amid frontier
pany G, MIichigan National Guard, on 'earl Street.  scenes grew to a stalwart manhood. When ready
After operating the rink one season, he went into| to found a home of his own, he was married to
the business which he has since followed, and in  Mliss Sarah, daughter of Jacob Lair, and a native
which he has shown himself a thorough and reli-  of the Empire State, having been born in Oswego
able workman. Our subject was married June 26,  County in 1826.
1889, to Belle Huson, who was born in Lockport.   After their marriage Thomas Carey and his wife
N. Y., a daughter of Harry and Sarah Huson, both  located in Hillsdale County, Mich., where their
of that State.                                  family was increased by the birth of four children,
Mr. Werner is a inember of the Knights 0. T. M.  three sons and one daughter. Of these our subject
In 1882 he joined Company 1), Michigan National  was the eldest son and second child; all are yet
Guards, serving a year as a private. Ile was then  living. The boyhood of our subject was passed on
promoted to the rank of Corporal, in 1885 was   his father's farm. assisting in the duties and labors
made Fourth Sergeant, in 1886, Second Lieutenant,  there in tile summer season, while the winter was
in 1887, First Lieutenant, and on September 10,  passed in a rude schoolhouse at the head of Devil's
1889, was elected Captain of the Company. Since  Lake. There his regular schooling was completed.
that time Mr. Werner has.lone more than any      At the age of twenty years Mr. Carey felt preotler man in Jackson to promote tile interests of  pared to start out in life for himself, and accordthe militia. In politics he is an ardent Democrat,  ingly began to farm on his own account. He also
and is at present representing the Fifth Ward in  operated a stationary engine in Jackson, and for a
tl:e City Council, having been elected to that body  time was engaged in teaming. He gradually, by
in April, 1889, by a majority of one hundred and  the exercise of frugality and industry, accumulated
fifty-six.                                      a competence, being now in receipt of a comforta_,^v~i^-^  >I~ ble income, and owns property in Jackson which he
rents. He is numbered among the most influential
citizens of Jackson, and uniformly supports the
EROME     CAREY, Alderman of the First      Democratic party, the principles of which he thinks
Ward of Jackson, is serving his second term  are most suited to the needs of the country. He
as a member of the City Council, in which  is ever ready to aid any worthy cause by financial
capacity he has given general satisfaction,  assistance so far as lie is able.
aInd has acted on various committees with eminent  Probably the most important event in the life of
ability.  He is at present Chairman of the Corn-  our subject was his marriage, which was celebrated
mittee on Ordinances and Claims, and endeavors in1  at the bride's home in Jackson, November 13,
every way to aid in the improvement of the city,  1877. Mrs. Carey bore the maiden name of Elizaof which he has been a resident many years.     beth Classic, and she was the daughter of Vincent
Miclhigaran was the birthplace of Mr. Carey, and1 aInd Mary H. (Bower) Classic, boti natives of Gerin the town of Moscow, Hillsdale County, he first  many. There likewise their daughter Elizabeth
saw the light, June 14, 1854. The Carey family  was born, and at the age of two years accompanied
are identified with the pioneer history of the Bay  her parents to America, locating immediately in
State, whither they removed from New York as    Michigan. One daughter was born to Mr. and lrs.
early as 1828, pre-empting a claim of Government  Carey, named Anna R., but she was taken from






778                     PORTRAIT AND BIO
the loving parents when a child of five years. IIer
death, while in the budding of childhood, left a
vacant chair at the table, an unoccupied place by
the fireside, and a depth of grief in the parent's
hearts which time alone can heal. Mr. and Mrs.
Carey are people of refined tastes and cultured
minds, and receive a most hearty welcome in the
best circles of society.
_.:o ---.)o^.-^SB-Oo ----   <a- LONZO     D. AUSTIN, engineer on the
Michigan Central Railroad and  a man
prominent and popular in railroad circles,
although not yet having reached the twenty-ninth year of his age, lhas made such good use
of his time and opportunities, that he has not only
become skilled in the duties of his profession, but
is already on the highway to a competence. He
has one of the most attractive homes in the city of
Jackson, a neat and tasteful residence, located in
the midst of beautiful grounds, and which both
within and without gives ample evidence of the
refined tastes and well directed means of the proprietor. The fact that Mr. Austin is well-spoken
of by those who know him best is sufficient indication of his character and his standing.
Mr. Austin, a native of Indiana, was born in the
town of Angola, Steuben County, December, 1,
1861. His father. Henry F. Austin, was born in
Lenawee County, this State, in 1836, and spent his
last years in Angola, Ind., dying in 1883. The
mother, Mrs. Priscilla (Dunhnam) Austin, who is
still living, is a native of Cuyahoga County, Ohio,
and the daughter of Alonzo Dunham, who still
lives in Angola, Ind. The parental family consisted of three children, of whomn only the two sons
are living.
The subject of this notice spent the first seventeen years of his life in his native town, where he
acquired a common-school education, and made his
home with his parents. Ile then entered the etnploy of the Michigan Central Railroad Comp.1Ly as
a watchman around the depot at Jackson, and by
faithfulness to his duties gained the confidence of:is employers, and in due time was placed as fire"


GARAPHICAL ALBUM.


nal on a switch engine. Iere he attended to his
business with the same care as before and was next
promoted to the post of fireman on a road engine.
In 1883 he took another step upward, becoming
engineer of a road locomotive, which position he
still holds, his run being from Jackson to Michigan City, with his home in the former.
Mr. Austin was married March, 1, 1882, in Jackson, to Miss Minerva Smith, daughter of Moses
and Jemima (Wise) Smith, who were natives of
Ohio. The father is deceased. The mother makes
her home with her daughter, Mrs. Austin. Mrs.
Austin was born March    18, 1863, in Portage
County, Ohio, and by her union with our subject
has become the mother of four children: Ruth E.;
Ethel, who died in 1887 when twenty-two months
old; Lewis Dunham; and an infant unnamed.
Their pleasant and cheerful home is the resort of
many friends and acquaintances, comprising some
of the best citizens of Jackson, where they are held
in the highest respect.  Mr. Austin, politically
supports the principles of tile Democratic party,
and socially belongs to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.
*         < T        __
ILBORN A. TAYLOR. The Taylor fam\/1   ily is familiarly known in Grass Lake
I/ 1  Township as being amorng its earliest settlers, and the subject of this notice was
born on the old homestead in this township. March
23, 1842. Of his parents, William B. and Mary
(Ladu) Taylor, a biographical sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. He was reared and educated amid the influences of a good home, where he
remained until reaching his majority. Then starting out for himself he went to Ingham County,
where lie engged in milling, at Williamstown, three
years. Then returning home he remained four
years. After his marriage he purchased land near
Mason, Ingham County, where hre made his home
until 1880. ThI1en selling out he once more returned to the old homestead, of which lie took
charge and farmed there six years.
At the expiration of this time Mr. Taylor pur



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OLIVER CHAPEL




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.                                  781
chased one hundred and thirty acres of land, corn-  nied her parents and the other members of the
prising his present farm and lying on section 17.  family to this State, where Indians and wild aniHIe received a little assistance from his father, but  mals abounded, and settlers were sparsely distribhas mainly worked his own way, and has become   uted over the Territory. The journey hither was
quite successful. HIe is considerably interested in  made on the Erie Canal to Buffalo, across the lake
stock-raising, keeping good grades of horses and  to Detroit, and by means of an ox-team to Ann
cattle. In politics, like his father and grandfather,  Arbor, near which a location was made. The
he is a faithful adherent of the Democratic party.  dwelling of the famiily was a double log house, and
lie has held some of the school offices in his dis-  all their surroundings for a time were of a very
trict, belongs to thle Patrons of Husbandry and is  primitive nature. The homely arts of carding,
a meminer, in good standing, of Excelsior Lodge  spinning, weaving, and all household duties were
No. 16, A. F. & A. AI.                          thoroughly acquired by our subject and she and
Mr. Taylor was joined in marriage with Miss   her associates wore homespun clothing. In 1835
Catherine E. Kerber, October 23, 1871, at the   the family removed to Grass Lake, this county,
bride's home in Waterloo, this county. Mrs. Tay-  but two years later changed their location to
lor was born in the city of Detroit, December 25,  Michigan Center.
1845, and is the daughter of Andrew and Maargaet  On iugust 10, 1837, Miss Welsh was united in
Kerber, who were natives of Germany, and who    marriaoe to Mr. A. Downer. a native of Connecupon emigrating to America settled in Ohio. Later  ticut, and a son of Simon and Zelpha Downer.
rltey came to Michigan and spent their last days  With his parents lie came to this State, living at
in Waterloo. Seven children lhave been born of  Plymouth until 1835, when lie became a resident
this lunion, viz.: Nina M., William A., Lilly A.,  of Concord Township, tills county. He worked
Nettie' E., Fred E., Benjamin F. and Jessie G.  for Mr. Griswol'l until his marriage, when lie
'They are all living and remain under the parental  bought one hIundred and sixty acres of land, upon
ioof. Mr. T'aylor is a thorough farmer and has  which the young couple began their wedded life.
male for limself the record of an honest man and  The farm was improved and made productive, and
a good citizen.                                  was their happy yhone until death removed the
husband and father in 1845. Three children had...._ <t_- ---   - ~l )been born to them-Simon A. gave his life to his
country, enlisting in August, 1861, as a member
of Company I, Fourtl Michigan Cavalry.     lTe
1>1  RS. KEZIAH J. CHAPEL, one of the          was sent into Tennessee, and had taken part in a
/    oldest settlers of Michigan living in this  couple of skirmishes when he was attacked by ty///: county, has from     her early childhood   phoid fever, which proved fatal.   His mortal
J   borne a part in the pioneer work of woman.  remains were sent home and deposited in the Chapel
In the home of her parents, as the helpmate of in.  Cemetery; Martin L., the second son, now lives at
dustrious manhood, and in rearing her children ste  I)etroit; he has teen baggage man for the Michihlas ever been faithful in tlhe discharge of the  gan Central Railroad for twenty-seven years; Ardedtlties devolving upon her andl labored untiringly  lia B., tle only daughter, married Royal Chapel,
at what hler hands found to do.                 a baggage man on the same road, and lives at
The natal day of Mrs. Cliapel was June 13, 1817,  Kalamazoo.
and her birthplace Royalton, Niagara County,      After the death of her first husband, the lady of
N. Y. She is the ninth child in a family of eleven  whom we write made her home with her sister, Mrs.
sons 5 and daughters boin to Mr. and Mrs. James  J. C. Griswold, in the same township, until her
Welsh, whose history will be found in tte sketch  union with Oliver Chapel, the event taking place
of George W. Welsh, on another page of this vol-  January 3, 1858. Mr. Chapel was born in Salem,
ume. When she was ciglht yelars old she aceompa-  Conn., August. 10, 1818, his father being Caleb


rl::: X
 ~;;




782                  PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
= _~~____~...~..._-.. --- —----— ~.I -I ---~___~___I.__.____....__.~-~   _ \..,_~.II_-_~_~_-~~~I-~-~


Chapel, whose history will be found in the biography of Samuel Chapel on another page in this
ALBUM. The family came to this part of the West
in 1832, and young Chapel remained with his
father until his marriage, November 7, 1841, to
Miss Laura J. Chapman, who was born in Connecticut, and who departed this life July 4, 1856.
After his marriage Mr. Chapel located on section
5, Spring Arbor Township, on a tract of land that
he had purchased from the Government some years
before. His wedded life was begun in a log
house, according to the custom in earlier times, and
as rapidly as possible the work of developing the
farm went on.
Mr. Chapel was a most successful farmer, raising
a variety of grain and stock, and being able to
place excellent improvements upon his estate in
the course of a few years. The commodious and
well-built frame house now occupied by his widow
was erected in 1859, and at that time was the
largest dwelling in the township. All necessary
conveniences in the way of barns and other outbuildings, together with a windmill and tank,
have been placed upon the estate, and all indicate
the prosperity and good management of the former
owner, as well as that of those who have had its
care in more recent years. The estate of Mr.
Chapel comprised two hundred and thirty-eight
acres, seventy-eight having been sold since his
death.
On April 8, 1889, the silver cord was loosened
and Mr. Chapel bade farewell to earthly scenes.
For five years prior to his decease he had been
very feeble from a shock of paralysis. As long as
his bodily strength would permit he had taken an
active interest in the movements for the good of
the community, where he had long held a prominent place in the esteem of his fellow men, and as
an influential and upright citizen. During the
war he was Supervisor and Muster Officer, his
duties keeping him occupied almost day and night,
and in the care of the poor and the widows he was
ever found sympathetic and anxious to relieve
their distress as far as possible. In politics, he
was a strong Republican, and to a belief in the
principles of that party the survivors of his family
stanehly adhere. He was an Elder in the Presby

terian Church at Parma, to which his widow belongs, and to the support of which she contributes
liberally.
Since the death of Mr. Chapel, his widow and
her sons have successfully carried on the farm,
and as far as may be filled the place once occupied
by him whose loss they mourn, and to the record
of whose well-spent life they can refer with pleas.
ure. The marriage of Mr. Chapel and the subject
of this sketch was blessed by the birth of two sons
-Jackson 0. owns thirty acres of land adjoining
the home farm, but resides on the latter with his
mother; he married Miss Edith A. Allen, of
Parma, and they have two children-R. D. and
Hazel. George W. W. married Mrs. Ada (Powers) Woodard, of Parma, a union that has been
blessed by the birth of one daughter, Vera. Mrs.
Chapel is fortunate in being able to look back over
many years of usefulness, and in having many
friends who thoroughly appreciate her work among
the pioneers, and the duties which she has so faithfully discharged in later years, when less arduous
toil gave greater leisure for lighter duties and for
the enjoyment. of the companionship of family and
friends.
In connection with this sketch we present on
another page a lithographic portrait of the late
Mr. Chapel, whose memory is cherished not alone
by his family, but by the many to whom his
generosity and kindness of heart had endeared
him.
AMES C. DEYO. The reputation of this
Igentleman as a breeder of, and dealer in
fine horses, is probably excelled by no man
in this part of the West. His stud comprises four of the finest stallions in the country,
these being of Hambletonian, Wilkes and Daniel
Lambert strains, and his brood mares, comprising
some of the finest blood in the country, are of Tremont Reed Wilkes, Jay Bird, Sentinel Wilkes, Ira
Wilkes, Volmar and many others. Mr. Deyo is one
of the finest judges of horse flesh in the country,
and has been equally successful as a buyer as well
as a breeder, making annual shipments to New York




PORTRAIT AND BIO(
_ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~ ~     - - - -....   = = = = = =   _ _............................. 


City for the past thirty years, taking;to that point
many of the finest carriage and driving horses that
ever stepped upon the soil of the Empire State.
A native of Orange County, N. Y., Mr. )eyo
was born September 26, 1822. He comes honestly
by his love of the equine race, having inherited
this quality from his honored father, whom he began
to assist as soon as large enough, about his stables
and also around the hotel. When a lad of thirteen years lie, by waiting upon guests and other
extra duties, had saved enough money to buy a
pony, paying for it $87. He carefully trained the
animal, and a year later sold it for $200. This
transaction was the initiation of the long and successful career which hle has followed.  In 1858
young Deyo came to Michigan, bringing with him
to Kalamazoo twenty lead of high-grade horses,
eighteen of the number being lhandsome, dark dalpple grays, and two pair of them sired by the famous
horse, Henry Clay.
Mr. Deyo now engaged in tlhe livery business,
and as a dealer in horses, remaining ft Kalamazoo
until 1860. That year he came to this county and
purchased what was known as the Judge Chapman
farm, which is now included in the city limits, and
mostly occupied by buildings. He now commenced
tlhe breeding of fine horses, and ten years later sold
that farm for $30,000, to H. H. Smith & Co., and
purlchased the Gunnison Farm, two miles southeast
of the city. There he put up large and expensive
buildings, but on Black Friday, 1875, his entire
property was swept away. Thus stripped of his
possessions Mr. )eyo removed to the city of Jackson and began life anew. A man of his push and
enterprise, however, was bound to succeed, and two
years later he was enabled to purchase the place
where lie now resides, on Francis Street, turning
over as part payment a paid-up life insurance policy of $2,200. lHe then proceeded with his chosen
work, the breeding of fine horses, which he will
doubtless puisue all the years of his active life.
Mr. Deyo has been twice married, the first time
in 1845, to Miss Theresa Rosecrantz. This lady
was born in Ulster County, N. Y., and is the daughter of Henry and Eusehia (Jackson) Rosecrantz.
Of this union there were born five children, viz.:
Charles H., Theodore F., (eorge C.; Katie T., the


GKAPHICAL ALBUM.                           783
wife of James Furney; and Lulu, who married
Charles H. Shaw. Mrs. Theresa A. Deyo departed
this life in Kalamazoo, in 1859, andlMr. Deyo was
then married to Miss Debbie A. Kelley, a native of
Castile, N. Y.
The father of our subject was Ezekiel Deyo, who,
it is believed, was born in New Paultz, N. Y. He
learned shoemaking in his youth, which he followedl
in the winter seasons, and the balance of the year
engage( in farming. InL1825 he removed from
Orange to Cayuga County, N. Y., and for two
years lived on a rented farm near Scipio. We next
find him in Yates County, and for some years he
operated a rented farm near Penn Yan. Thence he
removed to the village of Bologna, where lhe kept
a public house for some years, and it being astage
station lie conducted quite a thriving business. In
1863 lie came to Michigan to visit his son. and died
at the home of the latter the following year.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name
of Jane Peck. She accompanied her husband to
Michigan, and after his death returned to New
York State, and died at the home of her daughter
in Bellona, Yates County, September 18, 1876.
The parenLal family consisted of six-children, only
two of whom survive, namely: James C. and his
sister Sarah; the latter the widow of Henry Vanvurst, and a resident of Bellona.
W,AJALLACE M. AIERRILL. The subject of
this notice has the lonor of being the son
of one of the earliest pioneers of Michigan-James Merrills- who spelled his name with
an;' s," a native of Claremont, N. H., and who was
born September 15, 1803. The paternal grandfather was Levi Merrills, likewise a native of the
Granite State. The great-grandfather, Isaac Merrills, was also a native of New England, and a
farmer by occupation, although he was very promin.nt in public affairs, and served as a member of
the State Legislature for a period of twenty-one
years.
The Merrills family was first represented in
America by three brothers, who crossed the Atlan



784


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
D.  ~... t.. _.   -. s,...........................................................1.,. ----.-_-.   I._ - - -- - -,.. -       --- -                          -- - -- -                                                 ---- _ _ _ _  _ S _   _   _ _ _ _   _ _ _   _ _ _ e _ _   _.._ _.   _ _ _.._ _ _ _ _ _ __   _   t  __..........................................................___  ___ _  _. _  _._ _ _   __   _ _ __   _   _ _._  


tic during the Colonial days, and settled in Boston.
One of their immediate descendants, Levi, the
grandfather of our subject. occupied himself as a
farmer, spending his early years in New Hampshire. He finally removed to Middletown, Rutland County, Vt., and dying there, was buried in
the churchyard of the town of Wells. His wife,
Hannah Grover, was born at Haverhill, Essex
County, Mass., and by her marriage with Levi
Merrills, became the mother of six sons and five
daughters. One of the daughters died in infancy,
and one of the sons died at the age of fourteen
years. All the others lived to mature years.
James Merrills, the father of our subject, was
about fourteen years old when his parents removed
to Vermont. The family was in limited circumstances, and James, when a lad of six years, had
been bound out in New Hampshire to a man by the
name of Waldo. He was compelled to work hard,
and was given no school advantages. When twelve
years old he returned to his parents, and he afterwards worked by the month and assisted in the
support of the family. He resided in Middletown
until 1833, and then started for Michigan Territory,
(quipped with $140 in cash, but his possessions in
all equaled $400. Ile was accompanined by his
wife and two children, and journeyed by the Champ)lain and Erie Canals to Buffalo, thence via the
lake to Detroit. Leaving his family in Buffalo, he
started on foot from Detroit for the interior, Ann
Arbor being his objective point. He made only a
short stop there, however, when he came to this
county at a time when the present flourishing city
of Jackson consisted of a few log and frame buildillgs.
Entering forty acres of Government land adjoining the city, James Merrills was soon joined by his
family. The county was thinly settled, while deer,
bears, wolves and Indians were plentiful. No railroads appeared in this region for many years afterward, and Ann Arbor for the same length of time,
was the nearest milling point and depot for supplies.
Mr. Merrills made some improvements on his land,
and finally sold itat an advanced price. About 1835
he removed to Inglham County, puichasing a tract
of land nenr Charlotte, where hle resided about two
years. Then returning to Jackson, he purchased a


home in the city. He was unfortunate in some of
his trades, and lost nearly all lie possessed, but being a hard worker, and having an efficient and
sensible wife, he was soon on his feet again.
About 1843 James Merrills purchased land near
Jackson, but which is now included in the city
limits on the northwest, and there he put up the log
house within which his son, Wallace M., the subject
of this sketch, was born. From  that time on lie
w:as prosperous, and in the course of two or three
years the log house was abandoned for a modern
brick residence, within which the family resided
for a period of twenty-six years. Then selling out
once more, Mr. Merrills purchased another farm
near Blackman, wliere he resided eleven years.
Thence he again removed to Jackson, and there
spent the remainder of his days in retirement, passing away March 9, 1888, at the ripe old age of
eighty-four years. He lived to see tlle country transformed from a wilderness into cultivated farms and
flourishing towns, watching with a warm interest
tlhe growth of Jackson. from a hamlet to a city of
twenty-five thousand souls. In the meantime he
performed no unimportant part in effecting this
great change. Ile assisted in the erection of the
State Prison at Jackson, a primitive affair, the enclosure to which was constructed of tamarack poles
set endwise in the ground closely together, and
effecting a solid wall difficult to scale. In all the
enterprises calculated for the general good of the
community, lie took an active interest, tendering a
substantial support whenever able.
The father of our subject was twice married.
His filst wife (lied shortly after coming to Michigan, and Mr. Merrills in due time returned to New
York State, and was wedded to Miss Elizabeth
Stillwell, who became the mother of Wallace M.
This lady was born at Johnstown, Fulton County,
N. Y., April 16, 1821, and was the daughter of
Enoch and Susan (Peterson) Stillwell, who spent
their last years in Johnstown, N. Y. She became
the mother of two children  Wallace M. and Stillwell G., the latter of whom is a resident of Collinsville, Ill.  Mrs. Elizabeth Stillwell died at the
home farm in Blackman Township, July 21. 1881.
The subject of this notice attained to manhood
in Blackman Township, this county, and acquired a




P


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


785


practical education in the city schools. When his
education was completed, he went to work on a
farm and lived with his parents, until they no more
needed his filial offices. The homestead in Blackman
Township fell to him. as his share of the estate, and
of this he still has possession. In 1883, coming to
Jackson, he purchased a residence on Maple Avenue, and resided there until the early part of 1890,
when he sold and purchased property on East Main
Street, where he now lives. I-e was married September 13, 1876, to Miss Julia A., daughter of
David W. and Elizabeth (Dunlap) Snow. The
parents of Mrs. Merrill were natives respectively
of Vermont and New York State, and came to
Michigan during the pioneer days, locating in Sandstone Township, where their daughter, Julia A., was
born. Mr. and Mrs. Merrill are the parents of
three children —Gilbert B., Albertis and Willie E.
Mrs. Elizabeth (Stillwell) Merrills, besides being
a lady of many womanly virtues, possessed more
than ordinary executive ability, was a close calculator, financially, and of great assistance to her
huscand, not only in accumulating, but in taking
care of his property. Stillwell G. Merrill, the
brother of our subject, was studiously inclined,
and obtained a first-class education, adopted the
medical profession, and was graduated from the St.
Louis Homrnopathic Medical College, in the class
of 1866. Ile is now one of the most successful
practitioners of Collinsville, Ill., and in addition to
the duties of his profession, is engaged with two
others in the manufacture of proprietary medicines.
The maternal grandfather of our subject was
born and reared in Newton, N. H., and married
Miss Hannah Grover, who was a native of Haverhill, Mass., where she was reared to womanhood.
Soon after their marriage tley removed to Orange,
Grafton County, N. HI., where they resided twelve
years. Next they removed to Middleton, Rutland
County, Vt., where they spent their last days.
Grandfather Enoch Stillwell, on the maternal side,
was born in Monmouth County, N. J., May 16,
1781.
The paternal great-grandfather of our subject
was Isaac Metrills, and he was born and reared in
Amesbury, Essex County, Mass. He was a man of


more tlan ordinary ability, and a tiusted plublic
servant, spending twenty-two years of his life in
the State Legislature. lie reared seven sons and
gave to each of them  a farm. IHe spent his last
days in tile old Granite State.
OSHI-WA  G. CLARKE, whlo (lied at his
home on section 1f9, Columbia Township,
March 20, 1887, was an old settler of the
county. He came here in 1837. while still a
young man, and for more than half a century was
active in his personal affairs and in those of the
locality in which lie became a leading citizen. The
most of that time was spent on his farm, his business career being a successful one, and his property
managed in a manner befitting a man of practical
and progressive ideas. G-enerous to a fault, interested in every measure which would increase I he
prosperity and advance the civilization of tile
inhabitants of his State and country, Mr. Clarke
made many friends and wielded a strong influence
for good. He was an earnest advocate of temperance, voting and working for the cause in every
way. He was born in Columbia Township, Erie
County, N. Y., in 1821, and was consequently
sixty-seven years of age when' le entered into rest.
He was one of the younger members of a large
family, most of whom lived to be quite old.
The gentleman above named was a son of the
I-Ion. Archibald Clarke, who was a native of Maryland and the son of Southern parents. While yet
a young man, Arciibald Clarke went to Lirna, N.Y.,
and after his marriage to Miss Chloe T'iayer, of
that city, settled in Erie County, twenty miles east
of Buffalo. His wife was a native of Boston, Mass.,
her parents also having been born in the old Bay
State, and was reared to womanhood in Lima,
N. Y., whence her parents remioved when she was
twelve years old. Mr. and Mrs. Clarke were early
settlers of their county, where they soon became
well and favorably known, Mr. Clarke becoming
prominent in business and political circles. He
was a man of the highest character, and of great




786


PORTRAIT ANDI BIOG RAPHICAL ALBUJM.


786 ---~~~ ~ POTRI AN  BIGAHCLAB


personal popularity, which led to his being honored
with important offices of public trust. In 1808
and 1809 he was Surrogate of Niagara County, and
from 1809 to 1811 he represented the same county
in the Assembly. From 1813 to 1816 he was State
Senator from  the Western District, which comprised fifteen counties; and in 1817 represented
nine counties in the Congress of the United States.
In the meantime he had settled in Erie County,
of which he subsequently became Clerk, and was
also appointed Judge of that county, holding the
latter office at the time of his death. That sad
event oc(urred in 1822, while he was still in the
prime of life, being but forty-three years of age,
and seemingly having many years of usefulness
yet before him. HIe took an active part in the
War of 1812, though only as a local officer. His
widow survived until about the year 1852, making
her home with her daughter at Grand Island, N.Y.
She was seventy-seven years old when called from
time to eternity.
J. G. Clarke, who proved himself so worthy a
son of a noble and honored father, was twice married. His first companion was Miss Nancy W.
DeLamater, of Columbia Township, this county,
who died a year after her marriage, being but
twenty years old. In the same township Mr.
Clarke was a second time married, the lady to
whom he then gave his name being Miss Hannah
B. DeLamater, a sister of his first wife. She was
born in Cohocton County, N. Y., January 7, 1830,
and was still a child when her parents, Anson and
Nancy (Wetherby) DeLamater, removed to Michigan. This was in 1835, when the country in this
section was still wild and sparsely settled, and Mr.
DeLamater obtained Government land in what is
now Columbia Township, this county. Here he
and his wife spent the remainder of their lives, becoming the owners of a fine farm of two hundred
acres on section 19, and being actively engaged in
the projects and duties becoming good citizenship
and their positions at the head of a family. The
death of Mr. DeLamater occurred in 1863, at the
age of sixty-seven years, he having survived his
wife about a twelvemonth, and her death having
taken place at the age of sixty-two years. Mrs.
DeLamater was well known throughout the county,


having been a physician with a large general practice. She was called on at all times and( under all
circumstances, and during the period when conveyance from point to point was made with ox teams.
Her death occurred while at her post of duty, she
being on a visit to a patient when called hence.
She and her husband were members of the Universalist Church, and helped organize a society of
that faith in this county.
Mrs. Hannah Clarke now owns an excellent
estate, comprising one hundred and twenty acres
on section 19, Columbia Township, which was left
her at the death of her father. She is a member
of the Universalist Church, to which her deceased
husband and sister also belonged. She still retains
the sweet temper that has made her so much beloved all her life, is intelligent, well informed and
capable. She is the mother of one child, Anson D.,
now living in Grand Rapids. He was well educated at Jackson, and is regarded as one of the
worthy citizens of the county. He married Miss
Emma L. Bartlett, of Brooklyn, and is the father
of four children-Sarah E., A. Wight, Mary Jane
andl Nanie D.; the two eldest make their home
with their grandmother, the wife of our subject.
4w  )~ILLIAM H. WALKER. A long residence
in a community, gives to an individual a
- TV  standing which can scarcely be acquired
otherwise, especially if he has made for himself a
good record as a citizen and a business man. The
opposite of 'thie rolling stone which gathers no
moss," he, if ordinarily intelligent, has identified
himself closely with the interests of the people
around him, from which arises a mutual benefit.
These thoughts are involuntarily suggested in reviewing the career of Mr. Walker, who was one of
the first settlers of this county, and who for more
than forty years operated as a successful merchant
at Grass Lake. He has thus become widely and
favorably known to the people of this region, and
the fact that he is uniformly well-spoken of, is sufficient indication of his true character. A stranger
upon meeting him recognizes him at once as a man




'TCAT, ATRTi'M                  7A


PORTRAILT AND BlTOGRAPH..IA-   K-aLI-.VJ


(4 I


POTRI AN BIGRP.A.Ani~              7


of more than ordinary intelligence, thoroughly well
informed, and possessing those genial and companionable qualities which are almost invariably a free
passport to the esteem and confidence of mankind.
Although having reached the sixty-sixth year of
his age, Mr. Walker is a well-preserved man, physically and mentally, having apparently lost nothing of the vigor of his younger years. Of a
thoughtful turn of mind, he at an early age became
identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church of
which he has remained not only a consistent member, but a regular contributor, giving freely of his
means and substance, and no less so of his influence
in endeavoring to build up the Master's cause, and
thus promote the well-being of society. For many
years he has enjoyed the companionship of a most
estimable wife, who has been a true helpmate, morally and financially, and to whose prudence and
wisdom a large share of the success and popularity
of her husband is due.
A native of the town of Barre, Vt., Mr. Walker
was born November 19, 1823, and is the son of
Daniel and Maria (Abbott) Walker, who were natives respectively, of Vermont and Massachusetts.
Daniel Walker was born at Grafton, Vt., August
22, 1786, and early in life became a resident of
Barre, where lie sojourned until 1825. Then leaving New England with his family, he emigrated to
Pennsylvania, locating at Beaver Dam.   Three
years later he sought the farther West, coming to
this State, and after a brief time spent in Ann
Arbor, took up a tract of Government lanal, embracing a part of the present site of Grass Lake,
comprising two hundred and fifty acres of which
he remained in possession until his death, which
occurred on the 10th of March, 1839, at Grass
Lake, Mich. His wife was Miss Maria Abbott,
with whom he was united in marriage on the 22d
of September, 1814. For six years after coming to
Michigan, he engaged in the manufacture of brick,
being the pioneer in this business in Jackson
County, erecting the first kiln within its limits. In
the meantime he also proceeded with the cultivation and improvement of his land, constructing a
good homestead and reaping from the soil a comfortable income. During his ten years' residence at
that point. he witnessed the gradual settling up of


the country around him, noting with warm interest
one improvement after another, and frequently contrasting the past with the present, often reverting
to the time when in coming to the Wolverine State,
he travele, 1by the Erie C(nal to Detroit, and thence
to the present site of Grass Lake, in a wagon drawn
by oxen.
In addition to redeeming a portion of the soil of
Jackson County from its primitive state, a task involving years of labor, Daniel Walker also made
for himself the record of a useful man in his community. H-e was one of the first movers in the establishment of the town of Grass Lake, assisting
with his own hands in laying its lines and determining its boundaries. He it was who first established
a post-office at this point, and lie was the first Postmaster appointed, which position lie held until his
death. With a fondness for books, iie had improved his early educational advantages, and was
one with whom an hour might always b3 spent in a
pleasant and profitable manner. During his early
life he followed the profession of a teacher for a
period of twenty-one years. In religious belief lie
was a thoroulgh Universalist, and was for many
years a minister in that church. Politically, he was
a stanch Democrat, upholding the principles of his
party with all the natural strength of his character.
Thrown upon his own resources when a mere youth,
he accumulated a good property solely by his own
exertions, and was ever willing to lend a helping
hand to him who tried to help himself. Few men
enjoyed in a larger degree the confidence of his fellow-citizens, who usually kept him in some office
of trust and responsilbility.
The paternal grandparents of our subject were
Enos and Eunice (Millard) Walker, natives of
Massachusetts. Enos was a Colonel in the. Revolutionary War. and was a man of note in his day.
The Walkers as far back as known, were members
of the Universalist Church, and our subject was the
first one among them to leave that church. The
family traced their ancestry to England, and the
first representatives crossed the Atlantic probably
in Colonial days, settling in Taunton, Mass. They
became the progenitors of a race possessing marked
characteristics which made of them almost uniformly, honest men and good citizens.






788


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIICAL ALBUM.


Mrs. Maria (Abbott) Walker, tile mother of our
subject, and a lady of many estimable qualities,
was, like her husbanrd, cut down in the prime of
life, surviving him only four years, (lying at the
homestead near Grass Lak*, April 20, 1846, at the
age of forty-nine. To her and her husband there
was born a family of eleven childlren, three of
whom are living, and located in Grass Lake and
Jackson County, I11. William II., the subject of
this notice, and tlie sixth child of his parents, left
his native township with his parents when he was
three years old, going first to Beaver Dam, Pa.
Later he accompanied them to the West, being then
seven years of age. He was principally educated
in the schools of Grass Lake, and was trained to
those hlabits of industry and sentiments of honor
which lhave followed him throughout life. When
of suitable age, he assisted his father at the brick
kiln, and later carried on business for himself in
this line. I-e finally became interested in mercantile pursuits, to which he seemed admirably adapted,
becoming a leading merchant of Grass Lake and
vicinity, and building up a reputation for honesty
and probity, which have placed him in an enviable
position among his fellow-citizens.
In his church Mr. Walker has always stood as one
of the chief pillars,liold ing the office of Class- Leader
and interesting himself in all the matters projected
for its advancement and prosperity. He is an ardent admirer of the principles of Masonry, and
many years ago identified himself with Lodge No.
116, at Grass Lake, anl he also belongs to Chapter
No. 98. He cast his first Presidential vote for
James K. Polk, and is a Republican "dyed in the
wool," active during the times of general elections,
and casting the weight of his influence in favor of tle
principles wlich he believed are those only which
will preserve tie Union and advance the prosperity
of the American people. I-e keeps himself thoroughly posted upon leading events, both political
and religious, and is a man of decided views, adhering to his convictions with the natural strength
of his character.
A little over forty-four years ago, on the 7th of,January, 1846, occurred the marriage of William
tI. Walker with Miss Mary J. Burtch, at the bride's
home near Grass Lake Village. The occasion was


I
II
i


one of great interest, as being the celebration of
one of the first weddings in this vicinity, and the
young couple received the congratulations of many
warm friends. Mrs. Walker was born in Saratoga
County, N. Y., February 22, 1828, and is a daughter of William and Angeline (Hall) Burtch, who
were likewise natives of the Empire State. MIr.
Burtch came to this county as early as 1836, and
settling near the infant town of Grass Lake, occupied himself as a farmer, and here with his estimable
wife spent his last days. They were tile parents of
eleven children.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Walker resulted in
the birth of two children only, a daughter and son:
Aurora M., the wife of Henry Vinkle, of Oakes,
I)ak., and Daniel B., wlo is engaged in tile drug
business at IGrass Lake with his father. The family residence is pleasantly situated in the western
part of town, and it is needless to state that under
its hospitable roof have been entertained from time
to time many prominent and illustrious characters.
It has long been a familiar landmark in a community who lhave for its occupants only the kindly respect and consideration which they have justly
earned by worthy and well-spent lives.
UGO C. LOESER. This gentleman is an ex) ellent representative of tlhe German elemert in Jackson, a member of numerous
societies, and also a member of che City
Council. He was born in I)etroit, Mich., October
20, 1859, and attended the German American Seminary until fourteen years of age, pursuing a business course also in Mayhew's Business College.
After leaving school lie spent one year clerking in
a grocery store., and then worked in the wire business until nineteen years old. On lDecerber 27,
1876, he arrived in Jackson, where he learned the
brewing business with C. Haehnle & Co., with
whom lie remained until 1884, when lie opened a
saloon at No. 210 East Main Street, where lie is
still engaged in business.
Mr. Loeser is an ardent Republican, and by that
party he was nominated as Alderman from the Sev



I






I,f
I   -      / I      "IT,       I ",,, ),,vl.      ,,,


I        I -      F
I






PO RTRA ['I AND ) BIOGRAP HICAL ALBUM.Ed


791


P      R ORRI.... AND.:.:-:-. --- —   BIOGR A  B.......   9.
_           _  _.  _.  _-l   _. — - - -.....-..-......L............ -..L- - -,


entli Ward, and his election by a majority of one
hundred and eight in a ward which usually goes
D)emocratic, is a sufficient evidence of his popularity. He is a member of the Committee on Ways
and Means. He belongs to the Ancient Order of
Schiller Lodge, of which he is Past Master Workman; to the Sunlight Legion, Select Knights of the
A. 0. U. W.; to the Red Men, of which he is Past
Sachem; to the Order of the Red Cross; to the
German Working Men's Relief Society, of which he
is ex-President; to the Harmony Singing Society; to
the Turnverein, of which he is ex-President; and is
an honorary member of the Landwehr, and of
Company   ), Michigan National Guards. H-e is
also a member of the Jackson Republican Club.
On December 2, 1886, the interesting ceremony
was celebrated which transformed  Mrs. Emma
Frank, of Detroit, into Mrs. Hugo C. Loeser. The
happy union has been blessed by the birth of two
sons, one of whom was removed from his loving
parents by the grim monster, Death..      LLIA hE      RT    WIt H
AN LEN. WILLIAM    HERBERT     Wl'rITHING-![ c- TON. New England has contributed to the
'k.j  settlement of the Great West a large portion of its hone and sinew, its intellect and its
genius. The evidences of this are nowhere more apparent than on the soil of the Wolverine State, and
to speak more directly, within the limits of Jackson
County and also the city of Jackson. While in
Gen. Withington is discovered the typical American citizen, his career presents a history of more
than ordinary interest. Descended from sturdy
New England stock, he was born in Dorchester,
Mass., February 1, 1835, and is the son of the Rev.
William Withington, who is still living at the advanced age of ninety-one years. The latter, an
Episcopal clergyman, traces his ancestry to England, they having crossed the Atlantic during the
Colonial days. Not only were they possessed of
Puritan virtues, but by correct lives and temperate
habits, attained to years more than ordinarily
allotted to man. A sister of the father of our subject is also living, being now ninety-seven years


old, while a brother, Dr. Leonard Withington, of
Newburyport, Mass., died in 1885, at the age of
ninety-six. At the time of his death Dr. Withington was the oldest Congregational clergyman then
living, and also the oldest living graduate of Yale
College. He was the author of several successful
and able works on theology, and is acknowledged
as a mim of more than ordinary mental attainements, which were only equaled by his high
character.  The Rev. William  Withington is a
clope student and an extensive reader-his range of
study and research seeming to cover almost the
whole field of human knowledge. A mathematician and a linguist, few men of his time equal him
in the number of languages mastered, and he continues his readings in Greek and Hebrew in preference to English.
It was in this atmosphere of culture and learning
that the early days of Gen. Withington were spent.
In consequence of tile retiring and unworldly
character of his father, he early assumed the responsibilities connected with the domestic affairs of
the home, and thus learned early the habit of selfreliance. He studied first in the schools of Boston,
and completed his education in Phillip's Academy,
at Andover. Upon leaving school he became
salesman for a leather store in Boston, and later a
1)ook-keeper for the North Wayne Scythe Company, who when he was only nineteen years old
entrusted him with important missions to adjoining
cities and other points at which they had a large
patronage.
While thus occupied young Withington made
acquaintance with the large agricultural implement
manufacturing concern of Pinney & Lamson, who
had a contract for prison labor at Jackson, this
State. The death of the junior partner resulted in
an invitation from Mr. Pinney to Mr. Withington
to repair to Jackson and endeavor to straighten
out the business of the firm at that point, which
was in a chaotic state. Although the business was
entirely new to the young book-keeper from the
East and the task before him colossal, he set about
it with the energy which had characterized his
ancestors in their various undertakings, and after
untiring labor, mentally and physically, both night
and day, and having under him a large number of






792


PORTRTICAIT AND' BIOGRAP1L-'1CAL ALIBUM.


79       OTATADBiGAHCLABM


employes, salesmen and workmen, he came out
with flying colors, and thus no doubt laid the
foundations for the successful career which has
followed.
The duties of Mr. Withington did not cease
when this was accomplished. Under the stress of
the financial panic of 1857, Mr. Pinney committed
suicide, and the burden which he was unable to
bear had to be taken up by another, and that was
our subject. Money at that time was safe nowhere,
as the Western hanks were at their most dangerous
an(l worse-suspected point, and what was $1,000 one
day might be only a bundle of rags the next. Thle
executor found his task too heavy and resigned.
An administrator from the East was appointed, but
was unfamiliar with the details of the business. A
year after the death of Mi. Pinney the business
was offered for sale, and was promptly purchllased
by the newly-organized firm of Sprague, Withington & Co., who have continued it to the present
time, and taken a high place in the manufacturing
world. Their products are not only sold in every
State between Boston and San Francisco, but
throughout Europe, in Australia and South America. Some changes have been made in the firm, its
style at the present time being the Withington &
Cooley Manufacturing Company, of which the
General is Vice-President and Manager.
The shop and warehouses now cover eighty-three
tlousand eight hundred and fifty-five square feet.
In the forging shops there is a capacity of seventeen trip hammers, two hoe rolls and a proportionate equipment throughout.   Their goods have
received the highest approval in the most critical
markets, and they need no further commendation
than the fact that their customers of twenty years
ago are largely their customers of to-day. Two
years after Mr. Withington had embarked upon
this difficult enterprise, the long threatened war
cloud burst, and notwithstanding the magnitude of
llis private interests-interests which most needed
lhis own personal supervision-he was among the
first to offer his services, and his life, if need be, to
his country's cause. He was quite well versed in
military tactics, having had some experience in
Boston as a member of the Independent Cadets,
which became quite distinguished in the Bay State;


and- after his arrival in Jackson he aided in the
organization of the Jackson Greys, of which he
became Captain, and which was looked upon with
great pride by the city and its envirors.
Urpon the first call for troops the Greys tendered
tleir services to Gov. Blair, being the first company in patriotic Michigan to "rally round the
flag," this being done April 29, 1861, with Godspeeds, songs of patriotic love and an escort of
honor. "Company B," which comprised a part of
the First Michigan Infantry, was the first to reach
Washington, and was greeted by President Lincoln and an immense concourse of people, and re(ceived the welcome of tlhe President amid cheers of
loyal thousands. It was assigned to the Army of
tlIe Potomac, and in conjunction with Ellsworth's
Zouaves, captured Alexandria, Va., as one of its
first engagements. The record of this regiment is
too well known to need repetition here, and the
Captain of Company B, who was ever at the head
of his command, was more than once reported as
among the kille(d or missing. Fortune, however,
seemed to favor the gallant young officer, although
he was captured and held a prisoner until January
30, 1862, when 1he was exclianged. IUpon his return to Jackson lie was welcomed by the Governor
and a large delegation of citizens and driven to his
home, preceded by the Union band and followed
by the "Jackson Greys" and a large number of
citizens. By invitation of the public he addressed
them later, describing his experiences as a soldier
with a directness and manly modesty which carried
the discourse directly to the hearts of his hearers.
So great was tlhe interest manifested and so many
were there who were unable to obtain admission,
that at urgent solicitation the Captain repeated the
narrative tlhe following evening. It was also given
publication in several of the leading journals.
Capt. Witlhington now finding that the regiments
from  his State were full and his services not particularly needed, and also that one of his partners,
Maj. Iopkins, was in the service, resumed his connection with his business interests. It was not
destined, however, that his career should thus end.
Upon the next call for additional troops he at
once responded, and was appointed to the command
of the Twentieth Michigan Infantry. Soon after



PORTRAIT AND BIOG~RAPHICAL ALBUM.ll


793


PORTR-T AN BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.793


ward he was transferred to the Seventeenth Infantry. This regiment, led by its gallant leader,
did splendid service on more than one bloody battlefield of the war. Upon its arrival in Washington
it was attached to the First Brigade of the First
Division of the Ninth Corps, and sent immediately
into the Maryland campaign under McClellan. In
the battles which soon followed Col. Withington
distinguished himself, and in his report to Gen.
McClellan says of his men: ' This regiment, which
had been organized scarcely a month, charged the
enemy's ranks in a manner worthy of veteran
troops."
After the battle of South Mountain, above referred to, came Antietam, where the Colonel and
his regiment won additional laurels. The " Stonewall " regiment followed the fortunes of the Ninth
Corps, and was commanded by Col. Withington
until March 21, 1863, when he resigned his commission and( retired. On the 13th of March, 1865,
he was made Brevet Brigadier-General for "conspicuous gallantry" at the battle of South Mountain. I-e was then but thirty years of age, and one
of the youngest men in the Union Army on whom
so high an honor was conferred.
Upon his return to Jackson G(en. Withington
turned his attention once more to his business,
making no effort to advance himself in any line of
Ipublic service. His talents, however, were too
vwell recognized, and the need of eflicient public
servants was too great to permit him to remain in
obscurity. I-e was brought forward by the Republican party as their candidate for the Legislature
from the Jackson district, and served in 1873-74.
Wlhile in the Legislature he performed a service
which (ave lhim the unofficial title of " Father of
the Michigan State troops."  Up1 to this time no
sufficient provision had been made by the Legislature for an organization of State militia-the bills
which had been introduced having no successful
issue. Gen. Withington accordingly framed a bill,
which upon being introduced met with the usual
opposition, but such was his energy and perseverance that lie finally secured its passage with only
fifteen votes against it.  The present effective
militia system of Michigan is still maintained by
tlhe provisions of that law. It provided for tlhe


organization of two regiments, and in July, 1874,
Gov. Bagley tendered the Colonelcy of the First
Regiment to Gen. Withington.    The offer took
him by surprise and his first impulse was to decline, but lie was induced to consider the matter
and give thle full benefit of his experience to the
State. In 1879, when the State trool)s were organized into a brigade, he was made BrigadierGeneral tlhereof —a lpost wlhich lie held until
resigning in 1883. In a general order issued at
the time, the Commandrer-in-Chief,.John Robertson,
paid a fine tribute to the skill and efficiency wlich
had marked the course,of Gen. Witlington from
the beginning of his military service to the close.
lie had given nine years to the State besides his
service in the regular army, and the reasons which
he brought forward for his withdrawtal were recognized as valid, while at the same time his resignation was accepted with sincere regret.
As a commander, Gen. Witllington won the personal regard of his subordinates, whose lonorable
ambition lie stimulated by full sympatllhy with their
interests, and the desire upon his part that they
should conduct 1llemselves before their country,
not only like soldiers, but men in the broadest
sense of the term. They were made to feel that he
relied upon them  for the preservation of good
orde; and military discipline, and lie relieved as
much as possible the monotony of camp life. The
camp of instructior was located near Kalamazoo
aoainst the judgment of the Commander-in-chief,
but he yet trusted that the refining influences of
that beautiful town would overcome any other
evil influences which might exist.  In a general
order issued at the time he closes with the sentiment, "Let every soldier feel that the honor of the
State troops is in his keeping."
For two years Gen. Witfhington served as a
Trustee of the State Insane Asylum at Kalalmazoo,
and later became President of the Uinion Bank at
Jackson. lie was also President of the Jackson
Board of Trade, and a member of the Executive
Commlittee of the Citizens' Assvciation, likewise
for years one of the Directors of the Grand River
Valley Railroad Company. For six years he was
President of the Young Men's Association, in
whose organization he was largely instrumental, it








794


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


having for its object the improvement of the
young men of Jackson. When it and the school
library were merged into the putlic library, he
became President of the Library Board.
As a member of the Jackson Episcopal Church,
Gen. Withington has been active in religious work,
holding various offices of trust and responsibility.
lie was chosen a delegate to the Triennial General
Convention of the church in the United States,
held in Chicago in 1886, and re-elected for the
convention held in New York, in 1889. A member of the Grand Army of the Republic; a Mason;
a member, stockholder and Director il the Iowa
Farming Tool Company, of Ft. Madison, Iowa;
President of the Webster Wagon Company, of
Moundsville, W. Va., and otherwise interested in
lublic enterprises, he has shown a usefulness beyond the power of most men. He has been urged
repeatedly to allow his name to be used in connection with the Republican nomination for Governor
or Congress, but has never given his consent.
While a consistent Republican, he has never been a
partisan. A well-educated man and finely cultured,
lie is an extensive reader and a fine conversationalist. As a public speaker, he is concise and forcible. He feels a warm interest in the success and
maintenance of the Grand Army of the Republic,
and in his various public addresses to his old comrades   s has constantly urged them to keep steadily
in view the good of their country, irrespective of
personal ends and aims.
It is in his home, however, that the social side of
Gen. Withington's nature is illustrated in its
strongest and most beautiful light. The companion of his early manhood and his later years was in
her girlhood Miss Julia C., daughter of the Hon.
Joseph E. Beebe, of Michigan, and they were
wedded in 1859. This happy and congenial union
resulted in the birth of six children, of whom only
tlree are living-Kate W., Philip H. and Wintlhrop. The homestead is one of the most beautiful in the State, and under that inviting roof is
dispensed a generous hospitality. Mrs. Withington
is a cultured and accomplished lady-in all respects
the suitable helpmate of her talented husband.
The best possible estimate of a man's character is
found in his domestic life, and of Gen. Withington


who has been so true and loyal in all the other
relations of life, it may truly be said that his
highest loyalty and deepest affections have been
given to those who have gathered around his
hearthstone.  Although a born soldier, he has
made a model citizen, and as a business man has
likewise been a success.
In demeanor Gen. Withington is remarkably
modest and retiring, but there is quite a force and
resolution in his bearing that demonstrates, even
to a stranger, the character of the man.  His
worldly possessions, which are all that is required
for happiness, comfort and luxury, are the result
of his own industry and good management. He
has been liberal in his benefactions, always ready
to extend a helping hand to those who will try to
help themselves.
We are pleased to direct the reader's attention to
a steel portrait of Gen. Withington on another
page. The history of Michigan presents among
the large number of her talented and gifted sons a
character no more admirable than that of Gen.
Withington, whose name will be held In remembrance long after lie has departed hence.
d N ICHOLAS J. BENTLEY, although not a
continuous resident of Michigan since 1833,
when he first entered the State, has lived
within its borders many years, and considered it
his home. He is now engaged in farming on section 10, Blackman Township, where he owns one
hundred and thirty-five acres of improved land,
under an excellent state of cultivation. He is the
fifth of seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Eldridge Bentley, both of whom were natives of the
eastern part of New York. Iis mother was in her
girlliood Miss Alice Cady, and of her care and
training our subject was bereft when he was seven
years old. The father survived his wife some
time, dying in Batavia, Genesee County, N. Y.
The birth of Nicholas J. Bentley occurred July
14, 1819, in Lima, Livingston County, N. Y., and
his years to the age of fourteen were spent in that




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.         795


and Genesee Counties. ile then came to Micligan
with the late Geoige W. Wood worth, whose cattle
lie drove through Canada, meeting the family of his
employer at Detroit, and coming from that city
with them. Until his marriage young Bentley
made the house of Mr. Woodworth his home, although he was 'absent from it much. Nothwithstanding the greater part of the time has been
spent by Mr. Bentley in agricultural pursuits, he
has done something at other employments. From
1851 to 1856 he was engaged in mining in California, and he has also spent several months smilarly
employed at Pike's Peak. During two winters hie
was (ngaged on the Mississippi River, and for
about four years lie lived in Pennsylvania, although
there he was engaged in farming.
In Mason, Ingham   County, Mich., April 16,
1863, Mr. Bentley was united in marriage withl
Miss Mary An Anyres, and after their marriage the
couple settled in Leslie, Ingham County, where
Mr. Bentley owned a farm. There they lived until
the spring of 1866, when they took up their abode
where they are now living. They are the parents
of six children, two of whom died when quite
young. The living are: Alice M., wife of Albert
Ford; George A., Homer E. and Willard C. Mrs.
Bentley is an educated and well-read woman, and
prior to her marriage was engaged in teaching in
Ingham County, having formerly taught both in
Albany and Greene Counties, N. Y. Not only has
she a cultured mind, but she is also endowed with a
lovely character, and possesses much housewifely
skill. She is a member in good standing of the
Methodist Church.
The late Moseman Ayres, the father of Mrs.
Bentley, was born in Ulster County, N. Y., and
was one of the men who labored in the early development of Eastern New York. His occupation
was that of a farmer. Hle belonged to the Masonic
fraternity at the time of the disappearance of
Morgan. His death occurred in Albany County,
N. Y., where his only child by the third marriageMrs. Bentley —had opened her eyes to the light
January 27, 1834. His widow. formerly Miss Mary
Terbush, was also a native of that county, and
after his death, she, in the fall of 1858, came to
Michigan in company with her daughter. SIhe set

tied in Mason, Inghamn County, where she resided
until her daughter's marriage, when she made her
home with Mr. and Mrs. Bentley, dying at their
residence June 29, 1868, being then about eighty
years old.
Mr. Bentley belongs to tile Republican party,
and is always present on election day to deposit his
ballot in behalf of liis favorite candidate, and the
l)rinciples in which he so thoroughly believes. A
good farmer, a reliable citizen, and a man whose
privite worth can only be estimated by those most
intimate with his life and character, Mr. Bentley has
thi respect of his fellows as man and citizen.
0  LIVER HAMPTON. Although this honored
pioneer of Jackson County passed to his long
home thirty years ago, February 21, 1860,
such was the record which lie made for himself that
his name is still held clearly in remembrance by
most of the older residents. lie wes born in Bucks
County, Pa., September 28, 1807, and was the son
of Oliver and Hannah (Ely) Hampton, who were
likewise natives of the Keystone State. He was
reared to manhood in Bucks County, receiving a
fair education and becoming familiar with farm
life as prosecuted among the hills of his native
State. His father died when he was nineteen years
old, and then, leaving the farm, lie engaged as
a clerk in tile mercantile business at New Hope,
Bucks County, and in due time went into business
for himself at Lumberville.
In 1838, however, two or three years later, Mr.
Hampton not being satisfied with his condition or
his prospects in Pennsylvania, decided upon coming to this county. The newly-admitted State was
in its infancy, but held out rare promises to those
who were willing to brave the difficulties of frontier life. Visiting for a time in Ohio, Mr. Hampton withI his young wife finally reached his
destination, and purchased eighty acres of land in
Parma Township. Following the maxim that "a
rolling stone gathers no moss," he staid steadily by
his first purchase, building up a good homestead,
upon which liis widow now resides. Their first






796            PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


dwelling was a log cabin, 18x23 feet in dimnensions. to which was attached a small shanty for a
kitchen. They occupied this for about twenty
years, when they were enabled to put up a more
modern residence, whose comforts Mr. Hampton
enjoyed only about two years before his death.
Upon coming to this county Mr. Hampton with
his courageous wife settled practically in the woods,
from which not a stick of timber had been cleared.
Their neighbors were few and far between, and the
facilities for milling and marketing were far inferior to those of the present day. The labor of
clearing the land, preparing the soil for cultivation,
building fences and erecting the various structures
needed for the shelter of stock and the storage of grain, involved no small amount of time
and labor. A few years of unflagging industry,
however, worked a remarkable transformation and
illustrated in a fine degree the results of energy
and perseverance. Mr. Hampton in his political
views, after the organization of the Republican
party. was one of its strongest adherents. He
served as Justice of the Peace, and occupied other
positions of trust and res[ponsibility, acquitting
himself in all things as a man of the strictest honesty and integrity. His early religious training
had been in the Society of Friends, and lie clung
to their belief until death overtook him. IIe was
widely and favorably known throughout this part
of the county. His two brothers and three sisters
are all deceased, they having been named respectively: Charles B., James, Hannah, Elizabeth and
Martha.
The subject of this notice was joined in wedlock
with Miss Rachel 1B. Good, September 10, 1833.
This lady like himself was a native of Bucks
County, Pa., and was bornl February 9, 1809. Her
parents were Edward and Martha (White) Good,
the former a native of Bucks County, Pa., and the
latter of New Jersey. Thlie paternal grandfather
was a native of England, and lie married a lady
who was born in Wales; botli were Quakers in
religious belief. Miss lRachel Good was reared to
womanhood in her native county, and was thle eldest of eight children born to her parents, all of
whom, with the exception of a son, George B., are
still living-Myra is a resident of Indianapolis,


Ind.; Jane is the wife of Elias Swan, of White
Pigeon, this State; Rebecca married David Schofield, and they live in Indianapolis; Hannah, Mrs.
Lorenzo Moore, is a resident of Black Hawk
County, Iowa; Martha is the wife of Frederick
Slack, of Sandwich, Ill.; Mary, Mrs. Jacob McMurtrie, lives near Cadillac, this State.
Mrs. Hampton received her early education in
the early schools of her native county. Her parents spent their last years in Three Rivers, Mich.,
the father dying at the age of seventy-one, and the
mother when eighty-four years old. Mrs. tiampton is the oldest living pioneer of her neighborhood, and enjoys the esteem and confidence of a
large circle of friends. She was ever the able and
efficient partner and helpmate of her husband,
laboring faithfully by his side, and encouraging
him in all his worthy undertakings. She has just
passed the eighty-first year of her age, and it is
hoped that she may yet sojourn many more years
among the people who have ever looked upon her
with sentiments of the kindest regard and affection.
)n,ELSON B. SAXTON, M. D., proprietor of
i the Champion drug store, is not only tlhe
/ -  leading druggist of the place, but one of
the most learned and experienced medical practitioners of the community. Like many of the prominent men in this county, lie is a native of New
York State, and was born in Tompkins County,
April 13, 1832. He was there reared and educated
under the advantages of a good schooling, and in
1848, when a youth of sixteen years, accompanied
his father to Michigan. The latter secured a farm,
and young Saxton remained upon it with his parc(nts for three years. Then, going to Hillsdale,
lie engaged as a clerk in a shoe store for six
months, after which lie began the study of medicine, under the instruction of Dr. E. I). Comb.
Later, Dr. Saxton attended the High Schlool, at
Hillsdale, and in connection with his other studies,
read medicine, and was thus occupied two years.
He remained practically with I)r. Comb until 1855,
when he entered the medical department of the




I 


PORTRA1T AND BIOG(RAPHICAL ALBUM.


797


1Michigan State University, at Ann Arbor, for
which lie was well fitted by a course of careful
preparation, and able to fully digest tile lectures.
I-le was graduated in March, 1857, with the honors
of his class, and commenced the practice of his
profession in Hillsdale, whece lie remained tile following summer. Ite then removed to Brecdsville,
Van Buren County, where lie sojourncl until May,
1860, and on the 10th of that month came to Concord, and putting up his shingle, at once entered
upon a fine practice.
In 1864 Dr. Saxton established his drug store,
and in connection with this, followed his practice
until 1872. Then, on account of failing health, lie
sold out and went to California, locating at Santa
Barbara, where he followed his profession, and
after two years established a drug store there. Ie
was successful in his undertaking, and became the
owner of valuable real estate on the Pacific Slope,
where he remained until 1878. Then, returning
to Concord, )Dr. Saxton visited amonrg his friends
two months. after which he went back to California,
and locating in Los Angeles, p1urchased a dcrug
store and a practice, and did b)usiness there until
1882.  In the meantime lie was made Superintendent and Associate Surgeon of the French & Co.
hospital at that point. In 1882 lie disposed of his
property in Los Angeles, and returning to Concord, purchased a stock of drugs and established
himself at his present location, forming a partnership under the firm rame of N. B. Saxton & Co.
The Doctor, however, is principal partner, and in
addition to drugs and medicines, carries a fine line
of fancy groceiies and jewelry. He is the patentee
of tie Champion remedies-Rheumatic Cure, Clhampion Ointment and other fine preparatiois. Ile lhas
a contrivance for manufacturing the gas which
lights his store, and as a chemist and pharmacist
occupies a position in the front rank.
I)r. Saxton was first married in Concord, February 9, 1863, to Miss Alma M. Spratt. Mrs.
Saxton was born in Concord and received an excellent education,graduating in music at Albion College, and following this profession as a teacher until
her marriage; she (lied in 1869, leaving one child, a
son, Ei nest H., who is in the store with 'his father.
The D)octor, in 1872, contracted a second marriage


witl Miss Nellie M., tile daughter of Benjamin
Stookey, who was a native of Pennsylvania. Mr.
Stookey was an early settler of Pulaski Township,
this county, where he became an extensive landowner and a prominent member of the community.
IHe and his estimable wife are now deceased. Dr.
S'Ixton votes the straight Republican ticket and is
a member in good standing of the Masonic fraternitv in Concord.
TIhe father of our subject was Joseph Saxton,
who was born near Saratoga Springs, N. Y., and
was the son of Benjamin Saxton, who descended
from  Scotch ancestry, and for many years was
a farmer in New   York State. Joseph Saxton
learned tailoring in his youth, and in his early manhood followed his trade near Burdette, Tompkins
County, N. Y., at the head of Seneca Lake. He
cam:e to Michigan in 1848 and located near Reading, Hillsdale County, living there on a farm six
years. IIe then purchased one hundred and sixty
acres on the old 'l'erritorial road near Paw Paw,
which he improved and operated until retiring from
active labor. lie spent his last days in the village of
Paw Paw, and for many years before his death was
a. Deacon in the Baptist Church.
Tlhe mother of our subject bore the maiden
natne of Margaret Gillespie. She was born in
Tompkins County. N. Y., and was the daughter of
Herman Gillespie, who. with one of his sons, served
in the War of 1812. in which the son was wounded
and died soon afterward. Grandfather Gillespie
settled on a farm afterward in Tompkins County,
N. Y., where he spent his last days. Mrs. Margaret (Gillespie) Saxton departed this life in Paw
Paw, in 1885. The parental household included
ten children, viz: Adelia, who died when fifty-five
years old; Mary, Mrs. Thomas, of Concord; Elizabeth, Mrs. Quick, of Paw Paw; Harriet, Mrs. Gillespie, of Jackson; Adeline, Mrs. Brown, of Spring
Arbor; Nellie M., Mrs. Kidder, of Reading, this
State; Nelson B., our subject; Herman and Byron
(twins), the former living in Boise City, Idaho,
and the latter near Paw Paw, this State; and
Frankie, who died when twenty-four years old.
Herman, during the first year of the Civil War, enlisted in a Michigan regiment and was made First
Sergeant. lie served until the close, was wounded








798


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


three times, and to this (lay carries one ball. lHe
was taken prisoner and confined for a time in the
dreaded Libby Prison. His twin brother, Byron,
served at the same time in the same regiment and
was twice wounded.;   ENNIS DUNN, Clerk of Sandstone Town) ship), owns and occupies a snug farm of one
hundred acres on section 19. He is a native
of this 'county,'having been born April 12, 1854,
his home being on a farm, and his early education
having been obtained in the district schools. iHe
spent two years in attendance at the Parma school
and is one of the first class graduated from that
institution under Prof. D. E. Hlaskins, now County
Superintendent of Sclools, the class numbering
eight.
Young Dunn next attended the Normal scliool
at Ypsilanti three terms, taking the full English
course-and being graduated in June, 1876. He
taught his first school in the winter of 1873-'74,
and after completing his normal course he taught
about six school years.   He was Principal of
the Allen High School in Hillsda.'le County, for
one year, and held a similar position at Springport
two vears. He also taught at Jefferson, in this
county, prior to his experience at Allen, and lie
had also spent considerable time as an instructor in
diistrict schools. The balance of his life has been
devoted to farming, except when called upon to
serve in a public capacity. He was elected Township Clerk in 1887, and has twice been re-elected,
a fact which testifies to his fitness for the place and
the satisfactory manner in which he is performing
his duties. The estate that he owns and occupies
is well cultivated and bears such improvements as
may be reasonably expected of a man of enterprise
and good taste.
The marriage of Dennis I)unn and Miss Mary I.
Dean was celebrated at the home of the bride
March 20, 1878. Mrs. Dunn was born in this
county, September 3, 1859, has been well educated,
and carefully trained in useful habits and accomplishments by estimable parents, Her grandparents,




Nathan and Tryphena (Smith) Dean, came to this
county early in the '30s, and were among the first
settlers of Sandstone Township.  Grandfather
Dean purchased land of the Government several
miles from any other white settler, and for many
years was most thoroughly identified with the best
interests of the county. He was one of the most
liberal donors to schools and churches in this part
of the State, and not one was built between Albion
and Eaton Rapids during his residence here, to
which lhe did not contribute. He made a large
donation to the brick Methodist Episcopal Church
at Parma. He lived to be more than four-score
years of age, breathing his last in 1882. Grandma
Dean now lives with her son, George N., at Dean's
Corners, and although now eighty-seven years old
she is still hale and hearty. She is one of the
most historical characters in this part of the State.
William Dean, a son of Nathan and Tryphena
Dean, was born in the Empire State and came to
this county with his parents when quite young.
His training was therefore practically received in
this county, and he experienced some of the usual
hardships incident to life on tile frontier. Hle was
educated in the public schools of this county and
in Albion College. He is well-known throughout
the western part of the county and althoughl now
past sixty years old is still quite active in church
and other affairs. He is now serving as Justice of
the Peace in Parma, to which place lie removed in
1881. In politics he is a Prohibitionist and in religion a believer in the doctrines of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. He has been twice married, the
mother of Mrs. Dunn having borne the maiden
name of Isabelle Chapel and having departed this
life in October, 1867. Two only of the eight children of Mr. Dean by tie first wife are yet living,
Fred G. being a resident of Parma Township.
Mr. Iunn belongs to the Ancient Order of United
Workmen at Parma and is now serving as Recorder
in the Lodge. He is a believer in the principles of
the Republican party, which he therefore conscientiously supports. Both himself and wife take an
active interest in the work carried on by their
church, and in every department of life endeavor
to act well their part, as becomes persons of intelligence, good principles and fine family lineage.














10




PORTRAIT AND BIOG
The subject of this sketch is a son of Thomas
and Margaret (Cosman) Dunn, both of whom were
born in New York, and his parental ancestors were
probably Scotcli or Irish. Thomas Dunn emigrated
to this county late in the '30s, it is believed, as he
was among the early settlers of Parma Township.
He bought land that was comparatively wild, having had but very little (one to it in the way of
improvement. He was mainly self-educated and
self-made, having had but meager educational alvantages in his youth and no one to give him a
financial start in life. He endeavored by reading
to keep well-informed, and his perseverance and
industry enabled him to acquire an estate of two
hundred acres of valuable land and to rear his
family to intelligent and useful manhood and
womanhood. In politics he was a Democrat. His
death occurred in September, 1862, and was
deeply mourned by his many acquaintances. Iis
widow survived until February 24, 1867. They
were the parents of nine children, two of whomLucy A. and Clark, are deceased. The survivors
are: Phoebe, wife of B. B. Calkins, of Parna; Jacob
C., of Parma Township; Sarah E., wife of A. E.
Pickett, of the same township; John W., of Tompkins Township; Orville, of Albion; Harvey, of
Eckford Townshil, Calhoun County; and the subject of this notice.


XRAPHICAL ALBUM..7.,.....,.-.1,.-  _  _


801


two hundred acres, in Halton County, Province of
Ontario and.lived upon it a number of years. He
took an active and prominent part in the political
affairs of that county and held the government appointment of Sheriff for sixteen years, and until his
resignation. In 1873, he removed with his family
to Jackson, Mich., where both he and his wife subsequently died. Both were born in the year 1804
and they died within a twelvemonth of each other.
Their family consisted of nine children, of whom
the subject of this sketch was the sixth in order of
birth.
Frank Willson, was born in Halton County, Canada, October 21, 1849, was reared to manhood on
his father's farm and lived there until he was
twenty-four years old. He then came to Michigan,
and locating in Jackson, engaged in the stock business, spending the years from 1873 to 1875 thus
employed. He rented a farm in Spring Arbor
Township, two years, and then changing his location to Blackmanl Township, occupied rented land
for six years, removing from it to the farm upon
whicll he now lives, and which he at that time pur.
chased. tHe makes a specialty of Cotswold and
Oxford Down sheep, Suffolk and Essex hogs, and
Short-horn cattle.
In Summit Township, this county, March 8, 1877,
Mr. Willson was united in marriage with Miss Ida
R. Goldsmith. The bride is a native of the township in which her marriage took place, having
opened her eyes to the light August 6, 1855, and
was carefully reared by worthy parents, who instilled into her mind correct principles, and gave
her the best educational privileges possible. She
is therefore well fitted for the duties of wife and
mother and the social demands of life. She has
borne her husband two children, one of whom died
in infancy, while Walter G. lives to gladden his
parents' hearts.
The father of Mrs. Willson was Charles Y. Goldsmith, who was born the 3rd of November 1817, in
Albany County, N. Y. Her mother was Minerva
Peterson, a native of Rexfor]t, Saratoga County,
N.Y. who was born August 1, 1827, and a resident of
Michiigan from an early day, her parents having
been pioneers of Jackson County. The marriage
of this worthy couple occurred in Summit Town

lr, > ^N^-~~~~-^ —~ -C' 5-^. —,
t INRANK  WILLSON.    A  prominent place
i  among the stock-men of Jackson County, is.A  - occupied by this gentleman whose portrait is
presented on the opposite page and whose fine farm
on section 14,Blackman Township,is devoted chiefly
to the raising of fine sheep, swine and cattle.
The farm comprises ninety-five acres, under excellent improvement, the barn being particularly fine,
and everything about the estate indicating the character of the owner to be one of "push" and intelligent energy. The parents of our subject were Levi
and Mary (Morris) Willson, natives of Canada, the
former born in Ontario County, and the latter in
Grimsby County. The father improved a farm of






802                     PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
ship October 4,1846, and in the same township Mr.  while he was in his teens, and there he grew to
Goldsmith closed his eyes in death October 6,1864.  manhood. He has been a farmer nearly all his life,
his widow surviving until Septenber 12,1887. They  although he worked around sawmills more or less
had four children, of whom Mrs. Willson is the  in his earlier years, and for a time drove cattle for
youngest.                                        his uncle, Lawrence William  L. Iubbard, from
Mr. Willson has been Clerk of Blackman Town-  Middlesex, N. Y., to Philadelphia, then the princiship, for two years, and has filled other minor offices.  pal stock market. lie also, in connection with
He belongs to the 1)emocratic party and takes quite  farming, followed a threshin  machine for several
an active part in political affairs. lie is a member  years.  Mr. Wyman was married on the 12th of
of the Masonic fraternity, the Ancient Order of  September, 1884, and the same fall located in LenUnited Workmen, and the Patrons of Industry.    awee County, this State, where lie remained several
He belongs to the National Swine Breeders'Associ.  years.  Early in the '50s he removed to this
ati(on. the Wool Breeders and Growers'Association,  county, buying eighty acres of land, all timber,
and the Short-horn Breeders' Association. In the  with a few acres cleared, but not a furrow turned
winter of 1889-90, he was chosen Vice-President of  ul)on the place. Moving into a shanty, 12x15
the Southern Michigan Short-horn Breeders' Asso-  feet, ma(de of lo(s. with a flat-board roof, and so low
ciation. His reputation is that of an honorable  that Mr. WXymann could not enter the door without
man and worthy citizen, as well as an agriculturist  stooping, lie began his pioneer work in this county,
and stock-man of progressive i(leas and industrious  In tile inconvenient cabin the family lived about
habits.                                         four years, being then able to build a better dwell3lfnnmL^q ^^~^,.rljing, which they have since enlarged, and finally
-made into the l)resent comnmodious structure. Perseverance and zeal conquered tile wildness of na-~? SA WYMAN. No more honorable citizen         ture, and where tie heavy   timber once stood
can be found tlian the above-named gentle-  highly cultivated fields are now to be seen, while
man, who enjoys the esteem and confidence  the country in which their farm stands has changed
of all who know him, and whose word is conusid-  from the almost unbroken and sparsely settled wilered as good as his bond at any time. He is a pio-  derness, to a prosperous and highly developed secneer in Micligan, to which he came with a young  tion, whoso fertility is scarcely excelled.
bride in the fall of 1844. They were without      The noble woman, to whose efforts and companmeans, but witl an undaunted spirit began the   ionship Mr. Wyman owes so much, bore the maiden
battle of life together,and side by side, in their own  name of Lovina Coy. She was born in Orleans
sphere of labor, struggled on in their endeavor to  County, N. Y., September 29, 1821, to Cyrus and
gain a comfortable home and rear tleir children  Hannah (Van Winkle) Coy. Her father was a nain such a manner as to prepare them for useful  tive of the Empile State and a son of David Coy,
and honorable lives. Their present home is on   a Revolutionary soldier; while her mother was
section 16, Sandstone Township, where they have  born in New York City. To Mr. aild Mrs. Wya valuable farm with the conveniences of the mod-  man four children have been born, two of whom,
ern farmer.                                     Josiah and Francis, are now deceased. Charles
The gentleman with whose name we introduce    G., the first-born, and Rosette H., wife of Orlando
this sketch is the second son born to Stephen and  Rogers, of Sandstone Township, are still living.
Nancy (Taft) Wyman, of New York State. His        Mr. and Mrs. Wyman are excellent representabirth took place on the 28th of February, 1814, in  tives of the public-sl)irited and energetic pioneers
Yates County, and there lie remained until fifteen  to whom those of the present generation owe so
years old, attending t!he schools of the section and  much of the comfort and so many of the advanacquiring such an education as could be had at  tages that surround them. They have borne their
that day. His parents removed to Orleans County  share in the good works of the community, taking




PORTRAIT AND BIt~OGRAPHICNAL AL`BUM.


803


PORTRAIT A  B  ALBUM.       803


an active lart in the society of tleir neighborhood, and ale now enjoying the more reposeful life
that tleir years of labor deserve, and the respect
and friendship of many friends. Mrs. Wyman is
a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Mr.
Wyman has served on the School Board, and there,
as elsewhere, his honesty and integrity have been
unquestioned. In 1politics lie is a Republicaii.
'",,,,,,,,, ---D. -.;9, -:  _=,i"~,
L- HARLES CASSEDY. Among the large
number of skillful and successful farmers
_  wlo have brought this county to its present position in point of wealth and standing, Mr.
Cassedy is mentioned as one occupying a place in
the front rank. His broad acres indicate tile careful and judicious method which has been exercised
in their cultivation, while tile farm buildings, with
their location and surroundings present one of tile
finest pictures in the landscape of this region. The
resi(dence is a handsome and imnl)osing structure,
standing in tlhe midst of tasteful grounds, and there
is an abundance of shade trees, together with tile
barns, sheds and machinery requisite for the successful prosecution of agriculture. The man who
lhas tlus transformed a portion of the wilderness
into a valuable and attractive farm has been no unimpiortant factor in )promoting the material welfare
of his county.
A native of Morris, Morris County, N. J., the
subject of this notice was born May 8, 1832, and is
the son of Conrad and Jane (Freeling) Cassedy, the
foriner of whom was a native of Ireland and born
in 1800. Conrad Cassedy emigrated to America
in 1819 and settled in Madison, N. J., where he
followed farming until 1839. Then turning his face
toward tle far West, he came to Washtenaw County,
this State, and took up eighty acres of Government
land1, near whichl subsequently grew up the town of
Sylvan. Ile was prospered in his labors as a tiller
of tlhe soil and added to his possessions until he was
the owner of one hundred and forty acres.  Ile
brought this to a good state of cultivation, erected
thereon suitable buildings and constructed a comfortable homestead where he spent the remainder


of his days. EHe departed thlis life September 18,
1856. He was a self-made man in the broadest
sense of the term, having come to this country
without means and made his way to a good position socially and financially among his fellow-men.
In l)olitics lie was a stanch Democrat and his course
in life was such as to gain him tle kindly regard of
all of thlose with whom he had dealings.
Tile mother of our subject was born in Morris
County, N. J., about 1800, and died in 1842 in
Washtenaw County, this State. The parents were
married in Chatham, N. J., and there were born to
tlem a family of six children, viz: William, Mary,
Catherine, John, Charles and Sarah. Charles, our
subject, was seven years old when the family came
to Michigan and still remembers many of the incidents of tlhe journey-which was made by canal
and lake and thence overland by teams. He received such education as the pioneer schools afforded. He gained a good insight in the art and
and science of farming at an early period of his
life and was content to follow this thereafter. 'he
result shows the wisdom of his choice.
In 1862, Mr. Jassedy purchased eighty acres of
the farm which lie now owns and occupies, this lying on section 35. IHe commenced its cultivation
and ilmprovement in a manner corresponding to his
means and gained a little headway each year adding
to his landed possessions, which now aggregate two
Ihundred acres, a part of it lying on section 26. He
h iad no assistance whatever when starting out for
himself and has accumulated his property by his
own exertions. In addition to general farming lie
is considerably interested in live stock, making
a specialty of good horses, slieep, etc. Like his
honored father, he is politically a pronounced
Democrat. He lias held some of the school and
township offices and has been Secretary of the
Eastern Jackson Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company since its organization in 1880.
Remaining a bachelor until twenty-nine years of
age Mr. Cassedy was then married Iecember 10,
1861, to Miss Henrietta Faulkner. This lady was
born in Orange County, N. Y., May 1, 1831, and is
the daughter of Col. James and Martha (McBride)
Faulkner, who were also natives of Orange County,
N. Y. They emigrated to Michigan in 1833 dur





804


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


ing its territorial days and the father took up six
hundred acres of Government land in Grass Lake
Township, embracing that on which Mr. Cassedy
now lives.
Mr. Faulkner was a man of more than ordinary
ability and learned surveying early in life, which
profession he followed in his native county, laying
out many of its lines and boundaries. He did gal.
lant service as a Colonel in the War of 1812, and for
several years was at the head of the New York State
Militia. In politics he affiliated with the Democrat party and represented his native county in the
New York Legislature one term. As a business
man he was careful and conscientious in his dealings and one who enjoyed in a marked degree the
confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. After
a long and well spent life, he departed hence at his
home in Grass Lake Township, April 21, 1869,
when eighty-nine years old. Col. Faulkner built
the first frame house in Grass Lake Township and
cut the first stick of timber on his land. The wife
and mother had preceded her husband to the silent
land many years, her death taking place about
Christmas tmrne, 1845, when she was probably fiftysix years old. There had been born to them eleven
children, eight daughters and three sons, nine of
whom are living and mostly residents of this State.
To Mr. and Mrs. Cassedy there have been born
two daughters, one of whom, Virginia, died when
seven years old. Anna is living at home.
U1    ILLIAM    H. GODFREY. An excellent
\   representative of the farmers and stockraisers of Parma Township will be found
in the person of our subject, who resides on section
10, iaving a fine estate of- two hundred and ninetysix broad acres, upon which a splendid residence
and an adequate line of farm buildings may be
seen. He is successfully carrying on his enterprises,
winning a competence from his labors in the county
where lie has lived almost from infancy and where
he has witnessed and participated in many pioneer
struggles.
Mr. (odfrey is a native of Genesee County, N. Y,,


his natal day being February 23, 1841. His paternal ancestors are supposed to be Scotch, one of
them  having been a sea captain, who settled in
Nova Scotia at an early period of its history, but
did not remain there permanently.  His paternal
grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812, the
family being residents of Vermont. His parents,
John K. and Susan (Randall) Godfrey, were natives, respectively, of Orange and Genesee County,
N. Y., the former removing with his lparents from
his native place to Genesee County, when he was
a lad of ten years. In the last named county he
grew to maturity and married. In 1844 he removed with his family to Michigan, and in company with his brother, George P., bought three
hundred and twenty acres of land on section 10,
Parma Township, this county. He afterward purchased his brother's interest and settled in a log
house, which was the family dwelling until 1.859
when a more modern and sustantial residence was
built.
Like all who settled in Jackson County during
the earlier years of its history, John Godfrey en(lured trials and hardships, but having a sound
constitution and a strong body he did not suffer
physically as a consequence of his exposures. IHe
held several minor offices, serving as Treasurer of
Parma Township for a number of years. Ile was
public spirited and benevolent, of most excellent
character and highly esteemed by his fellow pioneers. In politics he was first a Whig, and later a
Republican. In religion he was of the Old School
Baptist Church. His death occurred September 8,
1884, after a residence of forty years in this county.
His wife passed away December 12, 1871. Their
family comprised eight children, the subject of this
sketch being the first-born; the second son, Jasper,
lives in the town of Parma; Margaret J. is the wife
of 0. S. Dean, cf Sandstone Township; Melinda
became the wife of Lewis Brown, of Parma; Emma
is deceased; Colonel F. lives in Marengo Township;
Kate is the wife of Homer Ives, of Livingston
County; Cassius is deceased.
The gentleman with whose name we introduce
this sketch was brought when a child by his parents to this county, and was reared to manhood
amid the scenes of early settlement, assisting in the






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.                                               805
*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I                                              -   D  7 0  =


development of the farm, which became a valuable
estate before the death of his father. He was educated in the early district schools, and after he was
twelve years of age attended school only one summer term, but every winter until he was eighteen,
when he was during one term a student in Albion
College. He has kept himself well informed concerning the principal events of the world's history, and
is intelligent and well-read. On the 5th of August,
1862, having recently attained his majority, he enlisted in the Union Army, becoming a private in
Company E, Twentieth Michigan Infantry, the
regiment being a part of the Ninth Army Corps.
He participated in the battle of Horse Shoe Bend,
and various engagements of importance in Southern States. At the siege of Vicksburg lie was in the
supporting column.. At the close of the first year
of his enlistment he was transferred to the First
Battalion of the Second Michigan, an invalid
corps, in which he served until the term of his enlistment had exlired, being honorably discharged
July 3. 1865.
At the conclusion of his army life, Mr. Godfrey
returned to this State, exchanging the musket which
he had so faithfully and gallantly carried, for the
peaceful implements of agriculture and thus began
a successful career as a private citizen. On November 21, 1866. he was united in marriage with
Miss Sarah Anderson, a native of Kalamazoo
County, who was born April 27, 1843. She is the
daughter of Lucius C. and Abigail (1Biley) Anderson, wio finally settled on section 1, of this
township, where the father breathed his last September 26, 1874. He was a carpenter by trade and
among other prominent buildings in the erection
of which he was employed, not the least was the
State Arsenal at Dearborn. His family included
eight children, five of whom are yet living.  'lhey
are named respectively: Mary, wife of George
Davis, of Tompkins Township; Mrs. Godfrey; Carrie; Cynthia, now Mrs. Ludlow, whose honme is near
New Era, Oceana County, and Lucius T., of Parma
Township. The deceased members of the family
were Paul C., Emma E. and Lucia.
The estimable wife of our subject is the mother
of eight children, the following still surviving:
Lucius H., who lives in Denver, Colo.; Susie A.,


Herbert I-., Carrie, Mabel E and John K. The
deceased children were E. Jennie and an infant son.
Mr. Godfrey belongs to the Post of the G. A. R.,
at Parma, in which he holds the office of Chaplain.
In politics he is a stanch Republican. He is a
Trustee of tile Methodist Episcopal Church at
North Parma, his wife being also a member of the
same denomination. Botli are held in high esteem
by tleir acquaintances, and their upright characters, industrious habits and intelligence, deservedly
place them among the best class of citizens of
Jackson County.
'MASA M. PARI)EE. This name represents that of one of the oldest settlers of
this county, lie having made his advent
hlere in the spring of 1832, when a boy
five years of age. The offspring of a highly respectable family, lie developed into a worthy manhood, and is numbered among the representative
citizens of Spring Arbor Township, owning a fine
farm, two hundred and six acres in extent, on section 28. Intelligent, well informed, and a valued
member of the community, he is looked upon as
one of those who have been largely instrumental in
advancing thle interests of their township, and raising
it to its present high position as the abode of a
people educated and well-to-do. There are few
more attractive homes within its limits than that of
Mr. Pardee and his estimiable wife, whose mutual
labors have beautified it, and whose hospitality has
made it a most pleasant resort for a host of friends
and acquaintances.
The offspring of an excellent old family, the subject of this notice is the son of Thomas J. Pardee,
who was born in Connecticut in 1800. The paternal grandfather, Ebenezer Pardee, likewise a native
of -Connecticut, emigrated  to Niagara County,
N. Y., at an early day, and settled near the town
of Royalton, where lie conducted a farm   until
1832. He then set out with his family for Michigan Territory, and taking up a tract of land in
Spring Arbor Township, there lived and labored
until departing hence. Thomas J., the father of








806


PORTRAIIT AND BIOGRAPHIICAL ALIBUM.1


806  PORTRAIT A BG H L U


our subject, first set foot upon the soil of Michigan in 1831, coming hither with his father in search
of a suitable location, and bought Government
land. They made their way by boat from Buffalo
to Detroit, and then traveled on foot to this county.
Each selected land in Spring Arbor Township, then
traveled on foot to the L'ind Olfice at White Pigeon, following blazed trees and Indian trails, builling their camp fire at night, and sleeping with only
such protection as nature and a blanket, perhlaps,
which they carried with them. afforded. After securing the necessary papers they returned home to
Niagara County, N. Y., and tile following year
came back with the family.
The father of our subject was successful in his
labors as a tiller of the soil, and in due time became
the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of land
on section 27. When he came here the Indians
were numerous, but peaceable, and being treated
well by the white man, they not only returned his
hospitality and kindness, but were greatly attached
to him. He built a log shanty, in which lie lived
the first year, and the year following he put up a
substantial log house. After the organization of
tlhe Republican party lie became its stanch supporter. and at one time was the Assessor of Spring
Arbor Township. A    member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, he also officiated as Class-Leader,
and was a man generally held in respect. lie departed this life in the fall of 1879, when nearly
seventy years old.
Mrs. Elenore (Angell) Pardee. the mother of our
subject, was born in Bridgewater, Rutland County,
Vt., August 2, 1804. Grandfather Hezekiah Angell, was a native of Connecticut, and an early
settler of Vermont, from which he emigrated later
to Hartford, N. Y., where he spent his last days.
In his youth he learned the trade of a carpenter and
joiner, but in later years he followed farming. ''he
parents of our subject were married in Niagara
County, N. Y., where the mother was reared to an
attractive womanhood. She is still living, and
makes her home with her children in this county.
She like her husband united with the Methodist
Episcopal Church many years ago, and still remains a faithful and consistent member. Tile parental household included five children: Chelonida,


Mrs. Martin, lives in Carona, Shiawassa County,
this State; Amasa M., our subject, was the second
born; Huldah M. is the wife of G. Parmeter, a
farmer of Spring Arbor Township; Amaziah B.
lives in Ionia County, this State; James I). is a
resident of Montcalm County.
The subject of this notice was born in Royalton,
Niagara County, N. Y., December 3, 1826, and was
five years old when coming with his family to
Milchigan. He commenced going to school when nl
Iboy of four.  Although so young he recollects
many of tlhe incidents connected witl the journey
hither, and how they landed at Toledo on account
of the cholera prevailing at )etroit.  His father
purchased an ox-team, which brought them to this
county, they crossing the Maumee River on tile
way. ITe attended school while they lived in the
rude log house, at a time when their nearest neighbor was five miles away, with the exception of tlle
Pottawatomie Inadians, who were frequent visitors
to their domicile. The father traded with them, and
frequently went to sleep with six or eight brawny
savages lying around the fire rolled up in their
blankets, but the mother slept with one eye open,
and petitioned I-eaven to protect her loved ones.
Amasa learned to talk considerably in the Inlian
language, but has now forgotten tile most of it.
Mr. Pardee was l)ut to work on tile farm at an
early age. driving an ox-team and assising to clear
the lanl. After leaving the district sclool lie attended Albion College two years, and was subsequently a student in the Michigan Central College
at Spring Arbor, a Free-Will B1aptist institution,
which was afterward removed to Hillsdale.  From
the age of nineteen years until twenty-two lie
taught school, being one of the first pe(lagooues in
the county.
Mr. Pardee was married, February 9, 1850, at
the bride's home in Concord Township, to Miss
Julia, daughter of Peter Lal)ue. Her father was a
native of France, and when a child came to America with his parents, they settling in Albany, N. Y.
-le learned carriage-making, and followed it until
his death in 1829. In religion lie was a Lutheran.
The maiden name of his wife was Miss Sally Whitman. She was born in Connecticut, and was the
ldaughter of Josiah Whiitman, also a native of that






807


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


---— ~~ ~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


State. After the death of her first husband Mrs.
LaDue reared her children, and was then married
to David Parmeter. They came to Michigan in
1837, settling in Concord Township, where M3r.
Parmeter followed blacksmithing, and died. The
mother, a second time a widow, spent her last days
with her son-in-law, Ir. Pardee, dying at the age
of sixty-six years.
To the parents of Mrs. Pardee there were born
four children. The eldest, Albert, was graduated
from  the law department of   nion College. at
Schenectady, N. Y., and after practicing for awliile
in Detroit removed to St. Louis, Mo., where he
followed his professionl for a period of thirty years
He possessed considerabl literary talent, and was
the editor of various papers during the war. Later
he located in Telluride, Colo., and arose to the office
of Judge. In 1888 he came to Michigan on a
visit, and died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Dudley, in Branch County. Mary dietl in California
about 1887. Eliza is the Mrs. Dud(ley, of Branch
County, heretofore spoken of, her home being in
Butler Township. Julia, Mrs. Pardee, completes
the list.
Mrs. Julia Pardee was born March 4, 1829, in
Albany, N. Y., and came to this county with her
mother and stepfather, residing with them until slie
was fourteen years old. Th:'n returning East she
attended the Utica Female Seminary alnd Ipswich
Academy, Mass. After remaining a whlile with her
brother in New York City, she came back to Michig'an, and was married late in that same year.
Mr. Pardee. in 1845, purchlased his present farm
of three hundred and twenty acres, upon which
there were no improvements. He located upon it
in 1850, and since then has given to it his undivided attention. Ile sold off a portion of it in the
meantime, and has now two hundred and six acres,
all under a state of cultivation, enclosed with good
fences, and supplied with neat and substantial
buildings. The land is remarkably fertile, and there
is upon the farm one of the finest springs in tile
township. Mr. Pardee keeps good grades of cattle
and swine.  -le planted an orchard, which is now
in fine bearing condition. and there are upon tile
place two dwellings. The family residence is especially arranged for the convenience of its in

mates, and with its surroundings forms a very
attractive hlome.
Mr. and Mrs. Pardee are the parents of three
children, the eldest of whom, a daughter-Alicebecame the wife of St. Clair Bean, a farmer of
Spring Arbor Townslip; Helen A. is the wife of
John Klnapp, a resident of Minneapolis, Minn.;
Fenton,J. resides on the home farm. The children
have been given the best advantages afforded in
their comnmunity, and are more than ordinarily
bright and intelligent. The family occupies no
secondary position among the first-class citizens of
Spring Arbor Township.:ANIEL B. HIBBARD, President of the
i  Edison Iight Company of Jackson, is one of
the most prominent and l)opular men of
Jackson. HIe hals been identiied with her leading
interests for lo, tliese many years, while his enterprise and energy lhave aided largely in her advancement and prosperity.  I-e landed in Michigan May
10, 1836, and came to Jackson June 1, following.
At that time the chlief public school building in this
now flourishing city, was a small firame house on the
present site of the Central High School tbuildingthe site being then a hill of respectable dimensions,
which has since been graded d(own. The first
structure, 20x30 feet in dimensions, supported
upon its top the only bell in town. The latter contained at that time more Indians than white people,
Michigan being then a Territory.
T'ere was very little style in connection with
the arrival of young Hlibbard in the infant city of
Jackson, as lie came comparatively alone and
friendless, without money, equipped with only his
resolute will and  persevering disposition.  lie
drove a stage for a year, both west and east of
Jackson, receiving for his services $14 per month.
Later he entered the employ of Paul B. Ring, assisting to run the hotel batr, and his employer later
having thin mail contract to Adrian, young Hibbard
engaged with him to take charge of this at $35
per month. iis fortunes now began to mend perccptiblv, and by tile exercise of close economy he




908            PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


1
—  —


=


was in time enabled to purchase the stage route and
start a small livery business in connection therewith. He conducted this until the completion of
the railroad, in 1857, and in the meantime also engaged in buying and selling real estate. D)uring
that time he bought land, which is now worth $400
per foot, at $200 for sixty-six feet front. lie has
never ceased his real-estate operations since that
time, and in consequence he is the owner of some
of the most valuable property in the city of Jackson, including not only ground but many important buildings-the Union Block, the Commercial
Hotel, near the Michigan Central Railroad depot,
the Hibbard Opera House, the Michigan Agricultural Works Block on Cortland Street, a large part
of the Jackson Carriage Works on Washington
Street, and he is also a leading stockholder in tile
Electric Light plant, which he organized, besides
thirty to forty tenement houses, the Haymarket
and a large number of business houses fronting on
Cortland Street. Under his supervision and with
his capital there is now being erected the HIibbard
House, and a number of other buildings in the
city. ''o these Mr. Hibbard gives his general
oversight, but the Light Company receives his
especial care and attention. This was instituted in
1885, and was the first of the kind in the city. The
plant comprises four incandescent and two arc
dynamos, together with all the necessary equilpments and machinery essential to its success. Mr.
llibbard likewise is the owner of farming lands in
different parts of this and other States.
The subject of this sketch was born in Phelps,
Ontario County, N. Y., August 13, 1818, and
there spent his boyhood until coming to Michigan.
His father, William Hibbard, a native of Hartford,
Conn., was of English ancestry, and in early manhood married Miss Elizabeth Schurtes.   They
spent their last days in Rochester, N. Y. The parental family consisted of three children, all of
whom are deceased except our subject.
Mr. Hibbard was a youth of seventeen years
when coming to Jackson, without other resources
than his own industry and determination to become
a man among men. In the course of five years
such good headway had he made that he felt justified in establishing a home of his own, and accord




I


I        ~ —


ingly took unto himself a wife and helpmate, being
married March 14. 1840, to Miss Esther Darrah.
Mrs. Hibbard was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1819, and was brought to America by her
parents when a child of two years. They settled
in New Jersey, and spent their last days in Jackson,
Mich. Their family consisted of seven children,
three of whom are living and located in Jackson.
Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hibbard, all of whom are still spared to them-Mary
Jane, the eldest, is the wife of E. R. Smith, of
Jackson; Elizabeth is the widow of William S.
Burrell, and lives with her father; William R. and
Daniel B., Jr., remain under the parental roof.
The Hibbard residence. one of the most attractive
in the city, is surrounded by handsome grounds,
and both in its interior arrangement and its exterior is in keeping with the standing and means of
the proprietor. It is hardly necessary to say that
the family occupies a high social position and are
widely and favorably throughout the county..     HANCEY 1). RAYMIOND.       Among the
(t(   residents in the agricultural districts of
'_- Sandstone Township, perhaps none have
shown greater energy in the affairs of life and have
attained a higher reputation for intelligence, upright conduct and a knowledge of business, than the
young gentleman whose name initiates this sketch.
He is the oldest son of Benjamin and Alzina
(Morse) Raymond, who were married in this county
and began their wedded life in Sandstone Township, where our subject was born, January 11, 1854.
His parents subsequently removed to Blackman
Township, where the father died March 1, 1887.
Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin
Raymnond, Chancey and Nehemiah are all who grew
to maturity.
The gentleman of whom we write was reared on
his father's farm and made his home on the estate
until his marriage. After acquiring a commonschool education he attended the High School in
Jackson, from which he was graduated, afterward
spcnding a short time in the State University at












1b   IA — Yf        LI 
C./f ~~ )
q                  I



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


811


--






Ann Arbor, becoming well versed in the higher
English branches, as well as in those taught in the
lower grades of our schools. This knowledge has
been turned to good account by him during several terms in which he taught in Sandstone and
Tompkins Townships, successfully conducting the
schools,'and meriting the approval of the 1)atrons
by his skill in imparting knowledge and his tact in
government.
Mr. Raymond has always been engaged to some
extent in farm labors, the knowledge of which lie
acquired in his boyhood, and to which lie lias devoted the most of his attention since reaching years
of maturity. The farm which he now owns comprises two hundred acres located on sections 12, 1
and 2, the residence being on the section first
named, and forms an estate of considerable value,
)einng productive, thoroughly cultivated, and furnished with excellent improvements, including a full
line of frame buildings, well-kept fences, numerous
trees, etc. Within the tasty dwelling unbound(ed
hospitality reigns and many a wayfarer has found
cordial welcome there, while to a large circle of
friends and acquaintances its doors are ever open.
In Hanover, December 4, 1875, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between Mr. Raymond and
Miss Adell Wing, who was born in Blackman
Townshil), this county, December 5, 1857, and is a
daughter of Calvin and Clarinda (Reed) Wing
(see sketch of Calvin Wing represented elsewhere
in this book). Mrs. Raymond was the recipient of
excellent advantages in her girlhood, and has a
thoroughly cultured mind and lovely character,
wlile her ability as a housekeeper is rarely
equalled, and her refined and pleasing mranners
make her presence desired at every social gathering. Shle has borne her husband one child, Albert
F., a bright and promising lad, who was born
March 9, 1878.
Mr. Raymond is a Democrat and has taken a
scmewhat active part in tie l)olitical affairs of the
the vicinity. He is deeply interested in the cause
of education, and his mental attainments and piactical experience in the school-room, especially fit
him for positions upon the School Board. IIe has
served as School Inspector, School Superintendent
and Treasurer. In the spring of 1888 he was


I
i
I
I
i
I
I


I


-i —


elected Justice of the Peace and still holls that office. Ile is a member of tile Patrons of Industry.
He was for several months engaged in the sale of
agricultural implements.
Il'U'lUS (:. WOOD, Passenger Conductor on
i dthe Michigan Central Railroad, with hlead\ quarters in Jackson City, is one of tile most
trusted enmployes of this great corporation.
ie is a veteran railroader, and witll his natural
liking of the business, has btrought to it an adaptability which has made him more than ordinarily
skillful and trustworthy. IHe has served a full
apprenticeshil, covering a lapse of many years
and has been singularly fortunate in escaping the
disasters whichl at some time or other fall to the
common lot of railroad men.
rThe subject of this notice was born March 7,
1828, in Broone County, N. Y, and was next to
the youngest of nine children, the offspring of
Christolpher S. and Margaret (Post) Wood, who
were born and reared in Scholharie County, N. Y.,
and were of Ilolland- IDutch ancestry. Christopher
Wood was a well-educated man and for a number
of years followed the profession of a teacher. He
died, wlhen middle aged, in New York State. IMrs.
Wood subsequently came to Berrien County, this
State, and made her home with her (ldaullter, Mrs.
Thomas Marns, at Berrien Center, where she died.
Besides our subject, there are only two daughters
living. ()le brother was killed on a farm, being
gored to deatli by an infuriated bull.
Mr. Wood spent his youthful years in Binghllnpton, N. Y., living on a farm and attending
the district school. Upon approaching manhood
lie learned the tailor's trade, which lie followed a
number of years. In 1856 we find him at Joliet,
Ill., where lie entered the employ of the Chlicago
& Alton Railroad Company, with whom he remained four years. In the meantime he was promoted to the position of freight conductor. Upon
leaving this road, le went to St. Louis, and for a
year thereafter was in the employ of tle Ohio &




i;


812


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


Mississippi Railroad, then coming to this State he
engaged with the Michigan Central, as a brakeman
and after a few years by gradual promotion, arose
to his present position. He has been conductor of
Lhe passenger train fr t the past eighteen years, and
in the employ of the Michigan Central for a period
of thirty years. Iis run now extends from Jackson to Niles via Kalamazoo.
Mr. Wood was married October 5, 1850, to Miss
Adeline, daughter of the Rev. James Niver, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a native of Owego, Tioga County, N. Y. Of this
union there have been born five children, three
sons and two daughters: the eldest daughter, Carrie A., is the wife of William Rutson; Clarence is
a resident of Michigan City; James C. is in the
West, and is an engineer on the Michigan Central
Railroad; Ida is the wife of Cory Concannon, of
Hannibal, Mo., who is also a railroad engineer.
Mr. Wood cast his first Presidential vote for
Winfield Scott and is an ardent supporter of the
principles of the Republican party. He has a neat
home at No. 109 Elm Avenue, and enjoys the
friendship and association of a host of people in
the city.
We invite the attention of our many readers to
an elegant portrait of Mr. Wood on another page
of this work.


Grandfather McGee learned the trades of a tanner
and shoemaker which he followed at Coleraine for
a time and then emigrated to Warren County, N.
Y., settling near the present site of Bolton, where
he purchased a tract of land and erecting a tannery,
operated this and followed shoemaking until about
1835. He then came to Michigan and spent his
last years with Uis children in Concord Township.
He served in the Revolutiouary War and was present at the time of Burgoyne's capture. The maiden
name of his wife was Mary Kendall; sll was born
in Westminster, Mass., September 11, 1768, and
died in Concord, Mich., March 19, 1853.
The father of our subject was a young man when
his parents removed to New York State and there
he also learned tanning and shoemaking, which lie
followed in connection with farming until 1832.
Then accompanied by his wife and nine children he
started for Michigan Territory. The journey was
made via the Champlain and Erie Canals to Lake
Erie, thence to Detroit and from there overland
with a team to this county. While on the canal
boat which started out from Whitehall, the boat
sprung a leak and sunk in the North River, submerging the household goods which were afterward
recovered and they laid by in Troy, N. Y., to dry
them. The feather beds were unboxed and laid
loose upon the wagons. When approaching Ypsilanti they applied at a log house for accomodations
and were told that they could stay if they would
make their own beds. Upon going to the wagon
for this necessary article it was missing and Mr.
Doty the teamster, a bold, resolute man, instituted
a search. After retracing his steps a short distance
he met a man on horseback with the bed in front
of him. The thief when questioned declared that
he found the bed. His horse had a peculiar hoof
and Mr. Doty by examining the ground found
that the animal had been driven up behind the
wagon and that his rider had und(oubtedly stolen
the bed. He declared hiii a thief and at once proceeded to administer justice by giving him a sound
"thrashing" on the spot.
The McGee fanily traveled three days in making the journey from Detroit to this county, a trip
which can now be performed in two hours. The
father purchased a tract of wild land in what wa6


UDGE MELVILLE McGEE. None of the
prominent residents of Jackson are unfamilar
with the name which stands at the head of
this biographical outline and the main points
in whose history are as follows;a native of the
town of Bolton, Warren County, N. Y., he was
born January 24, 1828, and is the son of Thomas
McGee who was born in Coleraine,Franklin County,
Mass., January 6, 1790. The paternal grandfather,
1)avid McGee, likewise a native of Coleraine, was
born February, 14, 1760.
The paternal great-grandfather of our subject
was a native of Scotland and, crossing the Atlantic
in the Colonial times, located in Massachusetts and
is believed to have spent his last (lays in Coleraine.






I


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


813


"

-


------


known as the Oak Openings and which was located
about one mile and a half northwest from the present site of Concord, on section 22, at the time the
family settled there, there being only two families
in the township. He put up a log cabin, covered
with shingles rived by hand and built a chimney of
stone on the outside. They had no stoves in those
days and the mother cooked by the fireplace.
The women of the family spun and wove wool and
flax and thus supplied the household with clothing
and other neccessary articles. No railroads were
built in this region for a number of years and Detroit was the nearest depot for supplies. The journey to this place was made laboriously with an oxteam. Wolves often annoyed the settlers, while
deer, wild turkeys and other game were plentiful.
The deer frequently ravaged the wheat and corn
fields and Indians were frequent callers. With the
exception of four years spent in Jackson the father
of our subject was a resident of Concord Township
until his death, which took place July 6, 1869.
Mrs. Polly (Stowe) McGee, the mother of our
subject, was born September 2, 1791, in Granville,
Washington County, N. Y. Her father, Timothy
Stowe, was an early settler of Granville and spent
his last years in that State. Mrs. McGee departed
this life at the homestead in Concord Township
October 15, 1865. The ten children of the parental family were named respectively, Sarah J,, Timothy S., Mary, Helly, Charles, Thomas Jr., Edward,
Melville, Evelina and Frederick.
The subject of this sketch was four years old
wlen he came to this county with his parents and
he still remembers many of the incidents of the journev and of the pioneer life which succeeded. He
pursued his first lessons in the primitive schools
which were conducted in a log school-house and as
soon as large enough to assist his father on his farm,
he became thus employed. Later his education
was advanced by attendance at Spring Arbor College one term and when twenty years old he commenced teaching. In the spring of 1851 he
repaired to Jackson and commenced the reading of
law with Gov. Austin Blair. He was admitted to
the practice in the fall of 1853, commencing his
maiden efforts in the city of Detroit and remained
there about a year. Then on account of failing


health, he returned to Jackson, where he opened an
office and where lie has since practiced continuously with the exception of attending to official
duties. From  1865 to 1876 inclusive he was
Judge of the Probate Court, holding the office
twelve years, and prior to this served as City Attorney of Jackson for one year. He cast his first
Presidential vote for John P. Hale, and has always
heen a stanch supporter of the Republican party.
Thomas McGee, the father of our subject was for
years a stockholder in the "Underground Railroad"
and his house was one of the stations where the fugitive slaves stopped and were thence carried on
their way to Canada to the next station the same
being here in Jackson. The Judge remembers that
one of his older brothers started from their home
in Concord one evening with six strong stalwart
negroes, whose aggregate value in the South would
have been worth ten or eleven thousand dollars.
He likewise was at one time Judge of the Probate
Court for Jackson County, serving four years, and
for many years was an Elder in the Presbyterian
Church.
Mr. McGee on the 8th of November, 1855, was
united in wedlock with Miss Charlotte A. King.
Six children were born to them. one of whom, a
son, Charles K., is at present the assistant teacher
of chemistry in the State  University of Ann
Arbor. Edward is a student in the Theological
Seminary at Chicago Ill.; William F., is one of the
proprietors of the Electrotype Foundry in Jackson;
George F. is taking a course in civil engineering at
Ann Arbor; Albert M. is a clerk in the Peoples
Bank; Harry S. is at home.
G ' Cu25=t   ',' MILLARD      HENRY REED. As deserving
\W  of mention among the influential and
prominent farmers of Jackson County, we
place the name of this gentleman, who owns and
manages a fine farm of three hundred and forty
acres on section 21, Henrietta Township. He devotes considerable time to the raising of stock, in
which, as well as in general agricultural pursuits,


I




814            PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


lie has met with success. He belongs to the organization of the Patrons of Indlstry, and is identified
with the Democratic party, whose interests lie is
ever anxious to maintain, believing its principles
to be most best suited to the needs of our Governmenrt.
Many years ago, John F. Reed, the grandfather
of our subject, left his home in the Green Mountain State, and settled in New York, being a pio-.
neer of Ontario County. He served in the War of
1812, and lived to the advanced age of ninetythree years, which was the age of his father before
him when removed from earth. Among his children was Willard Reed, the father of our subject,
and lie was born in Ontario County, N. Y., February 4, 1801. He sojourned many years in Genesee County, the same State, and there accumulated
a comfortable fortune, as a result of his frugality
and energy. He traded his property in that county
for a three hundred 'and forty-acre farm in Jackson
County. now owned by our subject.
In Ontario County, his native place, Willard
Reed was married to Rebecca 0. Halliday, born in
the Empire State. The following is the record of
their five children: Eliza. the widow of Hiram
Austin. of Jackson; Esther, wife of Benjamin F.
Gibbons, of Jackson County; Mary J., who mar.
ried Robert Ridge, of Henrietta Township; Matilda,
and John T., deceased. After the death of his first
wife Willard Reed was united in marriage with
Sarah P. Odion. a native of New York State. She
died in the fall of 1847 when forty-two years of
age. She bore her husband two children-Benjamin F., who died when a child of seven and our
subject.
Genesee County, N. Y., was the birthplace of
our subject, and the date of his birth October 17,
1838. His educational facilities were limited to
thle district schools of his vicinity, which were condlucted on a primitive plan by a teacher often
scarcely less ignorant than the pupils themselves.
When reaching years of maturity Mr. Reed was
united in marriage with Augusta A. Wheeler, who
bore him one child, Augusta A., wife of Richard
B. Pixley, of this township  Mrs. Reed died April
2, 1860.
Mr. Reed contracted a second marriage with


Louisa M. McCabe, daughter of Peter M. and Lucy
I (Silsby) McCabe. of this township. Four children
have been born to our subject and his estimable
wife, namely: one who died in infancy; Lucy L.,
and Sarah A., (twins), and Williard M. These
young people are refined and intelligent and great
favorites among their associates. Their parents
|have endeavored to give them such practical educations as will prepare them for important stations
in life, and their social standing in their community is of the best.
I\i  ON. HENRY H. BINGHAM, ex-Warden of
I  '] the Michigan State Penitentiary, is now re
tired from the active duties of life and living amid the environments of a pleasant
home in Jackson, enjoying   the companionship
of hosts of friends. His residence in this county
comprises the long period of fifty-two years, he
having first pitched his tent in this region on the
8th of May, 1838. A man enterprising and puhlicspirited, he at once entered into everything which
promised good for the people around him. He was
the first Clerk of the Pioneer Association, later
Secretary and subsequently Preeident for a number of years.
A native of Camillus, Onondaga County, N. Y.,
Mr. Bingham was born January 7, 1814, and remained a resident of his native State until reaching
manhood. In 1 836 he came to look over the Territory of Michigan and two years later took up his
abode at Leoni, this county, as a merchant and
with a stock of goods established the second store
in that village. In 1842, lie removed to Grass Lake
and was in business there several years. In the
meantime, in 1839, he purchased a tract of land in
the northern part of Leoni Township, upon which
some small improvements had been made and thereafter for several years he engaged extensively in
farming. Some years later lie purchased a farm in
Henrietta and Blackman Towonships, a part of whicli
he still owns.
Early in 1852 Mr. Bingham removed to Jackson




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


815


as assistant keeper of the State Prison and operated
in that capacity with short intermissions until January, 1855. He then became Clerk of the institution and finally was ad vanced to the post of Warden
which he held for five years. Subsequently he was
engaged in the real-estate business and also dealt in
produce while at the same time managing the operations of a farm.
Mr. Bingham came to the State as a Democrat,
then became imbued with Free Soil principles and
finally in 1855, identified himself with the Republican party. After having held various township
offices he, in 1848, was elected a member of the
State Legislature on the Democratic ticket, this
being about the time the party tactics were essentially altered. After joining the Republicans lie
became quite prominent in political affairs aind is
still one of the wheelhorses of the party in this section, taking mruch satisfaction in the fact that his
home is only a few rods from the old oaks under
which on July 6, in the fall of 1854, was organized
the Republican party. On this historic spot a pole
now stands, being buried in the roots of the trees
under which stood Zachariah Chandler, Jacob M.
Howard, Kinsley S. Bingham, Austin Blair, David S.
Walbridge and other great reformers who here set
the ball rolling which culminated in a revolution
of the politics of tile State and Nation.
In making tile journey West in 1836, Ir. Bingham  started via the Erie Canal and at Buffalo
boarded the steamer "M'ichigan" which a week later
landed him at Detroit. Thence lie came on foot to
Green Oak, Livingston County, stopping at the
house of his brother, K. S. Binglham, who at different times was Representative, Governor and
United States Senator. D)uring the time of his connection with the penitentiary, Mr. Bingham instituted large improvements therein and later under
his management it was for the first and only time
self-supporting, a fact of which Mr. Bingham is
justly proud.
Miss Amelia Wells became the wife of Mr. Bingham October 19, 1843, the wedding being celebrated
at the bride's home in Oakland County. D)r. Wells,
the father of Mrs. Binglam was a native of Vermont and at an early day located at Geneseo,
Livingston County, N. Y., and came to Michigan


in 1836, being one of its pioneer citizens and physicians. He and his estimable wife slent their last
days in Howell, this State, with their son, Dr.
William S. Wells. There were born of the union
of Mr. Bi,lgham and his wife six children, namely:
Frances C, who (ied an infant; Henry S. of Detroit; Albert W., a resident of Washington, D. C.;
Florence, Mrs. E. A. Sumner, of Detroit; John C.
who died aged two years and three months, and
lMary W. The parents of our subject were natives
of Bennington, Vt., (the father named Calvin Bingham) who came West and after a residence of many
years d(ied in Marcellus, Onondaga County, N. Y.
The subject of this sketch and his estimable wife
are people highly respected in their community and
are carrying with tlem the best wishes of many
kind hearts who have gathered around them.
ElTERI BURR LOOMIS, JR. This young
)gentleman already occupies a prominent
position among the business men of Jackl    sonll, being a member of the banking firm
of '. B. Loomis & Co. The son of a man who has
been prominently connected with the financial interests of this city since 1843, he has inherited(
many of the traits of ciaracter and powers of mind
which have given his lprogenitor such influence,
and gives promile of making the name of Lcomis
still more widely known and honored.
A brief outline of the career of P. B. Loomis,
Sr., will not be amiss, as it furnishes a clew to tile
son's choice of a career. The senior Mr. Loomis
was born April 14, 1820, a few months before the
removal of his parents from Amsterdam, N. Y., to
Rochester, then a village of moderate pretensions.
His educational advantages were quite good, including excellent instruction in mathematics, natural science, Latin and French. At the age of
sixteen years lie began the dry-goods business but
soon abandoned it on account of his dislike to the
credit system. lie then accepted a position in a
Government surveying party, with which he went
as far Southwest as Little Rock, Ark. Being recalled to Rochester le again turned his attention to




816            PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


---- --— ~~~ —~~~~-I --- I~I~ —   ~ ^~ --- —   — ~   111- ~   ---------   ---           ---  ~~~ —~ —~ ---   --- 1-1- -----------  ---- --


mercantile pursuits, at the age of eighteen opening
a store, which he conducted for four years, in that
place. He afterwards removed to Jackson, Mich.,
where for a time he was engaged in the same
business.  Later he became the sole proprietor
of the Kennedy mill, several years later was one
of the banking firm of Loomis & Whitwell, which
subsequently became P. B. Loomis & Co.
When the citizens of Jackson determined to
to take steps toward the construction of the Ft.
Wayne Railroad, Mr. Loomis was made a member
of their committee, ere long becoming its President and carrying to a successful termination
the scheme which was placed in his hands. He
was a director in the Jackson, Lansing and Saginaw Railroad, and a member of the Finance Committee of the Grand River Valley Company. In
politics he was independent during his earlier life,
becoming a Republican on the organization of that
party, since which time he has been an influential
member of its ranks. Never an office seeker, he
has yet been the popular candidate on various occasions, and yielding to the plainly expressed will
of the community, has served in the City Council
several times, was Mayor a year and spent two
years in the State Legislature. lIe has also been a
member of the School Board and was at one time
Chief of the Fire Department. The private character of Mr. Loomis is irreproachable, and his
business affairs are conducted according to the
most honorable methods. It is pleasing to note
that they have been crowned with financial success.
He first married Miss Harriet Kennedy, who died
soon after their silver wedding, April 18, 1873.
Mr. Loomis subsequently married Miss Emma Gilbert.
The gentleman who is the subject of this biographical sketch was born in Jackson, December 9,
1858, being the second son of Peter B. and Harriet
Loomis. He entered the city schools, completing
the course of study therein, and after his graduation entering the State University at Ann Arbor,
from which he was graduated in 1880. Two years
after finishing his course of study there, he formed
a co-partnership with his father in the banking
business, to which since graduation he has devoted
his entire time. The auspices under which lie be

gan his business career were favorable, and his own
tact and good judgment are an added impetus to
the affairs of the institution.
In December, 1882, Mr. Loomis was united in
marriage with Miss Kate W., daughter of E. A.
and Fanna A. Webster. Her father was a prominent citizen of Jackson, whose career is outlined
on another page of this volume. Mr. and Mrs.
Loomis have no children, but find abundant interests to occupy their time and furnish use for their
talents. Mr. Loomis was elected Alderman from
the 7th Ward and was President of the Council in
1883.
/ WILLIAM      W. MOORE is distinguished as
being one of the finest mechanics in the
country. By industry and good business
management he llas accumulated a competence, and
has built up one of the most attractive and desirable homes in the city of Jackson, pleasantly located at No. 414 West Main Street. Our subject
was born October 24, 1824, in Seneca Falls, Seneca
County, N. Y. His father's name was Daniel
Moore, and it is thought he was plso a native of
New York, being the son of one of four brothers
who emigrated to this country from Scotland, his
father settling in New York, while the others located in Pennsylvania.
The father of our subject grew to man's estate
in New York, and in early manhood learned the
trade of a blacksmith. He bought a large farm one
mile from Seneca Falls, and while carrying on his
trade superintended its cultivation. He resided
tlere until 1836, when he decided to try life in the
Territory of Michigan. He built a large wagon,
and made the journey overland, bringing his family with him. He located in Ash Township, Monroe County, and bought three hundred and twenty
acres of timber land, and leased a tract near by on
which was a hewn-log house, and a few acres of the
land was cleared. From that time until his premature death, in 1840, he devoted his time to farming. The maiden name of his wife was Margaret
Walters, She was born in Pennsylvania of German






PORTRAIT AND BIOGKAPHICAL ALBUM.


817


ancestry, her father, John Walters, being a pioneer
of Mercer County, in that State. She resided in
Michigan some years after her husband's death, and
then went to New York, and died at the home of
her son Samuel at Elmira. Her body was brought
back to Michioan to lie by the side of her husband's,
in the cemetery in Ash Township. They were the
parents of six children, as follows: Joseph, Samuel,
George, Mary A., William W. and Lewis.
The subject of this sketch was in the twelfth
year of his age when his parents abandoned their
old home in New York, and sought a new one in
the wilds of Michigan, and he well remembers the
incidents of the journey, and of the pioneer life in
which he was reared. Toledo at that time was but
a little hamlet, and there being no bridge across
the Maumee River, they were obliged to ford the
stream, and before they arrived at their destination
they hIad to overcome other obstacles, and to travel
over roads almost impassable at times, and rough
at best. Deer, bears and wolves abounded in Monroe County, and the surrounding country was very
wild. Our subject attended the pioneer schools
tiat were taught in primitive log houses, with none
of the conveniences that make modern school
rooms so comfortable. As soon as large enough
he was required to learn the trade of a machinist,
he having inherited a natural mechanical talent,
which has made him one of the first men of his
calling. I-e stai(d a year in Flat Rock learning his
trade, and then we find him plying it at Ann Arbor.
After staying there a year he came to Jackson, and
in 1856 was employed by the State to make doors,
locks, etc., for the State prison, he being thus engaged four years. At the expiration of that time
he entered the service of tie Austin, Tomlinson &
Webster Manufacturing Company, as foreman. 1Ic
acted in that capacity until 1874, when he went to
Leavenworth, Kan., to put up the machinery for
the Kansas Wagon Factory, and he remained in
that city one year.
Returning to Jackson Mr. Moore resumed his
position as foreman, resigning it in 1884, to establish himself in business in Flat Rock. Wayne
County, as a wagon manufacturer. He managed
his factory there four years with good results, and
then sold out, and once more took tup his residence


I


Ij


in Jackson. In 1862 he had purchased property
in the forks between Wildwood Avenue and IMain
Street, and occupied the house that then stood at
No. 414 Main Street, where he and his amiable wife
enjoy all the comforts of life.
The marriage of Mr. Moore with Miss Mary
Elliott was solemnized June 15, 1852, and of their
pleasant wedded life two sons have been born, as
follows: M. Jay, born October 29, 1851, married
Miss Belle Gravit, and they have one child, a daughter, Edna; Willie H., born June 26, 1860, died
June 27, 1870. The wife of our subject was born
February 10, 1833, in Allegany County, N. Y.,
to Thomas and Huldah (Price) Elliott, natives of
Pennsylvania. Her father was born in Philadelphia, and was of English descent. He went to Allegany County, N. Y., to live during some period
of his life, and remained there until 1838, when he
came to Michigan and settled in Jackson County,
locating among the early settlers of Napoleon. He
lought a tract of wild land, improved a good farm,
and ended his days thereon. There were no railroads near, and Detroit was the principal market
and depot for supplies. Mrs. Moore's mother died
at her home in Napoleon, and now lies in her last
sleep by the side of her husband in the village
cemetery.
Mr. Moore is genial and warm-hearted, a man of
excellent principle, and of unexceptional habits,
his character being above reproach in every respect. He has always been an earnest and true
advocate of temperance, in early life identifying
himself with the Sons of Temperance, becoming
one of the most consistent members of the order.
HARLES A. DAVIS. Tile subject of this
notice is classed among the leading citizens
i' of Parma Township. His home surroundings on section 17, are indicative of the enterprise
and energy characteristic of the man and denoting
in a marked degree his perseverance and industry.
He is a native of this county and was born in Parma
Townslip), May 31, 1840. His immediate progen







818             PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


itors were Benjamin S. and Caroline (IIustis) Davis,
the latter of whom died in 1861.
Benjamin S. Davis emigrated to tlis county
early in the '30s and entered a tract of Government land about two miles south of the present
town of Parma which was then in its infancy.
After residing there a few years he traded the
lroperty for a farm of eighty acres on section 20,
Parma Township and settled in the woods where
with the help of his boys he constructed a good
homestead from his primitive surroundings. He
had learned shoemaking in his early manhood and
followed this considerably in connection with farming, the greater part of his life. HIe is a sound 
i)emocrat in politics, still living and making his
residence in the town of Albion, being now eighty
years of age. The wife and motler died in the
fall of 1861. Of the children born to them the
following survive: George R., a resident of Tompkins Township; Charles A., our subject; Mary A.,
Mrs. John Nicholson of Parma Township; and
1ornonda, of Albion. Benjamin Davis identified
himself with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has always remained a firm supplorter of
its principles. No man is held in higher respect
an(l he is one of the old( landmarks of the county
who has maintained his position throuIg many
toils and hardships and is occupying an holore(
place amolng the county's early pioneers.
The subject of this notice spent his early life in
the manner common to the sons of pioneer farmers,
being required to make himself useful at an early
age and acquired the labits of industry and economy which have been the secret of hii success. IHis
education was conducted in the common schools,
which hle attended mostly during tlle winter season,
after which lie entered Albion College, which lie
attended several terms. His time was thus spent
on the farm and in school until the outbreak of the
Civil War, when he was at young man of twenty
years. IIe was one of the first to proffer his services in defense of the Union, enlisting June 1, 1861,
in Company I, Sixth Michigan Infantry, but was
not mustered in until the 20th of August following.
In time lie became one of the tlirteen non-commissioned officers of the regiment which went to Ft.
Wayne, then to Detroit la(d surleqluently to a


school of instruction, and he was the only one of
the thirteen who was discharged from the regiment
at the close of the war.
The regiment of which Mr. Davis was a member
proceeded to Baltimore, Md., and was engaged
mostly in guard duty until the following spring.
They were then sent to Eastern Virginia to prepare
fcr the New Orleans Exposition under the command of Gen. Butler. Soon afterward they captured the forts below the city, this regiment being
the first which landed there. Next it was the lot
of Mr. Davis to be sent to Vicksburg to work on
the celebrated ditch after which he returned to
Baton Rouge, La.. and participated in the battle
there. At this place he was wounded in the left
side by a musket ball which he still carries and on
account of which he receives a pension of $20 per
month from the Government.
Mr. Davis was in every battle and skirmish in
which his regiment participated during the war and
went with the expedition to Western Louisiana, at
which time the gunboat, "Cotton," was destroyed.
Later he was wounded in Arkansas near the Mississippi River, by a shell from a rebel battery, this
striking him across the forehead. He experienced
the other vicissitudes of life in the army and at the
close of Ilie war was given an lioni)rable discharge,
August 20, 1865. He had been for some time
prior to this acting (Quartermaster of the regiment.
Hte had enlisted as a private and went up from
Corporal to Duty Sergeant, then to First Sergeant
and finally to a Flirst Lieutenant, with which rank
lie was mnustered out.
Upon leaving the army Mr. Davis returned to
his old haunts in this county of which lie has since
been a resident and engaged in farming pursuits.
For several years he worked his father's farm on
slares and finally purchased forty acres adjoining,
to which lie has added gradually until he is now
the owner of one hundred and forty acres. Iie
took unto himself a wife and helpmate, December
30, 1866, Miss Olive A. Shafer, a native of New
York State.   Mrs. Davis was born November
18, 1846.  Hcer parents are   natives of New
York, and are still living. This lady became
the mother of seven children and departed this
life at her homle in Parma Township, October






I






"Vf                  ".  , I    I   I::






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


821


6, 1888. She was ever the cheerful helpmate of
her husband and performed her full share in the
building up of the homestead and the accumulation
of their property. Two of their children died in
infancy. The survivors are Henry W., Linda L.,
Ruth R., Mary J. and Carrie O.
Mr. Davis votes with the Republican party, but
has kept himself aloof from the responsibilities of
office with the exception of serving on the School
Board of hlls district. He was once elected Justice
of the Peace but failed to qualify. His fellowcitizens recognizing his honesty and ability, have
frequently solicited Iim to accept public positions,
but he invariably declines. As an ex-soldier he belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and
among his most comforting recollections is the fact
that lie assisted in the preservation of the Union.
-,   APT. JAMES S. DELAND. It is at all times
(/ '  a pleasure to the biographer to record, for
the perusal of coming generations,the li ves of
those men whom a grateful Nation delights to honor,
and who have not only offered themselves willing sacrifices at the altar of freedom, and for the preservation of the Union, but have also developed their
own fortunes in perfect harmony with the growth
and development of the State. The DeLand family are prominent in the history of Jackson County,
where they were pioneer settlers and valued citi
zens. At the present day, no resident of his town
is more highly esteemed than the subject of this
sketch, and his upright life and successful career
are reflecting added lustre upon the honored name
lie wears.
The Captain was the fourth child in the family,
and was born in tlle city of Jackson, November 10,
1835. I-e spent the first twelve years of his life
in his native city, and then his fatlier plurchased a
farm two and one lalf miles north, to which the
family removed, and where they lived tlree years.
In 1850 they returned to Jackson, and James S.
entered the office of the Citizen, where lie learned
the "art preservative" under the oversight of his
brother, Charles V. The latter is represented else

i


=


--


where in this volume, together with a sketch of the
parental history, and is honored for his services
(luring the Civil War. Like all thle descendants of
this worthy family, lie was foremost in every engagement,:ind was to his heart's core a patriotic
citizen of the United States.
Our subject continued with his brother until
1860, when he sojourne(l for a year in Minnesota.
Returning to tile Wolverine State, he, in company
with M. V. Bentley, became part owner of the C(t.
izen in 1862, remaining with it until the fall of
1863. In the meantime lie had watched the progress of the Civil War, and there seeming little
prospect of its early close lie determined( to have a
han(d in tile presevation of tile Union. Selling out
his interest in the C/izejl, lie laild down the stick to
take up tile sword, enlisting as a private December
29,1863, in Company F, First Michigan Sharpshooters. lie was soon lpromoted to Corporal, later to
Sergeant, then to Sergeant-Major, and on the 25th
of June, 1864, was given tlie commission of First
Lieutenant of Companyl K. O(l the 20th of September following, lie was still further promoted to
the Captaincy of the company; in that capacity lie
did gallant service until the close of tile war, and
was brevetted a Major of the Unlite(d States Volunteers by the President.
Capt. DeLand took part in all the engagements
in Grant's campaign in which that noted regiment
participated, and was twice woundedl, first in front
of Petersburg, in the left armn, and on the 2d of
April, 1865, received a shot at tile capture of Petersburg, in the left shoulder, crippling him for life.
Soon after tile latter occurrence the war closed, and
receiving his honorable discharge, witti his regiment,Capt. DeLand returned to the peaceful pursuits
of civil life. lIe had faithfully and nobly served his
native country, and although lie did not escape unscathed from the fire of the enemy, yet his life was
spared when thousands fell dead by his side. As
one of the most valiant and courageous soldiers
who enlisted from Jackson County, his name will
be lovingly cherished long after he shall have
passed hence.
After the war lhad closed Capt. I)eLand located
in East Saginaw, andl emblarked in the grocery
trade, but li!ke iIlt, c\.sl,:1 ctri nc:!,( tle old calling






822


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


possessed a fascination which he was unable to resist, and returning to Jackson at the end of a year
he re-entered the Citizen office in the employ of
Hon. James O'Donnell, and was an attache of the
office for the following ten years.
In the meantime Capt. DeLand had been appointed Mail Agent between Jackson and Bay City,
and served in this capacity for about nineteen
years. In 1876, in company with John W. Fitzgerald, he started a campaign paper known as the
Saturday Evening Times, which they conducted
until December, that year. Subsequently Capt.
DeLand was variously occupied until the fall of
1880, when he traded his property in Jackson for
the farm which he now owns, and has since been
engaged in agricultural pursuits. He has one hundred and ninety acres of land, improved with substantial modern buildings, and all the other
appurtenances of the model country estate. It is
hardly necessary to say that in politics he is a sound
Republican. He has never sought office, preferring to give his time and attention to his business
interests and his family.
Capt. DeLand was first married in Niles, this
State, December 23, 1858, to Miss Alice McCann.
This lady was a native of Lodi, Washtenaw County,
and departed this life at her home in Jackson, November 25, 1862. She had become the mother of
one child, who died in infancy. The Captain contracted a second marriage, July 30, 1867, at Ypsilanti, with Miss Mary E. Parker. The present wife
of our subject was born in Farmington, Oakland
County, March 24, 1836, and is the daughter of
Jehial and Hannah (Daily) Parker, both of whom
were natives of Canandaigua, N. Y. They came to
Oakland County,this State, in their youth, and there
Mr. Parker died about 1855. Mrs. Parker, after the
death of her husband, removed to Ypsilanti, and
subsequently to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Edward Rockwell, in Jackson, where she spent her last
days, dying in 1885. Mrs. D(Land was the eldest
of the seven children born to her parents, four of
whom are living and located mostly in Michigan.
To the Captain and his estimable lady there have
been born three children —Parker R., Gertrude and
Jessie. Capt. DeLand stands high in Masonic circles, having attained to the Royal Arch and




I




Knights Templar degrees, and is a member of the
Council. He and his wife are widely and favorably known throughout the county, and number their friends among its most cultured and influential people. Mrs. DeLand is in all respects
the suitable partner of her husband, and as a
daughter of one of the first families, received the
careful training and thorough education which has
fitted her for her position as the wife of a leading
citizen.
A lithographic portrait of Capt. DeLand will be
found elsewhere in this work.
\ ICHARD TOWNLEY. In traveling about
this county, seeing its beautiful and highly
developed farm lands, its flourishing towns,
its facilities for travel and communication
and the evidences of advanced civilization which
meet the view on every hand, one can scarcely
realize the appearance which it bore to the pioneer
settlers and the constant struggle by which they
combated and conquered nature and adverse surroundings. Among the prosperous citizens of the
county, there yet remain some who realized that
which seems so dreamlike to the men of the present
day who have been reared amid more attractive
surroundings. Such an one is the gentleman above
named, who coming to this county in his boyhood,
labored with his father and brothers to develop the
land upon which they had located and assist in the
progress of civilization.
Nicholas Townley the father of our subject was
born on the banks of the Susquehanna River, in
Pennsylvania, in December, 1790, and with his par.
ents, Richard and Sallie (Lewis) Townley, removed
to New York. There his father died January 1,
1840, and his mother in 1824. Miss Hannah Ackley
who was born in Connecticut about 1795, accompanied her parents to the Empire State, where she
grew to womanhood, and in 1814, was united in
marriage with Nicholas Townley. This worthy
couple continued to make their home in New York
until after the birth of seven children, the husband
and father being occupied in farming, milling and




Cj'M.                   823


PORTRAI[T AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBI


P O R T A I T N D IO G A H


the harness business. In June, 1834, he came to
Michigan, and selecting land in Tompkins Township, this county, purchased two hundred and forty
acres on sections 19 and 30. IHe soon returned to
his family, but in September of the same year, accompanied by his son Edward, came back to his
new estate, their journey being made through Ohio
with a team of horses and a wagon.
The father and son built a log house, 30x36 feet,
divided into three rooms, and after its completion
the son was left in charge while the father returned
East. Putting both harnesses on one horse and a
saddle on the other he rode eastward until detained
by snow in Canada. lie then made a " jumper "a sled with runners and shafts made of two polesand in this rode to Rochester, N. Y., where the
snow disappeared and lie again mounted his horse,
finishing his journey as lie had begun it. lie reached
his family on February 5, 1835, and on April 8,
again started westward with the same team and another wagon, bringing his son Richard. The journey was made via the Pennsylvania tand Ohio, and
on the last day of April the couple arrived on tie
homestead. In June following the wife and mother
with the other members of the family circle, in
charge of the son Anson, made their journey via
the canal to Buffalo, thence by lake to Detroit.
There the party was met with teams and brought
to the new home which was the first house built in
the township by an actual settler. In June, 1836,
a daughter, Ellen L., was born, who was the second
white child born in the township.
At that time marketing was done at Ann Arbor
where they paid $16 per barrel for salt and $30
per barrel for pork. Mr. Townley having no means
beyond what had been used in procuring his land
and settling his family upon it, made it necessary
for the entire household to labor industriously, and
the money with which they purchased provisions
was made by breaking prairie, or what was then
called oak openings, for other settlers. That work
was chiefly done in Springport Township and near
Onondaga, Ingham County, and tor it they received
$3 per acre. The family experienced all the privations incident to pioneer life, but were rewarded by
added comforts as years passed and by the hearty
respect of those amid whom them labored. The fa

ther died April 17, 1859, at the age of sixty-nine
years, and the mother survived until March, 1870.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Townley were mrembers of the Presbyterian Church and their dying
hours were cheered by the blessed hope of future
happiness.  Mr. Townley had been an earnest
worker in the church and had held the offices of
Deacon, Elder and Trustee. He was the first Supervisor of Tompkins Township. and also held the
office of County Commissioner three years. He was
appointed by the Government as a Commissioner
on the United States road known as the old Clinton
Road.
Richard Townley, whose name introduces this
sketch, was born in Ithica, Tompkins County, N.Y.,
September 26, 1821, being the third son and fourth
child of his parents. The surroundings of his boyhood and youth and his manner of life are shown in
the above family history. In Concord Township,this
county, November 10, 1843, he was united in marriage with Miss Louisa, daughter of Samuel and
Elizabeth (Fowler) VanFossen, a native of Livingston County, N. Y., with whom he lived happily
until August 5, 1875, when she departed this life.
She was a member of the Presbyterian Church. The
union was blessed by the birth of six childrenVictor V., Marcia I. (deceased), Jeanette E., William I., Montgomery C., and Bertha L.
Mr. Townley contracted a second matrimonial
alliance on February 27, 1877. His bride was Miss
Jane M. Perrine. She was born in Seneca County,
N. Y., and came to this State with her parents,
Daniel T. and Pholbe (Iowell) Perrine, in 1853.
Here the father died February 2, 1885; the mother
is still living on the homestead in Rives Township.
Mrs. Jane Townley has borne her husband one child,
Grace P.
rhe estate of Richard Townley comprises four
hundred acres of fine land on which lie has erected
a conmmodious and substantial frame house, a large
barn and made other good improvements. The estate
is judiciously managed and the household economy
is in the hands of a woman competest to make home
what it should be, a place of comfort and happiness.
Mr.' Townley was originally a Whig, later a Republicans but is now independent in politics. He
was elected Supervisor of T'illipis Township in








824


PORTR~AIT AND BIZOGRAPHICAAL ALBUM.


82.. P,            I, A,  N - D BIO G RAPHICA ALBUM.. —. 


the spring of 1867 and served eleven consecutive
terms. In 1.878 he was elected County Treasurer,
served two years, and was again elected in 1882,
and again served that length of time. In the fall
of 1871 he became President of the Farmers Mutual
Fire Insurance Company which position he resigned
in 1880, but being again elected in 1882, is yet
holding the office. lie belongs to the Patrons of
Industry and he and his wife are members of the
Presbyterian Church.
s b ENJAMIN F. t)ARLING is distinguished
as being one the oldest native-born citizens
of Jackson now residing within its limits,
k    his present fine residence being situated at
No. 1238, Ganson Street, near his birthplace. He
has been an important factor in promoting the
growth of Southern Michigan, as well as having
built about one hundred houses at Bay View,
Northern Michigan. IIe was the pioneer, having
built the first house on the camp ground at Bay
View, as one of the leading contractors and
builders in this part of the State. He is an hon.
ored veteran of the late war, in which he won a
record of which he and his may well be proud.
Enlisting in the prime and glory of a vigorous
manhood, he soon showed by his bravery, coolness
in the heat of battle, self-reliance and efficiency,
that lie had in him the making of a true, patriotic
soldier, whose higliest interests were those of his
country, and the fame of his regiment, the Eighth
Micligan, was due in no small degree to his gallant conduct, which gained him  promotion after
promotion till lie attained the rank of First Lieutenant.
The blood of a worthy New England ancestry
courses through the veins of our subject. His paternal forefathers were of the good old Scotch
stock that settled in the North of Ireland, and finally two brothers of the family, from one of whom
our subject is descended, emigrated to this country
in Colonial times and settled in Massachusetts,
wheere they followe(l agriculture. Joseph Darling,
the next in line of descent, the grandfather of our


subject, was born, reared and married in Massachusetts, and subsequently removed with his family to New York State in 1804, and was one of
the first settlers of the town of Middlesex. He developed a good farm from the wilderness, and after
living there about forty years, came to Jackson
County, having entered land from  the Government. which is now included within the limits of
the city of Jackson, and upon which he resided
until his death. IIe was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He and his wife, Huldah, repose
side by side in the East Maine Cemetery. Mrs.
Huldah Darling was for many years a successful
practicing physician in the county.
His son Pascal, the father of our subject, was
born in Massachusetts, but was reared in New
York. Hle was a contractor, and in early manhood
took a contract with his brother, Columbus, to
construct a part of the Erie Canal, extending eastward from Orangeport. At that time he boarded
at the hotel kept by Col. Maynard, a man wellknown in those parts, and he eventually married
the Colonel's daughter, Nabby. He resided in
New York until 1834, and then, imbued with the
pioneer spiiit that had animated his ancestry, he
set out on the then long and tedious journey to
the almost unknown wilds of the Territory of
Michigan, performing the trip with an ox-team,
and accompanied by his wife and five children,
taking a part of their household goods with them.
They at last arrived at the present site of Jackson,
which they found to consist of a few log houses,
the surrounding country being in a wild, scarcely
settled condition, most of the land being for sale
at $1.25 an acre. The father entered eighty acres
of land now lying between East Avenue and the
State land, bounded on the south by Cannon
Street. Mr. Darling erected a log house on his
land, the same in which his son, Benjamin, of
whom we write, was born, and then, there being
no railways in Michigan at the time, he engaged in
teaming with an ox-team  between Jackson and
Detroit, which was then the nearest depot for
supplies, and from there he brought all the flour
used in Jackson. Ile was thus engaged for two
years, but in 1836, with his brother, Columbus, resumed his former calling as a contractor, assisting






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.             825
<~~~~...


in building the State roads extending from lJackson to Eaton Rapids. Later, he went to the latter
town and took a contirat to build a dam across
the Grand River, and also to erect mills in tile
same place. He was actively engaged in his business there until death cut short his useful and lionorable career in January, 1845. He was the father
of eleven children, three of whom are now living,
as follows: Christopher C., who resides in Jackson; Ann J., wife of William tI. Monroe, a resident of Jackson; and our subject. Their mother
married a second time and resided near Jackson
until her death, in the month of March, 1883.
Her father, Col. Maynard, was born in Massachusetts, of an old English family, he being a descendant of one of two brothers who came to
America in early Colonial times. He was an officer
in the War of 1812, and commanded his regiment
at the battle of Black Rock. -Ie settled in Orangeport about 1810, and built an hotel there, which he
managed some years, besides overseeing the improvement and cultivation of his farm. In 1840
le sold his possessions there and removed to
Chautauqua County, and there bought a farm and
spent the remainder of his life in that part of New
York.
Benjamin Darling, the subject of this brief biography, was born in this city, on East Ganson Street,
July 22, 1836, being the second male child born in
the place. He was three years old when the family
removed to Eaton Rapids, and he was fourteen when
lie returned to Jackson, and completed his education
in the city schools.  At the age of fifteen the
stout, manly lad, self-reliant beyond Jis years, began to learn the trade of a carpenter, thus early
laying the foundations of his present business,
and before lie had attained to his majority he had
thoroughly mastered every detail of his calling
and had established himself as a contractor. lie
was so engaged in Jackson until 1858, and then
took up his residence in Mason, the county seat
of Ingham  County, and continued in the same
business there till the breaking out of the war.
Settling up his affairs as soon as possible, in June,
1861, he hastened to enroll his name among those
of the brave defenders of our country who went
forth to Southern battle-fields from the State of


Michigan. IIe was mustered il as a private in
Company K, Eighthl Mlichigan Infantry, but by
conspicuolus merit he was promoted from the ranks
through the various grades of officers till the insignia of a First Lieutenant glistened on his shoulder
straps, and in a year and a half after entering the
army he was in command of his company. Ile bore
a conspicuous part in eighteen hard-fought battles
and in many minor engagements. Among the
most important battles we may mention: Wil.
mington Island, Ft. Pulaski, James Island, Second
Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Vicksburg,
Black River, Jackson (Miss.), Bull's Gap, Louden,
Campbell's Station, siege of Knoxville, Strawberry
Plains and tile battles of the Wilderness. In June,
1864, our gallant Lieutenant was obliged to resign
his commission on account of ill health, the hardships and privations of a life on the battle-field for
three years impairing even his naturally strong
constitution. He returned to Mason, and as soon
as he was sutficiently recuperated to do so, he resumed his businesss in that city.  In 1866 he returned to Jackson, and was actively engaged in
business here until 1877, when lie went to Bay
View, a summer resort on Lake Michigan, and
was engaged as a contractor and builder there and
in Petoskey and Boise Blanc, until 1888, spending
llis winters in Jackson, where his family made
their home. He returns in the spring of 1890 to
complete his buildings in Boise Blanc. By his
energy  and consummate lbusiness tact he has
amassed a handsome competence, and has one of
the most substantial an(l attractive homes in the
part of the city in which lie resides. To the lady
who presides over it so gracefully, le was united
in marriage, January 23, 1859. Two children have
been born to them, of whom Katie is the only one
now living. Their daughter, Lizzie, wlo was born
April 14, 1865, died at the age of four years. Mrs.
l)arling, whose maiden name wa- Sarah C. Rhodes.
was born in Ogdensburg, N. Y., a daughter of
Philip and Arsula Rhodes.
As most of his busy and honorable life has been
passed in this city of his birth, our subject is
widely and favorably known, andl one does not
need to dwell upon his merits as a man of verac ity,
unostentatious charity, liberal spirit and true piety,








826            PORTRAIT AND


)BIOGRAPHAtrHICAL ~ALBUM.M.-  -  -- --


l ----. =    _   __    _  = = --- —    -         - - -- -. - -. —.    ----


=


and whose citizenship to-day, as in years past, is
an honor to the community. He and his estimable wife are devoted members of the Free-Will
Baptist Church, and the cause of religion and
morality finds in them  warm  supporters. Mr.
Darling is prominently identified with the Union
Veterans, and in politics he is a stanch Republican.
c/: YRUS SMITH, M. I., of Jackson, is one of
l(  ' ( the most skillful and experienced of the
leading physicians of the county, and enjoys
a large practice; educated in the schools of Michigan, he does credit to the State, and is an honor to
his profession. A native of New York, he was born
in the village of Schoharie, Schoharie County, April
30, 1836. His father, Cyrus Fenton Smith, was a
native of Tolland County, Conn., a son of one Calvin Smith. The grandfather of our subject was
reared to agriculture in his native State, Connecticut, and followed farming there until 1841, when he
came to Michigan, and located in Macomb County,
where he improved a farm, which remained his
home until death. Thle maiden name of his first
wife, grandmother of our subject, was Philena Fenton, and she was a life-long resident of Connecticut. She was a daughter of Calvin and Philena
Fenton. The father of our subject removed from
his native State to New York, and for a time kept
an hotel in Carlisle, and later in Sharon, going
from the latter place to Niagara Falls, where lie
formed a partnership with Hollis White, and managed the Eagle Hotel until 1848. In that year he
came to Jackson, and after remaining here a short
time, went to Niles, and ran an hotel there until
1852. Returning to Jackson, he kept an hotel in
this city until his death in 1855. The maiden name
of his wife was Martha Pelton. She was born in
Utica, N. Y., and died at Niagara Falls in 1847.
Dr. Smith was in his thirteenth year when he
came to Michigan with his father, and his education was completed in this State, he being given
the best educational advantages it afforded. He
was at one time a student in the University at
White Pigeon, and later attended a select school in


I


I


- -l-11-1   -  -- ----  I   I-         -  - - - - - - -


Niles, and he was thus well-grounded for his chosen
profession, and in 1853 he entered the lMedical Department of the State University at Ann Arbor,
where he pursued a thorough course of medicine,
and was graduated in 1857, having attained a good
rank in his class for scholarship. In May of the
year 1855, he established himself in Muskegon to
begin the practice of medicine, before his graduation. In October of that year he returned to Jackson on account of his father's death, and there
being a fine opening afforded for him here, he remained here to exercise his profession with Dr. Edward Lewis, and with the exception of his service
in the army, he has been here continuously ever
since.
Upon the breaking out of the rebellion, the doctor was among the first to respond to his country's
call, and patriotically offered his services as surgeon, of which the authorities gladly availed themselves, and ihe was appointed assistant surgeon of
the First Michigan Infantry, which was enlisted for
three months. At the expiration of the term of
enlistment in August, lie was discharged with his
regiment. But September 9 of that year found him
again in the service, as on that date he was appointed
assistant surgeon of the Ninth Michigan regiment.
Skilled physicians, with tact and cool nerve were
in great demand, and he was soon promoted to be
surgeon of the Twenty-sixth Michigan, but he later
returned to the Ninth. His term of service expired
October 30, 1864. He was always with the regiments at the front, ever at his post, and was present at many important engagements. The first
engagement he witnessed, was the first battle of
Bull Run.   He was afterward at Murfreesboro,
where six companies of his regiment were captured
by Gen. Forrest's troops, and our subject was one
of the captives. To the credit of Gen. Forrest, his
soldiers and the citizens of Murfreesbolo, be it said
the prisoners were treated kindly, the citizens even
taking the wounded to their homes, and caring for
them. After ten days of captivity, the Doctor was
allowed to depart, and he joined that portion of
the regiment that had not been in the battle, but
were stationed at Tullahoma, thence going to Bowling Green, and remaining there until fall. The
regiment then returned to Nashville, where its re





PO RTRAIT AND BI OGRAPHIC AL ~ALBUM..


827


O      R       AND   BIOGRAPHI — ---  CAL  ALBUM-.                           827 -- - - - --  -- - -  -, — - -  --- - -  -"-  _.- -- -- -.... _., _ __..................................... _......................._ _ v _ _ _. l_ _~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


maining members, having been exchanged, joined
them. The regiment was then assigned to Gen.
Thomas' headquarters, and subsequently took part
in the battle of Stone River, Chickamauga, and in
the one at Mission Ridge, and on the 4th of May,
1864, started with Sherman on his Atlanta campaign, and took part in the many battles between
Chattanooga and Atlanta, and in the siege and
capture of the latter city.
After his experience of life on Southern battlefields, the Doctor returned to this city, and has been
in practice here continuously since, acquiring not
only an extensive practice, but a high reputation
for medical knowledge and skill. A fine sense of
honor and a character unblemished, have placed
the Doctor high in the social scale, and during the
many years that he has pursued his calling in this
city and the surrounding country,he has won many
warm friends both in his professional and in his social life. He is a valued member of tie Grand
Army of the Republic, a charter member of the Ed
Pomeroy Post, No. 40; and he is identified with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, as a member of Jackson Lodge, No. 4.
In 1864 an important event occurred in the life
of Dr. Smith, in his marriage with Miss Sarah
Frances Camp, who is to him a devoted wife, and
has materially contributed to his success in life as
only such a woman can, making his home pleasant
and attractive, and dispensing its generous hospitality with free grace.
NDREW WINCHES, Postmaster and No( tary Public at Spring Arbor, is likewise a
dealer in general merchandise, and as a man
and a citizen, ha3 hosts of friends in this
part of the county. lie served four years in the
Union Army during the late Civil War and has
made for himself a good record among his fellowmen. He was born near the town of Elst, in the
Kingdom of Holland, December 9, 1839, and came
to America with his parents when a lad of six
years, sailing from Amsterdam on the "Isabella,"
which, sixty-four days afterward anchored them


safely in New York harbor. Thence they went to
Black River, Ottawa County, Micl., and two years
later removed to Kalamazoo, this State.
In the above-named city young Winches enjoyed the advantages of the common-school until
eleven years of age, when he went to live with Dr.
Babcock, at Galesburg, Mich., where he attended
school until sixteen years old. Subsequently he
worked on a farm until 1859, then went to Chillicothe, Peoria County, Ill., and in that vicinity
worked on a farm one summer. His next move
was to go down the Fattier of Waters to Mississippi
where he became overseer on a large plantation at
$75 per month and remained until the fall of 1861.
It will not be surprising to learn that about this
time that region had become too warm for a Union
man and so Mr. Winches sought the safer ground
of Illinois, and in December following, enlisted in
Company M, Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, which was
familiarly known as the Bob Ingersoll Regiment.
Being mustered in at Peoria he went South with
his comrades and took part in some of the most
important battles of the war, namely: Pittsburg
Landing, Corinth, Iuka, the siege of Vicksburg,
Memphis, Gallatin, Jackson, Tenn., Champion
Hills and many other exciting engagements. He
was also on several extensive raids, was subjected
to many hardships and privations and experienced
many hairbreadth escapes. No soldier of the army
was more faithful or courageous and perhaps none
more fortunate, as he escaped capture and wounds
after serving nearly four years, and received his
honorable discharge at Camp Butler as an Orderly
Sergeant, September 30, 1865.
That same fall Mr. Winches returned to the vicinity of Galesburg, Mich., and purchased eighty
acres of land but spent the winter at New Orleans,
La., handling Government horses and mules. In
the spring he returned and began cultivating and
improving his farm, being thus occupied five years.
Then renting it, he established an upholstering and
furniture business in Battle Creek, this State, where
he carried on a successful business until selling out.
He then purchased one hundred and twenty-seven
acres of land near Battle Creek and was engaged in
its cultivation until 1883. Selling out once more
we next find him in Spring Arbor, purchasing the






828


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.






stock of goods and the business con:lucted by
George Rogers n'tld he is now running a large store,
besides (lealing in agricultural implements. He is
the owner of considerable property at Spring Arbor
and is looked upon as one of its most reliable citizens.
Mr. Winches was married in Augusta, Mich., in
1867, to Miss Sarah M. Dean. Mrs. Winches was
born June 13, 1848, in Kalamazoo County, this
State. and is a daugllter of Josiah A. Dean, a native of Genesee County, N. Y., and who was born
in 1818. When a lad of eleven years Mr. Dean
came with his mnother and family to Michigan as
early as 1829, and located in Climax, Kalamazoo
County, they being the first settlers in that region.
They took up a tract of Government land, and Jo.
siah remained with his mother until reaching manhood. Ie thenl engaged in buying and selling lands
and in tile real estate and live-stock business. lie
is a great lover of the equine race and makes a
specialty of full blooded and standard -bred horses,
in which he has gained an enviable reputation. He
is one of the substantial men of Climax, and in
politics a sound Republican.
Mrs. Winches' mother bore tlle maiden name of
Eveline A. Sullivan. She was born in New York
State in 1821, and was a daughter of Jesse Sullivan,
a New Englander and a matson by trade. HIe served
in the War of 1812, and his father was a soldier
in the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Eveline Dean
died during the residence of the family in Waterford, Ind., in 1865. She was a lady highly respected
and a consistent member of tile Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Dean was her second husband,
she having been first married to a Mr. F. Newman.
Of the first union there were born two children;
Franklin M., October 15, 1837. -le was graduated
at Ann Arbor, was principal of the High school of
Cayuga, Canada West, for several years and (lied
in 1882 at Three Rivers, Mich.; and Lucy A., born
March 3, 1841, who now is a resident of Battle
Creek, and the wife of John Pittman. Mrs. Winches
was the only child of her mother's second marriage.
She spent her early years in Augusta, and then removing to Waterford, Ind., where her mother died
after which she came back to Michigan and lived
at Augusta with hler father. She enjoyed excellent


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advantages, acquiring a good education, and remained with her father until her marriage.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Winches, the eldest of whom, a daughter, Grace,
was graduated from Spring Arbor Seminary in
1888, and later attended the Normal school at
Ypsilanti; some of the time since she has been engaged in teaching. Belle is a student of Spring
Arbor Seminary and a member of the class of
1890. Tle other two,Homer A. and Myrtle M., aged
respectively six and four years, are at home. Mr.
Winches, politically, is a sound Republican and one
of the Trustees of the Spring Arbor Seminary. He
is a member of the Free Methodist Church and has
been Township Treasurer one year.
The father of our subject is Jacob Winches,
likewise a native of Ilolland, and born near the
town of Ardenham, May 12, 1805. The grandfa.
ther, also named Jacob, was born in the abovenamed town where lie spent his entire life. Tle
son, Jacob was a miller by trade and served in the
Regular Army four years during the Belgian War,
receiving a medal of honor from King William for
his bravery as a soldier. Later he engaged in tobacco-raising on a small farm in his native place.
In 1846 lie emigrated to America and located in
IIolland City, Ottawa County, N. Y., where lie
bouglht eighty acres of Government land.   He
cleared this fron  the timber, but the family was
visited with sickness and in 1848 he sold out and
coming to Michigan settled in Kalamazoo and engaged in milling, operating the Walbridge mills
for several years. In 1852 lie removed to Gulesburg, Mich., where he purcllased a farm and resides there still. Tie is a member of the Congregational Church.
The mother of our subject was Henrietta Rice,
likewise a native of Iolland and born in the town
of Duesburg. She accompanied her family to
America and died at Galesburg, Mici., in 1852.
The household circle included nine children, the
eldest of whom, a son, John, went to Texas and is
engaged in the stock business near Brazoria City;
Andrew, our subject, was the second born; Martinius is a general merchant in Oregon; Hannah,
(Mrs. Billington) is a resident of Scotts; Aderica,
(Mrs. Edmonds), lives near Rochester, N. Y. The










PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


829


rest of the children are deceased. John Winches
during the Civil War served three years in the
Second Colorado Cavalry, after which lie went to
Mexico and joined the Mexican Army during the
attempted establishment of an Empire and was promoted to the rank of a Lieutenant. Ie was a
witness of many of the thrilling scenes of that
period and was present at the execution of the IEnperor Maximilian. He is now at Brazoria City.
U ULBERIT  IHALST'1l). Among the snug
homesteads of Spring Arbor Township,that
17'   which belongs to Mr. Ilalsted is worthy of
special mention. It comprises eighty acres
of choice land on section 35., while Mr. Halsted has
fifty acres on section 5, Iianover Township, adjoining. The hand of thrift and industry is apparent
in all its appointments. The cultured tastes of the
proprietor and his estimable wife are amply indidated within and without the dwelling, while their
hospitality is proverbial.
A native of Wilson Township, Niagara County,
N. Y., Mr. Halsted was born September 24, 1828,
and there livAed until eigrlt years old. Iis mother
was a weaver,and by lher industrious labors added
to tlie family income. Slie understood the business
thorolughly and turned out beautiful work of tlle
finest thread, which her son Hulburt assisted her in
selling.  In the fall of 1836 tile family, accompanied )by the maternal grandfathler, came to this
county, this being tlie second trip lither made by
tlhe grandfather. Settling in Liberty Township,
Grandfather Hess took up a tract of land and HIlblert lived with him one year, and at the second
marriage of his mother he returned to her and icmained with her thereafter until sixteen years old.
Young IHalsted now struck out for himself
equipped with a limited education and no capital.
IIe worked on a farm at $10 pIer month and was
occupied in different places for l)rolbably ten years.
Prior to this his uncle, Rodolphu I-ltss, htad served
in the Mexican War and died in tlat far off country.
His father received a land warrant which he gave
to his youngest son, Heman Hess, who, however,


did not locate his land and our sulbject at the age
of twenty purchased it for the sum of $175. IHe
paid $100 and;ave his note for the balance. Then
going into Eaton County, he secured one hundred
and sixty acres of wild land on section 5, in Ualmo
Township,to which he traveled on foot. Mr. Halsted
was obliged to go to Iona for his papers, a journey
which he also made on foot when the houses on the
way were fourteen miles apart. This business accomplished, he returned to Liberty Township where
lle remained a year, and then sold eighty acres of
his land there to lis uncle for $170. The next
year he traded eighty acres to anotiher uncle and
gave $400 to boot. He rented to other parties the
log house upon his new purchase and worked out
by the month, and this, together with some fortunate horse trades which lie made, enabled him to
pay off the mortgage.
At the age of twenty-six Mr. Halsted began
working his land and boarded with a neighbor for
three years. He labored to such good1 advantage
that at the expiration of this time lie sold it for
$1400. Then in 1856 lie drove a team to Mercer
County, I11., and for two seasons worked on a farm
by the month. He returned in the fall of 1858
and purchased one hundred acres of land in Summit Township, upon which lie located and commenced its improvementt. He had paid for it $12
and at the end of three years sold it for $20 an acre.
Having now laid the foundation for a home and
a competence, Mr. Halsted was married February
16, 1862, to Mrs. Jeanette (Lee) F'cMicllaels, the
wedding taking place in Horton, and the Rev. Mr.
Chapin offciatting. Tis lady was the daughter
of Daniel 0. Lee, who was born in Roxbury, N. Y.,
October 27, 1800, and died October 16, 1849. The
maternal grandfather was a farmer in Delaware
Countyv N. Y., whence lie removed to Royalton,
and died at the advanced age of eighty-five years.
Ile served as a soldier in the War of 1812.
Daniel O. Lee also followed farming in Roxtury
and Royalton, but in in 1846 emigrated to Michigan
and secured a tract of land in Summit Township.
this county, where he followed farming successfully
until his death. His wife, who bore the maiden
name of Sally Haner, was born in Greene County,
N. Y., September 6, 1801. She spent her last days






830


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


with Mr. Halsted and died January 21, 1868, from
injuries received by a runaway team, she being
thrown from the buggy and suffering a broken limb.
She lived about three months after the accident.
She was a lady of many estimable qualities and a
consistent member of the Christian Church, as was
also her husband.
To the parents of Mrs. Halsted there was born a
family of eleven children: Abram is living in Summit Township, this county, Daniel H. is a resident
of Oregon; John H. died on the plains while going
to California; Maria died in Michigan; Antoinette,
Mrs. Perry, is a resident of Jackson; Elias died
young; Jeanette, Mrs. Halsted, was the next in
order of birth; Franklin is in Ohio; larriet, Mrs.
Austin, is a resident of Gratiot County; Isaac and
Ira are deceased. The wife of our subject was born
in Royalton, Niagara County, N. Y., November 15,
1834, and coming with her parents to Michigan at
an early age was reared in Summit 'Lownship.
There she was first married May 15, 1850, to Allen
McMichael who died in 1860. Of this union there
were born two children: Sylvester, October 15,
1851, who died May 18. 1875: and Eliza M.. at
present living in Dowagiac. The latter was born
in 1852 and became the wife of William Vrooman,
a prominent hardware merchant. Thly have two
children-Bert and Bessie.
In 1863 Mr. Halsted purchased his present farm,
which is finely located one mile from Horton and
is under a high state of cultivation with all modern
improvements, ~ncluding a tasteful residence, three
barns, windmill and tanks, a goodly sul)ply of
machinery and live stock. Mr. HIalsted keeps good
grades of cattle and swine, feeding to them a large
portion of the products of the farm. He is the father of one child, a son, Charles N., who completed
his studies in Coleman Business College at Newark,
and is now a night guard in the State Prison at
Jackson. Mr. IHalsted votes the straight Republican ticket, but Mrs. Halsted, who keeps herself
well posted upon political affairs, sides with the
Democratic party. She is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church at IHorton, which they both attend and give to it a liberal support. Both are
strong temperance advocates.
The father of our subject was David W. Halsted,


a native of Niagara County, N. Y., and born in
1808. The paternal grandfather, Benjamin Halsted,
was one of the early settlers of Niagara County
and was married in 1800. His wife, Anna, was born
June 14, 1774, and they, in 1809, settled on Eighteen Mile Creek where the town of Olcott now
stands. The nearest store at that time was at Niagara, Canada, where they obtained their provisions
until after the outbreak of the War of 1812. Then
they went to Rochester by boat, and in order to
have their milling (lone hired a team to draw it to
and from the boat. In those days they lived on mush
and Johnny cake, for which the corn was pounded
with a stone in a hollow made in a stump, until the
erection of the Van Horn Mill on the creek. While
grandfather Halsted was in the army during the War
of 1812, his wife with her children sought refuge in
the woods after their house was burned down by
the British soldiers.
Finally,when quite well advanced in life, Grandfather Halsted came to Michigan and purchased a
tract of Government land near the present site of
Ypsilanti. There he spent his last days and died
in the faith of the Baptist Church to which his wife
also belonged. She had joined this church about
1820. She survived her husband a number of years
and spent her last days at the old homestead, dying
March 19, 1876, at the advanced age of ninety-one
years. She was a woman of more than ordinary
intelligence, an extensive reader, and kept herself
thoroughly posted upon the leading events of the
day. There have been born to her and her husband, eleven children.
David W. Halsted was reared to farming pursuits, and at an early age was for a time a member
of the State Militia. He died in 1831, when only
twenty-three years old. Tie Halsted family is of
Holland ancestry. The mother of our subject, who
bore the maiden name of Maria Hess, was born in
Niagara County, N. Y., and was the daughter of
John IHess, a native of Germany, who was brought
by his parents to America when five years old. They
settled in Niagara County, N. Y., where his father
died when about one hundred years old. The
latter was a man of fine physique, large and wellbuilt and followed the occupation of a farmer.
Grandfather Hess became well-to-do in New






PO RTRA IT AN D BIOGGRAPHIHCAL ALBUM.P11


831


PORRAI AN  IGAHCLABM        3


York State, but sold all his property in 1835, and
coming to Michigan Territory settled on a tract of
land in Liberty Township.  Here lie also prospered
and finally retiring from active labor spent his last
years with lis daughter, dying at the advanced age
of eighty-six years. lie likewise was a Baptist in
religious belief. The mother in due time after becoming a widow was married to Samuel 0. Clark,
a wealthy farmer of Somerset Township, Hillsdale
County, who was also deceased.  Mrs. Clark is now
living witll her daughter, near Lansing, and has
attained the ripe old age of eighty years; slhe likewise belongs to the Baptist Church.
The mother of outr subject by her first marriage
had two children onlyv — ulbert and lHannah, Mrs.
Lanphere, who is now deceased. Of the second
martrage nine children were born, five of whom
lived to mature years; Henry is a resident of Elkhart, Ind.; James lives near Lansing, this State;
Lorindal died in Capac, Mich.; Josiah lives in Jackson; Lucinda, Mrs. Hamilton, resides near Lansing.
Henry, tle eldest son, served as a drummer and
fifer in a Michigan regiment during the late war
and before its close was placed in charge of a hospital ward in South Carolina. He served his full
term and lived to return home without being seriously injured by the hardships and privations of a
soldier's life.
-   -r-7  0-Z-;' _,:,, ~ -,   ARRY A. LADD.       Although yet a young
0   man, this gentleman is shrewd and industrious, an( makes a success of his chosen.   calling, that of a farmer and stock-raiser.
He is the owner of four hundred and eighty acres
of land in Norvell Township, and operates six hun(lred and twenty acres, his homestead, which is located on section 21, being well supplied with farm
buildings, and finely stocked. He has some very
fine high grade and registered animals of various
breeds, and raises quite a number of first-class animals.
The family of which Mr. Ladd is a descendant
in the paternal line, is of the old New England
stock, well-known for their good character ai-d


note(l for their bolilv strength andl long lives. His
grandfather, John Ladd, a native of Windham
County, Conn., removed witl his wife to Oswego,
N. Y., when their son George, wlo was born in
Win dham County,Conn.,February 21, 18! 4,was but
a small child. A few years later they changed their
residence to Oneida County, where they died full
of years, and highly respected. George Ladd grew
to manhood on his father's farm in the county last
mentioned, wherein he became of age, and was
married in 1845 to Lucretia Burleigh. The bride
was born in that county in 1820, to Luke and Lucretia Burleigh, natives of New Hampshire, and of
old an(d well-known New England families. Mr.
Burleigh was twice married, losing his first wife in
New Hampshire, and mnarrying the second time in
New York, where he continued to reside, engaged in
farming. lie and his wife, Lucretia, were prominent members of the community in which they resided.
Tile wife of George Ladd was well reared and
well educated, becoming a teacher in the public
sclools, and carrying on pedagogical labors several
years both before and after her marriage. Althoughl
almost three-score and ten years old, having been
born April 3, 1820, slie is one of the smart women
of this county, where she makes her home with her
children. George Ladd died at his home in Norvell Townshil, May 23, 1887, leaving a large property which had been accumulated by his successful
labors as a farmer and stock-raiser. I-e first came
to Michigan when the State was new, and made
several trips after horses, which he took East
overland, driving and leading them, and walking,
all the way back to New York. There he would
sell the animals at a profit, in this way making
money with which, in 1846, ie purchased a large
tract of land in Norvell Trowlship, which he afterward operated and made his home. He was remarkable for his strength of body and mind, and
for the abounding energy of his nature.
The gentleman with whose name we introduce
this sketch, was born on his father's homestead on
section 28, Norvell Township, January 20, 1859.
[ie grew to manhood with good advantages, receiving his early instruction in the district schools of
the county, and continuing his studies at Ypsilanti.






832


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


IHe was married in his own township to Miss Clara
M. Fielding, who was born in White Oak Township, Ingham County, July 27, 1864. Her parents,
Joseph G. and Eunice (Lathrop) Fielding, are natives of this State, in which they grew to maturity,
beginning their married life on a farm in Ingham
County. After some years spent there, they came
to this county, and are now living in Sandstone
Township, at the ages of fifty-four and fifty-one
respectively. Mrs. Fielding is a member of the
Baptist Church. Mrs. Clara Ladd was the fifth of
ten children  born to her parents, and during
her girlhood received careful training at their
hands. She acquired an excellent education and
many social and domestic virtues. She is the
mother of four children-G. Royce, Leland B.,
Harley F. and F. Lucile.
Mr. Ladd, of whom we write, is the only surviving child of his mother. His only brother, Herbert,
died after his marriage, the sad event occurring on
the day he was thirty-one years old. Our subject
has managed the parental property, and in all his
labors has been prosperous and progressive. He is
a Republican, as was his father before him. He is
one of the school officers of his district and has
been Superintendent of the township schools. Mrs.
Ladd belongs to the Baptist Church. They are
among the leading young people in the society of
a large community in the township and county, and
very popular among their associates.
1 ENRY HAYDEN. This gentleman is one
of the most prominent and influential citi/   zens of Jackson, and is also a representative
of one of the pioneer families of Jackson
County. Although a young man he has occupied
various positions of public responsibility, among
them being that of Mayor of Jackson, and holds
an established place among the firm business men
of the community, where he has exhibited marked
ability and won an honored name. His present
residence is on a beautiful and fertile farm, four
miles from  the city. The estate is embellished
with a large and costly dwelling, besides such out

buildings as a well-tilled farm of the present generation requires. It is also stocked with fine horses,
of wliich Mr. Hayden is a most excellent judge.
The father of the gentleman of whom we write is
Henry A. Hayden, ex-Mayor, and a well-known
business man of the city of Jackson, to which he
remnoved from the Empire State in 1838. He was
born in Otsego County, N. Y., March 28, 1817, to
Hezekiah and Hannah Hayden, who had emigrated
to New York from Windsor, Conn., where both
were born. They traced their lineage to the first
settlers of Windsor, in the year 1634. The mother
of our subject was in her maidenhood Mary Elizabeth Aldrich, and her birth occurred in Genesee
County, N. Y.
The gentleman with whose name we introduce
this sketch was born January 26, 1858, and being
a native of Jackson, is closely identified with its
development from a thriving town to a busy city,
witl a large population of energetic people, with
many railroads meeting and crossing, and manufactories of National importance. During his boyhood our subject enjoyed excellent educational
advantages, attending first the public schools, and
subsequently entering DeVeaux College, where lie
pursued his studies one year. Returning to his
home lie engaged in tlhe milling business with his
father, taking control of what is known as the
i;Etna Mill, of Jackson. This was established over
forty years ago, and is one of the oldest mills in the
county. The firm of Hayden & Co., owns another
mill, and the two have a capacity of one thousand
barrels in twenty-four hours. They have a complete roller system  throughout, and the owners
have built up an extensive local trade, as well as a
flourishing one outside of the county and State.
Their flour ranks among the best Michigan brands,
and the mills are under the personal supervision of
Henry HIayden, in whose hainds the business interests of tle firm are safely and carefully carried on.
The political affiliations of Mr. Hayden are with
the Democratic party. In 1885 lie was appointed
on the Board of Fire Commissioners, a position he
occupied three years. In the spring of 1887 lie
was elected to tle Mayoralty, and after having
served a term of one year, he was again made a
member of the Board of Fire Commissioners. In






PORTR'AIT AND) BIOGR: APHICAA L ALBUM.l~


833


PITRiTAD  IO  APILALABU.  3
— ~~ ~ ~ ~. 


1 889 le was elected  President of the Jackson
County Agricultural Society, of which lie had
formerly been Treasurer.
In Miss Carrie, daughlter of R. A. Abbott, formerly of this city, Mr. Hay(len found tle womanly
character, mental acquirements and pleasing manners which won ill s deep regard, and after a successful woo(ing the rites of wedlock were celebrated
between the young couple in November, 1877.
Two bright and interesting sons, William A. and
Henry A., have come to bless the happy union.
York )'arted in the early days with a large
amount of her best material, much of which
was in due time scatteie(l throughout this county
in  the shape of enteirprising  and intelligent
young men. Among them may be properly mentioned Mr. Dean, a native of St. Lawrence County,
N. Y., and born February 26, 1834. IIe is now
numbered among the well-to-farmers of Sandstone
Township, his llcadquarters being on section 7,
where lie is succcssfully cultivating one hundred
and fifty acres of good land.
In n)ting the early antecedents of Mr. Dean, we
find that lie is the offspring of a good family, and
the son of Nathan and Triphena (Smith) Dean,
who were natives of Vermont, and the father now
deceased. His paternal grandfather, James Dean,
had the honor of serving in the Revolultionary
War, fighting in behalf of the Colonists, and spent
his last years in Vermont. Nathan Dean was tile
youngest of a family of ten children, an(l was born
August 25, 1799. He spent his boyhood and youth
in the Green Mountain State, and there also was
married. Soon afterward lie emigrated with his
young wife to St. Lawrence County, N. Y., during
the period of its earliest settlement. About that
time he also went over into Canada, and( sojourned
briefly. In 1835 not being satisfied with his experiment on the soil of the Empire State, he pushed
on farther westward to Michigan Territory, accompaniel by his family, and settled on the land which
is now owned by his son, George, our subject.


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lie secured about seven hundred acres from the
Government, for which he paid $1.25 per acre, and
the most of which was covered with timber. There
were very few white settlers in this section at that
time, but Indians and wild animals were plentiful.
Thle first business of Nathan Dean upon coming
to the Far West, was to erect a log shanty for the
shelter of his family. The structure was very
small, barely sufficient to accommodate those who
must seek shelter under its roof, this being covered
with split poles, or slakes. The family was peaceable, however, and occupied it for a number of
years until they were able to put up a block house.
They became widely and favorably known throughout that region, especially for their hospitality and
kindness, both to their neighbors and the wayfarer
who soulght shelter under their roof.
To Nathan Dean and his estimable wife there
was born a family of five children, four of whom
are living, viz.: Elvira, Mrs. Pike, of Albion, this
State; William nW., a resident of Parma; George
N., our subject; Orlin S., a resident of Sandstone
Township; Cynthia, tlhe eldest born, died when
about twenty-two years old.   The father was a
consiste.it member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and one of its pillars, holding the offices
of Class-Leader and Steward. and giving to it such
supl)ort as lie was able. D)uring his later life he
affiliated witll the Republican party.  He was liberal and lpublic-spirited, the friend of education
and assisted other churches besides his own durinog
the period of their struggles to maintain an existence. Althoughl by no means a politician, le held
the various local offices, at one time serving as Supervisor of Sandstone Township. He left a fine
estate at his death, which occurred August 6, 1883.
The mother is still living, making her home with
her son at the old farm, and although having arrived at the advanced age of eighty-seven years,
is still hale and hearty, keenly enjoying the society of her friends, and taking pleasure in relating to them many incidents of pioneer life. She
likewise belongs to tile Methodist Episcopal Church,
and numbers her friends by the score among the
people where she has lived for so many years.
George N. I)ean spent his boyhlood and youth
as did most of the sons of the pioneer farmiers,


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834


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM..


834  PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


assisting in developing the new  soil, attending
school in winter, and acquiring the habits of industry and sentiments of honor which have made him
what he is to-day amlong his fellow-citizens.  He
was first married November 5, 1856, to Miss Mary
J. Hubert.  Of this union there were born two
children-Helen. wife of T. J. Mack, of Albion, and
Hubert G.. who is farming in Parma Township.
Mrs. Mary J. Dean departed this life at the homestead March 24, 1867.
Mr. Deant contracted a second marriage December 31, 1867, with Miss Mary A. Barnes, who bore
him three children: Cecelia L., Jesse B. and Frank
Smith.  Mr. Dean's real estate consists of one hundred and fifty acres of land, the miost of wlich is
in a productive condition,this constituting a portion
of tlhe original homestead of his father.  He has
added greatly to'its value since assuming its managernent, and has been uniformly successful in his
labors. Politically Mr. Dean was formerly a Republican, but at present is a stanch Prohibitionist.
and both he and his estimable wife are members in
good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
at Parma. In this, as (lid his father, Mr. Dean officiates as Class-Leader and Trustee, and gives to
his church a liberal support.  Although frequently
solicited to assume the duties an(d responsibilities
of the local offices, lie invariably declines.
Two brothers of Nathan l)ean served as soldiers
iln the War of 1812. Nathan, himself, was very
desirous of obtaining honor in this respect, but
being too young was unable to realize his desire.
r    ARVEY STEVENS. Jackson County,M ich.,
r  has become the home of many citizens of
the Empire State, who, leaving behind them
~(:)  the associations of a lifetime and the cornforts of civilization, marched boldly through tle
pathless forests, and, undaunted by the fear of
savage foes and wild animals, evolved pleasant
homes out of the uninviting soil. Sucl an one is
our subject, who since his first arrival here in 1839,
has thorougllly identified himself witl the interests
of his township, Ienrietta, and has by careful man

agement and frugality gained possession of a good
farm of two hundred acres on section 14.
The father of our subject was John M. Stevens,
who was born in New York. tle was by occupation a tiller of the soil, and a minister, and was a
man of influence in his community. IHe was twice
married, his first wife being Polly Nichols, who
was born in the Empire State. She had a family
of ten children. The father contracted a second
marriage, choosing as his wife Miss Lucy Nichols,
a sister of the first wife. She left one clild, our
subject. The father died at the age of fifty-one
years and nine months, in Indiana.
IIe of whom we write was born October 25,1835,
nearSaratogaSprings, N.Y. Amid the beautiful scenery of this now famous summer resort, he passed
only a brief period of his life, and in 1839 accompanied his 1,arents to this county, settling nearWaterloo.
In a log schoolhouse there Mr. Stevens received
such meager educational advantages as he was
privileged to enjoy, and there grew to a vigorous
and robust manhood. He was in the habit of walking to school two miles from his home, the intervenin country being an unsettled wilderness filled
with iild beasts, while Indians occasionally plitched
their tents on those " happy hunting grounds."
Deer were especially plentiful, and a herd( of fifteen
were seen at one time by our subject, when he was
a boy.
On the 30th of September, 1880, Mr. Stevens
met with a deep bereavement in the loss of his
wife, Amanda Iall Stevens, who left, beside the
husband, nine children to mourn their loss. All of
them  are now living, with one exception. They
are named respectively: Adelthia, wife of Ava
Suylandt, of Waterloo, this county; Adelbert, who
is a resident of this township; Alvira, (deceased)
who was tlhe wife of William Prescott, of this township; Andrew, who is under the parental roof;
Clara married Robert Ackerson, and he is engaged in farmirtg in this township; Charles II.,
Lulu, Maud and Willie, who are at home. Mr.
and Mrs. Stevens were united in marriage in this
township, May 14, 1853, and passed a happy wedded
life of twenty-one years. She was a daughter of
George N. and Orsula Hall, now living in IHenrietta Township; religiously, hler faith was that of the






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


835


United Brethren Church, and her life was filled
with acts of charity and deeds of kindness. When
sle died the family were not a!one in their grief,
for the poor, the friendless, the sorrowing and the
sick felt that they had lost one who had been to
them more than a friend.
Mr. Stevens combines stock-raising with general
farming, and in each department has met with fair
pecuniary profits. Politically, he is an adherent to
the principles of the Democratic party. He is a
member of the Patrons of Industry and has held
some of the minor offices, giving universal satisfaction in the discharge of the duties connected
therewith. As a representative of the worth and
industry of the farmers of Jackson County, he is
entitled to and receives the respect of the entire
community.
DROF. DAVID E. IIASKINS, Superintend)) ent of the schools of Jackson County and
also a Justice of the Peace, has his home in
the village of Concord, and is numbered
nmong the prominent educators of the county. Iie
is in full sympathy with the catuse to whicl he is
devoting his best efforts, and is well fitted for the
discharge of the duties incumbent upon him. lHe
stands well among the people of his community,
and is a favorite both in social and educaional
circles.
Prof. Haskins was born in Cleveland, Ohio, December 8, 1840, and lived there until the death of
his father, in 1849. He then accompanied his
mnother and her family to the State of New York,
in 1850, and from there, in the spring of 1851, to
Hillsdale County) this State, and on account of
straightened circumstances was, at this early age,
put to work on a farm, being thus employed until
a youth of eighteen years. In the meantime he
only enjoyed the advantages of about three months'
schooling each year, during the winter months,
but later attended school for one term at Coldwater. ile made good use of his time and his
book(s, and at the age mentioned began tea.lchng




in the district schools of Calhoun and Branch
Counties winters, working on the farm summers.
The further operations of young Haskins in this
line were interrupted by the outbreak of the Civil
War, and on the 6th of August, 1862, he enlisted
in Company F, Eighteenth MNichigan Infantry. He
was mustered into service at Hlillsdale and went
with his regiment to the front in Kentucky and
Tennessee, and in the meantime assisted in chasing
the rebel general, Morgan, from the soil of Ohio.
After eighteen months' service, Mr. Haskins be.came the private Orderly of Gen. R. S. Granger
and courier from  his headquarters, carrying dispatches from Huntsville to Decatur, Ala., Nashville, Chattanooga, an(l other places, some times
on the railroad, at other tinmes on horseback, and
frequently on foot, passing througlh the country
swarming with guerrillas, across the mountains unattended, swimming and wading rivers exposed to
all kinds of dangers, one train he was on being
wrecked three times on one trip. In the fall of 1864
the General called for volunteers to go out and dislodge the sharpshooters at Decatur,Ala. Mr. Haskins
was one of tie number who responded, and had the
satisfaction of participating, October 24, in the
capture of their prey, he being of the memorable
forty-five tihat captured one hundred and twentyseven Confederates at the point of the bayonet.
During thle charge he was wounded in the ankle,
and being left out on tlie field, succeeded in crawling into camp, and in time was sufficiently recovered so tliat lie could ride on horseback during
the campaign by keeping one foot out of the stirrup. He thus remained in the service until the
close of the war, being mustered out and receiving
his honorable discharge at Huntsville, Ala., July
13, 1865.
Upon his return to Hillsdale County, Mr. Haskins engaged in teaching and farming for probably two years; then, in 1868, anxious to further
his education, he entered the State Normal School,
at YpIsilanti, and was graduated therefrom June
30, 1870. In due time he became Principal of
the Parmna schools, which position- he occupied
four years. Subsequently, he taught at Brooklyn
four years, at Hanover three years and at Union
City one year. In 1881 he purchased his present




836            PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.




home, and by the assistance of his (xcellent wife
has made it very pleasant. In 1881 he was elected
a member of the County Board of Examiners,
and in 1882 was elected the County Secretary. In
1884 he became Superintendent of the prison school
at Jackson for one year. He was instrumental in
the organization of county institutes, in which he
hias done a large amount of work in different;
parts of the State. In 1885 he was appointed the
Postmaster at Concord, which office he held in
1889. I-e has officiated as Justice of the Peace
for the past six years and is also a Notary Public.
Unlike many professional men, Mr. Haskins has
been successful in accumulating property, having
over three hundred acres of improved land in Hillsdale County, besides nineteen hundred and twenty
acres in Taylor County, Tex. ills fine home in Concord is one of the attractive features of the place. lie
was married in Ypsilanti, August 8, 1870, to Miss
Mary Van Vleet. This lady was born near Union
City, this State, May 26, 1844, and is the (laughl
ter of Reuben Van Vleet, a native of New York
State and one of tile early pioneers of Michigan.
The father, Reuben Van Vleet, came to Michigan
Territory in 1836, and secured a tract of Govern
ment land in Calhoun County, where he is spending
his last days in fellowship with the Baptist Clurch.
The seven children of the parental family grew
to years of maturity. Charles, in 1861, enlisted
as a Union soldier in tlhe Fourth Miclligan Artillery, and after participating in the battles of Stone
River, Perryville, Shiloh and Pittsburg Landing,
was shot at Chickamauga and died from the effects
of the wound. Martha, Mrs. Black, is a resident of
Berrien County, this State; Mary, Mrs. Haskins,
was the next in order of birth; Emeline, Mrs.
Gray, lives in Red Wing, Minn.; Frank is a. resident of Chicago; George lives in Washington, and
Clarence in Arizona.
Mrs. Haskins attended the schools of Union City
during her younger years, and then entered the State
Normal School, at Y psilanti.from which she emerged
qualified as a teacher, and followed this profession
twelve years, beginning when a maiden of seventeen, and finally officiating as Principal. She is thus
a mnost suitable partner for the Professor. They are
the parents of three children-Frances Genevieve,


Xenia B. and Zaidee May. The last died in infancy of that dread disease scarlet fever. Prof.
Haskins is an active Democrat, politically, and has
served as a delegate to the various conventions.
He was for one year President of the Village Board.
IIe is largely interested in the Masonic fraternity,
being a member of the Royal Arch Mason Chapter
at Union City, has been a delegate to the Grand
Lodge, and is at present Secretary of his lodge in
Concord. He also belongs to the Council and Commandery at Jackson, likewise to the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, at Concord, in which he is
Past Grand, and he is also a member of Albion
Camp. In the Ancient Order of United Workmen
he is Past Master Workman, and in Stoddard Post,
No. 239, G. A. R., is Past Commander, and was
Senior Aide-de-Camp on Grand Commander Gardner's Staff, of Michigan, at the National Encampment at Columbus. Iis best efforts, however, are
given to the cause of education. He was instrumental in organizing the Jackson County Teachers'
Association, and is President of the Michigan State
Reading Circle.
Prof. Haskins is the son of Kellogg and Mellona
(Lyons) [Iaskins, who were natives respectively of
St. Lawrence County, N. Y., and Coleraine, Mass.
1Iis paternal grandfather, Samuel H'lskins, was born
in Vermont, on tlhe banks of,ake Chamnplain, and
emigrated to St. Lawrence County, N. Y., where
he engaged in farming. IIe served in the War of
1812, and spent his last days in Madison County,
N. Y.   Thle paternal great-grand fatlher, Samuel
Itnskins, Sr., was born in Massachusetts, and was of
English descent. lie removed to Vermont, where
he was engaged in farming, and was killed at Boston during the Revolutionary War.
The father of our subject occuplied himself as a
commercial traveler, and was extensively engaged
in buying wheat at Cleveland, Ohio, where he becaine junior member of the grain firm of Cobb,
Bishop & Hlaskins. Ile died on the road, in 1849,
being one of the first victims of cholera which then
prevailed, andc was cut down in his primne, at the
age of forty one years. He was a Whig, politically,
and in his religious views a Methodist. Grandfather David Lyons, likewise a native of MIassaclhusetts, die(d l t Coleraine, Mass., Septemnber 8,






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.                                                                                          837
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1803. The maternal great-grandfather of Prof.
Haskins, David Lyons, was born at Roxbury, Mass.,
August 23, 1737, was a farmer near theie, and
served in the Revolutionary War as one of the
Boston Tea Party; his parents came from England
in 1 700. Mrs. Mellona (Iyons) Haskins, tie mother
of our subject, spent her last days in Union City,
Branch County, dying June 1, 1885, when seventy-one years old. She was a lady of many estimable qualities and a consistent melmber of the
Baptist Churcll. The parental family consisted
of five children-Ansel, who died in New Orleans
in 1859; Lucius L., Principal of a Ward School,
in ClevelanLd, Ohio; Kellogg, who died young;
David Eddy, our subject; and Mary E., who died
in Chillicothe, Ohio, in infancy.
'    '\,ILIIS B. SILKWOIITH. This gentleman
\\// has for a number of years held a leading
'.'  position among the rising young business
men of Grass Iake. Although in the near future
contemplating a removal to the State of Washington, it is proper that he should be duly represented
in this work. Ile was born in the town of Olive,
Ulster County, N. Y.. September 22, 1854, and is
the son of Uriah and Margaret (Vander Bogart)
Silkworth, who were likewise natives of tlat county,
the father born about 1822, and the mother about
1827.
Uiriahl Silkworth was reared on a farm but learned
carpentering when quite young and followed his
trade the grea:ter part of his life. He came to
Michigan in 1869 and settled in Grass Lake where
he still resides. The laternal grandfather of our
subject, Benjamin Silkworth by name, was also a
native of Ulster County, N. Y. The family is of
old Huguenot stock and some of tle earlier memters served in the Revolutionary War and the War
of 1812. Mrs. Margaret Silkworth is still living
and makes her home in Grass Lake. Her parents
were Michael and Mary (Rogers) Vander Bogart
of ancestry similar to that of the Silkworths. To
herself and husband tllere were born three children: Mary, Willis B. and Gary. The daughter is


the wife of H. F. Updike, of Grass Lake. Gary
died when about twelve years old.
The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm
in his native county and acquired his education in
tile common school. Ile accompanied the family
to this county and started out in life on his own
accounf at an early age, working at anything he
could find to do that was honorable, and for five
years was in the employ of Fargo, Lord & Co., of
Grass Lake. At the expiration of this time he entered Eastman's Business College, at Poughkeepsie,
N. Y., where he took a thorough business course.
This ended, he returned to Michigan and for four
years held the position of clerk for Joe T. Jacobs,
of Ann Arbor.
We next find Mr. Silkworth engaged as a traveling salesman for the clothing firm of Kirshkind &
Co., of New York City, and he was thus occupied
four years. In the meantime he had lived economically and acquired cal)ital, and in 1884 he associated himself in partnership with one of the
business men of Grass Lake and they operated
together for two years under the firm  name of
HIookway & Silkworth. At the end of two years
Mr. Silkworth disposed of his interest in the business:and for the next two years was in business at
Brooklyn, this State, with a partner, the firm name
being Silkworth & Watkins.
In 1887 Mr. Silkworth came back to Grass Lake
and established himself in the clothing business
which he carried on successfully until in March,
1890. Then closing out his stock he went to Spokane Falls, Wash., where he became interested in
manufacturing and at which point his interests are
now centered.
A thorough business man, wide awake and of the
strictest integrity, M;. Silkworth has been uniformly successful in his undertakings and besides
doing well, financially, has made many friends
wherever his lot has been cast. -le is selfmade in
the strictest sense of the term, hlaving had no financial assistance from any source; and he is popular
in social circles as among business men. The community of Grass Lake will miss him greatly, while
that of Spokane will be so much the gainer.
In religious matters Mr. Silkworth is broad and
liberal in his views and lie has ben for a number






838


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


of years prominently connected with the Masonic
fraternity. He was married July 6, 1881, to Miss
Delia M. Parker, of Concord, this State. Mrs.
Silkworth was born in Jonesville, Mich., D)ecember
5, 1856, and is a daughter of Elisha A. and Delia
(Yale) Parker who were natives of New York
State and who came to Michigan early in the
'30s  Mr. and Mrs. Silkworth have no children.. e — =||-0:.n
' OSEPH F. SAMMONS. The material interests of the city of Jackson have been substantially promoted by Mr. Sammons, who
J  is looked upon as one of its most liberalminded and public-spirited citizens. The city is
graced by several buildings of his erection, including several stores and two residences, besides thlat
which he occupies, the latter being pleasantly situated on South Jackson Street. The house was
put up after Mr. Sammons' own plan and( under his
personal supervision, and its arrangement combines
both beauty and utility. It is unquestionably
one of the most attractive and desirable dwellings
in the city, and with its surroundings indicates in a
marked manner the refined tastes and ample means
of the proprietor. Mr. Sammons is a man highly
esteemed in business circles, and personally is "a
gentleman to the manor born."
A descendant of the best New England ancestry,
the subject of this notice was born March 30, 1830,
in Orwell, Rutland County, Vt., and is the son of
Cornelius Sammons, who was born December 13,
1801, in Ulster County, N. Y. The paternal grandfather, Teunis Sammons, likewise Mathew  Sammons, the paternal great-grandfather, were both
natives of Ulster County. and of Holland ancestry.
The family were among the earliest settlers of that
county, where they spent their entire lives in
farming pursuits. Teunis, after the death of his
first wife in 1810, removed to Tappan, N. Y.,
where he was married a second time and where he
spent his last years.
Cornelius Sammons was only nine days old when
his mother died, nd lie was then taken into the
home of an older sister with whom lie remained


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until a youth of seventeen. He learned blacksmithing and later became a carpenter which trade
he followed in New York State, and in 1831 was
employed in building locks on the Erie Canal. In
the fall of 1832 he set out with his wife and two
(children for what was then Michigan Territory,
via the lake to Detroit and at that point employed
a teamster to take himself and family to Ann Arboi, paying therefor the sum of $15. The roads
were almost impassable and the family, although
paying for transportation were obliged to walk fully
four miles of the way.
After three days of travel our emigiants arrived
at'Ann Arbor and took up their abode in a log
house in the infant village. Mr. Sammons worked
at his trade one year and then purchased eighty
acres of land in the town of Webster, Washtenaw
County, where he put up a board shanty and commenced clearing his purchase from the timber. He
only sojourned there, however, about one and onehalf years, tllen selling out purchased the south.
west quarter on section 19, in what is now
1Blackmal Townshilp this county, and settled with
his family in the bowling wilderness, peopled
largely by wild animals, including bears, wolves,
deer and other game. He put up a log house into
which the family removed, with but one-half the
roof on, only part of the floor laid, without chimney or chinkino, a blanket hanging over the doorway and a place left for a window. The father was
obliged to return to his former place for his goods,
making the journey with an ox-team. While he
was away his family was protected by a dog, and
the blanket which served to keep the bears and
wolves out of the liouse.
This pioneer family, with others, endured hardships and privations in tile establishment of a home
in the wilderness. But patience, perseverance and
unflagging industry bore their own legitimate fruits
and in time they found themselves surrounded by
the comforts of life. The father spent his last
days in the city of Jackson-having removed from
the farm in 1869, del)arting this life April 12,
1875.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden
name of May L. Moe. Her birthplace was in the
Dominion of Canada, and she is a daughter of




8339


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
I..   - '' ---

7 _... _  —. ---- _ -


Joseph and Sylvia (Cogswell) Moe, who temporararily resided in Canada until the outbreak of the
Indian War, and fled thence to Vermolt, saving
but a small part of their household goods, the balance being destroyed by the Indians. They emigrated to Michigan during the pioneer days of this
county and made a settlement in the township of
Sandstone, where they spent their last days. Mrs.
Sainmons is still living, making her home at Jackson and has now arrived at the advanced age of
eighty-seven years. She has been an interested
witness of the many remarkable changes occurring
since her arrival in this section of the country,
during which time it has been transformed from a
wilderness to the home of an intelligent and prosperous people.
The subject of this notice was two and one-half
years old when he came with his parents to Micligan and even at that tender age received impressions which remain with him to the present time,
lie being able to recall many of the incidents connected with the long journey and the pioneer life
which succeeded.  He attended the primitive
schools of Jackson County, the first of which was
conducted in a log house with slab benches supp) rted by wooden pins and the desks made of
rough boards fastened to the wall. Notwithstanding his surroundings, young Sammons was naturally
studious, made good use of his time and advanced
his education by study around the evening fireside
and the reading of instructive books until better
school advantages could be obtained. Being the
only son of the family he at an early age began to
assist in the labors of the farm and on account of
the ill-health of his father, as soon as old enough
assumed entire charge of it. He conducted affairs
with remarkably good judgment and was successful. He remained there until 1868 and in the
meantime as the country became settled up, in addition to his farming operations, he engaged in the
sale of agricultural implements, introducing the
Excelsior reaper and mower, and other improved
farm machinery.
In 1868 Mr. Sammons, leaving the farm, es.
tablished himself as a resident of Jackson and continued in the above mentioned business until 1870.
The following four years lhe was occupied in the


city as Justice of the Peace. In 1874 he commenced
the erection of a business block on Francis Street,
which was completed the following year and he
then engaged in his present business, that of funeral director and emlalmer.
In the business mentioned requiring great discretion and good taste, Mr. Sammons is pronounced
by the people of Jackson a decided success. He
requires his employes to be prompt in the discharge
of their duties and keeps a fine line of vehicles and
horses with all the other equipments pertaining
thereto. IHe is prominent in the Association of Funeral l)irectors of the State of Michigan, of which
lie is 'a charter member, has served as President,
Vice-President and Treasurer, and has been a delegate to the different State and International conventions. Carefully studying the details of the
business, he has at different assemblies of the Assosociation, frequently introduced subjects or suggestions which have been of great practical utility
and almost universally adopted by his brethren of
the Association.
While a resident of Blackmanl Joseph F. Sammons wns united in marriage at Kalamazoo, in
1855, with Miss Isabella A. Smith. This lady was
born in that part of Genesee County which is now
inctltded in Wyoming County, N. Y., in 1833, and
is a daulghter of D)avid and Rachel (Parks) Snith,
both of whom were natives of the Empire State,
where Mrs. Smith died in 1842 —Mr. Smith and
family came to Michigan in 1846 and settled in
Kalamazoo, where lie died in 1869. There have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Sammons two children-a
daughter and a son-Cora E., who was born in
1860, and died in 1862, and Arthur N., born February 20, 1863. Arthur married Miss Mary White,
and is a promising young business man, associated
in partnership with his father.
Politically, Mr. Sammons is a sound Democrat.
For several years he held important township offices
in Blackman Township, and represented his township on the County Board of Supervisors for a
period of seven years, receiving increased majorities at each election. He vacated the office of Supervisor while Chairman of the Board by his
removal to the city in 1868. In 1870 he was
elected Justice of tlh e Pac(n flln served four years.






840


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


His interest in educational matters has been as unswerving as llave been his efforts to maintain efficient teachers in the school district in which he
serve(d as Director and Trustee. Socially lie belongs
to Jackson Lodge No. 17, F. & A. M.
Being fond of travel Mr. Sammons has visited
most places of interest from D'akota to Florida,
from tlhe Atlantic to tle l'acific, commencing witl
the World's F:ir i n New York City in 1853. Being
a lieen observer and possessing malrked literary talent, llis correspondence with (lifferent papers has
b)eenl read by hundreds witl mlarked interest. These
giving vivid descril)tions of places, people, habits
and customs have been a source of both pleasure
and protit.
-OIHIN lGREENE, one of the old settlers of
this county and a very practical and pro|gressive farmer and stock-raiser, occupies a
e leautiful farm on section 23, Norvell Township. The homestead comp)ris'es one hundred and
ten acres of fine lald and is supplied witl superior
farm butildinrs;  the residence is one of the finest in
tlhe county. well located, and built in 1887. after
the most 1modern designs and adapted to the convenience of its occupants in the best manner known
to architects.  It is well heated by a furnace and
altogether is one of tlie most beautiful country
homes in Southern Michiian. Besides the homestead lMr. Greene owns forty-four acres in different
parts of the township, most of wliich is improved.
He can p)roudly boast that his fortune has been
made by his own efforts, and that his property is
free from incumbrance.
'rTe subject of this notice is descended in the
paternal line from the old stock of Quakers that
came to this country from England seeking religious
liberty in tile early Colonial times. Going back
four generations we find Rufus Greene settling in
Rhode Island and there carrying on the business of
a merchant, owning vessels that sailed the seas
bringing to him the produce of various countries,
and acquiring a considerable fortune. One of his
merchant vessels was captured during the early


French War. IIe died when an old inan, still adhering to the belief of the Society of Friends. lie
was the father of fourteen children, of whom Williami Greene was the grandfather of our subject.
William Greene grew to maturity in Massachusetts, his early years of manhood being spent at tlle
trade of a weaver. After the death of his first
wife lie removed to New York an(l began farming
in Saratoga County. There he married a second
time, taking as his companion Miss Betsey Browning, a native of Massachusetts. - She had been
brought up in the Baptist Church of the old sclool
order, and by his marriage with her Mr. Grcene,
who lad up to that time retained his birtlhright
among tlhe Quakers, was cast out of that society,
losing his standing as a member. William Greene
and his second wife had one daughter and three
sons born to them, one of them being David Greene.
whose natal daIy was October 16, 1800, and wllo
was tile father of our subject. The parents spent
tleir entire married life in Saratoga County, William Greene dying when upwards of ninety years
of age, wliile his wife Betsy was in tile prime of
life, being but thirty-eight years old.
)avid Greene and his own brothers and sister
lived to a good age, all having passed middle life
before a death occurred in the fraternal band.  -Ie
grew to maturity in his native county, when a
young man going to Ontario County, where lie
married Aliss Anna Bennett, a native of Framingham, Mass., and a member of an old Massachusetts
family. She was yet in her girlhood when her parents removed to Ontario County, N. Y., where slie
grew to womanhood and where her wedded life
began. She and her husband lived upon a farm
there until 1833, when with their two chil(lren,
Mary E. and E. Melissa, they crossed the lake to
Detroit and thence went to Macon Township, Lenawee County. Two years previously Mr. Greene
had obtained some Government land in that township, and upon this the family located.
After making some improvements Mr. Greene
changed his location, living in several different
parts of the county until 1855, when he located
in Norvell Township, this county, where his wife
spent her last years, dying in 1885, at the age of
seventy-five years. The father is yet living, and




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


841


although ninety years old, still displays his vigor
of mind, with a bright mernory of everything he
has ever seen or known. He now las his second
sight and is able to rea(c witlout glasses. He
makes his home with his son, our subject, with
whom the mother had lived prior to her decease.
-le belongs to the Free Will Baptist Churcl, of
which his wife was also a member. After their removal to Michigan David Greene and his wife were
blessed with the birth of five additional children:
Ira. our subject, Mary A., Eliza J. and William
All who now survive are: our subject, Mary A. and
Eliza J. The latter is unmarried and is teaching at
I-ersey, Osceola County.
John Greene, tile subject of this notice, was born
in Tecumseh Township, Lenawee County, March
18, 1838. and was seventeen years old when he
came to this county, and after becoming of age
began life for himself. He was married November
4, 1867, in IHudson, Lenawee County, to Miss Celia
Connors, a native of Ireland, born in 1844. Slle
was but two years old when her plarents emigrated
to America, settling in Lenawee County, where
bothi died while she was yet a child. She grew to
womanhood at the home of strangers and after her
marriage ably assisted her husband in his efforts to
obtain and improve a good estate. While still in
the prime of life she was stricken by a fatal illness
and died in Adrian, March 6, 1879. She was the
mother of one child who survives her-Maria L.,
now attending college at Hillsdale.
In Norvell Township, this county, Mr. Greene
contracted, September 11, 1888, a second alliance,
marrying Mrs. Eva H. Fay,.nee Foote. She was
born in Brooklyn, this county, in August, 1852,
being a daughlter of Orlando and Sarah (Eaton)
Foote, who still lives in thlat town. AIr. Foote was
born in Vermont and came to Michigan in all early
day. marrying in Brooklyn, where lie follows the
trade of a shoemaker. Hle is now sixty-one years
(ld and his wife is fifty-nine. She is a member of
tile Episcopal Church. Their daughter Eva, tile
eldest of three children, was reared and educated
in lier native place and there married George Fay,
who was born in Norvell Township. There he
grew to manhood, after his marriage becoming an
attorney and being engaged in labors incident to


thalt occupation the most of tile time until his
death, which occurred April 3, 1886.  lIe was tile
father of two children-Sairall A. and Bessie A.,
who still remain with their mother. IIe was a man
of intelligence and hlls death in the prime of life
cut short a creditable career.
Mr. Greene is a believer il and a supporter of
the principles of the Relpublicanl party.  While
moral and upright, neither lie nor his wife llold to
any particular creed of religious belief.  Tlle
splendid farm  which is occupied b3y Mr. G(reene
has been in his possession since October, 1873, and
during tie years wlhicli have intervened le has
brought it to its present state of perfection. The
attractive exterior is a shadlow of tile taste, comfort and hospitality whicl reign within, and in the
conmpanionshlil) of the host and liostess, they who
cross the threslhold find the reality which a passer
by would picture from the surroulndings.
IEU1BEIN E. STRONG, a man whose sterling
sense, sound intellect, atnd good judlgment
have mnade him a worthy addition to the
citizenshil) of Jackson, is successfully and
profitably engaged in the cultivation of,elery,
owning and occulpying a fine and highly tilled farm
within the city limits. He is a native of New York,
the town of Farmersvile, Cattaraugas County, being
the place of his birth, and the date January 8, 1846.
His father, Ezra IB. Strong, was born in Vermont,
and was a son of Brewster Strong, a' native of tile
same State. Thlie grandfatlher of our subject removed
to Monroe County. N. Y. in 1803, tile removal being male with teams. HIe located in the town of
Greece, among its early pioneers. Four years later
he died, leaving a widow and two cliildren.
The grandmother of our subject married again,
and spent her last years in 'Parma. After lhis father's
deatli, Ezra B. Strong was bound out to a retired
sea captain, tlen living on a farm  in Monroe
County. Not liking the treatment he r2ceived
from the hands of thle captain, at twelve years of
age he ran away, and became self-supporting, working for various farmers by the day or month. He




842


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


was thus employed until he attaineld his majority,
when le married and engaged in farming on his
own account. Hle bought a tract of timber land in
the town of Gre( ce, and putting up a log house, resided there till!832. In that year lie moved to Cattaraugas County, and cast in his lot with the pioneers
who had preceded him to tliat part of the country.
On his lalnd he built a log house the same in which
our subject was born. His land was bought of
the Iolland Purchase Company and he cleared
quite a tract of it and sold it at an advance, then
purchasing more land le improved a fine farm. He
lived on it till 1869, wlien le moved to Watertown,
Clinton County, this State and thelre bought a farm
four miles from Lansing, on the turnpike road from
Detroit to Grand Rapids. On that homestead he
rounded out a well-spent life in 1877. His wife liad
been dead many years, her death occuring in Farmersville when our subject was ten years old. Her
maiden name was Eleanor Lane, and she was born
in Cayuga County, N. i. Her father, Walter Van
Cleaf Lane, was born in Germany, and coming to
America when a young man, served in the War of
1812, and was a pensioner on account of his services
therein. HIe spent his last years in Cattaraugas
County, N. Y., dying at the venerable age of ninetyfour years.
Reuben E. Strolng was reared and educated in his
native State, and though but a mere loy when tile
rebellion broke out, lie was eager to go to the front
to help fight his country's battles, and in the nmonth
of May, 18;1, lie left the old home and enlisted in
Company F, Fifty-sixth New York Infantry. He
remained with his regiment until tile expiration of
his term of enlistment, and was then honorally discharged, haviong served with credit, performing tle
duties of a soldier witli the efficiency and faithfulness of a veteran. After his experience of military
life, our subject returned to his father, and engaged
in farming with him until 1864. In that year he
came to Michigan to build up a home for himself.
Purchasing a tract of timber land in Clinton County,
he cleared a portion of the eighty acres comprised
in his purchase, and lived there until 1869; he then
removed to Eaton County, where lie purchased a
tract of land, and entered upon its cultivation and
improvement. )uring his residence there his health


failed, and realizing the necessity of rest, he sold
out his property in that part of the State, and made
his home in Ann Arbor, where his wife took a three
years' course in medicine, and graduated at the
head of her class. In 1874 he came to Jackson,
and in 1881 bought a valuable farm of sixty-three
acres, now included within the city limits, and since
then he has devoted his time to raising celery, for
which lie finds a good market, and a large sale.
In 1884 lie purchased the attractive home that lie
now occupies, at No. 105 Second Street. To the
lady who presides over his household, lie was united
in marriage in 1868. Her maiden name was Martha
Cochran. She is a successful physician, and a review of her life appears elsewhere in this work.
Mr. Strong has in him the attributes of a good
citizen, his loyalty and patriotism having been early
displayed, when with boyish ardor lie shouldered
his gun and marched to the defense of the stars and
stripes. IHe las a high personal standing in the
community; his daily intercourse with his fellowmen, is marked by a genial and courteous temper.
I-e is liberal in his.ideas and opinions, and does not
withhold his hand in charity.,.....w: "__.,, _ _-... — '" — ' --- —....
OSEPH T. BALDWIN, Supervisor of Waterloo Township, is recognized as one of the
| leading lioneers of this county, althougl
J   still in the prime of life. He is a native of
Michigan and born in Sylvan, Washtenaw County,
August 20, 1841. Ilis parents were John A. and
Zilpah (Talbot) Baldwin, the former a native of
New York State and the latter of Vermont.
John Baldwin emigrated to Michigan about
1837 and purchased a tract of land in Sylvan
Township, at a time when the country around was
largely inhabited by Indians and wild animals.
Operating there a few years lie then changed his
residence to Barry County and subsequently removed to Waterloo, this county, where he spent
the remainder of his days. He departed this life
in 1882 when seventy-two years old. IHe was a
life long farner, industrious, enterprising and possessing a good faculty for business and succeeded
in accumulating a good property. lie was a promi



PORTRAIT AND BIOG RAPHICAL ALBUM.


843


nent man in his communlity and liel(l li any of tile
minor offices. In New Yorlk State he had identified
himself with the Methodist Episcopal Church but
after coming to Michigan joined the 'United Brethren, remainingc with them until his death. lie was
active in church matters and gave freely of lhis
means and time to the cause of Christanity.
The mother of our subject departed this life at
the family residence il Watterloo, tilis State, in
1866, sixteen years prior to the decease of lher husband. She was a (laughter of Joselph Talbot, likewise a native of tile Green Mountain State. but
who emigrated to Nw York at an early (day and
died there.  To.John Baldwin and his estimable
wife Zilpah, there was b)orin a family of ten clhilchildren, of whlom seven are living: Abel, Joselph
T., Harriett, Hannah, Lovinia, Laura. Sally, George,
])aniel and Alfred. John A. Baldwin, after tile
death of his first wife, was married to Miss Mary
Dill ablout 1869, and to them were born three children-John J., Lewis and William. The second
wife, like her husband, died in 1882.
Joseph T. Baldwin was tie second child of lis father's first marriage and until seven years old lived
at the homestead where lie was born in Sylvan,
Wasiltenaw County.   He accompl)anied his parents
in their subsequent removtals, living in Barry
County, three years, and tlena goilng back to Sylvan
and a year later removing to Waterloo, this county.
Of the latter he ihas since been a resident. In 1864
lie settled on section 3, Waterloo Township, and is
now the owner of one hundred and( ninety-six acres
of well-(leveloped land, the most of which is in a
high state of cultivation. lIe lias good farm buildings, all tile requisite machinery for successful agriculture and in fact is well-to-do in all respects.
Politically Mr. Baldwin has always been a stanch
adherent of the Republican party. His ability and
intelligence ihave always received almplle recognition
from llis fellow-townsmen who have usually kept
him in some office, confidept that lie will look faithfully after their interests. IIe is serving his fourth
year as Supervisor.  He keeps himself thoroughly
posted upon tile leading questions of the day and
has been for some time identified with tile Platrons
of Industry.
Mr. Baldwin when a young man of twenty-two


years was mlrr'lied Janluary 28, 1864, to Miss Adelia Showerinan, the wedding ting n  place at tile
bride's home in Waterloo Township. Mrs. Baldwin
was born in this townshipt October 26, 1843. and is
tile daualgter of Peter and Sally (Croman) Showerman who were natives respectively of New York
and Pennsylvania. They came to Michigan early
in the '30s, during its territorial (lays and locating
in Waterloo Township, here spent tile remainder of
thleir lives. Of this union there have been born
eiglit clhildren, viz: Sarah M., George W., Clara
AI., Alfred, Annie M., Lulu MI., E. (uy and Lillie MI.
-— ~ ^3V ----
G    E( )RG (E S. WIIIE, conductor of the Mich/i '   ign State Prison. was born in Lodi, Wash'iK) teniaw County, February   13, 18,58. His
parents. Calvin P. and Nelrilnd (Smith) White,
were natives of Vermont, tile mother being a
ia da(ughlter of Elislia Smithl and tile father a son of,Ioel White. Tlhe ancestors were English. Calvin
W\llite was a gusmithi in early life and later a
farmer. Ile reioved with his family to Washtenaw
(ounty, Michi., where lie remained a few years
whien lie was called back by tile illness of his fatler
an(l obliged to take charge of his business affairs.
After arranging them  lie removed to Lawrence
County, N. Y., but ere long retum ned to tils State,
settling at Grass Lake, tills county, where lie still
resides. -le is now past four-score years of age.
I-e is the father of five children, four of whom are
liviing, tile subject of this sketch being tie eldest.
T'lie gentleman wlio is tlhe subject of tllis biograhlllical notice passed his early school days in Vermont. At tie age of fifteen years lie began teaching
winters, working on the farm summers, and continuing thus occupied until lie reached llis twentyfirst year. He then returned to Michigan and
entering tlhe State University at Ann Arbor, prosecited Ills studies there two years, taking  a
classical course and being enrolled in the class of
1863. In 1862 he enlisted as a private and on the
organization of the company was made First Sergeant, promoted to be Second Lieutenant, afterward
commiissionel First Lieutenant and made Regi



844


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


mental (uarttermaster. Ile was then comrmissioned
-aptain, but declined to be mustered in as suchl,
but received a commission as Brevet-Captain.  lie
had enlisted in a companyl known as tile Battle
Creek Engineers and was sent to Missouri, but that
department being quite full he was soon afterward
discharged, and returning to the university, completed the junior studies.
In August, 1864, Mr. White again enlisted, becoming a member of the Fifth Michigan Cavalry
and being assigned to the Army of the Potomac.
The regiment was comma'nded by Russell A.
Alger, since G(eneral, and Governor of this State,
with Gen. Custer in command of the cavalry corps
and Gen. Sherman at the llead of the department.
Mr. White took part in the battles of Gettysburg,
Winchester, Brandy Station and other imlolrtant
engagements in the Shenandoah Valley, and he also
participated in Grant's campaign to Richmond, and
the closing fight of the Army of the Potomac.  Hie
was mustered out July 3, 1865, having received
honorable mention from Gen. Custer for meritori.
ous conduct at the battle of Winchester, and for
other services which are noted in tile book entitled
"Michigan in the War."
After being mustered out of the service Mr.
White returned to the Michigan State University,
from which lie was graduated in the class of '66.
lie then became princil)al of the High School at
Ypsilanti and a year later accepted a similar position at Northville, after which he came to Jackson
and became principal of the ligh School of tils
city. This position lie held continuously for seventeen years, a fact which speaks well for his superior qualifications as an instructor. After tills long
period of pedagogical labors, he spent a year in
Arizona as manager of a mining company. In June,
1888, he was appointed to tlhe position which lhe
now holds at the State Prison and which he lias
ably filled from that date.
December 27, 1869, Mr. White was united in
marriage with Mrs. A. B. Brooks, of Nortllville, a
lady eminently qualified to become the companion
of a gentleman of his culture and ability. She was
born in Ovid, N. Y., being a daughter of William
T. Johnston. She has borne her husband one son,
wlo is yet at home. Mr. Wlhite belongs to PIome

I
I
I


I


roy l'ost, No..18, (G. A. R., of which he is Senior
'Past Commander. For several years lie hel(i the
office of President of the Young AMen's Library
Association. -ie is highly respected wherever lie is
known, not only for lis cultured mind, but for his
upright character and social qualities..:' RASTUS PECK. Judge of the Circuit Court,:ndl having his residence in the city of
/___  Jackson, is a man who stands high in the
legal profession and among the business interests
of tllis county. IIis native l)lace was at Benton
Center, Yates County. N. Y., and the (late of his
birth D)ecember 3, 1840. He was the third of four
children born to Dav.id Gillam and Catherine
(lughes) Peck, who were also natives of the Empire State, tlhe former born near Goshen, Orange
County, and the latter a native of Yates County.
The maternal grandfather, 'I'omas Hughes, a man
of consequence, was of Welsh d(escent, and for
many years served as Justice of the Peace. The
Peck family is of English descent. and was first
represented in America in tlle seventeenth century.
Erastus, our subject, spent his first thirteen yea.rs
under the home roof, attending the common
schlools and was then sent away to a boarding school,
where lie remained about two years. Emerging
from  this lie entered Genesee College, wlere lie
took a four yearis' course, and from wliich lie was
graduated witlh honors in 1860. In the meantime
his father's family llad remove(l to Michigan, and
located in Mason, Ingham County, where Erastus
joine(l them, and commenced the study of law in
the office of Ilen(lerson & Mason. I-le was admitted to the bar in 1863, and remained in Mason until February, of the following year.
'T'e young attorney soon gave evidence of imore
than ordinary ability. From 1860 to 1864 he was
Clerk of the Judiciary Committee in the House of
Representatives, and during the legislative sessions
of 1861-62. In 1863 lie was assigned to the dulties
of Enrolling and Engrossing Clerk, and was thus
employed during the special session of 1864. In
February of tlat year, after tlle adjournment of the




I




,allow






PORTRAIT AND BIOG1KAPHICAL ALBUM.           847


General Assembly, he came to Jackson, and was
given the position of Clerk in the Provost Marshal's office, in which he continued during the
Civil War, and until the troops were mustered out
in the fall of 1865. In the spring of 1867 lie commenced thle regular practice of his profession at
Jackson, and was thus occupied until 1888. In tlhe
meantime lie had handled some intricate cases, and
evinced( a thorough acquaintance with the ordinary
questions arising in a common law practice, an(1 as
a consequence, was, during the year above mentioned. unanimously named for the Circuit Judgeship for the Fourtli Judicial Circuit, assuming his
duties January 1, 1888, for the term of six years.
Judge Peck was married, in 1872, to Miss Ella
Munday, of Jackson. Mrs. Peck was born in this
city, and here at the home of her parents was
reared to an intelligent and attractive'womanhood.
She is the daughlter of William Munday, a pioneer
and prominent resident of this county. Of this
union there have been born two children, a son and
dalighter-Sarah Catherine and William Munday,
the latter of whom died in infancy. The Judge's
home is pleasantly located, and it is scarcely necessary to state that his friends and associates comprise its most prominent and cultured people.
Personally, he is mild and affable, a man who
naturally draws around him hosts of friends.
AMUEL CARLISLE BATES. Perhaps no
resident in Jackson County has had a career that affords a more striking example
'of industry, frugality, and determination
to conquer circumstances than the subject of this
sketch, who early in life began his battle with the
world, penniless and with but very little education.
By perseverance and industrious habits he has
succeeded in accumulating a good property, while
his mental culture has been attained by extensive
reading and close observation. The very limited
s(.hool privileges which he enjoyed have not prevente I him from becoming well posted on general
topics and he is much better informed than many
whose opportunities have been far greater.


In the paternal line Mr. Bates is descended from
Samuel Bates, a Revolutionary soldier who served
under Gen. Stark. This ancestor is thought to have
been born near Albany, as he removed from Eastern New York to Seneca County, taking up a, tract
of land on Seneca River, between the villages of
Seneca Falls and Waterloo.  Although a cooper by
trade, lie devoted his time after taking up land to
tlie clearing of the same and the tilling of the soil,
residing upon it until his deatli.
James Bates, a son of Samuel Bates, above mentioned, was born in Albany, N. Y., reared to manhood in llis native State and learned thle trade of a
cooper from his father. After his marriage lie
lived in Genesee County about a year and then returned to Waterloo, Seneca County, where lie died
in 1829. His wife, Mary A. Badgley, was born near
Trenton, N. J. The father, William Badgley was
born in the same State and was the son of a native of
Germany. William    Badgley  married Elizabeth
Frazey, like himself a native of New Jersey, but of
French descent. After the death of James Bates,
Ilis widow became the wife of Franklin Mills, of
Seneca Falls. One year after their marriage Mr.
Mills enlisted in the Black Hawk War, and is supposed to have been killed during some engagement.
Afterward our subject brought his mother and
brother via the Erie Canal and Lake on the steamer
"Commodore Perry," to Detroit whence they came
by team to this county. Mrs. Mills had one son
by her second husband, Horace F., now living in
Grand Rapids, whilere thle mother (lied, although she
spent her last years at the home of our subject.
The natal day of Samuel C. Bates was May 26,
1826, and his birth took place in Genesee County,
N. Y. Ile was three years old when his father
died, and at an very early age lie undertook his
own sul)port. His first work was in a cotton
mill in Seneca Falls, and he was subsequently engaged grinding bark in a tanyard. After the removal
to Michigan, which took place when lie was ten
old, he took jobs at clearing land, splitting rails,
and othler work as occasion offered. Money was
scarce, and when lie could not get cash lie took
stock or produce for pay. He was very industrious and frugal, hoarding his earnings with the determination to attend school for a time. However,




848


PORTR`IAIT AN D BIOG RAPHICAL ALBUM.


848 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ - POTAT N  IGR-iALABM


before much could be accomplished in this line,
the news of the discovery of gold in California
had circulated throughout the country and his
mind was diverted from his studies.
Determining to try his fortune in the far West,
young Bates, on the 17th of April, 1849, started on
foot for Rives Township, to collect some money
due him. The following day he too t the cars for
Niles, then the western terminus of the railroad,
whence he went by stage to Michigan City, Ind.,
continuing his journey on foot as far as Chicago,
where he embarked on a canal boat, journeying by
the canal to Peru and thence on the Illinois, Mississippi and Missouri rivers to Ft. Independence,
Mo. There he hired to a Santa Fe trader to drive
six yoke of oxen to Santa Fe. At that time there
were no white settlers on the plains between those
points, and buffaloes, deer, antelopes and wolves
were plenty. The trip was attended with considerable hardship, and danger was imminent, not
only from wild animals, but from still more savage
red men.
After a short stay in Santa Fe, Mr. Bates went
to Galveston, Tex., and there joined a party made
up of Gov. Edwards, of Missouri, Judge Sutherland, Dr. Basey, Gen. Rasty, a Hungarian refugee,
who was made commander of the party, and a few
others, with whom he proceeded to California. His
first employment after reaching the coast was as a
guard to protect emigrants, in the employ of (Gen.
Twiggs. After serving in that capacity for a few
weeks he entered the Government employ at San
Diego, under Gen. Heintzleian. Two months later
lie started for the mines, where he remained two
years, pursuing his search for gold. In 1851, he
returned to this county, then spent a few months
traveling in the East, after which lie bought a farm
in Leoni Township, and began his agricultural life.
In the fall of 1852, Mr. Bates made a second
journey to California, on this occasion going by the
wny of the Isthmus of Panama. Again he spent two
years on the Pacific Slope, occupying his time in
mining and lumbering, and at the expiration of
that period returning again to this county, where
he has since resided. He now owns one hundred
and sixty-six acres of fine farm land in Leoni
Township, bearing such improvements as are usual


on the estates of men of enterprise, and operated
with the zeal that has brought success. Mr. Bates
was a stockholder in the Michigan Union College,
and when the school proved a failure he bought
out the other stockholders, and now occupies the
building.
In 1861, Mr. Bates was united in marriage with
Miss Martha Lynch, who was born in Waterloo,
Seneca County, N. Y., and with whom lie lived
happily until 1876, when she breathed her last. To
them were born six children-Leoni, Samuel, William. Benjamin F., Sophronia and James C. The
first born died at the age of twenty-four years.
A lithographic portrait of Mr. Bates will be
found on another page.
G     EORGE W. PIERCE, an enterprising young
farmer of Columbia Township, occupies the
well-known old Pierce estate, consisting of
two hundred and seventy acres of highly-improved
land occupying a portion of sections 14 and 23,
the residence being on the latter. It has been under
the management of its present occupant for the past
two years. The land was entered from the Government by his father, Harvey Pierce, in 1868, and remained tie home of the latter until his death some
time during the '70s.
The subject of this notice is the second son and
fourth child of a family of three sons and three
daughters. The eldest of the family, William
Pierce, is a teacher in Northern Michigan and is
unmarried; Addie is the wife of William Randall,
a farmer of Columbia Township; Mary is the wife
of Brayton Wright, a farmer at Calvert, Dundy
County, Neb.; Frank is at present living with his
brother-in-law, Mr. Randall, and attending the
Brooklyn schools from which he will graduate this
year; Gretty is living with her mother, Mrs. Anson
H. DeLamater whose biography may be consulted
for a full history of the Pierce family. The subject of this sketch was born February 19, 1867, in
the township in which he now lives, and was reared
on the farm he now operates. He received careful
training from worthy parents and acquired a good




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


84D9


education in the Brooklyn schools. The business
of farming, into which lie gained an insight in lis
youth, has been chosen as his avocation and into its
)ursuits lie entered with an excellent understanding
of its details.
In tlle township in wlich he resides Mr. Pierce
was united in marriage with Miss Carrie Wright,
who was born in this township, October 12, 1868,
being the only clild of B. S. and Lucy (Fitch)
Wright. IIer parents are natives of Illinois in whicl
State they were married, coming at once to Michigan about tile year 1867. They have since made
their home on a farm in tils township, although the
occupation of Mr. Wrigllt is thatof a painter. They
are good citizens and prominent memnbers of the
community. Their daughter was educated in the
Brooklyn schools, where slie was graduated witl
credit in tile class of 1886, while her parents lavished upon her the utmost care. She is an intelligent
and thouglltful woman and a wife wllose price is
far above rubies. She and her husband attend the
Universalist Church. M. r. Pierce is an advocate and
voter for the cause of Prohibition.
EX ANT S. FLEMIING is a nmember of the firlln
of Parker & Fleming, wholesale and retail
j  grocers, of Jackson, wlo have been successfully carrying on their business since
March 15, 1886, at which time the partnership was
formed. For the early history of the family of
wlich lie is so worthy a scion, we are indebted to
a record publishe(l by the Rev. Samuel Fleming, a
Presbyterian minister.
Tl'e progenitor of the family in America, was
Robert Fleming, a native of A rgyleshire, Scotland,
wlo came to tlhe States about 1746, landing at
Philadelplhia. He removed to Cecil County, Md.,
in 1760, sojourning there about ten years, and tlen
going to the neighborhood of Hlarrisburg, Pa., and
establishing himself on the frontier on the Susquehannah River. 'Thence in the year 1784, lie removed to Ilanover Township, Washington County,
where he died at the extreme age of ninety-six
years. His wife departed this life at the age of


I


I


ninety-four, and their mortal remains repose in the
Cross Creek cemetery. They were members of the
Presbyterian Church.  The great-grandfather of
our subject was born in Chester County, Pa., in
1 752. Ile married Mary Jackson, wlose father was
a pioneer on I'inle Creek, Lycoming County. In
1790, they removed to New York, settling on the
military tract in what is now the town of Romulus,
Seneca County. Mr. Fleming introduced horses,
sleep and swine there, and with him the religious
history of tlat section commenced. Ile was chosen
the first Elder of the first Presbyterian Church organize(d in that section of country. His death occurred December 15, 1800.
Following the above-named in ttie direct line of
descent was his son tJohn, who was born at' Pine
Creek, Lyconiing County, February 6, 1780. lIe
was a young lad when his parents remove(l to New
York, where in 1802 he was united in marriage with
Susannall llorton.  -Ie located on a part of his
father's farm near Ilomullus, residing there until
about 1844, wlien l   e came to Michigan, settling
near Albion, Callioun County. There his wife died
February 28, 1860, his own lecease occurring May
8, 1863. Both were members of the Presbyterian
Church. Their son James openeld his eyes to the
lilgt in Romulus, N. Y., May 3, 1831, an( was yet
in his teens when they removed to Miclhigan. He
was reared in Calloun County, and learned tile
trade of a cabinet-maker, althollgh lie didl not follow it long. In 1851 lie went to California, via
tlie Isthmus, engaoing, in various eml)loyments, at
one time driving a pack train across the mountains
from San Francisco to tlhe mines. After two or
three years spent on the Pacific Slope, he returned
to his home, subsequently visiting the Golden State
twice, c)oming home the last time in 1865. He
then enitered a hardware store at Albion as a clerk,
abandoning that occupation in 1869, to engage in
tle jewelry business at Nashville, Barry County,
where lie yet remains. Tlhe maiden name of his
wife was Sarah Ruah Soule, and she also is a native
of the Empire State. Their family consisted of
four' children, namely: our subject, Lena R., Edith
A., and Earl B. The latter died at the age of two
years, and Lena when twenty..three years old.
Th're subject of this brief biography was born




83' 


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.,..   ~   - 7 -   _.- - -7 _~ ~  ~ _-_-   ~_ — - -.




near Albion, Calhoun County, November 3, 1857.
He was educated in the public schools of Albion
and Nashville, and at the age of fourteen began the
study of telegraphy. In March, 1873, while he
still lacked some months of having completed his
sixteenth year, he entered tlhe employ of the Michigan Central Railroad Company, and was promoted
through the different grades of his work until he
became chief train dispatcher. He retained tlat
position until the spring of 1886, when he resigned,
immediately afterward forming a partnership witl
Isaac R. Parker, an(l engaging in tile business in
which lie is now occupied.
On September 29, 1880, the interesting ceremony
took place which transformed Miss Lizzie H. Park
into Mrs. 1). S. Fleming. The bride was born in
Niles, Berrien County, and a daughter of Johnson
and Jane (1racken) Park. She is an intelligent
and worthy woman with many of the accomplishments that are so needful in making a hlappy home.
The happy union has been blessed by the birth of
one child, Ruah Jane.
In his political views Mr. Fleming is a Republican. IHe is a member of Michigan Lodge, No. 50,
F. & A. M. Ile belongs to the First Presbyterian
Church of Jackson, wlile his wife still retains her
membership in the United Presbyterian Church at
Chicago, which was her former home. Mr. Fleming, although quite a young man,displays a creditable amount of business ability and determination,
and is already acquiring a fine standing among the
dealers of the city. While pursuing his former avocation, he had the confidence and esteem  of his
employers, and was regarded by them as a trustworthy and capable young man.
ORENZO    BADGLEY. This gentleman is
one of the pioneers of Leoni Township, hav\ing occupied the southwest quarter of section 24, since September, 1837. I-e was born in
Seneca County, N. Y., October 12, 1812, being a
son of William Badgley and Elizabeth Frazy both
of whom were born in New Jersey. The first of
the Badgley family to locate in America, came from


Germany and spent the remainder of his life in New
Jersey. His son William was born in that State
but in 1811 moved to New York, accomplishing
his journey in the winter season with a sleigh. He
bought a tract of timber land on the west bank of
Lake Cayuga, where lie cleared quite an extent of
territory. After living tlere a few years he bought
a partly improved tract of land near Seneca Falls,
on which he resided until his death.' His widow
survived him many years and coming to Michigan
with our subject, spent her last years in Leoni
Township, this county.
The gentleman of whom we write was reared in
his native county, remaining there until 1837, when
accompanied by his mother, one brother, and three
sisters, he canie to Jackson County, Mich. The
journey was performed via the Erie Canal and Lake
to Detroit, where a team  was hired to bring the
family to this county. After seeing them  comfortably lodged in a log house, Mr. Badgley returned on foot to Detroit and there bought a yoke
of oxen which lie attached to the wagon which he
had brought with him from the Empire State, and
by this means brought his household goods to his
new home. Upon purchasing the farm which he now
occupies he at once built a log house, which has
been replaced by a better one and accompanied by
various other improvements as years have gone on.
The estate lias been brought to an excellent state of
productiveness through careful tillage and good
management, and is a pleasant and comfortable
home.
In January, 1851, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between Mr. Badgley and Miss Almira
B1urkhart, a worthy woman of intelligence and
Chiristian character. The union has been blessed by
the birth of six children now living-Frank F.,
G'eorge G., Nettie E., Ida J., Nelson W. and Mina
A. Botll parents are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church at Napoleon, and are held in high
repute by their neighbors and fellow-citizens for
their upright characters and years of useful industry.
The parents of Mrs. Badgley were William and
Eliza (Price) Burkhart, who after their marriage
located in Cayuga County, N. Y., where their
daught?r Almira was born. In 1829 they removed




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHI-IAL ALBUM.                                                 851
I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


to Ohio, taking their place among the early settlers
of Medina County, where they purchased a tract of
timber land and made their home until 1835. Mr.
Burkhart was a carpenter and joiner and built his
own log house in that new locality. Selling out at
the (late last mentioned, he came to the Territory
of Michigan, makincg the removal with ox-teams
and entering a tract of Government land in what is
now Gr'ass Lake Township, this county. There he
improved a farm and resided until his death in
1863. Joselph and iannah Price, the parents of his
wife, were pioneers in Leoni Township.
1~ II. IAI,STEI), a leading business man of
Concord, deals in driugs, nmedicines, etc., and
is proprietor of the Exchange Bank. He
was born in Catskill, N. Y., October 19,
1838, and was the second in a family of three cliildien. When about six years old lie remove(d with
his parents to Cortlandl County, where lie remained
until a lad of thirteen years. For three years
thereafter he worke(d onl a farm, and later, in the
winter, occupied himself as a school teacher. Some
of the time lie also attended the Homer and Coitland Academies, thus obtailing a fair education.
Mr. Halsted, in 1859, came to this State, wlhere
he attended school again, and also followed teaching. After tlhe outbreak of the Civil War lie
enlisted, April 19, 1861, in Company F, Second
Michigan Infantry, and was mustered into service
at Detroit. I-le went to the front, an;d participated
in the first battle of Bull Run. Ile was also at
Williamsburg, the siege of Yorktown, the battle of
Fair Oaks, IMalvern HIill, and many other important engagements. IIe was promoted to the rank
of First Sergeant, and upon one occasion, with
forty of llis comrades, was captured, in November,
1863, by Gen. Longstreet. Th'ey were sent first to
Atlanta and thence to Belle Isle, but in January,
1864, were exchanged and rejoined their reginent.
The term of enlistment having then expired, Mr.
Halsted received his honorable discharge.
Two months after returning home, our subject
entered tile employ of the Government at Little


Rock, Ark., and for about four months was engaged in carpentering.  In the spring of 1865 he
established himself in tile drug business at Clio,
and remained there several yelars. Then abandoning this lie entered the employ of his brother, who
was in the dry-goods business at that place, continuing there until 1877. That year he came to Concor1d and established himself in his present business,
which lie hlas since conducted successfully. In
1879 lie established the Exch(ange Bank, which is a
private institution, and enjoys a good patronage.
Mr. HIalsted was married, in 1866, at Pine Run,
this State, to 3Miss Maude Phillips, who was born
in that place, and is the daughter of the HIon.
Joshua Pllillips, one of the pioneer merchants of
that section. Mrs. IIalsted's father was from New
York State, and after coming to Miihigan entered
the Union army, as Captain of the Eighth Michigan Infantry, in which capacity he served until
compelled to resign on account of failing health.
Subsequently lie died of consumption. IHe was at
one time a meniber of tile State Legislature. Of
tills union there has been born one child, a (laughtel, Ethel. Mr. Ialsted, I)olitically, is a stanch Republican. I-e is a Notary l'lblic, a Village Trustee,
a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, Acting Commander of the Post, Grand Army
of tlie Republic, at Concord.
AVID) IANDION. Thle farming interests
of Parma Township are worthily represented by this gentleman, who is one of its
pioneer settlers, and who is now the proprietor of two hundred and forty acres of land,
pleasantly located on section 11. Having devoted
all of lis active life to agriculture, he is emphatically a practical tiller of the soil, and studies the
land in order to ascertain to what grains it is best
a(lapted. Not only that, but lie reads a great many
papers and magazines relating to farm labor, and
thus has the advantage of the opinions of tlhe most
successful farmers belonging to his own and otlher
States.
In Cayuga County, N. Y., where he was born




852


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICA4 ALBUM.
_.    -::.::.-_:T =:_-. _-:~ -,: _.:  -, -.. '.   " —:- _.:-~z:::::2.':': 7.:_:.':.....  -::z 2:-:........   - ':..........


Decemler 27. 1807, our subject passed the early
years of his life. His parents were Ezekiel and
Sarah (Chapin) Landon. natives of Connecticut,
and highly respected among the substantial farmers
of their community. The poor likewise found in
those worthy people, friends, ever ready to assist
them in distress. Our subject was reared to manhood in his native State, where lie received such an
education as was possible in those primitive times.
He was a pupil at Lima Seminary two terms, and
later attended for a slort period the Cazenovia
Seminary, thus l)erllaps enjoying greater facilities
for attaining knowledge than most of his compeers
were granted.
On the 29th of March, 1843, was solemnized the
marriage of David Landon and Nancy Green. Mrs.
Landon was born Januaiy 9, 1825, and was tile
daulghter of Eenry adll Sallie Green. To Mr. and
Mrs. Landon have been born five children, namely:
Jane, wife of George Ho-ag; Eunice, wlho married
Albert M. Helmer; Ada, now Mrs. C. C. McGee;
David J.; and Charles C., a physician. Mr. Landon came to Michigan in 1835, and purchased a
large tract of land from the Government, paying
$1.25 per' acre for the same. After remaining a
few months in Jackson County, he returned to the
Empire State and taught school. In 1843, after
his marriage, lie came with his wife to his farm,
where lie now lives in comfort. IIe and his wife
are members of tile Metlodist Epliscopal Churclh,
and when in his prime Mr. Landon was an exhorter
in that denomination, haiving been licensed as a
ocal preaclier in 1833. In politics he is a Prohlibitionist, and has served as Justice of the Peace.
H. ROWE. One of the most orderly and
most attractive farms in Pulaski Township
is that occupied by the above-named gentleman, who is engaged in stock buying and
shipping and in general farming. Iis estate, which
comprises one hundred and twenty acres on section
10, has been well improved and fitted for the purposes to which it is devoted. The stock which is
shipped from Concord by Rowe & Co., forms the


most extensive business of the kind in thle southwestern part of the county. Not only do they
buy extensively, but they also raise goodly numbers, liogs and sheep being their principal stock-intrade, although horses have a place in their sales.
Going back to the third generation preceding our
subject, we find in the paternal line one Joseph
Rowe, a native of Connecticut and a farmer there,
who participated in tle French and Indian War
and held a Captain's commission in the Revolution.
lHe died in Washington County, N. Y. Prior to his
time the family had lived in England. Tlie next
in tle direct line of descent was James Rowe, also
a native of Connecticut and an early settler in
Onondaga County, N. Y.. where he located in
1806 and engaged in farming. I-e took part in
the War of 1812 and lived to be one hundred years
of age. Among the members of his family was
N. T., who was born in the Empire State in 1809.
reared in Onondaga County, and engaged in farming there. In 1866 he came to Michigan, and was
with his son, our subject, until his death, in 1884.
-His wife was Charity Luce, who was born in Cortland County, N. Y.. in 1815. Her father, Thomas
Luce, a cooper and cabinet-maker, was born in
Rhode Island and( lived many years in the Empire
State. The motlher of our subject died in 1869,
leaving two children, J. I-I. and Juliet, Mirs. Wisncr, of Hillsdale County.
The sublject of this sketch was born in i)nondaga,
N. Y., March 24, 1841, and reared on a farm near
that town. Ilis education was obtained in the subscription school in the old-fashioned log schoolhouse, wlhose primitive description we have so
often read. lie remained at home until August,
1861, when lie entered tie Union army as a member of Company E, Forty-fourth New York Infantry, the regiment which became known as Ellsworth's Avengers. They were mustered into the
service at Albany and sent Souti to become a part
of the Army of tile Potomac. He was wounded in
May, 1864, in the right leg, and being sent to the
hospital, was laid up a year, being then discharged
as unfit for service. Returning then to his home,
he went thence to Piatt County, Ill., where he
farmed a year, afterward returning again to his native State. In the spring of 1866 he came to Mich



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.                                  853
igan, bringing liis parents and buying eighty acres  ing successfully and died July 12, 1849. He was
of land in Pulaski Township, this county, upon  cut down.in his prime, being only thirty-nine years
which he located, selling and buying different  old. Iis wife survived him nearly forty years, her
tracts of land and dealing somewhat in stock until  death taking place April 21, 1889, after she had
1880, when lie took possession of the place which  attained her three-score and ten yeais. Both were
he now occupies.                                active members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church.
The marriage of Mr. Rowe took place in his own  They were people greatly respected in their comtownship, February 21, 1869, his bride being Miss  unnity for their kindness of heart and their hosClara, daughter of Samuel Center, an old settler  pitable ways. Mrs. Teachout, after the death of
in this township, of which she is a native. Mr.  her father, when she was only ten years old, reRowe has served two terms as ''ownship Treasurer,  mained witlh ier mother until she was married.
has been a juryman, and a delegate to county and  Soon afterward our sulject and his wife settled on
State conventions of the Republican party, whicl  what was known as the William  Teachout homehe stanchly supports. He belongs to the Inde-   stead, where they lived five years. Mr. Teachout
dependent Order of Odd Fellows, Ancient Order   then purchased eighty acres of land in Rome Townof United Workmen, and Grand Army of the Re-    ship which lie subsequently added to, a part of this
public, at Concord, holding the rank of Past Corn-  latter purchase lying in Rome and part in Adrian
mander in the latter order.                     Township, and comprising altogether one hundred
and seventy acres.
3.._^r~j^S     _. c — - ~Upon the homestead clus instituted Mr. Teachout lived until 1876, then selling out removed to
Rome Center, where he officiated as "mine host" of
HARLES TEACI()UT. The Empire State          an hotel three and one-half years. His next rehas furnished Michigan some of the best   moval was to Adrian City where he became pro)   elements which go to make up a worthy     prietor of the Gibson House. Ile spent one year
citizenship, and among these may be properly men-  with tills, then in 1880 purchased the Exchange
tioned the Teachout family, of whom the subject  Hotel at Tecumselh, which lie operated one year then
of this notice is a worthy representative. He was  sold at an advance of $1,000. Returning then to
born in the town of Manchester, Ontario County,  Adrian lie purchased a residence and for a time
N. Y., February 2, 1837, and lived there until a  lived retired from  active business. I-e was not
youtl of seventeen years. HIe then accompanied  contented, however, and after a few years removed,
his parents to this State and attained his majority  in August, 1888, to Brooklyn, taking charge of the
in Cambridge Township. When twenty-two years    Cosmopolitan Hotel, which lie had secured on a
old lie was married, August 7, 1859, in Rome    trade, and in connection with which was a fine
Township, Lenawee County, to Miss Harriet A.    livery barn, equipped with every convenience as
Barrus. This lady was born on Wolf Creek, Rome  also was tlhe hotel. The latter is a large, roomy,
Township, September 7, 1840, and was the daugh-  brick structure, fitted up with modern conveniences,
ter of Delancy and Emily (Smith) Barrus, the    including furnace heat, etc.
former of whom was a native of New Htampshire.    Mr. and Mrs. Teachout have become widely and
Mr. Barrus, when starting out in life for himself,  favorably known to the traveling public, and those
camin to Michigan and was married to Miss Emily  wlo sojourn under their hospitable roof are sure to
Smith, a native of Manchester, N. Y. The Smith  repeat the experiment, whenever the opportunity
family likewise came to Michigan at an early date,  offers. The sons of Mr. Teachout are great horsemen
settling in Rome Township, Lenawee County, where  and owners of some of the finest draft and road anitheir daughter developed into womanhood.        mals in this section. They have been very successful
Mr. and Mrs. Barrus lived in Rome Township    in the breeding and training of horses, evincing
for several years where the father followed farm-  great skill and a thorough knowledge of the equine




854            PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


-.                                                  I


disposition and requirements. Among the horses
which have passed through their hands are "HIappy
Man," now owned by Don W. Dickinson, of Detroit, and "Tipton Boy," who has made a good
record on the race course in Michigan. The keynote of the most fluent conversation is struck
whenever a horse is mentioned to Mr. Teachout or
his sons. Of the latter there are only two, tthe eldest of whom, Fred D., who has attained quite a
rel)utation as a trainer, was for many years a rider
and driver at various public race courses. He married a highly accomplished young lady, Miss Cora
E. Jones, of Tecumseh, and they live with the
parents at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. Claude Edward, the younger son, also lives tlere.
In noting the early progenitors of our subject we
find that his grandfather, John Teachout, was born
in Ontario County, N. Y., where the first representative of the family, of whom they have any
record, settled at an early (lay. They traced their
ancestry to Holland, from  which three brothers
came over, and probably were among tile first who
instituted the Dutch settlement in New Yoik State.
From them descended the Teachouts of America.
They followed( agricultural pursuits and were generally reliable citizens andl well-to-do. Grandfathter
John Teachout slent his early years in his native
county and was married to a lady whose first name
was Polly, and who, like himself, was of HollandDutch ancestry. They settled upon a farm wlere
Grandmother Teachott (lied when a little past
middle life. There hadl been born to them four
sons and three daughlters.
In 1854 (Grandfather Teachout witl his children
came to Michigan, and some years later died at tle
home of his son William, in Cambridge Township,
after having attained more than his four-score years.
William  Teac'hout, the father of our subject, was
the eldest of the family and was born in Manchester, N. Y., in 1804. Hle started out early in life to
earn his own living, and finally assisted in the support of his father as the latter giew old. He was
married, near Mainchester, N. Y., to Miss Rachel
Wells, who was also born in that vicinity. After
his marriage William Teachout and his wife settled
on the old Wells estate in Ontario County, where
they live(l until removing to their own farm near




Manchester. In 1854, after the birth of six children they came to Michigan and the father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in
Cambridge Township, Lenawee County, where they
made their home until after the death of the wife
and mother, which occurred when she was about
fifty-five years old.
William Teachout after the death of his wife
sold his farm and retired to Tecumsell, where he
died March 22, 1868, at the age of sixty-four years.
lIe was a hard-working, honest man and one who
made many friends. I-is wife, Rachel, was his
suitable partner in all respects, being devoted to
her family, and a sincere Christian. They were
the parents of three sons and four daughters, all of
whom, with the exception of one who died young,
are living and have families of their own.
6l   ON. W. F. GOODWIN, a retired miller
V   an(l wealthy citizen of Concord, has been a
I     resident of this county since 1845. Ile las
llad important financial interests in this
county for many years, botl in a private business
capacity and in affairs which relate to tle good of
the public, and still has money invested in several
institutions in this and neighboring, counties.
The larents of our subject were Jesse and Dollie
(Watkins) Goodwin, of New England. His father
was born in Connecticut in 1781,and being left an
orp)han when nine years old, he made his own way
by working on a farm until twenty-one years old
when lie began driving a stage between Albany
and Buffalo, an occupation which lie continued for
sixteen years. He then engaged in farming in
Steuben and Monroe Counties, N. Y., finally locating in Genesee County, where lie spent the remainder of Ills life. THis wife was born in Berkshire County, Mass., and died in Monroe County,
N. Y., at the age of fifty-five years.
The subject of this sketch was born in Ontario
County, N. Y., March 25, 1812, but was reared and
educated in Monroe County, whence his father removed when he was a child. After lie had reached
his majority he attended a select school at Roches



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.          855


ter, adding to the knowledge he had previously
obtained in the common schools. In 1835 lie made
a trip to Michigan, performing a p)art of his journey on foot, but returned to the Empire State the
same year. He began farming, continuing that occupation in Genesee and Monroe Counties until
1842, when lie again came West, and locating in
Ann Arbor, remained there two years engaged
in the  manufacture of machinery.     In  1845
he came to this county and leasing the mill property at Concord, operated the establishment for
nearly a quarter of a century. Four years after lie took possession of it, he purchased the mill
and two hundred acres of adjoining land and rebuilt from the foundation, getting his water power
from the north branch of the Kalamazoo River.
Mr. Goodwin is one of those citizens of this section who were interested in securing the Michigan
Central Railroad. At various times he has been in
the mercantile business and a partner in stores, and
also interested in grain and stock buying. In 1869
lie sold his mill property and retired to his farm
residence that is located in the village of Concordl.
Ile now owns some six hundred and forty acres of
land in tllis county, and is a stockholder in the
Concord State Bank, the Peoples' Bank of Jackson,
and the First National Bank of Albion.
The first marriage of the IHon. Mr. Goodwin took
place in Virgil, N. Y., in 1846, his bride being
Miss Mary Granger, who shared his fortunes until
1860, when she departed this life. She was born in
Rochester, N. Y. She was the mother of two children-Agnes M., now deceased, who was the wife
(,f J. 0. Thatcher, and George V., who died at the
age of six years. On February 5, 1868, Mr. Goodwin contracted a second matrimonial alliance, his
chosen companion being Miss Jennie   Patten, a
graduate of Livingston Park Seminary. This marriage was celebrated at Rochester, and has been
blessed by the birth of two children-Carroll, who
is still living at home, and May, who died in 1875,
at the age of five years.
In politics Mr. Goodwin is a stanch Republican.
He was sent to the State Legislature for the sessions
of 1857-58 and being re-elected in the latter year
again served two sessions. In 1880 lie was elected
to the State Senate and served during the session


of 1881 and an extra session in 1882, being next to
the oldest man in the Legislative body. He was a
member of the Constitutional Amendment Convention that met in i867. He has wielded great influence in the community in which lie lives and is
still a power in this section.
_'- — S^^,E^^A^-J e
i HILEMAON E. SPARKS, of the firm       of
j)  Eldred & Sparks, proprietors of the Michigan Center Flouring Mills, is a practical
firstclass miller and a man of business
ability which is exhitbited as a manager, as a salesman, and in every department to which his attention is called. The mill of which lie is a joint
owner is now furnished with all modern machinery
of first-class design and construction, and with a
capacity of seventy-five barrels per day is taxed to
the utmost, the flour having attained a high reputation.
'Tle subject of this sketchl was born in Greensburg, Trumbull County, Ohio, August 7, 1844, and
is the eldest son of Erastus and Pluma (Moore)
Sparks, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this
work. He was eleven years old when lie came to
this county with his parents. Ite had attended tle
district schools at his native place and after coming
to Leoni advanced his education by attendance at
the Michigan Union College, tllen located there,
but now at Adrian, Lenawee County. LIe was but
a boy when lie began to assist his father in the mill
and when fifteen years old had already become a
practical miller.
Young Sparks continued to work in a mill until
llis eighteenth year, when in July, 1862, lie enlisted in Company F, Twentieth Michigan Infantry,
serving until after the close of the war. Among
the most important battles in which lie participated
were those of Fredericksburg, Campbell Station
and Loudoun Station. Late in 1863, while stationed at Annapolis, Md., lie was taken sick and
confined to the hospital until his discharge. He
then returned to Leoni and resumed milling there,
but a year later went to Sylvan Center where he
was employed at the same work two and a half years.




856               PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
-   - - - _,.  g  =-_  =Z  =-.~  = -   -  - - - ~ -7 -- -   - - - -   - - - - - - -.  -,...


The next move of Mr. Sparks was to Leslie,
Ingham County, where he operated a mill two
years, in 1869 coming back to this county and
spending a year at Michigan Center, after which
lie purchased an interest in a mill at Spring Arbor.
That establishment was operated by him   eight
years, when he sold his interest and rented tile
Washington mill at Jackson. Six nionths later lie
bought a half interest in tle mill at Chelsea, Washtenaw County, removed to that place and resided
there until 1887. At that date he formed a copartnership with Zenas C. Eldred, and the firm
bought the mill which they are now operating and
whlich they have refitted and made into a first-class
modern establishment.
An important step in the life of Mr. Sparks was
taken in June, 1867, at which time he became tile
husband of Miss Delia Etta Burcl:ard, a young lady
of intelligence, domestic virtues, and Christian
character. She was born in Sylvan, Washtenaw
County, and is a daughter of Seaborn and Mary
A. (Tichenor) Burchard. To Mr. and Mrs. Sparks
four children have been born -Burchard E., Mary
P., Burnett 1)., and Erma Belle. Both parents belong to the Congregational Church. Mr. Sparks is
a Republican and of the social orders affiliates with
the Ancient Order of U;nited Workmen, holding
membership in Chelsea Lodge. The characters of
himself and wife are such as to entitle them to tile
respect of their acquaintances and gain for them
many friends throughout the community.
)  OSIAH B. FROST was born in Ypsilanti,
Washtenaw County, Mich., November 21,
1840, in the house on the northeast corner
of Huron and Catharine Streets, now, and for
a number of years occupied by J. M. Clidister, Esq.
His father, Calvin P. Frost, who settled in Ypsilanti in May, 1835, was born in Marcellus, Onondaga County, N. Y., November 7, 1803, where his
father, Deacon Josiah Frost, son of Deacon John
Frost, settled in the spring of the year 1803, the
same year that Calvin P. and his twin brother, Ed

ward W., were born. Two sisters were also born
in 1Iarcellus, these, with six children who came
with the family from Williamsburgh, Mass., and
two others who died prior to leaving the Williamsburgh home, male twelve children of Deacon Josiah Frost and his wife Electa (Paine) Frost, who
was a daughter of Dr. Elijah and Mary (Whlite)
Paine, also of Williamsburgh, Mass., a descendant
of Elder John White, the progenitor in this country of a numerous people, whose genealogies may
be traced in "MAemorials of Elder John White."
Of this family, Deacon John Frost was a pioneer
and extensive farmer in Western Massachusetts; his
son Deacon Josiah Frost was a pioneer and extensive farmer and drover in Western New York, owning one of the largest farms in the county. His
son Calvin Paine Frost, who died in his eightythird year, the last survivor of his family, a pioneer in Michigan, was engaged in mechanical pursuits. IIe was for many years a member of the session of the Presbyterian Church in Ypsilanti, in
which church he had been an active member for
nearly ialf a century, and although his son Josiah
B. Frost, the subject of this sketch, is not a pioneer
in Jackson County, yet his long residence and interest in pioneer and genealogical matters was the
occasion of his election as Secretary of the County
Pioneer Society. His mother, Sarah (Rice) Frost,
was born in East Sudbury, Mass., May 7, 1801,
died February 22, 1873. She was a daughter of
Ithimar Rice, a farmer and manufacturer of Sudbury, and Sarah (1)unn) Rice, daughter of John
and Grace (Kelly) ])unn, all early settlers of Sudbury. Ithimar Rice had no children by his first
marriage. There were twenty-one children by the
last three, making a fair New England family.
Josiah B. Frost, the subject of this sketch. was
educated in the Ypsilanti Seminary and State Normal School, took a special course in the Chemical
Laboratory of the Michigan University, and served
an apprenticeship as an apothecary, and was for a
number of years in the drug business in his native
town. He came to Jackson in 1862, and with his
father built a number of houses at Woodville. After that contract had been filled, lie built the Woodville store, and sold groceries, provisions, and mining implements, but not liking the location, after a




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


857


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two-years' stay, sold out and clerked in the old
Iolland & Son's drug-store,until lie engaged in 1866
in the drug trade for himself in Ypsilanti, in which
year he was admitted to membership in the American Pllarmaceutical Association. He sold out there
in the fall of 1869, and returned to Jackson, where
lie has since been engaged in mechanical engineering and draluglting, to whichl occupation lie had
been brought up.
Mr. Frost is a Republican in politics, and has
frequently represented his ward and county, in tle
County. l)istrict, and State conventions, and is at
present serving his eighth year as a member of the
County Board of Supervisors. I le is a member of
Jackson Commandery K. T., and T. I. M., of Jackson Council R. & S. M. He was narried in Ypsilanti, on the 25th of September, 1867, to Ellen
Cornelia Mills, oldest daughter of Mr. Philo Mills
and Sarah Winchester (Justin) Mills, botl deceased,
of Grovela    Livingston County, N. Y. They
have three children: Eloise A., wlo graduated with'
thie "West Side" Jackson Iigh School Class of '88;
expects to enter the classical course in the State
l'nivcrsity the coining fall; Edward J., who after
netarly finislling tlle Iigh School course, entered the
mechanical engineering department of the State
Agricultural College, and temporarily left to accept
a position us (draughltman for an extensive manufacturing establishment; Charles M., the youngest
is in tlie Iigh Schlool.
The family llome is pleasantly located, at the
corner of Second and Morrell Streets, where Mr.
Frost built to suit himself and family a dozen or
more years ago. I-e and his family are connected
with the Congregational Church.
CHIAINCEY         WET'MORE     stands preeminent among the most intelligent and
enterprising of the wealthy farmers, stockraisers and business men of Jackson County, with
whose higliest interests his own have been closely
identified for a period of thirty years. He is a
practical and scientific agriculturist of surpassing
skill, and has carried on his farming operations


after the most approved modern methods with the
greatest success, as is shown by the appearance of
his fine farm, comprising parts of sections 2 and 3,
Pulaski Township. Lake View Farm, as it is appropriately called, is beautifully located on the
shores of Swain Lake, and is one of the most desirable farms in the county, as well as one of the
pleasantest p)laces for a- home. The new survey
of the air line road runs along the west line of tle
farm in front of his residence, and as soon as the
road is built, the Concord Station will be located
near by, and Swain Lake will undoubtedly become
one of the finest summer resorts in the State. In
1877 Mr. Wetmore erected here a magnificent residence, something out of the common style usually
adopted by farmers. It is of red pressed brick, is
liglhted by gas manufactured on the place, and is
one of the best appointed, most conveniently arranged, finest and most tastefully furnished farm
house in the county. 'here are also extensive and
well-ordered outbuildings attached, including three
good sized barns, 40x60, 30x40, and 20x72 feet,
resl)ectively, besides all the necessary conveniences,
such as windmill, tank, etc. There are beautiful
and well-arranged grounds surrounding the house,
and a fine orc'tard and lovely groves add to the
picturesqueness of tlle scene.
Mr. Wetmore represents the fiftl generation in
this country of the descendants of one of two
brothers wlho came to America in Colonial times
from their native Wales, one of them clanging his
name to Whittimore to distinguish thie families.
Elisha Wetmore, the grandfather of our subject,
was born in Connecticut and was an early settler of
Oneida County, N. Y., going thither through the
intervening wilderness with an ox-team. That part
of the country in his day represented the " Great
West," Fort Herkimer then ftanding on the Western frontier, there being no settlement beyond. He
located in the forests among the Indians, cleared
the land, and became a large and well-to-do farmer,
and there the remainder of his life was passed. He
reared a family of twelve children.
His son W5illiam, father of our subject, was born
in Oneida County in 1501. He followed farming,
owning one hundred and eighty acres of valuable
laind, and was a leading man in his community. A




858            PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


man of quiet habits, he was at the same time public-spirited and enterprising. IIe was greatly interested in education, and gave all his children the
best school advantages. In his political affiliations
he was a Whig; in religion, broad and liberalminded, he was a strong Universalist. His death,
which occurred in 1858, at the age of fifty-seven
years, was a severe blow not only to his family, but
to the community at large. The maiden name of
the mother of our subject was Sally Cossitt. Sile
was born in Paris, N. Y., in 1804, a daughter of
Roswell.Cossitt, who was of French descent. In
his younger days lie was a distiller, and later engaged in farming, and spent his last days in Oneida
County. The mother of our subject removed to
New Hartford after his father's death, and resided
there till she too, passed away, her death occurring
in 1888. She was in all respects a woman of fine
character, and, like her husband, was a firm Universalist. They were the parents of seven children,
of whom the following is recorded: W. Chauncey,
our subject; Armida S., died in 1884; Ienry A.
resides in Sheboygan, Micl.; Uphrazia I-I. is now
Mrs. Mason, of Concord; Jane E. is dead; Caroline
M. is Mrs. E. P. Bailey, of New Hartford, N. Y.;
Frances C. is dead.
W. Chauncey Wetmore was born in the town of
Paris, Oneida County, N. Y., February 11, 1824.
His early life was spent on his father's farm, and
lie was given the best school advantages afforded
by his native county. He was a studious lad, and
many a night he has poured over his books by the
light of the bright fire in the huge old fireplace in
hi-s childhood home. His education was completed,
at least as far as attendance at schools were con.
cerned, at the Clinton High School. At the age
of seventeen lie obtained a teacher's certificate
from the county, and when eighteen years old engaged in that profession, teaching three years in
the State of New York. In 1845, when he was
twenty-one years old, he went South to Maryland,
and in 1846 to South Carolina, (in Senator "Bob"
Butler's district) to teach, and was thus engaged in
South Carolina till 1849, when he returned to his
native place, accompanied by his brother, who had
also been teaching in South Carolina, their long
journey homeward being made entirely with a horse


and buggy. In 1850, his health becoming poor,
he returned to Maryland, where he remained until
1852. After that our subject engaged his services
witll an agricultural implement manufacturing
company as traveling salesman. He was thus en.
gaged fourteen years. While thus engaged he drove
all over the country, and visited Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Southern Pennsylvania, Ohio,
Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin, and by actual
count he traveled a distance equal to over three
times around the world. He was very successful
in introducing the implements of the company for
which lie traveled, and made a good deal of money
out of the business. He was desirous, however,
to settle down in life and establish a home, and
with that end in view, lie determined to purchase
land in some pleasing locality, and not finding just
what he wanted in Illinois or Wisconsin, wishing
for a place where fruit, etc., could be raised successfully. lie turned his face toward Michigan, and
in January, 1860, came to this State by rail, and
purchased his present farm. It was but very little
improve(d, but by dint of energy and persistent
labor he has wrought L wondrous change, and is
now the possessor of one of the finest estates for
miles around, comprising three hundred acres of
the choicest and most highly cultivated land in
tile region. Mr. Wetmore continued in his business as a traveling salesman, till 1865, being thus
engaged principally from  September until May,
while spending his summers at home attending to
the improvement of his farm. He has paid a great
deal of attention to raising clover seed and has
been very successful at it, raising large crops for
use, as well as fertilizing the soil with it. HIe has
also engaged quite extensively in raising wiheat
and wool. He now rents his field and is giving
his attention to raising full-blooded Jerseys, and
already has a fine little herd of six head. His
enterprise extends beyond his home, as is instanced
in his building the Concord Opera House in 1880
to encourage the development of the town. It is a
fine brick buil ling, trimmed with stone, lighted by
gas, with a seating capacity of six hundred, and is
a great addition to the attractiveness of the town.
In 1886 Mr. Wetmnoe organized the Citizens' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and is acting as its




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL[]ALTBU M.


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PORTRFiT AND B1OGRAPHJCAL~~ALBUM.  859


Secretary, devoting the greater part of his time to
its management, and by his business tact and energy has established it on a solid basis, and has
been largely instrumental in making it one of the
most reliable companies of the kind and one of tile
most successful.
Mr. Wetmore was united in marriage with Miss
Cornelia Adeline Bailey, in Paris, N.Y., August 27,
1857. Mrs. Wetmore is a lady of culture and refinement, and is devoted to her family, her thoughts
being always how to enhance the comfort and happiness of her husband and children. She loves to
beautify the home, and presides over it with grace.
She is a sincere Christian, and a Presbyterian in
belief, and her charity and sympathy for the needy
and afflicted are unbounded. Mrs. Wetmore was
born in Paris, N. Y., May 5, 1835, and was educated at Clinton, N. Y. Her father, Paul Bailey,
was born in La Compton, R. I.  -Ier grandfather,
John Bailey, was a native of the same State, and
settling in Oneida County in pioneer times, lie engaged in farming there, and did good service in
the War of 1812. Mrs. AWetmore's father was an
extensive farmer and stock-dealer in Oneida County,
engaging in business there until his wife died, when
lie sold out and retired to our subject's home, of
which he was an inmate until his death in 1887,
at the venerable age of eighty-three years. In his
younger days lie was a member of the New York
State Militia. Hle and his wife were Presbyterians
in religion, and were strong in the faith. Mrs.
Wetmore's mother, whose maiden name was Merinda Porter, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., of
which her father, Ira Porter, a native of Rhode
Island, was an early settler.  She died in New
Hartford, N. Y. She and her husband were the
parents of five children: E. P., of New Hartford,
N. Y.; Cornelia A.; Ann Eliza, now Mrs. Austin,
of Cattaraugus County, N.Y.; George P., deceased;
Wheaton P., of New Hartford, N. Y.
The happy wedded life of our subject and his
wife has been blessed to them by the birth of six
children, namely: Jean A., Cora A., Earl P., Jessie
C., Lena E. and Nora B. They are well educated
and accomplished, for their parents have been determined to give them every advantage, and the
thousands of dollars that he has spent on their ed

ucation Mr. Wetmore considers the best investment
that he ever made. The (daughters are musicians,
painters, and elocutionists of no mean ability, and
the home is replete with the little graces that add
such charm to domestic life. The sons are now
occupying the most responsible positions with their
employers..Jean was graduated from tile scientific
course of the Michigan University at Ann Arbor
in the class of '83, and then took a post-graduate
course in electrical engineering, from which lie wagraduated in 1885. He has made several inventions, and among others an electric lamp. He is
traveling for the O'Kenite Insulate Wire Company,
of New York City, is one of the stockholders of the
the company, an(l stands well with his employers.
Iie makes his home in New York City. He is also
llalf owner of Ann Arbor Soap Works.      Cora
is a graduate of the Ann Arbor High School,
and holds a first gradle certificate as a teacher. She
lives with her parents. Earl is a graduate of the
University of Ann Arbor, a member of the class of
'87, in electric engineering,. I-e is a fine electrician and is now a Su)perintendent of the Electric
Sprague Motor Company.    Has equippled electric
street car lines of Richmond, Va., Iarrisburg and
Scranton, Pa., and St. Joseph, Mo., and is now
tlaveling in its interests in Italy, with head quarters at Florence, wlither he went in January, 1890.,Jessie is a graduate of the Concord Iigh School,
and studiedl Illusic an(l painting at Albion and in
Brooklyn, N. Y. She is now the wife of George
W. Millen, of Ann Arbor, where he is engaged in
the manufacture of Victory soap. IIe is a half
proprietor of the Ann Arbor Soap Works, and is a
rising young man. Lena E. is attending the State
Normal School at Ypsilanti, pursuing a four years'
course, and is a member of the class of '91. Nora
is a student of the Concord High School, and is
studying music in Albion.
Nature has gifted our subject in more than an
ordinary degree, donating to him all the qualities
that form a complete manhood. He has a peculiar
talent for affairs, and nio less ambition, backed by
force of will and tenacity of purpose. He blends
with these traits the lesthetic feelings of a man of
culture and refinement, his tastes and likings being
of the higher and artistic order, and his truthful



860


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


ness and high sense of honor are apparent in all
that he does, scorning a mean act, with a natural
tendency to all the better things of life. Hle is
liberal and public-spirited, the friend of education
and progress, and is foremost in the enterprises
tending to elevate the people, and to advance the
material welfare of the county. His home life
forms a picture of domestic happiness seldom witnessed, and his surroundings reflect in a marked
degree the character of the hman. Within his beautiful home are all the evidences of refined modern
life, music, painting, books, and all the embellishments belonging to a home whose inmates are
people of cultivated tastes and ample means. He
has a fine library, comprising a rare collection of
books by the best authors, modern and ancient.
Mr. Wetmore is the personal friend of Alexander
Winchell, and is also intimate with others of Michigan's leading men.   Our subject is broad and
exceedingly liberal in his religious views, being a
Universalist in his belief. He has sound, practical
opinions upon all subjects, and it is truly said of
him that a person, meeting and conversing with
him, is always the wiser for listening to the expression of his thoughts. IIe does not aspire to office,
but is a strong admirer and supporter of the Republican party.
ARCIJS MARKHAM. Dotted about over
the surface of Michigan, are numerous
sheets of water whose banks afford beautiful locations for homes. One of these is
Round Lake, in this county, on the shores of which
lies the well cultivated farm belonging to tle above.
named gentleman. It bears a full line of farm
buildings, all substantial and sufficiently comtmodious for their purposes, and the character of the
owner is indicated by the neatness and order tllat
prevail throughout tile estate.
The gentleman of whom we write, was born in
Monroe County, N. Y., August 27, 1832, whence
his parents came to Michigan when he was in his
fourtl year. Although so young the journey made
such an impression upon his childish mind that he


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well remembers many of its incidents. The family
traveled with an ox-team from their former home
in Monroe County, N. Y., to Erie, Pa., the company consisting of fourteen people, they and their
goods being hauled in four wagons drawn by five
yoke of oxen, and bringing witl them three cows
and one horse. At Erie they embarked with their
stock on a boat, and landing at Toledo, continued
their journey overland to this county. Where
Jackson now stands there were then but a few
houses, and deer, bear, wild turkeys and otlier game
roamed at will near them. Across the Grand River
there was a one-pole bridge. The family settled in
Blackman Township, and amid the p)rimitive surrounding of what was then the frontier, the subject
passed his boyhood and youth. There being no
railroads here for some years after their arrival, his
father used to haul his wheat to Ylsilanti, and tmade
frequent trips to Detroit with his team.
Young Markham attended the pioneer schools,
and as soon as his strength would permit, began to
assist his fathler on the farm. When he liad reached
man's estate he began to learn tile trade of a blacksmith, working with Albert Foster about three
years, and then opening a shop for himself. Iie
carried on the business twelve years, ten years of
the tilne being in company with lhis brother William. At the expiration of tie period named, lie
sold out his business, and turned his attention to
agricultural pursuits, buying land a half mile south
of Michigan Center, and fourand a half miles from
Jackson, bordering on the west shore of IRound
Lake. Here he has since made his home, carefully
and intelligently cultivating the eighty-nine acres
that comprises his estate, and surrounding lhis family with more and more of the comforts and beauty
of life as years have passed.
Realizing that it is not good for man to live
alone, Mr. Markham chose for Ills companion in
life Miss Emma Price, a native of Grass Lake
'ownship, tils county, and a daughter of Wilkinson and Sallie (Marshall) Price. To this estimable
woman he was married in 1860, and together they
labored over a quarter of a century, sharing eacl
other's joys and sorrows, until April 18, 1889, when
the wife and mother was called hence. Slie left
three children: Judson A., Lizzie E. and Marion




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


861


--- -. ---- - ---. 


H. In politics Mr. Markham is a sound Democrat.
A reliable citizen, an upright man and a kind parent and neighbor, he is well esteemed by those to
whom he is known, and his long residence in this
county has given him an extended acquaintance.
Going back three generations in the paternal line
of Mr. Markham, we find the progenitors living in
New Hampshire, whence they removed to the Genesec Valley, N. Y., at an early date in its history.
Capt. John Markham was a lad of fifteen years when
that removal took place, and he became of age in
the Empire State. In Avon, Livingston County,
lie married Polly Betz, a native of Vermont, afterward settling on a tract of timber land, bordering
on Honeyoye Creek, near Rush, Monroe County.
Theie he built a log house, in which the father of
our subject was born, and cleared a farm upon
which he resided until about 1843. I-e then traded
his farm for a section of land in Ingham County,
Mich., which, being wild land, lie never settled
upon, but lived in the town of Converse, Marshall
County. There he bought property, built himself
a home, and iesided until his death at the age of
eighty-three years. His title was obtained during
the War of 1812. His wife survived him, dying
at the home of a son near South Bend, Ind.
David Markham was born June 26, 1804, in
Genesee County, N. Y., and reared in his native
County. l)uring his youth there were no railroads
nor canals in that section, and Albany was the
principal market, produce being taken to that place
with teams. He remained with his parents until
his marriage, when he bought seventy-five acres of
land on the Indian Reservation, in Batavia, Genesee County, where he lived four years. Ie then
sol(, returned to Rush, and bought a farm there.
In 1832 he made his first visit to Michigan Territory, coming on a boat to l)etroit,by stage to Ypsilanti, and thence starting out on foot to view the
country. Jackson was then a hamlet, consisting
of a few log cabins and one frame building, the hotel being kept in a double log house.
Mr. Marklham spent a few weeks in Michigan,
going as far as White Pigeon on his tour of inspection, and then returned to his home, buying a tavern stand at West Rush, where he acted as host
until 1836. He then came with his family to this


State and county, before his removal having purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Blackman Township. He found Jackson but little larger
than when he had first seen it, and the country still
in quite a primitive condition. Settling upon
his land in June, he began its development, subsequently entering adjoining land from the Government. He improved tihe farm but later sold it and
built his present home in Jackson, where he has
since remained. He drew the first iron put into
the cells of the State Prison, receiving $1 per hundred pounds for hauling it. His pioneer labors are
well-known to the older residents of the county,
and many of the younger generation are familiar
with the name and record of David Markham.
The first marriage of David Markham took
place March 12, 1826, his bride being Miss Clarissa
Nobles. Slle was born in the Empire State and was
a daughter of Russell and Abbie (Dunham) Nobles. She died in 1845. after liaving bor e her
husband ten children two of whom are deceas2d.
Those living are: William, Francis, Marcus, Levant, Norman, Milo, Ransom and Addie. The
widower contracted a second alliance in December,
1845, his companion being Miss Ann A. Burch,
who was born in Gorham, Ontario County, N. Y.
Sle is the mother of six children-Darwin,
Charles, Ellen, Ida, Wayne and Clarence. Mr.
Markham joined the Masonic fraternity in Rush,
N. Y., in 1826, becoming a memnler of Rush Iodge
No. 44. He now belongs to Jackson Lodge, No. 17,
and to Chapter, No. 3.? ONATHAN H. IENDEE, the owner and
occupant of forty acres of land on section
5, Blackman Township, upon which lie has
erected a good home and made other excellent improvements, first came to this county in the
fall of 1836, although lie then remained liere but
a short time. Ile was born in Sudbury, Rutland
County, Vt., November 6, 1815, his parents being
the Rev. David and Caroline (Harrington) Hendee,
who were also natives of the Green Mountain




862


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


State. After having lived in three different towns
in Vermont, they removed to Niagara County,
N. Y., in 1831, vwhere the father continued his ministerial labors until 1837. In the meantime our
sulject had visited Michigan and returned to the
parental home, whence he came with his father's
family in the spring of 1837, settling near Jackson,
in what is now Blackman Township.
The first Baptist Church of Jackson was organized by the Rev. Mr. Hendee, who not long after
removed to Mason County, organizing Baptist
churches in Mason, Leslie, Aurelius, Eaton Rapids
and other places. -le returned to this county about
1850, and during the last years of his life lived
with his children, of whom he had a family of six
sons and two daughters. lie died in Somerset
Townslip, Hillsdale County, and his wife in Blackman Township, this county.
The subject of this sketch hadc learned the trale
of a carpenter in the East, but on coming to Michigan, he followed it a short time ere connecting
agricultural labors therewith. He bought a tract
of land near Aurelius, Ingliam County, upon which
he lived until 1852, when he sold out, and returning to this county, bought the old homestead, located on section 18, Blackman Township. Upon
it he resided several years, then selling it, removed
to Jackson, which was his home six years. In the
spring of 1875 he sold his city property, and corn
ing again to Blackman Township, bought the farm
on which he has since resided, devoting his attention to the pursuit of agriculture.
The first marriage of Mr. Hendee took place
June 26, 1839, his bride being Miss Charlotte
Bond, who was born near Keene, N. H., to Calvin
and Nancy (Wood) Bond, old settlers of Blackman
Township, this county, where they died. Mrs.
Charlotte Hendee bore her husband five children,
namely: Martha C., wife of the Rev. Austin Parmeter:; Julia, now the widow of Albert Allen;
Tryphena, wife of Jesse Parmeter; Syreno H., a
resident of Logansport, Ind.; and Kendrick, who
died when two years old. The mother of this
household band died in Jackson in 1872. She was
a member in good standing of the Baptist Church,
and is lovingly remembered by her household.
In Jackson, March 13, 1873, Mr. Hendee con

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tracted a second matrimonial alliance, being then
united with Mrs. Elizabeth T. (Barrett) Blanchard,
daughter of James and Lucinda Barrett, both of
whom died in the Empire State. She was the
widow of Dr. J. A. Blanchard, whose death occurred in Rochester, N. Y., in 1870, and by whom
she had one daughter, Ada E., now the wife of F.
II. Beagle, of Grand Rapids.
Soon after her first marriage Mrs. Hendee studied
medicine, and was graduated from the Medical College, at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1852, being one of the
first female graduates in the United States. She practiced in several cities, including Pittsburg, Pa., and
Louisville, Ky., and in company with her brotherin-law, Dr. S. P. Town, practiced in Jackson prior
to her marriage to Mr. Hendee.
Mr. Hendee held various important offices while
living in Ingham County. IIe is a strong adherent of the principles of Republicanism. He has
been the Vice President of the Jackson County
Pioneer Society for several years, and is one of the
Vice Presidents at the present time. He and his
wife are active members of the First Baptist
Church, of Jackson, and both are highly regarded
in the community in which they live.
i.NDREW JACKSON VAN WORMER is a
(il a gentleman who is highly respected and
affectionately regarded throughout the section in which he lives, and is deserving of the
place which lie occupies in the opinion of his fellow-men on account of his work in the development of the country, by reason of his personal
character and because of the great good lie has accomplished for the cause of religion. He is an
ordained minister of the Methodist Protestant
Church and has officiated as minister in Concord
Township for several years, besides assisting other
-brethren at various points. The church edifice is
located on his farm, the site having been donated
by him and lie also contributed $400 to the building fund.
Mr. Van Wormer traces his paternal descent
from good old Dutch stock, his grandfather, Jerry




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


863


Van Wormer, having emigrated from Holland, and
located in New York, more than a hundred years
ago. He followed agricultural pursuits until his
death, and served his adopted country as a member of the Colonial army during the Revolution.
His son Jeremial, father of our subject, was boin
in the Empire State, and was engaged in farming
in Alleghany County, later becoming a resident of
Steuben County. IIe was also a patriot, evincing
his love for his country by serving in the War of
1812. In 1836 he came to Michigan and located
in Jackson, the following spring settling on land
now owned by our subject, on section 17, Concord
Township. He was poor when lie came to this
State, and could only buy forty acres of raw land,
upon which he built a log shanty as a shelter for
his family, but his epergy and thrift were crowned
with success and ere long he was numbered among
the successful farmers of the county. He became
the owner of one hundred and six acres of land
and was able to surround his family with many
comforts.  I-He departed this life in December,
1851. lHe was a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, and gave his political adherence to
the Democratic party.
The wife of Jeremiah Van Wormer was Eunice
Mottles, a daughter of Capt. William Mottles, of
Massacliusetts, in which State she also was born.
William Mottles was a farmer and a Revolutionary
soldier, with the rank of Captain. He was of
French descent. The following is the record of the
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Van Wormer: Electa married a Mr. Parmeter and died in
Concord Township, this county; Aaron died in
Raleigh, Mo.; he entered a Missouri Regiment to defend the Union, but being then quite oldl he was
discharged three months after his enlistment, for
physical disability; he was Circuit Judge of Phelps
County, Mo., for several years and also a Methodist Protestant minister. Salina, Mrs. Parmeter
lives in Spring Arbor; Fannie, Mrs. Vinecore,
lives near Grand Island, Neb.; William   died
during the war; Jerry enlisted, in the spring of
1861, in the First Michigan Infantry, veteranized,
and served till the close of the war, soon after
which he died; Angeline, Mrs. Turner, is deceased;
Lois A., Mrs. Thompson, lives in Concord; the


last on the family roll is the subject of this sketch.
The mother died at his home in January, 1878,
when nearly ninety years of age.
The gentleman of whom we write was born in
Alleghany County, N. Y., January 15, 1831. and
was brought to Michigan when five years old. He
was early made useful on his father's farm, in
driving oxen, clearing land, etc., and under the
rate school system, which was then in vogue in
this section, his educational advantages were meager. lHe remained at home, helping his father
operate the farm, until the death of the latter,
when he took charge of the estate, buying out the
other heirs. Being what in western parlance is
called a "rustler," he soon purchased adjoining
lands, increasing the acreage from one hundred and
six to one hundred and eighty-five. He now has
as nicely improved a farm as can be found in the
township, having all the. necessary buildings, and
three miles of solid stone fence on the place. He
is engaged in general farming and raises some fine
bred Hambletonian horses and Merino sheep.
The intelligent, well-informed and estimable
lady who presides over the home of the Rev. Mr. Van
Wormer, and with whom he was united in marriage in this township, February 13, 1853, bore the
maiden name of Emily M. Gregory.     She was
born in Seneca, Province of Ontario, Canada, August 24, 1835, andl came to Jackson when but a year
old. She was educated at Albion College, acquiring a good education, and having good principles
instilled into her mind by her worthy mother.
She has borne six children: George F., now deceased; H. Elnora, Flora G., Ernest L., Lillian B.,
and Floyd A., now deceased. Elnora married Mr.
G. Carpenter, a farmer in Concord Township; the
others are at home enjoying the best of school advantages. The parents of Mrs. Van Wormer were
Noah and Lucinda (Hackett) Gregory, the former
a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Vermont. After having lived for a time in Canada,
Mr. Gregory removed to Michigan, in 1836, locating in Jackson. His business was that of a
mason, and he engaged in contracting and building at Albion and various other places, among
others working on the Albion College buildings.
He died in that city in 1844, at the age. of forty



864


PORTRAIT'L AND BIOGRAPHICAIC L ALBUM.


864            PORTR~iT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


one years; his widow resided in the same place at
the time of her death, in August, 1867. Hie was a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a
Class-Leader therein. The family of Mr. and Mrs.
Gregory comprised seven children, Mrs. Van Wormer being the third born. Sarah, Mrs. Clift, resides in Albion; luldah L. married a Mr. Bacon,
andl (lied in Wisconsin; Stephen is a marble cutter
in Trinidad, Col.; Lucinda, Mrs. Rice, lives in
Grand Rapids, this State; Lizzie J. anl William
I-I. are deceased.
In politics the Rev. Mr. Van Wormer is a Prohilitionist. Hie is now serving as School Moderator,
having no aspiration for official station other than
tllat upon a school board. He hlas always been an
active member in the Methodist Protestant Church,
having studied the Scriptures closely and also read
theology extensively.  In 1875 he began preaching, and in 1882 he was. ordained Local Elder,
since which time he has officiated in a ministerial
capacity at his own home, with occasional visits
elsewhere. I-e has labored hard for the success of
the cause, having been a leader in building the
church edifice and devoting half his time to church
work. In the meantime lie does not neglect his
agricultural interests, as a glance over his fine estate will prove.
THARLES MORRILL"j.          Of the younlger
r(( esidents of Jackson County, few are better
~ known and none more deserving of considerable mention in a volume designed to perpetuate
the names and memories of prominent citizens, than
he with whose name we initiate this sketch. Socially and politically, he is of note in his community. IHe and his wife belong to the Patrons of
Industry.
The   father of our subject was Eastman
O. Morrill, a native of Cayuga County, N. Y.,
and lie was born   April 24, 1830, and marriel Miss Fanny Littlefield, of Leoni Townshil), Jackson County. She was born November
29, 1834, and lived under thle parental roof
until her marriage with Eastman Morrill. Imme

diately following that important event, they settled in Blackman Township, where they passed the
remainder of their lives, and where lie died June 28,
1863. She was called to rest May 29, 1857. Their
two children were Frederick and Charles. The
former died when about twenty nine years of age,
and thus Charles is the only surviving member of
the family.
In Blackman Township, March 6, 1857, our subject was born, and there also passed the years of
childhood and youth in a comparatively uneventful
manner. He attended the common schools of his
district, becoming thoroughly acquainted with the
Three R's, as well as other auxiliary branches of
krnowledge. At the same time he labored on the
farm, becoming proficient in agricultural lore.
When prepared to establish a home of his own lie
was united in marriage in Sandstone Township,
'Jackson County, February 21, 1883, the bride
being Miss Clara B., daughter of Dwight and Lucy
Ingrallam of Sandstone Township. Mrs. Morrill
was born April 22, 1863, and has borne her husband
one child, Lenna May. Mr. Morrill was for one
term Township Clerk, which position he filled satisfactorily.
By persistent energy and unremitting efforts Mr.
Morrill has gained financial independence and is
well situated in life. His endeavors have been
warmly seconded by the faithful assistance of his
wife, who is fitted by education and native refinement to occupy a iigh position, socially, and is a
favorite in the community. On their homestead
will be seen the numerous buildings, such as are
considered essential on a modern farm, while the
soil by careful cultivation is yielding a bountiful
supply of fruits and grains.
/ILLIAM       GUNN    owns and successfully
manages a farm comprising one hundred
and twenty acres of land in Blackman
Township, Jackson County. His entire life has
been devoted to agricultural pursuits, and by experience, as well as by a careful perusal of all




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


865,___ __ _
__ 


practical information bearing upon tile subject, lie
lias attained to a thorough knowledge of tile soil
and of the best methods of its cultivation.
1Born of substantial Einglish lprogenitors land
himself of Englisil birtl, our subject is tile son of
John and Ann (Shillingford) Gunn, both likewise
natives of England, wilere, after marriage, they
settle(l in B1uckingam, and elmigrated thence in
1832 across tle Atlantic to tlie United States. Proceeding dlirectly to Wasiltenaw County, M1ich.,
they settledl in Ann Arbor. Later they removed
to Jackson Cotllty anl(l located ill Sandstone T'ownshill).  After living in several different places, tile
father died ill lkives 'Township, Jackson County,
in November 1860. The nlother 1pssed 'awqay in
Sandstone Townshilp.
Of the eiglit cllildren born to John and Ann
(Giun11, Willi:1m. our subject, was the eldest son and
secon(l cllild.  lie was borl in Buckinlhamsll ire,
England, November 23. 1823. and l( when nine years
old accomlpanied(l his parents to America.  le soon)
Ibegan to -work for limsellf, lirinl'  out to vri()ous
fariners, and occupyvin) g himiiself at any tling by1
which lie could m:ke an l(honorable living.  lie li'as
been self-slup!lpoting fromlll early childlood. Wheli
relady to estklalisll holme tics of his own, lie was
unlite(1 i  marri-iage with MAiss l Harriet Freeman, ill
Ingliam Countv, this State. J.latnuary 3, 1847. Sile
llas borle ltim thlree childllen,. namelv: Oscar E.,
wlho died ill infalncyv: Ele'aii   I)., tIle wife of Edwin
T. D)(oey'; and Lenora A.
Mrs. CGunn is tlie (ltughter of Davi(l and IBetsey
(Thomias) Freeim:.u, nlitives of Niagara County,
N.Y. After their marriage they located in Niagara
County first, and il 1 814 remove(1 to Inllam
(County, this Stat.e, settling on a farm labout seven
mliles nortlh of Mason.  Tlere thle fatlier died. 'The
mother pa.ssed to rest ill WVilliamiston, Ingliam
Counlty. Of t leir falmily  of five cllildren 1 Ms.
(u1111  wa.s tile secon(d.  Shie was born in Niagara
County, N. Y., July 30, 1826, and was eigliteen
years old when she accoml)paniel hler l)arents to
M ichlgaln.
After their marriage Mr. aml Mrs..  unn resided
four years o(n his father's farlm in Sandstone Town
shi)p, whence lie removed to Iiis present farm in
Blackmaln Townslip. lie lhas (leVoted little atten

tion to political affairs.  Hie is a member of the
Patrons of Industry, while his wife, religiously,
lloldls membership) witl tile Freewill Baptist Church
at fJackson.
_ ^*~'~ —< =...  -  - -.  _
( Granite State, came to,Jackson County
i  when) a young man of twenty-two years, and
'   hoiln(mcsteaded a tract of land comprising one
Ilhundred and sixty acres, on section 15, in what is
now Blackmaln  Townslislil. This lie lhs further imp)roved by erecting suclh lbuildings as are necessary
to the successful cultivation of a farm.  When lie
settled hiere lie was.a single man, but afterward returnled to liis ihome in tle East, whence lie Jbrought
back a1 bride to share Iiis ihore.
'Ihe fatlier of our subject was MIoses Stevens,
whso  ras b)orn in Sailis)ury, N. 11., where lie spent!iis life egngd i n farmingi. Is wife  w i  f in.  is  ife  as  ary
Colby, also a native of New Hampshlire, who bore
Iier llislband thirteen clhilldren. After living peacefull:a1( retired lives, they passed to rest in Salisbury,
tmoiurnled by friends who recognized the purity of
tlieir lives an(d tle bealuty of tleir claracters. Thle
legl(cy of a pure name was their most cllerislhed
gift to thleir clil(dren.
Jolhn Stevens, )our subiject, was next to tlhe ellest in llis father's family, and( was born in Salisbury,
N. II., Septelmber 1, 1808. His early educational
facilities were vt(ry limitedl, and tile greater portion
of his time was ldevoted to farm work, in which he
becamne prolicieintt, and was enabled, when startring
oult for himself. to manage his p)roperty successfully. as tIle result of thle practical experience of
earli r years. Tei lady with whoim IMr. Stevens
was lniite(d in marriage, M\larch 21, 1845, was prior
|to that time Miss Nancy Stevens, and was the only
d(latghter of tlhe late l)avid and Nancy (Call) Stev-.ens, of Salisbury, N. H.  Mrs. Stevens had three
brothers.  Slie was born in Warner, N. H., June
18, 1815, and there she made her home principally
until her marriage. H-owever, slhe was for a time
empnloye( in factories in Massacltusetts.  Immediately after her union with Mr. Stevens they pro



866


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


ceeded to Michigan, and located in Jackson County.
which was then just beginning that process of
development the results of which are apparent on
every hand.
The five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Stevens
were named respectively: Henry F., who resides
with his father; Charles W., who is engaged in the
artificial stone business in Lansing, Mich., and who
married Miss Edwina McConnell, daughter of J. T.
McConnell, whose sketch appears on another page
of this volume; Mary J.; George W., who lives in
Jackson; and Albert D., who died when fourteen
months old. Though never taking an active part
in political affairs, Mr. Stevens votes the Republican ticket usually, though in local elections he
supports the man rather than the party.
- -lo     3             I - e
M    OSES W. TRUE has resided almost uninterruptedly in Blackman Township, Jackson County, since his first arrival, when a
child of about three years, and has during this period been an interested witness of the
progress of the township and county, being himself directly connected with many measures calculated to promote the growth of the community. He
cares little for the honors or emoluments of office,
and prefers the quiet of domestic life and the duties associated with his homestead.
Of the nine children, who lived to years of maturity, comprised in the family of John and Hannah (Watson) True, our subject was the fourth.
and was born in Merrimac County, N. H., January 26, 1831. His parental history is outlined in
tile sketch of Alva S. True, which may be found
elsewhere in this volume. John True, resolving to
found a home in the new and growing West, took
hlis family and with, them  located in Jackson
County, Mich., where our subject received his education in the common schools. He grew to a vigorous manhood, assisting his father in the farm
labor.
Upon attaining to manhood Mr. True resolved
to seek his fortunes in California, which was then
called the Eldorado of America. In 1852 he crossed


the plains, and commenced to mine in Yuba County,
Cal., remaining there two years. The climate was
unhealthy, and the associations uncongenial, and
Mr. True, finding the desired fortune still eluding
his grasp, while illness and discomforts were lurking near, decided to return to his Michigan home.
Here he began to work as a tiller of the soil, and
has met with success in his efforts. He now owns
and operates a farm consisting of one hundred and
thirty acres of land in Blackman Township. He
has improved his homestead, bringing the soil to a
good state of cultivation, erecting necessary and
commodious farm buildings, enclosing and subdividing the farm by substantial fences, and keeping
well up with the times on every subject connected
with farming.
Mr. True was united in marriage, April 9, 1863,
in Lansing, Mich., with Miss Adelaide, daughter of
Jabez and Josephine (Hudson) Wightman, who
came from Genesee County, N. Y., to Ingham
County, Mich., in 1850, whence they later removed
to Shiawassee County, the same State. There the
father died September 11, 1889; Mrs. Wightman
survives. Mrs. True was the fourth among their
six children, who grew to manhood and womanhood. She was born in Mt. Morris, N. Y., June
20, 1842, and when about six years old accompanied her parents to Ingham County, Mich. Three
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. True,
namely: Henry, who also resides in Blackman
Township; Ada J., the wife of Mr. Walling; and
Leonard, who died in 1877, when six years of age.
RA SNOW, late a resident of Sandstone Township, and one of its most highly esteemed citizens, was born November 19, 1815, in the State
of Vermont, and departed this life at the homestead
in this township, April 17, 1871. He was of New
England ancestry. and the son of John and Roxana Snow, who spent their last years in New York
and Michigan respectively. He spent his childhood' and youth in New York, and on the 4th of
February, 1863, was united in marriage with Miss
Ann E. Chase. To them   was born a family of




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


867


four children, the eldest of whom, a daughter,
Mary B., is the wife of Walter Bailey, of this
county; Mattie married Charles Strand, of Blackman Township; Ira J. married Mary E. Chapel,
and lives on a farm in this township; and Horace
B. remains at home with his mother. On the 23d
of August. 1882, a child about eight months old
was left on Mrs. Snow's doorstep. It is not yet
known whence she came. She is a remarkably
bright little girl of eiglht years, and the pride of the
family.
After their Irmarriage Mr. and Mrs. Snow settled
on a farm in Sandstone Township, lying on section
5. Mr. Snow upon first coming to Michigan located
in Parma Township, this county, whence he removed about 1850 to a farm in this township.
Prior to his marriage he sought tile Pacific Slope,
spending some years in California. Aside from
this he followed farming as his life-long occupation. He was a liberal-minded and public-spirited
citizen, and in politics, a sound Republican. In his
family he was a kind husband and an indulgent
parent, and in his neighborhood enjoyed the esteem and confidence of all who knew him. Ile
endured the usual hardships incident to life on the
frontier, and was possessed of the courageous spirit
and( unflagging industry which enabled him to build
up a good homestead and leave a competence to his
family.
After tile death of her husband Mrs. Snow, in
1880, removed to her present farm, this comprising
one hlundred and sixty acres of improved land,
with good buildings. She moved from the old
homestead to another farm a short time after her
husband's decease. She is a native of Chautauqua
County, N. Y., and was born August 30, 1838. Her
parents were Nehemiah and Elizabeth (Smallman)
Chase, who were natives of New York State, and
the father born in Washington County. In 1845
they emigrated to Michigan, settling in Sandstone
Township, this county, upon land which the father
had traded for his farm in New York, and which
comprised about one hundred and sixty acres on
section 6. He subsequently added to his real estate
until lie lad about two hundred and forty acres,
which lie brought to a good state of cultivation.
When taking possession of his first land only about


five acres had been tilled. He there spent the remainder of his days, passing away in December,
1862. The mother survived her husband about
two years, her death taking place in December,
1864.
Five children were born to Nehemiah and Elizabeth Chase, four of whom are living, and of whom
the widow of our subject is the eldest born: Marietta married Henry Vervalin, of Parma Township;
Cornelia is the wife of John Price, of Sandstone
Township; Washington lives in Montana; John
died in Montana when about forty years old.
HARLES R. KNICKERBOCKER. An assureld position among the business men and
property owners of Jackson is held by the
above-named gentleman, who is now Vice President and General Manager of the Knickerbocker
Company, whose business is the manufacture of
flouring-mill machinery. He has been connected
with the business prosperity of this city since 1846,
wlien, although not yet of age, he began a career
which has proved successful in establishing his own
reputation for ability and honorable dealing, and
in securing to him a fair share of this world's goods.
William Knickerbocker, the father of our subject, was a business man of Ontario County, N. Y.
Charles R. was born July 23, 1827, in Monroe
County, N. Y. In 1835 the father came to Jackson County, Mich., and located a piece of land in
Pulaski Township, afterward removing to Gambelville, Hillsdale County, where he kept a tavern.
There were no railroads in that section, but his inn
was located on what was known as the Chicago &
Detroit Turnpike. He also kept a stage stand and
hotel combined, and was Postmaster, and was also
Deputy Sheriff for a time. 'After acting as "mine
host" three years, he settled upon a farm at Somerset, Hillsdale County, where he carried on the pursuit of agriculture, and dealt in live stock until
1846. He then removed to Jackson, and for a
twelvemonth was the proprietor of what was known
as the American Hotel, afterward engaging in tile
livery business with his son, our subject, under the




868


PORTRAIT AND B]IOGRAP111CAL ALBUM.


86P R R I  AI BIGACLABM


firm name of Knickerlocker & Son, but ere long
disposing of his interest in tile business, to Morris
Knapp. A farm which is now in tlie city limits,
and known as tile George Taylor flarm, was tile
next home of tile family, and after its sale Mr.
Knickerbocker resided il tile city until his death in
1886.  His wife, who died on tlie Taylor farm, in
1860, was Sallie, daugllter of Ruben Knapp, of
Monroe County, N. Y. She was tile mother of three
daughters and two sons, Mrs. Morris Knapp, and
our subject, being all wllo now survive.
The early school days of tile gentleman wlio is
the subject of this brief sketch, were passed in tile
town of Somerset, Hlillsdale County, Mich., his attendance at the institution of learning being during the winters, wliile his suDmmers were spent in
assisting his father on tile farm.  Removing with
his parents to Jackson in tie fall of 1846, he soon
engaged with hlls fathier in tile livery business, and
after his father's withdrlawal from tile firm, continued his own connection witli it until 1856, when
he sold his interest to his partner and1 brother-inlaw, Morris Knapp. He then became a traveling
salesman for the firm of Waters, Lathlrop & McNaughton, mlanufacturers and dlealers il farm imnplements, but tile following year fornmed a co-lpartnership witli Jerome B. Eaton, eng(aing in tile
wholesale and retail grocery business, tlie connection continuing until 1866, when both partners
sold out.
Mr. Knickerbocker next formed a co-partnerslip
with Allen Bennett & W. I). 'Tompson, the style
being Bennett, Knickerbocker & Co., and built
wliat was then known as tile Jackson City Mills, of
which hle was the acting manager until 1878. In
1871 the mill was burned, lut was rebuilt in 1872;
immediately after its destruction by fire, the company bought the Albion Mills, which they also operated until 1879. In 1875-76 M\r. Knickerbocker
became interested in the George T. Smith patents,
and took the active management of tile business,
beginning the manufacture of tile George T. Smith
Middlings Purifier. Ile was made Vice-President
and G(eneral Manager of the company, and continued as its general manager until the summer of
18<82. when he sold the bulk of his interest and retiredl;oni the manaRgement, but was retained as


President for six mnonths. In 1883, in company
with W. 1). Thompson an(d It. II. Emerson, he organized what is now known as tile Knickerbocker
Company, and was at once made its Vice-Plresident
and Geeneral Manager.  The firm is doing a large
business, its products being (considlere(d reliable in
material and( construction, and of practical designs,
and now being used all over tile world.
On I)ecember 3, 1850, Mr. Knickerbocker was
united in marriage with Mliss Susan C. Bates,of,Jackson. Slle was born in Ontario County, N. Y., and
is a daughter of Philo Bates. The union has been
blessed by the birth of two children: William B. is
tlhe owner of tile Allion Milling 1)prol)erty; an(1 lanttie Louise is tile wife of Dr. John L. G ish, of this
city. Mr. IKnickerbocker is a stanch I)emocrat, giving all his personal influence to tlie cause, as well as
dlelositing lhis own billot in its supplort. Ils residence is a substantial and well designed one, and
he also owns other valuable city property.
-..~ ---.*O^~-.^><^^.oo.. --- -<..
I I.I). L1)ER TIHOMAS JO()NSON. Amnong' tile
p ioneer settlers of Columbia Tl'ownslliil may
~      lJ be mentioned the subltecct of this notice, wlo
came to Michiogan ais ear^y as 1810, nd(l located oil
a small farm   in Norvell Townshlilp. IHe lived
thele pilob)ably two or three years, ill the meantime
making some improvements, and tlien remloved to
his present farm  ill Columnt ia 'lownship. 'Tlis
place at the present time bears little resemblance
to tie spot upon which lie located nearly fifty
years ago, it being tlhell a tract of wild land upl)
whichl l)robably tile foot of a white man had seldom
tro(l. Thie labors of a life-time haIve transformed
it into a comfortable homestead.  It emblraces one
lhundred and sixty acres of land, and is pleasantly
located on section 31.
'ThIe birthplace of Mr. Johlnson was in Tillstockville, Shriopshire, England, and( tile (ldte thiereof
July, 1807. His father, William    Johnson, was
likewise a native of that shire, and tile descendant
of anl old and well established family of pure English stock.  lie was camrefully reared by excellent
parents. and chose farming for Ilis life vocation.




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


869




Tl)on reaching man's estate lie w:s married, in his
native place, to Miss Jane Ilughes, who was of
birth and ancestry similar to his own. They settled on a farm near tile place of their birth and
became tlle larents of five children. The mother
(lied in tile prime of life, and is remembered as a
lady l)ossessing all the Christian virtues, being devoted to her family, a faithful friend and a hospitable neighbor.
In 1832, a few years after the deatll of his wif(,
William  Johnson came to America, landing in
New York City after a long and tedious ocean voyage. He was in limited circumstances, and at once
sought employment, securing work on tlhe Hudson
& Albany canal. Later he went to Geneva, N. Y.,
and entered tile emplloy of a Mrl. Gregory, whom
he had( known, and wliom lie had worked for in
Engla(nd. While in the employ of his old friend,
Mr. Gregory, he was a second time     married.
Deciding then to seek the West lie came to this
State, locating first at Clinton, and subsequently
coming to this county andl purchasing land in
Norvell Township. Of this union tlere were born
three clildren, in this township, and after his removal to Kent County, this State, two more children were added to the family circle. William,Johnson dep)arted tis life at an advanced age, at
his home in Kent County. His last wife survived
him ten years, when she also was called hence.
The sulject of this notice was tile second child
of his father's first marriage and subsequently
made his home for a time witll his paternal grandmother. Ile received a common-school education,
and when quite young lie was employed at the pottery works at Staffordshire, and was tlus occupied
for a period of eighteen years. In the meantime he
was married to Miss Mary Wagg, a native of
Staffordshire, and whose father was also employed
in the pottery works, as a l)acker in the warehouse.
After the birth of four children, Mr. Johnson, nolt
satisfied with his condition or his prospects, decided(
to seek a liome in the New World in the hope of
bettering his financial condition. Setting out in
1840 witli his two eldest children, leaving the
mother and the two younger in England, lie landed
in New York City, whence lie proceeded to Buffalo,
where lie found himself out of ioney. Ile had


I
i
I
I
I
I
I
I
I


witl himn a valuable book, and will this he was compelled to l)art in order to secure funds for prosecuting his journey. Iie thus made his way with his
boys to Toledo, whence lie proceeded by rail to
Adrain, MAici.. and leaving his baggage at the depot
to pay for his fare, lie then started on foot with hlis
children and walked to Tecumselh.  Ie there met
a kind and hospitable man wlo extended to him
aid and sympatlhy, keeping him and his children
over night and providing for them a passage to
Nalpoleon, where they arrived the following day.
At this point Mr. Jolinson secured employment
for a short time, and by borrowing a little money
froma one lMr. Harvey Austin, now deceased, he, in
Algust, that same year, returned to New York
City to meet his wife and the other two children.
Thle re-united family, strong in a mutual sympathy
and companionship, now sought tlhe West for a
plermanent home. Locating in Napoleon Township
Mr. Johnson and his wife sought employment, finding not only work but friends, a nd from that time
tleir fortunes began to mend, so that in the course
of a few years they had a farm paid for, and were
surrounded with all the comforts of life. The
wife and mother attained to the ripe old age of
eigllty years, and departed this life at the homestead, October 8, 1876. She was a devoted member of tile Bapltist Church and a lady possessing
many estimable qualities, which endeared her not
o1nly to lier own faminily, but to tier many friends.
Mr. Johnson. in 1878, contracted a second marriage in Norvell Township, with Mrs. IHarriet
(Smith) James. This lady was also of English
birtl and l)arentage, a native of Newburg, Leicestershire, and born October 12, 1821. Her father,
Richard Smith, likewise of Leicestershire, was an
honest, hard working laborer and spent his entire
life in the place of his birth. He died when his
dautghlter Htarriet was an infant of nine months, he
Ibeing then sixty-two years old. When fourteen
years old Miss Harriet witli her mother, Mrs. Mary
(Barker) Smith, and a married brother, set out,
in 1835, for the United States, taking passage at
Liverpool, and landing in New York City after an
ocean voyage of four weeks and two (lays.
In the great metropolis the little family remained that winter, and when tlhe ice had gone


I




870


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.




from North River they made their way to Albany
and thence to Michigan Territory. Locating near
Dundee, Monroe County, they sojourned there
until after the death of the mother. Miss Harriet,
then grown to womanhood, came to this county,
and in due time married Wm. James, an Englishman, who (lied in Leslie, Ingham County, without
children. Mrs. James lived there until her marriage to Mr. Johnson. Of this union there are no
children. William, the eldest son of the first marriage, took to wife Miss Amanda Mitchell, and is
engaged as clerk in a dry-goods store at Jackson.
Thomas, a farmer, married Alice Meyers, and they
live near Jeffersonville; John is occupied as a carpenter and general mechanic, at Jackson; James
married Miss Elizabeth Kelly, and resides on a
farm in Columbia Township.
The subject of this notice, together with his excellent wife, has been identified with the Baptist
Church for many years, and Mr. Johnson for
nearly forty years has filled its pulpit acceptably
in this county and various other places. He is
sincerely devoted to the Master's cause, and has
labored to the best of his ability for its promotion.
He voted for John C. Fremont at the organization of the Republican party, and has since given
his political support to its principles.
ORACE C. ANSTERBURG & BRO., pro)prietors of the Concord Mills, are widely
and favorably known throughout this part
of the county as more than ordinarily good
business men and first-class citizens. Horace, the
senior member of the firm, was born in South Albion, this State, April 29, 1856, and enjoyed the
advantages of a practical education in the common
school. When fourteen years old he commenced an
alpprenticeship at milling in Homer, serving five
years and gaining a thorough knowledge of the business, having the latter part of the time full charge
of his employer's mill.
At the age of nineteen Horace Ansterburg relpaired to Litchfield and commenced his business
caree.r by leasing the mill at that l)lace, which he con

ducted successfully for three years. In 1879 he went
to Burlington, Branch County, where he leased another mill, operating it the same length of time. In
the spring of 1882 he came to Concord and leased
the Concord Mills owned by Smalley Bros., and
with which he has since been connected, instituting
many improvements and doing a very profitable
business. This mill has one of the finest locations
for water power in the county and a capacity of
one hundred barrels per day. Ansterburg Bros. are
engaged quite extensively in buying grain and dealing in flour. Horace owns a residence in Concord.
He admitted his brother to partnership in the business in 1887, and by their energy, ability, square
dealing and promptness in meeting their obligations, they have climbed up to a position in the
front rank among the business men along the western linle of the county.
Horace Ansterburg, although uniformly so successful, met with some adversity at the close of his
five years's apprenticeship by the failure of his employer which involved a loss to young Ansterburg
of $1,600 of hard-earned money. Hle did not allow
this to discourage him, however, but got up and
went at it again with the results we have already
seen. He was married in 1879 to Miss Mary, daughter of Milton and Lettie Coller. This lady was born
in Burlington, Micl., in 1857, of parents who were
natives of Ohio, and early settlers of Branch County
this State. Of this union there are two bright children-Milton born in January, 1887, and Mary
Lura, in September 1888.
Charles Ansterburg, junior member of the firm
above mentioned, was born in South Albion, this
State, July 19, 1861, and remained at home with
his father until a youth of sixteen years. He then
began an apprenticeship at the moulders's trade in
the foundry and machine shop at Homer, becoming
a practical workman and following the business four
years. In 1884 he abacdoned it andl coming to Concord learned milling of his brother and in 1887 was
admitted to partnership in the business. He was
married in Concord, June 20, 1887 to Miss Etta,
daughter of Thomas and Henrietta Spencer, who
were natives of Spring Arbor. Mrs. Etta Ansterburg was born on the 8th of February, 1868, in
Spring Arbor and is now the mother of one child,




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRA IPICAL ALBUM.


871


a daughter, Mary, born August 29, 1889. Charles,
like his brother. is a Republican in politics and a
member in good standing of the Masonic fraternity
at Homer. Horace is a Royal Arch Mason, belonging to the lodge in Union City.
The parents of the Ansterburg Bros. were Michael
and Pamela (Putnam) Ansterburg, who were natives of Genesee County, N. Y., and the father was
born in 1822 and the mother in 1834. The mother
died in 1868, and our subject was adopted by Hiram
and Mary Billings of Concord. The paternal grandfather was a native of Pennsylvania whence he emigrated to New York State at an early day and en.
gaged in farming among the pioneers of Genesee
County. In 1832 lie turned his eyes toward the far
West and coming to Michigan Territory, settled in
Calhoun County, where he followed farming until
advancing years compelled him to retire. He spent
his last days in Albion. The family is of German
descent.
Michael Ansterburg was a boy of ten years when
lie came to Michigan with his parents and at an
early age became an expert hunter, laying low many
of the deer and wolves which then infested this
region. When reaching man's estate, he ran a distillery for a time and then established himself in
South Albion as a blacksmith which business lie
prosecuted for about ten years. Next lie purchased
a farm in Clarendon Township, Calhoun County,
which he operated until 1880. That year he retired
from active labor, rented his farm and removed to
the village of Homer of which he is one of the oldest settlers, and where he still resides. The politics
of his boys were doubtless shaped by him as he, like
them,is an uncompromising Republican. During the
Civil War lie was drafted into the army three times,
responding each time but being rejected by the
examining surgeon.
Mrs. Pamela Ansterburg was the daughter of Mr.
Putnam, a farmer of Genesee County, N. Y., who
came to Michigan Territory at an early date and
was one of the first settlers of Clarendon Township,
which he named. It is probable that he frequently
unbent from his dignity as a Deacon of the Baptist
Church as he was quite a noted hunter, besides being a leading farmer. He spent his last days in
Clarendon Township. His daughter, Pamela, unlike




her father, united with the Methodist Episcopal
Church in which she still remains an active member. Of her marriage with Michael Ansterburg there
were born six children, viz: Miriam, Mrs. Snyder
of Homer; Adelia, Mrs. Iolmes also of that place;
Avery; Lizzie of Homer; Horace and Charles.
^ --- —-^eg^ -----— c,   ILLIAM   A. GIBSON, M. D., is in the
strictest sense of that much abused term,
a self-made man. He worked his way
through a preparatory course of study, then through
a literary course, after which he was graduated
with honor in his profession. During a number of
years he has worked assiduously at his profession,
having been located in Jackson since 1869, and
having an immense practice. He belongs to the
Homeopathic School, and his success in the use of
its remedies is sufficient to instill faith in its theories
into the minds of the most unbelieving.  He is
also a graduate of the Allopathic course at Ann
Arbor, Mich.
The paternal grandparents of our subject were
Scotch and Irish, and Grandfather Gibson was a native of Scotland. He, on coming to America lived in
New York and Pennsylvania. Their son, Thomas,
father of our subject, was born on shipboard during
the passage to America. He was reared in the
Middle States, whence about the year 1836 he came
to the Territory of Michigan, residing for a time
in Ypsilanti. Thence he removed to Ann Arbor,
in 1845 or 1846, changing his residence to Jackson,
where he yet remains, occupying a pleasant residence on Greenwood Avenue. He is a mason and
followed that trade for some years. The maiden
name of his wife was Mary Piper. She was born
in Palmyra, N. Y., her father, John Piper, being a
Revolutionary soldier. She breathed her last in Jackson, in May 1874. She bore five children, named
respectively, William A., John, Thomas, Mariette,
and Robert A., all of whom were reared to years of
maturity.
Mr. Gibson, of whom we write, was born in Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County, July 18, 1843, and was
but three years old when lie came to Jackson with




872


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM..:__' ': —'2::                                             %..............: '~___'  '...:.......7.  -:'..' ~


his p)arents. lie attended the district schools, afterward advIanced his e(lucation by attending tile city
schools,.andl when seventeen yea.rs old began studying mnedicine. At the age of eighteen lie entered
the medical ldepartment of the Stite University at
Ann Arbor, continuing his studiies t here tuntil 1863,
when he obtailned the alppointmnent of lHospital
Steward and joined tile Army of tile lotomac, being
subsequently transferred to tile hospital at Camp
Blair. After the close of the war tile young )octor
continued the study of inedicine with Dr. Carl, but
in the fall of 1865 again entere(l the State University, being gradtuated therefrom  in the class of
1866. In May of tllat year lie went to Marshall,
wlere le practiced his profession until 1869, when
lie returned( to Jacksoln, whichi las since been his
home, and wiere lie 11as been actively engaged in
professional lduties, wilnning comlpetence and falme.
In Miss Laura S. Kirtlandl, (laughter of Frederick
and Betsy S. Kirtland of Jackson, Dr. Gibsonfound a worthy companion and withl her he was
united in the bonds of holy wedlock, September 27,
1866. The halppy union lhas been blessed by the
birth of two (laugllters, Isabelle and( Irene. )Dr.
Gib)son is a member of.Iichigan Lodge, No. 50,
F. & A. M.; of Jackson Chapter, No. 3, R. A. M.
In politics lie is a Rcpubl)ican.  lie is President of
tile Board of Pension Examiners, and was Pension
Examiner Sulrgeon   prior to the establisllmnent
of the Board of Examiners, about fifteen years;
was City IPhysician four years; was County PhIysician two  years; and( was Alderman of tlhe
Fourth Ward two years. The positions that he
has occupied are a proof of tle estimate in
which lie is held by his fellow-men and his private
life is one of the most kindly nature. His amiable
wife and accoimplished dautghters have assisted in
making his horne one of tlhe pleasantest spots in tlle.city and in gatliering around it a congenial band.
Dr. Gibson lias always been a lover of fine horses
and without neglecting his practi(e le gives reason
able attention to his pet enterplrise-tllat of breed
ing trotting stock. Iis first venture in this line
was in 1879, when he p)liuIelasedl I lamlet, one of the
best sons of Volunteer.  The breeding interest in
Michigan was then in its infancy and the doctor
soon sold the horse; however, tlhe love of thle trot



I


tel so permeated his nature that he again bought a
stallion and laid tlhe foundation of what is now a
large and successful business.  Attracted by the
progeny of Alexander's Abdallah, lie determined to
own a horse tlat carried his blood, and after investigation decided upon Tremont, a son of Belmont.
Results proved the wisdom of his cloice, as Tremont proved a trotter and is to-day taking high
rank as a sire of trotters endowed witl race-horse
qualities. lie has a record of 2:28- and llas even
greater speed than this record indicates, together
withi tlie tenacity, pluck and courage, characteristic
of the family, and the power to transmit these
qualities to Iiis offsp: ing. The grand young horse
Junemont, wliose record of 2:18 — was won in a
fierce and prolonged contest against the famous
horses of his class, is a son of Tremont; Belle Rene,
2:26-'; IMaymont, 2:18-, so also are Aconite, Montie, and a numler of others who have shown
their ability to beat 2:30. Belle Rene, who made
a record of 2:263- after being used for a number
of yelars as a brood mare, is a daulghter of Tremont.
In 1885 l)r. Gibson determined to buy a son of
Onward, having full faith in the future of the
George Wilkes tribe and a great admiration for
Mambrino Chief blood. His prediction concerning tlhe futurle greatness of Onward was soon realized and tile colt he selected is himself destined to
become famous.   Tis choice was Olmedo Wilkes,
who has won a good record, 2:26}, and has sired
foals in Kentucky (Fancy Bees, a four-year old, has
a record of 2:27) that are winning a name among
horsemen. Inl Michigan there is a two-year old
called Cash, which was bred by a farmer, owned by
a farmer, and trained by a farmer, tlat trotted a
half mile in 1:12; all this without tile advantage
of professional training or mnlch work. This instance alone is sufficient to prove tlhe wisdom of
1)r. Gibson in selecting Olrnedo Wilkes as a member of his breeding enterprise.
I)r. Gioson's idea in buying Olmedo Wilkes was
to breed him toTremont fillies. Tlie produce will
be choice and will be stout enough to insure first
class race horse qualities. Tle I)octor is too sensible a breeder to neglect the influence of good
mares and has made his selection carefully, paying
due regard both to breeding and individual merit.




PORTRAITr ANI) BIIOGRAPHIIICAI ALBUIM.


873


Among those lie owns are Belladolnna, Belle Rene,
Music in the Air, Lady Wilkes, Maggier Bowers,
\ien. Ruth, t Reta. and 11 iss Bradley.  It will not
be loIlg ere I)r. G:ibson (.ni  l)lace on tlhe market
animals thlit will pl)ove fast lperformers and lhave
tlhe stmillna for gr'n1(1d circuits, comn bining qualities
inlieritedl from  tile blood of G(eorgoe Wilkes and
)olly, reillforced by that of Almonlt. mninigledl withl
the (lotlible Alexandler's A bdallali coss in Trenont,
tlle two tol) crosses a.lone  having the sluccessfull
sires unite(t withl great speed producers of the best
)bree(d.
AR'RY   G(l:Ol{GE, noged  twenty-four years,
'!') mana:ger    of the.lackson  Dai1l   Citz,'),
learned tie p)rinter's trade( in tile Ctizen) oftice.  Mr1. ()'I)onll-et!, thle l)rolprietor of tile
('itizen, represents tlhe T'llird  l)istrict ill Congress,
and dluritig  Mr. ()'onnell's absence Mr. (;eolrge has
charge of lls b)lsiness.
A  ON I()O  (;. CARTlO()N.    In the   beginling' of 1 888 tile Gr*ass lake Ne:ws was a'l,  ly  l rinted folio, with indifferent l)at
troncage.  In1 I'ebr1tlary  of thalt year, tlhe
oflice cane under tile lmanlagement of lMr. Carlton,
by wlhom thlle p)apar was enlarged to a six-column
quarto, and( its subiscription 'al(d ad(lvertisin  llhas
prop)ortionately increased until thle Plaper now ranks
withl tlhe best ofr MIichigan's ilterior journals.  M\r.
Carlton is a veteran in tile publishing and )printing
business,lbeginning to learn the "art preservative of
arts " at the early acre of thlirteen years, in WNT\arsaw, N. Y., in tlle office of thle IWestern New Yorkek l r.
With hilm, as with tloulsanlds of othlers, thlere is
ahout this vocation an attraction hard to resist, and
in tlhe case of Mr. C.arlton it seems a calling to
wlhich lie is especially adapted.  IIe for five years
filled  tlhe position of city editor of tle,Jackson
Dotily latriot, an(l lhas been prominently identified
witll tile newspaper fraternity of thle county for
over a cldeclce.
A native of I,eRoy, (G;('csece Co(tl  N..Y., t;lhe. -.   -.
subject of this notice was horn. July 25, 1833, and
is a son of Guy and Elizabetll (la:tine)Carlton, the
formner also a inative of tile Ellmpire State, andl the
latter of New E1l1:ln(1d extrictionl.  TIe el(er Mr.
Carlton is a farmer b)y occul)ation.   About 1814
tlhe p)arents remil(ved( from  GC.en'esee to Wyonling
Coutitv, where tlhe venerable hlea(1 of tile fainily
still r'esides at tlhe ad(valce(l age of eighllty-sven
etlrs.  The mother l died many years ago.   Monroe
G. slpent his boyhood il New      York, hult subsequently carne to lichigani where lie resided at the
outb1treak of the War of tlle Rlebellioin.
'1'le events preceding tile great civil conflict,
t n,usled iall the patriotism  of young  Carlton, and lie
resolved uplon l avillga hand in tile preservation of
the Ullnion.  lie accordhigly enlisted  in Companty
IJll Tird I licliigani Clavalry, and was mustered into
service as ieconl  I,ieutenallnt.  IJe went with his
1reriienelt to thle front, and acquitted himself in a
wninner whticll (aine(d iiin thle apl)l)rova'l of his superior ofHfiers, anid the admir-ation of his subol)rdinates.
In (lue time lie was protmoted to a cal)tiiney.  (wicr, hlowever, t( phllsical d(isal)ilitS inicurred  in
tlhe line of d(uty, lie wavs o)lied(l to resinm his cominisiOll in 1 (62i, and very;Iuchl against his inclinations return to thle p)ursuits of civil life.  -Ice is
now in thle enjoyment of a moderatte pension.
IMr. C:arltonll (durin hllis army exl)erience, gainedl
Ii t)oroug(-rh knowledre of mIilitaty'r tactiCS, m(1d lhas
inever lost o1ne iota of Ihis patriotism since tle close
of thle watr.:Ic east hlis first vote as a D)emocrat,:n(1t is a believer in tlhe princilples andl tenets of thlat
pa rty.  IIe belong's to E(w.ar(1 I'omeroy    Pol'st,
G-. A. 1I. at,Jackso(, also Excelsior Lodge No. 115.
F. & A. MI., at Grass l'ake.


' ~3 DWAl{ID A. AVERBSL'ER.      'There are few
}'   amotig thle ol(ler residents of Jackson who,   will not recall to mind, witti sentimnents of
kindlly remembrance, the name with which we introdlce ttlis sketch as that belontging to one of its
nmost highly1 res!)ected citizens. IIe came to Michigan at an early (late, identifie(l limself at once with
tli( interests of his adflopted coulnt and after a well



874


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


spent life departed hence June 1, 1885 at his home
in Jackson.
Mr. Webster was born in Essex County, Vt.,
July 24, 1833, to David B. and Eliza (Gass) Webster, the father of English descent and a distant
relative of Daniel Webster. David B. Webster was
a man of standing and education and for many
years a prominent attorney in his native State.
Finally, deciding upon seeking his fortunes in the
West he emigrated, in 1836, to Michigan Territory
and settled in Kalamazoo. He was soon recognized
as a valued addition to the community, became
piominent in local affairs and in due time, after
filling other positions of trust and responsibility,
was elected to the position of Judge which he held
for a number of years and until his death, in 1860.
Ile was the father of two children only, both sons
-William H. and Edward A., our subject.
Judge David B. Webster was born in Concord,
N. H., where he grew to manhood and commenced
the study of law with Judge Reed of Montpelier,
Vt. Upon coming to Michigan he formed a partnership with Charles E. Stewart which continued for
several years. Subsequently Judge Webster was
associated with H. Mower, a prominent attorney
at Kalamazoo and they practiced together until
1 844 in which year Mr. Webster was elected to the
Judgeship of the Probate Court. At the expiration of his term of office he was appointed by President Taylor, Register of the Land Office. Ile was
a stanch Whig during the existence of the old party
and upon its abandonment became a strong Republican. A man possessing fine abilities and sound
common sense, he carried with him no small influence and contributed his full quota to the advancement of the material prosperity of this part of the
State.
Edward A. Webster of whom we write in all respects did honor to his origin, having inherited
from  his father the substantial traits of character
which made them both successful in life. He attended the schools of Kalamazoo during his younger
years and then entered Albion College, where he
completed his education. He began his business
career as a clerk in the city of Detroit, remaining
with one firm a number of years. In 1856 he took
up his residence in Jackson, and from that time


until the close of his life was regarded as one of its
most enterprising and useful citizens. From the
Jackson Star we gather many details in relation to
his life and services. In connection with his decease the Star says editorially.
"To those not familiar with Mr. E. A. Webster's
state of health for the past few months the intelligence on Monday morning of his death created a
profound shock, but to those who have been acquainted with his condition and the nature of his
disease it was not very surprising though none the
less painful. For more than a year lie had been
troubled with heart disease and for six months he
was quite an invalid and under the physician's treatment, but it was hoped that he might live for many
years, even though he should not again become
robust, for life seemed more attractive to him of
late years as prosperity had favored him and he had
begun tile work that was to be the great ambition
of his life, the consummation of his hopes and plans
— the construction of a palatial home on his beautiful tract of land on Wildwood Avenue. The
foundation walls were completed under his supervision and he was in the habit of daily visiting the
place, even during his illness he being there on
the day preceding his death."
Mr. Webster came to Jackson in 1855, locating
here just as the Republican party was being organized under the Oaks. The principles which its
leaders enunciated received his cordial endorsement
and lie became one of their most ardent supporters.
Prominent at that day was the late Senator Chandler whose attention and admiration were attracted
by Mr. Webster's energy, not only in the matter of
politics but in whatever else lie undertook and the
two in a short time became warm friends. This
friendship remained unbroken until Mr. Chandler's
death, in 1879.
Soon after his arrival in Jackson Mr. Webster
established himself as a wagon manufacturer, in a
modest way, in company with his father-in-law, Mr.
Austin of Kalamazoo, and this was the nucleus of
the great industry familiarly known as under the
auspices of the Jackson Wagon Company. Other
gentlemen of enterprise and capital soon became
interested in it, but the business was conducted under the firm name of Webster, Courter & Co. and




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


875


they put up the largest manufactory of tile kind in
the West, locating it on Railroad Street. The result, however, did not meet their anticipations and
in 1869 the business was closed up and the land and
buildings sold.
Mr. Webster in the meantime had become interested in the Central Car and Manufacturing Company of which organization he had been made President at the start and this, more successful than the
other, was conducted for a number of years. Mr.
Webster at the same time was interested in several
other enterprises among them the American Telegraph Company which came into being in 1869, it
is believed, and of which he was also made President. With his usual energy he pushed this also and
in a comparatively short time poles and wires were
placed over a good part of Southern Michigan and
Northern Indiana and Mr. Webster remained connected with this until 1876, when the franchise and
stock was purchased by the Western Union Telegraph Company and he disposed of his interest
therein.
At the same time Mr. Webster retained his interest in the wagon manufactory. He also dealt largely
in real estate and purchased of Livermore, Wood
& Eaton nearly all of the ground lying between
Third and Fourth Streets where he began the erection of dwelling houses. He also put up several
business blocks, including the Union Bank Building. By 1877 the business of the wagon company
had assumed such proportions as to demand Mr.
Webster's entire attention and he saw that it would
be best to abandon his other enterprises and devote
his energies to this. The enterprise which had begun with the manufacture of perhaps two wagons
per day grew until its projector lived to see it turning out one hundred vehicles per day which found
a ready sale, not only throughout this, but adjoining States.
In 1878, under Mr. Webster's management a
branch manufactory was established at Moundsville, W. Va., which became largely the counterpart
of the Jackson enterprise and likewise proved a
great success; this is giving employment now to a
large force of workmen. Notwithstanding Mr.
Webster, in addition to his personal interests, always
watched the growth and welfare of his adopted city


as only second in importance to his own fortunes,
he never aspired to political office, the only one
which he ever held being as Chairman of the Board
of Public Works. During his first four year's term
he proved a valuable member of that body and the
city profited largely by his financial ability and his
sound judgment. The late Mayor Bunnell reappointed him and he remained a member of the
Board until the time of his death. For many years
Mr. Webster was a Warden in St. Paul's Church
and the close friend of the Rector, Rev. J. T. Magrath.
The large number of people attending the funeral
obsequies of Mr. Webster, which took place at his
residence on Wild wood Avenue, testified to the general regard in which he was held. The Common
Council and the members of the Board of Public
Works were present in a body and a large delegation of the employes of the Jackson Wagon Shops,
besides citizens both of Jackson and the county
at large. The floral offerings were such as have
seldom been seen upon a like occasion, being
brought by loving hands in large quantities and of
the choicest description, the designs being especially
elaborate and costly.
Thle family of our subject comprises four children
-a daugliter and three sons. The first mentioned,
Kate W., is the wife of Peter B. Loomis, Jr. Mr.
Loomis at the present time (May, 1890) is traveling in Europe. The sons who have all grown to
man's estate will continue the business which was
so successfully inauguratad by their honored father.
<  LLEN W. DUNN. None but an intelligent
class of men could have so successfully developed the rich agricultural resources of
the Wolverine State. Michigan like most
of the Western States has obtained her wealth from
the underlying soil of her fertile fields and among
those men who have contributed notably to the
success of her farming interests may be mentioned
the subject of this notice. We find Mr. Dunn pleasantly located in Columbia Township where he has
a well-developed farm, one hundred and twenty




876


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.


acres in extent, which has become tile SOuIrce of a
handsome income. lie l)urchased thislanl in 1883,
apd lhas made many improvements, renovating and
adding to tlhe olld buildings and erecting new ones.
Prior to his removal to this county, Mr. I)unn
had been a resident of Somerset Township, Hillsdale County, where he owned an eighty-acre farm
which lie traded for that which lie now owns. lie
removed with his parents to IIillsdale County when
a boy of eleven years, from his birthllace in ()nondaga Township, ng1olam Counlty. I-e first opened
his eyes to tile light April 27, 1814, and when two
and one-half years old was taken by his parents to
Moscow Townshipl, IIillsdale County, whllence they
removed to Somerset 'Townshil) when lie was eleven
years old. His boyhood ldays were spent partly in
school and partly in work uli()o tile farm.  IIe was
fond of lis books and improved his leisure time in
reading an( stu(y and1 later for a t ile wxas enga,('(
in teachling. IIe finally, however. chose f'armning for
his life (vocation a nd in I lis has been more thlan
ordinarily successful.
The subject of tlis sketch is thie eldest soln and
child of Simneon I)Dulnn wrlio is now al resident of
Somerset Townslilp, iiillsdale County, and one of
its oldest and most lionore(1 citizens. I-He made lis
home witl his I)arents ulltil becomino of age and
when ready to establishl a fireside of Ilis own, was
wedded to Mliss larrriet AI. Norton, of Solmerset
Township. Tills lady was born in Iockford, Winnebago County, I., January 12, 1847, land is tile
daullter of tlle Rev. Oliver W. and IIenrietta (Wilcox) Norton, the former of whom was a native of
East Bloomfield Townslip, N. Y., and the latter of
New York City. They were married in that city
where Mr. Norton began his ministerial labors as a
missionary. lie was the son of Sereno and IIarriet
(Morse) Norton, who had reared him under l)ious
influences. They spent tlle latter years of their lives
in New York State alnd died there at the advanc(ed
ages respectively of eighty-seven and ninety-six
years. In religious belief they were strict Presbyterians and in the l)ale of this churchl carefully
rearedl their son, giving him a good education. IIe
was duly graduated from tile theological scholol of
Princeton, N. J., and at an early age evinced his
desire to become a laborer in thle Master's vineyardl.


Tl'e Rev. Oliver Norton after his marriage removed to Angelica, N. Y., wlere lie sojournied a
few years and we next find him located at Gosse
Isle. Thence in 1843 he removed to Rockford, Ill.,
where he began his pious labors before the erection
of a church edifice-in fact when the present flourishing city was a mere hamlet. IIe remained( a resident of Winnebago County about six years and
then chanlged the scene of lis labors to Jefferson
Coun ty, Wis., where he sojourned probably three
ye'ars, still continuing in the work of the ministry
and depending upon tile precarious funds of the
home mission for his pay. Mrs. Norton died in Jefferson County, Wis., in April, 1850, when comparatively a young woman. She had been a devoted
wife atnd mother, was an active member of tle 1PresIbyterianl Clurhell and the faithful and efficient lellplmate of lhe llhusband in all his labors, toils and sacrifices.
In June, following tle (death of his wife, Mr.
Norton with his little family of six children went
back to Nerw Ylork City and leaving them  there
witll frielnds, purllsrue( the work of the ministry in
(lifferent ptarts of New York State. In January,
1 852, ie was a second time mlarried. in Chautauqua
Countlly, to Miss Sarah Swezey. This lady was [)ro
and reared( in tlle Emplire State and came of a good
f:mily. Soon afterward Mr. Norton removed to
New Jersey and engagedl in teaeching anid lpreachingl
for nearly three years, in the vicinity of the Hiudson
River and New York City. IUpon leaving New
Jersey lie went to Ararat, Pa., wlere ie sojourned
three years and then returning to Cllauttallqua
County, N. Y., engaged in farming two years.
The next removal of Mr. Norton was to Springfield, 1Erie County, Pa., where lie )pre'tche(t until
tlhe spring of 1863, then turning hlis steps westward
lie came to Michigan and officiated as pastor of the
IPresbyterian Chuirchl in Brooklyn, two years. At
tlhe expiration of this time lie removed to Somerset Township, IIillsdale County, where lie sojourned
tlree years and from theicr removed( to a farm in
Litchfield Township, that county. IIe tlere spent
four years and we next find him iln Quincy, Branch
Coulnty, where his (leath took place October 7,
1 873, wlen nearly sixty-two years old, lie having
been born I)ecember 9, 1811.




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
r~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ -- 


8771


The last days of the Rev. Mr. Norton were no




less devoted to the Master's work than were those
of his early manhood, althoulgh lie battled witli
failing health and at times it seemed as if he must
retire from' the ministry. His second wife, just two
years to a day after the death of Mr. Norton, met
with a tragic death while crossing the railroad
track at Quincy, Mich., the wagon in which she was
riding being struck by a locomotive, resulting in
injuries to herself which soon proved fatal, and instantly killing her son  Iarlan P., aged twenty
years. She was the mother of six children, four of
whom are living and residents of Clicago.
Mrs. l)unn received careful parental training and
a good education in the common sclools. She grew
up to an attractive womanhood,more than ordinarily
intelligent,possessing warm affections and devotedly
attached to ler friends. ()f her union with our
subject tliere has been born only one child-lna
E., who has inherited largely the talents and disposition of her mother, and wlo is now pursuing
her studies in Iillsdale College. Mr. and Mrs.
Dunn are members of the First Congregational
Church of Somerset, and their home, more than ordinarily pleasant and attractive, is the frequent resort of the best people of their community. Mr.
Dunn, politically, formerly affiliated witl the Democratic party but his warm interest in the temperance
movement led him some time since to identify himself with the Prohibitionists.
Simneon Dunn, the father of our subject, when
attaining to man's estate was married to Miss
Loomy Weaver. Ile emigrated to Michigan, and in
common with the pioneers about him, transformed
a portion of the wilderness into a good homestead
and became one of the most highly respected citizens of this section. Ile was a man possessing admirable traits of character, was honest and upright
in his dealings with his fellow-men and presented
an example, both in his family and in his community, which was well worthy of imitation. There
were born to him and his excellent wife four chil.
dren, two of whom are living, making their homes
in Michigan.,i RS. ETHILYN T. CLOUGH. As an evi|  \, dence that 'the world moves," which means
that its people are progressing in intelligence and liberality of thought, is the fact
tlat woman is being rapidly given the opportunity
to do for herself and make all tle headway to which
she is rightfully entitled and to the extent which
her talents will admit. Mrs. Clough is the publisher
and editor of the bright and newsy weekly Brooklyn Exponent. The paper was established in 1881
-by her husband, Cllarles W. Clough, to whom she
was married.July 21, 1876. At her husband's
death, September 30, 1884, Mrs. Clough assumed
the management of tlhe paper.
It is maintained that to be the successful conductor of a newspaper or any other enterprise of
the kind, the individual must have a practical experience in connection therewith and also of the
" art preservative."  It cannot be denied that Mrs.
Clough has been remarkably successful and this is
surprising inasmuch as she never had any practical
experience at the business, except such as she
learned  accidentally during her husband's lifetine; and she presents the phenomenon of having successfully conducted the Exponent and won
for it an increasingly popular support, which has
maintained it on a sound financial basis, with a
liberal alvertising patronage and a subscription
list of seven hundred or more.
In the meantime, in addition to her office work,
Mrs. Clough has given a mother's care to her little
family of three children. One daughter, Adelaide
M., was adopted by her husband's sister at the
time of llis death. A sligllt, frail woman of youthful appearance, she is one who would scarcely be
picked out by a stranger as a successful editor,
conducting a prosperous business. The Exponent
is a five-column quarto, and independent on all public questions. It aims to give a fair resume of local
happenings, together with general news from all
points of the compass.
The subject of this notice was born in Monroeville, Ohio, and is a daughlter of Daniel and Cornelia (Hubbell) Packard. Her parents were natives
of Ohio; the mother is living, but the father is
now deceased. Her sons and daughters, who form
a bright quartet, are named respectively: Charles
R., Adelaide M., Edward F. and Eleanor Maude.


/22




878                                           PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
_  _ __  __  _......................          _.    _...__._ _ _................................................_._ j. __ _ _._._ _ __ _ __I__ __ =_ _


interests of Jackson County, are worthily
represented by the publisher and proprietor
of the Concord Weekly Indndepeent, with whose
name we introduce this sketch. This paper was established under the name of Our HIIme Enterprise,
November 6, 1878, by William F. Bigelow, and the
plant was purchased by its present owner, October
15, 1888, the name of the paper being changed at
the same time. Upon its change of ownership new
life was given to the paper, the tone of its reading
matter perceptibly changed, in consequence of
which its circulation, within a short time, increased
twenty-five per cent., until now it has a subscription list of seven hundred names, with a corresponding increase in its advertising patronage. The
Independent now occupies a leading position among
the local papers of Jackson County, and is a fine
illustration of the push and enterprise which characterizes its editor and publisher.
The subject of this notice was born September 7,
1855, at Bergen, Genesee County, N. Y., and is a
son of Thomas and Charlotte (Sackett) McKenzie.
The McKenzies originated in Scotland, while the
Sacketts probably came from England and crossed
the Atlantic during the Colonial days. Thomas
McKenzie was a man of much genius, being a skilled
architect, likewise a builder and contractor, and with
him Frank W. learned the business which he followed
until becoming the proprietor of the Independent.
Politically, Mr. McKenzie is a'Republican and


i
I
I
I
I


has been somewhat prominent in local affairs, servingjinXConcord two years as a member of the Village Council, and he is also Village Recorder.4 He
was sent by the Republican County Convention as
a delegate to the last State Convention, and has
filled many positions of trust and responsibility.
IIe keeps himself posted in regard to current
events, being a reader and a keen observer of what
is going on] around him. IIe possesses literary
talents far beyond the average of the newspaper
writer and under the nom'de'plume of "Oatka" has
become widely known as'a contributor of articles to
a number of periodicals and papers devoted to outdoor sports, among them being the American Field,
the American Angler, Shooting and Fishing, Sports
Afield and others of equal importance among the
lovers of the rod and gun.
The marriage of Frank W. McKenzie and Miss
Kate E. Pettee occurred at the home of the bride's
sister, in Belding, Aich., May 26, 1880. Mrs. McKenzie was born August 12, 1857, and is a daughter of Willard N. and Libbie Pettee, who were
natives of New York State, and were residents of
lonia and Montcalm Counties, this State, but both
parents have been deceased for a number of years.
Of this union there have been born three children
-Minnie E., Thomas W. and Charlotte. The snug
home of the McKenzies is located in the west part
of the city, and Mr. and Mrs. McKenzie occupy no
seconlary position in the social circles of Concord
and vicinity.




-  III  i  II II  I 1  5-1!21  1   1 1
-                  I                   m!M        t
- - 0
- - ME
to                                                       V
-) -
BIOGI P 16 Lie


A
Abbey, Frederick.......428
Adams, HI. J... — 396
Adamsi, Join.........23
Adams, John Quincy.....39
Adler, F............361
Aldrich, Peter W   ~......225
Aldrichi, Rev. Sidney.....628
Alger, Russell A.......  173
Ande: son, B1. 1-3., M. 5.).... 4/r5
Anderson, C..5...-..649
Anderson, T1. TI.........532
Anson, Hiram.........670
Ansterhurg, Charles......870
Ansterburg, I-. (.......870
Arthur, Chester A.......99
Atwell, Lewis.500....I.. o
Austin, A. 1)........ 778
Avery, S. H..........682
Ayres, A. G..........327
B
Bader, lohn C.2......13
iBadgley, L.orenzo....... 850
Bagley, J. H.........5
Baldwin, Henry P....... I53
Baldwin. John J.......773
Baldwin, J. T.........842
B3anister, Charles L......572
BarberE.W...........258
Barber, Z. 165..........472
Barret, IDaniel I........665
Barry, John S.........113
B~ates, Samuel C.......847
Bean, H1. F...........289
Beebe, 165. E..........489
Begole, J. W.........1i69
Beinan, MNiIo C.........488
Benn, Elijah..........442
Bennett, George S.......714
Bennett, W.N.V......161. 203,
Bennink, 16. F........283
B~entley, Nicltolas J......794


Bettis, john H........64 2
Bihhtns, Jam~es 0.......259
Billings, HI.K          342
Itin-1m1011  11 1........ 14
Biiigham K insley S..... 137
lilackmar, Williatm S......4 3 
Blackmarr, Dr. C. Il..... 59 6
I lair, AXustin........ 1...15
UI kely, James........3 6
Bloomfield, C. C........64 9
Blrewer, Satutiel........19 2
Brooks, T. C.6.......62
Browni, (e org e 13......  6 75
l1rownl,  _.H.        25
Browni, D3...........541
Brown, Hicm. William 5..620
Buchanan, Jlanes.......75
Bunker, Samuel........ 563
Burnett, 8..........    402
I3uishnell, NV. R....... 738
Butler, F. 161..........319
Bulyse, Rev. Tlleophiluis....49.3
C
Cady, Jonathan........530
Cady, Porter A.........384
Campbell, W~illiam.......6o:1
Carey, Jerome......I..777
Carlton, M6. G(......... 87I
Carroll. John.........495
Carroll, Steplten H.....719
Carter, John.........724
Case, Warren........     32 0
Cash, Peter..........440
Cassedy, Cltarles........803
Chamberlin, R. W.......5 23
Chapel, Keziah 3.1......781
Chapel, Samtuel........57 1
Charles, Asa..........715
Charles, Bliss........  308
Christie, J. Ii........590
Church, J. H........197
Clark, John I.........666
Clarke, Joshua G.......785
Clark, James...  I......528
Clawson, Isaac........ 775
Clement, Hon. Joshua....434


Clevelandl, 5. g rover.. —.103
Clough, 16Sms. B,. rT.......7
Cobb, Joseph.........33,6
Cochran, Edinund B......88
Cole, H. C.-;.................215
Colwell, C. 15.........510
Conant, Charles R.......594
Conely. Thomnas J3.......718
Cook, C. XV........7 52
Coon, WilI iam H....... 54 5
Cooper, Horace C........637
(orwunh, John C........43 7
C~otton, George........41T2
Cowvan, Cy~rus H.......4 0
Coykeudall. J. 161.3.......56
Crafts, 'M1. K.........359
Cran111), Josiah. -..-...624
Crapo, Henry H......149
Crawvford, Maiquis 1).....574
CrawNford, N. I)........473
Crawford, S. Z..........8o
Creeclt, 1). 1-1.........546
Crego. C. 161..........429
Crego, D~aniel 1)........414
Crego, Hiram.........67 7
Croswvell, Charles 161 —.. m. 6i
Crouch, D. F.........554
Crowell, J. RK.........37 3
Crulse, Jacob..........323
Cuff, Tltomas........58s
k'JUff,~ Thomas F........452
Culver, Miarvin, M. D.. 0. 296
Culver, WV. S..........417
D
Dack, Francis.........685
Dann, Benjamin........400
Darling. A. H.........58 3
1)arling, 15. F.........82 4
l.arling, C. C.........324
Darlitug, H. WV.........54 4
Darling, John........668
Dauby, L. A.........242
Davis, Charles A........817
Davis, E. P..........286
Dean, George N........835
IDean, J ulius 13........513.leL~amater, Hon. A. If1....503


IDeLamater, Jackson.....420
D.eLamater, XV.........280
JDeLand, Col. Charles V....219
lDeLand, Capt. James S....82I
Denming, Erastuls H......203
Denming, George W.......203
Dennis, Elmore........691i
tDePuy, N. J., M6. D......271
Derbyshire, Edward.....205
Detwyler, John R.......451
IDeyo, J. C............782
Dilla, F'. E.......... 605
D~illon, Robert 'I........448
Doremums, J ames....     514
Doremnus, Thomas 0).....567
D~riscoll, 0. 13......... 5
DouBois, J. II......... 5
Dttnham. Albert........370
Dunn, Allen WV........875
TDunn, Jacob C........552
Dunn Dennis.........798
rDselle, Adelbert WV......603
Dwvelle, Franklin........566
E
Eastman, Oliver H.   -382
Eddy, Henry M.........383
Elliott, C. A..........466
Elliott, H. B..........485
Enmerson, C. C.........321
Evans, E. 161.........68
Ewing, James 161........229
F
Faulkner, 1T. C.......5
Felch, Alpheis.........117
Field, H............68m
Fielding, Joseph.......230
Fifield, F. G..........747
Fillmore, M6'illard......67
Fish, Walter.........6Fo
Fish, M............ 650
Fitchl, loren L.........76i
Fitzgerald, Mrs. Eliza MNI —.49.




IND)EX.


Fleming, Dean S.......849
Foote, A. N..........53 3
Foster, F. M..........476
Foster, U. 'I'...........744
Fos ler, Lewis I.........469
Fraker, George V.......272
Fransisco, H. EK-.. ---.. 619
French, C. V..........465
French, R. W........ 298
Frost, J. B1...........8,,6
Frilshard. Frederick...... So
G
3airfield, James A.......  5
Gee, Lumnon........     90. 
George, Harry..........873
George, John, Jr........644
Gibbs, Ebenezer........  755
Gibbs, Rev. W. I.......  64,
Gibson, W. A., M. 1)......871
Gifford, Henry W.........623
Gildersleeve, WV. F........  oo
(;odfrey, William H....... 80c4
Goodwin, Hon. W. F......854
Graham,'N. 13..........529
Grant, WVil liain.........564
Grant, U. S...........87
Greene, John.........4
Greenly, William L...... 121i
G~reiner, Atigustns........347
Griswold, Mrs. Elizabeth... 709
Grosvenor, L.. )........63 3
G(;Lnderlnan I Rev. J ohn....74 1
Gunn, William..5......64
H
Hall, George B.........577
Hall, Philo J..........607
Ialakday. T5. I........27 8
Halsted, H1....I......  829
Halsted, R. H1......... 5
Hanmblin, 0......... 599
Hammond, C. P........722
Hampton, Oliver............ 79
Hanchett, D. H........735
Hanaw, Joseph........678
Harrington, Charles......2 49
Harrington, C. R.......462
Harrington, Porter...  372
Harrington, V. M.......(og
Harrison, Benjamin......107
Harrison, W~illiam Henry....- 5
Hartnng, John M...... 511
Ha~kinCharles H., Ni. D....270
lHaskins, 'D F..E.......835
Hatch,B. C., Jr.........'2
Hatch, H. F........... 24I
H atch, J oh n A.........277
Hayden, Henry........832
Hayes, R. B..9........'
Helmer. James........6122
Hlelmer. Edswin L.......322
Ilenib e, J. I........86i
Hendee, S. H..........20O7




Hess, C. NI...........707
Hewitt, Alden......... 
11eWitt, I. NV..........527
H eyd 1Lanfi, J1. Gottlieb....  536
Ileydlauff. John...........74
Heyser, S.........2.17
Hibbard, 8). B.........807
Hickey, George S.     1
Ilickox, Rev. George H..  401
H igg i n W. A..742
H~ills, J. C..........233
Hinshawv,J. I5.....' -.. 314
Ilitt, G-ordon..........4 41
Hlitchcocle W. NV.     7.3... 6
Iloag, D~avid.........226
Iloagland,'l I...........423
i~odge, Al. H.........696
HogleG, B..........627
flolden, D~elos J........31 7
HolmlesS. WV.........717
Hlorning, J. NI........638
Horr, Charles NNO.......56D2
Honnson, Isaac........371
Howe, Charles E.......6io
Howve, Hono. A. N.......369
liowind, Charles A......216
Hnbert, E' K. G........ 58
HUbert, M~rs. Sallie NI.... 8
II Hlt, chaLsi 15 P.  748
Hunot. Horace....244
H yde, C. 13...........42 4
I rw In, NNs. C..........63187
Isinon,1. II..........295
Jackson,..\ndrewv.......43
Jefferson, 'Ionias........27
j croine, IPavid H.......1i6q
Johns, W~illiam........24 8
Johnson, Andrewv.......83
Johnson. Carl (3...    505
J ohnI1sonl I. S......... 3D79
Johnson. El.der Thomas....868
Jones, D.S..........208
Jones,      Al... N.........1). 27
K
Kelley, 'Mie-chant......403
Kelley, Nelson.........352
Kennedy, George W...... 751
Kerr, Robert C......    758
King, Hon. N. G.3...... 89
King,Simon, Jr.309..... 
Kingf, 'F'. A..........630
Kingsbury, Cyrus L..     404
Kingston. B.- J.........487
Klinesinith,  J,., B.....537


I
I


Knapp, Samuel O).......20I
Knickerbocker, C. R......867
Knowsles, Frank S......77-3
K nowles, R. D... 483
Krenerick, John A......763
L
8,add, H. A...........8~
Lake, Robert.........762,
Landon, Dlavid........ 85
ILeonarl, 'ihonas.......37 5
Lewis, C. 18., Ml. D.......)70
lincoln, Abraham.......7 Q
ILincoln, E. N.......42I
lockwood, D~avid H......486
Lceser, Hugo C........788
loomnis, P.1B5......... 1
Lord, George C.........613
Losey, Michael.........403
'Love, W. C.......   407
Lovessell. Henry........582
Lowery, E. F.........663
Ltic-, C" ILs r......... 177
i,ltillt(o1, 1R..........724
Lnian, ( r inv ill~e.  31....5
lyAllei.        5
M.I bece, John R.,.    774
\I adlison1, James..1.... 
M In  J.1370
Markham-, Mlarcus.......56o
M\1arsh, IX1a.a.IV43 5
Mason, Stephe n I.     -1 05
Nl a iite, JourT. G.........775
Mayer, (;ottfried........536
Mlaynard, Frank.......657
Alayo, J. C...........762
M~cClellandI, Robert.   129
\ilcConnel,J. 'I.........766
'NlcCurdy, john...450
NtcDevitt, Frank.     640
M~cl)01ald, WIilliani......686
McGee, NIelville....... 8i2
NicKeejaines I1........238
McKenzie, F. WV........878
AicNatighton, lion. MI. A..,.5o8
NMead, A. H.768
Merrill, MI. W.........783
Nlerwin, V. V. B.......333 8
NI illIs, Josiah..........365
Miner, D.. J......... 5
Moe, Charles I.........551
Moe, Hiram S......... 6g5
Nloeckel. Frederick C.....754
Nlogford, G'eorge.......617
Nionroe, James..........
Moore, W. W.........8i6
Morey,A. W..........490
M~orrill. A. I..........285
NMorrill, Charles........864
Morrill, N...........203
Morrison, Patton....... 
Mlorse, (5.M...... Ni.. 64 4


N


Nash, Alphonso...... 53 5
Nicholson, John......... 5731
Nielson, M\acfarlase......72 7
Nins ). C......... 210
Norris, J. C..........289 -Noyes, J. H.........214
0
Osier, Alex A.........4(0
lPalmner, C. R......... 4 59
Palmner, I). Gibbs..... 25 7
JPali-ner, K. N.  N\I  1)...... 0g
P~almler, Perry P.6
Palmer, Williamo H., M. I).. -5
P'ardee, A.M.........05o
Parker, Isaac K.......716
Parker, William H.. I..-.. 653
Parmeter,.I. IL., NI..).....344
P~arsons, Andresw........133
P'atterson, Allnon........746
Pease, Osicar F.........6o6
Pelee  Erastls.........84 4
Peirrott XWilliam...... a.66
IPeters, 5,rnes.t.........553
Petersoll N-\elson I.......468
Plierdun 1Fi rastis.......467
Pierce, Cyrus......... 715
SPiei ce, Franklin........71
Pierce, George NV.......845
P~olk, James K..    59
Pomroy, J1. 15......... 430
Poond, G (.G...........4338
Pool, John K"........72 1
Powell, Hon. 8.. NI...... 455
P~ringle, lion. Eu~gene...265
QUick, I. C.3...........64
R
Randle, WIilliano.........755
Ransool, Epaphrodittls.  25
Rathi, Christian........478
Ra y, MI...... L.......331
Raymond, Abraham......360
Raymond, Chancey 1.).... o8
Raymo nd, NI. H., MI. 5).. 507
Raymond, R8. NV........37 4
'Reed, Ephraimti........575




INDEX.


Reed, W. H..................813
Reynolds, A. W..............659
Reynolds, J. R.............609
Rhead, 'homas.............583
Rhines, Jacob...............237
Rice, G. F...................726
Richards, Evan............325
Richards,  -. F.............304
Richards, (). P.............3y8
Richardson, H. C...........376
Richardson, J. C.........484
Riggs, Arthur E.......... 267
Robinson, Edmund......... '44
Robinson, J. A., ). D. S....305
Rockwell, E. W.............555
Rogers, C. J................771
Rogers, Leonard........... 393
Root, Hon. Amos.........73
Rowan, George..............614
Rowe,J. H..................852
S
Sagendorph, D.P............56
Sammons, J. F..............838
Saxton, N. B,, M. D.........796
Schwab, George..........576
Seran:on, Edgar.............281
Seward, Hon J. Mr........... 26
Shaw, Philip B............... 20
Sheeler, John 0...........245
Sherman, N. B., M. D........753
Shoemaker, Col. M........... 187
Shnumway, C. F.............449
Silkworth, Willis B.........837
Silsbee, A. H........         21......22
Smalley, George I...........231
Smith,C. C.................584
Smith, Charles...............385
Smith, Cyrus, M. D.........8a6
Smith, L..................688
Smith, Peter..................262
Smith, Robert E..............224
Smith, Thomas J.............2a2
Snow,  Ellis..............602


Snow, Ira....................866
Snyder, W. C., M. D.........313
Spratt, Polly C.............341
Sparks, Erastus..............686
Sparks, P. E.............855
Soper, John  F................498
Soper, David  J..............531
Stevens, Benjamin...........587
Stevens, Harvey.............834
Stevens, John..............865
Stevens, Seneca.............419
Stevens, Thomas............ 639
Stewart, A. F..............  303
Stewart, J.  W...............409
Stiles, Albert............... 362
Stiles, A.,..............585
Stilwell, A. H............... 737
Stoddard, Ichabod............527
Stone, Nahum.............255
Stone, O.C..................418
Stowell, S. W..............275
Stranahan, (;eorge...........245
Strong, R. E............... 841
St. John, T. PB............460
Sweet, Clark............... 499
T
Taylor, Edward.............765
Taylor, James............ 634
Taylor, M. A.............. 778
Taylor, T. B.................328
Taylor, William B...........672
Taylor, Zachary............. 63
Teachout, Charles...........853
Thompson, I.. F..............334
Thorn, James L.............702
Thorp, Warren..............765
Tinker, A. M................658
Titus, Timothy ''.........512
Todd, John..................736
Tomlinson, J. B.............237
Toole, James N............. 5o6
Tousey, Henry N...........276


Towers, John T.............596
Townley, Albert A.......... 497
Townley, George J..........710
Townley, Richard.......... 822
TIownsend, L. C..............477
Townson, Joseph............351
Tripp, Harrison B..........397
Tripp, M  arlin.............. 728
'rue, Alva S................227
ITrue, Moses W............ 866
Trumbull, David D..........256
Trumbull, J............618
T'urk, Benjamin..............333
Tyler, John................. 55
Tyrrell, Hon. John E........250
Updike, Anson....6.......62 1
V
Van Buren, Martin.......... 47
Vandenburgh, W. R..........704
Vaughn, S. S.................265
Van Valin, Isaac............757
Van Wormer, A. J...........862
Vedder, Mrs. (live..........411
Vining, C. W............... 4 3
W
W ade,  1i. P..................547
Waleott, George 1)...........294
W aldo, L. S.................543
Walker, William..............38 
Walker, William.............391
Walker, William H........ 786
W altz, John..............221


Washington, George......... 19
Watkins, Oscar S............648
W atkins,  L. 1)................445
Watson, A. C...............243
Watts, William..............410
Webb, John................284
Weber, John.......,.. 667
W ebster, E. A.............  873
Weeks, Ira B............... 720
Weeks, W. J., I. 1)........ 432
Weinhold, George S.........767
Welch, James...............515
Welsh, George \V............ 590
Wendt, C. R., AM. 1)..........771
Werner, George.............776
W esh, Jacob................. 676
Wetmore, W. C.............857
White, Moses.............     689
White, G. J., 5M. 1)...........664
White, George S............. 843
White, Rev. E, W............293
White, 'Ihomas J...........288
Williams, George W. T......698
W illson, Frank...............S 8
Wilson, James A., MI. 1)......299
Winches, Andrew............827
Winfield, John N............456
W ing, A. S.................214
W ing, Calvin..............764
Wing, George V.............   757
Winslow, J. W.............   337
W isner, M oses............... 141
Withington, (en. W.......791
Wood, Charles..............228
Wood, Charles B.............743
Wood, (eorge.......     *.457
W ood, H. K.................701
Wood, Jonathan..............647
Wood, R. G................81
Woodbridge, William........io
Woods, A. P...................380
Woodworth, L. H..........211
Worch, Rudolph.............578
Wright, D. E................593
W right, P   R................234
Wyman, Asa................802




1NDEX.


m  P                          m~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~vi'~
-~~~
=pl? 1L~I.~1 ~2     r 
I%-         z    cm; w


N<X7


/-I

Adams, John......... 22
Adams, John Q........ 38
Alger, R. A..........172
Anthony, G. T........13
A rthur, Chester A.......98
13iagley, J. J..........256
13aIdwin, H. P.... 1....52
B~arry- John S.........122
h~ates-, S. C..........846
l3egole, J. XV......... 6
l3ingham, K. S.......13
Blair, Austin..........14 4
B3rown, Gx. D.........674
]Brown, J.D..~.......5 40
B'uchanan, James.......74
B22yse, Rev.........492
Cleveland, Grover S......2C2
Chansherlin, R. W.....~.520
Chamberlin, Mirs. R. WV...5211
Chapel, Oliver........780
Chapel, Sainuel.......7
Cooper, Horace C.......636
Crapo, Henry H... -~.. -..248
Croswell, C. M.........6o


Cuff, Tlsornas..........58o
Cuff, 'Mrs. Clarissa.......o 
Dack, Francis......... 684
DeLamater, A. H-. ~...... 0
DeLand, Col. Charles V...228
DeLand, Janies S....... 82o
Fillmore, Millard......66
Felcis, Alpheus.....I..Ii
Fites, L8 I............. 760
Freuch, C. V..........464
Garfield, lames A..     9 4
Grant, Ulysses S........86
Greenly, WV. L.........122
Gunderman, Rev. John -...740
Hamblin, 0..........598
Harrison, Benjamin.... 00 o
Harrison, W~illiam 881......50
Hayes, Rutiserford B'......go
Hogle, G. 13........I..626
Howe, Abel N......... 
Jackson, Andrew........42
Jefferson, Thomas......26
Jeronse, D). E.........564
Johnson, Andrew........2


Jolsnson, ID. S..........378
Jones, L. M..........426
Kennedy, G. W........750
King,N. G...........388
Knapp, Samuel 0.......20I
Knapp, Mrs. Samuel ().....200
Knowles, R. D.........482
lincoln, Ahraham.....    78
L~ove, WV. C........ 406
Luce, Cyruis G.. 2......78
Madison, James........3
M~ason, Stephen 'I..2... 04
IMaynard, Mrs. Frank.    656
McClelland, Robert...... i28
Moe, H. S...........694
Mogford, George........ 6i6
Monroe, Ja mes.       3
Morrison, Pattou...... 56o
Morrison, Mrs. Patton.....5
Parsons, Andrew........32
Pierce, Cyrus........
Pierce, Franklin........ 70
Polk, James K.......    5 8
Powell. L. M.........45


R.ansomn, EpaphiroditIs.......124
Ray, M. I............3 3 0
Root, Amos..........730
Shoemaker, Col. M'i.    286
Snyder, Walter C...312
Spratt, W. H..........340
Stewart, A. F......... 02
Stone, Nahum..........254
Stowell, 5. W.........274
Taylor, Zachary.........62
Tomhison, J. B........236
Towuson, Joseph.......,
Tyler, John..........54
Van Burens, Martin......46
Vaughn,S.S..........264
Washington, George......
Watkins, L. D......... 4
Wendt, C. RB........770
White, Rev. E. W.......202
Willson, Frank........ Soo
Wisner, Moses..........140
XWithsington. W. H1....... '
Wood, Jonathan.......646
Wood, R. G......... 8o
Woodbridge, William,..... 






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